The field notes
A journey with rhythm
Private guiding, thoughtful pacing, and enough room to absorb each place rather than simply pass through it.
PrivateThoughtfulLocal
Journey overview
The experience at a glance
The Mardi Himal Trek 6 Days is a short and very nice Himalayan trip through the quieter trails of Nepal’s Annapurna region. Starting and ending in Kathmandu, this carefully planned itinerary comprises overland travel to Pokhara and a four-day trek through Forest Camp, High Camp and Mardi Himal Base Camp. It’s a good choice for those who want to see mountains in close quarters and experience a trekking experience; not too long but a lot of fun.
Your adventure starts with a drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara, and you will pass through river valleys, farmland, forested hills and roadside settlements. You can settle down just beside Phewa Lake and get started on the journey. Travellers who prefer not to drive the long road journey can take an optional 25–30 minute flight between Kathmandu and Pokhara.
The trekking part of the Mardi Himal Trek 6 Days starts at Kande, a short drive from Pokhara. A trail leads through Australian Camp and Pothana before moving into dense rhododendron and oak forests on the way to Forest Camp. In the lower section, the landscape is serene and lush, with occasional clearings revealing the surrounding hills and distant Himalayan peaks.
After Forest Camp, the trail continues through Low Camp and Badal Danda and finally ends up at High Camp at approximately 3,580 metres. The thick forest gradually opens up into alpine meadows and mountain ridges as you climb higher. The views are beautiful, with Machhapuchhre— known as Fishtail Mountain— rising above you. Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Mardi Himal also present a nice Himalayan panorama.
The most rewarding day of the Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek begins early in High Camp. You climb up an easy ridgeline to the top and then the Mardi Himal Base Camp area at approximately 4,500 metres. The route on a clear morning gives you wonderful views of Machhapuchhre, Mardi Himal, Annapurna South and Hiunchuli. The height, silence and space make this one of the best short trekking experiences in Nepal. After all that, you go down to Badal Danda for the night.
The next morning the trail descends through forests and rural areas to Siding, a traditional Gurung village away from the busier approach route. You are taken back to Pokhara in a private vehicle and have a comfortable hotel stay and a quiet evening around Lakeside. The journey ends with a drive or optional flight back to Kathmandu.
Although no technical climbing experience is required, the Mardi Himal Trek 6 Days is rated moderate to challenging due to its steep hiking trails, rapid elevation gain, and long base camp hiking day. Participants should be physically fit and should be able to walk for about four to eight hours a day.
Hence, combining rhododendron forests, peaceful mountain villages, high ridgelines and fantastic views of Fishtail Mountain, the Mardi Himal Trek from Kathmandu is one of the best short walks around the Annapurna region.
Trip highlights
What makes this journey
- 01
Mardi Himal Base Camp Viewpoint: Hike to approximately 4,500 metres for close views of Machhapuchhre, Mardi Himal, Annapurna South and Hiunchuli.
- 02
Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) Views - You are going to get the best view of the iconic Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South and Hiunchuli from the Mardi Himal trail.
- 03
Scenic Annapurna Trekking Route - Follow the beautiful rhododendron and oak forests, alpine meadows, peaceful ridges and traditional mountain landscapes.
- 04
Mardi Himal High Camp (3,580 m) - Experience sunrise and sunset on the Annapurna from one of Nepal’s most beautiful high altitude trekking sites.
- 05
Short Trek from Pokhara - This Mardi Himal Trek is a great short Annapurna Trek for a tourist looking to experience beautiful Himalayan sights, authentic mountain villages and a fun adventure in a short time.
Places covered
Destinations on this trip
The places this journey moves through, in the order they shape the experience.
Kathmandu
Pokhara
Deurali
Forest Camp
High Camp
Siding
Day by day
6 days
Walk the route one day at a time — meals, overnight stays, and the details that shape each stage.
Your Mardi Himal adventure begins with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara. Along the way, we take the winding Prithvi Highway and river banks, green hills, terraced farmland, and traditional villages.
When you arrive in Pokhara, you check in to your hotel and rest the rest of the day at leisure. If you like, you can walk around Lakeside a bit and take in the sights of the Annapurna Range on foot.
Overnight: Hotel in Pokhara
- Overnight
- Hotel
- Distance
- 200 km
- Altitude
- 820m
NoteDuration: 6 to 8 hours by road. Optional: Flight, about 25-30 minutes
After breakfast, drive from Pokhara to Kande, the starting point of the trek. The drive takes about 1-1.5 hours.
From Kande, begin walking through beautiful rhododendron and oak forests. The trail initially climbs toward Australian Camp and continues through Pothana and Deurali before entering the quieter forest trail toward Forest Camp.
