Mardi Himal Trek Highlights: What Awaits You
- Picturesque views of Machhapuchhre (6,993 m), Annapurna South (7,219 m), and Hiunchuli (6,441 m).
- Hike to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500 meters/14,764 feet), the highest point of the trek, and witness incredible vistas of the Annapurna range.
- Immerse in the local lifestyle and culture of the Gurung, Magar, and Tamang communities during your stay at the teahouses.
- Enjoy traditional cuisines and local delicacies, including butter tea and yak cheese.
- A quieter trail as compared to the popular Ghorepani Poon Hill and Annapurna Base Camp.
- Enjoy a peaceful trek experience from grasslands, terraced fields, to dense rhododendron forests and alpine landscapes.
- Suitable for beginners who want to experience trekking in the high-altitude Himalayan region.
- Varied route options, such as descending from Siding Village after reaching the Mardi Himal Base Camp for a gentler finish.
Mardi Himal Trek 7 Days Trip Overview
The 7-Day Mardi Himal Trek is a stunning Himalayan trek that presents an off-the-beaten trail in the Annapurna region of Nepal. This trip provides travelers with a breathtaking view of the world's most famous peaks, including Machapuchare/Fishtail Mountain (6,993m/22,943ft), while offering a unique perspective of the Annapurna massif. The Mardi Himal itself stands at 5587m(18,330 ft) high and is situated east of Pokhara, in the Gandaki province.
Unlike the busier Annapurna Base Camp Trek route, the Mark Himal Hike trail remains relatively quiet, providing a sense of solitude and an intimate connection with nature and cultural heritage. Your journey begins with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara, moving on to the charming village of Phedi and Deurali via Dhampus. From there, the trek takes you through dense rhododendron forests to forest camp and finally to high camp.
Finally, you'll be approaching Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500 meters/14,764 feet), the trail follows a ridgeline, which offers sweeping panoramic views of the Annapurna range. Here, you will be amazed as you take in truly memorable and breathtaking views of the impressive mountain peaks. The return is via an alternative route heading towards Badal Dandam, Sidhing, and then driving to Pokhara. This. This way, you will enjoy diverse scenery and another aspect of the diverse landscapes of the area.
Is the Mardi Himal Trek 7 Days Right for You?
The week-long trek is perfect for people of moderate fitness ability who seek a rewarding experience of the Himalayas. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned hiker, the Mardi Himal Trek is a perfect opportunity to enjoy stunning landscapes and engaging culture through Nepal's hidden trails. The short itinerary will appeal to those looking for a quick trip to the Himalayas without the need for an extended stay.
The 7-Day Mardi Himal Trek allows time for proper acclimatization, while keeping the journey efficient. You will be gaining less than 800m elevation per day following a climb high and sleep low approach. This enables your body to adapt to the increasing altitude and avoid complications such as acute mountain sickness. The trek leader further ensures your safety and well-being through regular checkups and safety protocols throughout the trek.
What's unique about the 7-Day Mardi Himal Trek?
The Mardi Himal Trek 7 Days is a blend of stunning natural beauty, accessibility, and cultural immersion within a short timeframe. It is often referred to as the Annapurna region's best-kept secret and a hidden gem. The 7-day Mardi Himal trek offers travelers a quieter and authentic Himalayan atmosphere compared to the Annapurna Base Camp. Here are some other reasons that make this trek stand out from other routes in the region.
A Quieter, Off-the-Beaten-Path Alternative: Unlike some of the more crowded routes in the Annapurna region, Mardi Himal offers a sense of solitude and tranquility. It was only officially opened for trekking in 2012, making it a newer and less thoroughly explored trail, perfect for those seeking a quieter Himalayan experience.
Rich, Ever-Changing Landscapes: The trail takes you from terraced farms, rhododendron forests, and alpine meadows to rocky ridges. You get a perspective that feels much closer and more personal than many other treks with iconic views of Machhapuchre (Fishtail), Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli.
Cultural Immersion Along the Trail: The trek takes you through Gurung and Magar villages of the region. You will be staying at authentic teahouses operated by the locals, which allows you to engage with local traditions, cuisine, and hospitality.
Rich Biodiversity: You will be hiking through the Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal's largest protected region. It is home to unique wildlife like the blue sheep, musk deer, snow leopard, and elusive bird species.
Accessibility and Comfort: The trail can be easily accessed from Pokhara without the hassle of long drives. Additionally, the route is well-facilitated with numerous teahouses, lodges, and infrastructures offering a blend of adventure with a comfortable travel experience along the way.
A Typical Day on Mardi Himal Trek Nepal
Morning: Waking to the Himalayan View
A typical day on the Mark Himal trek begins around 7:00 am as you wake up to the magnificent sight of the Himalayan peaks. After freshening up, you will enjoy a hearty breakfast around 8:00 am. You will then pack your essentials and be back on the trail by 9:00 am.
Daytime: Hiking, Break, and Village Life
Most of the day, you will be hiking around 5–6 hours, including rocky, sub-tropical, and alpine landscapes. Along the way, travelers will have a brief, well-deserved tea and lunch break around 1-2:00 pm at a teahouse or lodge. You can rehydrate, savor delicious yet straightforward local cuisines, and experience a taste of authentic Nepali life.
Evening: Rest, Warmth, and Connection
As the daily trek comes to an end, you'll arrive at another welcoming teahouse or lodge. You will then freshen up and meet with the rest of the trek members in the communal dining room around a wood stove fueled by rhododendron branches. Here, a satisfying dinner awaits around 8:00 pm, a perfect time to share stories and experiences. Before going to sleep, our guide will give a short briefing about the next day's plan, ensuring everyone is prepared for the adventure that lies ahead.
Why Choose Outfitter Nepal for Your Mardi Himal Trek?
Our expert team of experienced and licensed local guides has personally trekked the Mardi Himal route, and we have designed our route map and itinerary based on their experience and expertise. The first-hand experience provides realistic pacing, accurate guidance, and tips. By joining the Mardi Himal Trek with us, you will not only gain local knowledge but also assurance of safe logistics, including permits and official documentation.
We have been operating treks and expeditions in the Himalayas of Nepal for over 15 years, and our commitment to real-world insight and extensive knowledge means you are trekking with the experts. Additionally, Outfitter Nepal is affiliated with Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN) and Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA), which further reflects our credibility, legitimacy, trustworthiness, and authority.
We invite you to join us on the remarkable Mardi Himal Trek and benefit from decades of proven expertise, transparent operations, and a memorable Himalayan adventure.
Online Trip Briefing: After confirming your reservation and receiving essential documents, we'll invite you to an online trip briefing before the trek. This meeting will help you understand the itinerary, what to pack, and what to expect during the journey. You'll be notified of the briefing schedule by email.
