Mardi Himal Trek

Mardi Himal Trek is one of the most popular low altitude trek in the lower Annapurna region. This is one of the least visited off the beaten path trail not very far from Pokhara. This trail passes through lush forests of rhododendrons, across villages, diverse landscape, beautiful valleys, mixed local culture and extraordinary views of the Annapurna, Machhapuchre and the Hiunchuli mountains.

The trek begins with an hour’s drive from Pokhara to Kande. From Kande the hike goes through several villages, pristine forest of lovely rhododendron and oak with views of the snowcapped mountains and finally ends at the Mardi Himal base camp, the zenith of this trek and then returns back to Pokhara via Shiding, taking a different route.

In short this Mardi Himal trek can be an ideal choice for those who are looking for a short trekking experience in the lower Annapurna region. Since this trek is a low altitude trek, it can be suitable to even those who have ittle or no actual trekking experience.

Detail Itinerary

Day 1. Drive to Kande (1hr)-Trek to Deurali(2200m/4hrs)
Pick up from your hotel and drive for an hour to Kande on the Pokhara Baglung highway. Begin our trek from Kande, the trek from Kande to Australian Camp is a pleasant uphill walk until Pothana and then it is a gradual walk to Deurali. Overnight in trekkers lodge.

Day 2. Deurali to Low Camp (3150m/6-7hrs)
From Deurali, we leave the main Annapurna Base Camp trail and take an off the beaten trail towards Mardi Himal Base camp. The trail is an gradual uphill walk through forests of giant rhododendron, oak, maple and hemlock to the top of a ridge. From the ridge, it is a steep descent for some times and then an uphill walk back to the ridge and arrive at Forest camp. We shall have lunch at forest camp and continue up to Low Camp. The vegetation starts to change with more rhododendron and the trees covered with moss, lichen and tree ferns. Overnight in trekkers lodge.

Day 3. Low camp to High Camp (3700m/5-6hrs)
Trek uphill through Forest camp to High Camp alongside a ridge towards, Mardi Himal and Machhapuchhre, as the climb progresses tall trees give way to alpine shrubs and dwarf rhododendron bushes. After a steep ascent we finally land at the High camp with excellent view of the Annapurna range. Overnight in trekkers lodge.

Day 4. High Camp-Mardi Himal Base Camp(4500m)- High Camp(7-8hrs)
Wake up early and enjoy the sunrise view. After breakfast set off towards our destination the Mardi Himal Base Camp. Today will be more challenging compared to other days as the trek goes across narrow rocky trail. Leaving the High Camp, we ascend for about 4 hours to reach the base camp. Spend some time exploring around, enjoying splendid views and return back to High camp for overnight. Overnight in trekkers lodge.

Day 5. High Camp-Siding(1700m/6-7hrs).
From the High Camp crossing the Nangge Danda, we descend down to the Low Camp. From the Low Camp, we leave the trail used earlier and head towards the Mardi Khola through the dense forest to Siding. Overnight in trekkers lodge.

Day 6. Siding-Pokhara(3hrs trek/1hr drive)

Today we hike down following the river valley across several small settlements of Gurung and Tamang people to Lumre. At Lumre we board on to a private vehicle and drive to your hotel in Pokhara