Mardi Himal Trek - 7 Days

Annapurna · 7 Days

Mardi Himal Trek - 7 Days

· Moderate · Max altitude 4,500m (14,764 ft) at Mardi Himal Base Camp · Max group 2-12 people

Duration

7 Days

Max Altitude

4,500m (14,764 ft)

at Mardi Himal Base Camp

Grade

Moderate

Lodging

Teahouse / Lodge

Overview

The Mardi Himal Trek is one of Nepal's best-kept secrets - a 7-day off-the-beaten-path adventure that takes you to the foot of the sacred Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) peak. Quieter than ABC, more dramatic in places, and offering some of the most photogenic ridge-line walking in the Annapurna region, Mardi Himal is increasingly popular with experienced trekkers who want something different.

The trail climbs through dense rhododendron forests to High Camp at 3,580m, then continues to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m) on a knife-edge ridge with the entire Annapurna massif spread out around you. This is one of Nepal's best moderate-grade treks.

Highlights

  • Trek to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m) - rare close-up of Fishtail Peak
  • Up-close views of Machhapuchhre, Mardi Himal, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli
  • Walk through enchanted rhododendron forests at Forest Camp and Rest Camp
  • Spectacular ridge-line walking from High Camp to Base Camp
  • Fewer trekkers than Poon Hill or ABC trails
  • Compact 7-day itinerary perfect for short trips
  • Multi-climate trek from forest to alpine
  • Pristine wilderness camping vibe in teahouse comfort
  • Sunrise from High Camp is unforgettable

Itinerary

Day 1

Kathmandu to Pokhara

⏱ 6-7 hours drive or 25-min flight 🍽 Lunch, Dinner

Travel to Pokhara, the lake city. Evening free to enjoy the lakeside.

Day 2

Pokhara to Pitam Deurali (1,950m)

⏱ 1.5 hr drive + 4-5 hours hiking 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Drive to Kande, then climb through forest to Australian Camp and on to Pitam Deurali.

Day 3

Pitam Deurali to Forest Camp (2,550m)

⏱ 5-6 hours hiking 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Enter the dense rhododendron forest. Atmospheric walking with moss-covered trees.

Day 4

Forest Camp to Badal Danda (3,210m)

⏱ 5-6 hours hiking 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Climb through Low Camp to Badal Danda - "Cloud Hill" - with first big mountain views.

Day 5

Badal Danda to High Camp (3,580m)

⏱ 4-5 hours hiking 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Continue along the ridge to High Camp with Machhapuchhre directly overhead.

Day 6

High Camp to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m) and Return to Low Camp

⏱ 7-8 hours hiking ↔ ~12 km round trip + descent 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Pre-dawn climb to Mardi Himal Base Camp for sunrise. 360-degree mountain views. Return to High Camp and continue descending to Low Camp.

Day 7

Low Camp to Pokhara

⏱ 4-5 hours hike + 2 hr drive 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch

Descend through Sidhing village, then jeep back to Pokhara.

Ready to walk this?

Enquire now →

What's included

Included

  • Meals in clean and hygienic hotels during the trek
  • Accommodation in clean lodges
  • ACAP permit fees
  • TIMS card
  • Licensed guide (food, accommodation, salary, insurance included)
  • 1 porter per 2 trekkers (insurance included)
  • All land transportation
  • First aid kit

Not included

  • International flights and Nepal visa
  • Travel insurance (mandatory)
  • Hotel and meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara
  • Hard drinks and soft drinks
  • Personal trekking equipment
  • Tips for guide, porters and drivers
  • Wi-Fi and hot showers
  • Personal expenses

Trek guide

Nepal's Best Hidden Annapurna Trek

Mardi Himal sat under the radar for years - it was only formally opened with teahouses in 2012 - and remains less travelled than the major Annapurna routes. The trail is best known for its dramatic ridge-line walking and the unique perspective on Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), which dominates almost every step from Forest Camp upward.

Mardi Himal

Mardi Himal is a 5,587m peak in the Annapurna range, sitting just south of Machhapuchhre. The trek does not climb the peak itself but reaches its base camp at 4,500m - a high alpine bowl where Machhapuchhre, Hiunchuli, Annapurna South and Annapurna I are all visible in stunning proximity.

Geography

The trek starts above Pokhara at Kande or Pitam Deurali (1,950m). The route climbs through dense rhododendron and oak forest, with named camps every few hours: Forest Camp (2,550m), Rest Camp (2,600m), Low Camp (2,970m), Badal Danda (3,210m), High Camp (3,580m), and finally Base Camp (4,500m).

Permits

  • ACAP
  • TIMS card

Altitude

Highest point: 4,500m. Mild altitude awareness needed but the gradual climb and good acclimatization make it manageable.

Best Season

  • Spring (March-May): Rhododendrons in bloom
  • Autumn (October-November): Crystal-clear mountain views

Fitness

Moderate. 5-6 hours of walking per day on forest and ridge trails. Some steep sections.

Packing list

Clothing: Down jacket -10°C, fleece, waterproof shell, 2-3 trekking shirts, 2 trousers, thermal base layers, 4 pairs socks, beanie, sun hat, gloves

Footwear: Waterproof trekking boots, camp shoes

Accessories: 40L daypack, 60L duffel, -10°C sleeping bag, trekking poles, headlamp, sunglasses, 2L water, purification, power bank, adapter

Documents: Passport with visa, insurance, 4 photos, cash

Medical: Diamox optional, first-aid kit, sunscreen, lip balm, painkillers

Frequently asked questions

How does Mardi Himal compare to ABC?
Mardi is quieter, more dramatic in places, and slightly easier on knees. ABC has the iconic basecamp experience but more crowds. Many seasoned trekkers prefer Mardi.

Can I combine with ABC?
Yes - see our Mardi Himal and ABC combined 11-day trek.

Is altitude sickness a concern?
Mild symptoms possible above 3,500m. The gradual climb helps. Diamox is optional.

How are the lodges?
Basic but clean. Twin-share rooms, shared bathrooms. Hot showers and Wi-Fi available for extra fees at most camps.

How cold does it get?
-5 to -10°C at High Camp overnight in shoulder seasons.

What is the trail like underfoot?
Mix of forest paths and ridge walking. Some steep stone steps and exposed ridge sections - trekking poles strongly recommended.

Are there other trekkers on the trail?
Far fewer than ABC or Poon Hill. October may be moderately busy at High Camp.

What is the photography like?
Outstanding. Mardi Himal Base Camp is one of the most photogenic spots in Nepal.

Can children do this trek?
Children 10+ with hiking experience handle it well. Pace adjustments for families.

How does winter trekking work here?
Possible but snow above Forest Camp. Some lodges close December-February.

Still have questions? Talk to a guide →

Why book this with us

Senior local guides. Small groups. Honest pricing.

  • Departures led by a guide who grew up in the region.
  • Max 8 trekkers per group — no convoys.
  • 100% Nepali-owned. Profit stays in the valleys.
  • Free cancellation up to 30 days before departure.
  • Permits, internal flights and TIMS handled by us.
  • 24/7 in-country support during your trek.

From $700

per person

WhatsApp Enquire