Mardi Himal and Machhapuchhare Trek

The Annapurna Machhapuchhre Trek (Fishtail) is also known as the Mardi Himal trekking for its outstanding mountain profile. The itinerary follows the least trodden trail away from the trekkers' madding crowd. We hike into the forests and the Himalayan settlements that have not felt the impact of tourism as such till now. There are newly open tea houses for accommodation on this trekking route, which used to be fully camping earlier. Thus this Machhapuchhre trek is suitable for those who have less time and wish to explore the off-the-beaten track in Nepal with the essence of exploration.

We take a short drive from Pokhara to Phedi to start this Annapurna Machhapuchhre trek. After the drive, we start our trek the Dhampus on our way to Mardi Himal. We ascend through the traditional settlements and pristine oak and rhododendron forest. Undoubtedly it offers the close-up dramatic scenery of sacred Mt. Machapuchare, Mardi Himal, and many other peaks in the Annapurna range. The great ice fields and the blue glaciers of the Annapurna sanctuary walls lie below us while we walk on the ridge towards the Mardi Himal.Furthermore, we descend from the different routes to the warm valley and friendly villages on the bank of the Mardi River. Surprisingly still away from the used popular trekking routes on our way back to Pokhara. Thus Annapurna Mardi Himal trek is one of the finest short off-the-beaten tea houses treks in the Annapurna region.

Region
Nepal
Duration
13 day
Level
moderate
Max Altitude
4800 m.
Daily Activity
4 to 5 hour
Season
Sept to Nov and Mar to May
Starting From
$ 1300
cost will offer Nepal New Generation Trek more then 4 people
Brief Introduction

Mardi Himal or Machhapuchhare Model Trek Some villages are visited on the last days of the trek and these receive few visitors and retain much of their traditional charm. There is an essence of exploration on this trek. The trails we follow are not well used and sometimes hard to identify. Sometimes shepherds and pilgrims pass by. Our mardi himal /Machhapuchhare trek is designed to provide outstanding mountain views, and to get away from the tea-house trails and into the forests and villages that have not felt the impact of tourism

Mardi Himal and Machhapuchhare Trek
  • Stunning views of Mardi, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri,
  • Machhapuchhre, Nilgiri, and Himchuli
  • Beautiful dense forests of rhododendron, oak, pine
  • Attractive water mills
  • Traditional farming system
  • Typical culture of local people
Itinerary

Seeking for a real adventure? Our travel itinerary is based on years of trekking expertise, ensuring that you have a fun and safe vacation. However, like with all such risky excursions, there may be instances where we must change the schedule, possibly without much notice. While we make every attempt to stick to the timetable, we humbly ask for your patience and flexibility if unforeseen circumstances like weather or unforeseen natural events come into play. You may be sure that our knowledgeable guides will adjust as needed to make your tour as enjoyable as possible.

