Mardi Himal Trek: A Hidden Gem in the Annapurna's Shadow

Your Mardi Himal adventure begins with a traditional welcome at Tribhuvan International Airport, where you'll be greeted with marigold garlands—a symbol of good fortune in Nepali culture. After clearing customs, you'll be transferred to your comfortable boutique hotel in the vibrant Thamel district.

The evening features a special welcome dinner at a traditional Nepali restaurant, where you'll sample authentic local cuisine while enjoying live cultural music performances. This is also your official trek briefing, where your guide will introduce the Mardi Himal itinerary, discuss altitude acclimatization, and answer any questions about the journey ahead to one of Nepal's most scenic and accessible viewpoints.

Today is dedicated to exploring Kathmandu's rich cultural heritage. Your expert guide will lead you through four UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the sacred Hindu temple complex of Pashupatinath, where you can observe ancient rituals along the Bagmati River; the massive Buddhist stupa of Boudhanath, an important center for Tibetan Buddhism; the ancient 'Monkey Temple' of Swayambhunath, perched on a hilltop with panoramic valley views; and the historic royal palaces of Kathmandu Durbar Square, showcasing exquisite Newari architecture.

The afternoon focuses on practical preparations for your trek. This includes a comprehensive gear check to ensure you have all necessary equipment, a review of the trekking route and daily schedules, and final verification of permits. Your guide will provide valuable tips about trekking in the Annapurna region and what to expect on the Mardi Himal trail.

You have the option to travel to Pokhara via a breathtaking 25-minute flight that offers spectacular aerial views of the Himalayan range, including glimpses of Everest on clear days, or a 6-7 hour scenic drive that follows the Trishuli and Marsyangdi rivers through traditional villages and beautiful countryside.

Pokhara is Nepal's second-largest city and the gateway to the Annapurna region. Upon arrival, you'll check into your comfortable lakeside hotel. The evening is yours to enjoy the serene atmosphere of Fewa Lake, where you can take a peaceful boat ride, visit the Tal Barahi Temple on an island in the lake, or simply relax at a lakeside cafe while admiring the reflection of Machapuchare (Fishtail) mountain in the water.

A morning drive takes you to Kande, the starting point of your Mardi Himal trek. The approximately 1.5-hour journey offers beautiful views of the Pokhara Valley and the surrounding hills as you approach the trailhead in the Annapurna foothills.

Your trek begins with a steady ascent through beautiful rhododendron forests and traditional villages. The trail passes through Australian Camp, a popular viewpoint that offers your first proper mountain vistas of the Annapurna range. Continuing upward, you'll reach Pittam Deurali, a scenic ridge settlement whose name translates to 'flower garden pass.' This location provides stunning views of the mountains and serves as your first overnight stop on the trail, offering a perfect introduction to trekking in the Annapurna region.

Today's trek takes you deeper into the beautiful forests that characterize the Mardi Himal route. The trail climbs steadily through magnificent rhododendron forests, which are particularly spectacular when in bloom (typically March-April). The peaceful woodland atmosphere is enhanced by bird songs and the scent of pine and wildflowers.

Forest Camp (also known as Kokar) is nestled in a beautiful forest clearing and marks your transition into more remote terrain. The camp consists of basic lodges that blend harmoniously with the natural surroundings. This peaceful location provides stunning views of Machapuchare (6,993m) through the trees and offers a true sense of being immersed in the Himalayan wilderness. The elevation gain today is significant but gradual, allowing for comfortable acclimatization.

The trail continues to climb as you emerge above the tree line into more open, alpine terrain. You'll pass through Badal Danda ('Cloud Ridge'), which offers spectacular views of the surrounding peaks. The landscape transforms dramatically, with stunted juniper bushes and alpine flowers replacing the dense forest of lower elevations.

High Camp is situated in a spectacular location with breathtaking panoramic views of the entire Annapurna range, including Machapuchare, Annapurna South (7,219m), and Hiunchuli (6,441m). The settlement consists of basic lodges perched on the mountainside, offering an authentic high-altitude experience. This is your highest overnight stop and serves as the base for your ascent to Mardi Himal Viewpoint tomorrow. The thin air and dramatic scenery create a true Himalayan adventure atmosphere, with sunset views over the mountains being particularly memorable.

This is the highlight of your trek. An early morning start is essential to reach Mardi Himal Viewpoint for sunrise. The trail climbs steadily through rocky terrain along a narrow ridge, with increasingly spectacular views of the surrounding peaks. The final approach offers one of the most intimate and breathtaking viewpoints in the Annapurna region, placing you directly facing the impressive south face of Machapuchare.

Mardi Himal Viewpoint (4,200m) provides spectacular close-up views of Mardi Himal (5,587m) and Machapuchare, with the entire Annapurna range spread out before you. The morning sun illuminating the peaks in brilliant golden light creates an unforgettable experience. After spending time at the viewpoint absorbing the incredible scenery, you'll descend back to High Camp for breakfast and then continue down to Low Camp (2,900m) for your overnight stay. The descent is significantly easier on the lungs and allows you to appreciate the landscapes from a new perspective.

Your final descent takes you from the alpine environment of Low Camp back into the lush middle hills. The trail winds through beautiful forests and traditional villages, with the vegetation becoming increasingly dense as you lose elevation. You'll notice the temperature becoming warmer and the air thicker with each descending step.

Sidhing is a traditional Gurung village that offers insights into rural Nepali life. After a final lunch on the trail, a private jeep will transport you back to Pokhara. The drive through the hills offers beautiful views of the countryside. Upon arrival in Pokhara, you'll check into your hotel and have time to refresh, perhaps enjoying a hot shower or optional Ayurvedic massage after your trekking adventure.

Today offers a more relaxed pace as you explore Pokhara's natural and cultural attractions. Your guided tour includes visits to the World Peace Pagoda, a magnificent Buddhist stupa on a hilltop offering stunning views of the lake and mountains; Devi's Fall, where water mysteriously disappears into an underground passage; and Gupteshwor Cave, a sacred cave with impressive stalactite formations and a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.

The evening features a special farewell dinner at a traditional restaurant, where you can celebrate your successful trek with your guides and fellow trekkers. The dinner includes authentic Nepali cuisine and cultural performances featuring traditional music and dance from various ethnic groups in Nepal, providing a fitting conclusion to your Himalayan adventure.

You'll return to Kathmandu via your chosen mode of transport. The flight offers quick aerial views of the Himalayas, while the drive provides a more gradual transition through Nepal's diverse landscapes. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you'll have time for some final souvenir shopping or personal relaxation before your departure.

According to your flight schedule, our team will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport and assist with check-in procedures. As you depart, you carry with you lasting memories of pristine forests, traditional villages, breathtaking mountain vistas from Mardi Himal Viewpoint, and the warm hospitality of the Annapurna region—a comprehensive Himalayan experience that showcases the natural beauty and cultural richness of Nepal.