Trekking · Nepal
The Mardi Himal Trek
A quiet 5–7 day ridge trek to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500 m) with close-up views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail).
The Mardi Himal trek is the Annapurna region's best quiet ridge walk. A relatively new teahouse route, it climbs a forested spur to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500 m), ending with one of the closest, most dramatic views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) in Nepal. In 5–7 days from Pokhara you get high-mountain scenery without the crowds of the busier trails.
Overview and highlights
The trek follows a single ridge, so the higher you climb the bigger the views become. Highlights are the mossy rhododendron and oak forest on the lower spur, the open viewpoints at Low Camp and High Camp, and the final push to Base Camp beneath the sheer wall of Machhapuchhre, with Annapurna South and Hiunchuli alongside. Because it shares trailheads with the foothills above Pokhara, it pairs well with the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek for a longer trip.
Itinerary
A typical 5-day plan from Pokhara:
| Day | Stage | Approx. altitude |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Drive to Kande, trek to Forest Camp | 2,520 m |
| 2 | Forest Camp to Low Camp | 2,990 m |
| 3 | Low Camp to High Camp | 3,580 m |
| 4 | High Camp to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500 m), return to Low/Middle Camp | varies |
| 5 | Descend to Siding, drive back to Pokhara | 820 m |
Stronger trekkers compress this into fewer days; slower walkers add a night to acclimatise at High Camp.
Difficulty and fitness
This is a moderate trek. The path is clear and well graded, but the ridge is exposed and the climb from High Camp to Base Camp is a long, steady day. Reaching 4,500 metres means mild altitude effects are possible, so pace yourself and read up on altitude sickness. A good level of hiking fitness makes for an enjoyable trip.
Best time
Autumn (October–November) is best for the clearest views from the open ridge, while spring (March–May) adds blooming rhododendrons in the forest below. The high camps can be cloudy by afternoon, so early starts give you the views before the cloud builds.
Permits and cost
You need the ACAP permit (around USD 25) and a TIMS card (around USD 17–20); see trekking permits in Nepal. On-trail costs run about USD 25–35 a day, so a 5-day trek totals roughly USD 125–175 plus permits, a guide and transport.
Accommodation
Teahouses now line the route from Forest Camp up to High Camp, though they are simpler and fewer than on the main Annapurna trails. High Camp gets cold and can fill in peak season, so arrive early and bring a warm sleeping bag.
Getting there
The trek is staged from Pokhara. A short drive reaches the Kande trailhead, and you exit at Siding for the return drive. For a full kit list and acclimatisation advice, see our Nepal trekking guide.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Mardi Himal trek?+
Most itineraries run 5 to 7 days from Pokhara, depending on where you start and whether you take it slowly along the ridge. A common plan is five trekking days up to Mardi Himal Base Camp and back, with transport at each end.
How high is Mardi Himal Base Camp?+
Upper Mardi Himal Base Camp sits at about 4,500 metres, with Low Camp and High Camp staged below it. From the top you get a close, dramatic view of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna South and Hiunchuli.
Is the Mardi Himal trek difficult?+
It is moderate. The trail is well defined but climbs steadily along an exposed ridge, with one long day up to Base Camp from High Camp. Because it reaches 4,500 metres, mild altitude effects are possible, so a steady pace helps.
What permits do I need for Mardi Himal?+
You need the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit, around USD 25, plus a TIMS card, around USD 17 to 20. Both are easy to arrange in Pokhara, and a licensed guide is required for the route.
Is Mardi Himal quieter than other Annapurna treks?+
Yes. It only opened as a teahouse route relatively recently, so it sees far fewer trekkers than Poon Hill or Annapurna Base Camp. The ridgeline forest and high camps feel peaceful, especially outside the busiest weeks of peak season.
When is the best time to trek Mardi Himal?+
Autumn (October to November) gives the clearest views from the exposed ridge, and spring (March to May) adds rhododendron blooms in the forest below. The high, open sections can be cold and cloudy, so morning starts pay off.
