Mardi Himal Trek: Amazing and Unique Destination in Small Effort

Arrival in Kathmandu, transfer to Hotel

Your Mardi Himal Trek Nepal begins the moment you land at Tribhuvan International Airport, where a Himalayan Walkers representative will welcome you with a traditional Nepali greeting.

After assisting with your luggage, you'll be escorted to your hotel in a comfortable private vehicle, with glimpses of Kathmandu's vibrant streets and bustling atmosphere setting the tone for the adventure ahead.

Once at the hotel, take time to relax, freshen up, and adjust after your journey. Our team will provide a trek briefing to make sure you're well prepared for the days ahead, before setting off toward Pokhara and the quieter trails of the Annapurna region.

Guided City Tour of Kathmandu Valley

Day 2 of Mardi Himal Trek plan is dedicated to a guided tour of Kathmandu's UNESCO World Heritage Sites — Swayambhunath, Patan Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, and Boudhanath Stupa. [See our full Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour for details on each site.]

Drive to Kande via Pokhara (or fly to Pokhara & drive to Kande), trek to Australian Camp, 2065m

This leg of the Mardi Himal Trek Nepal begins with the journey from Kathmandu to Pokhara — either a scenic 6–7 hour drive along the Prithvi Highway, passing terraced fields and river valleys, or a quick 25-minute flight offering aerial views of the Annapurna range.

From Pokhara, a short drive continues to Kande, the official starting point of the trek.

From Kande, the trail begins with a steady climb through forested hillside, gradually gaining elevation as views of the surrounding hills open up.

After a few hours of trekking, you'll reach Australian Camp, a peaceful ridge-top spot known for sweeping views of the Annapurna range and, on clear days, Machapuchare's distinctive Fishtail peak. It's a fitting first stop on the trail — quiet, scenic, and a gentle introduction to the days of trekking ahead.

Trek from Australian Camp to Forest Camp, 4/5 hours, 2520m

Leaving Australian Camp behind, this stretch of the Mardi Himal Trek Nepal climbs steadily for 4–5 hours, moving deeper into the forested hillsides of the Annapurna region.

The trail winds through dense rhododendron and oak forest, with the canopy gradually thinning as the elevation increases, offering occasional glimpses of the surrounding ridgelines through the trees.

As the name suggests, Forest Camp sits tucked within this woodland setting — a quiet, shaded stop that feels noticeably more remote than the previous night's camp. With fewer trekkers on this route compared to busier Annapurna trails, the walk offers a genuine sense of solitude, broken only by birdsong and the occasional rustle of wildlife in the undergrowth.

It's a peaceful overnight stop, with the trail's more dramatic mountain views still ahead.

Trek from Forest Camp to Low Camp, 6/7 hours, 2970m

This stretch of the Mardi Himal Trek Nepal is one of the longer trekking days, taking around 6–7 hours as the trail continues climbing out of the forest and into more open terrain.

The dense rhododendron woodland gradually gives way to thinner tree cover, with the landscape shifting noticeably as elevation increases and the first real mountain panoramas begin to open up along the ridge.

Arriving at Low Camp, trekkers are rewarded with expanding views of the surrounding peaks, a welcome payoff after a demanding day on the trail.

The camp itself offers a comfortable teahouse setting to rest and recover, with the altitude starting to become more noticeable — a good reminder to pace steadily and stay hydrated as the trek pushes toward High Camp and Mardi Himal Base Camp in the days ahead.

Trek from Low Camp to High Camp, 4/5 hours, 3550m

The trek from Low Camp to High Camp is a thrilling ascent that takes approximately 4-5 hours, offering some of the most dramatic views of the Mardi Himal Trek. Leaving Low Camp, the trail climbs steadily through moss-covered trees and sparse rhododendron forests, eventually transitioning into an open ridge with expansive vistas.

As you ascend higher, the landscape becomes more rugged, with sweeping views of Machapuchare (Fishtail), Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli dominating the horizon.

The trail narrows in some sections, adding a sense of adventure while maintaining safety. The altitude begins to feel noticeable here, so a steady pace and hydration are essential. Upon reaching High Camp at approximately 3,550 meters, you’ll be rewarded with jaw-dropping panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks and the surrounding valleys.

High Camp serves as a perfect vantage point to soak in the grandeur of the Annapurna region while enjoying the hospitality of the teahouses that provide warm meals and a cozy place to rest for the night.

