Mardi Himal Trek from Pokhara

  • Private
  • Family
Person enjoying snow at Mardi View Point
Magnificent sunrise over Annapurna South as seen from Mardi View Point
Wild Buffalos chilling in the middle of the Oak forest
Duration4 Days
Trip GradeModerate
Maximum Altitude4,200 meters
ActivitiesDrive & Trekking
Group Size1-20
StartsKande
EndsSiding
Best TimeMarch - May & September - November

Trip Overview

The 4-day Mardi Himal Trek from Pokhara is a wonderful short trek in the Annapurna region. The trek follows forests, mountains, and meadows, revealing lovely views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli. It is a suitable alternative if the more touristy Annapurna Base Camp trek doesn't appeal.

This is a short trek for both beginners and experienced trekkers. The ideal months for visiting are spring (March and May), with the weather pleasant and the views excellent, and autumn (September and November), with the weather pleasant and the views excellent. The trek passes through dense forests of rhododendron, lovely villages, and has mountain views.

The highest elevation is at Mardi Himal View Point at 4,200 meters. You have lovely sunrise and sunset views from this location. You require the Annapurna Conservation Area (ACAP) permit for this trek. Nature walkers, adventure walkers, and photography enthusiasts will find this trek ideal.

Key Highlights of the Mardi Himal Trek

  • Breathtaking sight of the Machhapuchhre, Mardi Himal and the South Face of the Annapurna
  • Thick rhododendron groves and pleasant walk
  • Sunrise and sunset views from High Camp with panoramic Himalayan scenery.
  • Old Gurung villages and friendly people.
  • One can find a peaceful and serene walkway around the Annapurna region.
  • Various types of land, ranging from tropical forests to mountaintops.
  • Viewing animals such as the Himalayan monal, yaks, and langurs.

Interesting Fact About Mardi Himal Trek

The Mardi Himal Trek remained a hidden gem for years before gaining popularity among trekkers looking for an alternative to the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek. Unlike other famous treks in Nepal, this route was officially opened for trekking only in 2012.

You experience a variety of landscapes within a short period. During the span of only four days, one experiences green forests, steep hills, open meadows, and up-close views of Mardi Himal and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail). The trek is among the most peaceful routes of the Annapurna region, and it provides a peaceful and robust connection with nature.

Badal Danda (Cloud Hill) is a unique highlight of this trek. If the weather is favorable, we can frequently be above the clouds and witness the stunning Himalayan vista. This doesn't occur everywhere, making it an ideal spot for photographers.

If you're seeking a quick and breathtaking Himalayan experience, then the Mardi Himal Trek is best for you!

Itinerary
Trip PlanExpand All

You start with a 1-hour vehicle journey from Pokhara up to Kande (1,770 m). From Kande, the walk is a gentle rise up among green rhododendron and oak forests. You will trek past Austrian Camp and Pothana, two villages, with tremendous views of the Annapurna range.

The trail then enters the Annapurna Conservation Area, and here you will be required to present your trekking permit. The trail passes through dense forests with birds, and sometimes you can catch glimpses of wild animals. Walking for 4 to 5 hours will bring you to the peaceful nature site known as the Forest Camp (2,550 m).

Max Altitude: 2,550 meters Meals: Lunch & DinnerAccommodation: Guesthouse/Teahouse

The hike of the day is to Badal Danda, a ridge with spectacular views of the Himalayas. The trail rises slowly up moss-covered trees and fog forests. After climbing for some hours, the panorama transforms as we exit the forests and approach the open grassy ridge of Badal Danda (3,210 m).

This spot is famous for clouds forming beneath the ridge, and it appears dreamy and as though it's floating. Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, and Mardi Himal can be seen towering above. It's a 4 to 5-hour hike to get here, and in the evening, it's an ideal spot to witness a spectacular sunset over the Himalayas.

Max Altitude: 3,210 meters Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerAccommodation: Guesthouse/Teahouse

Early wake up for sunrise views behind the Annapurna ranges. Following breakfast, trek up to Mardi View Point (4,200 meters) on a path with clear views on either side. The 4-hour trek offers some of the finest photo opportunities on the trek.

You can walk further from the view point for better views of Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500 meters). You descend down to Low Camp (2,970 m) for the night, after seeing the views. The descent is longer but easier and will take 4-5 hours.

Max Altitude: 4,200 meters Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerAccommodation: Guesthouse/Teahouse

The final day of the trek is down to the village of Siding (1,750 m), a Gurung village. The path is down from the woods and fields appearing as steps. Trek will take 3-4 hours and offers one final opportunity to appreciate the splendor of the Himalayas.

You will be driven from Siding back to Pokhara approximately after 2 hours by a private jeep or car. You will be arriving at Pokhara in the late afternoon, which will conclude your excellent Mardi Himal Trek.

Max Altitude: 822 meters Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
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Cost Details
Included
  • Pokhara - Kande & Siding - Pokhara in a Jeep
  • Local guesthouse/teahouse accommodation in the mountains.
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP).
  • Government-authorized, experienced guide and porters.
  • Food, accommodation, and wage for guides and porters.
  • Hygienic three time meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek.
  • Sleeping bag, and duffel bag which has to be returned after the completion of the trek.
  • First Aid Kit
  • Service charge and government taxes.
Excluded
  • Meals & accommodation in Pokhara.
  • Your personal expenses, shopping, etc.
  • Shower and electronic charging/wifi fees at guest houses during the trek
  • Alcoholic drinks, chocolates, and other packaged bevarages.
  • Tips for guide and porter.
  • Extra accommodation and meals outside of itinerary.
  • Costs from unexpected occurrences (i.e. cancellations, weather problems, damages of property, illness, etc.)
Essential Information

Best Time for the Mardi Himal Trek

The most suitable seasons for the Mardi Himal Trek are spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November). The weather is good, the conditions are pleasant, and the views of the mountains are lovely at this time. Spring is excellent for rhododendron blooms, Autumn offers cool winds, and lovely fields of yellow.

You can hike during winter (December-February), but the higher areas become extremely cold. There are no crowds on the trails, and the snow-capped mountains are gorgeous. Some parts, however, become slippery and difficult to traverse. Hiking during the rainy season (June-August) is not ideal due to excessive rainfall, slippery trails, and poor visibility.

The ideal time for the Mardi Himal trek is spring. In these months, the weather is pleasant and the Himalayas offer lovely views.