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.
Small Nepalese villages, breathtaking views, blooming rhododendron forests: the Mardi Himal Trek combines a lot.
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.
Trip Highlights
- Scenic flight to Pokhara and to Kathmandu
- Walk through beautiful rhododendron & pine forest observing rare wild animals & birds
- Explore gurung villages, & lush valleys with the spectacular view of the Annapurna Himalayas
- Amazing view of Annapurna Range
- Experience highland gurung people’s lifestyle and their unique cultural hospitality
Trip Grade - Moderate
Fixed Departures
Departure | Return | Price (Inc. Tax) | Dept Status | |
---|---|---|---|---|
16 Dec 2024 | 28 Dec 2024 | $2115 USD | Open | Book Now |
5 Mar 2025 | 17 Mar 2025 | $2115 USD | Open | Book Now |
2 Apr 2025 | 14 Apr 2025 | $2115 USD | Open | Book Now |
20 Apr 2025 | 2 May 2025 | $2115 USD | Open | Book Now |
14 Oct 2025 | 26 Oct 2025 | $2115 USD | Open | Book Now |
8 Nov 2025 | 20 Nov 2025 | $2115 USD | Open | Book Now |
16 Dec 2025 | 28 Dec 2025 | $2115 USD | Open | Book Now |
Trip Summary
- Day 1 :Arrive Kathmandu
- Day 2 :Fly Kathmandu to Pokhara (25 min), drive to Kande (1 hr) and trek to Pothana (1950m; 4 hrs)
- Day 3 :Trek to Forest Camp (2590m; 6 hrs)
- Day 4 :Trek to Low Camp (2950m; 4 hrs)
- Day 5 :Trek to High Camp (3580m; 4 hrs)
- Day 6 :Day hike to View Point (4450m; 7-8 hrs)
- Day 7 :Descend to Forest Camp (2590m; 5 hrs)
- Day 8 :Trek to Kalimati (1600m; 2 hrs)
- Day 9 :To Lwang (1500m; 4-5 hrs)
- Day 10 :Hike to Milanchowk, Hemja (3 hrs) and drive to Pokhara (30 min)
- Day 11 :Late afternoon flight to Kathmandu (25 min)
- Day 12 :Rest day in Kathmandu
- Day 13 :End of program: Departure
Daily Movements
Day 1: Arrive Kathmandu
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.
Overnight in Hotel Tibet (D)
Day 2: Fly Kathmandu to Pokhara (25 min), drive to Kande (1 hr) and trek to Pothana (1950m; 4 hrs)
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.
Overnight in a local lodge at Pothana (B,L,D)
Day 3: Trek to Forest Camp (2590m; 6 hrs)
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.
Overnight in local lodge at Forest Camp (B,L,D)
Day 4: Trek to Low Camp (2950m; 4 hrs)
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 tea-houses. You will have the rest of the day to soak in beautiful views of Machhapuchre.
Overnight at a tea-house at Low Camp (B,L,D)
Day 5: Trek to High Camp (3580m; 4 hrs)
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.
Overnight in a tea-house at High Camp (B,L,D)
Day 6: Day hike to View Point (4450m; 7-8 hrs)
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.
Overnight in a tea-house at High Camp (B,L,D)
Day 7: Descend to Forest Camp (2590m; 5 hrs)
After a hefty breakfast you will retrace your steps back to forest camp.
Overnight in local lodge at Forest Camp (B,L,D)
Day 8: Trek to Kalimati (1600m; 2 hrs)
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 ‘tea-house’ trekking routes, your route now follows the arm valley and past friendly villages into Kalimati.
Overnight in local lodge at Kalimati (B,L,D)
Day 9: To Lwang (1500m; 4-5 hrs)
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.
Overnight in local lodge at Lwang (B,L,D)
Day 10: Hike to Milanchowk, Hemja (3 hrs) and drive to Pokhara (30 min)
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.
Overnight in Pokhara at a lakeside Hotel (B)
Day 11: Late afternoon flight to Kathmandu (25 min)
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.
Overnight in Hotel Tibet (B)
Day 12: Rest day 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.
Overnight in Hotel Tibet (B, D)
Day 13: End of program: Departure
An office representative will drive you to the Kathmandu International Airport 3 hrs prior to the scheduled flight time.
Meals (B)
Cost - US $ 2115 (joining Kathmandu)
(Single Supplement: additional US $ )
Cost Includes:
- All airport pick ups and drops
- 2 night hotel in Tibet Kathmandu on BB | 2 night hotel in Pokhara on BB
- All local transportation as per as itinerary
- Flights: Kathmandu – Pokhara – Kathmandu
- Food and accommodation during the trek
- All permits & entrance fees as per program (unless mentioned otherwise)
- Sleeping Bag, Down jacket and Kit bag
- Guide and porter
- Staff insurance
Cost Excludes:
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara (except when mentioned)
- Visa fee
- Travel insurance
- Any kind of alcoholic drinks, drinking water, cold drinks, laundry, phone call
- Tips for guide, porter and driver
TRIP FACTS
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Duration
13 Days -
Best Season
Mar, Apr, May, Sep, Oct, Nov -
Max-Altitude
4450m -
Difficulty Level
Moderate -
Group Size
2-14 pax persons -
Accomodation
Local Lodge