Mardi Himal Trek is a short trek of 7 days(4 days and 5 days itinerary available), a newly opened route in 2012 that quickly grew in popularity. It takes you inside the Annapurna Sanctuary Area,
starting from 820-meter Pokhara to 4,500m Mardi Himal Base Camp. Even though it is a less famous trekking route than long treks like Annapurna Circuit Trek and Annapurna base Camp Trek, the Mardi Himal Trek offers spectacular views of the Mardi Himal (5,587 m / 18,330 ft) as well as other snow-capped mountains like Annapurna I (8,091m/ 26538 ft), Annapurna South (7,219 m / 23,680 ft), Machhapuchre (6,997 meters / 22,950 ft), and Gangapurna Himal (7,454m / 24,450 ft), which makes this trek worth every penny. This trek takes you through the routes of Aastam, Kande, Australian Camp, Forest Camp, Low Camp, High Camp, Badal Danda, Kalimati, Pothana, Lwang, and Lumre, depending upon the number of days you choose to trek and the routes available.
Moreover, this is the only trek in Nepal that takes you to an altitude of 4000m+ only after four days of trekking, which is impressive. The growing number of tea houses along the route has made this short trek easier for people with different fitness levels, as options for lunch and dinner with accommodation are readily available. Additionally, this trek mostly passes through forests covered with oaks and rhododendrons, so wildlife such as Musk deer, Langurs, other monkeys of various species, Danfe (Lophophorus), and porcupines can be seen during the trek.
This trek is a hidden treasure where one can revel in majestic mountain panoramas, encounter wildlife in verdant forests, and traverse rivers and ridges within a single hike. Travel along the small curving paths through the forests and finally climb out of the woods to witness mesmerizing views of Mardi Himal, Annapurna South, and Machhapuchre from the Badal Danda.