Incredible views of Mt. Machapuchare, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli & Mardi Himal
Incredible views of Mt. Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Mardi Himal.
Peaceful trekking through rhododendron forests and alpine landscapes.
Authentic Gurung culture and welcoming mountain villages.
Stunning sunrise and sunset from Mardi Himal High Camp.
A perfect short trek for beginners and experienced trekkers alike, just a stone’s throw from Pokhara.
The Mardi Himal Trek is a hidden gem tucked away in the Annapurna region. It has recently been included in the mainstream trekking routes of Nepal and offers a pristine and peaceful alternative to the more frequented Annapurna Base Camp and Ghorepani Poon Hill trails. The trek is spectacular for the variety of landscapes it presents: subtropical forests of rhododendron and oak give way to alpine meadows before opening onto craggy mountain terrain with awe-inspiring views of some of the highest peaks in the world.
The trail winds through ridge lines with uninterrupted views of the Annapurna range, including Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Peak), a sacred mountain treasured by Nepalis that forms the backdrop for much of the trek. The high altitude brings rapid changes in scenery, giving the Himalayas an almost different character each day. The ultimate destination of the trek lies at Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500 m), where you stand in a sweeping amphitheater of snow-capped peaks, so close it feels like you could reach out and touch them.
Compared with some of the more popular commercial trekking routes, the Mardi Himal trail is less trodden and more authentic. Accommodation is arranged in traditional teahouses, giving you the chance to interact with the local Gurung and Magar communities and gain first-hand experience of life in the mountains. The short duration of the trek and its moderate level of difficulty make it an excellent adventure for time-constrained travelers who still want a full Himalayan experience.
At Mountain Hawk Treks, we do not just lead treks, we craft unforgettable journeys. Here are some of the reasons adventurers from around the world choose us for their Nepal trekking experience:
Professional local guides with deep knowledge of the trails and culture.
Comfortable teahouse accommodation, carefully checked for cleanliness and views.
Personalized itineraries tailored to your pace and interests.
Small group treks or private tours.
All logistics, permits, and transportation thoroughly taken care of.
24/7 customer support before, during, and after the trek.
Thousands of satisfied clients and eco-friendly trekking practices.
No hidden fees: what you see is what you get.
Jaw-dropping mountain views every single day.
An immersive cultural experience in traditional Gurung villages.
Rich biodiversity inside the Annapurna Conservation Area.
A peaceful retreat away from the crowds.
Perfect photography spots throughout the trail.
The Mardi Himal Trek is accessible to all types of trekkers, from first-time adventurers to seasoned hikers looking for a more leisurely and peaceful trip.
If you have never trekked in Nepal before, or if this is your first foray into high-altitude trails, Mardi Himal is a great beginning. The trail itself is straightforward and climbs gently, allowing plenty of time for acclimatization. No technical or mountaineering skills are required. Mardi Himal Base Camp sits at 4,500 m, making the trek accessible to most people with basic preparation and moderate fitness levels.
This trek is also a good option for those who want a short Himalayan adventure. Whether you are a student, a working professional, or visiting Nepal on the way to somewhere else, the trek fits comfortably within a short window and still gives you the key features of a classic Nepal trek: towering peaks, cultural engagement, and immersion in nature.
Couples and families with older children will also find Mardi Himal rewarding. The trek is especially nice for photographers, nature lovers, and anyone who wants to retreat into tranquility, as the trail remains relatively uncrowded even during peak seasons.
Although the trek is considered moderate, some preparation goes a long way. For fitness, start light cardio such as jogging, hiking, or cycling three to four weeks before the start date. Stair climbing and walking with a light pack are also helpful.
Packing essentials include layered clothing for changing altitudes, sturdy hiking boots, thermal wear, gloves, a down jacket, water purification tablets, a headlamp, sunscreen, and sunglasses. Mountain Hawk Treks provides a comprehensive pre-departure checklist and guidance before your arrival.
11 days from Kathmandu arrival to departure. Hover any day for full details.
Arrive at Kathmandu airport (1,345 m). Overnight at hotel.
Pre-trip meeting and sightseeing around Kathmandu Valley. Overnight at hotel.
Drive to Pokhara (865 m), approximately 6 hours. Overnight at hotel.
A one-hour drive to Kande followed by a trek to Australian Camp, approximately 4 hours of walking. Overnight at a teahouse or homestay.
Trek to Forest Camp (2,540 m), approximately 6 hours of walking. Overnight at a teahouse or homestay.
Trek up to High Camp (3,590 m), approximately 7 hours of walking. Overnight at a teahouse or homestay.
Exploration day to Mardi Base Camp or the viewpoint, returning to High Camp. Approximately 5 hours of walking. Overnight at a teahouse or homestay.
Return trek to Sidhing (1,280 m), approximately 6 hours of walking. Overnight at a teahouse or homestay.
Trek and drive to Pokhara, approximately 5 hours of walking. Overnight at hotel.
Drive back to Kathmandu. Overnight at hotel.
Transfer to the international airport for your final flight departure.
Airport to hotel to airport pickup and drop-off by private car, van, or bus.
Standard twin-sharing accommodation in a two or three-star hotel: 3 nights in Kathmandu and 2 nights in Pokhara, breakfast included.
Guided city tour in Kathmandu by private car, van, or bus.
Standard meals (lunch, dinner, and breakfast) and teahouse or homestay accommodation during the trek.
A government-licensed English-speaking guide for the trek, the required number of porters, and their food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment, and a general first aid kit.
Trekking permit and all other necessary permits.
Surface transfer from Kathmandu.
Down jacket, duffel or kit bag, and sleeping bag (to be returned after the trek).
All applicable government taxes.
Tourist service charge and VAT.
Lunch and dinner while in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Travel insurance.
Nepal entry visa fee.
Items of a personal nature such as alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, and laundry.
Personal trekking equipment.
Tips for trekking staff and driver.
Sightseeing and monument entrance fees.
Any other expenses not mentioned in the Price Includes section.
The full kit that's built from years on the trail. Skip it at your own risk, bring it and you'll never think about it again.
Duffel or Rucksack bag (This should be nice with good zipper)
Daypack
Down Jacket (Company also nice and clean down jacket provide)
Sleeping bag
Hiking pants
Full, sleeves shirt
T, shirts
Trekking boots (Water proof)
Camp shoes/Sandal
Cotton socks several pairs
Raincoat
Sun hat
Beanie
Light Gloves
Sun block for lips
Sun lotion
Goggles or sunglasses
Underwear
Thermal Long underwear
Water bottle
Sewing kit
Flash light with spare batteries
Walking stick
Camera
Personal towel
Personal toiletries and medication which should be labelled Please.
Tight fitting, figure-hugging clothing, such as those made with Lycra can often be offensive to locals, especially on women. If you find these items comfortable as a base layer then please pack something to wear over the top of them.
Still have questions? Tap through the answers below or reach out directly. We reply within the hour.
Real reviews from real trekkers who have walked this exact route. No curation, no edits.
