Mardi Himal trek | 9 days

Private Car Journey from Kathmandu to Pokhara
After breakfast, you will depart by private car towards Pokhara, one of Nepal’s most popular destinations. The approximately 200-kilometer drive winds through hilly landscapes, past green rice fields, rivers, and traditional villages. Along the way, you will get a beautiful glimpse of Nepalese rural life. The drive takes about 7 to 8 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. Arrival in Pokhara in the afternoon.

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After breakfast, you will be picked up at your hotel in Pokhara by your guide. Together, you will depart by car or jeep to the starting point of the trekking in Kande, about an hour and a half’s drive away.

From Kande, you start the walk via a stone staircase that winds up through the forest. Along the way, you enjoy nature, with monkeys jumping from branch to branch and the singing of birds in the background.

After hiking for about an hour and a half, you reach Australian Camp, a beautifully situated spot with panoramic views of the Annapurna mountain range and Manaslu. With a bit of luck, you might also see birds of prey soaring at the end of the ridge.

From Australian Camp, you follow a stone path that takes you further through the forest to Pothana, where you will spend the night.

Travel distance by vehicle: approx. 40 km
Travel time: approx. 1.5 hours
Walking distance: approx. 6 km
Walking time: approx. 3 hours

Today, the hike begins on a stone path that takes you from Pothana to the Pitam Deurali viewpoint (2,142 m). This spot offers a beautiful panoramic view of the impressive peaks of the Annapurna range. On a clear day, you can see the Machhapuchhare (Fishtail) and Annapurna South, among others, emerging above the tree line. With a bit of luck, you might also spot birds of prey soaring above the ridge.

After a short break, the trek continues towards Forest Camp. This section of the route takes you through lush and quiet forests full of rhododendrons and oaks. The path is varied—with both uphill and downhill sections—but never extremely strenuous. Along the way, it is often pleasantly quiet, with only the rustling of leaves and birdsong for company. Especially in spring, the forest is full of blooming rhododendrons, which makes the walk extra special.

Forest Camp is a simple, remote place in the middle of the forest where you spend the night. The lodges here are simple, but offer a hot meal and a cozy atmosphere, often around a wood fire.

Walking distance: approx. 9 km
Walking time: 3 to 5 hours

For nature lovers, this day is highly recommended: the peaceful forest environment and the chance to spot wildlife, such as colorful birds or even monkeys, make this part of the trek special. This is also a great day of walking for families with children: the path is not too technical and offers enough variety to keep it interesting. The mystical atmosphere of the forest, the soft moss underfoot and the views along the way make it an experience that will stay with young and old.

Today you continue walking uphill from Forest Camp towards Badal Danda. The path gradually winds its way upwards through an ever-changing forest landscape. As you climb higher, the vegetation becomes more lush: the rhododendrons increase and the forest appears almost fairytale-like with moss-covered trunks, tree ferns, and soft carpets of lichens.

You pass Low Camp, a beautiful spot to catch your breath and enjoy the first impressive views of Machhapuchhre (also known as ‘Fishtail Mountain’) and the valley deep below. Afterwards, you hike on to Badal Danda, which literally means ‘cloud terrace’. Here you stay on an open ridge, often just above the clouds, with a panoramic view that is particularly breathtaking at sunrise and sunset.

Walking distance: approx. 10 km
Walking time: approx. 4 to 5 hours

Today you continue trekking upwards to High Camp. Although the distance is relatively short, it ascends steadily and you walk at a higher altitude. The path winds through a varied forest landscape, where rhododendrons give way to lower shrubs and grasslands as you climb higher.

Along the way, you are rewarded with spectacular views of Hiunchuli Peak and Annapurna South. Shortly after, when you reach the other side of the ridge, extraordinary panoramas open up towards Machhapuchhare (the iconic ‘Fishtail’) and the impressive Annapurna massif. High Camp itself is situated in a beautiful location and is the ideal base for the hike to the viewpoint the following morning.

Walking distance: approx. 5 km
Walking time: approx. 4 hours

Early in the morning, you set off towards Upper View Point, the highlight of this trek — literally and figuratively. In clear weather, the view is simply phenomenal. You stand face to face with an impressive panorama of the Himalayas. The following peaks, among others, are visible:
Annapurna I (8091 m), Annapurna South (7219 m), Hiunchuli (6441 m), Baraha Shikhar (Fang) (7647 m), Tent Peak (5695 m), Singachuli (6501 m), Ganggapurna (7454 m), Gandharwachuli (6248 m), a small peak of Annapurna III (7555 m), both peaks of Machhapuchhare (Fishtail) (6997 m), Mardi Himal (5553 m), and even the Machhapuchhare Base Camp (MBC). In extremely clear weather, you can even see the villages of Sinuwa and Chhomrong in the distance.

