Mardi Himal Trek

Kathmandu Valley is home to four UNESCO World Heritage Sites, each with its own charm and story. Depending on your interests, you can explore the historic palace squares of Patan, Bhaktapur, and Kathmandu which are filled with ancient temples, courtyards, and intricate woodwork or visit revered religious landmarks such as Pashupatinath Temple, Swayambhu Stupa, and Bouddhanath Stupa, each deeply spiritual and culturally rich.

Throughout the day, your guide will share the legends, rituals, and traditions that give life to these places. For meals, we recommend trying a traditional Nepali thali (a wholesome platter of rice, lentils, curries, and pickles) or mo:mo: Nepal’s beloved dumplings with spiced fillings.

After breakfast, we set off on a comfortable drive to Pokhara, a scenic journey of about 6–7 hours. The route winds past terraced fields, rivers, and small hill towns, meandering along the Trishuli and Marshyangdi Rivers. 

Upon reaching Pokhara, Nepal’s laid-back lake city, you’ll have time to relax by Phewa Lake and explore the Lakeside. 

Note: Travellers also have the option to travel to Pokhara via a short half an hour flight

After breakfast in Pokhara, you drive for about 1.5 hours to Kande, the starting point of the trek. From here, the trail gently ascends through terraced fields and scattered villages, offering your first glimpses of the Annapurna and Machhapuchhre ranges. The path soon leads to Australian Camp, a scenic viewpoint surrounded by pine forests, where you can pause to stretch and enjoy panoramic mountain vistas. Continuing on, the trail winds through forested slopes dotted with rhododendrons and oak trees, gradually easing you into the rhythm of the trek. By afternoon, you arrive at Deurali, our stop for the night.

Leaving Deurali behind, the trail enters a tranquil corridor of thick rhododendron and oak forests. It’s a peaceful walk through one of the most pristine sections of the trek, where shafts of sunlight occasionally pierce through the canopy, lighting up patches of moss and wildflowers. 

Upon reaching Low Camp, you’re rewarded with your first clear, uninterrupted view of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), its elegant, double summit glistening in the afternoon light. The camp offers a serene perch above the forest line, perfect for sunset photography and quiet reflection.

Today’s trail climbs steadily along a grassy ridgeline, offering sweeping 360° views of the Himalayas. To the north rise Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and the unmistakable Machhapuchhre — close enough to feel within reach. The climb, though steady, is immensely rewarding as you approach High Camp, perched dramatically above the clouds. From here, the evening sky explodes in hues of orange and gold over the Annapurna range, marking one of the trek’s most unforgettable sunsets.

You set out before dawn with headlamps glowing, tracing a narrow ridge toward Mardi Himal Base Camp. The silence of the early morning is broken only by the crunch of frost underfoot and the whisper of wind over the ridges. As the first light spills over the peaks, the entire Annapurna range ignites in gold and crimson. From the base camp, the views of Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, and Mardi Himal are nothing short of breathtaking. After spending time soaking in the Himalayan panorama, you descend back to High Camp (or continue to Low Camp, depending on the pace) for a well-earned rest.

After breakfast, begin your descent along a different route through lush forest trails leading to Siding Village. The change in scenery — from alpine ridges back to green hillsides and terraced farms — is a gentle reminder of the trek’s diverse beauty. In Siding, a waiting vehicle takes you back to Pokhara (a 2–3-hour drive), where the comforts of lakeside cafés and the calm waters of Phewa Lake offer the perfect ending to your mountain adventure.

After breakfast, we make our trip to Kathmandu, a relaxing 6–7 hour journey. Sit back, enjoy the views of the countryside, and relive the highlights of your trek. 

Once back in the Kathmandu, you’ll have free time to relax, explore local cafés, or celebrate your trek with your companions.

Note: Travellers also have the option to travel to Pokhara via a short half an hour flight. 

It’s time to say goodbye – for now. After breakfast, Iconic Himalaya team member will escort you to the airport in time for your flight. 

We hope your time in Nepal has left you with unforgettable memories, new friendships, and a deep connection to the mountains. Until next time — namaste and safe travels.