The Mardi Himal trek is Pokhara’s best-kept secret.
It sits right next to the famous Annapurna Base Camp route. But while ABC gets thousands of trekkers every month, Mardi Himal stays quiet even in peak season.
You get stunning close-up views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Mountain). You walk through dense rhododendron forests. And you reach a high camp at 4,500m with one of the best mountain panoramas in the entire Annapurna region.
All in just 5–7 days. All without the crowds. If you’re based in Pokhara and want an unforgettable short trek, Mardi Himal is the answer.
Madi Himal Trek Starting Points Pokhara City View From Sarangkot
Quick Reference: Mardi Himal Trek at a Glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Maximum elevation | 4,500m (High Camp) |
| Trek duration | 5–7 days |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Best months | March–May, October–November |
| Required permits | ACAP + TIMS card |
| Guide required | Yes mandatory since 2023 |
| Starting point | Kande (30 min drive from Pokhara) |
| Accommodation | Tea houses throughout |
| Total cost | $400–$900 depending on style |
What Makes the Mardi Himal Trek Special?
Three things set Mardi Himal apart from other Pokhara-area treks.
First, the views of Machhapuchhre are extraordinary.
Machhapuchhre (6,993m) the iconic fishtail-shaped peak visible from Pokhara towers directly above the Mardi Himal trail. You see it up close, from multiple angles, for multiple days. It’s genuinely one of the most beautiful mountain viewing experiences in Nepal.
Second, the forest is stunning.
The lower sections of the trail pass through some of the thickest rhododendron forest in the Annapurna region. In March and April, the forest blooms red, pink, and white. It looks like something from a fantasy novel.
Third, it’s genuinely uncrowded.
The Mardi Himal trail is officially part of the Annapurna Conservation Area. But most trekkers don’t know it exists. Even in October Nepal’s busiest trekking month you’ll share High Camp with just a handful of other trekkers.
Is the Mardi Himal Trek Right for You?
Difficulty: Moderate
You don’t need previous trekking experience. But you do need reasonable fitness.
Expect to walk 4–6 hours per day. The trail climbs steadily from Pokhara at 800m to High Camp at 4,500m over 3–4 days. That’s a significant elevation gain.
The steepest section is between Low Camp (2,990m) and High Camp. It’s not technical no ropes, no scrambling. But it’s relentless. Your legs will feel it.
Who this trek suits:
- First-time trekkers in Nepal who want something more special than Poon Hill
- Trekkers with only 5–7 days who don’t have time for ABC or EBC
- Anyone who loves forest trekking and mountain views in equal measure
- Photography enthusiasts the Machhapuchhre views are extraordinary
Who should consider alternatives:
- Trekkers wanting the full tea house social experience Mardi Himal tea houses are simpler than ABC
- Anyone with less than 5 days available
Permits for the Mardi Himal Trek (2026)
You need two permits. Both are simple to get.
1. Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
- Cost: NPR 3,000 (about $22 USD)
- Where to get it: Nepal Tourism Board office in Pokhara Lakeside
2. TIMS Card
- Cost: NPR 2,000 (about $15 USD)
- Where to get it: Same office as ACAP
Total permit cost: about $37 USD
Get both permits in Pokhara before you start. The office is in Lakeside and takes about 20 minutes. Bring your passport and one passport photo.
Best Time for the Mardi Himal Trek
October–November (Best Overall)
This is the most popular time for good reason.
Skies are clear after the monsoon. Mountain views are sharp and consistent. Temperatures at High Camp sit around 0°C–8°C during the day and drop to -5°C at night cold but manageable with proper gear.
October is slightly warmer and busier. November is quieter and colder. Both are excellent.
March–May (Best for Rhododendrons)
This is the most beautiful time visually.
The rhododendron forests explode into bloom from late February through April. The Mardi Himal forest trail in full bloom is genuinely spectacular one of the best forest experiences in all of Nepal trekking.
Views are slightly hazier than October due to pre-monsoon dust. But the lower trail scenery more than compensates.
June–August (Monsoon — Avoid)
Heavy rain makes trails slippery. Leeches appear on the forest sections. Mountain views are hidden behind cloud most of the day.
