License No: 237321

Mardi Himal Trek

Mardi Himal Trek

Scenic ridge trek with breathtaking Himalayan views and peaceful trails.

Annapurna Region

Duration

Duration

12 days

Difficulty

Difficulty

Moderate

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Trek Starting Point

Trek Starting Point

Kade

Trek Ending Point

Trek Ending Point

Lumre

Departure From

Departure From

Kathmandu

Transportation

Transportation

Private Vehicle, Tourist Coach

Style

Style

Hiking and Trekking

Meal

Meal

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Accommodation

Tourist standard hotel in Kathmandu, Teahouse during trek

Overview

The Mardi Himal Trek is a refined and increasingly sought-after trekking experience within Nepal’s prestigious Annapurna region. Distinguished by its tranquil trails and unspoiled landscapes, this route presents an exceptional alternative to the more frequented Himalayan circuits. The journey traverses dense rhododendron forests, high alpine pastures, and dramatic ridgelines, culminating at Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500 meters). From this vantage point, trekkers are rewarded with commanding views of Machapuchare (Fishtail), Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli, creating a truly awe-inspiring mountain panorama.

The trek offers a well-balanced combination of moderate physical challenge and immersive cultural exposure. Comfortable teahouse accommodations, authentic Himalayan hospitality, and continuously evolving scenery enhance the overall experience. Ideal for discerning adventurers seeking both serenity and spectacular Himalayan vistas, the Mardi Himal Trek delivers a rewarding and professionally curated trekking journey in the heart of Nepal.

Program Itinerary

Arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport. Our Staff member meets you and transfers you to the hotel.

Overnight stay at a hotel.

Morning wake-up and breakfast in thehotel

Our guide will meet you at your hotel and brief you about the upcomingtrek. He will guide you through all the formalities and necessary paperwork required for thetrek.

After that, we then do a sightseeing tourin Kathmandu Valley of famous UNESCO world heritage sites like Boudhanath, one of the largest Stupas in the world and Swayambhunath, a famous monkey temple. Apart from Sightseeing, we also get a TIMS card and permits for our trekking on this day. In the evening, we do initial preparation for the trek.

Overnight stay at a hotel.

To begin our Mardi Himal Trek, we enjoy an early breakfast at the hotel before departing from Kathmandu to Pokhara by comfortable tourist coach. The scenic drive along the Prithvi Highway showcases picturesque rivers, terraced hillsides, and charming rural landscapes, with lunch served at a selected highway restaurant en route. Upon arrival in Pokhara, we transfer to the hotel, and in the evening, take a leisurely walk around Phewa Lake while completing final preparations and a briefing for the trek ahead.

Overnight stay at a hotel.

Early in the morning, we enjoy breakfast at the hotel before driving from Pokhara to Kande, the starting point of our trek (approximately 1.5 hours). Upon arrival, we take a short rest and begin our trek toward Australian Camp at an elevation of 1,810 meters. The trail starts with a steep climb through stone steps and forested sections up to Dhampus, then becomes a pleasant, gentle walk toward Pothana, taking about 3–4 hours in total from Kande. Pothana sits at an elevation of approximately 1,950 meters, surrounded by lush forests and panoramic mountain views. Here, we stay overnight at a comfortable teahouse lodge, enjoying the serene Himalayan environment and preparing for the next day of trekking.

Overnight stay at a teahouse.

Early in the morning, after breakfast at the teahouse in Pothana, we begin our trek to Low Camp. The trail steadily ascends through lush rhododendron forests, terraced fields, and traditional hillside villages, offering spectacular views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks.The trek covers approximately 5–6 kilometers and takes about 3–4 hours, with an elevation gain from 1,900 meters at Pothana to 2,990 meters at Low Camp. Upon arrival, we check into a teahouse lodge and enjoy the tranquil mountain environment, taking in panoramic vistas and preparing for the next stage of our Mardi Himal adventure. Overnight stay at a teahouse.

After breakfast at Low Camp, we continue our ascent toward High Camp, where the trail rewards us with breathtaking views of Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, and the surrounding Himalayan peaks. The trek from Low Camp to High Camp spans roughly 5 kilometers and takes about 3–4 hours, climbing from 2,990 meters at Low Camp to approximately 3,550 meters at High Camp. Upon arrival, we settle into a teahouse lodge, taking in the panoramic Himalayan vistas and resting for the early morning summit walk or base camp visit the next day.
Overnight stay at a teahouse.