Schedule for each day
Days: 1: Arrival, transfer to hotel, introductions, and briefing  
Our airport representative from Nepal New Generation Trek Guide will welcome you after you arrive at Kathmandu International Airport. At the hotel, you can just relax. Overnight at Kathmandu.
Days: 2: Kathmandu, city sightseeing  
We will have sightseeing in Kathmandu city on this day. You will visit some of the major spots enlisted in UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Especially, you will visit Swayambhunath (Monkey temple) lying on the top of the hill. Pashupatinath temple, an eminent Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. it is positioned on the coast of the sacred Bagmati River. Boudhanath, another largest Buddhist stupa on the earth; and Patan Durbar Square which allures visitors with its antique royal palace where the Malla Kings of Lalitpur once resided. Overnight at Kathmandu.
Days: 3: Drive to Pokhara  
We will drive to Pokhara from Kathmandu taking about 6 hours. We will pass along with terrace villages, farms, as well as cities with arresting views of snow-capped peaks. Pokhara holds three attention-grabbing lakes in its region- Phewa, Rupa, and Begnas. At Pokhara, we can also enjoy boating and visit Tal Barahi temple lying in the heart of the Phewa lake. Overnight in a hotel.
Days: 4: Trek to Deurali  
Today we will begin our trek. We will drive to Phedi and walk up the hill. We will trek to the top of the ridge above 500m to reach the main part of the Dhampus Phedi. The region is occupied by a few Gurungs, Brahmins, and Chhetris. We will also walk on stony staircases on this day. Plus, the amazing panoramic sights of Annapurna Himalayas also appear. Overnight in Deurali.
Days: 5: Trek to Forest Camp  
We will on this day trek for around 6 hours to reach Forest Camp. We will also be enthralled to walk passing wooded areas of birch, rhododendron, hemlock, oak, maple, trees. Since it is a new trekking route, there are no teahouses, so we need to carry sufficient water and packed lunch. Overnight in Forest Camp. ( 2550m)
Days: 6: Trek to Low camp ( Badal dada)  
We will see the terraced fields and settlements clinging to the hillsides as we depart from Forest Camp. We will also ascend through the woods to our campsite where eye-catching views of Machhapuchhre and Annapurna will greet us. You will get to enjoy the splendid views for rest of the day. Overnight in Low camp.
Days: 7: Trek to High camp  
Departing from Low camp, we will walk to Guhe on this day after our breakfast. As we walk further on, the vistas of Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre and Hiunchuli become more clear and beautiful. We will also walk through rhododendron and birch forest and climb ahead before arriving at the grassy hills. Overnight on top of the ridge in Guhe
Days: 8: Mardi HimalBase Camp – day hike  
This is one of the most important days of the tour. We will hike to Machhapuchhre base camp which is wonderfully set on the northern side of the gigantic Mt. Machhapuchhre. Here, you will be also rewarded with the views of Mardi Himal, Huinchuli, Annapurna South, and Annapurna I. After the awesome experience we will install our camp to stay overnight. Low camp
Days: 9: Trek to Sedding  
After finishing our breakfast, we will descend all the way through the shady forest, terraced fields and make way down to the upper Mardi River. We will also walk along the Mardi Khola banks to Sedding village through the beautiful fields, beautiful farms and traversing suspension bridges. Overnight in Sedding.
Days: 10: Trek to Lwang  
We will on this day walk to lwang from Sedding. It takes around 5 hours. As we reach Sedding, we will set our camp. Overnight at camp
Days: 11: Pokhara  
Trek to khoramuk 2 hr drive back to Pokhara. At Pokhara, if we are interested, we can go sightseeing in popular tourist areas like Gupteshore cave, Davis fall, famous Fewa Lake where you can enjoy boating, etc
Days: 12: Drive to Kathmandu  
Early in the morning, we will drive back to Kathmandu. After that, we will transfer to our hotel in Kathmandu. At the hotel, you can just relax or go for last-minute shopping. Overnight in the hotel.
Days: 13: Departure  
This is your last day in Nepal. You will leave Nepal with wonderful memories and awe-inspiring time. Our Nepal New Generation Trek staff will transfer you to the airport for your departure.
Reservation & Date
Monday
01 Jan 2024
Tuesday
31 Dec 2024
$500 Off
$1300
$1800
12 Seats
Available
Inclusion/ Exclusion
  • Airport / Hotel / Airport pick up & drop by private tourist vehicle.
  • Standard twin sharing accommodation in a three star hotel in Kathmandu; Breakfast included. (3 nights)
  • Standard twin sharing accommodation in three star hotel in Pokhara; Breakfast included. (2 nights)
  • Guided city tour in Kathmandu and Pokhara by private tourist vehicle.
  • All your standard Meals Cooked by our expert camping cook and kitchen team during the trek (Breakfasts, Lunches and Dinners) .
  • Tented accommodation and equipment during the trek. (We will provide fully water proof two men tents, dining tents, kitchen gear, dining table, chairs, toilet tents, shower tent etc. and Climbing rope to cross the Passess.)
  • Local Ace the Himalaya licensed English speaking guide.
  • The required number of local staff and porters to carry your luggage and camping equipment during the trek.
  • Food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment and medicine for all staff.
  • All trekking permits & fees.
  • Down Jacket and sleeping bag by Ace the Himalaya (which need to be returned after the trek).
  • Flight cost from Jomsom to Pokhara including airport departure taxes in Jomsom airport.
  • Surface transfer from and to Kathmandu(Local bus transfer from Ktm to Beni and Tourist Bus transfer form Pokhara to Ktm).
  • Free Ace the Himalaya duffel/kit bag, sun hat and T-shirt (yours to keep).
  • Sightseeing/Monument entrance fees in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
  • Farewell dinner in typical Nepali Restaurant with cultural dance show on second last day (On Day 20th).
  • All our government taxes, vat, tourist service charges.
  • Official expenses.
Services Included
  • Airport / Hotel / Airport pick up & drop by private tourist vehicle.
  • Standard twin sharing accommodation in a three star hotel in Kathmandu; Breakfast included. (3 nights)
  • Standard twin sharing accommodation in three star hotel in Pokhara; Breakfast included. (2 nights)
  • Guided city tour in Kathmandu and Pokhara by private tourist vehicle.
  • All your standard Meals Cooked by our expert camping cook and kitchen team during the trek (Breakfasts, Lunches and Dinners) .
  • Tented accommodation and equipment during the trek. (We will provide fully water proof two men tents, dining tents, kitchen gear, dining table, chairs, toilet tents, shower tent etc. and Climbing rope to cross the Passess.)
  • Local Ace the Himalaya licensed English speaking guide.
  • The required number of local staff and porters to carry your luggage and camping equipment during the trek.
  • Food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment and medicine for all staff.
  • All trekking permits & fees.
  • Down Jacket and sleeping bag by Ace the Himalaya (which need to be returned after the trek).
  • Flight cost from Jomsom to Pokhara including airport departure taxes in Jomsom airport.
  • Surface transfer from and to Kathmandu(Local bus transfer from Ktm to Beni and Tourist Bus transfer form Pokhara to Ktm).
  • Free Ace the Himalaya duffel/kit bag, sun hat and T-shirt (yours to keep).
  • Sightseeing/Monument entrance fees in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
  • Farewell dinner in typical Nepali Restaurant with cultural dance show on second last day (On Day 20th).
  • All our government taxes, vat, tourist service charges.
  • Official expenses.
Services Excluded
  • Meals at Kathmandu.
  • Personal nature expenses.
  •  Bar and beverage bills.
  • Your Travel Insurance.
  • Rescue & Evacuation.
  • Gratitude (tip) for staff.
Frequently Asked Questions

