1 daysEasy4,130 mAnnapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour — 1 Day
From / person
$900
TrekModerate
Mardi Himal Trek — 7 Days
7 days4,500 mFrom PokharaBest: Oct–Nov, Mar–May
Photo by Rajan Karki on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
01 / 07
Duration
7 days
From
$780/person
Max Altitude
4,500 m
Difficulty
Moderate
Starts
Pokhara
Group Size
2–12 People
Stay
Tea House
Meals
Breakfast & Dinner
Best Season
Oct–Nov, Mar–May
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Trip Highlights
Nepal's most underrated short trek — extraordinary Himalayan views with a fraction of ABC's crowds
Mardi Himal High Camp (4,500 m): arguably the closest accessible viewpoint to Machapuchare (6,993 m)
Dense rhododendron forest that blazes red and pink from March to May
Ascent via the quiet forested ridge above Pokhara, with sweeping valley views throughout
Overnight at Upper Camp with unobstructed sunrise on the Annapurna massif
Genuine Gurung tea-house culture: locally cooked dal bhat, butter tea, mountain hospitality
Quick access from Pokhara — trailhead reachable in under 2 hours
Quieter than ABC and with closer Machapuchare views, Mardi Himal's 4,500m High Camp rewards fit trekkers seeking Annapurna grandeur without the crowds.
Day-by-Day Itinerary(7 days)
Altitude Profile
Peak: 4,500 m · Day 5Drive from Pokhara (820m) to Kande (1,770m), a small roadside village above the valley. Trek through rhododendron and oak forest on the less-crowded Mardi Himal trail, climbing to the peaceful Forest Camp (2,520m) with first views through the trees of Machhapuchhre.
2,520 m3–4 hours8 kmB, L, DTea House
The Mardi Himal Trek is Nepal's most underrated short route — a 7-day forested ridge climb from Pokhara to the High Camp (4,500 m), with a closer view of Machapuchare (6,993 m) than any other accessible trail in the Annapurna region. The Mardi trail carries a fraction of ABC's traffic and offers genuine discovery on the upper sections, where the moorland opens to an extraordinary close-up panorama: Machapuchare's twin summits directly north at 9 km, Annapurna South to the west, and the Modi Khola valley 2,000 m below.
The approach ascends through dense rhododendron and oak forest via Forest Camp (2,600 m) and Low Camp (3,550 m) to High Camp (4,500 m) in well-spaced stages. Dawn alpenglow on Machapuchare's ice face from High Camp is one of the great short-trek rewards in Nepal.
Best seasons: October–November and March–May (forest bloom). Start: Pokhara (jeep to Kande included). Max altitude: High Camp 4,500 m.
What's Included
Included
- Government-registered English-speaking guide
- Porter (1 per 2 trekkers)
- ACAP permit and TIMS card
- Pokhara–Kande/Phedi trailhead transport and return jeep
- All teahouse accommodation on trek
- 3 meals per day (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- All government taxes and service charges
Not Included
- International flights
- Nepal visa
- Travel insurance
- Lunches
- Personal gear
- Tips
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
USD 20 (group trek) / USD 10 (free individual)Required for all trekkers in Nepal
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
USD 30Required 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
From the trail · Mardi Himal Trek
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