A quieter alternative to crowded Annapurna routes, the Mardi Himal trek climbs through rhododendron forests to high alpine ridgelines with sweeping views of Machhapuchhre and Annapurna. This 8–9 day itinerary links Kathmandu and Pokhara with lodge-based trekking and a summit-style push to Mardi Himal Base Camp.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You step off the short flight into Pokhara and the air feels different—colder, thinner, edged with pine. From the lakeside bustle the journey tightens into terraced fields and forested switchbacks, and the south face of Mardi Himal begins to reveal itself: a rising wall of rock and ice that challenges your rhythm and rewards attention.
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
8–9 days
Fitness Level
You should have a solid aerobic base and be comfortable hiking 3–6 hours a day with 500–1,000 m elevation changes; prior multi-day trekking experience is recommended.
Wildlife
History
The Mardi region lies within the Annapurna Conservation Area; Gurung communities have farmed these valleys for generations and tea houses have expanded with trekking since the 1990s.
Conservation
Permits fund conservation and local communities; stick to marked trails, minimize plastic, and use lodge facilities to reduce campsite impact.
Reserve your spot on the Mardi Himal Trekking from Kathmandu by Flight today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Acclimatize gradually
Follow the itinerary’s built-in acclimatization days and watch for headache, nausea, or dizziness—don’t push above 3,000 m the first day.
Bring a water treatment system
Tea houses serve boiled or filtered water; carry a lightweight filter or tablets to avoid single-use plastic and stay hydrated.
Footwear matters
Steep, sometimes muddy paths require grippy, broken-in hiking boots rather than trail runners for stability.
Start hikes early
Morning starts reward you with clearer skies and firmer ground; aim to be on the trail before peak sun and afternoon clouds.
Sturdy hiking boots
Provide ankle support and traction on rocky, sometimes muddy trails.
Insulated jacket (down or synthetic)
Cold nights at High Camp and windy mornings require reliable insulation.
Trekking poles
Help reduce knee strain on steep ascents and long descents.
Water treatment (filter or tablets)
Ensure safe drinking water between lodge stops and reduce plastic waste.