Nepal is known as the land of Himalayas, a perfect place for trekking. If you’re thinking about making a trip to Nepal, the main thing you’ll be wondering is, “Which one is a must-do trek in Nepal?”
The first choices that come to everybody’s minds are Everest Base Camp or Annapurna Circuit—the well-known routes, with lots of fellow trekkers and a divine experience.
But for those who want something more intimate a trail that lets you appreciate the mountains without the rush of crowds, Mardi Himal Trek is a wonderful choice.
Those who have been there described Mardi as a “hidden gem” a short, scenic trail close enough to Pokhara for easy access, yet wild and peaceful to feel a world away from busy trails.
Why does Mardi Himal stand out amongst Nepal’s treks?
There’s a common misconception that only the giant peaks such as Everest, Annapurna, and Manaslu are worth trekking to. But let’s be honest here. If you’re on a vacation across the world, the more important thing would be choosing a trail that makes a unique experience. Here’s what makes the Mardi Himal trek different from others:
Short Duration
The popular treks including Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit trek, and Manaslu Circuit trek require at least 14 to 15 days to complete. Meanwhile, the Mardi Himal trek can be completed in 5–7 days from Pokhara.
Less Crowded, More Meaningful Experience
The Mardi Himal is a lesser-known trail. You won’t have to worry about space on the trails, teahouses, and scenic spots to click pictures. You’ll be walking through the alpine forests and green meadows in peace, with fewer crowds even in peak season. This is what makes the Mardi Himal trail different from the common ones, still with the peaceful experience in the mountains.
Scenic Variety That Will Take Your Breath Away
A big part of Mardi’s appeal is the remarkable range of landscapes it offers. The trail starts from the village in Kaski, which indulges thick forests full of bright red rhododendrons, moving towards a dramatic ridgeline.
Dense Rhododendron Forests
For most of the trek, you make your way through the giant trees of the rhododendrons, which bloom in an amusing red during the spring. Also, throughout the trail, you can hear the chatter of monkeys, and other wildlife. The songs of Himalayan birds you hear will leave you awestruck.
Alpine Meadows and Tea Houses
As you keep on ascending, the trail dramatically changes to sprawling meadows. Tiny teahouses can be approached, offering a warm plate of all the local delicacies and also a place to rest for the day in the lap of the Himalayas with majestic views.
The Final Push to Mardi View Point
The last days are all about climbing a dramatic ridgeline to Mardi View Point and Base Camps. Upon reaching here, you’ll be witnessing a 360-degree view of Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, Hiunchuli, and the icy ridges of the Annapurna range. The view gives you the raw and intimate feel, being a perfect spot to hangout and appreciate how far you’ve come.
Culture along the Trail — Tea Houses and Local Life
Apart from the mountains, scenic hills, and wildlife; it’s a special opportunity to bond with Nepal’s local culture. The trail is mostly covered with small Gurung and Magar settlements, where locals have been residing for centuries, and offering hospitality to passersby.
Staying in Tea Houses
The nights you spend are mostly in small, family-run teahouses. This provides the trekkers to experience unfiltered daily life in the Himalayas. They’ll lovingly serve you dal bhat, made from fresh and homemade ingredients, or even a hearty bowl of thukpa or a plate of momo. In the nights, after a comforting dinner, you’ll be sitting by the fire, listening and exchanging stories with the kind villagers and fellow trekkers beneath a dazzling sky bright with stars.
A Glimpse into Local Culture
Trekking through these small villages, you’ll eventually appreciate the rich human stories carved into them. The children scampering home from school, a woman weaving on her back porch, you’ll be reminded that these mountains aren’t barren wilderness, they’re a thriving home.
Less Commercial, More Authentic Experience
Mardi Himal hasn’t gotten much popularity in recent times. This makes it off the main tourist path, letting it retain much of its authenticity. The bonding with locals, the nights you spend in local teahouses, and the trek all feel closer to your soul and true to traditional Himalayan life.
Photography Heaven
The diversity of the trail offers many unique views, being perfect for photographers.
From dramatic forests to close-up perspectives of majestic Annapurna and Machhapuchhre, the opportunities to capture them are endless. Sunrises and Sunsets from Mardi View Point or even the lodges you’re accommodating in are unexplainable. The white snow-capped peaks covered in a stunning orange glow are a perfect moment for that breathtaking shot.
Duration & Days
- Typically a 5‑7 day trek, with most itineraries offering a 6‑day schedule from Pokhara or Kathmandu
Cost Estimate
- Packages range from US $500 to $1,200+, depending on guide inclusion, season, group size, and services
Altitude
- Trek route starts at 1,700–1,800 m (Kande/Phedi), rising through camps to High Camp at 3,580 m, with Base Camp at 4,500 m; peak height is 5,587 m
Weather & Temperature
- Spring/Autumn (best seasons): 10 – 20 °C day; 0 to –5 °C night
- Monsoon (Jun‑Aug): 15 – 25 °C day, heavy rain, slippery trails
- Winter (Dec‑Feb): –5 – 15 °C day, wintery nights down to –10 °C or lower
Best Season
- Spring (Mar–May) and Autumn (Sep–Nov) are ideal for stable weather, clear skies, rhododendron blooms, and crisp mountain views
Challenges & Difficulty
- Classified as moderate difficulty: 4–7 hrs/day on steep, sometimes rocky trails; altitude sickness possible above 3,500 m.
Permit & Logistics
- Requires two permits: Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (USD 30 for foreigners) and TIMS card (USD 20)
- Travel insurance with rescue and altitude coverage is strongly recommended.
Typical Itinerary
- Sample structure: Day 1 to Phedi/Pothana → Day 2 Forest Camp → Day 3 High Camp → Day 4 Base Camp & descend → Day 5 return to Pokhara/Kathmandu
Final Thoughts
The vibe of the awesome Annapurna range, excluding the crowds, and lengthy itinerary is something only Mardi Himal could match.
Looking at other high-altitude treks in Nepal, Mardi tops out at about 4,500 m (14,764 feet).
This makes it easier to adjust to the altitude difference.
The Mardi Himal trek is a perfect blend of scenic trails with dramatic landscapes and ridgelines, and rich authentic culture. The short length also makes it a wonderful choice for beginners and veteran hikers alike.
For those who may not have weeks to spare, but still desire an unfiltered and raw Himalayan experience, Mardi is beyond perfect.
Choose the best season, which is spring and autumn. Plan the perfect trips for you with your friends or family by hiring experienced porters and guides. This way you absolutely will be famished by the Mardi Himal Trek.
