A compact 10-day route from Pokhara into the Annapurna Conservation Area, Mardi Himal offers close-up Himalayan views, quiet tea-house nights and a fast-but-steady altitude profile. Ideal for trekkers who want dramatic scenery with fewer crowds than ABC.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
The trail kicks off just outside Pokhara, with the road loosening into dirt as you climb to Kande and step onto a path threaded through oak and rhododendron. Morning light slices across Annapurna South and Machapuchare; the mountains feel alive, as if the ridgelines are nudging you higher.
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
10 days
Fitness Level
Good aerobic fitness with prior multi-day trek experience; comfortable with steady uphill days and basic scrambling on loose rock.
Wildlife
History
Mardi Himal rose in popularity in the 2010s as an alternative to Annapurna Base Camp, running through the Annapurna Conservation Area that protects mountain ecology and local culture.
Conservation
Stick to marked trails, use refillable bottles, and support licensed tea houses; ACAP fees fund conservation and community development in the region.
Reserve your spot on the Mardi Himal Trekking - 10 Days today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Acclimatize gradually
Keep daily elevation gains moderate and include at least one lighter day before hitting High Camp to reduce altitude risk.
Start early each day
Hike before midday to avoid stronger winds and afternoon clouds on exposed ridgelines and viewpoints.
Footwear for mixed terrain
Sturdy, broken-in hiking boots with good tread help on muddy forest tracks and loose scree above 3,000 m.
Hydration and water treatment
Carry 2–3 liters and use a filter or purification tablets—tea houses sell boiled water but having your own treatment speeds refills.
Sturdy hiking boots
Support and grip for mixed forest trails and scree sections above 3,000 m.
Insulated down jacket
Warmth for nights at High Camp and early-morning viewpoints.
fall
Trekking poles
Reduce knee strain on steep descents and improve balance on loose terrain.
Water filter or purification tablets
Reliable hydration option when boiled water is unavailable between tea houses.