The Mardi Himal Trek 7 days is a short Himalayan journey in the Annapurna region of Nepal, but its appeal is much more than simply reaching a high point. In a relatively short time, the trail takes you from the green hills around Pokhara into peaceful rhododendron forests, along an open mountain ridge and finally toward the high-altitude landscape beneath Mardi Himal and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail).
What makes this trek special is the change in scenery along the way. You do not spend the entire journey walking through the same type of landscape. The trail begins among villages, terraced hills and forests, becomes quieter and more alpine as you gain altitude, and eventually opens to wide Himalayan views from the ridge above High Camp.
One of the reasons many trekkers choose the Mardi Himal Trek is the combination of mountain views and a relatively short trekking period. From Kande, the trail passes through Australian Camp, Pothana and Pitam Deurali, where the surrounding hills, forests and mountain scenery give the trek a gentle beginning. As the trail continues toward Forest Camp and Rest Camp, the atmosphere becomes quieter, with rhododendron and oak forests providing a completely different experience from the open mountain ridge higher up.
The landscape changes again around Low Camp and Badal Danda. As the forest gradually becomes thinner, the trail opens onto the ridge and the Himalayan panorama becomes much more impressive. From this section, trekkers can enjoy views toward Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Mardi Himal, while deep valleys stretch far below.
The real highlight comes from High Camp, where the mountains feel much closer. An early morning hike toward the Mardi Himal Viewpoint at around 4,250 meters gives trekkers the opportunity to watch the first sunlight reach the surrounding Himalayan peaks. The viewpoint is the main sunrise and mountain-viewing point of the trek.
For trekkers who have enough time and feel physically comfortable, and when weather and trail conditions are suitable, the journey can continue beyond the viewpoint toward Mardi Himal Base Camp at around 4,500 meters. The Base Camp and Viewpoint are not the same place: the Viewpoint is the main panoramic viewing point, while the Base Camp is a further optional section. Whether to continue depends on the day's conditions, available time and the trekker's physical condition.
Another reason to choose this trek is the contrast in scenery seen from the high ridge. On one side, the landscape opens toward the dramatic Modi River gorge, while on the other side, green hills extend toward the Pokhara Valley. This combination of close Himalayan peaks, deep valleys and green lower hills gives the Mardi Himal route a character that is different from the more crowded classic Annapurna trails.
The trek also offers a quieter side of the Annapurna region. The trail passes through forests and small mountain settlements rather than following a busy road for most of the walking route. Staying in local mountain lodges and walking with a local guide gives travelers a closer connection with the people, landscape and everyday life of the Himalayan foothills.
The descent is also part of the experience. After the early morning mountain hike, the trail returns toward High Camp before descending through Low Camp and the forest toward Siding. From the high alpine landscape, the surroundings gradually become greener and warmer again, showing how dramatically the environment changes within a few days of walking.
The 7-day Mardi Himal Trek is therefore a good choice for travelers who want a genuine Himalayan trekking experience but have limited time. It offers forests, mountain villages, ridge walking, sunrise views, high-altitude scenery and close Himalayan panoramas without requiring a long expedition. At the same time, the trek should not be underestimated: the trail includes steep sections and reaches a significant altitude, so reasonable fitness, a steady walking pace and attention to altitude are important.
For travelers starting from Kathmandu, the journey combines Kathmandu, Pokhara and the Mardi Himal trail in one compact itinerary. It can also be arranged directly from Pokhara for those who are already in the city.
If you are looking for a short trek that gives you more than just a mountain viewpoint—changing landscapes, quiet forests, local mountain life, dramatic ridges and close Himalayan views—Mardi Himal is one of the routes worth considering in the Annapurna region.
Day 01: Kathmandu to Pokhara by Bus or Flight
Begin your adventure with a scenic journey from Kathmandu to Pokhara. Opt for a bus ride that takes 7-8 hours through picturesque landscapes, including terraced fields and the Trishuli River, or choose a 25-30 minute flight for stunning aerial views of the Himalayan range. Arrive in the tranquil lakeside city of Pokhara, where you can relax by Phewa Lake or explore the vibrant local markets.
Day 02: Pokhara - Kande -Australian Camp- Pothana-Pitam Deurali
After breakfast, we drive from Pokhara to Kande, the starting point of our trek. From Kande, we begin walking through beautiful mountain trails surrounded by forests, small settlements, and terraced hillsides.