Hike to Mardi Base Camp (4500m.) and trek down to Low Camp, 8/9 hours

This is the highlight of the entire Mardi Himal Trek Nepal — an early morning push from High Camp to Base Camp, timed for one of the most memorable sunrises in the Annapurna region. Starting before dawn, the trail climbs gradually but steeply along a narrow ridge, the cold mountain air adding to the sense of adventure.

Reaching Mardi Himal Base Camp at 4,500 meters takes around 3–4 hours, and as the sun rises, the peaks of Mardi Himal, Machapuchare (Fishtail), Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli light up in gold — a moment that stays with every trekker who makes it here.

After time to take in the views, celebrate, and capture the moment, the trail descends back to High Camp for a well-earned breakfast. From there, the journey continues down to Low Camp, another 4–5 hours through the same forest trails and mountain views from earlier in the trek.

Arriving at Low Camp, there's time to relax in the teahouses and reflect on what's easily the most rewarding day of the entire Mardi Himal trek.

Trek from Low Camp to Siding and drive to Pokhara, 5/6 hours, 822m

The trek from Low Camp to Siding Village is a beautiful descent that takes approximately 5-6 hours, leading you through lush forests, terraced fields, and traditional mountain settlements.

The trail gradually leaves the alpine zone and transitions into subtropical vegetation, with rhododendron and oak forests giving way to vibrant farmlands. This part of the trek offers a glimpse into rural Nepali life, as you pass by charming villages, interact with locals, and observe their daily activities.

Siding Village, located at around 1,750 meters, is a quaint and peaceful settlement that offers a warm cultural experience. It’s less touristy than the main trekking route, allowing you to enjoy the authenticity and tranquility of the area. After a short rest and perhaps a light lunch in Siding, you’ll board a vehicle for the drive back to Pokhara, which takes about 2-3 hours.

The drive winds through scenic mountain roads, giving you a final opportunity to take in the natural beauty of the Annapurna region before arriving in the vibrant lakeside city of Pokhara. Here, you can unwind by Phewa Lake, enjoy a delicious meal, and reflect on the incredible journey you’ve completed.

Guided Pokhara City Tour

A guided city tour in Pokhara provides the perfect opportunity to explore the cultural, natural, and spiritual highlights of this picturesque lakeside city. The tour begins with a serene visit to Phewa Lake, where you can take a boat ride on its calm waters and marvel at the reflection of Machapuchare (Fishtail) on the lake’s surface. Nearby, the Tal Barahi Temple, located on a small island in the lake, offers a peaceful spiritual experience.

Next, you’ll head to the World Peace Pagoda, perched on a hill overlooking Pokhara. This Buddhist stupa provides stunning panoramic views of the Annapurna range, Phewa Lake, and the city below, making it an ideal spot for photography and quiet reflection. The tour continues with a visit to the Devi's Fall, a fascinating waterfall that vanishes into an underground tunnel, and the adjacent Gupteshwor Cave, a sacred site with a shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva.

To explore Pokhara’s vibrant culture, your guide will take you to the International Mountain Museum, which showcases the history of mountaineering, the culture of Nepal’s mountain communities, and the biodiversity of the Himalayas. Finally, you’ll visit the Bindhyabasini Temple, one of Pokhara’s oldest Hindu temples, offering a peaceful atmosphere and excellent views of the surrounding area.

Throughout the tour, your knowledgeable guide will share insights into Pokhara’s rich history and significance, making it an enriching cultural experience to complement your trekking adventure. The day ends with some leisure time to explore Pokhara’s lively Lakeside area, filled with shops, cafes, and restaurants, where you can relax and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.

Drive or Fly back to Kathmandu, rest day

As your unforgettable Mardi Himal Trek comes to an end, you have the option to either drive or fly back to Kathmandu from Pokhara.

For those who prefer a scenic, leisurely journey, the drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu takes about 6-7 hours. The route along the Prithvi Highway offers stunning views of terraced fields, lush valleys, and the cascading rivers that run through the heart of Nepal. You’ll pass through charming towns and rural landscapes, immersing yourself in the natural beauty of the region.

The journey provides a peaceful conclusion to your adventure, with occasional stops for refreshments and scenic photo opportunities along the way.

Alternatively, if you're short on time or prefer a quicker return, the flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu takes just 25 minutes. The aerial view of the mountains, valleys, and rivers is a perfect way to say goodbye to the Annapurna region.

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you'll be transferred to your hotel, where you can unwind and reflect on the incredible experiences and memories created during your trek.

Both options provide a fitting end to your journey, allowing you to either take in the final beauty of the landscape or quickly return to the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu.

Final Departure

Our representative will see you off at airport. We wish you have a wonderful flight back home.