A short, picturesque ridge trek in the Annapurna region, climbing to the Mardi Himal Upper Viewpoint at 4,250 m.
Price on request
The Mardi Himal trek is one of the short and most picturesque treks in the Annapurna region. It offers an overwhelming experience of the mountains: green hills, interesting villages, pristine forest and snow-capped peaks. Much of the trail follows a ridge line, with views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), the Annapurna range, Dhaulagiri and the Manaslu range.
From Pokhara the route climbs through Dhampus and Deurali, then through rhododendron forest to Low Camp and High Camp before a long day out to the Upper Viewpoint at 4,250 m. We return to Low Camp the same day, walk down to Sidding and ride back to Pokhara by jeep.
Sleeping altitude, walking time, meals and lodging for every day.
Mardi Himal School Trek: day by day
9 days
Our representative meets the group at Tribhuvan International Airport for the short drive to the hotel in Kathmandu. After freshening up there is a briefing about the trip and time for last-minute preparation.
After breakfast we drive to Pokhara, a scenic journey following the Trishuli River to Mugling and then on to Pokhara, with a stop for lunch on the way. Sections of the highway are often under repair, so the drive can take longer than planned.
After breakfast at the hotel we drive to Phedi and start the trek to Dhampus, walking on stone steps and through forest. After about two hours uphill we reach Dhampus and stop for lunch. After lunch we continue to Deurali, a small village beautifully set on a ridge with good views of Annapurna South, Mardi Himal and Machhapuchhre.
After breakfast the trail passes through lush forest dotted with red rhododendron; the flower is a common sight in the Nepalese hills, and it is no surprise that it is Nepal's national flower. The trail is very quiet until we reach the clearing at Forest Camp, where we stop for lunch. We continue through dense forest, admiring Nepal's rich biodiversity, to Low Camp, where the view of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) up the valley is mesmerising. The evening is free to rest and take in the view.
We climb along a ridge towards Mardi Himal and Machhapuchhre. The trees thin out and the slopes are mostly shrubs, with isolated rhododendron bushes along the trail. With luck we may see a Danphe (Impeyan pheasant), Nepal's national bird, on the way. We climb on to High Camp, the day's destination, where the mountain views are stunning.
The route to the Upper Viewpoint climbs and dips, in places on a steep and narrow trail, through pastures and along a narrow ridge. The view of the Himalaya from the top is astonishing: Mardi Himal (5,587 m), Annapurna I (8,091 m), Annapurna South (7,219 m), Hiunchuli (6,441 m), Baraha Shikhar (Mt Fang, 7,647 m), Tent Peak (5,695 m), Singu Chuli (6,501 m), Machhapuchhre (6,993 m) and others. We then walk back to High Camp and continue down to Low Camp for the night.
After breakfast we walk down to Sidding, where we take a local jeep, arranged with the villagers, for the ride to Pokhara: about an hour and a half to two hours on a bumpy jeep road. In Pokhara we check in at the hotel and freshen up.
After breakfast we say goodbye to the beautiful lake city of Pokhara and drive back to Kathmandu.
Our adventure in Nepal ends today. Our representative escorts the group to the airport about three hours before the scheduled flight.
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The full breakdown, the kit list and the insurance requirement are sent to you before any deposit.
Request the leader packWhat each student should pack for this programme.
Sleeping bagTeahouse rooms are cold above 2,500 m
Down jacket or a thick warm layer
Head torch and spare batteries
Trekking polesUseful on the steep descents
Quick-dry T-shirts and trekking trousersNo jeans on the trail
Fleece or warm mid layer
Waterproof jacketShowers are common in spring and autumn
Sun hat and a warm hat
Underwear and socks for every day
Broken-in walking boots or trail shoes
Sandals or trainers for the evenings
Daypack, 25 to 35 litresWith a rain cover
Water bottle, 1 litre or more
Personal medicationWith a copy of the prescription
Sunscreen and lip balm
Hand sanitiser
Insect repellent
Passport valid for six months
Two passport photographsFor the visa and any permits
Copy of your travel insurance
Shot on this trail by our guides and the groups who walked it.
Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) and snow-covered Annapurna ridges above a high rocky valleyPainted wooden rowing boats moored on Phewa Lake in Pokhara
Phewa Lake beneath the Annapurna range and Machhapuchhre, seen from the hills above PokharaThe high point is the Upper Viewpoint at 4,250 m on day 6. The highest night is at High Camp, 3,580 m; after the viewpoint the group walks back down to Low Camp, 2,970 m, the same day.
By local jeep, arranged with the villagers: about an hour and a half to two hours on a bumpy jeep road.
Yes. Sections of the highway are often under repair, so the six-hour drive can take longer than planned.
Still deciding? The people who answer are the people who run the trek. Ask us anything: fitness, insurance, kit, or whether your dates are a sensible idea.
Message a trek specialistThe same care and paperwork, at a different length and pace.
D of E GoldModerateModerate5–6 hours a day · 3,500–4,500 mLonger days with real ascent, and at least one acclimatisation day built in. Some training helps; hill walking most weekends for two months is enough.7 days · Kathmandu Valley rim, Nepal
Price on request
D of E SilverModerateModerate5–6 hours a day · 3,500–4,500 mLonger days with real ascent, and at least one acclimatisation day built in. Some training helps; hill walking most weekends for two months is enough.6 days · Kathmandu Valley rim, Nepal
Price on request
EasyEasy4–5 hours a day · Below 3,500 mWell-made trails, teahouses close together, and nothing that needs a head for heights. Anyone who walks regularly at home will be comfortable.
ModerateModerate5–6 hours a day · 3,500–4,500 mLonger days with real ascent, and at least one acclimatisation day built in. Some training helps; hill walking most weekends for two months is enough.
EasyEasy4–5 hours a day · Below 3,500 mWell-made trails, teahouses close together, and nothing that needs a head for heights. Anyone who walks regularly at home will be comfortable.We reply with a costed plan for your group.
At least one adult for every eight students. Every leader and guide holds a first aid qualification.
Yes. Our itineraries are flexible and are shaped to the students' needs and the school's requirements.
Yes. We arrange charity treks and community projects with schools, orphanages and villages, from fundraising to building, painting, farming and cleaning.
Price on request
9 days
