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Mardi Himal Trek | 7 Days

Annapurna, Gandaki Province, Nepal

7 Days

Trek-region

Annapurna

Group Size

1-12 (Private & Small Group)

The Mardi Himal Trek is a short and scenic teahouse trek in the Annapurna region, known for its quiet trails, ridge-line walks, and close-up mountain panoramas. It is a great alternative to the busier Annapurna routes, with a steady climb through forests that gradually open into high alpine viewpoints.

The trek reaches High Camp and includes an early morning hike to the Mardi Himal Viewpoint, one of the best spots for dramatic sunrise views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) and the Annapurna range. The route also features the beautiful Badal Danda ridge, often famous for “sea of clouds” scenery, before descending to Siding and returning to Pokhara.

Trip Info 

  • Kande (after drive from Pokhara)
  • Siding; drive back to Pokhara
  • Approx. 45 to 55 km
  • Trekking/Hiking
  • Moderate
  • Mar–May, Sep–Nov
  • Mardi Himal Viewpoint (4,200m)
  • 4 to 7 hours
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
  • Hotel + Teahouses
  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Licensed guide; 1 porter for two trekkers

Why go?

Your Mardi Himal trek begins with arrival in Kathmandu and a drive to Pokhara, then starts from Kande and climbs to Pritam Deurali, moving from village paths into forest trails.

The short Annapurna region trek continues through Low Camp and High Camp, where the landscape opens into alpine ridgelines. An early morning hike to the Mardi Himal Viewpoint is the main highlight, followed by a descent to Badal Danda for sweeping ridge views and cloud-sea scenery. Your Mardi Himal trek ends by descending to Siding, then driving back to Pokhara.

Trek Highlights 

  • Mardi Himal Viewpoint for sunrise panoramas over the Annapurna range.
  • Close-up views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) from the ridge trails.
  • Overnight at High Camp, the trek’s best high-altitude base.
  • Scenic ridge walk and “sea of clouds” views from Badal Danda.
  • Forest trails through rhododendron and bamboo sections on the lower route.
  • A quieter, less-crowded alternative to the classic Annapurna Base Camp trail.

Tour Plan

You arrive in Kathmandu and meet our representative, who will transfer you to your hotel. You check in and take a rest in your hotel. You can take a short walk around Thamel for local shops and cafes. You prepare for the drive to Pokhara tomorrow.

Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu

Meals: Not included

Note: A brief trip briefing and gear check can be done in the evening.

You leave Kathmandu and drive west to Pokhara, following a scenic highway through river valleys, terraced hills, and small roadside towns. You have a few stops for tea and snacks to keep the long drive comfortable.

You arrive in Pokhara by late afternoon, check into the hotel, and rest. The evening is free for a relaxed walk around Lakeside, enjoying views of Phewa Lake. You prepare for your Mardi Himal trek tomorrow.

  • Drive Duration: 6 to 7 hrs
  • Accommodation: Hotel in Pokhara
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Note: A short flight option is available instead of driving if preferred.

You drive from Pokhara to Kande, where you start the Mardi Himal trekking. The trek begins with a steady climb through forest paths and small settlements, with changing views as the route gains height.

As you hike higher, the trail becomes quieter and more scenic, moving through rhododendron and mixed woodland sections. You reach Pritam Deurali, a ridge stop with open viewpoints and a peaceful teahouse setting, perfect for resting before heading toward the higher camps.

Trek duration: ~1 hour drive + 4 to 5 hours trek

Accommodation: Teahouse in Pritam Deurali

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Note: The day is mostly uphill, so keep a steady pace and hydrate well.

You leave Pritam Deurali and follow a scenic ridge trail through dense forest, with a steady climb that gradually changes the landscape. Rhododendron and bamboo sections make the walk calm and shaded, especially beautiful in spring.

As you gain altitude, the air becomes cooler, and the views begin to open between the trees. You reach Low Camp, a quiet stop surrounded by forest and mountain ridgelines, and settle into the teahouse for a comfortable night before heading higher tomorrow.