The trail gradually climbs toward Australian Camp, a scenic viewpoint where we can enjoy beautiful views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and other surrounding Himalayan peaks when the weather is clear.
From Australian Camp, we continue through the forest and descend gradually toward Pothana, a peaceful mountain village with excellent views of Machhapuchhre and the Annapurna range. After a short rest and lunch, we continue along the trail toward Pitam Deurali.
The trail from Pothana to Pitam Deurali passes through beautiful rhododendron and oak forests, with occasional views of the surrounding hills and mountains. We reach Pitam Deurali in the afternoon and spend the night at a local mountain lodge, enjoying the peaceful surroundings and mountain atmosphere.
Trekking time: Approximately 4–5 hours
Overnight: Pitam Deurali
Day 3: Pitam Deurali – Forest Camp – Rest Camp – Low Camp (2,970m)
After breakfast, we continue our trek from Pitam Deurali toward Forest Camp through a beautiful rhododendron and oak forest. The trail gradually climbs through peaceful woodland, with occasional openings offering glimpses of the surrounding hills and mountains.
We pass through Forest Camp, where we can take a short break and have lunch or tea depending on our pace. From Forest Camp, the trail continues through the forest toward Rest Camp and then gradually climbs toward Low Camp (around 2,970m). The higher we go, the more the forest begins to open, and the views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna South and Hiunchuli become increasingly impressive.
We spend the night at Low Camp, enjoying the mountain atmosphere and preparing for the next day's climb toward High Camp.
Trekking time: Approximately 5–7 hours
Overnight: Low Camp
Day 4: Low Camp – Badal Danda – High Camp (3,550–3,580m)
After breakfast, we leave Low Camp and continue along the gradually rising ridge toward Badal Danda, also known as the Cloud Ridge. This is one of the most scenic sections of the Mardi Himal trek. As we leave the forest behind, the landscape becomes more open, and the Himalayan panorama becomes much clearer.
From Badal Danda, the trail continues along the ridge toward High Camp, passing through alpine terrain with spectacular views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Mardi Himal, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and the surrounding valleys. We walk at a comfortable pace because we are gaining altitude.
After reaching High Camp (around 3,550–3,580m), we check into our mountain lodge and have time to rest. If the weather is clear, the evening views and sunset over the Himalayan peaks can be especially beautiful.
Trekking time: Approximately 4–6 hours
Day 05:High Camp – Mardi Himal Viewpoint – Optional Base Camp – High Camp – Siding
Rise early before dawn and hike toward the Mardi Himal Viewpoint at around 4,250 meters, which takes approximately 2–3 hours. From the viewpoint, we can witness a spectacular sunrise over the Himalayas and enjoy breathtaking mountain scenery directly in front of us.
After enjoying the sunrise and mountain views from the Mardi Himal Viewpoint, if time, weather conditions, and our physical fitness allow, we can continue further toward the Mardi Himal Base Camp at around 4,500 meters. Reaching the Base Camp provides an opportunity to enjoy even more impressive and wider mountain views.
The scenery from the Mardi Himal Viewpoint and Base Camp is different from what we see from Annapurna Base Camp. From this area, we can see the deep and dramatic gorge of the Modi River on one side, while on the other side, the beautiful green hills stretching toward the Pokhara Valley create a completely different landscape. This unique contrast of deep valleys, green hills, and high Himalayan peaks is one of the main highlights of the Mardi Himal trek.
After enjoying the views, we return to High Camp for breakfast. Once breakfast is finished, we begin our descent through Low Camp and continue toward Siding (1,700 meters), passing through lush forests and traditional mountain villages. The day's trek takes approximately 7–8 hours in total.
Day 06: Siding to Pokhara
From Siding, trek for approximately 2-3 hours to reach the road where a vehicle will be waiting to take you back to Pokhara (about a 2-hour drive). Arrive in Pokhara early in the afternoon, giving you ample time to relax or explore the city further, enjoying the serene ambiance of this lakeside town.
Day 07: Pokhara to Kathmandu by Bus or Flight
Conclude your trek with a return journey to Kathmandu. Choose a bus ride that retraces the scenic route along the Prithvi Highway, taking about 7-8 hours, or a quick 25-30 minute flight offering one last chance to admire the Himalayan peaks from above. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, transfer to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure, reflecting on your incredible trekking experience.
