Snow capped Machhapuchhre peak viewed from Mardi Himal View Point trail in Annapurna, NepalSnow capped Machhapuchhre peak viewed from Mardi Himal View Point trail in Annapurna, Nepal

Classic Mardi Himal Trek - 9 Days

  • Duration9 Days
  • Route Grade Exploratory Travel
  • Trip Style Trekking and Mountain Adventure
  • Starting City Kathmandu
  • Ending City Kathmandu
Price fromUS$465US$570
Classic Mardi Himal Trek - 9 Days map

Trip Overview

9 day plan for the Mardi Himal Trek is a classic way to do it. This gives you 2 nights in Kathmandu, 2 nights in Pokhara, and 4 nights 5 days in the Mardi Himal Trails. The average trekking distance is 10KM per day. However the trek down distances (done in 2 days) are much longer than trekking up to the high camp & view point (done in 3 days). This trek is ideal for travelers who want a genuine Himalayan experience without a long time commitment.

The trail leads through peaceful forest and small mountain villages to open alpine views of Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South and Hiunchuli, following a regular, steady pace through Kande, Forest Camp, Low Camp and High Camp.

The main highlight of this trek is the early morning excursion from High Camp to the Mardi Himal View Point at approximately 4,200 m, before descending to Low Camp and on to Sidhing. The trip also includes time in Pokhara and Kathmandu, bringing together mountain scenery, village life and culture into one compact holiday.

Trip Detail

Information
Detail

Trip Code

MHT607N

Starting Point / End Point

Kathmandu to Kathmandu

Accommodations

4 star hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara, tea lodges, mountain lodges or camping along the trekking route

Max Altitude

Approximately 4,200 m at the Mardi Himal View Point

Duration

9 Days, 8 Nights

Country

Nepal

Trip Grade

Moderate, suitable for trekkers with a reasonable level of fitness

Activities

Mardi Himal trekking, high altitude viewpoint excursion, village walking, forest trekking and Kathmandu sightseeing

Season

Spring and autumn are generally favorable trekking seasons

Transportation

Private vehicle between Kathmandu, Pokhara, Kande and Sidhing, trekking on foot during the mountain section

Meals

Daily breakfast in Kathmandu and Pokhara, full board on the trekking days

Itinerary Overview

This 9 day, 8 night trip moves at a regular, steady pace through the Mardi Himal region of the Annapurna range. After driving from Kathmandu to Pokhara, you continue by road to Kande and begin trekking through Australian Camp toward Forest Camp, Low Camp and High Camp. From High Camp, an early morning excursion takes you up to the Mardi Himal View Point, after which you continue descending the same day back to Low Camp. The following day, the trail drops through forest to the village of Sidhing, from where you drive back to Pokhara. The trip concludes with a drive back to Kathmandu and an evening at leisure before departure.

Here is a quick look at how your 9 day trek unfolds.

  • Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to your hotel.

  • Day 2: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara and enjoy the evening at leisure.

  • Day 3: Drive to Kande and trek through Australian Camp to Forest Camp.

  • Day 4: Trek from Forest Camp to Low Camp through rhododendron and mountain forests.

  • Day 5: Trek from Low Camp to High Camp with increasingly open Himalayan views.

  • Day 6: Early morning excursion from High Camp toward Mardi Himal View Point, then descend to Low Camp.

  • Day 7: Trek from Low Camp to Sidhing and drive back to Pokhara.

  • Day 8: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu and enjoy the evening at leisure.

  • Day 9: Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward journey.
     

Why You Will Love This Trip

  • A Steady, Regular Trek to Mardi Himal: This 9 day itinerary moves at a normal, comfortable pace, walking from Kande through Forest Camp, Low Camp and High Camp, with no extra rest day built in. It suits trekkers who want to complete Mardi Himal in a shorter, well paced trip.

  • Sunrise Views from the Mardi Himal View Point: You leave High Camp early in the morning and climb the ridge trail to the Mardi Himal View Point at around 4,200 m. On a clear morning, Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South and Hiunchuli stand close in front of you.

