Mardi Himal Trek

The Mardi Himal Trek is ideal for those who are looking for an ‘off the beaten path’ trial experience in the western Annapurna region of Nepal. It is one of the least visited, less challenging yet as beautiful as any other trekking routes in Nepal. Experience the beauty and remoteness of the region along the trail to the Mardi Himal Base Camp. The trail goes through lush valleys, beautiful alpine meadows, traditional rural villages, verdant forests of rhododendron and pine with breathtaking views of the Annapurna, Machhapuchre, and the Hiunchuli mountains along the way.

The trek begins with an hour’s drive from Pokhara to Kande. From Kande, it is an easy uphill hike through forests of lovely rhododendron and oak. The trail traverse past some interesting villages where you will get the opportunity to experience the lifestyle of people living in this area. After we reach Mardi Base Camp, the highlight of this trek, we return back to Pokhara via Siding village taking a different route.

If you are looking for a short, yet beautiful trekking in the Himalayas, this six days itinerary is an ideal option for you.

Detail Itinerary

Day 1. Drive to Kande (1hr)-Trek to Deurali(2100m/4hrs)
Drive for about an hour to Kande on the Pokhara Baglung highway. From Kande it is a fairly uphill hike over stone stairs to Australian Camp and Pothana, Australian Camp provides a panoramic view of the Annapurna range and Pokhara valley. From Pothana, the trail further continues to Deurali. Overnight in trekkers lodge.

Day 2. Deurali to Low Camp (2990m/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 a 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 time and then an uphill hike back to the ridge and arrive at Forest camp. We shall have lunch at the 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 (3550m/5-6hrs)
From Low Camp, the trail gradually climbs through rhododendron forest following 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 an excellent view of the Annapurna range. Overnight in trekkers lodge.

Day 4. High Camp-Mardi Himal Base Camp(4500m)- High Camp(6-7hrs)
Today is the most demanding day of our trek, we will start early towards the base camp. It is a continuous uphill climb through the rugged and uneven trail to the Mardi Base Camp. The Mardi Himal Base camp offers a spectacular close up view of the entire Annapurna range. Spend some time exploring around, enjoying splendid views, and return to High camp for overnight. Overnight in trekkers lodge.

Day 5. High Camp-Siding(1700m/4-5hrs)Drive to Pokhara(3hrs)
From the High Camp crossing the Nangge Danda, we descend 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. At Siding board on to a private vehicle and drive to Pokhara.