Mardi Himal Trekking offers an unparalleled adventure to the long rising ridge and its summit (5,588m) that forms the southwesterly slope of Mount Machhapuchhre. This majestic peak, towering over the Pokhara Valley, is renowned as Fishtail Mountain due to its distinctive twin peaks. The Mardi Himal trek ascends through lush forests and above tree lines, following a ridge that leads trekkers to ‘High Camp’ at 3,620m. During the Mardi Himal trek, hikers have the opportunity to acclimatize while marveling at breathtaking views. Annapurna South appears close enough to touch, and Machhapuchhre looms impressively nearby. As the Mardi Himal trekking route continues beyond 4,500 meters, adventurers enter a wilderness territory where the vast ice fields and blue glaciers of Annapurna Base Camp unfold below. The pinnacle of the Mardi Himal trek reveals an awe-inspiring panorama. In an arc from east to west, a dozen or more glistening snow-capped giants dominate the horizon, with Annapurna I reigning as the highest—a vista that is virtually unmatched. The Mardi Himal trekking experience, with its incredible proximity to five of the world’s highest mountains, leaves hikers with a profound sense of exploration and accomplishment. Mardi Himal, both superbly beautiful and considered sacred, has so far been closed to climbing expeditions. This adds an air of mystique to the Mardi Himal trek, allowing trekkers to experience its majesty while respecting its sanctity.
Highlights:
Panoramic Mountain Views: Enjoy breathtaking vistas of the Annapurna range, including
Machhapuchhre (fishtail mountain), Annapurna South, and Mardi Himal, throughout the trek.
Cultural Immersion: Explore traditional Nepalese villages inhabited by Brahmin, Magar, and
Gurung communities, and experience their unique culture and way of life.
Remote and Off-the-Beaten-Path: Discover remote and less-visited areas of the Annapurna
region, away from the crowds, offering a sense of tranquility and solitude.
Rich Biodiversity: Trek through diverse landscapes, including lush rhododendron forests, alpine
meadows, and rugged mountain terrain, home to a variety of flora and fauna.
Sunrise at High Camp: Witness the spectacular sunrise over the Himalayas from High Camp,
offering unforgettable views of snow-capped peaks bathed in golden light.
Mardi Himal Base Camp: Reach the base camp of Mardi Himal and marvel at the close-up views
of Annapurna South and Fishtail Mountain towering above.
Scenic Drive: Enjoy a scenic drive from Siding Village back to Pokhara, passing through
picturesque countryside and terraced fields.
Early in the morning, we will depart from Pokhara and start on a scenic drive to Dhampus, which takes approximately 2 hours. From Dhampus, our trekking journey begins, leading us through ethnic Brahmin,
Magar, and Gurung villages. En route, we are greeted by panoramic views of the Annapurna peaks.
The trail continues through lush rhododendron forests, eventually bringing us to Pothana and finally to
Deurali at an altitude of 2100m. At Deurali, we are treated to magnificent vistas of the Annapurna South peak and the surrounding high glaciers.
Overnight stay in a Lodge.
We depart from Deurali early in the morning and set out for Forest Camp. The trail ascends steadily through rhododendron, birch, oak, maple, and hemlock forests. Along the way, keep an eye out for wildlife such as leopards, deer, monkeys, and various bird species.
After a trekking duration of 5 to 6 hours, we arrive at Forest Camp situated at an altitude of 2600m. Here, amidst the tranquility of the forested surroundings, we spend the night in a Lodge.
Today’s trekking leg takes us from Forest Camp to High Camp via Low Camp. The trail presents steep ascents, but the reward is in the breathtaking views of Machhapuchhre (fishtail mountain), the Annapurna Range, the Annapurna Base Camp valley, and Mardi Himal.
As we ascend, the forest gradually gives way to open meadows, offering panoramic vistas of the
surrounding valleys and peaks. The ridge becomes narrower, providing stunning views of the Modi Khola and Mardi Khola river valleys. After 4 to 5 hours of trekking, we reach High Camp at an altitude of 3600m, where we spend the night in a Lodge.
We begin the day early at High Camp to witness the spectacular sunrise over the Himalayas. From there,we ascend along a narrow ridge to reach Mardi Himal Base Camp at 4500 meters. The panoramic views from the base camp are awe-inspiring, with Annapurna South and Fishtail Mountain dominating the horizon.
After spending some time soaking in the majestic scenery, we descend back to High Camp for lunch.
Continuing our descent, we trek back to Low Camp, where we spend the night in a Lodge.
On the final day of our trek, we bid farewell to Low Camp and commenced our descent towards Siding Village. The trail winds through lush forests, offering glimpses of local life and scenery along the way.
After approximately 4 hours of trekking, we reach Siding Village, where our trekking journey concludes.
From Siding Village, we embark on a scenic drive back to Pokhara, which takes around 3 hours.
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The Mardi Himal Trek is a relatively short and lesser-known trek in the Annapurna region. It offers stunning views of Mardi Himal, Machapuchare (Fishtail), Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli, along with a peaceful trail through rhododendron forests and rugged mountain landscapes.
The trek typically takes 5–7 days, depending on the itinerary and pace. It can also be extended or shortened based on your preferences.
The ideal seasons are:
The Mardi Himal Trek is moderate. Daily hikes last 4–6 hours with gradual ascents. It is suitable for beginners with reasonable fitness but still offers rewarding challenges.
The highest point is Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500 m). Many trekkers stop at the High Camp (3,580 m) or trek further to the Viewpoint (4,200 m) for stunning panoramic views.
You’ll need:
The trail is well-marked and can be done independently, but hiring a guide or porter is recommended for:
Navigation and cultural insights.
Reducing the burden of carrying heavy backpacks.
Ensuring safety in less-traveled areas.
