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Mardi Himal Trek 4 Days
Trekking

Mardi Himal Trek 4 Days

3 Night 4 Days Annapurna Region, Nepal
Mardi Himal Trek 4 Days — photo 2 Mardi Himal Trek 4 Days — photo 3
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Destination

Annapurna Region, Nepal

Accommodation

Lodge and Teahouse

Walking Distance

44 km

Duration

3 Night 4 Days

Max. Elevation

4200 m | 13,780 ft

Meals Included

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Best Season

Spring (Mar–May)

Grade

Moderate

Overview

The Mardi Himal Trek is a beautiful short adventure in Nepal’s Annapurna region, offering stunning views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Mardi Himal. Starting from Pokhara, the trail passes through peaceful forests, traditional mountain settlements, and scenic ridgelines before reaching the high alpine viewpoint at around 4,500 meters.

This 4-day trek is graded easy to moderate and is suitable for both first-time and experienced trekkers. The trail becomes more challenging around High Camp and the Mardi Himal Viewpoint due to steep sections and high altitude, but the spectacular mountain scenery makes the effort worthwhile.

The trek requires an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are generally the best seasons, offering clear mountain views and pleasant trekking conditions. Winter brings snow to higher sections, while the monsoon can make the forest trails wet and slippery.

The Mardi Himal route was officially opened in 2012 and remains quieter than many of the more popular Annapurna trails. Accommodation is mainly in simple local teahouses, providing an authentic Himalayan experience with locally prepared meals.

Our 4-day Mardi Himal Trek can also be customized into 5 or 6 days for travelers who prefer a slower pace, shorter walking days, or more time to enjoy the villages, forests, and mountain scenery.

Best Time for Mardi Himal Trek

The Mardi Himal Trek is possible throughout the year, but spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are the best seasons for comfortable weather and clear mountain views.

Spring (March–May): The weather is pleasant, the skies are generally clear, and the rhododendron forests are in full bloom. The colorful trails and excellent views of Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Mardi Himal make this a beautiful time to trek.

Autumn (September–November): With clear skies, stable weather, and comfortable temperatures, autumn is considered one of the best times for the Mardi Himal Trek. The mountain views are usually excellent, especially in the mornings.

Winter (December–February): Higher sections can receive snow and temperatures can be very cold, but the trail is quieter and offers beautiful snow-covered landscapes for those prepared for winter conditions.

Monsoon (June–August): Rain can make the trails muddy and slippery, and clouds may hide the mountain views. However, the forests become lush and green, making it a peaceful option for experienced trekkers who don't mind wet weather.

Overall, spring and autumn are recommended for the best trekking conditions and mountain views.

 

Photos / Videos

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Trip Highlights

  • • Max Elevation: Climbs to Mardi Himal Base Camp at 4,200m (13,780 ft).
  • • Unmatched Mountain Panoramas: Get close-up views of Annapurna I (8,091m), Annapurna South (7,219m), Gangapurna (7,454m), Machhapuchhre / Fishtail (6,997m), and Mardi Himal (5,587m).
  • • Scenic Nature Trails: Walk through bright rhododendron forests in peak spring (March–April), alongside fast-flowing Seti rivers and hidden waterfalls like Lwang.
  • • Rich Biodiversity: Encounter native wildlife along the trail, including the Danfe (Himalayan Monal) and Musk Deer.
  • • Cultural Experience: Enjoy authentic mountain hospitality while passing through traditional Gurung, Tamang, Chhetri, and Brahmin settlements
  • • Summer Highlights: Spot friendly domestic yaks and their calves grazing along high pastures during early summer
  • • Peaceful Alternative: Offers a quiet, uncrowded alternative to heavy-foot-traffic routes like Poon Hill or Annapurna Base Camp.
  • • Diverse Terrain: Transitions rapidly from terraced fields and green woodlands to alpine meadows and sharp rocky ridges.
  • • Adaptable Duration: Accessible for beginner trekkers on a standard schedule, yet fast-trackable into a 3-day challenge for experienced, high-fitness hikers.

Detailed Itinerary

1 Drive from Pokhara (820 m) to Kande, trek to Forest Camp (2,600 m)
Trek Distance
14 km / 8.7 miles
Drive / Flight
~1 hr
Highest Altitude
2,600 m / 8,530 ft
Trek Duration
5–7 hrs
Overnight at Forest Camp (Teahouse) Included meals: Lunch and Dinner

Pokhara → Kande → Australian Camp → Pothana → Deurali → Forest Camp

Our Mardi Himal adventure begins with a scenic morning drive from Pokhara to Kande, the road winding through hillside villages with the Annapurna range visible in the distance for much of the journey.

From Kande, we set off on foot into lush forest, climbing toward Australian Camp before continuing through Pothana and Deurali. The trail gradually thickens into peaceful rhododendron and oak woodland, the noise of the road fading quickly behind us.

After several hours of steady forest walking, we arrive at Forest Camp (also known locally as Kokar), a quiet cluster of teahouses at 2,600 m. We settle in for the evening, enjoying the calm mountain atmosphere before an early start tomorrow.

