The Mardi Himal Trek is a compact four- to six-day route that climbs from the Pokhara valley to a high camp at 4,500m on the ridge below Mardi Himal peak (5,587m), with exceptional views of Machapuchare (directly above), Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli. It is the newest and least crowded of the Annapurna treks, offering genuine wilderness despite its proximity to Pokhara.
The trail ascends through dense rhododendron and oak forest on the lower slopes, emerging onto open grassland and then rocky ridge above the tree line. The views improve dramatically in the final day's climb to High Camp and then to the Base Camp viewpoint. From the high point, you look straight up the south face of Machapuchare — an angle that makes the mountain look even more dramatic than the classic view from Pokhara.
The trek can be done independently or with a guide. It starts at Forest Camp (2,520m), reached in a day from Pokhara via Kande or Phedi. The high sections above Upper Viewpoint (3,980m) can have snow even in October and April; gaiters and layers are worth bringing. No permit beyond the standard ACAP and TIMS cards is required.