A short and scenic Himalayan trek in the Annapurna region, Nepal
The Mardi Himal Trek is one of the best short trekking routes in Nepal, offering a peaceful and less-crowded alternative to popular trails. This 6-day journey takes you close to the stunning Machapuchare (Fishtail Mountain) and provides incredible views of the Annapurna range.
The trek is known for its beautiful rhododendron forests, ridge walking, alpine landscapes, and dramatic close-up mountain views. It is perfect for trekkers looking for a short yet rewarding Himalayan adventure.
Mardi Himal Trek Overview:
Duration: 6 Days
Maximum altitude: 4,500m (Mardi Himal Base Camp)
Difficulty: Moderate
Accommodation: Teahouse / Lodge
Best seasons: March–May & September–November
Start point: Pokhara
End point: Pokhara
Trek style: Short trek + forest + alpine ridge + base camp experience
Short Day-by-Day Itinerary:
Day 1: Drive Pokhara → Kande → Trek to Forest Camp (2,550m)
Driving time: 1 hour | Trekking time: 5–6 hours
The trek begins with a short drive from Pokhara to Kande. From here, the trail climbs through lush rhododendron and oak forests. The route is peaceful and filled with birds, waterfalls, and natural beauty.
Forest Camp is a quiet settlement surrounded by dense forest.
Overnight: Forest Camp
Highlights: Forest trail, rhododendron trees, peaceful nature walk
Day 2: Forest Camp to Low Camp (2,970m)
Trekking time: 4–5 hours
The trail becomes more open as you gain altitude. You begin to see distant views of Machapuchare and Annapurna South through the trees.
Low Camp offers the first clear mountain views.
Overnight: Low Camp
Highlights: Mountain glimpses, ridge trail, changing landscape
Day 3: Low Camp to High Camp (3,580m)
Trekking time: 3–4 hours
Today’s trail climbs above the tree line into alpine terrain. The views become more dramatic with close-up sights of Machapuchare (Fishtail Mountain).
High Camp is located on a ridge with breathtaking panoramic views.
Overnight: High Camp
Highlights: Ridge walking, Himalayan panorama, alpine scenery
Day 4: High Camp → Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m) → Return to High Camp
Trekking time: 6–7 hours
The most important day of the trek. Early morning hike to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m) offers incredible close views of Machapuchare, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli.
After spending time at the viewpoint, return back to High Camp.
Overnight: High Camp
Highlights: Base camp sunrise, glacier views, close mountain experience
Day 5: High Camp to Siding Village (1,750m)
Trekking time: 6–7 hours
A long descent through forests, waterfalls, and traditional villages. The trail becomes greener as you descend into lower valleys.
Siding is a peaceful local village with authentic rural lifestyle.
Overnight: Siding
Highlights: Forest descent, village life, rivers and waterfalls
Day 6: Drive Siding → Pokhara
Driving time: 3–4 hours
After breakfast, take a jeep ride back to Pokhara. The trek ends with beautiful memories of the Himalayas.
Trekking ends in Pokhara
Highlights: Scenic drive, countryside views, trek completion
Mardi Himal Trek Highlights
✔ Close-up view of Machapuchare (Fishtail Mountain)
✔ Reach Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m) in a short trek
✔ Walk through dense rhododendron and oak forests
✔ Experience peaceful and less-crowded trekking trails
✔ Ridge walking with panoramic Himalayan views
✔ Stunning views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machapuchare
✔ Traditional Gurung villages and rural lifestyle
✔ Sunrise and sunset views from High Camp
✔ Perfect short trek for beginners and photographers
✔ Combination of forest, alpine, and mountain landscapes in just 6 days
Trek Difficulty
Moderate trek
4–6 hours walking per day
Maximum altitude: 4,500m
Basic fitness required
No technical climbing needed
🌄 Best Season
Spring (March–May) – rhododendron flowers and clear views
Autumn (September–November) – best visibility and stable weather
Food on the Mardi Himal Trekking
During the Mardi Himal Trek, you will find a variety of fresh, simple, and energy-rich meals served at teahouses along the route. The food is prepared to keep trekkers strong and warm while trekking through the Himalayan trails.
The most popular and traditional meal is Dal Bhat (lentil soup with rice), served with vegetables, pickles, and sometimes meat. It is highly recommended for trekkers because it is filling, nutritious, and usually comes with unlimited refills in many teahouses.
You will also find a variety of other options such as momos (dumplings filled with vegetables or meat), pasta, noodles, fried rice, chapati, potatoes, eggs, and soups. These meals are perfect for quick energy and are widely available throughout the Mardi Himal route.
In lower villages like Kande, Forest Camp, and Low Camp, the menu is more diverse, while in higher areas like High Camp and Mardi Himal Base Camp, the food options become simpler but still warm and satisfying. Hot soups, garlic soup, and noodle soups are especially popular at higher altitude as they help with warmth and hydration.
You can also enjoy tea (black tea, milk tea, ginger lemon honey tea), coffee, hot chocolate, and other warm drinks, which are very important in cold mountain conditions.
Book Your Mardi Himal Trek with Nepal Tour & Treks Pvt. Ltd.
Ready to experience the breathtaking beauty of the Himalayas? Join Nepal Tour & Treks Pvt. Ltd. for a safe, memorable, and professionally guided Mardi Himal Trek. Our experienced local team is dedicated to making your adventure unforgettable from start to finish.
Contact Us Today:
📞 Phone / WhatsApp: +977 9861779840
📧 Email: info@nepaltourntreks.com
🌐 Website: https://www.nepaltourntreks.com
Book your adventure today and create memories that will last a lifetime. We look forward to welcoming you to Nepal!