The plan for today is to wake early for a sunrise view of the mountains then after an early breakfast walk up the ridge towards Mardi Himal Base Camp. There is a well-established trail through the grass with a couple of steeper sections however overall not too challenging. Look out for the dzokpo (yak/ cow crossbreds) grazing up here as well as Danphe pheasant. In the summer the sheep and goats from lower villages are brought up to graze in this area so you will pass a number of herder’s huts along the way. After three hours you should reach Base Camp at the elevation of 4500m this is where one can look into the Annapurna Sanctuary and the panorama view is spectacular looking at the south face of Annapurna and all of the peaks in the Sanctuary as well as Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail).
We stay overnight at Low Camp in a teahouse again.

From Low Camp (3,150 m), the trail descends over approximately 4–5 hours toward Siding village (1,800 m), providing an alternative route that completes the Mardi Himal circuit without retracing the ascent. Siding is a serene, traditional Nepalese settlement, largely untouched by mainstream tourism, where visitors gain an authentic insight into rural life. Accommodation is typically arranged in a family-run homestay, often operated by the same proprietors as the lodge at Low Camp, offering a unique cultural immersion. In the evening, guests may partake in a traditional Dal-Bhat dinner with the host family, experiencing firsthand the rhythms and hospitality of village life.

Overnight stay at a teahouse.

From Siding (1,800 m), the trail gradually descends toward the roadhead at Lumre (1,206 m), passing through the villages of Kalimati and Ghalel. Kalimati is predominantly a Brahmin settlement, while Ghalel and Siding feature a mix of Brahmin and Gurung communities. Along the way, trekkers can explore the surroundings, observe traditional village life, and interact with locals, gaining a deeper appreciation of the region’s cultural diversity. The trek covers approximately 18 - 20 km, typically taking 6–7 hours.

Overnight stay at a teahouse.

From Lumre, trekkers drive along a scenic road through the lush Pokhara Valley back to Pokhara (820 m). The journey takes approximately 1.5–2 hours, passing through small villages, farmland, and forested hills, offering a final glimpse of rural Nepali life before returning to the city. This marks the conclusion of the Mardi Himal circuit, where trekkers can enjoy the comforts of Pokhara, including riverside cafés, local markets, and views of the Annapurna range.

Overnight stay at a hotel.

After completing the Mardi Himal trek and spending time in Pokhara (820 m), trekkers can drive or take a private vehicle to Kathmandu (1,400 m). The journey covers approximately 200 km and typically takes 7 – 8 hours, depending on road conditions and traffic. The route passes through scenic valleys, terraced farmland, rivers, and small towns, offering a glimpse of rural and urban Nepal along the way. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, travelers can relax and explore the historic city, including its vibrant markets, cultural landmarks, and temples.

Overnight stay at a hotel.


Alternative: You can also take a domestic flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu. The duration of the flight is about 30 Minutes. One-way flight costs around 125 USD per Person. We can make a flight reservation for you. Please let us know.

On the final day, guests are transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu (1,400 m), for their onward flight. Depending on departure time, there may be an opportunity to explore local markets, historic sites, or cultural landmarks in Kathmandu before leaving. This marks the conclusion of the Mardi Himal trek and the journey through Nepal’s spectacular landscapes and vibrant cultures. Guests are bid a warm farewell, taking with them lasting memories of the mountains, villages, and people encountered along the trek.

Route Map

Cost Includes

  • Airport Pick-up and drop Service
  • Hotel Accommodation in Kathmandu (twin sharing basis) with breakfast
  • Guided Tour of Kathmandu valley with an experienced tour guide
  • Sightseeing charges and Entry fees
  • Accommodation during the trek (teahouse / guesthouse / homestay)
  • All meals during the trek (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
  • Transportation (tourist coach / local bus / private vehicle)
  • Experienced licensed English-speaking trekking guide
  • Local government Entry Permit of Rs. 2000 (started in 2018)
  • Insurance of the Guide and Porter
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit
  • TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) Trekking Permit Card
  • Medical kits carried by the guide
  • All necessary paper works, office service charge and all Government Taxes

Optional Add-ons

  • trekking insurance
  • hotel extra night
  • potter service per day

Cost Excludes

  • Travel insurance (Mandatory: Should include emergency evacuation coverage while trekking up to 5500+ m)
  • International airfare and Visa costs (you can get Visa upon arrival at the airport)
  • Domestic flight
  • Personal interest items or gears
  • Tips to guide / driver / porter
  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara
  • Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara in case of early arrival, late departure, and early return from the mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
  • Beverage and Drink Items / Other Extra facilities like hot shower during trek
  • Any other expenses which are not mentioned in “What’s Included” section

Travel Guide