The complete guide to the quietest ridge in the Annapurna range, and every way to walk it. Choose from a fully-walked three-day express, the classic five and six-day routes, an eight-day cultural version, or a combined trek with Annapurna Base Camp, Poon Hill, or Khopra Danda. A separate helicopter tour covers the same skyline in about two hours. NTB-licensed local guides, permits, and transport from Pokhara handled.
The Mardi Himal trek is a teahouse walk up a forested ridge on the southern wall of the Annapurna massif, finishing at an upper viewpoint around 4,200 metres directly beneath Machhapuchhre, the Fishtail. It starts with a short drive from Pokhara to Kande, climbs through the Gurung villages of Pothana and Deurali, and follows the dedicated Mardi forest trail through Forest Camp, Low Camp, and High Camp. The route opened to teahouse trekking only in 2012, which is why it stays far quieter than Annapurna Base Camp or Poon Hill.
It works as a short trek or a longer one. The three-day version is the fastest, entirely on foot, the four and five-day versions add an easier pace, the six-day version spreads the same route over an extra night, the eight-day version adds a slow cultural descent through homestay villages, and longer combined routes link it with Annapurna Base Camp, Poon Hill, or Khopra Danda. A separate helicopter tour flies the same ridge in about two hours. Every itinerary below reaches the same viewpoint. A licensed guide and the ACAP permit are mandatory in the Annapurna Conservation Area and are arranged for booked trekkers.
From a fully-walked three-day express to the classic five and six-day routes, an eight-day cultural version, and combined treks with Annapurna Base Camp, Poon Hill, or Khopra Danda, plus a helicopter tour for those short on time. Pick by the days you have and the pace you want.
Drive to Pitam Deurali, climb straight to the Upper Viewpoint, then walk back out to Sidhing for the jeep. Fully on foot, built for trekkers short on time.
One extra night to ease the pace. Same Upper Viewpoint, same walked exit, less of a rush on each day's climb.
The standard way to do Mardi Himal. Kande in, Low Camp and High Camp on the way up, the Upper Viewpoint at 4,200 m, then a walked exit through Sidhing.
The same route at a more relaxed pace, with an extra acclimatisation night. Best for trekkers who want the views without the rush.
The full cultural version. Same climb to the viewpoint, then a slow four-day homestay descent through Sidhing, Ghalel, and Lwang.
Two sunrise viewpoints in one trip, the wide Poon Hill panorama and the close Mardi ridge, through the Gurung villages of Ghorepani and Ghandruk.
The Mardi ridge first, then down to Landruk and up into the Annapurna Sanctuary for base camp at 4,130 m. Two high points, one trip.
The two quietest ridges of the Annapurna region in one trip, Dhaulagiri from Khopra and Machhapuchhre from Mardi.
Every review below is verified on TripAdvisor or Google and links back to the original. Names, dates, and trek lengths are taken directly from the source. Nothing is rewritten.
Our recent trip to Nepal and trek to Mardi Himal turned out to be one of the most memorable adventures of my life. Our guide Max was friendly, knowledgeable, and incredibly supportive, especially during the steep sections. The views along the route were breathtaking.
We had an excellent five-day trek on the Mardi Himal trail. It is frequented primarily by Nepali tourists. The views are incredible all along the trail, and many guest houses have spectacular views. Our guide was a joy to be with.
We were considering trekking to Annapurna Base Camp, but changed to the Mardi Himal based on Raj's advice. This was probably the best advice we got in Nepal. Mountains were fully covered in snow, the lower fields were green, and the rhododendron trees were flourishing.
Prakash was our trekking guide for the Mardi Himal trek. Even when we arrived feeling unwell, he showed immediate sympathy and organised a range of Pokhara-based activities for us. We can't recommend him enough. Prakash has completed over 500 trips on this route.
Our Mardi Himal trekking experience was great because of this team. Our guide Gautam was so professional, cordial and hospitable. We enjoyed it a lot. Looking forward to our next adventure with them.
Truly exceeded our expectations and made our trip to the Himalayas absolutely memorable. From the moment we inquired until the day we returned, their professionalism and attention to detail were outstanding.
We answer every WhatsApp message within an hour during Kathmandu office hours (Sun–Fri 9 AM – 10 PM NPT). A USD 100 deposit holds your seat on any 2026 departure; the balance is paid in cash or by card at our Kathmandu office before departure. Free cancellation up to 14 days before the trek.
