If you’ve already ticked off Everest Base Camp or the Annapurna Circuit from your trekking bucket list, it’s time to go off the beaten path. Let me introduce you to Mardi Himal Trek – a trail less crowded but equally (if not more) breathtaking.
Tucked quietly in the shadow of the mighty Machapuchare (Fishtail Mountain), the Mardi Himal Trek is Nepal’s best-kept secret. It’s a journey through dense rhododendron forests, across ridge lines that touch the clouds, and up to vantage points that offer unreal views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and of course, Mardi Himal itself.
Trek Overview: The Essentials
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Duration: 4–7 days (flexible depending on pace)
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Maximum Altitude: 4,500m (Mardi Himal Base Camp)
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Start/End Point: Kande/Phedi to Siding or Landruk
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Difficulty: Moderate
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Best Season: March–May & September–November
Day-by-Day Itinerary (Classic 5-Day Route)
Day 1: Pokhara → Kande → Deurali
After a short drive from Pokhara to Kande, the trek begins with an uphill climb through forests and small villages. By evening, you reach Deurali (2,100m)—a peaceful village with panoramic views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna South.
Tip: Watch the sunset with a cup of Nepali tea – the orange glow over the Himalayas is pure magic.
Day 2: Deurali → Forest Camp
This stretch takes you deep into lush rhododendron forests, almost fairy-tale-like. It’s quiet, serene, and the trail feels like your own private passage into the wild.
You’ll stop at Forest Camp (2,600m)—a remote cluster of teahouses surrounded by dense greenery.
Day 3: Forest Camp → High Camp
The forest slowly gives way to alpine shrubbery as you ascend. You pass through Low Camp (3,150m), then climb steep ridges to High Camp (3,580m). This is where things start to feel dramatically different—you’re now above the clouds.
Prepare for a chilly night, but also for the most unforgettable sunrise of your life.
Day 4: High Camp → Mardi Himal Base Camp → High Camp
Start early (pre-dawn) to catch the sunrise at Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m). The climb is steep and demanding, but the payoff is unreal—360° views of the Annapurna range that feel straight out of a dream.
You’ll see Machapuchare up close, standing tall and sacred (climbing it is still forbidden). After spending some time soaking in the views, return to High Camp for the night.
Day 5: High Camp → Siding Village → Pokhara
Time to descend. You’ll take a different trail down through Siding Village, a traditional Gurung settlement. It’s a quieter path, passing through terraced farms and waterfalls.
From Siding, a jeep can take you back to Pokhara, and just like that—you’ve completed one of Nepal’s most soulful treks.
Accommodation & Food
Don’t expect luxury, but do expect heartwarming hospitality. Local teahouses offer basic rooms (often shared bathrooms), but the atmosphere is cozy and welcoming.
Meals typically include dal bhat (rice, lentils, and vegetables), momo (Nepali dumplings), fried rice, and hot soup. And of course, endless cups of masala tea!
Why Mardi Himal Is So Special
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Less Crowded: Unlike Everest or ABC, Mardi Himal remains relatively quiet, especially during the off-peak months.
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Insane Views: You don’t just see the peaks—you feel among them.
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Quick Yet Rewarding: In under a week, you experience dense forest, alpine landscapes, and high-altitude panoramas.
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Authentic Culture: You stay in small villages where you actually interact with locals—not just fellow tourists.
What to Pack
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Good trekking boots (broken in!)
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Layers (temperatures vary drastically)
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Sleeping bag (some teahouses provide blankets, but it’s better to be safe)
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Water purifier or tablets
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Headlamp
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Camera or phone with good storage—you’ll need it!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a trek that’s a perfect blend of wilderness, culture, and jaw-dropping scenery, the Mardi Himal Trek will steal your heart. It’s short but intense, remote but accessible, and peaceful without being isolated.
Whether you’re a first-time trekker or a seasoned hiker, Mardi has something to offer. And honestly? You might just find a piece of your soul up there in the clouds.
Bonus Tip: Combine It with a Stay in Pokhara
After your trek, reward yourself with a lakeside beer in Pokhara, a massage, or even a paragliding session. You’ve earned it!
