Mardi Short Trek: 5 Nights 6 Days

Your Mardi Himal adventure begins with a scenic 7-hour drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara. The journey follows the Prithvi Highway alongside the Trishuli and Marsyangdi rivers, offering glimpses of rural Nepali life, terraced farmland, and distant mountain views. You'll pass through traditional villages and market towns, witnessing the gradual transition from the Kathmandu Valley to the foothills of the Annapurna range.

Upon arrival in Pokhara, you'll check into your comfortable lakeside hotel. The late afternoon provides the perfect opportunity to stroll along the shores of Phewa Lake, where the majestic Machapuchare (Fishtail) mountain creates a stunning reflection in the tranquil waters. The peaceful lakeside atmosphere offers a welcome contrast to Kathmandu's bustle and serves as a perfect prelude to your Himalayan trek.

A short morning drive takes you from Pokhara to Kande (1,770m), the starting point of your Mardi Himal trek. The approximately 1.5-hour journey winds through the hills surrounding Pokhara Valley, offering increasingly dramatic views of the Annapurna range as you approach the trailhead.

Your trek begins with a steady ascent through beautiful rhododendron forests and traditional Gurung 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 with comfortable lodges and a peaceful atmosphere.

Today's trek takes you deeper into the beautiful forests that characterize the Mardi Himal route. The trail climbs steadily through magnificent rhododendron and oak 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, with occasional clearings offering glimpses of the surrounding peaks.

Low Camp (also known as Forest Camp or 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 increasingly clear 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 as you approach 3,000 meters.

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, alpine grasses, and hardy flowers replacing the dense forest of lower elevations. The air becomes noticeably thinner, and the mountain atmosphere intensifies with each step upward.

High Camp is situated in a spectacular location with breathtaking panoramic views of the entire Annapurna range, including the distinctive profiles of 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 dramatic scenery and clear mountain air create a true Himalayan adventure atmosphere, with sunset views over the snow-capped peaks being particularly memorable.

This is the highlight of your trek. An early morning start is essential to reach Mardi Himal Viewpoint for sunrise. The 2-3 hour climb takes you along a narrow ridge with increasingly spectacular views of the surrounding peaks. The final approach places you directly facing the impressive south face of Machapuchare, with the entire Annapurna range spread out before you. The experience of watching the sunrise illuminate these majestic peaks in brilliant golden light is truly unforgettable.

After spending time at the viewpoint absorbing the incredible 360-degree panorama, you'll begin the long but rewarding descent to Siding Village. The trail takes you back through the different ecological zones you ascended—from the alpine terrain around High Camp, through the rhododendron forests of Middle Camp, and finally into the lush middle hills. Siding is a traditional Gurung village that offers wonderful cultural immersion and a comfortable elevation for your final night on the trail. The homestay experience provides genuine insights into rural Nepali life and warm hospitality.

After a final village breakfast, a scenic 2.5-hour drive transports you from Siding Village back to Pokhara. The journey through the hills offers final glimpses of rural life in the Annapurna foothills and time to reflect on your trekking achievements. The transition from mountain trails to paved roads marks your return to modern comforts.

Upon arrival in Pokhara, you'll check into your lakeside hotel with the remainder of the day free to relax and process your Himalayan experience. You might choose to take a boat on Phewa Lake, visit the local markets for souvenirs, enjoy a well-deserved massage, or simply relax at a lakeside cafe while reflecting on your journey from the high alpine viewpoints back to the comfortable lakeside atmosphere of Pokhara.