We can imagine how you feel as you stand in front of the Himalayas – Machhapuchhre or Fishtail, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and the spectacular Mardi Himal (5,587 m) – and be so amazed at the breathtaking views. The Mardi Himal Base Camp short trek gives you just that: a 4 to 7-day walking trail that starts from Pokhara at about 820 m and climbs gently to enter the Annapurna Sanctuary. This little-known 4 to 7-day trek was first made an official hiking trail in 2012, but it has all the familiar sights and sounds of any regular trek. Once up for some fresh air, you’ll walk up on clear days past the clouds and into stunning sunrise and sunset views of the snowy Annapurna I (8,091 m), sacred Machhapuchhre (6,997 m), Annapurna South (7,219 m), and Gangapurna. The adventure only gets bigger when it reaches its modest peak altitude of around 4,250 m at Base Camp, but it’s still breathtaking. Those few days we spent there will be all about sitting on the deck, all chatting about the stunning scenery, and all the faces that it will lead to.

The path is recent: before 2012, only a few shepherds and explorers knew about it. (Did you know? Mardi Himal’s peak was first summited in 1961 by Basil Goodfellow.) In 2012, the tourism board and local guides officially opened the path for trekkers. Lodges and teahouses sprang up at Forest Camp, Low Camp, High Camp, and the viewpoint, turning sharp tent camping with warm hearty dal-bhat dinners into several nights spent in simple beds. In the words of one guide, the Mardi himal trek is now _“short, affordable, and beginner-friendly.”_ It serves well as an alternative for people who are trekking in the Annapurna region while still providing a feeling of retreat into pristine nature.

Mardi Himal Trek is a moderate trek. It is suitable for beginners who are at a basic fitness level and for experienced trekkers, too. The trail goes up to 4,500 meters at Mardi Himal Base Camp. Some people get altitude sickness at this elevation due to the high altitude – everyone’s body copes differently at altitude. The trail is well defined between the starting point to Low Camp, although the path becomes steep and rocky after Low Camp and goes to High Camp. The weather also can change quickly, the higher you get, which can add another difficult element. To prepare for the trek, doing regular walking, jogging, and climbing stairs regularly before the trek is helpful in building strength and stamina. You should also prepare mentally, as you will be walking for 6-7 hours a day. Pack warm clothes (layers), sturdy hiking boots, good sleeping bag, and personal items (first-aid kit, water-purifying tablets, and snacks). In addition, it is a good idea to rest for a day or two in Pokhara or another lower area to allow yourself to acclimatize to the altitude. Finally, it is worth your while to organize travel insurance that has high-altitude trekking options.

Mardi Himal Trek is not just a walk, but a journey through some of Nepal’s most beautiful landscapes and truly unique cultural communities. Here are things to note about this journey

More views come with elevation gain, and you can see more from high camp (Badal Danda), the viewpoint of Badal Danda (Viewpoint), and other gondola passes such as Fishtail (Machhapuchhre), Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Mardi Himal, etc.

Sunrises here are magical ( golden light for the mountains ), and in the evenings, the hills below are often lit up with soft mist and warm colours.

In the lower valleys, the route descends into dense forests of oak and rhododendron trees – if you trek in spring (March–April), the flowers bloom with vibrant pinks and reds.

There will be streams such as the Modi and Lwan, and waterfalls. With a little luck, you will see some langur monkeys, Himalayan pheasants (danfe), or maybe a shy musk deer in the trees.

Unlike other busy treks, the Mardi Himal passes through a few small villages where you will be staying in simple tea houses (run by Gurung and Magar families).

Here too, you can meet local people, taste Nepali handicrafts, and just have a peaceful life in the mountains.

Many travelers attribute this trek as one of the best ways to get an insight into Gurung culture, as well as getting great sunrise views at places like Lwang Ghalel.

This is a younger trail, which means it’s a fresher, quieter trek, and much of the time you’ll be walking alone in the Annapurna Conservation Area.

In some parts of the hike, you walk above the treeline on open ridges. You get to see people living in the mountains without a crowd.

I feel it’s also much more intimate as compared to the bigger treks like Annapurna Base Camp or Poon Hill.

The Mardi Himal Trek is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a peaceful and lesser-touristy alternative to the more popular trekking routes of Nepal. It offers stunning, close-up views of some of the most popular peaks of the Annapurna region, such as Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Mardi Himal, and Annapurna South. The trek provides the perfect blend of nature, culture, and adventure, with pretty villages, lush rhododendron groves, and open ridges offering spectacular scenery of the mountains. The path is well walked and moderately strenuous, and suitable for moderately fit trekkers. Accommodation in Nepalese teahouses, trekkers get to see the hospitality of Nepal and actual local food. Since it has fewer tourists, the Mardi Himal Trek is a quieter experience, and it is the best choice for those who don’t want to be in crowded places and wish to have a peaceful journey along the Himalayas.

The Mardi Himal Base Camp trek is perfect if you’re new to trekking or on a budget.
It’s short – usually just 4 to 7 days – so you don’t need a long holiday or much time to adjust to the altitude.
The highest point is about 4,250 meters, and the trail is well-built and not too steep.
Even kids and first-time trekkers can do it comfortably.

You don’t need to carry heavy bags either. The trail has signs and maps, and cozy tea houses along the way offer food and beds. Just bring a light daypack.

