5-Day Mardi Himal Trek from Pokhara with Sunrise Views

Drive: Pokhara - Kande. Trek: Kande - Australian Camp - Pothana - Deurali.

• Driving time: Approximately 1 hour

• Walking time: Approximately 4-5 hours

• Walking distance: Approximately 8-10 km

• Starting elevation: Kande - approximately 1,770 m

• Highest elevation: Deurali - approximately 2,100-2,150 m

• Ascent (+): Approximately 500-650 m

• Descent (-): Approximately 200-300 m

• Overnight: Deurali (2,100-2,150 m)

After breakfast, take a scenic drive from Pokhara to Kande, the starting point of your Mardi Himal trekking adventure.

Begin trekking uphill toward Australian Camp, where you can enjoy beautiful views of the Annapurna range and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail). Continue through Pothana village and peaceful rhododendron and oak forests before reaching Deurali.

Enjoy the fresh mountain air, scenic landscapes, and traditional teahouse hospitality.

Overnight: Teahouse in Deurali.

• Walking time: Approximately 5-6 hours

• Walking distance: Approximately 10-12 km

• Starting elevation: Deurali - approximately 2,100-2,150 m

• Destination elevation: Low Camp - approximately 2,970-2,985 m

• Ascent (+): Approximately 900-1,000 m

• Descent (-): Approximately 100-200 m

• Overnight: Low Camp

After breakfast, continue along the beautiful forest trail toward Low Camp. The route passes through dense rhododendron, oak, and bamboo forests, providing a peaceful trekking experience.

You will pass Forest Camp, a popular resting point along the Mardi Himal route. Continue climbing gradually as the landscape begins to change and the forest opens up.

As you gain altitude, you may catch your first impressive views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) and Annapurna South.

Arrive at Low Camp in the afternoon, where you can relax and enjoy the mountain scenery.

Overnight: Teahouse in Low Camp.

• Walking time: Approximately 5 hours

• Walking distance: Approximately 8-10 km

• Starting elevation: Low Camp - approximately 2,970-2,985 m

• Highest elevation: High Camp - approximately 3,580 m

• Ascent (+): Approximately 650-750 m

• Descent (-): Approximately 50-150 m

• Overnight: High Camp

Today is one of the most scenic sections of the Mardi Himal Trek.

After breakfast, ascend toward Badal Danda, where the forest gradually gives way to open alpine landscapes and spectacular mountain ridges.

Enjoy breathtaking views of:

• Machhapuchhre (Fishtail): 6,993 m

• Annapurna South: 7,219 m

• Hiunchuli: 6,441 m

• Annapurna I: 8,091 m

• Mardi Himal: 5,587 m

Continue along the ridge to High Camp, situated in a dramatic high-altitude setting overlooking the Annapurna range.

As the trail becomes more exposed, weather conditions and afternoon winds can change quickly. Walk at a steady pace, drink enough water, and prepare for an early start the following morning.

Overnight: Teahouse in High Camp.

• Starting elevation: High Camp - approximately 3,580 m

• Highest point: Mardi Himal Upper Viewpoint - approximately 4,200-4,250 m

• Destination elevation: Low Camp - approximately 2,970-2,985 m

• Walking time: Approximately 6-8 hours for the viewpoint excursion and descent

• Walking distance: Approximately 10-14 km

• Ascent (+): Approximately 650-700 m

• Descent (-): Approximately 1,250-1,350 m

• Overnight: Low Camp

Today is the highlight of your Mardi Himal trekking adventure.

Wake up early, around 4:00 AM, and begin the uphill walk toward the upper viewpoint, using a headlamp if necessary. The trail follows a narrow mountain ridge, offering spectacular views as the morning light illuminates the Himalayas.

Depending on the weather, trail conditions, and your fitness, continue toward the upper viewpoint and the Mardi Himal Base Camp area.

From the viewpoint, enjoy incredible panoramas of:

• Mardi Himal

• Machhapuchhre (Fishtail)

• Annapurna South

• Hiunchuli

• Annapurna I

• Surrounding peaks of the Annapurna range

Take time to enjoy the sunrise and photograph the dramatic Himalayan landscape.

After exploring the viewpoint, descend to High Camp and continue downhill to Low Camp. The descent can be steep in places, so trekking poles are recommended.

Important: The Upper Viewpoint and Mardi Himal Base Camp are different locations. The upper viewpoint is commonly around 4,200-4,250 m, while the base camp area is generally higher, around 4,500 m. Reaching Base Camp adds distance, time, and elevation gain, so the day's statistics will depend on the turnaround point.

Overnight: Teahouse in Low Camp.

• Walking time: Approximately 3-4 hours

• Walking distance: Approximately 7-9 km

• Starting elevation: Low Camp - approximately 2,970-2,985 m

• Destination elevation: Siding Village - approximately 1,700-1,860 m

• Ascent (+): Approximately 50-100 m

• Descent (-): Approximately 1,200-1,300 m

• Driving time: Approximately 2-3 hours

• Overnight: Pokhara - approximately 800-820 m

After breakfast, begin your final trekking day by descending through beautiful forests, terraced farmland, and traditional mountain settlements toward Siding Village.

Siding is a peaceful village where you can experience local culture and observe the daily life of people living in the Annapurna foothills.

After reaching Siding, meet your vehicle and drive back to Pokhara. Enjoy the scenic journey through the green hills and countryside.

Upon arrival in Pokhara, check into your hotel and spend the evening relaxing beside Phewa Lake or exploring the lakeside area.

Overnight: Hotel in Pokhara.