9-Day Mardi Himal Trek in Nepal with Base Camp Ridge Views

9 Days Kathmandu to Pokhara/kathmandu Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Only about five trekking days within a complete Kathmandu-to-Kathmandu package
02 Walk a scenic ridge with near-continuous Himalayan views
03 Get exceptionally close views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail)
04 Panoramas of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Mardi Himal
05 Less crowded than many classic Annapurna routes
06 No technical climbing skills required

A short ridge trek in the Annapurna region with close views of Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli, this tour is ideal for travelers with limited time. The Mardi Himal Trek is a compact Annapurna-region adventure known for its dramatic ridge walking and close views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail). The route climbs from the green hills near Pokhara through forest camps and open high ridges to Mardi Himal Base Camp at about 4,450 meters. It is a quieter alternative to the Annapurna Base Camp route and works particularly well for travelers seeking a short Himalayan trek with strong mountain scenery.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 9 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Pokhara, Kathmandu, Annapurna

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Kathmandu and Trek Briefing

Airport pick-up: Airport pick-up.
Transfer: Hotel transfer.
Guide: Guide introduction.
Briefing: Trek briefing.

Day 02

Tourist Bus Journey from Kathmandu to Pokhara

Travel: Travel by tourist bus to Pokhara, the gateway to the Annapurna region.

Day 03

Drive to Kande and Trek via Australian Camp to Pitam Deurali

Hike: Begin hiking from Kande.
Route: Pass the Australian Camp/Pothana area.
Trek: Continue to Pitam Deurali.

Day 04

Forest Trek from Pitam Deurali to Low Camp

Climb: Climb through forest via Forest Camp and Rest Camp before reaching Low Camp.
Views: Here, views of Machhapuchhre begin to dominate the skyline.

Day 05

Ridge Walk from Low Camp to High Camp

Walk: Walk through Badal Danda and open ridge terrain.
Views: Enjoy wide views of Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli.

Day 06

Mardi Himal Base Camp Hike and Descent to Low Camp

Start: Start early for the main viewpoint day.
Hike: Reach the upper ridge/base-camp area.
Return: Return to a lower elevation for the night.

Day 07

Descend to Siding and Drive Back to Pokhara

Descend: Descend steeply through forest and village trails to Siding.
Drive: Continue by road to Pokhara.
Hotel: Overnight hotel stay.

Day 08

Return by Tourist Bus from Pokhara to Kathmandu

Return: Return to Kathmandu by tourist bus.
Optional upgrade: A flight can be arranged as an optional upgrade.

Day 09

Departure Transfer

Transfer: Airport transfer according to your international flight schedule.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Kathmandu to Pokhara/kathmandu 3 cities · 9 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Airport pick-up and departure transfer.
2 nights in a 3-star standard hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast, and hotel accommodation in Pokhara as scheduled.
Government-licensed English-speaking trekking guide.
Mountain teahouse accommodation during the trek.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner during trekking days.
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit and local rural-municipality permit.
Tourist-bus transportation Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu and trek access transfers.
Guide insurance and equipment, rescue coordination, trekking map, duffel bag, first-aid kit, and completion certificate.

What's Not Included

International airfare and Nepal visa fees.
Porter service unless added separately.
Hot, cold, and alcoholic drinks, and personal expenses.
Travel insurance and emergency evacuation costs.
Monastery/temple entrance fees when applicable.
Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu, and extra hotel nights.
Tips and extra costs from early return or circumstances beyond the package.

What to bring

Insurance
Passport

Know before you go

Difficulty: Moderate; suitable for active beginners and intermediate trekkers with basic fitness.

Walking: Typical trekking days are around 4-6 hours, with a longer high-point day.

Season: Spring and autumn offer the most reliable visibility; winter is possible with appropriate cold-weather preparation.

Itineraries and operational arrangements may change due to weather, trail/road conditions, safety requirements, government rules, or local circumstances.
Sleeping bag available on request.

Logistics