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A classic 8–9 day tea‑house trek from Pokhara to Mardi Himal High Camp and a 4,200m viewpoint. Expect steep forested climbs, panoramic Annapurna views, and cultural stays in Gurung homestays.
A classic 8–9 day tea‑house trek from Pokhara to Mardi Himal High Camp and a 4,200m viewpoint. Expect steep forested climbs, panoramic Annapurna views, and cultural stays in Gurung homestays.
Dawn on the lower ridges smells of wet earth and pine; the ridge ahead narrows and the forest opens into a bowl of grass where prayer flags snap in the wind. You begin in Pokhara’s quiet bustle, drive to Phedi, and follow a trail that climbs through rhododendron groves, grassy ledges and stony switchbacks toward Low Camp and the High Camp beyond.
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Operated by Happyland Treks · Pokhara, Gandaki Province
Dawn on the lower ridges smells of wet earth and pine; the ridge ahead narrows and the forest opens into a bowl of grass where prayer flags snap in the wind. You begin in Pokhara’s quiet bustle, drive to Phedi, and follow a trail that climbs through rhododendron groves, grassy ledges and stony switchbacks toward Low Camp and the High Camp beyond.
The route threads the southern flanks of the Annapurna massif, where young Himalayan geology—uplifted, folded and serrated—creates steep valleys and sudden viewpoints. Local Gurung and Magar hamlets punctuate the ascent; their stone houses, prayer wheels and homestays offer cultural context and warm dal bhat after long days on the trail.
Expect daily approaches of 5–6 hours on mixed terrain: packed dirt, rocky steps and short loose scree near high camp. Elevations climb from roughly 820m (Pokhara) to High Camp (~3,600m) and a pre-dawn viewpoint around 4,200m, so pacing and basic altitude awareness matter.
Practical guidance: trek at a steady cadence, carry 2–3 liters of water and use layers—mornings and nights are cold even in summer. Tea houses provide simple rooms and hot meals but limited electricity; bring a headlamp and small power bank. Acclimatize with the scheduled profile (an easy day after arrival in Pokhara helps), and keep to the itinerary’s 5–6 hour daily segments to reduce fatigue. The payoff is clear: a close, often solitary view of Machapuchare’s fishtail and the stepped ridgelines of the Annapurnas, framed by alpine sky and wind that seems intent on showing you everything at once.
Yes — an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and a TIMS card are required; these are typically handled by your operator and included in the trip package.
The itinerary reaches roughly 3,600–4,200 m at the viewpoint; altitude sickness is possible—pace yourself, stay hydrated, and report symptoms early.
Simple rooms with shared bathrooms, basic bedding and hot meals; electricity and heating are limited, especially above Low Camp.
Fall (Sept–Nov) and spring (Mar–May) offer the best combination of stable weather and clear mountain views.
Happyland Treks operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
Dawn on the lower ridges smells of wet earth and pine; the ridge ahead narrows and the forest opens into a bowl of grass where prayer flags snap in the wind. You begin in Pokhara’s quiet bustle, drive to Phedi, and follow a trail that climbs through rhododendron groves, grassy ledges and stony switchbacks toward Low Camp and the High Camp beyond.
Dawn on the lower ridges smells of wet earth and pine; the ridge ahead narrows and the forest opens into a bowl of grass where prayer flags snap in the wind. You begin in Pokhara’s quiet bustle, drive to Phedi, and follow a trail that climbs through rhododendron groves, grassy ledges and stony switchbacks toward Low Camp and the High Camp beyond.
The route threads the southern flanks of the Annapurna massif, where young Himalayan geology—uplifted, folded and serrated—creates steep valleys and sudden viewpoints. Local Gurung and Magar hamlets punctuate the ascent; their stone houses, prayer wheels and homestays offer cultural context and warm dal bhat after long days on the trail.
Expect daily approaches of 5–6 hours on mixed terrain: packed dirt, rocky steps and short loose scree near high camp. Elevations climb from roughly 820m (Pokhara) to High Camp (~3,600m) and a pre-dawn viewpoint around 4,200m, so pacing and basic altitude awareness matter.
Practical guidance: trek at a steady cadence, carry 2–3 liters of water and use layers—mornings and nights are cold even in summer. Tea houses provide simple rooms and hot meals but limited electricity; bring a headlamp and small power bank. Acclimatize with the scheduled profile (an easy day after arrival in Pokhara helps), and keep to the itinerary’s 5–6 hour daily segments to reduce fatigue. The payoff is clear: a close, often solitary view of Machapuchare’s fishtail and the stepped ridgelines of the Annapurnas, framed by alpine sky and wind that seems intent on showing you everything at once.