  • Forest Walking from Kande to Forest Camp: The trek starts at Kande and passes through Australian Camp before reaching Forest Camp, following shaded trails through rhododendron and pine forest, quieter than busier routes like Annapurna Base Camp.

  • Open Mountain Views at Low Camp and High Camp: As you climb from Forest Camp to Low Camp and then to High Camp, the thick forest gives way to open ridgelines, with Machhapuchhre, Hiunchuli and Mardi Himal coming into view.

  • The Village of Sidhing on the Way Down: After High Camp, the trail descends through Low Camp toward Sidhing, a small traditional village at around 1,700 m where you can see everyday mountain life away from the main tourist trail.

  • Phewa Lake in Pokhara: Before and after the trek, you spend time in Pokhara, with an evening free to walk along Phewa Lake and enjoy the lakeside area.

  • Sightseeing in Kathmandu: Your trip includes time in Kathmandu, where you can visit Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, Kathmandu Durbar Square and Swayambhunath before your flight home.
     

Altitude & Activities

The trek gradually gains elevation from Pokhara toward High Camp, passing through Kande, Australian Camp, Forest Camp and Low Camp, with the landscape shifting from forested hillsides to increasingly open alpine terrain as you climb higher. The highest point of the itinerary is the Mardi Himal View Point at approximately 4,200 m, reached on an early morning excursion from High Camp. After the viewpoint, the trail descends the same day to Low Camp, then continues down through forest to Sidhing the following day before returning to Pokhara.

Day
Location
Altitude
Activities
Travel Time

Day 1

Kathmandu

Approximately 1,350 m

Arrival and leisure time

Airport transfer

Day 2

Pokhara

Approximately 820 m

Drive to Pokhara, evening at the lakeside

Approximately 200 km, 6 to 7 hours by road

Day 3

Forest Camp

Approximately 2,520 m

Drive to Kande, trek via Australian Camp

Drive approximately 1 hour, trek approximately 5 to 6 hours

Day 4

Low Camp

Approximately 3,150 m

Forest trail with gradually increasing elevation

Approximately 5 to 6 hours

Day 5

High Camp

Approximately 3,580 m

Trek through alpine terrain with opening mountain views

Approximately 4 to 5 hours

Day 6

Low Camp

Approximately 4,200 m at the viewpoint, overnight at 3,150 m

Excursion to Mardi Himal View Point, then descent to Low Camp

Approximately 6 to 7 hours in total

Day 7

Pokhara

Approximately 820 m

Trek to Sidhing, drive to Pokhara

Trek approximately 5 to 6 hours, drive approximately 1 to 2 hours

Day 8

Kathmandu

Approximately 1,350 m

Drive to Kathmandu, evening at leisure

Approximately 200 km, 6 to 7 hours by road

Day 9

Kathmandu

Approximately 1,350 m

Departure

Airport transfer

Accommodation and Meals

You will spend two nights in a comfortable 4 star hotel in Kathmandu and one night in a 4 star hotel in Pokhara before the trek, then one night in a 4 star hotel in Pokhara and one final night in Kathmandu after the trek, with daily breakfast included on those days. During the trek, you will stay in tea lodges, mountain lodges or camping along the route, with full board meals of breakfast, lunch and dinner included at every stop from Forest Camp through Low Camp.

Day
Location
Accommodation
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Day 1

Kathmandu

4 star hotel

Not Included

Not Included

Not Included

Day 2

Pokhara

4 star hotel

Included

Not Included

Not Included

Day 3

Forest Camp

Tea lodge, mountain lodge or camping

Included

Included

Included

Day 4

Low Camp

Tea lodge, mountain lodge or camping

Included

Included

Included

Day 5

High Camp

Tea lodge, mountain lodge or camping

Included

Included

Included

Day 6

Low Camp

Tea lodge, mountain lodge or camping

Included

Included

Included

Day 7

Pokhara

4 star hotel

Included

Not Included

Not Included

Day 8

Kathmandu

4 star hotel

Included

Not Included

Not Included

Day 9

Departure

N/A

Included

N/A

N/A

Cost Includes

Cost & Inclusions

This 9 day trek includes accommodation at 4 star hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara, tea lodge, mountain lodge or camping accommodation along the trekking route, private ground transportation between Kathmandu, Pokhara, Kande and Sidhing, an experienced trekking guide, required permits for the Annapurna region, and daily breakfast in Kathmandu and Pokhara along with full board meals during the trek.

