Mardi Himal Trek With Trishuli Rafting: Annapurna's Quiet Ridge and River Thrill
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
11–13 days
Fitness Level
You should have good cardiovascular fitness and prior multi-day hiking experience; expect daily walks of 4–7 hours with sustained climbs.
Overview
A quieter route into the Annapurna range, the Mardi Himal trek pairs narrow ridgelines and alpine views with a 3‑hour Trishuli river rafting run. This route rewards hikers who want big peaks without the crowds—and a dose of whitewater to finish.
Mardi Himal Trek With Trishuli Rafting: Annapurna's Quiet Ridge and River Thrill
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Dawn pries open the rim of the Himalaya and a cold, clean light pours down the valley. You shoulder a pack in Pothana at 2,100m and the trail pulls you into a forest of rhododendron that seems to push back the sky. For a week the path climbs through mossed trunks and narrow ridgelines, each step revealing a new angle on Machhapuchhre’s knife-edge profile and the broad, blocky shoulders of the Annapurna massif. The river waits later — loud and fast, daring you to trade a trekking pole for a paddle on the Trishuli.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Acclimatize Gradually
Follow the itinerary’s gradual ascent—sleep lower when possible and add an extra acclimatization day if you feel any symptoms of AMS.
Cash and Small Notes
Lodges and teahouses accept only cash (Nepalese rupees); carry small notes for tips, snacks and basic supplies in mountain villages.
Footwear and Traction
Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots with grippy soles and trekking poles will make steep, muddy or rocky sections far more manageable.
Rafting Safety Briefing
Listen to guides during Trishuli rafting—wear your life jacket and helmet at all times and follow commands during downstream maneuvers.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Himalayan pheasant (monal/Daphne pheasant)
- Langur and various hill bird species
History
The Annapurna region has been a trade and transhumance corridor for centuries, with Gurung and Magar communities shaping terraces and mountain grazing patterns.
Conservation
The trek runs inside the Annapurna Conservation Area; stick to marked trails, avoid single-use plastics and support local lodges to keep tourism benefits local.
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Adventure Hotspots in Pokhara
Recommended Gear
Sturdy Waterproof Hiking Boots
Protect ankles and provide traction on mixed rocky, muddy and rooty terrain.
Insulating Down Jacket
High camp and the upper viewpoint get cold—lightweight down or synthetic insulation is essential for mornings and evenings.
fall specific
Trekking Poles
Reduce strain on knees during long descents and provide balance on narrow ridgelines.
Water System & Purification
Carry 2–3 liters capacity and a purifier or chemical tablets—mountain water may need treatment.
summer specific