Mardi Himal Trek
The Mardi Himal Trek is gaining popularity each year. Located near Pokhara, this trek follows a less-traveled route within the highly visited Annapurna region. It offers a peaceful experience of snow-capped peaks, rich local culture, and the rewarding journey toward Machhapuchhre Base Camp. The trail passes through lush valleys, alpine meadows, dense forests covered with lichen, flowing streams, and cascading waterfalls. Throughout the trek, stunning mountain views remain close and constant. Due to its quiet and non-touristic nature, the route feels like a true exploration journey.
For travelers who wish to get close to the mountains but have limited time, the Mardi Himal Trek is an excellent choice. Situated in the Annapurna region, it provides an opportunity to experience beautiful mountain landscapes, green hills, snow-covered peaks, and walks through pristine forests of rhododendron and oak. Along the route, peaks such as Annapurna South, Himchuli, and Machhapuchhre rise prominently ahead. This is one of the shortest trekking options in the region. The trail begins from Pokhara, often including a visit to the scenic Phewa Lake, and continues through pine, juniper, and rhododendron forests. Rivers and streams guide the path deep into the upper Mardi Khola valley. This trek is ideal for those with limited alpine experience who wish to experience authentic mountain trekking.
The journey can also be combined with a light climbing experience, adding adventure to the trek through remote and steep-sided valleys filled with bamboo and rhododendron forests. Above the forest line, high alpine pastures provide grazing areas and serve as an undisturbed habitat for wildlife. The trek emphasizes wilderness and natural beauty, offering outstanding mountain views while allowing trekkers to move away from busy tea-house trails. It leads into forests and villages that remain largely untouched by tourism.
The Mardi Himal Trek is a perfect introduction to alpine trekking for those seeking a short yet rewarding experience. For travelers looking for a brief trekking holiday that delivers natural beauty, solitude, and mountain magic, this journey offers an unforgettable experience.
Itinerary
Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel.
Welcome to Kathmandu, the capital and cultural center of Nepal. Upon arrival, you will be warmly received and transferred to your hotel. In the evening, a short briefing will be conducted to discuss final details of the trek. An early rest is recommended as you will begin your journey the following day.
Meals included: Bed and Breakfast.
Drive by tourist bus from Kathmandu to Pokhara and transfer to the hotel.
Depart from your hotel in the morning for the bus journey to Pokhara. The drive takes approximately seven to eight hours by a tourist-class bus. You will arrive in the late afternoon, allowing time to make final preparations for the trek the following day.
Meals included: Bed and Breakfast.
Trek to Pothana (1,925 m) – 4 hours trekking
We drive to Phedi, a small village approximately 30 minutes from Pokhara, where the day’s trek begins. The route leads to the village of Pothana, where we will stay overnight at a guesthouse.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Trek to Forest Camp at Kokar (2,600 m) – 4 hours walking
The trek passes through a beautiful forest of oak and rhododendron, which typically blooms in April. The tea houses in Kokar are basic but cozy, and you can enjoy a home-cooked meal in the kitchen. Overnight stay at a guesthouse.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Trek to Low Camp (3,150 m) – 5 hours walking
We continue hiking through the forest, which gradually thins as the elevation increases. Upon reaching Low Camp, you will enjoy your first clear views of Machhapuchhre. The lodges here are basic, and one even has an open fire in the dining area where you can enjoy a hot cooked meal before retiring for the night at a guesthouse.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Trek to High Camp (3,600 m) – 4 hours walking
Today, you leave the forest as the trail climbs above the tree line, offering views of both Annapurna South and Hiunchuli. Continue along the main ridge leading to Mardi Himal and arrive at High Camp for the night, where you will find comfortable tea houses with fantastic views. Overnight stay at a guesthouse.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day Walk to Upper Viewpoint (4,200 m) – 4 hours walking
Today is the high point of the trek. From the Upper Viewpoint, you will enjoy a fantastic view of the south face of Annapurna, as well as the Annapurna Sanctuary and surrounding peaks. Overnight stay at a guesthouse.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Trek to Siding Village (1,750 m) – 6 hours walking
Heading back down, the route is different as we make our way to Siding, a traditional village that is not often visited by trekkers and retains much of its historical charm. Enjoy a home-cooked meal of traditional dal bhat in the family kitchen. Overnight stay at a guesthouse.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Trek to Lumre and Drive to Pokhara – 3 hours walking
It is a short walk down to Lumre, passing through several traditional villages before reaching the road. A vehicle will be waiting to take you back to Pokhara for the evening.
Meals included: Bed and Breakfast.
Fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu – 30-minute flight
We take an afternoon flight to Kathmandu. In the hours before departure, you may opt for a sightseeing tour within Pokhara or enjoy adventure activities such as boating or paragliding. During the flight, sitting on the left side of the airplane offers spectacular views of the Himalayas. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.
Meals included: Bed and Breakfast and farewell dinner.
Farewell to Our Guest
Your journey in Nepal concludes today. Everest View Treks and Expedition Nepal will escort you to the airport for your flight. Approximately three hours before departure, an EVT representative will drop you off at the international airport.
Includes/Excludes
- Arrival-Departure by Private Tourist Cab.
- Kathmandu Hotel two nights with bed and breakfast plan.
- Kathmandu to Pokhara and Pokhara to kathmandu flight tickets for clients & guide.(If opted for Flight Packages)
- Best available lodge and tea house accommodation during the trek.
- Full Board Meals(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner) during the trek
- A trekking or hiking leader - Fluent English speaking, experienced, knowledgeable with assistant trek guide (4 hikkers:1 assistant guide) and needed Sherpa porters (2 trekkers:1 porter) together with their payments, assurance, gears, foods and accommodations.
- All necessary national park fees, permits and paper works (Annapurna Conservation park permits and TIMS) ,Entire administration and local Taxes.
- Guide and porter salary , food, insurance and Gov taxes
- Fresh Fruit after dinner everyday
- 1 pc snickers or mars chocolate each person everyday.
- 3 cup tea, or Coffee with meal B/L/D.
- Trek Completion Certificate
- Farewell dinner in Kathmandu
- Complimentary Trekking Kit bag
- First Aid Kit
- Nepal Visa fees on your airport arrival (You should bring accurate USD cash and two passport size picture)
- Personal expenses (Shopping, Laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, mineral water or boiled water, Phone calls, hot shower etc)
- Your Lunch and dinners in Kathmandu (This apply also early come back from trek then the fixed itinerary)
- Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu than above itinerary.
- Tips for guides and porters
- Rescue in case emergency.