After breakfast, A representative will transfer you to the airport. As you leave Nepal, you’ll carry with you the stillness of the mountains, the warmth of its people, and the quiet strength of the Himalayas. Take a short morning flight back to Kathmandu & then transfer to the international terminal for departure.
Your final day on the trail is a gentle 4–5 hour descent through forest and terraced farmland to Shiding Village, where the trek concludes. After farewells to your trekking crew, drive back to Pokhara and check in at Hotel Temple Tree. The evening is yours to relax - perhaps a lakeside walk, a good meal, or a quiet moment to reflect on the journey.
Rise early for the highlight of the trek: a steady 4–5 hour hike to Mardi Himal Base Camp, where the full face of Machapuchare towers impossibly close. The feeling of standing among these Himalayan giants is both humbling and exhilarating. After soaking in the views and a warm cup of tea, descend back to Middle Camp for the night. The descent offers a different perspective - lush valleys and layered ridges fading into the distance.
Today’s trek takes you higher along the ridge, where the landscape transforms into open meadows and dwarf rhododendron shrubs. The 3–4 hour walk (approx. 4.5 km) to Mardi Himal High Camp rewards you with increasingly panoramic views - Machapuchare, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli now rise dramatically before you. The air feels thinner, the horizon wider. Settle into a cozy lodge with simple comforts and soak in the grandeur of the mountains glowing gold at sunset.
The forest begins to thin as you gain altitude and ascend to the ridge. The 4–5 hour hike (approx. 6.5 km) to Badal Danda (3,250 m) gradually opens up expansive views of the valley below and the towering peaks above. The lodge at Badal Danda is rustic, with shared toilets, but its location - literally “Cloud Hill” - offers one of the most dramatic vistas on the route. Standing above the cloudline, with Machapuchare rising sharp and clear, you’ll feel like you're floating in the sky. It’s a surreal and unforgettable experience.
Today you leave the main trail and enter a world of mossy rhododendron and oak forests. The 5–6 hour trek (approx. 8 km) to Forest Camp (2,550 m) is peaceful and shaded, with dappled sunlight filtering through the trees and the sound of birdcalls surrounding you. This quiet stretch of trail feels far removed from modern life, and you may even spot the striking Himalayan monal along the way. Tonight’s stay is at a simple lodge with shared toilet facilities, surrounded by forest stillness.
After a scenic 25-minute morning flight to Pokhara (820 m), enjoy a 1.5-hour drive to Kande (1,770 m), where your trek begins. The trail winds through terraced fields and dense rhododendron forest, taking 3–4 hours (approx. 6.5 km) to reach Deurali (2,100 m), a quiet village perched on a ridge. Settle into a comfortable lodge with a private toilet, and catch your first Himalayan sunset as the peaks of Machapuchare and Annapurna South begin to glow - a moving highlight that sets the tone for the journey ahead.
Your Himalayan journey begins with your arrival in Nepal’s vibrant capital, Kathmandu (1,400 m). A representative will meet you at the airport and transfer you to Yak & Yeti, a charming heritage hotel. You’ll have time to rest or explore the nearby cultural heart of the city. The warm hospitality, ancient temples, and rich atmosphere offer a fitting introduction to Nepal.
The Mardi Himal trek is a hidden gem in the Annapurna region, offering dramatic ridge walks, intimate views of Machapuchare, and pristine alpine landscapes without the crowds.It’s perfect for trekkers seeking a short yet rewarding Himalayan experience with constantly unfolding mountain panoramas and peaceful wilderness.
Trekkers with basic trekking experience, fit beginners, and intermediate trekkers looking to step into moderate-altitude Himalayan trekking.
Steep forest ascents, narrow ridge trails, cold temperatures near high camp, and gradual altitude gain.
Moderate fitness; ability to walk 5–7 hours daily with a backpack.
Yes - acclimatization is critical for any trip above 2,700–3,000 meters, and Juniper takes it seriously. Our itineraries are intentionally designed with built-in rest or acclimatization days, gradual altitude gains, and a “climb high, sleep low”philosophy to reduce your chances of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). On the trail, our guides monitor everyone’s health and hydration closely. If you’re coming from sea level, we recommend arriving at the start point (like Leh orManali) at least a day in advance to rest and begin the process. For strenuous or high-altitude treks (over 4,000 m), we also offer acclimatisation extensions or prep treks. Most travellers adjust well with proper pacing, hydration, and nutrition. We provide tips and protocols in your pre-departure kit, and our team carries oxygen cylinders and first aid if needed. Your safety is our top priority - no summit is worth compromising your health.