2 Trek from Forest Camp (2,600 m) to High Camp (3,580 m)
Trek Distance
10 km / 6.2 miles
Highest Altitude
3,580 m / 11,745 ft
Trek Duration
5–6 hrs
Overnight at High Camp (Teahouse) Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Forest Camp → Low Camp → Badal Danda → High Camp

After breakfast, we continue through more rhododendron and oak forest toward Low Camp, the trail climbing steadily along a ridgeline with occasional gaps in the tree cover offering our first real glimpses of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli.

Beyond Low Camp, the forest begins to thin noticeably as we climb toward Badal Danda — known locally as "Cloud Ridge" — where the mountain views open up dramatically on all sides, the vegetation now distinctly alpine.

From Badal Danda, we follow the ridge onward toward High Camp, Machhapuchhre growing closer and more commanding with every step. After 5–6 hours on the trail, we reach High Camp (3,580 m), settling in early ahead of tomorrow's pre-dawn push to the viewpoint.

3 Hike to Mardi Himal Viewpoint (4,500 m), trek to Badal Danda
Trek Distance
~13 km / 8.1 miles
Highest Altitude
4,500 m / 14,764 ft
Trek Duration
6–8 hrs
Overnight at Badal Danda (Teahouse) Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

High Camp → Mardi Himal Viewpoint → High Camp → Badal Danda

Today is the centerpiece of the trek. We rise well before dawn and climb by headlamp toward the Mardi Himal Viewpoint, timing our ascent to catch sunrise breaking over the Himalaya.

Following the exposed ridgeline up to the Upper Viewpoint (~4,500 m), we're rewarded with sweeping, close-range views of Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and the jagged face of Mardi Himal itself — one of the most striking panoramas in the entire Annapurna region.

After taking in the moment, we descend back to High Camp and continue downhill along the ridge toward Badal Danda, the mountain and valley views staying with us for much of the walk. After 6–8 hours of trekking in total, we settle into our teahouse for the night.

4 Trek from Badal Danda to Siding, drive to Pokhara (820 m)
Trek Distance
~10 km / 6.2 miles
Drive / Flight
2–3 hrs Drive
Highest Altitude
1,700 m / 5,566 ft
Trek Duration
2–3 hrs
Not included (trip concludes in Pokhara) Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Badal Danda → Low Camp → Siding → Pokhara (drive)

After breakfast, we begin our final descent, the trail dropping gradually from Badal Danda back through familiar rhododendron and forested terrain toward Low Camp.

From Low Camp, we continue down through forest, terraced farmland, and quiet mountain settlements toward the traditional Gurung village of Siding, the landscape softening with every kilometer of descent.

At Siding, our jeep is waiting for the scenic drive back to Pokhara, passing through rural villages and open countryside. After 2–3 hours on the road, we arrive back in the city, closing out a short but rewarding four days in the Mardi Himal region.

Distance & Stage Table

Days Trek Distance

Trekking Hours
1. Pokhara – Kande to Forest Camp 14 km / 8.7 miles 5–7 hrs
2. Forest Camp to High Camp

 10 km / 6.2 miles

 5–6 hrs
3. High Camp – Mardi Himal Viewpoint to Badal Danda 13 km / 8.1 miles 6–8 hrs
4. Badal Danda to Siding – Pokhara 10 km / 6.2 miles 4–5 hrs

Total trekking distance: approximately 47 km / 29.2 miles.

    

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Includes & Excludes

What's Included

Transportation

  • All ground transportation by private vehicle/jeep as mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Transfers between Pokhara and the trek starting/ending points.

Accommodation

  • Teahouse accommodation during the trek.
  • Twin or triple-sharing rooms, subject to availability

Food & Meals

  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trekking days
  • Tea/coffee and meals as specified in the itinerary.

Guide & Porter

  • Experienced English-speaking trekking guide.
  • Porter service for carrying trekking luggage, as per the agreed package.

Permits & Fees

  • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP).
  • TIMS card and other required trekking permits/fees.

Medical / Safety Assistance

  • Basic first-aid support during the trek.
  • Necessary assistance in case of common trekking-related emergencies.

Equipment

  • Trekking poles, if included in the selected package.
  • Sleeping bag, if provided by the trekking company.

Other Included Services

  • Government taxes and applicable service charges.
  • Trekking-related arrangements as mentioned in the package.
  • Official company assistance throughout the trek.

Not Included

International Flights

  • International airfare and airport-related charges.
  • Excess baggage and airline-related expenses.

Nepal Visa

  • Nepal entry visa fees and related charges.

Travel Insurance

  • Travel insurance, medical expenses and emergency evacuation coverage.

Personal Expenses

  • Personal shopping, snacks, bottled water and other personal purchases.
  • Laundry and other personal services.

Beverages

  • Alcoholic drinks, soft drinks and additional beverages.
  • Extra tea/coffee beyond the meals included in the package.

Hot Showers & Charging

  • Hot shower charges during the trek.
  • Battery charging and other electricity-related fees.

