The Mardi Himal Trek is a relatively new and increasingly popular trekking route in the Annapurna region of Nepal, offering a peaceful alternative to the busier trails like Annapurna Base Camp. Operated by Nepal Journey Travels, this trek combines stunning Himalayan scenery, cultural encounters, and a moderate trekking challenge within a short duration of 7–8 days. The trail gradually ascends through lush rhododendron forests, traditional Gurung villages, and high alpine landscapes before reaching the breathtaking Mardi Himal Base Camp viewpoint at around 4,500 meters.
This trek is ideal for trekkers seeking a quieter Himalayan experience without extreme altitude commitment. The route passes through charming stops such as Australian Camp, Forest Camp, Low Camp, High Camp, and finally the viewpoint. Each stage reveals different ecological zones, making the journey visually diverse and rewarding.
Key Highlights:
The best seasons for the Mardi Himal Trek are spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November). During these months, the weather remains stable, skies are clear, and mountain views are at their best. Spring offers blooming rhododendron forests, while autumn provides crystal-clear visibility after the monsoon rains wash away dust and haze.
Winter trekking is also possible but comes with colder temperatures and occasional snowfall at higher elevations. Monsoon (June–August) is less recommended due to slippery trails, leeches in lower forests, and limited visibility.
Seasonal Breakdown:
Nepal Journey Travels recommends spring and autumn for the safest and most scenic trekking experience.
The Mardi Himal Trek is considered a moderate-level trek, suitable for beginners with basic fitness as well as experienced hikers. The daily walking duration ranges between 4–6 hours with gradual altitude gain, which reduces the risk of acute mountain sickness compared to higher-altitude expeditions.
Transportation is straightforward and well-organized by Nepal Journey Travels. The journey begins with a drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara, followed by a scenic drive to Kande, the trek starting point. After completing the trek, travelers return by road back to Pokhara and Kathmandu.
Difficulty Factors:
Transportation Summary:
During the Mardi Himal Trek, accommodation is provided in simple but comfortable tea houses run by local families. These lodges offer basic twin-sharing rooms with warm blankets. Facilities become more basic as altitude increases, especially at High Camp.
Meals are freshly prepared and include a mix of Nepali, Asian, and Western dishes. The most common meal is Dal Bhat, which provides excellent energy for trekking days. Other options include noodles, pasta, pancakes, soups, and eggs.
Nepal Journey Travels ensures hygienic food choices and safe lodging arrangements throughout the trek.
Accommodation Features:
Food Options:
To complete the Mardi Himal Trek, trekkers require official permits issued by the Nepal government. Nepal Journey Travels handles all necessary paperwork before the trek begins, ensuring a hassle-free experience for travelers.
Two main permits are required for this route:
Required Permits:
These permits help regulate tourism, ensure safety, and support conservation efforts in the Annapurna region. Travelers are required to carry their permits at all times, as checkpoints may be present along the trail.
Permit Highlights:
Choosing Nepal Journey Travels for the Mardi Himal Trek ensures a safe, well-organized, and memorable Himalayan experience. The company focuses on personalized service, experienced guides, and carefully designed itineraries that maximize both safety and enjoyment.
Unlike crowded trekking routes, this journey offers peace, raw natural beauty, and authentic cultural immersion. Nepal Journey Travels prioritizes responsible tourism, ensuring local communities benefit from trekking activities.
Why Choose This Trek:
Company Advantages (Nepal Journey Travels):
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, a representative from Nepal Journey Travels will warmly welcome you and assist with your transfer to the hotel. After check-in, you can relax and recover from your journey or take a short walk around the vibrant streets of Thamel, known for its trekking shops, cafés, and cultural atmosphere. In the evening, there will be a brief trek briefing session where your guide explains the itinerary, safety guidelines, and gear preparation for the upcoming adventure. This day is designed to ensure proper rest, acclimatization, and mental preparation before heading toward the Himalayas.
Accommodation Hotel
Meals Dinner
Max. altitude 1,300m / 4,265ft. After breakfast, the journey continues with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara. The drive of approximately six hours follows winding highways alongside rivers, terraced hills, and traditional villages. Along the way, travelers can witness the gradual transition from the bustling capital to the more relaxed lakeside atmosphere of Pokhara. Upon arrival, you will check into your hotel and have time to explore the serene surroundings of Phewa Lake or simply rest. The evening offers beautiful views of the Annapurna range on clear days, making Pokhara an ideal place to unwind before the trekking phase begins.
