Annapurna Region Trekking Packages
Expert-guided adventures for every experience level.
Khopra Danda Trek with Poon Hill Sunrise
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Including 2 Nights Pokhara Hotel
Call us, we are at your service
Call us, we are at your service
View more photosPrice includes round-trip flights, permits, guide, porter, meals, teahouse lodging , and 2 nights hotel accommodation in Pokhara.
This trip is fully customizable
The Mardi Himal trek with above and Beyond Trekking takes you to eastern flank of the Annapurna massif, a shorter route that still puts you face‑to‑face with some of the biggest peaks in the range! During the trek to Mardi the trail climbs through forests, past ridges where the air gets thin, and ends at the base of Mardi Himal itself. What makes this trek stand out is the view. You look straight up at the unclimbed face of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Mountain), a mountain the locals consider sacred. The trail sees fewer people than the main Annapurna routes, so you get long stretches of quiet, with nothing but the wind moving through the trees and undisturbed views of the Himalaya!
You start the 11 days Mardi Himal trek in Nepal with a drive, or optional flight to Pokhara. This incredibly scenic city is located just at the side of the serene Phewa Lake. A short drive takes you to the lower hills of Annapurna. The trek starts from here and rises through Pothana and Forest Camp, moving steadily upward under a canopy of blooming rhododendron and oak. As the trees thin out, the peaks start to show themselves. Low Camp gives way to High Camp, and from there, an early morning push leads to Mardi Himal Base Camp at 4,250 m / 13,944 ft. The view from the top is direct and clear. Annapurna South to one side, Machhapuchhre straight ahead, and the valleys falling away below. They say this view can only be seen from here. The way down takes a different line through Badal Danda and Siding Village, bending past farms and stone houses before reaching down at Lumre.
Above and Beyond Trekking puts this 11‑day Mardi Himal trek together for people who want a real mountain experience without spending three weeks on the trail. The teahouses along the way serve hot meals and provide a roof, and a local Above and Beyond Trekking guide handles the navigation and permits. This is a trek that gives you the mountains without the crowds, the altitude without the weeks, and the views without the noise. Book today your Mardi Himal trek and see the best of the Annapurna in just a few days!
The Mardi Himal trek is considered moderate in difficulty. It is suitable for trekkers with good fitness, with daily trekking hours of 3 to sometimes 7 hours. The highest point of the trek is at Mardi Himal Base Camp at 4,250 m / 13,940 ft, which doesn’t require separate acclimatization days. The main challenges are the steep sections, especially the climb to High Camp and the ascent to Base Camp. Previous trekking experience is not required, but regular walking or cardiovascular exercise beforehand is recommended to enjoy more of this trek.
To get the best experience of the Mardi Himal trek we highly recommend planning your trip for the spring season. During this time the entire forest is colored with the flowers of the rhododendron trees, the temperatures warm, and the views clear! Another option is to trek during the autumn season. This provides clear skies, stable weather, and the best mountain views after the monsoon rains have cleared the air. Winter (December to February) is cold but still doable, with clear skies.
Hiring a guide is always recommended. Not only does it provide you with peace of mind during the trek but also helps and supports local economy by providing job opportunities. Above and Beyond Trekking always provides a guide included in the package. They give knowledge, make sure teahouses are booked and available as well as help you navigate the trail and inform you about culture and mountains. While you can trek the Mardi Himal trail alone, why not trek with a guide and make new friendships?
You stay in the teahouses. These are simple lodges with shared rooms and communal dining areas. The facilities are basic but comfortable, with meals cooked to order. At higher elevations like High Camp, the teahouses are more basic, but all provide warm meals and a place to sleep! Above and Beyond Trekking arranges the best available teahouses along the route with help of your guide.
Pack light but include warm layers for the higher elevations, waterproof clothing, sturdy hiking boots, a sleeping bag, a headlamp, sunscreen, and a first‑aid kit. The teahouses provide blankets, but a warm sleeping bag is recommended for comfort at higher elevations. Essential items include a fleece jacket, waterproof outer shell, warm hat, and gloves for the cold mornings.
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
Day 02: Drive to Pokhara, optional flight available
Day 03: Drive to Phedi and trek to Pothana
Day 04: Trek to Forest Camp
Day 05: Trek to Low Camp
Day 06: Trek to High Camp
Day 07: Hike to Mardi Himal Base Camp and trek to Badal Danda
Day 08: Trek to Siding Village
Day 09: Trek to Lumre and drive back to Pokhara
Day 10: Drive back to Kathmandu, optional flight available
Day 11: Departure
The moment you step out of the terminal, the sights and sounds of Kathmandu greet you. A representative from Above and Beyond Trekking spots you in the arriving crowd, escorts you to a private vehicle, and navigates the lively streets toward your own booked hotel in Kathmandu. After checking, the remainder of the day is yours to spend as you wish. Perhaps a stroll through the nearby streets, a cup of tea on a rooftop cafe overlooking the city, or simply a long rest after your flight. We meet up the next day early morning to head to Pokhara.
