The Mardi Himal trek is in the Annapurna region of Nepal. This compact teahouse route climbs from the Pokhara foothills through rhododendron forest onto open ridges below Machhapuchhre and Mardi Himal, covering roughly 45–55 km depending on where you start and finish.
Understand
[edit]The Mardi Himal trek is a relatively new route officially opened in 2012, following a ridgeline east of the Annapurna Sanctuary. It offers a quieter alternative to mainstream trails, providing panoramic views of Machhapuchhre (Fish Tail) and the Annapurna range. The trail ascends consistently through Himalayan foothills to a maximum elevation of 4,500 m (14,800 ft). While once the domain of self-supported campers, the development of tea house infrastructure has made it accessible to most hikers, though the terrain requires a moderate level of fitness for the steady climb.
Prepare
[edit]The trek typically takes 5-6 days starting from Pokhara, though itineraries often extend to 8 days when departing from Kathmandu. Since the trail involves a consistent ascent to high altitude, hikers should carry standard trekking gear and be prepared for mountain weather. While porters are available through agencies, the path is not suitable for carts, baby carriages, or wheelchairs due to the rugged ridge terrain.
Eat
[edit]The establishment of lodges along the route means hikers do not need to carry their own food or stoves. Meals are provided by the tea houses, where prices are fixed and regulated by a local committee to ensure consistency across different lodges in the same location.
Drink
[edit]Water is primarily available through the lodges. While specific details on wild water sources are limited along the ridge, it is standard practice in the region to use purification tablets or filters for any water not provided as "safe" or boiled by the tea houses.
Sleep
[edit]Accommodation is provided by tea houses equipped with solar-powered lights and gas showers, though some utilize backup generators. Due to its increasing popularity, peak seasons can see a shortage of rooms; many lodges set up tents to handle the overflow. It is highly recommended to arrive early in the day or call ahead to reserve a room. While the lodges provide basic bedding, a high-quality sleeping bag is advisable for the higher elevations.
Climate
[edit]The trail reaches 4,500 m (14,800 ft), where temperatures drop significantly. While the trek is shorter than the Annapurna Circuit, the weather at the Base Camp can be unpredictable. Trekkers should prepare for cold nights and check seasonal conditions, as peak trekking windows in Nepal (spring and autumn) offer the clearest views of the surrounding peaks and cities like Ghandruk and Chomrong.
Get in
[edit]There are several options to access the start of the trek. From Pokhara, most trekkers take a bus to Kande, although it's also possible to start from Phedi. Buses depart from the Baglung bus station.
From the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek, take the trail to Landruk via New Bridge.
Walk
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To Forest Camp
[edit]There are several options depending on where you are starting. 1 Forest Camp consists of three lodges and includes a large grassy area, making it a suitable overnight stop for both teahouse trekkers and those carrying their own tents. While the high peaks of Annapurna and Machhapuchhre are not visible from the camp itself, a nearby clearing provides excellent views looking south-west down the valley towards Ghandruk and Nayapul.
- 1 Hotel Forest Camp and Restaurant, ☏ +977 9804141348.
- 2 Hotel Green View and Restaurant, ☏ +977 9806536904. Has WiFi
- 3 Hotel Mardi and Restaurant, ☏ +977 9856008918.
6.5 km
2.5-3.5 hr
From 1 Kande, climb to 2 Australian Camp 2,060 m (6,760 ft) in approximately 1-1.5 hr and then descend slightly to 2 Pothana 1,950 m (6,400 ft) before continuing on to 3 Deurali 2,100 m (6,900 ft).
8 km 4-5 hr
Make a right turn at the Forest Camp signpost at Deurali and follow the trail through jungle along the top of the ridge, passing through 4 Dhod Kharka along the way.
4 km 2.5-3.5 hr
Be prepared for a gruelling climb on a south-facing aspect that will leave you sweating and gasping for air. This is a less frequented trail that gives good views of Ghandruk, Annapurna South and down the valley to Nayapul for the first half of the climb. From the jeep stand at 5 Landruk, follow the trail into Upper Landruk, turning left at the marker and following the painted blue and white trail markers north out of town. The trail climbs up steep switch-backing turns, alternating between roots, rocks and steps.
After about 1.5 km (0.93 mi) there is a viewpoint on the left that has good views of Annapurna. After this point the trail is more in the trees so it is a good place to stop for a break. In the last few hundred meters before connecting with the main trail to Forest Camp, the trail is somewhat exposed to falls due to a landslide.
3.5 km 1.75-3.25 hr
Out of Forest Camp, the trail climbs gradually and heads to the right, skirting a high point on the ridge. As the forest thins, there are glimpses of a view to the south-east and Pokera. After 25-45 min, arrive in 3 Rest Camp. This is a smaller stop, consisting of a single lodge situated on the east side of the ridge. Its location provides good views of Machhapuchhre, and on exceptionally clear days, you might even spot the city of Pokhara in the distance. Because of the ridge, views of the Annapurna range and the sunset are blocked, but the camp's eastern aspect ensures it catches the warm morning sun.
