What makes Mardi Himal different from the Annapurna Base Camp trek?

Mardi Himal sits on a quieter ridge east of the main Annapurna trail, offering some of the most direct and unobstructed views of Machapuchare (Fishtail, 6,993m) available anywhere. You will encounter far fewer trekkers than on the ABC or classic Poon Hill routes, preserving the sense of wilderness.

How high does the 4-day trek reach?

The route tops out at Mardi Himal High Camp at approximately 4,500m, from where the panorama of Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machapuchare is exceptional. No technical equipment is needed, though the trail is steep in sections.

What permits do I need for Mardi Himal?

You need an Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit and a TIMS card, both available at the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu or Pokhara. Combined cost is around $30–$35 for foreign nationals.

Is 4 days enough or should I choose the longer itinerary?

The 4-day version is a genuine fast-paced option for fit trekkers with limited time — you reach High Camp and return via Low Camp. The 7-day itinerary adds acclimatisation, more time at High Camp, and often a different descent route through forest villages, reducing altitude-related risk and allowing richer cultural stops.

What is the trail condition like?

Trails below the forest zone are well-maintained; above the treeline the path is narrower and can be icy in early spring or late autumn. The ridge walk between Low Camp and High Camp is exposed to wind. Proper hiking boots with ankle support and trekking poles are strongly recommended.

Can I do this trek year-round?

Spring (March–May) offers rhododendron blooms and good visibility. Autumn (October–November) has the clearest skies. Winter (December–February) is possible but High Camp can receive heavy snow. Monsoon season (June–September) brings slippery trails and obscured mountain views and is not recommended.

TrekModerate

Mardi Himal Trek — 4 Days

4 days4,500 mFrom Kande / PokharaBest: Oct–Nov, Mar–May5.0 (4)

Photo by Sudip Shrestha on Pexels

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Fixed departures

Join a scheduled group

Locked-in dates on this exact route, a guaranteed guide, and fellow trekkers from around the world — often at better value. Seats fill fast.

Join a group departure

Fixed group dates · 4 days Instant confirmation

Mardi Himal Trek — 4 Days

Nov16

Nov 16 → Nov 19

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$455

Dec3

Dec 3 → Dec 6

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$455

Dec17

Dec 17 → Dec 20

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$455

Prefer your own dates? Book a private trek.

Duration

4 days

From

$455/person

Max Altitude

4,500 m

Difficulty

Moderate

Starts

Kande / Pokhara

Group Size

2–12 People

Stay

Tea House / Camp

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Best Season

Oct–Nov, Mar–May

4.9 NMA-licensed guides Secure Stripe checkout Reserve now, pay later

Trip Highlights

Mardi Himal High Camp (4,500 m) — closest non-technical approach to Machapuchare (Fish Tail)

Unobstructed views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and the Mardi Himal summit

Off-the-beaten-path ridge trail — 90% fewer trekkers than the Poon Hill circuit

Dense rhododendron and oak canopy trail leading to high alpine grasslands

Deurali viewpoint at dawn — golden Annapurna massif with no crowd

Perfect 4-day introduction to Annapurna Conservation Area trekking

Cloud-forest descent through Siding village — authentic Gurung homestay culture

A quieter alternative to ABC — Mardi Himal's 4,500m High Camp delivers jaw-dropping Machapuchare views in just 4 fast-paced days from Pokhara.

Day-by-Day Itinerary(4 days)

Altitude Profile

Peak: 4,500 m · Day 3

Drive 45 minutes to Kande. Trek steeply up through rhododendron forest on the less-trodden Mardi Himal ridge trail. Beautiful forest camp with first Machapuchare views.

2,550 m4–5 hours8 kmB, L, DTea House

Nameste and warm greeting from Prakash and Travel Himalaya Nepal Treks Pvt. Mardi Himal Trek is a short and scenic trekking route in the Annapurna region of Nepal.