Accommodation Hotel
Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Max. altitude 820m / 2,690ft. The day begins with a short drive from Pokhara to Kande, the starting point of the trek. From here, the trail ascends through lush rhododendron forests and stone steps leading toward Australian Camp, which offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Annapurna and Machhapuchhre ranges. After a short break, the trek continues deeper into peaceful woodland trails toward Forest Camp. The environment becomes quieter and more remote as you gain altitude. The total walking time is around six hours, and the night is spent in a basic teahouse surrounded by dense forest, offering a true Himalayan trekking experience.
Accommodation Tea House
Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Max. altitude 2,600m / 8,530ft. Today’s trek is more challenging as you ascend gradually through rhododendron forests and open ridges toward Badal Danda. This section of the trail offers increasingly dramatic views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Mountain) and surrounding peaks. After a rest at Badal Danda, the journey continues toward High Camp, where the landscape becomes alpine and more exposed. The air is noticeably cooler, and the views become more expansive with each step. Upon arrival, you will settle into a teahouse with spectacular sunset views over the Himalayas, preparing for the next day’s early ascent to the viewpoint.
Accommodation Tea House
Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Max. altitude 3,600m / 11,811ft. Early in the morning, you begin a steep hike toward Mardi Himal View Point, one of the most rewarding highlights of the entire trek. From here, you can witness breathtaking panoramic views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre glowing in the morning light. After spending time at the viewpoint, you descend back to High Camp and continue trekking down through ridges and forests toward Low Camp. The descent allows you to enjoy a different perspective of the landscape you climbed earlier. The day is long but incredibly fulfilling, combining high-altitude achievement with peaceful forest trekking.
Accommodation Tea House
Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Max. altitude 4,500m / 14,764ft. The descent continues as you trek from Low Camp toward Sidding, passing through traditional villages, terraced farmlands, and subtropical forests. This section offers a cultural contrast to the higher alpine regions, allowing interaction with local Gurung communities. Upon reaching Sidding, a vehicle arranged by Nepal Journey Travels will be waiting for a short drive back to Pokhara. After check-in, you can relax by Phewa Lake or celebrate the completion of the trekking section with your group. This day combines trekking and comfortable road travel, marking the transition from mountains back to city comfort.
Accommodation Hotel
Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Max. altitude 1,745m / 5,725ft. After breakfast in Pokhara, you will embark on a scenic drive back to Kathmandu. The journey retraces the beautiful highway route along rivers and hillside settlements, offering final glimpses of Nepal’s countryside landscapes. The drive takes approximately seven hours, depending on road and traffic conditions. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel. The evening is free for shopping, sightseeing, or simply resting. Many trekkers use this time to explore Thamel’s lively streets and reflect on their Himalayan journey with Nepal Journey Travels.
Accommodation Hotel
Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Max. altitude 1,360m / 4,462ft. On the final day, Nepal Journey Travels will assist with your airport transfer according to your flight schedule. Depending on your departure time, you may have a short window for last-minute souvenir shopping or a relaxed breakfast in Kathmandu. The team ensures a smooth and comfortable farewell, marking the end of your Mardi Himal adventure. As you leave Kathmandu, you take with you unforgettable memories of Himalayan landscapes, cultural encounters, and a rewarding trekking experience that defines the spirit of Nepal.
Meals Breakfast Trekking route map & Souvenir - Nepal Journey trekking t-shirt.
Your Start Date is the day you land in Nepal, and your End Date is when you fly home.
If the set Mardi Himal Trek group dates don’t suit your schedule, we can offer alternative dates upon request.
Mardi Himal Trek was the perfect choice for a short adventure with huge mountain rewards. Every viewpoint felt like a postcard. Nepal Journey Travels handled logistics professionally, and I always felt safe and comfortable during the trek.
Watching sunrise over the Annapurna range from Mardi Himal Base Camp was unforgettable. The entire trail was beautiful and well-paced. Nepal Journey Travels delivered excellent service and made the experience truly memorable.
The Mardi Himal Trek is a relatively short yet spectacular trekking route in the Annapurna region of Nepal, offering close-up views of Mount Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli. It is popular because it provides a less crowded alternative to classical routes like Annapurna Base Camp while still delivering dramatic Himalayan scenery. The trail passes through lush rhododendron forests, alpine ridges, and traditional villages, making it a balanced mix of nature and culture. Nepal Journey Travels organizes this trek with experienced guides, ensuring safety, comfort, and meaningful cultural interaction throughout the journey.