Wi-Fi / Internet

  • Wi-Fi and internet charges at teahouses or other accommodations.

Tips & Gratitude

  • Tips and gratuities for guides, porters and support staff.

Additional Expenses

  • Any expenses caused by weather, natural events, delays or itinerary changes.
  • Additional accommodation, meals, transportation or services not mentioned under "Includes".

Map & Route

Route map for Mardi Himal Trek 4 Days
Click to enlarge

Trip Info

Duration 3 Night 4 Days
Difficulty Moderate
Best Season Spring (Mar–May)
Location Annapurna Region, Nepal
Region Annapurna Region
Max Altitude 4200 m | 13,780 ft
Accommodation Lodge and Teahouse
Meals Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Packing Checklist 0 / 28 Packed

General

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Cost & Dates

Group Pricing

Group Size Price / Person
1 person USD 350
2 – 4 persons USD 295
5 – 20 persons USD 275

Frequently Asked Questions

Trip Info & FAQs for Mardi Himal Trek 4 Days

General Information

Mardi Himal sits within Nepal's Annapurna region, directly facing Annapurna I and the iconic Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) peak. The route culminates at Mardi Himal Base Camp, sitting at roughly 4,500m (14,763ft).
Hikers are treated to sweeping panoramas of Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, and Hiunchuli. The path blends rural settlements, dense forest cover, and high-altitude snow terrain into one compact adventure — ideal for those short on time but not on adventure.
This fast-paced version is best suited to trekkers with reasonable fitness, since the shorter timeframe means a quicker altitude gain each day. First-time trekkers who are in good physical shape can manage it, though it's more demanding than the standard-length itinerary.
Only opened to trekkers in 2012, this trail remains one of Nepal's lesser-explored routes. It offers untouched scenery and rich biodiversity while avoiding the heavier foot traffic seen on the Annapurna Base Camp trail.

Permits

Two documents are mandatory: the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card. Together, these grant regional access and help authorities track trekker movement for safety.
Yes — ACAP and TIMS charges are bundled into your trek price, no separate payment needed.
They're issued through the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu. When you book through us, our team takes care of the paperwork on your behalf before the trek begins.

Accommodation

You'll stay in mountain lodges along the route, typically offering twin-sharing rooms; some locations have attached bathrooms while others use shared facilities.
Lodges generally have electricity, but hot showers usually come with an added fee — this is more common the higher up the trail you go.
Wi-Fi can be found at most stops, though it's often billed separately. The same applies to device charging in several lodges.

Food and Drinks

No — untreated water sources aren't safe. Stick to boiled water, filtered water, or water treated with purification tablets. Bottled water is sold in villages but gets pricier the higher you climb.
Yes, plant-based choices are readily available, including vegetable curries, soups, and steamed momos.

Guide and Porter

Yes. Since the trail passes through the Annapurna Protected Area, a licensed Nepali guide (or porter) is legally required.
Your guide leads the way, ensures your safety, and shares regional knowledge along the trail. Porters take care of carrying your bags so you can focus purely on the walk.
No — as of April 2023, Nepal's government made guides mandatory for anyone trekking through protected regions like this one.

Weather

Spring (March through May) and autumn (September through November) offer the most favorable conditions — stable weather, cooler temperatures, and clear mountain visibility.
Conditions shift the experience considerably; spring and autumn bring calm skies and great visibility, making them the preferred windows for this trek.
Monsoon season brings slippery, muddy trails and isn't recommended. Winter is colder and more physically demanding, but seasoned trekkers comfortable with low temperatures can still enjoy quieter trails and dramatic views.

Visa & Insurance

Yes, it's a mandatory requirement before joining this trek.
It needs to include medical treatment costs and emergency helicopter evacuation, valid up to the trek's maximum altitude.
Every nationality except Indian citizens needs a visa. This can be obtained on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport or at land border checkpoints. A 30-day tourist visa costs USD 50 and requires a passport valid for at least six months, plus a passport-sized photo.

Transportation

Travel begins with a tourist bus ride from Kathmandu to Pokhara, followed by a drive to Dhampus, where the trekking portion starts.
Not necessarily — Pokhara can be reached by road (included in this package) or by air at an additional charge if you'd prefer to save travel time.
A return tourist bus takes you from Pokhara back to Kathmandu. Private vehicle transfers or a short domestic flight are also available for an extra fee.

Equipment

Pack warm layers, sturdy trekking boots, a sleeping bag, sun protection, a reusable water bottle, and a basic first-aid kit.
While lodges typically supply blankets at higher elevations, bringing your own sleeping bag is strongly advised for extra warmth overnight.
Yes, trekking poles make a noticeable difference on steep sections. A headlamp, UV-protective sunglasses, and a rain jacket are also worth packing.

Payment

A 10% deposit secures your spot, with the remaining balance payable once you arrive in Kathmandu. Accepted methods include cash, bank transfer, credit card, Wise, or Western Union.
Booking at least a month ahead is recommended, particularly during high season — though last-minute bookings can sometimes be accommodated as well.

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Mardi Himal Trek 4 Days
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