Cost Includes
Cost Excludes

Private airport arrival and departure transfers

International airfare to and from Nepal

Private vehicle transportation between Kathmandu and Pokhara

Nepal entry visa fee

Private vehicle transportation between Pokhara, Kande and Sidhing

Travel insurance

Accommodation at a 4 star hotel in Kathmandu

Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara

Accommodation at a 4 star hotel in Pokhara

Personal expenses such as drinks, laundry, shopping and phone calls

Tea lodge, mountain lodge or camping accommodation throughout the trek

Tips for guide and porter

Full board meals, breakfast, lunch and dinner, during the trek

 

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

 

Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) card

 

Experienced English speaking trekking guide

 

Daily breakfast in Kathmandu and Pokhara

 
Itinerary

Welcome to Nepal. Our representative will meet you outside the arrival terminal at Tribhuvan International Airport, holding a board with our company name, and take you to your 4 star hotel in Kathmandu. The rest of the day is kept free so you can rest after your flight, settle into the hotel and get ready for the trekking days ahead.

  • Route: Tribhuvan International Airport to hotel in Kathmandu

  • Altitude: Approximately 1,350 m

  • Accommodation: 4 star hotel

  • Meals: Not included

  • Highlights: Airport pickup, hotel check in, rest and trek preparation

    After breakfast, set out on the drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara, a journey of around 200 km that takes about 6 to 7 hours depending on traffic and road conditions. The road follows the Prithvi Highway, passing terraced hillsides, small villages and the Trishuli and Marsyangdi rivers along the way. Once you reach Pokhara, check in to your hotel and spend the evening walking around Phewa Lake, where you can enjoy the calm water and mountain backdrop as the sun goes down.

    • Route: Kathmandu to Pokhara

    • Altitude: Approximately 820 m

    • Accommodation: 4 star hotel

    • Meals: Breakfast

    • Highlights: Scenic drive along the Prithvi Highway, arrival in Pokhara and evening at Phewa Lake

      After breakfast, drive from Pokhara to Kande, about an hour away, where the trekking part of your trip begins. From Kande, the trail climbs steadily through forest and past small farming settlements to Australian Camp, a popular rest point with open views back toward Pokhara valley. From here, the path continues through quiet rhododendron and pine forest, gradually gaining height until you reach Forest Camp, your first overnight stop on the mountain.

      • Route: Pokhara to Kande by road, then Kande to Australian Camp to Forest Camp on foot

      • Altitude: Approximately 2,520 m at Forest Camp

      • Accommodation: Tea house, mountain lodge or camping

      • Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

      • Highlights: Drive to Kande, Australian Camp viewpoint and first day of forest trekking

        After breakfast, continue walking from Forest Camp toward Low Camp. Today's trail passes through some of the thickest forest on the route, with tall rhododendron trees lining the path for much of the way. As you climb higher, the trees gradually thin out and you begin to catch your first real glimpses of the Annapurna and Machhapuchhre ranges through gaps in the canopy.

        • Route: Forest Camp to Low Camp

        • Altitude: Approximately 3,150 m

        • Accommodation: Tea house, mountain lodge or camping

        • Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

        • Highlights: Dense rhododendron forest, steady altitude gain and first mountain views

          Today the trail leaves the forest behind for good as you climb from Low Camp to High Camp. The path moves onto an open, grassy ridgeline, and the surrounding mountains start to feel much closer. On a clear day, Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Mardi Himal are all visible from around High Camp, making this one of the most scenic overnight stops of the trek.

          • Route: Low Camp to High Camp

          • Altitude: Approximately 3,580 m

          • Accommodation: Tea house, mountain lodge or camping

          • Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

          • Highlights: Open alpine ridgeline and panoramic Himalayan views from High Camp

            This is the main day of the trek. You leave High Camp early in the morning, while the sky is usually clearest, and follow the narrow ridge trail up toward the Mardi Himal View Point at around 4,200 m. The path is steep in places and can feel exposed, so you will move at a steady pace with your guide. From the top, on a clear morning, Machhapuchhre appears close enough to touch, with Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and the wider Annapurna range spread out around you. After spending time at the viewpoint, you return to High Camp, have lunch and collect your bags, then continue down the same trail you climbed on Day 5 to spend the night at Low Camp.

