Annapurna Region
MardiHimal
Overview
About This Trek
The Mardi Himal trek is a compact, rewarding route that delivers high-altitude mountain views without the time commitment of longer treks. Rising from the forested ridge above Pokhara, the trail follows the south-east ridge of Mardi Himal through rhododendron forest, alpine meadows, and exposed ridgeline before arriving at a high camp with unobstructed views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli.
What makes Mardi Himal distinctive is its relative solitude. Opened as an official trekking route only in 2012, it sees a fraction of the traffic on the Annapurna Base Camp trail despite offering comparable views. The ridge walk above the treeline is exposed and dramatic, with steep drop-offs on both sides and the summit of Machhapuchhre appearing impossibly close at just 4 kilometres away.
The trek is ideal for trekkers with limited time who still want a genuine high-altitude Himalayan experience. It works well as a standalone trek or as a warm-up before longer routes in the region. The proximity to Pokhara means you can start trekking within hours of arriving in Nepal.
Trek Highlights
- Close-up views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) at 6,993m
- Fewer trekkers than other Annapurna trails
- Dense rhododendron forest and cloud forest
- Dramatic exposed ridge walk above treeline
- Quick access from Pokhara (start same day)
- Ideal short trek for limited schedules
Day by Day
SampleItinerary
Every itinerary is customised to your pace and fitness. This is a typical schedule — Deu adjusts based on conditions and your preferences.
Day 1
Pokhara to Deurali via Kande
Drive to Kande (1 hr), trek through forest and past Australian Camp viewpoint to Deurali.
Altitude: 2,100m
Day 2
Deurali to Forest Camp
Enter dense rhododendron forest. Gradual climb along the ridge with filtered views of the Annapurna range.
Altitude: 2,650m
Day 3
Forest Camp to High Camp
Break through the treeline into open alpine meadows. The ridge narrows and views of Machhapuchhre dominate the horizon.
Altitude: 3,580m
Day 4
High Camp to Upper Viewpoint and back
Early morning push to the upper viewpoint (4,500m) for sunrise over Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre. Return to High Camp.
Altitude: 4,500m
Day 5
High Camp to Siding, drive to Pokhara
Descend the western ridge through forest to Siding village. Jeep transfer back to Pokhara.
Altitude: 1,700m
The Landscape
Terrain
The lower sections pass through dense mixed forest — rhododendron, oak, and bamboo — that transitions to alpine meadows above 3,500 metres. The upper ridge is exposed grassland and rocky terrain with no tree cover. The final approach to high camp involves scrambling over loose rock and narrow ridgeline. Cloud forests in the mid-section are atmospheric and quiet, especially in early morning before the clouds roll in from the south.
The People
Culture
The trailhead villages are predominantly Gurung, with traditional stone houses and small community lodges. Unlike the busier Annapurna trails, accommodation on Mardi Himal is in small, family-run lodges rather than commercial teahouses. The hosts are welcoming and the meals are hearty — dal bhat, momos, and chapati cooked over wood fires. There is little mobile phone reception above the forest camp, adding to the sense of remoteness.
Before You Go
PracticalInformation
Permits Required
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) — NPR 3,000 (~USD 23)
- TIMS Card — NPR 2,000 (~USD 15)
Guide Fees
- Guide — €40 per day
- Porter — €30 per day
Deu arranges all permits before your arrival. Permit costs are in addition to guide fees.
Packing Essentials
- Warm layers (temperatures drop sharply above treeline)
- Good trekking boots with grip (ridge sections are steep)
- Rain gear and windproof jacket
- Sleeping bag (lodges provide blankets but it gets cold)
- Headlamp for early morning summit push
- Trekking poles (helpful on the steep descent)
- Sunscreen and sunglasses (exposed ridge has no shade)
When to Go
Best Season
October-December & March-May
October and November offer the clearest skies and most stable weather across Nepal, with excellent visibility and comfortable daytime temperatures. March to May is warmer with longer days and rhododendron blooms at lower altitudes, though afternoon clouds are more common. Deu can advise on the best timing for your specific trek and preferences.
Common Questions
FrequentlyAskedQuestions
Is Mardi Himal suitable for beginners?
Yes, with caveats. The distances are short (3-5 hours per day) but the terrain is steep in places, and the upper ridge requires confidence on exposed ground. If you are comfortable hiking on uneven terrain and have reasonable fitness, Mardi Himal is an excellent first Himalayan trek.
How does Mardi Himal compare to Annapurna Base Camp?
Mardi Himal is shorter (5-7 days vs 10-14), quieter, and reaches a similar altitude with comparable mountain views. ABC offers more cultural variety and a more dramatic base camp setting. If you have limited time or want fewer crowds, Mardi Himal is the better choice. If you want the full sanctuary experience, choose ABC.
Can I combine Mardi Himal with another trek?
Yes. Many trekkers do Mardi Himal as a warm-up before the Annapurna Circuit or Everest Base Camp. It helps with altitude acclimatisation and gives your body a few days to adjust to Himalayan conditions. Deu can plan a combined itinerary based on your total available time.
Is there mobile phone reception on the Mardi Himal trek?
Reception (NCell and NTC) is available at lower villages and sometimes at Forest Camp. Above the treeline, there is generally no signal. Most lodges do not have WiFi. Consider this a welcome opportunity to disconnect.
What wildlife might I see on the Mardi Himal trek?
The rhododendron forests are home to Himalayan tahr (wild mountain goats), langur monkeys, and numerous bird species including the Danphe (Himalayan monal, Nepal's national bird). Above the treeline, you may see marmots and occasionally the tracks of snow leopards, though sightings are rare.
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