This 4 days Mardi Himal Trek from Pokhara offers stunning Himalayan sunrise views, rhododendron forests, and close views of Machhapuchhre and Annapurna range.

This trek is ideal for those who want a short Annapurna trek with amazing mountain views, local culture, and adventure in a limited time.

Trip Overview

Duration: 3 Nights / 4 Days
Starting Point: Pokhara
Ending Point: Pokhara
Maximum Height: 4,500m / 14,764 ft (Mardi Himal Base Camp)
Transportation: Private / Sharing Vehicle
Group Size: Min 2 Pax / Max 20 Pax
Trip Type: Tea House / Package Trek

Day	Route	Stay Place & Height	Distance	Duration	Trek Type
Day 1	Pokhara – Kande – Forest Camp	Forest Camp (2,600m / 8,530 ft)	6 km / 3.7 miles	1 hr drive + 5–6 hrs trek	Drive → Forest trail → Uphill
Day 2	Forest Camp – High Camp	High Camp (3,700m / 12,139 ft)	10 km / 6.2 miles	6–7 hrs	Forest → Ridge → Open mountain
Day 3	High Camp – Base Camp – Badal Danda	Badal Danda (3,250m / 10,662 ft)	12 km / 7.4 miles	6–7 hrs	Viewpoint → Ridge → Downhill
Day 4	Badal Danda – Siding – Pokhara	Pokhara (822m / 2,697 ft)	6 km trek	3–4 hrs trek + 3 hrs drive	Downhill → Village → Drive

📞 WhatsApp: +45 91 71 72 19
📧 Email: info@travelhimalayanepal.com

What's Included

Included

Government-registered English-speaking guide
Porter (1 per 2 trekkers)
ACAP permit and TIMS card
Pokhara–Kande trailhead transport
Forest Camp–Pokhara return transport
All teahouse accommodation (3 nights)
3 meals per day (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
All government taxes and service charges

Not Included

International airfare to/from Kathmandu
Nepal entry visa fee ($30–$50 on arrival)
Comprehensive travel insurance with emergency evacuation
Meals not listed in daily itinerary
Personal trekking gear and equipment
Tips for guides and porters
Beverages, hot showers, and battery charging at teahouses (payable direct)
Personal expenses and souvenirs
Any costs arising from illness, injury, or early departure

Pickup

Pokhara or Kathmandu: where should we pick you up?

This trip begins in Pokhara, Nepal’s lakeside trekking town. Most international flights land in Kathmandu, about 200 km away (25 minutes by plane or 6 to 8 hours by tourist bus), so you can either make your own way to Pokhara or let us collect you in Kathmandu.

Pickup in Pokhara

Trip starts here

Already in Pokhara? We collect you from your hotel at no charge.

Pokhara hotel pickupFrom any hotel in Pokhara, Lakeside included.Included
Pokhara airport pickupWe quote
Pokhara tourist bus park pickupWe quote

Pickup in Kathmandu

Landing in Kathmandu? We meet you at the airport or your hotel and get you to the start.

Kathmandu international airport (on arrival)Includes getting you to Pokhara by tourist bus or flight. The price depends on your arrival, so we confirm it with you.We quote
Kathmandu domestic airportWe quote
Kathmandu hotel pickupIncludes getting you to Pokhara by tourist bus or flight. The price depends on your arrival, so we confirm it with you.We quote
Kathmandu tourist bus park pickupWe quote

Hotel in the city

No hotel, I will book my own$0
Pokhara: tourist standard guest houseWe quote
Pokhara: 3-star hotel (bed & breakfast)We quote
Pokhara: 4-star hotel (bed & breakfast)We quote
Pokhara: 5-star hotel (bed & breakfast)We quote

Prices are per person and added to the trip price when you book. “We quote” means the price depends on your flight time and hotel, so our team confirms it with you before the trip. It is never added to your payment without asking.

Best Time to Go

Autumn (Sep–Nov)

Best season. Crystal-clear skies, stable weather, spectacular mountain views. Peak crowds on EBC and ABC trails.

