Mardi Himal only opened as a teahouse route in 2012, which by Nepali standards makes it brand new. It follows a forested ridge east of the Annapurna Sanctuary, climbing steadily to a viewpoint at 4,500 m directly beneath Machhapuchhre.
Why it is special
Most Nepal treks follow valleys and you look up at the mountains. Mardi follows a ridge, so you are looking across at them. From High Camp the fishtail summit of Machhapuchhre is so close it seems to overhang the trail, with Annapurna South and Hiunchuli filling the western horizon.
Itinerary
- Day 1: Drive to Kande, climb through forest to Australian Camp or Forest Camp.
- Day 2: Rhododendron and oak forest to Low Camp (2,970 m).
- Day 3: Above the treeline to High Camp (3,580 m) — the views open dramatically here.
- Day 4: Up to Mardi Himal Base Camp or the Upper Viewpoint (4,500 m), then back down.
- Day 5: Descend to Sidhing and drive to Pokhara.
Difficulty
Moderate, with one caveat: the ridge above High Camp is narrow and exposed in places, and in poor visibility or fresh snow it demands care. The climb to the viewpoint is a long, steady 900 m push. Otherwise the walking is straightforward.
Practicalities
Lodges are smaller and more basic than on the main Annapurna routes, and there are fewer of them — in October they fill by mid-afternoon, so start early or book ahead. Water is scarce above Low Camp; carry enough.
When to go
October to early December and March to May. Winter is possible but High Camp gets serious snow and some lodges close.
See our Mardi Himal itinerary or combine it with Poon Hill for a fuller week.