The Mardi Himal Trek is considered a moderate-level trek, suitable for beginners with a reasonable level of fitness as well as experienced trekkers. Although it does not require technical climbing skills, the trail includes steep ascents, descents, and high-altitude walking above 4,000 meters, especially near Mardi Himal View Point. Proper acclimatization, steady pacing, and physical preparation are important. Nepal Journey Travels ensures trekkers are well-prepared with daily guidance, safe pacing, and acclimatization strategies so that even first-time trekkers can complete the journey comfortably and confidently.
The standard Mardi Himal Trek typically takes 6 to 8 days, depending on the itinerary, pace, and starting point. The package organized by Nepal Journey Travels is usually designed as an 8-day experience, including arrival in Kathmandu, travel to Pokhara, trekking days, and return. Some trekkers prefer shorter versions, but a longer itinerary allows better acclimatization and a more relaxed experience. The duration is flexible and can be customized based on fitness level, time availability, and personal preferences.
No prior trekking experience is strictly required for the Mardi Himal Trek, but a basic level of fitness is highly recommended. Beginners can successfully complete the trek if they prepare with regular walking, light cardio, or hiking practice before arrival. The trail is well-marked and supported by teahouses, making it accessible for first-time trekkers. Nepal Journey Travels provides experienced guides who assist with pacing, safety, and motivation, ensuring even beginners feel confident and supported throughout the journey.
Yes, altitude sickness can be a concern because the trek reaches elevations above 4,000 meters, particularly at Mardi Himal View Point. However, the risk is moderate compared to higher Himalayan expeditions. Symptoms like headache, dizziness, or nausea can occur if proper acclimatization is not followed. Nepal Journey Travels carefully designs the itinerary with gradual ascent, regular breaks, and monitoring by guides. Trekkers are advised to stay hydrated, avoid alcohol, and inform guides immediately if symptoms appear to ensure timely care and safety.
Choosing Nepal Journey Travels ensures a well-organized, safe, and enriching trekking experience in the Himalayas. The company provides experienced licensed guides, carefully planned itineraries, quality accommodations, and full logistical support from arrival to departure. Their team focuses on safety, cultural immersion, and personalized service, ensuring each trekker enjoys a meaningful journey. From handling permits to arranging transport and accommodation, everything is managed professionally. This allows trekkers to focus on enjoying the natural beauty, mountain views, and cultural richness of the Mardi Himal region without stress.
The best seasons for the Mardi Himal Trek are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). During these months, the weather is stable, skies are clear, and mountain views are at their best. Spring also offers blooming rhododendrons along the forest trails, while autumn provides crisp air and excellent visibility. Winter treks are possible but colder at higher elevations, and monsoon season brings rain and slippery trails. Nepal Journey Travels carefully plans departures during favorable seasons to maximize safety and scenic experience for all trekkers.
Accommodation during the Mardi Himal Trek mainly consists of local teahouses and lodges. These provide basic but comfortable facilities, including twin-sharing rooms, shared bathrooms, and simple meals such as dal bhat, noodles, and soups. At lower altitudes, facilities are slightly more developed, while higher up like High Camp, accommodations become more basic due to remote conditions. Nepal Journey Travels carefully selects clean and safe lodges to ensure trekkers get adequate rest after long hiking days while still experiencing authentic Himalayan hospitality.
During the Mardi Himal Trek, trekkers can enjoy a variety of simple but nutritious meals prepared by local teahouses. The most common dish is dal bhat (rice, lentil soup, and vegetables), which provides excellent energy for trekking. Other options include noodles, fried rice, pasta, soups, pancakes, eggs, and tea or coffee. While food variety decreases at higher elevations, the meals remain fresh and filling. Nepal Journey Travels ensures that trekkers are informed about proper nutrition and encourages safe food choices to maintain energy throughout the journey.
To complete the Mardi Himal Trek, trekkers need two main permits: the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the Trekker’s Information Management System (TIMS) card. These permits help regulate trekking activities and support conservation efforts in the region. Nepal Journey Travels handles all necessary permit arrangements for clients, making the process hassle-free. This allows trekkers to focus fully on the experience without worrying about administrative procedures. All permits are checked at various entry points along the trail for compliance.