Juniper isn’t just a trekking company - we’re curators of outdoor experiences that blend nature, culture, comfort, and challenge. What sets us apart? First, our itineraries are handcrafted, not cookie-cutter. Every route has been walked, scouted, and reimagined to prioritize quality over quantity. Second, we work with elite local teams - guides, porters, chefs - who are trained not just in safety but in storytelling and hospitality. Third, our trips offer flexibility and flair: Himalayan camps with soul food, guesthouses that feel like home, and small moments (sunset rituals, fireside music, shared journals) that make memories. We obsess over detail - from the stitching on your sleeping bag to the flow of your day. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned explorer, Juniper gives you an experience that is safe, soulful, and beautifully designed. We believe the outdoors is not a place to conquer - it’s a place to reconnect.
As a company, we are deeply committed to the "Leave No Trace" philosophy. For us, this means minimizing our environmental impact in every way possible - ensuring that the natural places we visit remain undisturbed, preserved, and respected. Whether it’s through responsible waste management, choosing low-impact accommodations, or working with partners who share our values, we strive to leave the landscapes we explore as we found them - or better. This ethos guides our decisions and helps shape a more sustainable and mindful way of traveling. Many of our itineraries include community-led experiences that promote cultural exchange - with full respect to traditions and privacy. We brief every group on cultural etiquette, language tips, and local dos and don’ts.
Yes - we offer a curated selection of beginner-friendly and family-oriented trips that prioritize comfort, safety, and immersive learning. These trips typically involve shorter walking days, lower altitudes, and culturally rich experiences that engage both adults and younger travelers. We’ve guided families with kids as young as 7 and first-time trekkers in their 60s. Each trip page will indicate whether it’s suited for beginners or families. Our team provides age-appropriate gear checklists, acclimatization guidance, and pacing that suits the slowest walker. Activities like village walks, nature spotting, campsite games, or storytelling sessions around the fire make the experience more than just a trek - it becomes a memory for life. If you’re unsure which trip is best, reach out, and we’ll tailor a recommendation. Whether it’s your first step into the mountains or a way to introduce your kids to nature, we’ll make sure it’s magical.
Absolutely - custom and private journeys are one of our specialties. Whether it’s a milestone birthday trek, a leadership retreat, a family adventure, or a private Himalayan odyssey with close friends, we’ll co-create the itinerary with you from scratch. You can choose your preferred dates, pace, style of travel (luxury, minimalist, alpine, cultural), and add special touches like local experiences, yoga, photography, or expert-led workshops. Our team handles every detail - permits, logistics, menus, support staff - so you can just focus on the experience. Depending on the group size and region, we can also include glamping setups, private chefs, or curated stays at off-grid homestays. Whether you want to summit a pass in Sikkim or sip salt tea with nomads in Ladakh, we’ll make it happen. Reach out through the “Customized trip format section” on the website, and we’ll begin with a discovery call to design your dream journey.
Yes - travel insurance is mandatory in Nepal or for trips rated 4 or 5 (difficulty rating), especially those in remote or high-altitude areas. Your policy should include coverage for emergency medical evacuation, high-altitude trekking (if applicable), trip cancellation, and baggage loss or delays. While the chances of needing evacuation are rare, in the Himalayas, even minor health issues can require airlift or medical care, which is costly without coverage. We recommend policies from providers familiar with adventure travel, and we’re happy to share a list of trusted options depending on your country of residence. Please read your policy terms carefully and share your insurance details with our team before departure. For international destinations like Nepal or Bhutan, border officials may also ask for proof of insurance. Having the right protection brings peace of mind - for you and for us - so that we can focus on creating an unforgettable experience, not logistics in crisis.
Absolutely - many of our travelers come solo and end up making lifelong friendships on the trail. You don’t need to assemble a group to book with Juniper. Each trip that’s tagged under “community trip or mentor led trip”has fixed departure dates where individuals, couples, or small groups can signup and join a larger group of like-minded outdoor enthusiasts. We limit group sizes to ensure a high-quality, personalised experience. If you’d prefer a private departure for your family or friends, we can customize the trip to your pace and interests. For solo travelers, we pair you in shared twin accommodation (or offer a single supplement if you’d prefer your own room/tent). Our trips attract thoughtful, adventurous people, and the community vibe is a big part of what makes a Juniper experience special. Whether you're flying solo or bringing your tribe, we’re excited to welcome you.
