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10 days
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Annapurna
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Moderate
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4,200 m
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From 1 person
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Trekking
Highlights
- Mardi Himal viewpoint (about 4,200 m) with a wide view of the Annapurna range
- Close views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Mardi Himal and Annapurna South
- A quiet ridge trail through rhododendron and oak forest
- Forest Camp, Low Camp and High Camp on the way up
- Few other trekkers compared with the main Annapurna routes
- Big mountain views in a short trek
Overview
The Mardi Himal Trek is a short, quiet route on a forested ridge east of the Annapurna Sanctuary. From Pothana the trail climbs through rhododendron and oak forest to Forest Camp, Low Camp and High Camp, with ever closer views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Mardi Himal and Annapurna South.
The highlight is an early start to the Mardi Himal viewpoint at about 4,200 m, with a wide panorama of the Annapurna range. The trek is ideal if you want big mountain views in a short time, away from the busier trails.
Know before you go
Best time to go
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best seasons, with stable weather and clear mountain views. In spring the rhododendron forests are in bloom, and autumn brings the clearest skies after the monsoon.
Winter (December to February) is possible but cold, especially at night. The monsoon (June to August) brings rain, cloud and slippery trails, so we do not recommend it for this trek.
Difficulty and fitness
This is a moderate trek with four to seven hours of walking per day. The trail is steep in places, especially between High Camp and the viewpoint, and the descent from High Camp to Siding is a long day.
No technical skills are needed. It suits beginners with good general fitness, and some hill training before the trip is recommended.
Permits
You need an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and a TIMS card (Trekkers’ Information Management System).
We arrange all permits for you before the trip. See Includes/Excludes for what is covered in the price.
Itinerary
Welcome to Nepal. On arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, a Pikey Sherpa Adventure representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. Later in the day your guide gives a trek briefing, checks your equipment and answers any questions. Overnight in a hotel in Kathmandu (1,400 m).
A scenic bus journey of around 6–7 hours follows the river valleys west to Pokhara, Nepal's lakeside city. The rest of the day is free to relax and stroll along the lakeshore. Overnight in a hotel in Pokhara (820 m).
A short drive brings you to Phedi, where the trek begins. A steady climb through farmland and forest leads up to the ridge and on to Pothana, a small settlement with views of Machhapuchhre and the Annapurna range. Overnight in a teahouse in Pothana (1,990 m).
From Pothana the trail passes Deurali before entering dense rhododendron forest, which is especially colourful in spring. The walk is quiet and shaded, ending at Forest Camp. Overnight in a teahouse at Forest Camp (2,600 m).
Leaving the forest behind, you pass Low Camp and climb onto an open ridge with close views of Machhapuchhre. This is a steady day of gaining height, so keep an easy pace. Overnight in a teahouse at High Camp (3,550 m).
A pre-dawn hike takes you to the Upper Viewpoint (4,200 m) for sunrise views of Mardi Himal, Machhapuchhre and the Annapurna range. If time and weather allow, you can continue further along the ridge towards Mardi Himal Base Camp before returning to High Camp. Overnight in a teahouse at High Camp (3,550 m).
A long descent of six to seven hours leads back past Low Camp and down through forest and terraced farmland to the village of Siding. This quieter side of the trek offers a glimpse of rural village life, and the warmer air is a welcome change after the ridge. Overnight in a teahouse in Siding (1,750 m).
A short walk brings you to Lumre, where a vehicle takes you back to Pokhara. The afternoon is free to relax by the lake or enjoy a well-earned meal in town. Overnight in a hotel in Pokhara (820 m).
A bus journey of around 6–7 hours takes you back along the river valleys to Kathmandu. The evening is free to rest, pick up souvenirs or explore the city. Overnight in a hotel in Kathmandu (1,400 m).
Your trip ends today. Depending on your flight time, you may have a few free hours for last-minute shopping or a final stroll, before a Pikey Sherpa Adventure representative transfers you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight.