The answers to your questions regarding the Nepal New Generation Trek, what this trip entails, and what is needed can be found in the following frequently asked questions. If your question isn't addressed there, don't hesitate to contact us.

The Mardi Himal Trek can be found under the watchful eyes of Machhapuchhre, Fish Tail Mountain, one of the giants to be found in the Annapurna Massif. On this trek, you will find many stone houses, quaint teahouses, and many rock cairns. You can find the route of this trek just off the main trail to the Annapurna Base Camp. This fact makes it a popular alternative to other treks in the Annapurna Region like the Annapurna Base Camp Trek or the Annapurna Circuit Trek. What is Different About Doing the Mardi Himal Trek?

The Mardi Himal Trek is a trek that you can find on a side trail of the one to the Annapurna Base Camp. It is a bit rougher, a bit more exciting for most but above all, a lot less busy than other treks in the Annapurna Region. The Mardi Himal Trek offers you great views of the lesser-known sides of the Annapurna Massif. The goal is the Mardi Himal Base Camp, which you will reach at 4,500 meters (17,763 ft). Initially, there weren’t too many teahouses on this trek, but from about 2011 onwards there has been an increase of teahouses along the entire way from start to the Mardi Himal Base Camp.

The Annapurna Region, along with the rest of Nepal has 4 distinct seasons. Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter. The months from March to May and from October or November are the most popular for trekking this Annapurna classic. What must be said, is that every trekking season offers its own excitement and atmosphere for hikers.

Doing the Marid Himal Trek can be a challenge. But this doesn’t mean that you can not do it. If you like hiking and make sure you start to get fit well ahead of the start of your trek, you can definitely make it. The average Mardi Himal Trek is not difficult but hikers and trekkers should still be moderately fit. After all, you are still trekking through the Himalayas of Nepal. If you are wondering what it physically takes to go trekking in Nepal and what you can do to become the fittest version of yourself, you can keep reading.

It can be hard to choose a fitting Mardi Himal Trek. If you want to do Mardi Himal right, you try to take as much time for it as possible. As transfers from Kathmandu to Pokhara are usually included, you want to spend some time in Pokhara as well. The town is just too pretty to simply skip it. Besides, you will be traveling quite a bit to get there, so you might as well stretch your legs a little