Short Trekking Destination in the Annapurna Region
Being located in the north-central part of Nepal, it is an easily accessible trek from either Kathmandu or Pokhara that can be completed within 3-5 days. As most of the Mardi Trek starts from the capital city of Kathmandu, let's begin from here. Starting from the journey from Kathmandu either through local, standard, or tourist bus, even flight to Pokhara, the trailhead begins either from Dhampus, Pothana, or Deurali, which is also a gateway to Annapurna Base Camp and Poon Hill.
Within a minimum of 5 days, the Short Mardi Himal Trek reaches the pinnacle of 4500 meters at Mardi Himal Base Camp, the highest point. Along the way, the diverse landscape will insanely surprise you, from the woodland to the alpine zone that showcases the best of the Annapurna Himalayas within just a few days.
From the natural diversity and reaching the maximum heights, even though it is a short trip, it lets you relish in the thriving forested zone to high mountain views with every stride. Thus, if you are someone who has a limited timeframe and wants to do the short treks in Nepal, then this Mardi Trek is something that you surely don't want to miss out on.
A Perfect Gateway with Family, Friends, and Solo
One of the enchanting parts of this Mardi Himal route is that it can be commenced by any hikers no matter whether you are travelling with children, family, group or hiking alone, this trip fits all. So why undertake the trek to Mardi Himal with children, you might wonder? Well! The trailhead is so easy that it doesn't demand any fitness level.
You can have a great family time with your loved ones, see the best views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Range, and create some memories meandering through the iconic region. Maybe the children can unlock their first ever hiking that starts from this small continent of Asia, Nepal and the home of more than thousands wildlife of Annapurna Conservation Area.

Besides, if you are a lone hiker, then you will definetely enjoy the serene environment getting lost at nature, as it doesn't have restricted rules such as you cannot undertake the Mardi Himal Trekking solo, so lone walkers it is your time to have a "ME" time and seek out what nature has to offer you.
Unparalleled Mountain Views in Every Stride
Even though this Mardi Trek is an easy trekking adventure, the mountain views that everyone craves won't be compromised; you get it right. From the start, while taking a ride from Pokhara to Pokhara, Deurali, Ghandruk, and Dhampus, whatever your itinerary is set at, the surreal view of Mt. Fishtail (Machhapuchare Himal) welcomes you in this territory.
Along the route, that means after crossing the forested area of such snowcapped peaks as Nilgiri Hiunchuli and the Annapurna Range stretching over Annapurna South and Mardi Himal, befriend in every step.
At the Mardi Himal Base Camp (4500) or Mardi View Point, the unhindered panoramic views of the Annapurna massif and the rising star of Mardi Himal close up can be witnessed. Not only that, but the Dhaulagiri Range- the world's ninth highest peak showcases surreal views, including the Lamjung Himal, which surrounds you.
Discover Himalayan Flora and Fauna Along the Annapurna Conservation Area
Home to more than 105 mammals, 1000 plant species, and 470 bird species, this protected area was initiated in 1992 AD, which means that right from the start of Mardi Trekking, you will get to meander along the annapurna region exploring Himalayan species and blooming forest thrived with red rhododendrons, pines, and bamboos, enriching the trip even more.
Entering the forested area to Forest Camp, the fauna such as langur monkeys playing back and forth will make you laugh, the himalayan tahr gazing at you amuse you, and if you are in good luck then, you might even take a glance at rare elusive red panda staring at you.
And the best part! would be the chirping sound of wild birds throughout the trail, so bird watchers, you shall make your cameras ready and eyes filled with joy of happiness.
Even though the Mardi Himal Trek is a short trip, the best of bio diversity can be encountered in every single step that wonders you how such easily accessibility trip showers you with so much of Himalayan wildlife
Diverse Landscapes from Forest Camp to Low Camp to High Camp: A Marvelous Transition
Starting the Mardi Trek, entering the forested area of Forest camp, you will meander through the woodland thoroughly with zero settlements in between, YES! You somehow get it right. While navigating through the forest section, you might even catch a glimpse of several wildlife such as wild buffalo, blue sheep, and even Danfe- Nepal's national bird. While sitting in the forest camp on the very first day, the whole area is fully covered by the green forests and hills, and if you are hiking during the Spring timeframe, then the blooming rhododendrons can be seen beautifully decorating this forest.
