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A 13-day guided trek from Kathmandu through Pokhara to Mardi Himal Base Camp, this route climbs through rhododendron forests, alpine scree and traditional Gurung villages to deliver close-up views of Machhapuchchhre and the Annapurna range. Expect tea-house lodging and steady altitude gain to 4,500 m.
A 13-day guided trek from Kathmandu through Pokhara to Mardi Himal Base Camp, this route climbs through rhododendron forests, alpine scree and traditional Gurung villages to deliver close-up views of Machhapuchchhre and the Annapurna range. Expect tea-house lodging and steady altitude gain to 4,500 m.
You step out of Pokhara’s fog into a road that tightens toward the hills and, within hours, you trade city hum for a forest that seems to pull you uphill. Pine-scented air and terraces march past villages as the ridge opens to Machhapuchchhre — the jagged “Fish Tail” — looming like a guardian over the route.
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Operated by Couch Adventure Nepal (CAN) · Pokhara, Gandaki Province
You step out of Pokhara’s fog into a road that tightens toward the hills and, within hours, you trade city hum for a forest that seems to pull you uphill. Pine-scented air and terraces march past villages as the ridge opens to Machhapuchchhre — the jagged “Fish Tail” — looming like a guardian over the route.
The Mardi Himal route threads newer trails on the south face of the Annapurna Massif, crossing rhododendron woods, mixed fir forest and high alpine scree before the thin-air exposure near Base Camp (around 4,500 m). This landscape sits on the geologic flank of the Greater Himalaya; glacier-carved valleys and moraine shelves frame sweeping views of Annapurna I, Hiunchuli and Manaslu on clearer days. Culturally, the trek passes Gurung villages where tea houses and homestays preserve traditional food, songs and terraced agriculture.
Expect steady altitude gain: early nights at Pothana (2,150 m), Low Camp (~3,290 m) and High Camp (~3,980 m) make the summit-day push manageable. Trails range from well-graded stone steps to narrow ridgelines and loose scree — good footwear and trekking poles matter. Acclimatize, hydrate, and monitor symptoms of altitude sickness; the guide-led itinerary includes permits (TIMS/ACAP) and tea-house lodging.
Practical tips: plan for 5–8 hour walking days, pack layered insulation for cold mornings, and reserve buffer days for weather. The reward is direct: mountain panoramas that arrive in stages — each bend revealing a new face of the Annapurna range.
Yes — you need an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and a TIMS card; your operator typically arranges these.
The itinerary reaches Mardi Himal Base Camp at about 4,500 meters, with High Camp around 3,980 meters.
It's challenging: expect consecutive days of 5–8 hours walking, steep sections and significant altitude gain, so prior endurance training helps.
Spring and fall offer the most stable weather and clear views; summer brings monsoon rain, and winter has snow at higher camps.
Couch Adventure Nepal (CAN) operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
You step out of Pokhara’s fog into a road that tightens toward the hills and, within hours, you trade city hum for a forest that seems to pull you uphill. Pine-scented air and terraces march past villages as the ridge opens to Machhapuchchhre — the jagged “Fish Tail” — looming like a guardian over the route.
You step out of Pokhara’s fog into a road that tightens toward the hills and, within hours, you trade city hum for a forest that seems to pull you uphill. Pine-scented air and terraces march past villages as the ridge opens to Machhapuchchhre — the jagged “Fish Tail” — looming like a guardian over the route.
The Mardi Himal route threads newer trails on the south face of the Annapurna Massif, crossing rhododendron woods, mixed fir forest and high alpine scree before the thin-air exposure near Base Camp (around 4,500 m). This landscape sits on the geologic flank of the Greater Himalaya; glacier-carved valleys and moraine shelves frame sweeping views of Annapurna I, Hiunchuli and Manaslu on clearer days. Culturally, the trek passes Gurung villages where tea houses and homestays preserve traditional food, songs and terraced agriculture.
Expect steady altitude gain: early nights at Pothana (2,150 m), Low Camp (~3,290 m) and High Camp (~3,980 m) make the summit-day push manageable. Trails range from well-graded stone steps to narrow ridgelines and loose scree — good footwear and trekking poles matter. Acclimatize, hydrate, and monitor symptoms of altitude sickness; the guide-led itinerary includes permits (TIMS/ACAP) and tea-house lodging.
Practical tips: plan for 5–8 hour walking days, pack layered insulation for cold mornings, and reserve buffer days for weather. The reward is direct: mountain panoramas that arrive in stages — each bend revealing a new face of the Annapurna range.