Not recommended unless you specifically enjoy monsoon trekking.
December–February (Cold but Possible)
Fewer trekkers, excellent clarity, and dramatic winter light.
But temperatures at High Camp drop to -15°C overnight. You need a quality sleeping bag and proper cold-weather layers. Some tea houses above Low Camp reduce services in January.
Worth considering if you have good gear and want the trail almost entirely to yourself.
Mardi Himal Trek Itinerary (6 Days)
This is the most commonly recommended itinerary. It gives you proper acclimatization time and a full day at High Camp.
Day 1: Drive Pokhara to Kande — Trek to Forest Camp (2,620m)
Start with a 30-minute drive from Pokhara to Kande the trailhead village. Your guide will arrange this by local bus or taxi.
The walk begins immediately through terraced farmland and small villages. After about 2 hours, the trail enters the forest. It stays in the forest for the rest of the day.
Forest Camp is a small cluster of tea houses in dense rhododendron woodland. Basic but charming.
- Walking time: 3–4 hours
- Elevation gain: About 1,800m from Pokhara
Day 2: Forest Camp to Low Camp (2,990m)
A short but beautiful day entirely in the forest.
The trail climbs steadily through increasingly thick rhododendron and oak forest. In spring, this section is extraordinary the tree canopy above you is solid bloom.
Low Camp is a small settlement with several tea houses. Good views of the surrounding hills begin to open up here.
- Walking time: 3–4 hours
- Elevation gain: About 370m
Day 3: Low Camp to High Camp (4,500m)
The most demanding day of the trek and the most rewarding.
The trail leaves the forest behind and enters open alpine terrain. The views expand dramatically. Machhapuchhre appears directly ahead, growing larger with every step.
The final climb to High Camp is steep and relentless. Take it slow. Drink water. Stop and rest when you need to.
When you arrive at High Camp, the view stops you immediately. Machhapuchhre fills the sky. Annapurna South appears to the left. Mardi Himal’s snow-covered peak rises directly above you.
High Camp tea houses are simple but the setting is extraordinary. Sunsets here are unforgettable.
- Walking time: 5–6 hours
- Elevation gain: About 1,510m
Day 4: High Camp — Sunrise and Exploration
Stay a full extra day at High Camp. This is worth the extra night.
Wake up before dawn for sunrise. The light hitting Machhapuchhre and Annapurna South at sunrise is among the most beautiful mountain moments in the entire Annapurna region.
After breakfast, explore the ridgeline above camp. Most trekkers walk up to Mardi Himal View Point (about 4,750m) a short but steep 1-hour climb above High Camp with even wider panoramic views.
Spend the afternoon resting, photographing, and absorbing the altitude before descending.
Day 5: High Camp to Low Camp Descend via Siding Village Route
Begin descent. This day uses an alternative route through Siding village different from the ascent trail, passing through traditional Gurung settlements in the lower valley.
The Siding route is less used than the main trail. It gives you a completely different experience of the landscape on the way down.
- Walking time: 5–6 hours
- Elevation loss: About 2,500m
Day 6: Siding Village to Pokhara
A final short walk through farmland and small villages before reaching a road and driving back to Pokhara.
Most trekkers are back in Lakeside by lunchtime enough time for a proper celebratory meal and a rest.
- Walking time: 2–3 hours + drive
Full Cost Breakdown: Mardi Himal Trek (2026)
Budget Option (with mandatory guide)
| Expense | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| ACAP permit | $22 |
| TIMS card | $15 |
| Licensed guide (6 days × $28/day) | $168 |
| Guide food and accommodation | $100 |
| Tea house accommodation ($10–$15/night) | $60–$90 |
| Tea house meals ($12–$18/day) | $72–$108 |
| Pokhara–Kande transport | $5–$10 |
| Tips and incidentals | $50–$80 |
| Total | $492–$593 |
Agency Package Option
| Package Type | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Budget group package | $350–$500 |
| Standard private package | $500–$700 |
| Premium private package | $700–$900 |
The Mardi Himal trek is one of Nepal’s most affordable quality trekking experiences. No expensive domestic flight. No restricted area permit. Just a short drive from Pokhara and one of the best mountain views in the country.
