Mardi himal — Local services in Machhapuchchhre

Fantastic Mardi Himal Trek is located just east of one of the most legendary trekking destination of Nepal, the Annapurna Base Camp trek. Mardi Himal trek is an unseen gem yet. Few trekkers make their way to the Mardi Himal Base Camp outstandingly positioned at the base of Mardi Himal and the Annapurna region´s most iconic mount Machapuchhre literally meaning "Fish tail". The trail goes along small winding paths, through enchanted rhododendron forests until you climb out of the forest at an elevation around 3,300 meter. The landscape changes quite abruptly into a rugged high mountain landscape, with amazing views of Mardi Himal, Machapuchre, Annapurna South and Hiunchuli.

From High Camp (3700m; some maps incorrectly mention 3900 m) you can climb up to Mardi Himal Base Camp in about 3-4 hours, which offers spectacular close up views of the entire Annapurna Range. There are simple guesthouses and homestays along the entire route. If you plan to do this trek in the winter months please check with a us Wilderness Excursion – Kathmandu based registered adventure trekking company operated by enthusiastic trekking pioneers.

When to trek?

Mid Sept-October – November is Autumn Season: this is Nepal´s peak and best time to go trekking. March – May is the second best season of year to go trekking. December – January -February: the skies are clear but it can get very cold and there is a risk of passes being closed due to snow fall.

May - June: This is Nepal´s hot pre-monsoon season and it can get very warm indeed. The valleys however are starting to bloom with flowers though green leaves come up, still a good time to trek.

June - Mid September: this is Monsoon season and the least popular time to go trekking in Nepal. The risk of leeches, downpours increases greatly. Due to the early forested areas leeches at this time of year in Mardi Himal are quite active! Wear long trekking trousers tucked in at this time of year. And leech/mosquito repellent spray is recommended to carry with.

Getting there and away

Like most of the Annapurna treks except Annapurna Circuit, Mardi Himal Trek also starts and ends in Pokhara - second biggest city and naturally blessed place to relax after the big hikes in Annapurna. It is 200km to west from Kathmandu. All domestic airlines run several flights daily from Kathmandu which cost USD 110 - 125.00 per person. And about 7-8 hours drive by tourist bus (Cost USD 10 - 25). Local buses leave every one hour from Kathmandu till 3pm. Green Line Buses (USD 25.00 per person) and other tourist buses lives every morning at 7:00AM. A private car can be arranged if you ask. Wilderness Excursion can arrange and handles everything on your request.

Itinerary

Mardi Himal Trek Itinerary will be 5 to 7 days from/to Pokhara and 1 to 2 days transportation day from/to Kathmandu depending on time you have and level of your physical fitness. This trek can be combined with other related treks to Annapurna; many people combine this trek with Ghandruk trek, Sikless Trek, Khopa Khayer Lake Trek etc. Our carefully designed 8 days itinerary is standard that suits to all average trekkers. Taking domestic flights to Pokhara from Kathmandu and start the trek on same day shortens the trip as flights save your time. We also offer tailor-made Mardi Himal Trek so please send us your detail and requirements.

How fit I should be

This trek doesn´t require super fitness but however moderate level of fitness is necessary though there is no direct climbing involved. You will need to trek over some rocky section near high camp and base camp. Wilderness Excursion advises our clients going trekking to see a doctor before they go for a check-up and to talk about dealing with altitude sickness. For pure trekking along the Mardi Himal trek in Nepal you´ll need to consider the amount of days you´ll be out trekking to get an idea of how fit you should be. Most days include 4-7 hours of slow hiking. If you plan to do the trek in 4-5 days...

Mardi Himal: Nepal’s Hidden Trekking Paradise

-----------------Introduction---------------

Himalayan peak in the Annapurna Himal, Gandaki Province, central Nepal. Highest peak: Mardi Himal (5,587 m), a trekking peak with no widely documented first ascent. Located southwest of Machhapuchhre, within the Annapurna Conservation Area. Popular for its accessible yet less crowded trekking route, offering stunning Himalayan views.

-----------Geographical Features--------------

Elevation: 5,587 m; Annapurna region ranges from 1,000–8,000 m. Features forested ridges, alpine meadows, and rocky slopes below Machhapuchhre. Connected by trails to Machhapuchhre Base Camp, with views of Annapurna I and Hiunchuli. Moderately challenging terrain, suitable for trekkers with basic fitness.

-----------Tourism and Activities----------------

Trekking: Mardi Himal Base Camp trek (4–6 days), a shorter alternative to Annapurna Base Camp. Mountaineering: Limited climbing due to technical ridges, reserved for experienced alpinists. Appeals to trekkers seeking solitude, panoramic views, and rhododendron forests. Photography and birdwatching (e.g., Himalayan monal) enhance the experience.

---------Socio-Cultural Significance-----------

Gurung and Magar communities in lowland villages, blending Hindu and Buddhist traditions. Cultural highlights: Sidhing and Lumre villages, local tea houses with Gurung hospitality. Tourism supports Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) and local economies. Respect sacred peaks like Machhapuchhre, unclimbed due to spiritual significance.

---------Climate Change Impact---------

Warming reduces snow cover, altering trekking routes and water availability. Deforestation and grazing threaten biodiversity, including pheasants and deer. ACAP promotes sustainable practices, but faces challenges with waste management. Monsoon rains increase trail erosion and landslide risks.

--------How to Get There------------

By Air: Fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara (30 min). By Road: Drive from Pokhara to Kande or Phedi (1–1.5 hrs), trekking trailheads. Trekking: Kande to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4–6 days) via Forest Camp and High Camp. Permits: ACAP entry permit (NPR 3,000 for foreigners); TIMS card...

The Mardi Himal Trek is a newly opened route and hidden treasure in the Annapurna region. This trek is best destination to avoid the crowd. Mardi Himal trek offer imaging view of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchre and Manaslu ranges. Mardi Himal base camp, Jhinu Hot Spring and Ghandruk village is the major attraction of this trek.

The trek starts at Kande after 1 hours driving from Pokhara. The trail is good, first slowly up, then a bit steeper to Australian Camp (2060m – About one hour), then after that slightly downhill to Pothana (1950m) then up again to Deurali (2100m). There is a right turn in Deurali sign posted “Forest Camp” the trail is through jungle, at first up then undulating on the top of a ridge, there is a section just over half way where the trail drops steeply and then slowly gains height and then back onto the ridge and into Forest Camp (2600m). The trail is initially quite steep leaving Forest Camp but soon gets less steep as you again get upon the ridge. The trail leaves Low Camp again in jungle, but the trees soon start to get smaller and after about one hours trekking broke out of the jungle and onto the open ridge with spectacular views of Machhapuchhre ahead and Annapurna South to my left. It is possible to continue trekking along the ridge for another 4 to 5 hours to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4500m) and return to High Camp in around 4 hours – This makes a long day but there is also a viewpoint about half way, the imaging view can be from here. After that, we return all the way down to Deurali. When we arrive to Deurali, we trek to Jhinu Hot spring where you can explore at natural hot spring via Tolka. After this, you will end your trek at Nayapul via Ghandruk village which is one of the popular gurung villages in...