Mardi Himal Trek: Quiet Ridge Views Close to Pokhara

The Mardi Himal trek has become one of Nepal's best-loved short treks. It follows a forested ridge to a high camp with close views of Machapuchare (the "Fishtail" mountain) and Annapurna South, all within a week of Pokhara. It is quieter than Poon Hill or Annapurna Base Camp, and it still delivers a genuine high-altitude experience, with a final viewpoint at around 4,500 m. This guide covers the route, a day-by-day itinerary, costs, permits, difficulty, the best season and how to decide between Mardi Himal and its neighbours.

Key facts about the Mardi Himal trek

Video: Stage-by-Stage Guide to Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek (The Grade 1 Scrambler on YouTube)

Why choose Mardi Himal?

• A ridge trek with 360° views for much of the day, rather than a valley walk.
• Fewer crowds than the classic Annapurna routes, although it has grown quickly in popularity.
• Close to Pokhara, so it fits a short trip with no flights.
• Good value: a shorter trek with lodges throughout and lower costs than Everest or the Annapurna Circuit.
• A real high-altitude finish: the viewpoint is higher than Poon Hill and Annapurna Base Camp's neighbouring camps.

Itinerary: the classic 5–6 day route

1. Day 1. Drive from Pokhara to Kande (or Phedi) and trek to Pothana or Forest Camp through rhododendron and oak forest.
2. Day 2. Forest Camp to Low Camp (about 3,000 m), climbing steadily through forest.
3. Day 3. Low Camp to High Camp (about 3,580 m) above the tree line, with growing mountain views.
4. Day 4. Early start for Mardi Himal Base Camp or viewpoint (about 4,500 m) and back to High Camp, or on to the next camp.
5. Day 5. Descend toward Siding or Sidhing and drive to Pokhara.

Many agencies offer a four-day or six-day variation. A slower schedule gives more time to acclimatise and enjoy the views.

Stage-by-stage notes

Kande to Forest Camp. A steady climb through damp forest, with prayer flags and teahouses. This is the most humid section, and leeches can appear in the monsoon.

Forest Camp to Low Camp. The ridge starts to narrow, and glimpses of Annapurna South and Machapuchare appear through gaps in the trees.

Low Camp to High Camp. You leave the forest and climb onto an open ridge. The air thins, the wind rises and the views are dramatic.

High Camp to the viewpoint. The final climb is steep and exposed, and takes two to three hours. It is the toughest day, and also the most rewarding, with panoramic views from Machapuchare to Annapurna III and Gangapurna.

Difficulty and altitude

Mardi Himal is moderate, with long ascents and a final steep climb. Mild altitude symptoms such as headaches are not unusual above 3,500 m. Climb slowly, drink plenty of water and follow the guidance in our altitude sickness guide. The tea houses are basic, so bring a warm sleeping bag in the cold months. If you want to build fitness first, our training plan works for this trek as well.

Day-by-day walking times and altitude

Treat these as a guide: pace varies with fitness, weather and trail conditions. The descent is long, and many trekkers feel it in their knees, so poles are helpful.

Lodges and facilities at each camp

Forest Camp and Low Camp have simple lodges with twin rooms, shared bathrooms and a basic dining room with a stove. High Camp has the highest and coldest lodges, with limited hot water and sometimes limited food choice. Everything is carried up by porters, so prices increase steadily with altitude. Mobile signal is patchy, and Wi‑Fi is rare. Charging costs extra, so bring a power bank.

Weather, leeches and seasonal hazards

Monsoon trekking brings leeches in the lower forest, slippery trails and cloud that hides the views. Winter brings snow on the upper ridge and bitterly cold nights at High Camp, though skies can be clear and trails quiet. Spring and autumn are the safest and most scenic seasons. In any season, mist can roll in quickly on the ridge, so keep a layer and a headlamp in your daypack.

A sample budget

Total: roughly USD 450–800 depending on how many people you travel with and how comfortable you want your lodges to be.

Shorter alternatives near Pokhara

If you only have two or three days, consider the Australian Camp and Dhampus ridge walks, which give mountain views with minimal altitude. See our guide to the best short treks in Nepal for options that suit families and beginners.

Costs and permits

A guided Mardi Himal trek costs roughly USD 450–800, depending on group size, number of days and lodge standard. You need an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) of about NPR 3,000 and, depending on current rules, a TIMS card or equivalent. Your agency will arrange both. See our permit guide and solo trekking rules for the latest requirements. ACAP is managed by the National Trust for Nature Conservation.

Best season

Spring (March–May) brings rhododendron blooms and warm days; autumn (October–November) brings clear skies and the best views. Winter is cold with possible snow on the upper ridge, and the monsoon brings leeches, rain and cloud. For a full seasonal overview, see best time to visit Nepal.

Mardi Himal vs Poon Hill vs Annapurna Base Camp

If you want one big sunrise, choose the Poon Hill trek. If you want the full amphitheatre experience, choose Annapurna Base Camp. If you want a ridge, quiet trails and a short timeframe, choose Mardi Himal.

Accommodation and food

Lodges range from simple to comfortable, with twin rooms and shared bathrooms. Hot showers may be limited at High Camp. Meals are the usual Himalayan menu: dal bhat, noodles, pasta, eggs and soup. Prices rise with altitude because supplies are carried by porters. Carry cash in rupees; there are no ATMs on the route.

What to pack

Layers are the key: base layers, fleece, down jacket, waterproof shell, warm hat and gloves, trekking poles, sturdy boots and a headlamp. A sleeping bag rated to about −5 °C is useful at High Camp. Our packing list gives a full checklist, and you can rent items in Pokhara.

Safety and responsible trekking

Weather changes quickly on the ridge, so keep spare layers and check conditions with your guide. Carry travel insurance that covers trekking to 4,500 m. Take out all non-biodegradable waste, avoid single-use plastics and stay on the trail to protect the fragile ridge. Read our responsible travel guide for more.

Combining Mardi Himal with Pokhara

The trek pairs well with a lakeside stay in Pokhara, where you can recover, try paragliding and explore the best things to do in Pokhara. For a longer trip, add a Chitwan safari as in our 10-day itinerary.

Explore the Annapurna region, or ask for a custom itinerary.

FAQ

Is Mardi Himal easier than Annapurna Base Camp?

It is shorter but steeper in places. Both are moderate treks.

Can I do Mardi Himal in 4 days?

Yes, a fast four-day version exists, but an extra day helps with acclimatisation.

Do I need a permit?

Yes, ACAP and possibly TIMS. Your agency arranges them. See permit costs.

When can I see Machapuchare best?

Early mornings in clear spring or autumn weather.

Is Mardi Himal good for beginners?

Yes, if you are reasonably fit and acclimatise well. The final day is the hardest.

Plan it with local experts: see our guide to this destination, or talk to an Aadiyogi Travels specialist for a free custom quote.