Mardi Himal Trek

The Mardi Himal route is a good choice if you want a shorter Annapurna trek with strong mountain views and less crowded trails. The trail passes quiet woodland between Deurali, Forest Camp, and Low Camp. Rhododendron, oak, bamboo, and moss-covered trees make this lower section peaceful and shaded.

After Low Camp, the route rises toward Badal Danda and High Camp. The forest slowly disappears, and the ridge opens toward Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli. This quick shift makes the Mardi Himal route feel short, varied, and rewarding.

Tour Plan

1. Day 01Arrival in Kathmandu

   You arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, where our team meets you and transfers you to the hotel. After check-in, you get time to rest, freshen up, or take a short walk around Thamel.

   Later, our trekking guide meets you for a short briefing about the trek. The guide explains the Mardi Himal route, daily walking plan, road conditions, permits, packing needs and altitude safety.

   • Drive duration: 25 to 30 minutes
   • Drive distance: 5 to 7 km / 3.1 to 4.3 miles, depending on the hotel location

   Note: Use this day to rest, check your gear, and buy any missing trekking items.

2. Day 02Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (822m / 2,697ft) | 7 to 8 hrs

   You leave Kathmandu after breakfast and drive west toward Pokhara. The road follows river valleys, hillside settlements, terraced fields, and highway towns along the Prithvi Highway.

   You reach Pokhara by late afternoon or evening, depending on road conditions. After hotel check-in, you can walk around Lakeside, enjoy Phewa Lake, and prepare your daypack for the trek starting from Kande the next day.

   • Drive duration: 7 to 8 hours
   • Drive distance: Approx. 200 to 205 km / 124 to 127 miles

   Note: Keep water, snacks, and personal items in your day bag because the road journey is long.

3. Day 03Drive from Pokhara to Kande and Trek to Pritam Deurali (2,100m / 6,890ft) | 5 to 6 hrs Trek

   After breakfast, you drive from Pokhara to Kande, the starting point of the trek. The road climbs past Hemja and Naudanda, with wide views of Pokhara Valley and surrounding hills.

   From Kande, the trail climbs through stone steps, forest paths, and small settlements toward Australian Camp. You then continue through Pothana and reach Pritam Deurali, where the Mardi Himal route separates from the busier Annapurna trail.

   • Drive duration: 1 to 1.5 hours
   • Drive distance: 27 to 30 km / 16.8 to 18.6 miles
   • Trek duration: 3 to 4 hours
   • Trek distance: 5.5 to 7 km / 3.4 to 4.3 miles
   • Maximum altitude: Pritam Deurali, 2,100m / 6,890ft
   • Elevation gain: +330m / +1,083ft from Kande

   Note: Walk slowly on the stone steps and keep your water bottle within easy reach.

4. Day 04Trek from Pritam Deurali to Low Camp (2,970m / 9,744ft) | 5 to 6 hrs

   You leave Pritam Deurali and enter the quieter Mardi Himal side trail. This section moves away from the main Annapurna route and follows a forested ridge toward Kokar, also known as Forest Camp.

   The trail continues through rhododendron, oak, bamboo, and moss-covered woodland before reaching Low Camp. Mountain views stay hidden in the lower forest, but Machhapuchhre starts appearing through clear gaps as you get closer to Low Camp.

   • Trek duration: 5 to 6 hours
   • Trek distance: 7 to 8 km / 5 to 5.6 miles
   • Maximum altitude: 2,970m / 9,744ft
   • Elevation gain: +870m / +2,854ft

   Note: Keep a light jacket nearby because Forest Camp gets cooler after sunset.

5. Day 05Trek from Low Camp (2,970m) to High Camp (3,580m)

   This is the day when the Mardi Himal trail starts to feel wide and dramatic. You climb through short forest sections before the trees begin to fade, and the views open toward Machhapuchhre and the Annapurna range.

   Badal Danda is the standout point of the day, with wide views over the valley and clouds often floating below the ridge. After this scenic stop, you continue toward High Camp, where the trail feels colder, quieter, and more exposed.

   • Trek duration: 4 to 5 hours
   • Trek distance: 6 to 7 km / 3.7 to 4.3 miles
   • Maximum altitude: High Camp, 3,580m / 11,745ft
   • Elevation gain: +610m / +2,001ft

   Note: Walk at a steady pace, as the air becomes thinner near High Camp.

6. Day 06Hike to Mardi Himal Base Viewpoint (4,200m / 13,780ft) or Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m / 14,764ft) and Descend to Badal Danda (3,210m / 10,531ft) | 6 to 8 hrs

   The hike above High Camp starts before sunrise, when the ridge is cold, dark, and quiet. The trail climbs over rocky and open ground toward Mardi Himal Viewpoint, where Machhapuchhre rises directly ahead, and the Annapurna range spreads across the skyline.

   The walk to Mardi Himal Base Camp is an optional extension beyond the viewpoint, and the guide allows it only with safe weather, clear visibility, good trail conditions, and a fit group. After the hike, the route descends past High Camp and continues to Badal Danda for the night.

