If you are looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure that avoids the heavy crowds of the main Annapurna trails, the Mardi Himal Trek is the perfect choice. Opened to international trekkers relatively recently, this spectacular short trek follows a dramatic, winding ridge high above the valleys, offering some of the most intimate and close-up views of Mount Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) and the Annapurna range.
Starting just a short drive from Pokhara, the trail ascends rapidly through enchanting rhododendron forests before breaking above the tree line into rugged alpine terrain. At Explore The Adventures, we offer expertly guided Mardi Himal itineraries designed to give you a peaceful, raw, and unforgettable Himalayan experience.
Walk along a high-altitude spine that offers sweeping, uninterrupted views of deep valleys and towering peaks on both sides.
Get incredibly close to the sacred, unclimbed peak of Mount Machhapuchhre, dominating the skyline throughout the trek.
Enjoy a quieter, more peaceful trail experience compared to the heavily trafficked routes of ABC or the Annapurna Circuit.
Trek through dense, moss-draped oak and rhododendron forests that feel like stepping into a fairy tale.
A short 45-minute drive from Pokhara brings you to Kande. From here, you hike up through Australian Camp and Pothana, enjoying your first mountain views before resting in Deurali.
Leave the main Annapurna trails behind as you enter a quiet, dense trail through the forest. The air cools as you ascend to Forest Camp, surrounded by lush vegetation.
The trees begin to thin, giving way to alpine shrubs. As you climb along the ridge past Low Camp and Badal Danda, the Annapurna South and Fishtail panoramas open up spectacularly.
Wake up before dawn for a challenging but rewarding climb to the Upper Viewpoint or Mardi Base Camp. After soaking in the majestic sunrise, descend back down the ridge to rest.
Take a different, steeper route down through traditional farming terraces to the village of Siding, where a jeep will be waiting to drive you back to Pokhara.
Mandatory environmental fee that funds trail maintenance and local wildlife conservation.
Required registration for ensuring the safety and tracking of all hikers in the region.
Note: Explore The Adventures handles all permit processing for our clients prior to departure.
It is a moderate trek, but it involves steep ascents and descents over a short period. The hike from High Camp to Base Camp is particularly challenging due to the altitude, but completely achievable for fit beginners.
Yes! Many of our clients book from Australia and overseas. We coordinate all logistics, including your domestic flights from Kathmandu to Pokhara and all necessary trekking permits, so you can arrive stress-free.
Because it is a newer route, teahouses on the Mardi Himal trek are simpler and more basic than those on the ABC trail. You will have a warm bed, basic meals, and shared bathroom facilities.
Book your Mardi Himal Trek with Explore The Adventures today.