Whereas, leaving the Forest Camp for the Mardi Himal High Camp, the transition of the wetland can be witnessed, bypassing the low camp, where the diverse landscapes on each side will amuse you. Low Camp also stands out to be the major stopping point where there is a wide tea house from where the first rewarding view of Mardi Himal and Mt. Fishtail rewards you. The distance between Forest Camp to Low Camp is only 2 hours away, so many people crave to either hike to Badal Danda or the High Camp.
Attaining Mardi Himal High Camp, the snowfall of white flakes will surely leave you spellbound. Within just 2 days, you can see the marvelous transition, reminding you that even a short trek in Nepal can be so rewarding.
Mardi Himal Base Camp (Alpine Zone) - 4500 meters
The highest point that this trek to Mardi Himal reaches is the Mardi Himal Base Camp, which stands at an elevation of 4500 meters. While the lower trails until you arrive at the high camp might sound like an easy trek. Pro hikers can enjoy walking past the steep sections and fully snowy trails. To proceed towards the base camp, you must wake up at around 3:00 to 3:45 AM, pack your lunch, and head for the journey, as the wind gets too windy after 1 PM, hence as soon as you can, you've to arrive there.
From the Mardi Himal Base Camp, the panoramic views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri with the rising star of "Mardi Himal" stretching, you can truly relish here, enjoying the best possible vista of the mountain range transforming the forested landscape area to a full mountainous view with being snowy covered.
For the beginners or hikers travelling with kids, you can hike to Mardi Himal View Point, which is more crowded as many individuals crave to go for as it is easy and offers the best 360 views of more than 10 countable peaks, including the Annapurna II, Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, Dhaulagiri, Hiunchuli, Lamjung Himal with the golden hour sunrise.
Varied Foods and Comfortable Accommodations
Unlike remote trails, the Mardi Himal Trekking Trail has a wide range of menus, serving homely cooked foods yet with a modern twist. Starting from the Western options, to asian and local, it serves as the best trailhead where locals do not have to compromise their taste!
The lodging facilities are well-equipped with well-maintained amenities such as single bedrooms, tables, wifi facilities, and attached washrooms. However, do not expect to be as modern as another trailhead, such as the Annapurna Circuit and Upper Mustang, as they are also highly focused on serving the luxury treks, where the price goes beyond USD 500. The pricing of the moods and rooms is affordable yet hygienic and cooked by locals themselves, so you can enjoy the meals that are fulfilling, freshly cooked, and the rooms are fully furnished.
The Wifi accessibility works 24 hours, if there is no disturbance of seasonal conditions such as heavy rainfall and snowfall, but the network works perfectly fine through network connectivity. However, you must consider carrying power banks, bottled water, portable charge, so you can quickly access connectivity and also save personal expenses, as WIFI and charging might cost USD 2- USD 3 in some parts of the trailhead
Flexible Itinerary for all schedules: From Short to Combined Treks
Last but not least, this trek to Mardi Himal doesn't demand long duration holidays where you have to set and go for ample preparations beforehand. Whether you are a newbie or a pro hiker, this Mardi Trek caters to and quenches the thirst for adventure in the blink of an eye, as it is best done with a combination of other iconic expeditions as well. Beginners can surely opt for a long duration of hiking, whereas those who have ample time can opt for combining with famous trips within the Annapurna region by stretching only 5-6 days.
To make it clear, here is a comparative table of the Mardi Himal trek itinerary options that one can look forward to picking from. Thus, they are recommended by expert teams considering the safe acclimatization and exploring every corner of the Annapurna region, especially for 2025 and 2026:
Trek Options |
Duration |
Best for |
Price (USD) |
Short Mardi Himal Trek |
5 days |
Experienced Hikers |
$ 299 to $ 449 |
Mardi Trek from Pokhara |
4 days |
Individuals who are already in Pokhara and want to start from here directly (IN and OUT of Pokhara) |
$ 499 |
Mardi Himal and ABC Trek |
13 days |
Reaches three base camps of (Mt. Annapurna, Mardi Himal, Fishtail) |
$ 750 |
Poon Hill with Mardi Himal Trek |
10 days |
Poon Hill View Point (showing more than 19 countable peaks) and reaches to Mardi Himal Base Camp and View Point at the same time. |
$ 630 |
Combine Mardi with Khopra Ridge Trek +Ghorepani Poon Hill |
16 days |
Covers the off-beaten adventure of Khopra Danda with an ascend to Poon Hill vantage point with an exploration of Mardi Himal Route |
$ 1090 |
All in all, Mardi Trek is an enchanting journey that lets you immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of the Annapurna Himalayas, exploring the diversity of climatic zones and ecosystems. From forested terrains to diverse landscapes to the highlands of alpine zones.