Upon returning to High Camp, you enjoy a well-deserved breakfast, after which you begin the descent to Badal Danda. Along the way, you get one last beautiful view of the path you have traveled.

Hike to Upper View Point: approx. 7 km, 2 to 3 hours
Descent to Badal Danda: approx. 5 km, 1.5 hours

For those looking for an extra challenge, it is possible to continue to the Mardi Himal Base Camp (4500 m). If there is snow, this is quite a dangerous hike, and you will need crampons. This hike takes about 2.5 hours extra there and back from the viewpoint.

After breakfast, you begin the descent towards the lower-lying Kalimati. You walk once again through the green forest that you traversed earlier during the ascent. The path first leads you back to Forest Camp, where you change direction and continue descending through a damp, dense forest full of ferns, mosses, and rhododendrons.

After hiking for about two hours, you reach charming Kalimati, an authentic mountain village with stunning views over the valley. Here you will spend the night in a simple, eco-friendly lodge supported by the local community — a special place to let your trek wind down peacefully.

Walking distance: approx. 11 km
Walking time: 4 to 5 hours

Today is the last day of your hiking adventure. You depart from peaceful Kalimati after breakfast and follow the path further downhill towards civilization. The trail runs through small villages and agricultural terraces, offering beautiful views of the valleys and hills below along the way. The vegetation changes once again: from dense forest to open farmland.

After hiking for about 3 hours, you reach the village of Lumre, where a vehicle is waiting for you for the transfer back to Pokhara. The drive takes about 2 hours, depending on road conditions. Once back in Pokhara, you can enjoy a hot shower, a comfortable bed, and perhaps even a well-deserved dinner by Lake Phewa.

Walking distance: approx. 8 km
Walking time: approx. 3 hours
Drive Lumre – Pokhara: approx. 2 hours

Today you will travel back to the capital, Kathmandu, by private car. You will follow the same scenic route as on the way there, once again passing valleys, rivers, and villages. The drive takes approximately 7 to 8 hours, with plenty of opportunities to take a break along the way. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be dropped off at your hotel.

The Mardi Himal trek is of moderate difficulty. The trails are easy to follow and the daily distances are manageable. There are a few steeper sections, particularly towards High Camp, but these are easily manageable with plenty of rest breaks.

The best time to travel is during spring and autumn: from March to May and from October to early December. During these periods, the views are clear, the weather is pleasant, and the flowers are in bloom. The trek is also possible in winter, although it may snow and be cooler. This trek is also possible during the monsoon.

You’ll be staying in small-scale lodges that are simple yet cosy. At lower altitudes, the standard of comfort is a little higher; at higher altitudes, the facilities are more basic, but still clean and well-maintained. You’ll be staying in double rooms; the bathroom may be shared. Don’t expect luxury, but do expect a warm welcome.

The highest point is the Mardi Himal View Point, at around 4,200 metres. However, you won’t be sleeping at that altitude; you’ll be spending the night at High Camp (approx. 3,580 metres), which reduces the risk of altitude-related issues.

Yes, provided you are in reasonably good physical condition and do not suffer from knee problems or balance issues. This trek is ideal for hikers with an adventurous spirit who have not previously hiked at high altitudes.

Yes, on our Mardi Himal trek, a porter carries your main luggage. This allows you to hike comfortably with just a daypack. We recommend this for travelers who want to make the hiking easier and enjoy the hiking days at a leisurely pace.

On average, you will hike 4 to 6 hours a day. On the longest day to Upper View Camp and back down via High Camp, this might be slightly more, but the guide will adjust his pace to suit you.

Wi-Fi is available in some lodges for a fee, but expect limited coverage. In emergencies, contact is always possible via the guide. This is a great opportunity to truly unwind.

From various points along the way, and especially at High Camp and the View Point, you get a breathtaking view of Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Mardi Himal itself. At sunrise, the panoramas are unforgettable.

This trek is manageable for active families with children aged about 8 and up who have hiking experience. The paths are safe and the distances are not too great. However, it is important that children enjoy walking longer distances.

Yes, during the Mardi Himal trek you reach the Mardi Himal Base Camp, located at an altitude of approximately 4,500 meters. This is the highest point of the trek and offers an impressive panoramic view of the south side of the Machhapuchhre (the “Fishtail”) and the Annapurna massif. The base camp is situated above the tree line, in a rugged mountain landscape, and is an absolute reward after a gradual climb through forests, alpine meadows, and ridges. Do keep in mind, however, that the weather and your physical condition will determine whether you visit the actual base camp or stop at the viewpoint at High Camp (approx. 3,580 meters), which offers a spectacular view in itself.