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The Mardi Himal Trek is one of the best short trek itinerary in Nepal and a hidden gem in the Annapurna region, offering breathtaking views of Mount Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli. This 10-day trekking adventure takes you through lush rhododendron forests, scenic ridgelines, and remote mountain trails leading to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m).
Starting from Kathmandu and Pokhara, the trail diverts from the classic Annapurna routes at Pothana, providing a peaceful and less crowded trekking experience. Highlights include walking through mystical cloud forests, staying in traditional teahouses, and reaching stunning viewpoints like High Camp and Upper Viewpoint.
Perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers, the Mardi Himal Trek combines Himalayan beauty, cultural experience, and moderate difficulty, making it an ideal alternative to popular treks like Annapurna Base Camp.
Witness the most intimate and spectacular views of Mt. Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) and the Annapurna range.
Experience the unique "Ridge Trek" that offers 360-degree panoramas of the Himalayas and the Pokhara Valley.
Explore the magical "Cloud Forest" filled with oak, lichen, and blooming rhododendrons.
Reach the Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m), the highest point of the trek, for an unrivaled mountain vista.
Discover the cultural authenticity of Siding Village, where traditional lifestyles endure.
Enjoy a seamless 2026 journey with a licensed professional guide, mandatory for safety and permit verification.
Day 1 Arrival in Kathmandu (1,325m/ 4,344ft)
Day 2 Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (822m / 2,696ft)
Day 3 Drive to Phedi & Trek to Pothana (1,890m / 6,200ft)
Day 4 Trek from Pothana to Forest Camp (2,500m / 8,202ft)
Day 5 Trek from Forest Camp to High Camp (3,050m / 10,006ft)
Day 6 High Camp to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m) & Trek to Siding (1,700m)
Day 7 Trek to Lumre & Drive to Pokhara (822m / 2,697ft)
Day 8 Drive from Pokhara back to Kathmandu (1,310m)
Day 9 Final Departure to your home
"End of our Services"
Transfers: All Airport Pickups & Drop-offs by a private vehicle.
Hotels: 2 Nights in Kathmandu and 2 Nights in Pokhara (3-Star, Breakfast included) in twin sharing basis unless you are alone (then we do provide you a single bed room)
Teahouses: 5 Nights in standard mountain lodges during the trek with Breakfast in twin sharing basis unless you are one person
Staff: Professional Licensed English-speaking trekking Guide (mandatory from 2026).
Permits: All mandatory Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit and Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) permit
Transport: Kathmandu-Pokhara tourist bus and private vehicle for trailhead transfers as well as back
Staff: Porter service (Self-carry backpack recommended; max 15-20kg).
Other Meals: Lunches and Dinners (Budget $25–$35 per day) on the trekking and even in Kathmandu Lunch and Dinner (Budget $5-10 per day)
Teahouse Extras: Hot showers, Wi-Fi, and electronic charging fees.
Insurance: Mandatory insurance covering helicopter evacuation up to 5,500m
Personal Nature Expenses: Snack, laundry, phone calls, Wi-Fi charge, souvenir purchase
Personal trekking equipment:- Sleeping Bag, down jacket, rain coat, water bottle, kit bag etc..
Tips: For guide and porter/s (Recommended)
I chose Alliance Treks after reading several positive reviews, and they completely lived up to my expectations. The guide was knowledgeable, friendly, and spoke excellent English. The trail was peaceful, with amazing views almost every day. My favorite part was watching the sunrise over Machhapuchhre from the Upper Viewpoint. It was one of the most beautiful moments I’ve experienced while traveling. Excellent service, reasonable price, and unforgettable landscapes. I would happily trek with Alliance Treks again.
I’ve visited many countries, but Nepal gave me something truly special. The Mardi Himal Trek combines beautiful forests, friendly villages, and incredible mountain scenery in just a few days.
Kul and his team organized everything professionally. Our guide encouraged us during the climb to Base Camp and made sure everyone stayed safe. I especially appreciated the flexibility when the weather changed.
The memories from this trek will stay with me forever. Thank you, Alliance Treks.
The organization from Alliance Treks was excellent from beginning to end. Communication before the trip was quick, and everything happened exactly as described in the itinerary.
The trek itself was fantastic. Walking along the ridges with panoramic views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre was simply breathtaking. Our porter and guide were hardworking, cheerful, and always ready to help.
If you’re looking for a quieter alternative to the crowded trekking routes, Mardi Himal is the perfect choice.
This was my first multi-day trek, and I was a little nervous before arriving in Nepal. Thankfully, Alliance Treks made everything easy from airport pickup to the final departure.
The guide carefully monitored everyone’s pace, and we never felt rushed. The mountain views became more spectacular each day, especially around High Camp and Mardi Base Camp. I also loved staying in the small teahouses and meeting local families.
I honestly couldn’t have asked for a better introduction to trekking in the Himalayas.
I had limited time in Nepal, so I chose the Mardi Himal Trek instead of Annapurna Base Camp. It turned out to be one of the best travel decisions I’ve made. Every day offered incredible scenery, and there were far fewer people on the trail than I expected.
Our guide, Dawa, shared stories about the villages and mountains, making the trek much more meaningful. Alliance Treks handled all permits and logistics, so I could simply enjoy the journey.
The sunrise from High Camp was worth every uphill step. Thank you for such a memorable experience.