Low: -5°C High: 15°C Possible above 4,500 m in November

Spring (Mar–May)

Second-best season. Rhododendrons in bloom, good visibility. Slightly warmer than autumn. Pre-monsoon clouds build in afternoon.

Low: -2°C High: 18°C Possible above 5,000 m in March

Winter (Dec–Feb)

Cold but uncrowded. Clear skies and great views. High passes may be snowed-in. Lower altitude treks (Ghorepani, Langtang lower) remain open.

Low: -15°C High: 8°C Heavy above 3,500 m

Monsoon (Jun–Aug)

Wet season. Trails slippery, leeches on lower sections, views often obscured. Not recommended except for rain-shadow regions (Upper Mustang).

Low: 10°C High: 22°C None at low altitude

Permits Required

TIMS Card

NPR 2,000 (about US$15)

Required for all trekkers in Nepal

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

NPR 3,000 (about US$23)

Required for Annapurna region. Valid for single entry.

All permits are arranged and included in your package price. Nothing to organise yourself.

What to Pack

Moisture-wicking base layers (top + bottom)

Fleece mid-layer jacket

Down jacket (600+ fill power)

Waterproof shell jacket and pants

Trekking trousers (2 pairs)

Trekking shorts (1 pair)

Merino wool socks (4–5 pairs)

Liner socks (3 pairs)

Warm hat / beanie

Sun hat or cap

Lightweight gloves

Heavy gloves or mittens for high passes

Neck gaiter or buff

Thermal underwear set

A detailed packing list will be sent with your booking confirmation. Gear rental available in Kathmandu and Pokhara.

Customer Reviews(4)

5.0

4 reviews

Hannah Schmidt

🇨🇭

October 2025

I specifically chose Mardi Himal because I wanted to avoid the crowds of ABC and Poon Hill. Best decision of my trip. We met maybe ten other trekkers on the entire four days. The forest camps, the misty ridgelines, the sudden clarity above the clouds — it felt like our own private Himalaya. Guide Mingma was exceptional. Travel Himalaya Nepal's local knowledge of this route is unmatched.

Raj Thapa

🇳🇵

April 2025

Ma आफैं नेपाली भएपनि Travel Himalaya Nepal को गाइडेड ट्रेकमा जाँदा माथिल्लो हिमालयको नयाँ अनुभव पाएँ। मार्दी हिमाल ट्रेक अनौठो र शान्त छ। मेरो गाइड दावाले हाम्रो समुदायको बारेमा मलाई नयाँ कुराहरू बताए। यो कम्पनी आफ्नो काम प्रति साँचो छ र पोर्टरहरूलाई राम्रो तलब दिन्छ। (Even as a Nepali, trekking with THN gave me new perspectives on the upper Himalayas. Mardi Himal is unique and peaceful. This company is genuine about its work and pays porters well.)

Carlos Ruiz

🇪🇸

November 2025

El trekking de Mardi Himal es una joya escondida. Nuestro guía Ram fue extraordinario — paciente con mi ritmo lento en la altitud y con conocimientos profundos sobre la geología y la cultura local. El campamento alto con vistas directas al Machhapuchhre es una experiencia que te cambia. Precios completamente justos y transparentes, sin costos ocultos. Volveré para el circuito completo de Annapurna. (Mardi Himal is a hidden gem. Guide Ram was extraordinary. The high camp with direct views of Machhapuchhre changes you. Completely fair and transparent prices.)

Sophie van den Berg

🇳🇱

October 2025

Found this trek through some research looking for something off the main tourist trail. It delivered everything and more. Machhapuchhre from Mardi Himal High Camp is closer and more dramatic than any photo can prepare you for. We were alone on the summit ridge — just us, the guide, and about eight peaks over 7000m. Guide Tenzin was an absolute star — knowledgeable, careful, and excellent company. This is the hidden gem of the Annapurna region.