Mardi HimalTrek

From Kande (1,770m) above Pokhara, the trail climbs through dense rhododendron and oak forest to Forest Camp (2,520m), Low Camp (2,940m), and High Camp (3,550m). Above the treeline, the ridge opens into alpine meadows with Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, and Mardi Himal filling the northern skyline. The base camp sits on a grassy ridge at 3,900m with the south face of Machhapuchhre towering across the valley.

The Mardi Himal trail sees perhaps 10 to 15 percent of the foot traffic of the ABC trail. Teahouses are smaller, more basic, and more personal. Walking days average 5 to 6 hours on a mix of forest trail and open ridge.

Permits: ACAP (NPR 3,000) and TIMS card, both included. Licensed guide mandatory.

For a shorter, even easier option, the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek reaches 3,210m in 8 days with Dhaulagiri panorama. To continue higher into the Annapurna Sanctuary, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek reaches 4,130m in 13 days. For a similar off-the-beaten-path experience with ridge views, the Khopra Danda Trek reaches Khopra Ridge (3,660m) with views of 20+ peaks.