# Mardi Himal Trek > The Mardi Himal trek is a 7-day guided trek from Kathmandu up a narrow grassy ridge beneath Machhapuchhre (6,993 m) and Mardi Himal (5,587 m) in the Annapurna region. From Pokhara, you walk through quiet rhododendron forest to Low Camp and High Camp (3,580 m), then climb at dawn to the Mardi Himal viewpoint and on towards Mardi Himal Base Camp (about 4,500 m), with close views of the fishtail peak, Annapurna South and Hiunchuli.This short trek is quieter than Poon Hill and the Annapurna Base Camp trail, graded moderate and best from March–May and September–December. A licensed guide, porters, the ACAP permit, transport, hotels and teahouse lodges with meals are all arranged by our team in Kathmandu. ## Trip facts - **Destination:** Nepal - **Duration:** 7 days - **Difficulty:** Moderate - **Activity:** Trekking - **Max altitude:** About 4,500 m / 14,760 ft (Mardi Himal Base Camp area) - **Best season:** Mar–May, Sep–Dec - **Group size:** 1–12 people - **Accommodation:** Hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara, teahouse lodges - **Meals:** Breakfast, lunch and dinner on the trek - **Price:** from US$620 per person - **Web page:** https://www.himalayanhiking.com/mardi-himal-trek - **Book:** https://www.himalayanhiking.com/booking?trip=mardi-himal-trek ## Overview The **Mardi Himal trek** opened to trekkers in 2012 and has quickly become one of the favourite short treks near Pokhara. Instead of following a valley, it climbs a long forested ridge east of the Annapurna Sanctuary. After two days in moss-draped rhododendron and oak forest, the trail breaks out above the tree line onto open grassy ridges with the fishtail peak of **Machhapuchhre** towering directly ahead. The highlight is the dawn climb from **High Camp** to the **Mardi Himal viewpoint** and beyond, where the ridge narrows and the view opens to **Annapurna South**, **Hiunchuli**, **Mardi Himal** and the great wall of the Annapurnas. Because the route is newer and has fewer lodges, it is much quieter than the classic trails. ### Mardi Himal trek at a glance Trip factDetailsDuration7 days from Kathmandu (4 days of trekking)Highest overnight stopHigh Camp, 3,580 mHighest pointMardi Himal Base Camp area, about 4,500 mGradeModerateDaily walking4–7 hoursStart and finishKathmandu, via PokharaAccommodationHotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara, teahouse lodges on the trekPermitAnnapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)Best timeMarch–May and September–December### Why trek to Mardi Himal? - **Close-up views of Machhapuchhre**, the sacred fishtail peak. - **Quiet trails** through rhododendron and oak forest. - **Ridge walking** above the clouds with Annapurna South and Hiunchuli in view. - **Short and flexible**: four days of walking from Pokhara. - **Sunrise from the Mardi Himal viewpoint**. ### How difficult is the Mardi Himal trek? The trek is **moderate**. The first days are gentle forest walks, but the climb from High Camp to the viewpoint and base camp area is steep, and the altitude above 4,000 m requires a slow pace. Fit walkers with some hiking experience will enjoy it. The descent from High Camp to Siding is long and steep. ### Best time for the Mardi Himal trek **October–December** brings the clearest views, **March–May** the rhododendron blossom. In winter, snow can make the upper ridge slippery; in the monsoon, the forest is wet and leeches are common. ### Mardi Himal or Poon Hill? **Poon Hill** is lower and easier, with a panoramic sunrise over Dhaulagiri and the Annapurnas. **Mardi Himal** is higher and quieter, taking you much closer to the mountains, especially Machhapuchhre. Both are four-day walks from Pokhara. ### Why book the Mardi Himal trek with Himalayan Hiking? - **Experienced local guides** who know the ridge and its weather. - **Transport, permit, hotels and lodges** arranged. - **Private trek** on your own dates, easily combined with a Pokhara stay. ## Highlights - Close-up views of Machhapuchhre (6,993 m) and Mardi Himal - Sunrise from the Mardi Himal viewpoint above High Camp - Quiet rhododendron and oak forest trails - Ridge walking with Annapurna South and Hiunchuli in view - Short trek from Pokhara that fits into a week in Nepal ## Day-by-day itinerary ### Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m) Someone from our office will be waiting at arrivals to take you to your hotel. Trek briefing. _Altitude: 1,400 m · Overnight: Hotel_ ### Day 2: Drive to Pokhara (820 m) A scenic 6–7 hour drive to Pokhara. Evening by Phewa Lake. _Altitude: 820 m · Meals: Breakfast · Overnight: Hotel · Distance: 200 km drive_ ### Day 3: Drive to Kande, trek to Forest Camp (2,520 m) Drive about an hour to Kande, walk via Australian Camp and Pothana into the forest, and climb to Forest Camp. _Walking: 5–6 hours · Altitude: 2,520 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 12 km_ ### Day 4: Trek to High Camp (3,580 m) via Low Camp Climb through moss-draped forest to Low Camp, with the first close views of Machhapuchhre, then continue along the open ridge to High Camp. _Walking: 5–6 hours · Altitude: 3,580 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 8 km_ ### Day 5: Mardi Himal viewpoint and Base Camp area (about 4,500 m), return to Low Camp Climb before dawn to the viewpoint for sunrise and continue, conditions permitting, towards Mardi Himal Base Camp. Return to High Camp for lunch and descend to Low Camp. _Walking: 8–9 hours · Altitude: 4,500 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge_ ### Day 6: Trek to Siding, drive to Pokhara (820 m) Descend steeply through forest to the village of Siding and drive back to Pokhara. _Walking: 5–6 hours · Altitude: 2,990 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch · Overnight: Hotel · Distance: 10 km_ ### Day 7: Return to Kathmandu and departure Drive or fly to Kathmandu and transfer to the airport for your onward flight. _Altitude: 1,400 m · Meals: Breakfast_ ## What is included - Airport pick-up and drop-off in private vehicles - 1 night in a hotel in Kathmandu and 2 nights in Pokhara with breakfast - Kathmandu – Pokhara – Kathmandu by tourist bus or private vehicle - Transfers between Pokhara and the trailheads - Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) - Teahouse lodge accommodation during the trek (3 nights) - Breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trek - Licensed, English-speaking trekking guide trained in first aid - Porters (1 porter for 2 trekkers) with their wages, food, lodging and insurance - All government and local taxes ## Not included - International flights to and from Kathmandu - Nepal visa fee - Travel insurance covering trekking to 4,500 m and helicopter evacuation (compulsory) - Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara - Drinks, snacks, hot showers, battery charging and Wi-Fi on the trek - Extra nights caused by early return, flight delays, landslides or cancellations - Helicopter evacuation or charter - Personal equipment and expenses - Tips for your guide and porters ## Useful information ### Fitness and preparation Expect 5–7 hours on your feet most days, often on steep stone steps. Two or three months of regular hill walking, stairs and cardio will make a big difference, and wear your boots in at home, not on the trail. ### Altitude sickness You will reach about 4,500 m near Mardi Himal Base Camp, with the highest night at High Camp (3,580 m) on this trek. Watch for headache, nausea, dizziness and trouble sleeping, and tell your guide about any of them early. The basics work: walk slowly, drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol, and if things get worse, descend. It is worth asking your doctor about altitude medication before the trip. ### Weather and temperatures The forest is mild; the open ridge above Low Camp is exposed to wind and can be cold and misty, with snow in winter. Mornings are usually the clearest. ### Permits The Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) is included. ### Money, charging and Wi-Fi Bring enough Nepali rupees from Kathmandu or Pokhara for extras on the trek; ATMs are rare and unreliable in the mountains. Battery charging, hot showers and Wi-Fi are usually paid extras in lodges, and a power bank is useful. ### Drinking water Skip the plastic bottles. Lodges sell boiled or filtered water, or you can treat tap water with tablets or a filter and refill your own bottle. ### Travel insurance We can't take you on the trek without insurance. Check that your policy covers trekking to 4,500 m and emergency helicopter evacuation, and send us the details before you travel. ### Visa Most nationalities can get a Nepal tourist visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport or apply online in advance. Bring a passport valid for at least six months and passport photos for permits. ## Packing list ### Clothing - Moisture-wicking base layers - Fleece jacket or mid-layer - Warm down jacket (can be borrowed from us) - Waterproof and windproof jacket and trousers - Trekking trousers and shirts - Warm hat, sun hat and buff - Liner gloves and insulated gloves - Trekking socks ### Footwear - Broken-in waterproof trekking boots - Camp shoes or sandals for the lodges ### Equipment - Sleeping bag rated to about −10°C (can be borrowed from us) - Daypack of 25–35 litres with rain cover - Trekking poles - Head torch with spare batteries - Water bottles and purification tablets - Sunglasses with UV protection - Power bank and charging cables - Microspikes in winter - Leech socks (spring and monsoon) ### Personal items - High-factor sunscreen and lip balm - Personal first-aid kit and medication - Toiletries, quick-dry towel and wet wipes - Snacks such as energy bars and nuts - Passport, insurance details and copies ## Frequently asked questions ### How long is the Mardi Himal trek? This itinerary takes **7 days** from Kathmandu, with 4 days of trekking from Pokhara. ### How difficult is the Mardi Himal trek? It is **moderate**. The forest days are gentle, but the climb from High Camp to the viewpoint is steep and reaches about 4,500 m. ### How high is Mardi Himal Base Camp? The base camp area is at about **4,500 m**. High Camp, where you sleep, is at about 3,580 m. ### When is the best time for the Mardi Himal trek? **October–December** for clear views and **March–May** for rhododendrons. ### Mardi Himal or Poon Hill: which is better? Mardi Himal is higher, quieter and closer to the mountains; Poon Hill is easier with a wider sunrise panorama. ### Is the Mardi Himal trek crowded? It is much quieter than Poon Hill and Annapurna Base Camp, although it is growing in popularity. ### Do I need a permit? Yes, the **Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)**, included. ### Do I need a guide? Yes. Since 2023, most foreign trekkers in Nepal's conservation areas have to walk with a licensed guide. A guide is also useful on the exposed upper ridge in mist. ### Can beginners do the Mardi Himal trek? Fit beginners can, but it is steeper and higher than Poon Hill. Walk slowly above High Camp. ### Is the Mardi Himal trek possible in winter? Yes, with warm gear. Snow can make the upper ridge slippery, and some lodges may close. ### What are the lodges like? Simple teahouses with shared facilities, especially at High Camp. ### How much does the Mardi Himal trek cost? The trek is priced per person, with group discounts; see the price box. It includes transport, hotels, the ACAP permit, lodges, meals on the trek, a guide and porters.