Mardi Himal Trek

The Mardi Himal Trek is an 11-day route along a forested ridgeline to Mardi Himal Base Camp at 4,500 meters, directly opposite Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Peak, 6,993m). The trail is one of the newest and quietest in the Annapurna region, officially opened in 2012. Where the ABC trail follows the Modi Khola valley floor, the Mardi route climbs the ridge on the eastern side, offering a different perspective on the same mountains.

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.

The Mardi Himal ridgeline above High Camp is the highlight. You walk along a narrow grassy ridge with the Modi Khola valley 1,500 meters below on one side and steep forest on the other. Machhapuchhre fills the entire northern view, so close you can see the rock strata on its south face. The sunrise from base camp lights up the twin fins of Fishtail from directly opposite.

The rhododendron forest between Forest Camp and Low Camp is dense, mossy, and almost fairy-tale in character. In March and April, the canopy blooms in bands of pink, red, and white. Birdsong fills the understory. The contrast with the open alpine meadows above is one of the best landscape transitions on any short trek in Nepal.

The solitude is the biggest draw. At High Camp and base camp, you might share the teahouse with 5 to 10 other trekkers instead of 50 to 100 on the ABC trail. The lodge owners have time to talk, the pace is unhurried, and the mountain views are just as good.

Machhapuchhre from Mardi Himal Base Camp is one of the most intimate mountain views in Nepal. The peak is directly opposite, so close the rock texture is visible.

The quietest established trek in the Annapurna region. On weekdays you may not see another trekking group between Low Camp and base camp.

At USD 625 for 8 days this is the most affordable guided trek Mountain Hawk Trek offers. Full board, guide, porter, permits all included.

The rhododendron forest between 2,500m and 3,000m is some of the best in Nepal. Dense canopy, hanging moss, and spring blooms.

Easy difficulty rating makes this accessible to beginners while the ridge walk and mountain views satisfy experienced trekkers looking for something quieter than ABC.