Mardi Himal Trek - 4,500m | Annapurna Region, Nepal

Your Mardi Himal adventure begins with a warm welcome at Tribhuvan International Airport. Our representative will greet you and facilitate a smooth transfer to your comfortable hotel in the vibrant Thamel district, known for its colorful streets, shops, and restaurants.

In the evening, you'll attend a welcome dinner at a traditional Nepali restaurant. This is also your official trek briefing, where your guide will outline the Mardi Himal itinerary, discuss what to expect on the trail, and answer any questions about the journey ahead to one of Nepal's most beautiful and accessible viewpoints.

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

Pokhara is Nepal's second-largest city and the gateway to the Annapurna region. Upon arrival, you'll check into your lakeside hotel and have time to explore the peaceful shores of Phewa Lake. The evening offers spectacular sunset views of the Machapuchare (Fishtail) mountain reflected in the lake's tranquil waters—a perfect introduction to the Himalayan beauty that awaits.

A short morning drive takes you to Kande, the starting point of your Mardi Himal trek. The drive offers beautiful views of the Pokhara Valley and the surrounding hills as you approach the trailhead.

Your trek begins with a steady ascent through beautiful forests and traditional villages. The trail passes through the Australian Camp, a popular viewpoint offering your first proper mountain vistas. Continuing upward, you'll reach Pittam Deurali, a scenic ridge settlement that provides stunning views of the Annapurna range and serves as your first overnight stop on the trail. The name 'Deurali' refers to a mountain pass, and this location offers 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 a simple settlement nestled in a beautiful forest clearing. The camp consists of basic lodges that blend harmoniously with the natural surroundings. This peaceful location provides a true sense of being immersed in the Himalayan wilderness, with the forest canopy creating a serene atmosphere for your overnight stay. 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, 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 (6,993m), 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 Base Camp tomorrow. The thin air and dramatic scenery create a true Himalayan adventure atmosphere.

This is the highlight of your trek. An early morning start is essential to reach Mardi Himal Base Camp for sunrise. The trail climbs steadily through rocky terrain and along ridges, with increasingly spectacular views of the surrounding peaks. The final approach to the base camp offers one of the most intimate and breathtaking viewpoints in the Annapurna region.

Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m) sits directly beneath the impressive south face of Mardi Himal (5,587m) and offers spectacular close-up views of Machapuchare. The panoramic vista includes the entire Annapurna range, with the morning sun illuminating the peaks in brilliant golden light. After spending time at the base camp absorbing the incredible scenery, you'll descend back to High Camp. The return journey is significantly easier, allowing you to appreciate the landscapes from a new perspective.

You begin your descent from the high alpine environment of High Camp back into the forest zone. The trail takes you through different ecological zones, with the vegetation becoming increasingly lush as you lose elevation. You'll pass through Middle Camp and Low Camp before reaching the traditional villages of the middle hills.

Siding Village offers a wonderful cultural experience and a comfortable elevation for your final night on the trail. This traditional Gurung village provides insights into rural Nepali life, with opportunities to interact with local families and learn about their customs and traditions. The homestay experience allows for genuine cultural exchange and a deeper understanding of mountain communities in the Annapurna region. The warmer temperatures and thicker air provide welcome relief after the high-altitude environment of the previous days.

A short morning drive takes you from Siding Village back to Pokhara. The journey through the hills offers final glimpses of rural life in the Annapurna foothills. Upon arrival in Pokhara, you'll have time for a quick refreshment before continuing your journey to Kathmandu.

You have the option to return to Kathmandu via a 25-minute flight that provides spectacular aerial views of the Himalayas, or a 7-hour scenic drive that follows the river valleys back to the capital. Both options offer different perspectives on Nepal's diverse landscapes. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you'll check into your hotel and have the evening free to explore Thamel or enjoy a final dinner with your trekking companions.

After breakfast at your hotel, you'll have some time for last-minute souvenir shopping or personal relaxation. 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 Base Camp, and the warm hospitality of the Annapurna region—a comprehensive Himalayan experience that showcases the natural beauty and cultural richness of Nepal in a relatively short but immensely rewarding trek.