• Duration: 13 Days
  • Diffculty: Moderate 
  • Best Time: March - May, Oct - Dec
  • Max. Altitude: 4120 m

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.

Annapurna Machhapuchhare Trek - Newly open off the beaten tea house Mardi Himal trek in Annapurna region - less than 2 weeks in Nepal.

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.

Trip in Nutshell

  • Less trodden two weeks trek into the heart of Annapurna and Machhapuchare Peak.
  • Explore the diverse cultural and topography
  • Medically trained trek guide with the supplementary Oxygen tank
  • Full board meals on a trek with tea and coffee
  • Exploration of sights and sounds of Kathmandu and Pokhara
  • Hotel, transportation, and trek permits: All-inclusive

Itinerary

Mountain Monarch representative receives you at Airport and transfers you to the hotel for a short brief on hotel services. Dinner with a cultural show in the evening.

  • AccommodationHotel
  • MealsWelcome Dinner
  • Altitude1340 m

Sightseeing tour in Kathmandu: Half-day city tour of World Heritage sites Bhoudhnath Stupa and Pashupatinath Hindu temple. Trek briefing and gear distribution on this Annapurna Machhapuchhre trek.

  • AccommodationHotel
  • MealsBreakfast
  • Altitude1340 m

Drive to Pokhara (980m) Approx 6/7 hours: After breakfast, 7 hours drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara and check-in hotel, then time to explore the lakeside town or enjoy boating in Fewa lake.

  • AccommodationHotel
  • MealsBreakfast
  • Altitude820 m

Trek to Pothana (1,890 m) walk approx. 5hrs. A short drive to the trek starting point, Phedi, begins your trekking in the Annapurna foothill. Lunch at Dhumpus Village and continue to Pothana overnight.

  • AccommodationTea house
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Altitude1650 m

Trek to Kuphar (Forest camp 2,600 m) walks approx 6 hrs. Follow off the beaten track through the magnificent lust forest. Trek to Hummel / Low camp (2,940m) walks approx four hrs. She was followed by a high grassy mount, providing spectacular views of the Machapuchare and Annapurna range—an exploration hike to Mardi Base Camp.

  • AccommodationTea house
  • MealsB, L, D
  • Altitude4120 m

Siding Village (1,565m) walk to Milan Chowk short drive to Pokhara. The Siding village has been set up right above the Mardi valley gorgeously on the terraced hillside. Trek to Ghalel village, a beautiful traditional village that enjoys Ethnic cuisine. The section of the drive is short and scenic, a fantastic experience of a short drive.

  • AccommodationTea house & Hotel
  • MealsB, L, D
  • Altitude820 m

In the morning, we drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu through the picturesque two Major river valleys of Nepal, Afternoon Free.

  • AccommodationHotel
  • MealsBreakfast
  • Altitude1340

The trip concludes and transfers to Airport as per individual flight schedule.

  • MealsBreakfast

Mardi Himal Trek Itinerary

Here is a day-to-day guideline itinerary of the Annapurna Machhapuchhre Trek in Nepal

What's Included
  • Arrival and departure airport transfers in Kathmandu airport as per your flight details.
  • Standard hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara on a twin share bed-and-breakfast basis per the itinerary.
  • Accommodation at a local teahouse while Mardi Himal trekking.
  • Welcome dinner as listed in the Mardi Himal Trek itinerary.
  • The itinerary lists a half-day guided city tour with world heritage entrance fees.
  • Full board meals while on a trek, including lunch, dinner, breakfast, tea, and coffee.
  • Private transportation to and from the starting and ending points of the trek as applicable.
  • Mountain Monarch Trip Gears - sleeping bag, inner fleece liner, down jacket, duffel bag, etc., for use during the trip.
  • Professional and experienced Trek Leader / Guide trained in Wilderness First Aid and the comprehensive First Aid Kit.
  • Porters to carry all personal gear and group equipment with proper insurance coverage and required trek gear.
  • Complimentary Mountain Monarch T-shirts, trek Duffle bag, and Annapurna region trek map.
  • TIMS / Trekking permit, National park / Conservation entry fees.
What's Excluded
  • Nepal entry Visa fees and travel insurance of any kind.
  • International Airfare and Airport Tax.
  • All Drinks and main meals in cities.
  • Tips and Items of personal expenses like the hot shower, battery charge, telephone, beverage drinks, etc.

Dates & Availability

Mardi Himal Trek Departure Dates:

Annapurna Machhapuchare trek departure dates and cost. The Mardi Himal trek cost excludes the international flight.

Customer Reviews
  • L
    LEE E.T. 4.0SingaporeApril 14, 2023logo
    My ABC Trekking Experience

    I went on a solo 9-day ABC trek with Mountain Monarch (MM) from 29 March 2023. MM provides me with a winter parka, sleep bag, campon and a friendly and helpful guide named Yam. Yam is reasonably proficient in English. He told me the funa and flora in the places we were passing. Alerted me to the potential risks like steep cliffs, landslide and avalanche. Yam ascertained that I was well before I begin the day and still well at the end of each day. I would recommend MM to all who want to trek in Nepal.

  • L
    Lynne And Phil 5.0United KingdomDecember 20, 2014logo
    Mountain Monarch experience in Nepal was far superior

    During November, we undertook the above trek with Mountain Monarch. Apart from ourselves, there were our two friends plus a mother and daughter from Japan and man and wife from Sydney. The age range was the late twenties to late sixties, but everyone got on really well and supported one another – I could not have wished for a better group of people.

It was a trek using the Tea Houses' designated camping areas. The tents and equipment were of good quality, and the porters usually had them erected by the time we reached our destination each day.

Throughout the trek and tour, Mountain Monarch delivered everything that had been agreed upon and more. We had an excellent team of porters, cooks, guides, and a support crew led by Subash Rai. The other guides, Anil, Ananta, and BJ, divided themselves among the group, and were lots of fun. Their English and knowledge of the local wildlife, including birds, were very good. The cook and his team produced freshly made food three times a day and even baked three birthday cakes on the trek, complete with icing and decoration. 

There is no question that the Mountain Monarch team went the extra mile throughout our trip, including safe delivery on all transport and airport pick up and drop off.

 After the trek, we parted company with our Japanese and Australian friends and went on to see some more of Nepal with our two friends, which included two nights in Tansen, one night in Bandipur (staying in Homestays) plus more time in Pokhara. This meant considerably more drive time, accomplished with complete safety, considering the Nepalese roads is some achievement.

We would undoubtedly recommend Mountain Monarch to any prospective trekkers to Nepal.
I (Phil) have previously been on a trek in the Karakorum, which was both longer and more arduous but the Mountain Monarch experience in Nepal was far superior. 

I hope to return in the future.      Lynne and Phil

  • R
    Ross Cant 5.0United KingdomNovember 05, 2009logo
    Trek was great

    Everything about the trek was great. The way that we were put at EASE by the staff. The different terrain/ habitats that were experienced.

Similar Trips

Explore more