I wanted a short trek with beautiful mountain views, and the Mardi Himal Trek was exactly what I was looking for. The trail was peaceful, especially after leaving Pothana, and walking through the rhododendron forests felt magical. Reaching the Upper Viewpoint at sunrise was unforgettable. Machhapuchhre looked so close that it almost didn’t feel real.
Alliance Treks organized everything perfectly. Our guide, Ram, was patient and always made sure everyone was comfortable with the pace. The lodges were clean, the food was good, and transportation between Kathmandu and Pokhara went smoothly.
This was my first trek in Nepal, and it definitely won’t be my last. Highly recommended!
Mardi Himal Trek with Alliance Treks with my wife Soniya was lifetime best experience. Mt. Annapurna -I, Fishtail, and more mountains we had breathtaking views. This is just Amazing.
Mr. Kul and team, our guide Lhakpa Serpa and Mr. Magar were great heart people. This is absolutely our first time trekking in our life but very motivated. We do recommend Alliance Treks to our friend and tell so many good things about Nepal to our Bangladeshi friends too. I like people, places, views, food, lodge everything was superb ! I suggest every trekker to do this trek in Spring, good flower season. We took so many photos.
Thank you team.
Mushrab Mohammud Shakib
Bindiya K. Shakib
Bangladesh
Mardi Himal Trek with Alliance Treks
This was my third trek with Alliance Treks, and once again, they treated me like family. A big thank you to Mr. Kul and the entire team for making my trip smooth, safe, and enjoyable.
Everything was well organized, including the lodges, meals, tourist bus, hotel, and trekking equipment. Special thanks to my guide, Jaya, and porter, Nishes, for their excellent support and friendly company throughout the trek.
When I faced some difficulties on the trail, the team took great responsibility and handled everything professionally. Their care and dedication made a real difference.
The Mardi Himal Trek was an incredible experience with stunning mountain views and beautiful landscapes. I highly recommend Alliance Treks to anyone planning a trek in Nepal and will definitely return for another adventure.
Cheers – Dal Bhat Power, 24 Hours!
David Johan
The Netherlands
The Mardi Himal Trek in the Annapurna region of Nepal is a short, peaceful, and highly rewarding trekking journey. It starts from Pokhara and slowly leads you through green forests, traditional villages, and open mountain ridges.As you move higher, the trail offers stunning views of Mt. Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna South, and other snow-covered peaks. The final destination, Mardi Himal Base Camp (around 4,500m), gives a powerful close-up view of the Himalayas. This trek is perfect for travelers who want a short Himalayan adventure with big mountain views. It usually takes 5 to 7 days and suits both beginners with good fitness and experienced trekkers.
Unlike busy trekking routes, Mardi Himal is calm and less crowded. Therefore, you can enjoy nature, silence, and fresh mountain air in a very pure way. In short, the Mardi Himal Trekking experience is a beautiful mix of nature, peace, and adventure—ideal for anyone who wants a short but unforgettable Himalayan journey.
The best time for Mardi Himal trek is:
Spring (March to May):
Autumn (September to November):
Winter (December to February):
Monsoon (June to August):
The Mardi Himal Trekking in Nepal is one of the most popular short treks in the Annapurna region. It is a peaceful and less crowded trekking route compared to other trails.
This trek starts usually from Pokhara, making it easy and accessible for trekkers. The route takes you through beautiful forests, traditional villages, and high ridges with stunning views of Mt. Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) and the Annapurna range.
The Mardi Himal trek from Pokhara is perfect for beginners as well as experienced trekkers who want a short but powerful Himalayan experience.
A standard Mardi Himal Trek itinerary is usually 7 to 9 days.
Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu (1,310m)
Day 2: Drive to Pokhara (822m, 200km), 6-7 hours driving by tourist bus
Day 3: Drive from Pokhara to Kande and trek to Pothana (1,890m), 4 hours walking
Day 4: Trek to Forest Camp (2,500m), 4-5 hours walking
Day 5: Trek to Low Camp to High Camp (3,050m), 5-6 hours walking
Day 6: High Camp to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m) and return to Siding (1,700m), 8-9 hours walking
Day 7: Drive back to Pokhara by regular local bus/private Jeep – 3-4 hours driving
Day 8: Drive back to Kathmandu (1,310m, 200km) by tourist bus 6-7 hours driving
Day 9: Departure for home country
This itinerary can be customized based on your fitness and time.
The Mardi Himal trek cost depends on service type and group size.
Altitude gain is steady, but trekkers must be careful about altitude sickness.
The Mardi Himal trekking map covers:
Pokhara → Kande → Forest Camp → Low Camp → High Camp → Mardi Base Camp → Siding → Pokhara
This route passes through dense rhododendron forest and high alpine ridges.
Accommodation is simple but comfortable.
Higher altitude areas have limited facilities, so early booking is better in peak season.
Hiring a guide and porter for Mardi Himal trek is highly recommended.
Guide helps you with:
Porter helps you with:
Choosing the right company makes your trek safe and meaningful.
Alliance Treks & Expedition (P.) Ltd. offers:
Learn more: Alliance Treks & Expedition (P.) Ltd.
Proper preparation helps a safe journey.
You need two main permits:
These permits are required for safety and entry.
For 2026, foreign trekkers should budget approximately (50 USD) for mandatory permits:
ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit): 20 USD
e-TIMS Card (Digital Tracking): 30 USD
Note: SAARC nationals pay reduced rates
Alliance Treks & Expedition Pvt. Ltd. Once is not enough for naturally and culturally Himalayas
