Welcome to Nepal! Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, a representative from Summit Nepal Adventure will warmly greet you and escort you to your hotel in Kathmandu. After checking in, you’ll have time to rest or take a stroll through the vibrant streets of Thamel, the bustling tourist district. In the evening, there will be a short briefing about the Mardi Himal Trek, including route details, safety information, and gear preparation. Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.
After breakfast, Scenic drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara, Nepal’s beautiful lake city nestled beneath the Annapurna range. The journey takes you along winding rivers, terraced fields, and charming hill villages. Upon arrival, you’ll check into your lakeside hotel with time to relax or explore Phewa Lake, Lakeside Market, or enjoy a peaceful sunset view over the mountains. Overnight stay in Pokhara.
After breakfast, you’ll take a short and scenic drive to Kande, the starting point of your trek. From here, begin your uphill hike through rhododendron forests and stone staircases to reach Australian Base Camp, a beautiful viewpoint offering stunning sunset views over Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machapuchare (Fishtail). The trail today is relatively short but steep, perfect for acclimatization. Overnight stay at a guesthouse.
Today, you’ll leave behind the populated trails and enter the peaceful wilderness as you trek through dense forests of rhododendron, oak, and maple. The trail to Forest Camp is serene and quiet, allowing you to truly connect with nature. Keep an eye out for Himalayan wildlife, such as pheasants and langurs, along the way. You’ll arrive at Forest Camp, locally known as Kokar, by afternoon. Overnight at a guesthouse surrounded by nature.
After breakfast, the trail continues through alpine forest, gradually ascending to Low Camp and then to High Camp, with occasional clearings that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks. As you climb higher, the views of Machapuchare, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli become more dramatic. At High Camp, located on a ridge, you’ll be treated to spectacular mountain panoramas during sunset and sunrise. Overnight at a guesthouse at High Camp.
Start early for the highlight of the trek — a hike to the Upper View Point (4,250 m) or Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,120 m). The trail is steep and challenging but extremely rewarding, as it takes you close to the foot of Mardi Himal and Machapuchare. From the ridge, you’ll have an unforgettable view of the Annapurna Sanctuary, surrounded by snow-capped peaks. After taking in the scenery and snapping photos, descend to Low Camp for a well-earned rest. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Today’s trek is mostly downhill as you descend from the alpine ridge into warmer, greener forests and terraces. The trail passes through Forest Camp and continues to the beautiful Gurung village of Landruk, perched above the Modi Khola river valley. Landruk offers scenic views of the surrounding hills and villages and a chance to experience local culture. Overnight stay at a guesthouse.
After breakfast, continue your descent through terraced farmlands and small settlements to reach Syauli Bazaar, a riverside village marking the end of your trek. From here, drive back to Pokhara, where you can relax in the comfort of your hotel or enjoy a lakeside dinner with views of the mountains you’ve just explored. Overnight stay in Pokhara.
After breakfast, begin your return journey to Kathmandu by tourist bus, enjoying the changing scenery of river valleys and hills along the way. Upon arrival in the capital, you’ll be transferred to your hotel. In the evening, Summit Nepal Adventure will host a farewell dinner at a traditional Nepali restaurant, complete with cultural music and dance to celebrate the successful completion of your Mardi Himal trek. Overnight in Kathmandu.
After breakfast, depending on your flight time, a representative from Summit Nepal Adventure will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure. With memories of stunning mountain landscapes and authentic Himalayan hospitality, we hope to see you again for another adventure in Nepal. Safe travels!
The Mardi Himal Trek is one of Nepal’s most scenic and lesser-known trekking routes, located in the Annapurna region. It offers a peaceful alternative to the more crowded trails like Annapurna Base Camp or Ghorepani Poon Hill. This trek takes you through beautiful rhododendron forests, traditional villages, and up to dramatic alpine landscapes with stunning views of Mardi Himal, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli. Summit Nepal Adventure recommends this trek for those seeking a quieter, off-the-beaten-path experience that still offers jaw-dropping Himalayan views in a relatively short duration — typically 5 to 7 days.