The way is more peaceful as you leave the more frequently visited Annapurna trails behind. Kokar, also known as Forest Camp, is surrounded by dense woodland and is a soothing Himalayan environment.
Overnight: Teahouse/lodge at Forest Camp. Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Meals
- Full Board
- Overnight
- Lodge
- Distance
- 9 km
- Altitude
- 2,520m
NoteTrek distance: About 8 -9 km. Trekking time: 5-6 hours. Elevation gain: Around 1,300 m
Today it is a beautiful uphill walk toward Mardi Himal High Camp. The trail goes through thick rhododendron and Himalayan forests before gradually becoming more open as you gain altitude.
You will pass Low Camp and continue to Badal Danda, where the forest begins to thin and spectacular mountain views appear. On clear days you can see Machhapuchhre (6,993 m), Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Mardi Himal.
Continuing along the ridge towards High Camp at approximately 3,580 meters. The change of landscape from forest to alpine terrain makes this one of the most memorable sections of the trek.
Overnight: Teahouse/lodge at High Camp. Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Meals
- Full Board
- Overnight
- Lodge
- Distance
- 7 km
- Altitude
- 3,580m
NoteTrekking time 4-5 hours. Elevation gain: 1,060 m
This is the highlight of the Mardi Himal Trek.
Start early from High Camp and follow the narrow ridge toward Mardi Himal Base Camp. As you climb higher, the landscape becomes more dramatic with great views of Mardi Himal, Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and the surrounding Himalayan peaks.
When you reach the Mardi Himal Base Camp view, take some time and enjoy the amazing mountain panorama and photographs. You return to a part of the trail and head back down to Badal Danda.
The descent is long but rewarding, returning to greener territory. Badal Danda offers beautiful sunset and mountain views and is a good place to spend the night.
Overnight: Teahouse/lodge at Badal Danda. Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Meals
- Full Board
- Overnight
- Lodge
- Distance
- 10 km
- Altitude
- 3,210m
NoteMax. Elevation: 4500m | Elevation Gain: 920m | Descent: 1,290 m | Walking: 7-8 hrs
fter breakfast, follow the trail from Badal Danda to Siding Village. The trail becomes greener as you travel through the forest and old settlement.
Siding is a beautiful Gurung village and marks the end of the main trekking section of the Mardi Himal route. After lunch, meet your private vehicle and drive back to Pokhara.
The night in Pokhara is spent in your hotel and you will be able to relax. You can go to Lakeside for a nice night out or you can just relax and rest after you go out.
Overnight: Hotel in Pokhara
Meals: breakfast and lunch
- Meals
- Breakfast and Lunch
- Overnight
- Hotel
- Distance
- 61 km
- Altitude
- 820m
NoteTrek distance: 8-9 km. Trekking time: 4-5 hours. Drive to Pokhara: Approximately 2-3 hours, depending on the road conditions
After breakfast, drive back to Kathmandu via the Prithvi Highway. The trip is another opportunity to enjoy the countryside in Nepal, rivers, hills, terraced fields and villages.
Alternatively, you can take a short flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu for a quicker and more comfortable journey.
Your Mardi Himal Trek officially concludes upon arrival in Kathmandu.
Meals: Breakfast
- Meals
- Breakast
- Distance
- 200 km
- Altitude
- 1,400m
NoteDuration: 6-8 hours by road. Optional: Flight, 25-30 minutes
Private vehicle & English-speaking guide throughout · Kathmandu
Trip essentials
What your journey covers
A clear split between what we arrange and what you budget yourself.
- Tourist bus fare: Kathmandu–Pokhara–Kathmandu. Hotel transfers to/from the bus station or airport are included. Flight fare is additional.
- Private transportation from Pokhara to Kande and private pickup from Siding Village to Pokhara.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner during the trekking period
- Accommodation in tea house or lodges during trekking
- English speaking license holder trekking guide and his accommodation, meals, salary, insurance, and other related expenses.
- 1 Porter for every 2 trekkers, including the porter’s accommodation, meals, salary, insurance, and other related expenses. (A porter supplement applies for a single trekker)
- TIMS card, National Park/Conservation Area permit fees, and all applicable government taxes.
- Two nights’ deluxe accommodation in Pokhara with Breakfast
- For group treks: Experienced trekking guides, cooks, and porters, including their insurance, accommodation, meals, allowances, and salaries.
- International Flight and Departure Tax
- Accommodation and meals in Kathmandu & Lunch and Dinner in Pokhara
- Personal gears and clothing such as sleeping bag, walking stick and etc
- Travel/Medical insurance and emergency evacuation cost
- Personal expenses caused by weather, laundry telephone calls, alcoholic beverages, bottled drinks, tips and etc.
Before you go