  • Trek duration: 5 to 6 hours
  • Accommodation: Teahouse in Low Camp
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Note: Nights are cooler here, so keep a warm layer ready.

You leave Low Camp and climb higher along the ridge as the forest begins to thin, and the trail feels more alpine. The views get wider with more open sections, and the mountain scenery starts to dominate as you gain elevation.

As you approach High Camp, the landscape becomes more rugged and dramatic, with strong panoramas of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) and the surrounding Annapurna peaks on clear days. You arrive by afternoon, rest early, and prepare for the sunrise hike to the viewpoint the next morning.

Trek duration: 4 to 5 hours

Accommodation: Teahouse in High Camp

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Note: Temperatures drop quickly at High Camp, so keep warm layers accessible.

You start before sunrise for the hike to the Mardi Himal Viewpoint, the best spot for close-up mountain scenery on the trek. The trail climbs steadily in cold morning air, and the reward is a dramatic panorama of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) and the Annapurna range glowing in early light.

After returning for breakfast, you descend along the ridge toward Badal Danda, known for its sweeping viewpoints and “sea of clouds” scenery. The afternoon is relaxed, with time to enjoy the ridge atmosphere and rest after the early start and viewpoint hike.

  • Trek duration: 6 to 7 hours
  • Accommodation: Teahouse in Badal Danda
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Note: Carry a headlamp and warm layers for the early morning hike.

You leave Badal Danda and descend through forest trails toward Siding, with the landscape turning greener and warmer as the altitude drops. The route feels quieter and more rural, passing local settlements and shaded woodland sections on the way down.

You reach Siding, where your Mardi Himal trek ends and the drive back to Pokhara begins. After arriving in Pokhara, the rest of the day is free to relax, enjoy a hot shower, and unwind by Phewa Lake after completing your adventure.

Trek duration: 4 to 5 hours trek + 2 to 3 hours drive

Accommodation: Not included

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Note: Road conditions vary, so drive time can change slightly.

Included/Exclude

Cost Includes

  • Airport pickup and drop-off (Kathmandu)
  • All ground transport
  • Hotel in Kathmandu
  • Hotel in Pokhara
  • Teahouse accommodation during the trek
  • Meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
  • Government-licensed trekking guide (English-speaking)
  • Porters during the trek (1 porter for two trekkers)
  • All required trek permits
  • Basic first aid kit
  • All government taxes and service charges

Cost Excludes

  • International flights to/from Nepal
  • Nepal visa fees
  • Travel insurance with emergency evacuation coverage
  • Personal trekking gears and equipments
  • Drinks, boiled water, hot showers, Wi-Fi/charging
  • Snacks, tips, laundry, and personal expenses
  • Any extra nights in Kathmandu or Pokhara
  • Costs for rescue/evacuation (covered by your insurance)

Location Map

FAQs

How long is the Mardi Himal trek?

The Mardi Himal trek typically takes 5 to 7 days to complete, covering a total walking distance of approximately 41 kilometers (25 miles). The trek starts and ends in Pokhara, reaching a maximum altitude of 4,500 meters (14,764 ft) at the base.

How difficult is the Mardi Himal trek?

The Mardi Himal trek is generally rated moderate, mainly due to steady uphill sections and the altitude near high camp/viewpoint.

Can beginners do the Mardi Himal Trek?

The Mardi Himal trek is considered beginner-friendly for people with basic fitness who can handle several hours of walking per day and gradual altitude gain.

Which district is Mardi Himal in?

Mardi Himal is located in the Kaski District of Nepal (Gandaki Province). The mountain and its popular trekking route are part of the Annapurna Conservation Area. It provides close-up views of the Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) peak.

What is Mardi Himal famous for?

Mardi Himal is famous for quiet ridge trails and close-up views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) and the Annapurna range, especially from High Camp and the Mardi Himal Viewpoint.

Book Your Short Mardi Himal Trek With Big Mountain Views

The Mardi Himal trek delivers ridge-line panoramas, quiet forests, and a stunning sunrise from the Mardi Himal Viewpoint. The 7-day trek is best for trekkers who want dramatic Annapurna scenery without the crowds.

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