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Trek from Pokhara

Mardi Himal Trek

A narrow ridge trail through rhododendron forest to the foot of Machhapuchhre, with Mardi Himal Base Camp at about 4,500 m, big mountain views on a short, quiet trek.

5 daysModerate4,500 m
FromUS$ 650per person · based on 2 travellers
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  • No payment online, we confirm first
  • Written quote with everything included
NPOKHARAStart & finishKandePitam DeuraliNIGHT 1 · SLEEP HEREForest CampNIGHT 2 · SLEEP HERELow CampNIGHT 4 · SLEEP HEREHigh CampNIGHT 3 · SLEEP HEREMardi Himal Base Camp · 4,500 mHIGH POINT5 days · 39 km on footSiding
Drive · private vehicleWalk · trailSleep · nights 1–4⟷ Swipe to see the whole routeSatellite image: contains modified Copernicus Sentinel data · Terrain: Mapzen, SRTM/GMTED2010 courtesy of USGS · Roads & trails © OpenStreetMap contributors · Pokhara lies beyond the map edge
  • Duration5 days / 4 nights
  • Max altitude4,500 m
  • Start / endPokhara / Pokhara
  • Best seasonMar–May · Oct–Nov
  • Group size1–12 travellers
Overview

Why choose the Mardi Himal Trek?

  • Machhapuchhre up closeThe Fishtail peak rises directly above the ridge at High Camp and Base Camp.
  • Base Camp at about 4,500 mA dawn walk to the high viewpoint below Mardi Himal.
  • Moss forest and open ridgeRhododendron and oak forest, then a narrow grassy ridge above the clouds.
  • Quiet trailFewer trekkers and small, friendly lodges.

The Mardi Himal Trek follows a long, grassy ridge straight towards Machhapuchhre, the “Fishtail” mountain. After two days in forest, the trees fall away above Low Camp and the ridge opens into one of the most dramatic viewpoints in the Annapurna region, with Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Mardi Himal around you.

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In five days from Pokhara you climb from Kande through Pitam Deurali and Forest Camp to High Camp, walk before dawn to Mardi Himal Base Camp at about 4,500 metres, and descend to the village of Siding for the drive home.

Lodges are simpler and fewer than on busier routes, which keeps the trail quiet. The altitude is higher than Poon Hill, so we plan a steady pace and a night back at Low Camp after the high point.

Itinerary

Day by day

Day 1Pokhara to Pitam Deurali4 hrs walk1 hr drive2,100 m

Drive to Kande and climb through forest to Australian Camp, with your first views of Machhapuchhre and Annapurna South. Continue along the ridge to Pitam Deurali, where the trail to Mardi Himal leaves the Annapurna Base Camp route.

  • StayLodge, Pitam Deurali
  • MealsLunch · Dinner
Day 2Pitam Deurali to Forest Camp5–6 hrs walk2,520 m

Leave the main trail and climb into deep rhododendron and oak forest, draped in moss. The path is quiet and shaded, with glimpses of the peaks through the trees. Forest Camp is a small clearing with a few lodges.

  • StayLodge, Forest Camp
  • MealsBreakfast · Lunch · Dinner
Day 3Forest Camp to High Camp5–6 hrs walk3,580 m

Climb to Low Camp, where the forest ends and Machhapuchhre appears in full. Follow the open ridge past Badal Danda to High Camp, with Annapurna South and Hiunchuli beside you. Rest well, tomorrow starts before dawn.

  • StayLodge, High Camp
  • MealsBreakfast · Lunch · Dinner
Day 4Mardi Himal Base Camp, down to Low Camp7–8 hrs walk4,500 m high point

Start by headlamp and walk the ridge to the upper viewpoint and Mardi Himal Base Camp at about 4,500 m, below Mardi Himal and Machhapuchhre. After time for photos, return to High Camp for a late breakfast and descend to Low Camp.

  • StayLodge, Low Camp
  • MealsBreakfast · Lunch · Dinner
Day 5Low Camp to Siding, drive to Pokhara4–5 hrs walk2.5 hrs drive1,750 m

A steep descent through forest and farmland to the village of Siding, in the Mardi Khola valley. Your vehicle meets you here for the drive back to Pokhara on rural roads, arriving in the afternoon.

  • StayYour hotel in Pokhara
  • MealsBreakfast · Lunch
Good to know

Details before you book

What’s included8
  • Private vehicle Pokhara → Kande and Siding → Pokhara
  • Licensed, English-speaking local trekking guide (food, lodging, insurance and salary)
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and all paperwork
  • 4 nights in clean teahouses (twin-sharing rooms)
  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trek, with tea or coffee
  • Complimentary drinking water
  • First-aid kit carried by your guide
  • Government taxes and service charge
Not included7
  • Travel insurance (must cover trekking at this altitude and rescue)
  • Hotel and meals in Pokhara before and after the trek
  • Porter (optional add-on: one porter carries up to 20 kg for 2 trekkers)
  • Hot showers, device charging and Wi-Fi in teahouses (paid locally)
  • Drinks, snacks and personal expenses
  • Tips for guide and porter (appreciated, not compulsory)
  • Extra costs from weather, landslides or leaving the trek early
What to bring18

Clothing

Footwear

Gear

Personal

Before you go6

Best time

October–November for clear skies; March–May for rhododendrons. Winter is possible but High Camp can have snow; monsoon brings cloud and rain.

Difficulty

Moderate, with a long, steep high day. 5–8 hours of walking a day; good fitness and some hiking experience help.

Permits

An Annapurna Conservation Area Permit is required; we arrange it. Foreign trekkers must walk with a licensed guide in this area.

Accommodation

Small teahouses with basic twin rooms and shared bathrooms. Above Forest Camp, rooms are simple and nights are cold.

Altitude

The high point is about 4,500 m. Walk slowly, drink plenty of water and tell your guide about headaches or nausea; the plan returns to lower ground the same day.

Phone & internet

Patchy signal on the ridge; some lodges sell Wi-Fi.

Questions travellers ask5
Is Mardi Himal harder than Poon Hill?

Yes. It goes higher (about 4,500 m versus 3,210 m) and the base-camp day is long. It is still a good choice for fit walkers without high-altitude experience.

Do we have to reach Base Camp?

No. The upper viewpoint and High Camp already give superb views. Your guide will decide with you on the morning, based on weather and how you feel.

Can it be done in fewer days?

A four-day version is possible for strong walkers, with longer days. We recommend five days to enjoy the ridge safely.

Is there snow?

In winter and early spring the upper ridge can have snow and ice. We advise on microspikes and warm gear when you book.

How do I book and pay?

Send an enquiry. We confirm availability and send a written quote on WhatsApp, including the advance needed to secure your dates and the payment terms.

Ready for Mardi Himal Trek?

Tell us your dates and group size. We reply on WhatsApp with availability and a clear written quote.

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FromUS$ 650
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