Mardi Himal Luxury Trek
Overview
The Mardi Himal trek is Nepal's best-kept secret — a stunning ridge walk that takes you face-to-face with the south face of Machapuchare (Fishtail) and Mardi Himal without the crowds of more established routes. This luxury version features comfortable lodges, private guides, and the extraordinary experience of walking along an exposed ridge with 360-degree Himalayan views that few trekkers ever witness.
Route
Kathmandu → Pokhara → Kande → Australian Camp → Forest Camp → Low Camp → High Camp → Mardi Himal Base Camp → return → Pokhara → Kathmandu
Highlights
- Walk along a dramatic exposed ridge with Machapuchare towering directly above
- Reach Mardi Himal Base Camp for intimate views of the Annapurna Sanctuary
- Far fewer trekkers than ABC or Poon Hill for a wilderness experience
- Trek through pristine rhododendron and oak forests teeming with bird life
- Spectacular sunrise views from High Camp over the Annapurna range
- Perfect moderate-difficulty alternative to the Annapurna Base Camp trek
Quick Facts
- Duration
- 10 Days / 9 Nights
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Group Size
- 2-8 guests
- Max Altitude
- 4,500m
- Best Months
- March-May, October-December
- Starting From
- $1,800 pp
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Fly to Pokhara
Morning flight to Pokhara. Transfer to lakeside luxury resort. Afternoon briefing and Pokhara exploration.
Drive to Kande, Trek to Australian Camp
Short drive to Kande trailhead. Easy trek through farmland and forest to Australian Camp, a scenic ridge with panoramic views of Annapurna South, Machapuchare, and the Pokhara Valley below.
Trek to Forest Camp
Enter dense rhododendron forest that creates a magical tunnel of twisted trees. In spring, the forest blazes with red, pink, and white blooms. The trail climbs steadily along the Mardi Himal ridge through Forest Camp (Kokar) with filtered mountain views.
Trek to Low Camp
Continue climbing through thinning forest as views open up dramatically. Emerge above the tree line to Low Camp with its first unobstructed views of Machapuchare's soaring south face and the Mardi Himal ridge stretching ahead.
Trek to High Camp
Trek along the increasingly narrow and exposed ridge — one of Nepal's most dramatic trail sections. The path follows the spine of the ridge with Machapuchare dominating the view ahead and the Modi Khola valley far below. Arrive at High Camp perched on the ridgeline.
Trek to Mardi Himal Base Camp, Return to High Camp
Early morning trek to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m) along the exposed ridge. Arrive at a viewpoint directly beneath the ice walls of Mardi Himal with the south face of Machapuchare filling the sky. Views extend into the Annapurna Sanctuary. Return to High Camp for overnight.
Descend to Forest Camp
Descend the ridge enjoying the views from a new perspective. Re-enter the rhododendron forest and continue to Forest Camp.
Trek to Siding, Drive to Pokhara
Descend through the forest to Siding village. Private vehicle transfer to Pokhara. Celebration lunch by the lake. Afternoon at leisure.
Fly to Kathmandu
Morning flight to Kathmandu. Transfer to hotel. Afternoon free. Optional heritage sightseeing.
Departure
Private airport transfer for your onward journey.
What's Included
- All accommodation in best available lodges and luxury hotels in Pokhara and Kathmandu
- All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Private licensed English-speaking trekking guide
- Porter service (1 porter per 2 trekkers)
- Kathmandu–Pokhara–Kathmandu domestic flights
- Kande and Siding transfers by private vehicle
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and TIMS card
- Airport transfers in private vehicle
Not Included
- International airfare to/from Kathmandu
- Nepal visa fee
- Travel insurance
- Alcoholic and cold beverages
- Personal trekking gear
- Tips for guide, porters, and hotel staff
Find Your Flights
Main international gateway to Nepal. Most flights connect via Doha, Istanbul, or Delhi. Direct flights available from select Asian cities.
Typical airlines: Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Himalaya Airlines, Nepal Airlines, Air India, FlyDubai
International flights are not included in CuratedAscents packages.
Customize This Journey
This itinerary is a starting point. Our AI Expedition Architect will tailor every detail — dates, accommodations, activities — to create your perfect trip.