What to Pack for the Mardi Himal Trek
Keep it simple. This is a 5–7 day trek with tea house accommodation throughout.
Clothing:
- Base layer (moisture-wicking)
- Warm mid-layer (fleece)
- Down jacket essential at High Camp
- Waterproof jacket
- Trekking trousers
- Warm hat, gloves, buff
- 3–4 pairs of trekking socks
Footwear:
- Waterproof trekking boots — broken in before the trek
- Camp sandals or flip flops for evenings
Gear:
- Trekking poles very useful on the steep Low Camp to High Camp section
- Headlamp with spare batteries
- Sleeping bag rated to -10°C — High Camp nights are cold
- Water purification (filter or tablets)
- Daypack (25–30L)
Health:
- Personal first aid kit
- Travel insurance with helicopter evacuation coverage
[See our Nepal travel insurance guide for the best policies covering the Annapurna region.]
Mardi Himal Trek vs Poon Hill Trek
Many first-time Pokhara trekkers choose between these two.
| Factor | Mardi Himal | Poon Hill |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 5–7 days | 3–4 days |
| Max elevation | 4,500m | 3,210m |
| Crowds | Low | Moderate–High |
| Machhapuchhre views | Outstanding (very close) | Good (more distant) |
| Forest scenery | Excellent | Good |
| Cost | $400–$700 | $250–$450 |
| Best for | More time, better views, fewer crowds | Quick trek, first-timers, tight budget |
The honest verdict:
If you have 5+ days and want the better experience, choose Mardi Himal. The views are more dramatic, the trail is quieter, and the forest is more beautiful. If you only have 3–4 days, Poon Hill is still a genuinely excellent short trek.
Mardi Himal Trek vs Annapurna Base Camp Trek
| Factor | Mardi Himal | ABC |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 5–7 days | 10–12 days |
| Max elevation | 4,500m | 4,130m |
| Crowds | Low | Moderate–High |
| Tea house quality | Basic | Better facilities |
| Cost | $400–$700 | $800–$1,400 |
| Best for | Short trek, solitude, value | Classic Himalayan experience |
The honest verdict:
Mardi Himal is the better choice if you have limited time or budget. ABC is the better choice if you want the full classic Himalayan tea house experience with more route variety. Many trekkers do Mardi Himal first then come back for ABC the following year.
Frequently Asked Questions
How difficult is the Mardi Himal trek?
Moderate. You don’t need previous trekking experience. But you need to be reasonably fit. The steepest section is between Low Camp and High Camp about 5–6 hours of uphill walking on day 3. Take it slow and drink plenty of water.
How many days does the Mardi Himal trek take?
Most trekkers complete it in 5–7 days. The 6-day itinerary above is the most recommended it includes an extra night at High Camp for sunrise and exploration.
Do I need a guide for the Mardi Himal trek?
Yes. Since April 2023, all foreign trekkers on official Nepal routes need a licensed guide. This applies to Mardi Himal. Your guide can be arranged through a Pokhara trekking agency most organize this within 24 hours.
What permits do I need for the Mardi Himal trek?
Two permits: the ACAP permit ($22) and TIMS card ($15). Get both at the Nepal Tourism Board office in Pokhara Lakeside before you start. Takes about 20 minutes.
How much does the Mardi Himal trek cost?
Budget trekkers can complete it for around $500 total including guide, permits, accommodation, and food. Agency packages start from $350 for a group package and go up to $900 for a premium private setup.
What is the best time to do the Mardi Himal trek?
October–November for the clearest mountain views. March–April for rhododendron forests in full bloom. Both windows are excellent. Avoid June–August monsoon season.
Can beginners do the Mardi Himal trek?
Yes with reasonable fitness. The trail is clear and well-marked. Your mandatory guide handles all navigation. The main challenge is the elevation gain on day 3 take it slow and you’ll be fine.
Is the Mardi Himal trek crowded?
No this is one of its best features. Even in October peak season, the trail is much quieter than ABC or Poon Hill. You’ll share the trail with a small number of other trekkers and have genuine space at viewpoints.