Situated just east of one of the most popular trekking areas of Nepal, but hardly known as yet, the Mardi Himal trek is a hidden gem. At less than fifteen miles north of Pokhara, as the crow flies, Mardi Himal itself is the most southerly small peak of the Annapurna range: from some viewpoints it seems little more than an outlier on the south-west flank of Machhapuchhre.

Surprisingly, although the route to the summit was tackled and established over five decades ago, the trekking trail itself was introduced only recently. Mardi Himal (5,587m), is the triangular-shaped mountain which rises from the long ridge along the southern slope of Machhapuchhre, from where there are superlative views, including a fine vista of the picturesque Pokhara valley, encompassing many of the world’s highest peaks, namely Annapurna l (8091m), Annapurna ll (7937m), Annapurna lll (7555m), Annapurna lV (7525m), Annapurna South (7219m), Dhaulagiri (8167m), Manaslu (8163m), Nilgiri ()7041m), Machhapuchhre (6998m), Hiunchuli (6441m), Glacier Dome (7193m), Gangapurna (7454m) and Lamjung Himal (6986m). This unique trek is sure to provide outstanding views of many of these giants, particularly Machhapuchhre, which dominates the trail throughout, primarily because of its position as the southernmost mountain in the whole Annapurna range, thereby appearing unbelievably close.
 
Even though these huge and often familiar-shaped peaks are nearby, there is still an essence of exploration on this beautiful trail, which leaves behind the more popular trekking routes and affords the opportunity to walk high on the ridge for the most part, looking down on scenery often only appreciated from afar or below. Beyond the mountain vistas, the dramatic scenery of the Mardi Himal trek is unforgettable, with its incredible landscape of rocks, hills and forests, colourful with rhododendrons in the Spring, and always home to many species of flora and fauna.
Trekking through dense forests and discovering high alpine pastures adds to the sense of exploration; the sparsely scattered Gurung and Magar settlements at the beginning and end of the trail retain much of their traditional charm, receiving few visitors, apart from the shepherds, yak- and other animal-herders who pass by on their way to summer pastures, as they have done from time immemorial. Exploration of the unique blend of culture, rituals and lifestyles of the various ethnic groups is a rare opportunity, as is the chance to discover as yet unexplored features of the area.

The entire Mardi Himal trek is dominated by a sense of remoteness, yet accompanied throughout by the sounds of both well-known and unfamiliar birds, and sometimes of silence – always with the ever-present Machhapuchhre.

Superb view of the Annapurnas and Dhaulagiris will be enjoyed throughout the trek, which is dominated by dense forests of Rhododendron, Oak, Magnolia, Pine and Bamboo, rich with birds, butterflies and many mammals, including Muntjac and Musk deer, also Rhesus Macaque and Grey Langur monkeys: even an outside chance of spotting the endangered Red Panda or Black Bear!
The up–and-down trail passes through narrow gorges, alongside mountain streams and rushing rivers, traversing high ridges and deep valleys, with Gurung and Brahman villages to be visited and enjoyed along the way, providing a unique cultural experience of some of the Nepalese ethnic groups living in the Annapurna foothills.

The Mardi Himal experience both starts and finishes in Pokhara, the attractive, lakeside town which is the closest large settlement to any of the high Himalayan peaks – in this case, the Fishtail mountain, Machhapuchhre, which is only 29km from the town. Lakeside Pokhara is a relaxing place, where post-trek rest and enjoyment are assured: Lake Phewa boating, Nepalese coffee drinking, fine dining with local and international menus, bookshop browsing, or souvenir hunting.

Itinerary at a glance

Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu and transport to Hotel.
Day 02: Kathmandu: half-day world heritage sightseeing (Monkey temple and Patan/Bhaketpur), and preparing for trek
Day 03: Morning drive or fly to Pokhara (820m) and overnight in Hotel, rest of day will be spent at leisure and preparation for the trek.
Day 04: Drive to Kande (1130m), and trek Pothana (1900m) or Pitam Deurali (2100m) via Australian camp (1880m), 1½hrs drive and 2hrs to 3hrs walk
Day 05: Trek to Forest Camp (2550m), 5hrs to 5½hrs walk
Day 06: Trek to Low Camp (3000m), 3hrs walk
Day 07: Trek to High Camp (3900m), 4hrs to 4½hrs walk
Day 08: Exploration day,trek to Upper Viewpoint (4100m) or Mardi Himal Base Camp (4250m) and return to High Camp (3900m), 6hrs to 8hrs walk
Day 09: Trek to Sidhing (1700m) 6hrs to 7hrs walk
Day 10: Trek to Lumre (950m) and drive to Pokhara, 3hrs walk and about 2hrs drive
Day 11: Exploration day at Pokhara: relax, shopping & leisure, overnight in hotel
Day 12: Drive back to Kathmandu, rest of day will be spent at leisure and shopping
Day 13: At leisure in Kathmandu, optional visit to Jamarko projects (EPHC), our project in support of disadvantaged children
Day 14: Transfer to airport for international departure