The trail travels through rhododendron forests as it continues to 4 Low Camp. In the last 500 m (1,600 ft) the trail levels out and you may encounter yaks. Low Camp consists of two lodges. It has a similar position to Rest Camp, being on the south-east facing side of the ridge. As a result, the views are also comparable: you can see Machhapuchhre clearly, but the ridge blocks any views of the Annapurna range and the sunset.
- 4 Hotel Rest Camp and Restaurant, ☏ +977 9856014428. Has WiFi
- 5 Hotel Laligurans Garden and Restaurant, ☏ +977 9846087626. Has WiFi
- 6 Hotel Machhapuchre Samjhana and Restaurant, ☏ +977 9856031903. Has WiFi
4.5 km 2.5-3.75 hr
Immediately out of Low camp, the trail is up to one meter below ground level due to wear and erosion. In this section, loose rocks may make footing tricky. Route finding can be difficult at times as the erosion has created several apparent paths. After climbing out of the heavily eroded section, stay left and gain the ridge.
Once on the ridge, the trail fragments again. Keep your eyes open for the blue and white trail markers painted on trees and as long as you keep heading uphill you can't get too far off course. Afterwards, you'll reach 5 Mid Camp, which is also commonly known as Badal Danda (meaning "Cloudy Ridge"). This is not a compact village but a collection of lodges loosely strung out along the ridge top. The open location means the views are significantly improved; while the exact panorama depends on which lodge you are at, you can generally expect excellent views of both Machhapuchhre and the Annapurna range.
Pass a single guest house and continue up the ridge to Lower High Camp where the trail permanently breaks from the trees giving panoramic views. Follow the undulating ridge-top to reach 6 High Camp. At an elevation of 3,550 m (11,650 ft), this is the highest available accommodation on the trek and serves as the launching point for the summit viewpoint. The reward for reaching this altitude is a truly panoramic view, with stunning, unobstructed vistas of Machhapuchhre, the Annapurna range, and the vast Himalayan foothills spreading out below.
- 7 Hotel Lucky View and Restaurant, ☏ +977 61620041. Has WiFi
- 8 Double View Guest House, ☏ +977 9808812207. Set farther south from the main cluster of lodges, has good views to the south and of sunsets. Has WiFi.
- 9 Hotel Fishtail and Restaurant, ☏ +977 9856014765.
- 10 Hotel High Camp and Restaurant, ☏ +977 9846284859.
- 11 Hotel Trekker's Paradise and Restaurant, ☏ +977 9846087625.
5 km 3-5 hr (one way)
As there is no accommodation past High Camp, most people make a return day trip up to 7 Mardi Himal Base Camp (MBC). There are several destinations along the ridge, Lower View Point 2.2 km (1.4 mi), 1.5-2.5 hr; Upper View Point 4 km (2.5 mi), 2.5-3 hr; MBC 4.7 km (2.9 mi), 3.5-4 hr; and Upper MBC 5.7 km (3.5 mi), 4-6 hr.
It is a popular option to stat walking in the dark to reach the Lower Viewpoint and beyond for sunrise. There are tea houses at Lower and Upper Viewpoints, but they are quite expensive (Milk Tea Rs. 300) so consider packing snacks and water.
After leaving High Camp, descend slightly into a saddle. From here the trail forks, the left route is a steep but short climb up a rise that may make those afraid of heights uncomfortable. The right fork is a circuitous route that has an easier grade and no exposure to falls. After Lower Viewpoint the grade noticeably mellows and it is a fairly easy walk (except for the elevation) to Upper Viewpoint and MBC.
The more adventurous may wish to continue beyond MBC to Upper MBC which is 300 m (980 ft) higher. The trail is steep and difficult to follow in sections so trekkers should have alpine experience and rudimentary route finding abilities. Follow the trail to the right across the rocky slope and cross the slide path. As you reach the first shoulder you have the option to follow a faint trail up the ridge directly above you, or continue east to the next ridge and follow it to the summit.
From Upper MBC you'll enjoy spectacular views towards Annapurna I, Machhapuchhre, Mardi Himal and south along the trail.
If you don't want to backtrack to Kande or continue onto Annapurna Sanctuary via Landruk, there are trails descending from High, Low and Forest Camps to Sidhig (where you can catch a jeep) or Lumre (where you can catch a bus). It takes about 6.5 hr from High Camp to Lumre. Pokhara bound buses leave three times a day at 9, 12, and 4 and cost around Rs. 200.
Stay safe
[edit]The trail primarily follows a ridge so there is little surface water most of the year. All lodges have filtered / boiled water for purchase as well as free water that you can purify yourself.
Most lodges have shared dining rooms that feature a wood stove that can be used to dry clothes and warm up in the cold months.
Go next
[edit]- Return to Pokhara
- Annapurna Sanctuary trek
- Annapurna Circuit trek