Overnight: at your own booked hotel in Kathmandu
Drive: 6–7 hours
The morning begins with an early departure from Kathmandu. Your Above and Beyond Trekking guide will pick you up and guide you to the bus park. The bus drives out of the valley, following the Trishuli River as it winds through the hills. A few hours into the drive, the first white peaks of the Himalaya appear on the horizon, growing clearer as you approach Pokhara. Upon arrival, you check into your hotel near the lakeside. The evening offers a chance to walk along Phewa Lake, where the reflection of the mountains dances on the water. If you prefer to skip the long drive, a 25‑minute domestic flight is available for an additional charge. In the evening you meet up with your guide at the hotel and go over a detailed trip briefing for the Mardi Himal trek.
Overnight: hotel (B&B) in Pokhara
Drive: 30 minutes, Trek time: 5‑6 hours
After your hotel breakfast in Pokhara, you take a short jeep/van ride through the countryside into the hills. Your destination? Phedi, just below the hill. This is the starting point for your Mardi Himal trek. You start by climbing through the terraced fields and into the rhododendron and oak forests. The trail is well maintained, and you can enjoy the views of the hills and smaller villages that you will pass through. At Pothana, you can go up to the ridge to see views of the Annapurna range. Check into the local teahouse and rest from your first day on the Mardi Himal trail. Dinner is served in the community hall.
Overnight: a local teahouse in Pothana
Trek time: 5-6 hours
The trail leaves Pothana and continues climbing through dense forests of oak and rhododendron. Today it’s mostly shaded and cool, with the forest canopy providing protection from the sun. As you gain more altitude, the trees become thicker, and the sounds of birds and nature fill the air. Forest Camp is a small clearing with a few teahouses, set in the center of the forest. The accommodation here is basic but comfortable, and the forest offers a sense of peace and isolation!
Overnight: a local teahouse in Forest Camp
Trek time: 5-6 hours
Today you continue climbing through the green forest, with the vegetation gradually thinning as you gain altitude. Pass through small clearings and cross streams, with occasional views of the surrounding peaks. The ascent becomes steeper as you approach Low Camp, a ridge-top settlement with great views. Rest and check out the amazing scenery with Mt Machhapuchhre and the Annapurna Range in the backdrop. Dinner is served at the teahouse.
Overnight: a local teahouse in Low Camp
Trek time: 4-5 hours
A steep ascend today, as you steadily climb out of Low Camp, with the vegetation thinning to alpine grass and juniper. The views of the surrounding peaks become clearer as you gain altitude. Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) is the main highlight, and Mardi Himal is also visible on clear days. Located on top of the ridge is High Camp. Just a few teahouses and a small clearing for camping. The wind can be strong here, but the views are a just reward for the effort! Have dinner and overnight at the teahouse.
Overnight: a local teahouse in High Camp
Trek time: 6-7 hours
An early start today takes you up the steep trail to Mardi Himal Base Camp! The ascent is challenging, with loose debris and rocky sections, but the views are spectacular! From the base camp, you get close‑up sunrise views of the massive south face of Annapurna South, Annapurna I, the iconic Fishtail peak Mt Machhapuchhre, and Mardi Himal. After taking in the views, you begin the descent, retracing your steps down to Badal Danda after breakfast at High Camp. The descent is steep in places, but the views of the mountains continue to accompany you. Badal Danda offers amazing valley views and is set in a peaceful area.
Overnight: a local teahouse in Badal Danda
Trek time: 6-7 hours
You continue the descend through the familiar forest of oak and rhododendron. From the ridge you get some last views of the surrounding hills and mountains. As you lose altitude you pass by smaller villages and terraced farm fields start to appear again. You trek slowly downhill with memories of your views from Mardi Himal Base Camp. After a good 6 to 7 hours of trekking, you’ll reach the village of Siding. You take a good rest before you have dinner and prepare for the night.
Overnight: a local teahouse in Siding
Trek time: 3 hours, Drive: 2 hours
Your final day of trekking the Mardi Himal trail. After breakfast you head out and make way through the terraced fields to Lumre. You’ll pass by a few smaller villages and views of the hills and countryside. It’s just a short trek until you reach Lumre. Take a short rest and hop on the jeep to drive back to Pokhara. Arriving back at the hotel feels surreal after spending almost a week in the mountains. The facilities are available, hot showers, soft mattress and a private bathroom! In the evening you can take a last stroll around Phewa Lake and enjoy one of the lakeside restaurants.
Overnight: hotel (B&B) in Pokhara
Drive: 6-7 hours
After breakfast at the hotel, you head for the bus park. Enjoy a scenic drive from Pokhara to back to Kathmandu through the hills and back along the familiar Trishuli River. Along the way, you will pass through roadside villages and terraced farmlands that show the beauty of rural Nepal for a last time. If you would like to fly back from Pokhara rather than traveling by tourist bus for 6–7 hours, a 25-minute domestic flight is available at an additional cost. Back in Kathmandu your guide takes you back to your own booked hotel and leaves you for rest. In the evening we meet up for your valuable trip review.
Overnight: at your own booked hotel in Kathmandu
Your Mardi Himal trek with Above and Beyond Trekking concludes today. Our driver will pick you up on time for your flight and assist with any luggage you might have. We say our goodbyes at the airport, and you take the beautiful memories of your Mardi Himal trek with views of the Annapurna and Fishtail with you. Hoping to see you soon again and wishing you a safe flight.
Expert-guided adventures for every experience level.
