Nepal9 days
Mardi Himal Trek — 9 Days
Annapurna Base Camp at 4,500m via quiet ridges and Gurung villages
The Mardi Himal Trek in Nepal's Annapurna region moves through terrain that sees fewer visitors than the region's established routes, yet delivers views of the same massif — Annapurna South, Machapuchare, and Mardi Himal itself. The route begins in Pokhara and climbs northward through subtropical forest, rhododendron groves, and alpine meadows to reach a high camp at 3,550 meters before a dawn ascent to the base camp at 4,500 meters. The descent follows ridges into Sidhing, a Gurung village where traditional settlement patterns and terraced fields remain unchanged. The trek spans nine days with two rest days built into the itinerary — one in Pokhara before departure, one after returning — and includes a domestic flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara at the outset. Difficulty is rated moderate; elevation gain is gradual enough for trekkers with varied experience.
Highlights
- Domestic flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara (25 minutes) with aerial views of the Himalayan range
- Sunrise from Australian Camp on the first trekking day, with Himalayan peaks visible across the valley
- Passage through Pothana and Pittam Deurali villages before branching onto the less-crowded Mardi Himal route
- Ridge walking with repeated views of Machapuchare (Fishtail) as the path ascends toward high camp
- Pre-dawn departure from High Camp (3,550m) to reach Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m / 14,764 ft) for panoramic views of Annapurna South, Mardi Himal, and Machapuchare
- Descent into Sidhing, a Gurung community set among forested hillsides, with opportunity to observe settlement patterns and agricultural practices
- Moderate difficulty and 7–9 days of actual trekking, accessible to trekkers of varied fitness levels
- Fewer trekkers than main Annapurna routes, with correspondingly quieter village interactions and less crowded camp sites
Day by day
1Arrival in KathmanduKathmandu's international airport · your hotel
You'll be met at Kathmandu's international airport and transferred to your hotel. After checking in, settle in for your first night in Nepal's lively capital.
2Flight to Pokhara and Drive to Kande TrailheadKathmandu to Pokhara · Australian Camp · Pokhara to Kande
A 25-minute flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara offers views of the Himalayan range through the window. On arrival, a vehicle transfer takes the group to Kande (32 km from Pokhara, approximately 1 hour). The trek begins with a short hike to Australian Camp (2,065 meters / 6,775 ft), where the group stays overnight.
3Australian Camp to Forest Camp via Pothana and Pittam DeuraliAustralian Camp · Forest Camp · Pothana and Pittam Deurali villages
The day begins with sunrise from Australian Camp and views across the Himalayan range. After breakfast, the route crosses through Pothana and Pittam Deurali villages before leaving the main Annapurna circuit and turning onto the Mardi Himal Trek route proper. The trek continues through forest terrain to Forest Camp (2,620 meters / 8,595 ft), a trek of approximately 4–5 hours covering 10 km. Overnight at Forest Camp.
4Forest Camp to High Camp via Ridge and Forest TrailForest Camp · High Camp
From Forest Camp, the path ascends through dense forest, along ridges and hillsides, with recurring views of Machapuchare (Fishtail) appearing as the elevation increases. The route covers approximately 8 km over 6–7 hours of trekking to reach High Camp (3,550 meters / 11,646 ft). Overnight at High Camp.
5High Camp to Mardi Himal Base Camp and ReturnHigh Camp · Mardi Himal Base Camp
An early dawn departure from High Camp allows the group to reach Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500 meters / 14,764 ft) for sunrise views across the Annapurna massif — including Mardi Himal, Machapuchare, and Annapurna South. The ascent covers approximately 6.3 km over 5–6 hours. After time spent at the base camp, the trek returns to High Camp for overnight stay. From High Camp to Mardi Himal Base Camp and back to High Camp covers 6.3 km.
6High Camp to SidhingHigh Camp to Sidhing · Sidhing
A downhill descent from High Camp follows ridges and forest trails into Sidhing (1,700 meters / 5,577 ft), a Gurung community village set among lush forested hillsides. The trek covers approximately 12 km over 6–7 hours. Sidhing retains traditional settlement patterns and agricultural methods characteristic of the region. Overnight in Sidhing.
7Drive from Sidhing to PokharaSidhing to Pokhara
After breakfast, a jeep transfer returns the group to Pokhara (35 km, approximately 3–4 hours). The remainder of the day is free for rest and personal activity.
8Return Flight to Kathmandu and Rest DayKathmandu
A domestic flight returns the group to Kathmandu. The remainder of the day is unscheduled, allowing time for personal activity or rest before departure the following day. Overnight in Kathmandu.
9Departure from KathmanduKathmandu
Our airport representative assists with your hotel checkout and escorts you to the airport for your onward journey from Nepal.
Where you go
- 1High Camp
- 2Kathmandu
Activities: TREKING, HIKING