            • Route: High Camp to Mardi Himal View Point, back to High Camp, then down to Low Camp

            • Altitude: Approximately 4,200 m at the viewpoint, overnight at approximately 3,150 m

            • Accommodation: Tea house, mountain lodge or camping

            • Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

            • Highlights: Sunrise style views from Mardi Himal View Point and a long descent back to Low Camp

              After breakfast, begin the descent from Low Camp down through forested slopes toward Sidhing, a small traditional village well below the treeline. The trail loses height steadily, and the landscape turns green again as you leave the alpine zone behind. From Sidhing, a vehicle takes you back to Pokhara, where you check in to your hotel and can spend the evening relaxing by Phewa Lake after several days on the trail.

              • Route: Low Camp to Sidhing on foot, then Sidhing to Pokhara by road

              • Altitude: Approximately 1,700 m at Sidhing, descending to 820 m in Pokhara

              • Accommodation: 4 star hotel

              • Meals: Breakfast

              • Highlights: Forest descent, Sidhing village and a relaxing evening back in Pokhara

                After breakfast, drive back from Pokhara to Kathmandu along the same scenic highway, passing through hill towns and river valleys. Once you check in to your hotel, the rest of the day is free, giving you time to rest, do some last minute shopping in Thamel, or simply relax before your departure.

                • Route: Pokhara to Kathmandu

                • Altitude: Approximately 1,350 m

                • Accommodation: 4 star hotel

                • Meals: Breakfast

                • Highlights: Return drive to Kathmandu and free evening in Thamel

                  After breakfast, our representative will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport in good time for your onward flight, bringing your Mardi Himal Trek to a close.

                  • Route: Hotel in Kathmandu to Tribhuvan International Airport

                  • Altitude: Approximately 1,350 m

                  • Meals: Breakfast

                  • Highlights: Airport transfer and departure from Nepal

                    Trip Information

                    Know Before You Book

                    • Visa Requirements: For this trip, you will need to apply for a 15 day Nepal visa, which comfortably covers your stay. All citizens of the world except Indian passport holders need a visa to enter Nepal, and most travelers can get a Visa on Arrival. The 15 day tourist visa fee is USD 30. You can apply and pay online in advance here: https://nepaliport-new.immigration.gov.np/. We recommend completing the online application ahead of time to save time at the airport.

                    • Passport Validity: Please ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your arrival date, with at least one blank page for your visa stamp.

                    • Fitness Level: This trek moves at a regular, steady pace, and Day 6 in particular is long, combining the excursion to the Mardi Himal View Point with a continued descent to Low Camp. Travelers should be comfortable walking for several hours a day on hilly and, at higher points, ridge terrain. Previous high altitude trekking experience is not required, but regular walking or hiking practice beforehand is recommended.

                    • Permits: This trek requires an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and a Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) card, both of which are arranged as part of this package.

                    • Travel Insurance: Travel insurance covering medical emergencies, evacuation and trip delays is strongly recommended for this trek.

                    • Currency and Payment Methods: We accept payments in major currencies such as USD, EUR and GBP, though it is a good idea to carry some Nepali Rupees for smaller personal expenses on the trail.
                       

                    Accommodations, Meals & Transportation

                    • Typical Accommodation Used: You will stay in comfortable 4 star hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara before and after the trek. During the trek, you will stay in tea lodges, mountain lodges or camping from Forest Camp through Low Camp, offering simple rooms or tents and shared dining areas where meals are served.

                    • Meals: Daily breakfast is included in Kathmandu and Pokhara. During the trek, full board meals of breakfast, lunch and dinner are included at every stop from Forest Camp through Low Camp.

                    • Guide Support: An experienced English speaking guide accompanies you throughout the trek, assisting with trail navigation and the excursion from High Camp to the Mardi Himal View Point.