Pokhara is the most convenient gateway for the Mardi Himal Trek. From Pokhara, the trekking route can begin with a short drive toward Kande, where the trail enters the Annapurna foothills.
Starting from Pokhara is particularly useful for travelers who are already staying in the city or who want a shorter Nepal trekking experience without returning to Kathmandu before and after the trek.
From Kande, the trail climbs through Australian Camp and Pothana before continuing through the forest toward Low Camp and High Camp. The final section leads toward the Mardi Himal Viewpoint, where trekkers can enjoy impressive views of Machapuchare, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and the surrounding Himalayan landscape.
We can arrange the trek from Pokhara with a local guide, porter, transportation, accommodation, meals and required permits. The itinerary can also be adjusted for private groups depending on the traveler's available time and budget.
The Mardi Himal Viewpoint is at around 4,250 meters, while trekkers who have enough time, suitable weather conditions and feel physically comfortable can continue further toward the Mardi Himal Base Camp at around 4,500 meters. Altitude should be taken seriously, and the decision to continue to the Base Camp depends on the conditions and the trekker's physical fitness.
Spring is one of the most popular periods for trekking in the Annapurna region. The weather is generally favorable and rhododendron forests can be particularly beautiful during this season.
Autumn generally provides good trekking conditions, with pleasant temperatures and mountain views. October and November are particularly popular months for Himalayan trekking.
Winter can bring cold temperatures and snow at higher elevations. The trek may still be possible depending on conditions, but preparation for cold weather is important.
The monsoon season brings rain, muddy trails and clouds in the mountains. Trekking is possible in some conditions, but visibility and trail conditions can be less predictable.
Our Mardi Himal Trek can be arranged with different transportation options depending on your starting point and preferences.
| Option | Price per Person |
|---|---|
| Kathmandu Base by flight | US$680 |
| Kathmandu base by Tourist coach | US$460 |
| Pokhara Base | US$410 |
Note: The final price can vary depending on group size, transportation, accommodation category and customized services. Please contact us for the current price for your travel dates.
During the Mardi Himal Trek, accommodation is provided in local mountain teahouses and lodges.
Facilities are simple compared with city hotels, especially at higher elevations. Rooms are generally basic and may be shared depending on availability and group arrangements.
In Pokhara, the standard package includes a 3-star hotel unless a different category is requested.
Hotel and lodge arrangements are subject to availability and may sometimes be changed to another property of the same category.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided during the trekking days.
Mountain lodges normally offer a selection of local and commonly requested trekking meals. Popular options can include dal bhat, noodles, rice dishes, soups, pasta, eggs, potatoes and other simple meals.
If you have vegetarian, vegan or other dietary requirements, please tell us before the trek so we can make the necessary arrangements.
Mardi Himal is not only about reaching a viewpoint. The journey through the forests, mountain villages and changing landscapes is an important part of the experience.
We provide locally arranged trekking services with a focus on practical support, clear communication and flexible arrangements. You can choose a private trek with a guide and porter or discuss a customized itinerary based on your available time and budget.
Because Mardi Himal is easily accessible from Pokhara, we can also arrange the trek for travelers who are already in Pokhara and do not need a Kathmandu-based itinerary.
The best times to trek Mardi Himal are during the pre-monsoon (spring) season from March to May and the post-monsoon (autumn) season from September to November. During these periods, the weather is generally stable, and the skies are clear, providing excellent views of the mountains.
The Mardi Himal Trek is considered a moderate trek. It involves several hours of walking each day on varied terrain, including some steep ascents and descents. Trekkers should have a reasonable level of fitness and be prepared for high-altitude trekking.
While it is possible to do the trek independently, hiring a guide is recommended, especially for those unfamiliar with the region. A guide can provide valuable information, ensure safety, and enhance the overall trekking experience.
Trekkers need two permits for the Mardi Himal Trek: the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card. These can be obtained in Kathmandu from our office.
Essential items to pack include:
Accommodation along the Mardi Himal Trek is primarily in tea houses or lodges. These provide basic but comfortable lodging and meals. Rooms are usually shared, and facilities may be limited, especially at higher altitudes.
The Mardi Himal Viewpoint is at around 4,250 meters and is the main sunrise and mountain-viewing point of the trek. After reaching the viewpoint, trekkers who have enough time and feel physically comfortable can continue further toward the Mardi Himal Base Camp at around 4,500 meters. The continuation depends on weather, available time, trail conditions, and the trekker's physical condition
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