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| 1–3 trekkers | $755 |
| 4–6 trekkers | $730 |
| 7–9 trekkers | $700 |
| 10+ trekkers | $675 |
Price includes round-trip flights, permits, guide, porter, meals, teahouse lodging , and 2 nights’ accommodation in Pokhara.
This trip is fully customizable
The Mardi Himal Trek is a delightful and scenic short trek in Nepal that provides the ideal combination of breathtaking mountain vistas, and authentic cultural immersion. Known as a hidden gem trek in the Annapurna region, it is a wonderful alternative to the more busy Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) trek for those looking for a calm Himalayan trekking experience in 2026. This Mardi Himal route is fairly accessible to both beginners and moderately experienced trekkers, making it an excellent choice for a short but rewarding Himalayan adventure.
The Mardi Himal is situated in the centre of Annapurna Conservation Area. On the trail, you'll walk along peaceful trails through lush rhododendron and oak forests, past traditional Gurung villages, and up to stunning ridgelines with panoramic Himalayan views and world-class photography opportunities.
The trek begins with a short drive from Pokhara to Phedi or Kande by bus, taxi, or private jeep. As you steadily ascend into the high alpine environment, you'll be rewarded with stunning vistas of legendary peaks such as Machapuchare (Fishtail, 6,993m), Annapurna South (7,219m), and Hiunchuli (6,441m).
Reaching the Mardi Himal Base Camp viewpoint and High Camp (3,580m) is the highlight of this short Annapurna trek. Trekkers here feel extremely close to high snow-capped peaks. This part of the trek is widely regarded as one of the most rewarding Annapurna trekking routes in Nepal for adventurers seeking a high-altitude experience in Nepal.
Unlike other busier Nepal trekking tours, the Mardi Himal provides a more personal relationship with local populations. There will be fewer trekkers on the trail, allowing for more authentic contacts with the locals at traditional teahouses and homestays along the way. Here, you may immerse yourself in Gurung culture, enjoy warm hospitality, and sample real Nepali food, all of which enhance the whole experience.
If you're a beginner looking for a doable high-altitude trek or an experienced hiker wanting for peaceful trails in the Himalayas, the Mardi Himal Trek 2026 will provide you with an unforgettable experience. It provides a distinct blend of breathtaking landscape, cultural immersion, and quiet natural beauty, making it a popular choice for those seeking an intimate and sustainable trekking adventure.
The Mardi Himal Trek stands out as a serene alternative to more crowded routes, offering an authentic experience where your trek directly supports local communities and sustainability. The Mardi Himal Trek rewards you with a breathtaking 360-degree panorama, placing you face-to-face with the towering Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and the iconic Machhapuchhre (Fishtail). This trek is truly delightful throughout the year; you can witness the vibrant explosion of red and pink rhododendrons in the spring or enjoy crystal-clear mountain views in the autumn.
The Mardi Himal Trek is its flexibility, and we actually encourage you to customize the trip to make it unique and truly yours. You don't need to figure out the logistics alone—we are here to help you design the perfect plan. Whether you want to speed up the pace for an extra challenge, extend your trek with Annapurna Base Camp trek or Poon Hill for deeper cultural immersion, or link the route with the Tatopani hot springs for a more relaxed adventure, the choice is yours. Simply contact us with your preferences, and we will tailor the itinerary to match your ideal pace, plan and interests.
Drive Time: 6–7 hours
Optional Flight: 25 minutes (US$125)
Overnight: Hotel in Pokhara
Today your adventure begins with a scenic bus ride from Kathmandu to Pokhara, where you will spend the night before starting your trek to Mardi Himal on the the following morning. Pokhara lakeside is a beautiful town nestled at the base of the Annapurna Range. If the weather is clear, you can see your first stunning views of the snow-capped peaks reflecting in Phewa Lake in the evening. If you would like to fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara rather than traveling by tourist bus for 6–7 hours, a 25-minute domestic flight is available at an additional cost.
Drive Time: 30 minutes
Trek Time: 5-6 hours
Overnight: Teahouse in Pothana
From Pokhara, you’ll take a quick half-hour drive to Phedi to officially begin your Mardi Himal Trek on the "scenic stairs" of the Mardi Himal trail. The trek kicks off with a spirited, steep ascent up traditional stone steps that test your lungs but reward you quickly with the terraced beauty of the lower foothills. Upon reaching the Gurung village of Dhampus, the incline softens significantly, transforming into a pleasant, easy walk through lush forests and open ridges. This gentle final stretch leads you to Pothana at 1,890 m, where the iconic silhouette of Machhapuchhre first begins to dominate the skyline, and you’ll settle into a cozy mountain lodge to rest after your first day’s climb.
Trek Time: 5–6 hours
Overnight: Teahouse in Forest Camp
Leaving Pothana, the trail transitions from open ridges into an enchanting, moss-covered wilderness of ancient rhododendron and oak. You'll begin the trek with a steady climb to Pitam Deurali (2,100 m), the final gateway of ABC where you leave the main trekking crowds behind for the secluded Mardi Himal trek. From here, the route becomes a peaceful "green tunnel," winding through a silent, undulating forest where the sounds of civilization fade into the rustle of the trees. After a few hours of atmospheric trekking through this shaded area, you’ll reach in Forest Camp (2,520 m), where you will spend the night.