Costs are low, too. Tea houses only charge a few dollars for a night’s stay and meals. The trekking permits are also cheaper than other famous routes.
Many travelers complete the whole trip, including guide and transport, for just a few hundred dollars.You can download an offline map, but most people simply follow the stone steps and enjoy the views.
This short trek gives you a full Himalayan experience without spending too much.

Spring (March-May):

The spring season is undoubtedly one of the best seasons to do the Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek. The trail will be adorned with blooming rhododendron flowers and wildflowers, coupled with lush green trees. The weather is also delightful with warm days and cool nights. The sky is mostly clear, but as it does not rain much, it allows you to gaze at the magnificent view of the mountains, including Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli. Nature appears fresh and colourful, which is ideal for nature lovers. Since it is the most favourable season, there are likely to be many fellow trekkers, with the teahouses being busy.

Autumn (Sept-Nov):

Autumn is also the perfect time to trek to Mardi Himal. After the monsoon, the air becomes clear and the skies become blue. The weather is stable, and there is very little rain and great mountain views. The temperatures are cool and pleasant, so walking and sleeping is very comfortable. This time of year also encompasses major Nepali festivals (Dashain and Tihar), so you may be witness to local traditions and celebrations along the way. Because this is peak trekking season, there are many other trekkers on the trail, and teahouses will be busy (perhaps even full).

Winter (Dec-Feb):

Winter can be cold, but it’s a lovely time to trek without dust and with minimal crowds. The trails are often quiet, with few people, and there is always a good chance you will see snow, especially at High Camp and Base Camp. Snow transforms the mountains and forests into a magical landscape, but temperatures can drop significantly, especially at night. You will want to be packed with warm clothes and winter gear. The days are more sunny than you’d expect, but bad weather has a way of making walking tough, and some teahouses at higher altitudes may be closed.

Monsoon (June-August):

It’s not advised to trek Mardi Himal in the monsoon season. The heavy rain will make the trail muddy and slippery, and it is not uncommon for leeches to be found crawling on the forest floor. Not to mention, the scenery is mostly covered by clouds, and you won’t get many mountain views. Additionally, with the heavy rain comes the risk of landslides in certain areas of the trek. However, if you’re less bothered by the rain and prepared for a few wet days, there may be opportunities for quietness and to enjoy the greenery. Just be safe!

Standard Mardi Himal Trek Route (via Kande)

This is the most common direction for the Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek. First, you will drive from Pokhara to a village called Kande, which takes 1 to 1.5 hours. From Kande you will begin an uphill walk through beautiful forests with lots of rhododendron trees to a few small villages like Deurali, then on to Forest Camp where you can take a nice rest. The trail climbs steeply to Low Camp and then on to High Camp. From High Camp, you will hike up to Mardi Himal Base Camp (which is the highest point of the trek at approximately 4500 meters).

After enjoying the stunning mountain views from Base Camp, you return the same way to High Camp. You then descend further away from High Camp to Siding village. Once you reach Siding, a jeep can take you back to Pokhara.  This route has very quiet trails, stunning mountain views, and very peaceful nature. It typically takes between 5 and 7 days.

Alternative Route via Landruk to Trek Mardi himal Base Camp Trek

This trek begins a little differently and is often combined with other treks in the Annapurna region. You drive from Pokhara to a small village, called Phedi, which is just at the base of the hills. From Phedi, you walk through to Landruk, which is an traditional Gurung village, rich in culture. After Landruk, you trek uphill again through foliage and stunning views of the mountains. Eventually, you reach the intersection of this less-travelled route and the more popular Mardi Himal route at Forest Camp. From Forest Camp, you now follow the same route as you would take if you followed the more popular route, going from Low Camp to High Camp, and then to Mardi Himal Base Camp. For the return trek, it is essentially the same route – back down to Siding and then you take a jeep or bus back to Pokhara.

While the altitude is significant, the short ascent days and good rest points make it manageable without a high risk of altitude sickness.

The Essential Packing Lists are:

Note: Prices vary depending on season and services included.

After you complete the Mardi Himal Trek, we will host a farewell dinner in Kathmandu to celebrate your successful journey. During the dinner, we will also present you with a trekking certificate as a memory of your adventure. We kindly request you to share your feedback about our services, including your experience with our guide and porter. Your review is very valuable to us and helps us improve our services and provide the best possible experience for future trekkers.

The Mardi Himal trail begins from Kande, passing through Australian Camp, Deurali, Forest Camp, Low Camp, High Camp, and finally reaching Mardi Himal Base Camp. The descent follows a different route through Siding Village, providing a loop experience.

Key Stops on the Route:

Map tip: Use a GPX trekking app like Maps.me or AllTrails with the Mardi Himal loop downloaded for offline access.

Choosing between the Mardi Himal Trek and Annapurna Base Camp Trek depends on your time, fitness, budget, and trekking preferences. Mardi Himal is a shorter and quieter Himalayan trek, while Annapurna Base Camp offers a classic longer trekking experience.

Mardi Himal Trek is perfect for travelers looking for stunning views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna South and the Himalayan range in a short itinerary. The trail passes through beautiful forests, traditional villages and scenic mountain ridges.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek takes you deep into the Annapurna Sanctuary, with diverse landscapes, mountain villages and spectacular views from Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 m.