Overview
The Mardi Himal Trek is a newer route in the Annapurna region that climbs a sharp ridge directly toward the base of Mardi Himal (5,587m) and Machapuchare. The trail follows a narrow ridgeline through dense rhododendron forest and opens onto high alpine meadows with views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and the Machapuchare glacier. Unlike the busier routes nearby, Mardi Himal sees far fewer trekkers, giving the trail a sense of discovery.
This moderate 8-day trek is gaining popularity for good reason. The final camp sits on an exposed ridge at around 4,500 meters where you feel completely surrounded by high peaks. The sunrise from high camp, with Machapuchare''s fishtail silhouette glowing orange above you, is one of the most dramatic views in the Annapurna region. It is a great choice for trekkers who want something a bit different from the classic routes.
Itinerary
After breakfast, you will drive northwest from Kathmandu along the emerald hills, gorges, terraced fields and countryside villages. Alsom, you will enjoy the magnificent Trishuli flowing on the right side of the trail. You stop at Malekhu for lunch and drive for four hours to reach Pokhara.
Overnight at Lodge in Pokhara
After breakfast, you take a drive to New Phedi in a private car and then start your trekking to Pothana. You ascend through stone steps, terraced fields and then after you walk through the villages and forests before you reach Australian Camp which is a pretty village with stunning views of Annapurna, Manaslu and Dhaulagiri ranges. A total 3 hours walk takes you to the charming village of Pothana.
Overnight in Pothana
From Pothana, you walk through the rhododendron forest and trek uphill with the view of Machhapuchhre(6993m) to Pitam Deurali. You then continue on flage-stone steps and rise with view of Gurung village of Landruk. After trekking for 5 – 6 hours, you will reach Rest Camp.
Overnight in Rest Camp
After breakfast, you depart from the Rest Camp and then walk through the dense forest enjoying the rich biodiversity of the areas and reach the High Camp. Today, you get the outstanding view of Mt. Machhapuchhre(Mt. Fishtail) which is very fascinating.After reaching High Camp, you can take some rest.
Overnight in High Camp
Today, you acclimatize at High Camp. After having lunch, you rise and drop and sometimes follow the narrow alleyway to reach Upper Viewpoint. The view of Himalayan vistas includes Mardi Himal (5,587m), Mt. Annapurna I (8,091m), Tent Peak (5,695m), Mt. Singhachuli (6,501m), Mt. Machhapuchhre (6,993m), Mt. Gangapurna(7455m) and others. You then trek back to the High Camp to stay overnight. You can choose to take rest this day as well.
Overnight in High Camp
Today you hike down through different routes that take you to Kalimati instead of taking the same route. The different route allows you to get great experience of local culture and lifestyle. You can also relish the views of Annapurna range as seen from the way to Kalimati.
Overnight at lodge in Kalimati
Today, after having lunch you trek towards Lumle. It takes about 1-2 hours to reach Lumle. You can explore the rivers, lakes and forests along with views of mountains in between. Then you take a scenic drive to Pokhara from Lumle in a private car. It takes about 1 and half hours to reach Pokhara. Since you will arrive at Pokhara in the day, you might also walk through the streets of Pokhara.
Overnight at lodge in Pokhara
After breakfast, you bid farewell to the beautiful lake city of Pokhara and drive towards Kathmandu. It takes about 6 hours to reach Kathmandu valley. After reaching Kathmandu, you can choose whether to take rest or do some souvenir shopping.