Nepal · Trekking

8-Day Mardi Himal Trek in Nepal with Sunrise Viewpoint Hike

8 Days Round trip from Kathmandu 44600 Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Panoramic views of Annapurna, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Dhaulagiri, and Manaslu ranges
02 Visit the serene Mardi Himal Base Camp at 4,500m
03 Walk through lush rhododendron forests, especially vibrant in spring
04 Stunning sunrise and sunset vistas from High Camp and Low Camp
05 Authentic cultural experience in traditional Gurung and Magar villages

This 8-day Mardi Himal Trek offers an enchanting journey through Nepal's pristine Annapurna region, blending natural splendor with cultural richness. This off-the-beaten-path adventure leads through lush rhododendron forests, serene villages, and alpine meadows, with magnificent views of Annapurna, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), and surrounding peaks along the way. A sunrise hike to the Upper Viewpoint rewards you with breathtaking mountain panoramas, while traditional tea house stays add to the authentic Himalayan experience. Experience Nepal's untouched landscapes and warm hospitality on this unforgettable trek.

We will hike up to the Mardi Himal viewpoint before breakfast for a fantastic sunrise view.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 8 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Pokhara, Kathmandu

Languages English, Hindi

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara

The journey from Kathmandu to Pokhara by bus is quite an adventure.
Despite the relatively short distance of 200 kilometers, the eight-hour ride feels like a marathon because of the winding, hilly roads.
Leaving Kathmandu, the bus slowly navigates through the mountainous terrain surrounding the city. The descent into the valley is particularly nerve-wracking, with narrow corners and steep drops.
The bus passes through quaint villages and rural towns, offering glimpses of everyday life. The journey to Pokhara involves crossing the Trishuli Bridge via Dumre. It then takes another couple of hours on slow, winding roads before finally reaching Pokhara.

Day 02

Drive to Phedi and Trek to Deurali

Our trekking adventure begins with a 30-minute ride from Pokhara to Phedi. Phedi is a gorgeously rural village located in a lush forest.
We then start our trek, passing stone steps and terraced fields as the trail leads us to Dhampus.
We will then continue our walk and reach Deurali.
This small settlement is located on the ridge, with a fantastic view of Mardi Himal, Fishtail, Annapurna South, and many more peaks.

Day 03

Trek Through Rhododendron Forest to Forest Camp

You will start a new day after an early breakfast.
Today, the trail crosses through a dense forest decorated with red rhododendrons.
You will see many rhododendron trees in the woods, which bloom only from April to June. You will walk through the quiet forest until reaching Forest Camp.

Day 04

Trek from Forest Camp to Low Camp

We set off after an early morning breakfast for Low Camp.
We will pass through the dense forest, enjoying the lush biodiversity along the way to Low Camp.
Today, your eyes will feast on the astonishing views of mountains like Mt. Fishtail, Mt. Mardi, the Annapurna range, and many more.

Day 05

Ascend via Badal Danda to High Camp

Our fifth day of walking will take you to High Camp. From Low Camp, you will see a fantastic view of Mt. Fishtail.
Further ahead, we will ascend to Badal Danda and finally to High Camp.
From Badal Danda to High Camp, it will take about 1 hour to walk through the mesmerizing landscape.

Day 06

Sunrise Hike to Upper Viewpoint and Return to Low Camp

Today, we will wake up earlier in the morning than on other days.
We will hike up to the Mardi Himal viewpoint before breakfast for a fantastic sunrise view. The ascent will be more challenging than on other days, but you will be rewarded tremendously with sunrise views over the white peaks.
As you reach the top, enjoy the view of the mountain peaks and the sun getting higher in the sky.
We will then return to High Camp for breakfast. After breakfast, we will head back to Low Camp by the same route.

Day 07

Trek to Siding Village and Drive to Pokhara

Today, we take a different route from High Camp to Siding village for a richer experience.
This route allows us to explore a variety of flora and fauna, as well as ethnic villages.
Overnight in Siding Village.