                    • Transportation: This package includes private airport transfers in Kathmandu, along with private ground transportation between Kathmandu and Pokhara and between Pokhara, Kande and Sidhing. All movement between villages on the trekking days is done on foot.
                       

                    Seasonal & Weather Updates

                    • Autumn (September to November): One of the best seasons for this trek, with generally clear and stable weather and good visibility for mountain views, though mornings and evenings at High Camp can be cold.

                    • Spring (March to May): Another favorable season, with milder temperatures at lower elevations and rhododendron forests in bloom along the trail between Kande, Australian Camp and Forest Camp.
                       

                    Health & Safety

                    • General Wellbeing: The trek reaches approximately 4,200 m on the excursion to the Mardi Himal View Point. Trekkers should be aware of the signs of altitude sickness and communicate any symptoms to their guide promptly.

                    • Healthcare Facilities: Basic facilities are limited along the trekking route between Forest Camp and High Camp, with full hospital facilities available in Pokhara and Kathmandu. Your guide can assist with local arrangements if required.

                    • Pacing: Since this itinerary follows a regular pace without an extra acclimatization day, Day 6 involves a longer walking day. Trekkers should pace themselves accordingly and communicate any discomfort to their guide.

                    • Hydration: Drink sufficient fluids throughout the trekking days, particularly on the day of the viewpoint excursion and descent.

                    • Weather Awareness: Weather at High Camp and above can change quickly. Follow your guide's instructions closely, particularly on the ridge trail leading to the Mardi Himal View Point.
                       

                    Packing Checklist

                    • Essential Clothing: Comfortable layered clothing suitable for trekking, including a warm jacket for cold mornings and evenings at High Camp.

                    • Footwear: Trekking shoes with good grip suitable for multiple days of walking on forested, hilly and ridge terrain.

                    • Trail Gear: A sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and a light rain jacket for changing weather.

                    • Personal Items: A small daypack, headlamp, reusable water bottle, personal toiletries, camera and any personal medications you need.
                       

                    Important Notices

                    • Travel Advisories: Before you travel, we recommend checking the latest travel advice issued by your home country. Our team is happy to provide local updates before your trip.

                    • Trail Conditions: The ridge trail leading to the Mardi Himal View Point can be narrow and exposed in sections, particularly in poor visibility. Please follow your guide's instructions closely on this stretch.

                    • Responsible Travel: We encourage you to respect local customs in villages such as Sidhing along the route, minimize waste on the trail and follow your guide's advice on sustainable trekking practices.

                    Trip Preparations
                    • Does this trek go all the way to Mardi Himal Base Camp?

                      No. This 9 day itinerary ends at the Mardi Himal View Point, at approximately 4,200 m, which is reached as an excursion from High Camp before you descend to Low Camp the same day. The trek does not continue further to Mardi Himal Base Camp.

                    • Day 6 covers the most ground of any day on this itinerary. You climb early from High Camp to the Mardi Himal View Point, return to High Camp for lunch, then keep walking down to Low Camp the same afternoon. Since this trip does not include an extra rest day at High Camp, this is the one day where you should expect a longer time on your feet.

                    • Yes. No previous high altitude trekking experience is needed, and the trails up to Forest Camp and Low Camp are gradual. That said, Day 6 is long, so a reasonable level of everyday fitness and some walking practice before you arrive will make the trip more enjoyable.

                    • Yes, two are required: the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) card. Both are arranged for you as part of this package, so there is nothing you need to organize yourself.

                    • The trek reaches its highest point at the Mardi Himal View Point, approximately 4,200 m, on the morning of Day 6. You do not sleep at this altitude. After the viewpoint, you return to High Camp and descend to Low Camp for the night.

                    • Mobile network coverage is patchy above Forest Camp and generally unreliable at Low Camp and High Camp. Some tea houses may offer WiFi for a small fee, though this cannot be guaranteed, so it is best to let family or work know you may be offline for a few days.

                    • Your guide will assess conditions before setting out for the Mardi Himal View Point. In poor weather, such as heavy cloud, rain or strong wind, the timing of the excursion may be adjusted, or in rare cases the walk may be shortened for safety, though every effort is made to give you a chance at the views.

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