   • Trek duration: 6 to 8 hours
   • Trek distance: 10 to 12 km / 6.2 to 7.5 miles
   • Maximum altitude: Mardi Himal Viewpoint, 4,200m / 13,780ft, or Mardi Himal Base Camp, 4,500m / 14,764ft
   • Elevation gain/loss: +620m to +920m / +2,034ft to +3,018ft, then -990m to -1,290m / -3,248ft to -4,232ft

   Note: Carry warm layers and enough water, as the upper ridge has no comfortable rest stop like the lower trail.

7. Day 07Trek from Badal Danda to Siding and Drive to Pokhara (822m / 2,697ft) | 6 to 7 hrs

   After the high ridge hike, the route now drops toward the lower Mardi Himal trail. Badal Danda still gives wide morning views, so this is a good place to enjoy one last look at Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, and the cloud-covered valley below.

   The trail then descends through forest, stone steps, and hillside paths toward Siding. Siding is a quiet Gurung village on the lower Mardi Himal route, where the walking section ends. From here, you drive back to Pokhara and return to Lakeside after several days in the mountains.

   • Trek duration: 4 to 5 hours
   • Trek distance: 9 to 12 km / 5.6 to 7.5 miles
   • Drive duration: 2 to 3 hours
   • Drive distance: 35 to 45 km / 21.7 to 28 miles
   • Maximum altitude: 3,210m / 10,531ft
   • Elevation loss: -1,460m / -4,790ft

   Note: Use trekking poles on the downhill trail, as the long descent puts pressure on your knees.

8. Day 08Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu (1,400m / 4,593ft) | 6 to 8 hrs

   After breakfast in Pokhara, the journey returns to Kathmandu by road. The drive follows the same highway route through river valleys, hillside towns, terraced fields, and busy roadside markets.

   After reaching Kathmandu, our team will transfer you to the hotel. There you can relax, repack your luggage, or enjoy a final evening in the city. In the evening, we arrange a farewell dinner to celebrate the completion of your Mardi Himal Trek.

   • Drive duration: 6 to 8 hours
   • Drive distance: Approx. 200 km / 124 miles
   • Maximum altitude: 1,395m / 4,577ft
   • Elevation gain: +573m / +1,880ft

   Note: Keep your passport, money, phone, charger, and travel documents in your day bag during the drive.

9. Day 09Final Departure from Kathmandu | 25 to 30 mins Drive

   Your 9-day Mardi Himal Trek ends in Kathmandu. Our team transfers you from the hotel to Tribhuvan International Airport according to your flight schedule.

   If your flight is later in the day, you have time for rest, final shopping, or a short walk around the city. You leave Nepal with memories of High Camp, Badal Danda, the Mardi Himal ridge, and close views of Machhapuchhre.

   • Drive duration: 25 to 30 minutes
   • Drive distance: 5 to 7 km / 3.1 to 4.3 miles, depending on hotel location

   Note: Reach the airport at least 3 hours before your international flight.

What’s Included & Excluded

Packing List for Mardi Himal Trek

The Mardi Himal Trek passes through warm lower valleys, cold mountain villages, windy high passes, and remote Himalayan trails. Pack light, but bring enough warm clothing and essential trekking gear for changing weather and long walking days.

Route Map & Seasonal Conditions

Seasons & weather

Spring and autumn are the best seasons for the Mardi Himal Trek. Spring, from March to May, gives warmer walking days, blooming rhododendrons, and comfortable conditions on the ridge above Low Camp. Similarly, Autumn, from September to November, brings clearer skies, drier trails, and the views of Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli are often at their best.

Winter is possible for prepared trekkers, but the High Camp and Viewpoint sections become very cold. Snow and ice can make the upper ridge harder. Monsoon trekking is less ideal because rain makes forest trails slippery, clouds block views, and road sections near Kande or Siding can become rough.

Teahouses & meals

Accommodation on the Mardi Himal route is simple and local. You stay in hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara, then sleep in local teahouses on the trail. The teahouse comes with basic rooms, shared toilets, and warm dining areas.

Meals focus on energy and warmth rather than luxury. Dal bhat, noodle soup, fried rice, eggs, potatoes, pancakes, tea, and coffee are common along the trail. In the lower village areas, especially near Siding, you get a taste of local Gurung-style food, including dhido, gundruk soup, seasonal vegetable curry, and local potato dishes.

Food choices become limited as the route moves higher toward High Camp. Supplies reach these areas through local transport, porters, or mules, so prices also rise with altitude. Carry light snacks, nuts, chocolate, and electrolyte powder for the High Camp and Viewpoint hiking day.

Fitness & altitude

The Mardi Himal Trek is a moderate trek, but the upper route needs steady fitness. The trail includes forest climbs, stone steps, ridge walking, and a high morning hike above High Camp. Trekkers should feel comfortable walking 4 to 8 hours a day.

The harder parts come after Low Camp. The route climbs through Badal Danda to High Camp, then continues toward Mardi Himal Viewpoint. The upper ridge is colder, narrower, and more exposed than the lower forest trail.

The trek does not require climbing skills or technical equipment. A slow pace, proper shoes, warm layers, enough water, and guide support make the route safer. Fit beginners and regular hikers can complete this trek with good preparation.