Day 08

Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu

Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu to conclude your adventure.

Where this trip takes you

Upper Viewpoint, Mardi Himal Base Camp, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Dhampus terraced fields

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Kathmandu 44600 2 cities · 8 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu tourist bus
Pokhara-Phedi and Lumre-Pokhara transportation
Annapurna Conservation Area Entry Pass
Experienced Himalayan trekking guide
Basic yet comfortable accommodation on a twin-sharing basis during the trek, as per the itinerary
Staff insurance
5 set breakfasts, 6 set lunches, and 5 set dinners while on the trek
Purified drinking water during the entire trek, as per the itinerary
General first aid medicine kit
Complimentary T-shirt
Duffle bag during the trek

What's Not Included

Food and accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara
Personal expenses of any kind
Excess baggage cost during your Lukla flight
Any travel insurance
Any additional cost due to natural calamity and unforeseen circumstances
Tips for staff and guide
Anything that is not listed in the "PRICE INCLUDES" section above

What to bring

You will leave the rest of your luggage behind at your hotel until the end of this holiday. Below is a loosely advised Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek packing list that might help you on your trek:

Appropriate clothing (2 sets)
Woolen sweater or jacket
Thermal inner wear
Wide-brimmed hat
Woolen gloves
Waterproof gloves
Sport sandals
Woolen socks (2 pairs)
Waterproof (not water-resistant) shoes with a good tread/grip
Rain-proof pants and jacket with hood
A lock for the duffle bag
Backpack with waterproof cover
Sleeping bag (1 - optional)
Camera (optional)

Other essential items:

Personal clothing
Toiletries
Small thermos for hot beverages
Water bottle (1 liter)
Sunscreen lotion (50 SPF or more)
Castor oil (50 ml) to lubricate the nostrils at high altitude
Ziplock bags for clothing
Quick-dry towel (not a regular one)
Toilet paper
Wet wipes
Sunglasses
Snacks - chocolates, biscuits, nuts, etc.
Hand sanitizer
Powerful flashlight or headlamp (with extra batteries)

Know before you go

Accommodation on Mardi Himal Trek

In general, the Mardi Himal Trek is a tea house trek. You will be sleeping in lovely, traditional tea houses. The tea houses on the Mardi hike are simple and provide trekkers with only the necessities.

The Mardi Himal trail has a rural location in the Annapurna region with limited infrastructure. Rooms with basic offerings are typically small, with shared or private restrooms. As the elevation rises, the options become fewer, particularly during the peak trekking season, when hotels are fully reserved.

Food on Mardi Himal Trek

You will be satisfied with the tasty food while hiking to Mardi Himal Base Camp. While walking in the Himalayas, you should prioritize your body's needs over your preferences. The amount of stamina in your body is determined by the quantity and quality of meals you eat during the trip, which is necessary for making your trek enjoyable and purposeful.

Addressing the food in Mardi Trek teahouses, Dal Bhat can be found almost anywhere. Dal Bhat combines rice, lentil or vegetable soup, vegetable curry, pickles, and other ingredients. It is a popular dish that is high in calories and nutritional value.

Other than that, snacks, chocolates, and bottled water are available for purchase. Because bottled water on the trail is significantly more expensive, especially at higher altitudes, we recommend bringing your reusable water bottle and filling it at lodges before you proceed with the trek.

Mardi Himal Trek Weather and Best Season

The typical temperature reaches 20 degrees Celsius. However, the average daytime temperature is around 17 degrees in autumn. It gets colder at night and early in the morning, but not to the point of freezing.

The best season for a Mardi Himal trek is autumn and spring. Autumn falls from September to November, and spring falls from March to May. It is one of Nepal's busiest trekking seasons. Autumn is the post-monsoon season, when the mountain ranges' appearance and the region's scenic beauty show up in an incredible way.

Logistics