Mardi Himal Trek

Arrive in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, at Tribhuvan International Airport. Airport representatives assist with transfers to the hotel.

Kathmandu sits in the Bagmati Province and serves as the main entry point into Nepal. The city offers access to trekking gear shops, currency exchange, and travel services. The trek briefing typically takes place on this day.

The morning flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara takes approximately 25 minutes. The route passes over forested hills and river valleys. On clear days, the Annapurna and Manaslu ranges are visible from the aircraft.

Pokhara sits at 827 m above sea level in the Gandaki Province. It serves as the gateway city for most Annapurna region treks, including the Mardi Himal Trek. The city lies on the shore of Phewa Lake, from which Machhapuchhre twin-peaked silhouette is clearly visible on clear days.

The afternoon is free for rest, sightseeing, or gear checks. Trekkers can visit the lakeside area, the International Mountain Museum, or the Bindhyabasini Temple.

The drive from Pokhara to Kande takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours along the Pokhara-Baglung Highway. Kande is a small roadhead village and the starting point of the Mardi Himal Trek. The drive passes through Naudanda and the Kaski district countryside.

From Kande, the trail begins with a gradual climb through forested terrain. The path ascends through dense rhododendron, oak, and pine trees. Pitam Deurali is a small pass located at 2,100 m, offering the first clear views of Machhapuchhre and the surrounding foothills.

The trek from Kande to Pitam Deurali takes approximately 3 to 4 hours at a steady pace. The trail is generally well-marked and follows a ridge path with occasional views across the Modi Khola Valley to the south.

Accommodation at Pitam Deurali consists of basic teahouses or lodges. The area marks the entry into the upper forest zone of the Mardi Himal trail.

The trail from Pitam Deurali continues along the ridge, climbing steadily through a thick forest of rhododendron, maple, and birch trees. This section of the Mardi Himal Trek passes through one of the denser forest zones on the route.

Low Camp sits at 2,985 m above sea level. The camp at this elevation is a transitional resting point used for initial acclimatization before the longer climb to High Camp.

The daily trekking time in this segment is approximately 4 to 5 hours. The gradient steepens progressively as the trail ascends from Pitam Deurali. Birdlife is active in this forest zone, with species including Himalayan monal, laughing thrush, and various sunbird species common along the trail.

Trekkers spend the afternoon at Low Camp, resting and adjusting to the altitude. The camp provides an opportunity for acclimatization before the significant elevation gain to High Camp next day.

The climb from Low Camp to High Camp represents the most demanding section of the Mardi Himal Trek. The gradient is steep in multiple sections, especially above the forest boundary.

The trail passes through the cloud forest zone in the lower half of this segment. Mosses and lichens cover the tree branches, and orchids grow on the forest floor. Above the tree line, the trail follows an open ridge with direct views of Machhapuchhre to the north.

High Camp at 3,540 m is the highest overnight stop on this short trek. Teahouses and basic lodges operate here during the main trekking seasons. The camp sits on a broad ridge with panoramic views of Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre.

Trekkers spend the afternoon at High Camp resting and acclimatizing. The evening temperature drops significantly at this altitude. The guide reviews the plan for the summit hike to Mardi Himal West Base Camp the following morning.

The day begins early, typically before dawn. Trekkers start the climb to Mardi Himal West Base Camp at 4,250 m. The trail follows the upper ridge above High Camp. The terrain becomes rocky and exposed as elevation increases.

Mardi Himal West Base Camp sits directly below the crest of Mardi Himal and offers the closest accessible views of Machhapuchhre south face on this route. From the base camp, the Annapurna Sanctuary Wall, the Modi Khola valley, and the ice fields of the Annapurna range are all visible.

This is the highest point of the Mardi Himal Trek and the Machhapuchhre trek circuit. Surrounding peaks visible from this point include Machhapuchhre (6,993 m), Annapurna I (8,091 m), Annapurna South (7,219 m), Hiunchuli (6,441 m), and Gangapurna (7,454 m).

After time at the base camp, the descent begins. The route down is separate from the ascent trail. Trekkers descend steeply from High Camp through the forest and onto terraced farmland. The descent to Siding village drops approximately 2,550 m from base camp — a long but rewarding final descent on this short trek.

Siding is a traditional Gurung village at 1,700 m. The village lies along the Mardi Khola River and is surrounded by terraced fields. Basic lodges and teahouses are available here. The descent from High Camp to Siding takes approximately 6 to 7 hours.

A vehicle picks ups from Siding village in the morning. The drive back to Pokhara takes approximately 2 to 3 hours along the Mardi Khola valley road and connects highways.

On arrival in Pokhara, you will check in to their hotel and have the afternoon free. Many use this time to visit the lakeside, explore the local market, or rest after the demanding descent of the previous day.

The morning flight from Pokhara returns trekkers to Kathmandu. The flight departs from Pokhara Regional Airport and takes approximately 25 minutes.

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to their hotel. The afternoon is free for shopping, city sightseeing, or relaxation. Popular areas include Thamel, Durbar Square, and Boudhanath Stupa.

Trekkers prepare for departure from Kathmandu. Airport transfers are coordinated based on flight schedules. Check-out from the hotel follows standard checkout times.