Mardi Himal Trek is a relatively newly opened hiking trail off the beaten path. The hiking area is a hidden gem located south of the Annapurna region. Despite its proximity to Pokhara, it is a quieter alternative. The Mardi Himal Trek is also a great option if you don’t have enough time for one of the longer trekking tours.
In just a few days you can reach heights of over 4,000m. The trek also offers the chance to get to know traditional Gurung villages and their people.
You will first follow the frequented route from Annapurna Base Camp to Deurali. You will spend the night in the Forest Camp (Kokar) and work your way up via two other camps, past the Upper View Point (4,200 m) to the Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500 m). The way to the base camp requires sure-footedness and partly leads through pathless terrain. Those who do not want to do this can rest at Upper View Point.
Once at the Upper View Point, you can enjoy unique views of the summit chain of the Annapurna massif: Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and the beautiful Mount Fishtail (Machhapuchare) stand in a trellis. On the way back to Pokhara, you will walk through the typical Gurung villages of Landruk and Gandruk where you will spend 2 nights in at home-stays.
After a successful Mardi Himal Trek you can enjoy the idyllic & beautiful Phewa Lake in Pokhara. In Kathmandu, you can also enjoy the panoramic Everest View Mountain flight (not included in the program cost).
We would be pleased to have you on this journey and introduce you to our country and way of life while you travel as part of our extended family.
Our representative will pick you up at Kathmandu International Airport and drive you to your hotel. Depending upon what time you arrive, you can enjoy a full day at leisure and go on a welcome dinner with the KEEP WALKING FAMILY. In the evening, we will meet for a welcome dinner with Keep Walking Nepal family.
Look out for the KEEP WALKING NEPAL board behind the railing once you exit the airport terminal.
You will board an early morning flight to Pokhara and then drive for about an hour to the starting point of the trek at Kande. After an unhurried lunch with awesome mountain views at the Australian Camp (2 hrs), descend to Pothana (2 hrs). In clear weather, you will have a wonderful view of Machhapuchhre.
Today’s trek heads off into the wilderness, leaving tourists, other trekkers, and even villagers behind. The trail climbs and meanders through the rhododendron forest to the small human settlement of Pitam Deurali (2,100m). The Modi Khola valley is dominated by ‘Pritam Deurali’ wedged between Mardi Himal/Macchapuchre and Annapurna South.
From Deurali onward the trail passes through an enchanted forest of birch, giant rhododendron, mountain oak, maple, and hemlock. The trail climbs up then undulates on the top of a ridge and then drops steeply and slowly ascends back onto the ridge till you arrive at the open grassland at Forest Camp.
If the weather is clear there will be stunning mountain views while trekking.
You will truly understand the remoteness of the Mardi Himal Trek on the way to Low Camp as you leave the terraced fields and villages that cling to the hillsides in the distance.
The day initiates with a steep hike of the trail that gradually transforms itself into a dense rhododendron forest. Throughout you will recognize glimpses of Mt. Machhapuchhre and Mardi Himal getting closer.
An hour into the hike will bring you to Badal Danda, a.k.a. cloud hill, (3,250m). Badal Danda lies atop of the tree line and offers a pellucid view of snow-capped mountains and overview of villages down south.
After another 3 hours along the wooded trail, with the Modi Khola to your left, you will arrive at Low Camp which is just a clearing in the forest with a couple of teahouses. You will have the rest of the day to soak in beautiful views of Machhapuchre.
Today, you will gradually ascend above the tree line to alpine vegetation through the occasionally grassy landscape that leads towards the Mardi Himal. The trail is characterized by a repetition of steep ascents, subsequent flat sections, and further ascents.
The high camp is a small pasture with a few lodges where you will be rewarded with a magnificent view of the Annapurna range, the valley of the Annapurna Base Camp and Mount Machhapuchhre. From high camp Annapurna South feels just a stone’s throw away and Machhapuchhre seems even closer.
This is the hardest day! You will have an early start for an amazing sunrise and stunning mountain views.