The Mardi Himal Trek is considered a moderate trek, suitable for beginners and experienced trekkers alike. The highest point, Mardi Himal Base Camp, lies at around 4,500 meters (14,764 feet), but the trek involves a gradual ascent, allowing your body time to adjust. Trails are well-marked, and though there are some steep sections, they’re manageable with average fitness. At Summit Nepal Adventure, we ensure your itinerary is tailored to your pace, with plenty of time for rest and acclimatization.
One of the most unique features of the Mardi Himal Trek is its tranquility. Unlike the busier Annapurna trails, Mardi offers a more intimate connection with nature. You’ll hike through pristine forests, encounter fewer crowds, and enjoy panoramic mountain views from serene viewpoints like Low Camp, High Camp, and the base camp itself. The trail also offers a chance to stay in newly established teahouses that reflect the local Gurung and Magar culture. For those looking for a more authentic and peaceful trekking experience, this is a hidden gem — and Summit Nepal Adventure specializes in making the most of it.
While Mardi Himal Trek reaches significant altitudes, the risk of altitude sickness is relatively low due to the trek’s shorter ascent profile. However, any trek above 3,000 meters requires awareness and precautions. Our experienced guides at Summit Nepal Adventure are trained in altitude safety and first aid. We always encourage trekkers to walk at a steady pace, stay hydrated, and communicate openly about how they’re feeling. If necessary, we adjust the pace or descend to ensure your health and safety come first.
Our Mardi Himal Trek package includes all essential services such as transportation from Pokhara to the trailhead (usually Kande or Phedi) and back, accommodation in comfortable teahouses, three meals a day during the trek, licensed English-speaking trekking guides and porters, and required permits (ACAP – Annapurna Conservation Area Permit and TIMS card). Summit Nepal Adventure also provides you with a pre-trek briefing, gear rental support (sleeping bags and down jackets), and round-the-clock assistance from the time you book to the end of your journey.
You’ll be staying in simple but welcoming teahouses run by local families. Rooms typically have twin beds with clean blankets, and bathroom facilities are usually shared. As this trek is less commercialized, accommodations are more basic than on popular routes, but Summit Nepal Adventure ensures we select the best available lodges for comfort, hygiene, and hospitality. In the lower villages, you may even have access to Wi-Fi and hot showers (for a small extra cost).
The ideal seasons for trekking Mardi Himal are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). During these periods, the skies are generally clear, the views of the Annapurna range are spectacular, and the temperatures are pleasant. Spring is especially beautiful due to the blooming rhododendron forests. While it’s also possible to trek in winter (December to February), it gets much colder and some teahouses at higher elevations may close. We advise avoiding the monsoon season (June to August) due to heavy rains and leeches on the trail.
No prior trekking experience is required for Mardi Himal, making it a perfect choice for beginners who want to experience the Himalayas without extreme difficulty. As long as you’re reasonably fit and enjoy walking for several hours a day, you’ll be well-suited for this trek. Summit Nepal Adventure helps first-time trekkers with preparation tips, packing lists, and friendly guidance every step of the way.
You’ll need basic trekking gear including a good pair of hiking boots, layered clothing for varying temperatures, a warm jacket, rain protection, gloves, sunglasses, and a backpack. Don’t worry if you’re missing something — Summit Nepal Adventure can assist with renting or purchasing high-quality gear in Kathmandu or Pokhara. Once you book, we’ll send you a complete packing list tailored to the season and route.
Booking with us is quick and easy. You can reserve your trek via our website, send us an email inquiry, or connect with our team through WhatsApp or social media. We offer flexible dates, group and private trek options, and can help you arrange additional services like hotel stays, airport pickups, or city tours in Pokhara or Kathmandu. Once your booking is confirmed, we’ll guide you through every step to ensure a smooth and memorable trekking experience.
Summit Nepal Adventure is a locally based, trusted trekking company with a passion for adventure and authentic Himalayan experiences. Our team includes certified guides who know the Mardi Himal region intimately, ensuring your journey is safe, informative, and culturally enriching. We focus on responsible travel, fair porter treatment, and eco-friendly practices. Whether you're traveling solo or with friends, we go above and beyond to provide a personalized and unforgettable journey to one of Nepal’s most beautiful hidden trails.