Trek Time: 5–6 hours
Overnight: Teahouse in Low Camp
From Forest Camp to Low Camp (2,970m) is a steady climb, the trail ascent through a dense, primeval forest where the vegetation shifts noticeably to hardy rhododendrons. As you gain altitude, the trees become smaller, and lush tree ferns, creating an atmospheric "green tunnel" that feels worlds away from civilization. The air grows crisper as the trail winds through this silent and high-altitude. If the weather is clear, the forest finally yields at Low Camp to reveal a superb view of Mount Machhapuchhre just standing majestically at the head of the valley.
Trek Time: 4–5 hours
Overnight: Teahouse in High Camp
The climb from Low Camp (2,970m) to High Camp (3,600m) is a dramatic transition from the forest to the alpine zone. As you ascend, the trees thin out and eventually disappear, replaced by hardy shrubs and grassy meadows. The trail follows a spectacular ridgeline, often referred to as the "cloud ridge," where you may find yourself walking above a sea of mist. This section offers some of the most breathtaking views of the trek, with the sheer south face of Mount Annapurna South (7,219m) and Hiunchuli (6,441m) appearing closer with every step.
Trek Time: 6-7 hours
Overnight: Teahouse in Badal Danda
Today is the most scenic day of the Mardi Himal Trek. We start early and hike to the Upper Viewpoint and Mardi Himal Base Camp for breathtaking sunrise views of Annapurna I, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Peak), and Mardi Himal. After soaking in the panoramic Himalayan vistas, return to the teahouse at High Camp for a hearty breakfast. Later, continue hiking down to Badal Danda, a peaceful ridge known for its cloud-covered valleys and sweeping mountain views. This unforgettable day offers the most iconic moments of the trek.
Trek Time: 6-7 hours
Overnight: Teahouse in Sidding
From Badal Danda, you leave the open alpine ridges and get back into the lush, mossy forests. You will take a different route from Low Camp (2,970m); the trail branches off, bypassing Kokar and dropping steeply toward the valley floor. The wilderness soon enters the terraced fields of Sidding (1,700m), a traditional Gurung village that remains away from the busier modern trekking circuits. Staying here offers a genuine cultural immersion where the day hike ends, providing an intimate glimpse into authentic mountain life.
Trek Time: 3 hours
Drive Time: 2 hours
Overnight: Hotel in Pokhara
Today is the final day of your Mardi Himal trek! After breakfast, you’ll descend from Sidding through the valley, enjoying a gentle walk through lush terraced hills and small settlements of the local Gurung and Tamang people. The trail leads you through the picturesque Ghalel village, a traditional community known for its warm hospitality and neatly kept stone houses. The trek continues to Lumre, taking approximately 2 to 3 hours in total, where your final day hike officially concludes. From Lumre, a private vehicle will transfer you back to Pokhara Lakeside by a scenic two-hour drive. You’ll arrive back at the lakeside city, where you can relax by Phewa Tal.
Overnight: Teahouse in Gorak Shep
Drive Time: 6-7 hours
Optional Flight: 25 minutes (US$125)
End of your Mardi Himal Trek! Enjoy a scenic drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu through picturesque hills and the roaring Trishuli River. Along the way, you will pass through roadside villages and terraced farmlands that show the beauty of rural Nepal. We will stop for lunch en route, which allows you to soak in the river views before completing the the in the capital of Kathmandu. 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.
April 2, 2025
“We did the Everest Base Camp trek in April with Above & Beyond. The views were breathtaking and our guide made everything so easy and fun. Highly recommend!”
October 10, 2025
“It was a trip of a lifetime! Our guide Sam was incredibly professional, and always ensured we were safe and comfortable. I will never forget this experience”
October 12, 2025
“My trek to Everest Base Camp with Above & Beyond Trekking exceeded all expectations. Everything was well-organized from airport pickup to the final descent.”
April 2, 2023
“The Everest Base Camp trek was an experience of a lifetime! And a knowledgeable guide like Sam was a definite plus. We learned so much about the Nepali culture. He took extra time to answer our questions and explain customs of the wonderful local people. All details were well worked out and logistics went smoothly. Sam was kind and gentle but also made the call when needed to get a horse for me to finish the last leg of the journey”
April, 2023
“Sam is possibly the best trekking guide in Nepal if not the world. Guide, porter, medic, comidian, singer he does it all! Sam is very friendly and so easy to talk too. I found it very easy to bring up any issues I had (not that I had many) which helped to make the trekking experience the best it could possibly be. Sam is very knowledgeable about the mountains and the local culture and thought us so much. Sam also chooses the best local porters. Very friendly and very helpful. Couldn't have asked for any better. I couldn't recommend above and beyond trekking more highly”