The first stretch of the hike is a steep uphill for about 2 hours which many refer to as Mardi Himal Base Camp but the actual base camp is a further 2 hours steep climb away along the ridge. The view point offers a gorgeous panorama of Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, Mardi Himal peaks.
Depending upon conditions, you can either return back to high camp or either continue along to the actual MBC where an even up-close view of the Annapurna Massif, Gangapurna and Machhapuchhre peak awaits you.
You will then head back for lunch at high camp and spend the rest of the day at leisure. The sunset is as alluring as the previous day as the sun sets over the mountains from the comfort of your warm tea house.
After a hefty breakfast you will retrace your steps back to forest camp.
After a relaxed breakfast, you will hike gently through the shade of the forest and out onto terraced fields, descending 5249 ft. (1600 m.) You will follow a different route down, to the upper Mardi Khola, the torrent that was once the ice and snow of the Mardi Himal. Although remote and still off the beaten ‘teahouse’ trekking routes, your route now follows the arm valley and past friendly villages into Kalimati.
From Kalimati you will trek gently like to Siding. The path from Siding gradually follows the contour of the river valley, down between the pastures and through Tamang and Gurung villages. Eventually, you’ll arrive at Lwang village, your stop for the night. Here, there are organic tea gardens.
Enjoy an overnight in your unique and authentic homestay.
We recommend you get up early in the morning for one last awe-inspiring sunrise over the mountains. After breakfast, you will hike to Milan Chowk, Hemja, then drive to Pokhara. The hike is serenading with mountain views all along to keep you company.
You will have the afternoon at leisure in Pokhara.
After breakfast, we you will have the best part of the afternoon at leisure where you can enjoy the sights and sounds.
Later in the afternoon you will be transferred to Pokhara airport for a short flight to Kathmandu. You will have the rest of the day at leisure in Kathmandu.
You can either lounge about your hotel or visit one of the many attractions in Kathmandu (souvenir shopping is recommended :).
Additionally, we also recommend an Everest View Mountain Flight for first time visitors to Nepal. No programs are included in the regular Mardi Himal trek program but can be arranged at an additional cost.
In the evening there will be a farewell dinner by Keep Walking Nepal to celebrate your trek and visit to Nepal.
An office representative will drive you to the Kathmandu International Airport 3 hrs prior to the scheduled flight time.
| Start | Finish | Availability | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday 05/03/2026 | Tuesday 17/03/2026 | Trip Status available | Starting from $2115 | Book Now |
| Thursday 02/04/2026 | Tuesday 14/04/2026 | Trip Status available | Starting from $2115 | Book Now |
| Thursday 20/04/2026 | Tuesday 02/05/2026 | Trip Status available | Starting from $2115 | Book Now |
| Wednesday 14/10/2026 | Monday 26/10/2026 | Trip Status available | Starting from $2115 | Book Now |
| Sunday 08/11/2026 | Friday 20/11/2026 | Trip Status available | Starting from $2115 | Book Now |
| Wednesday 16/12/2026 | Monday 28/12/2026 | Trip Status available | Starting from $2115 | Book Now |
| Friday 05/03/2027 | Tuesday 17/03/2027 | Trip Status available | Starting from $2115 | Book Now |
| Friday 02/04/2027 | Wednesday 14/04/2027 | Trip Status available | Starting from $2115 | Book Now |
| Tuesday 20/04/2027 | Sunday 02/05/2027 | Trip Status available | Starting from $2115 | Book Now |
| Thursday 14/10/2027 | Tuesday 26/10/2027 | Trip Status available | Starting from $2115 | Book Now |
| Monday 08/11/2027 | Saturday 20/11/2027 | Trip Status available | Starting from $2115 | Book Now |
| Thursday 16/12/2027 | Tuesday 28/12/2027 | Trip Status available | Starting from $2115 | Book Now |
Here is a list of what you might want to pack for the hike. Please take this as a starting point. You’ll need layers of warmer clothing during the winter. We provide a 75 liter duffel bag for you to use for the trek. It will be given to you during your pre-trip meeting in Kathmandu. The duffle bag is yours to keep. Also, you can rent sleeping bag and down jacket with us at the additional fee of USD 35 for each once you are in Kathmandu.
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