Mardi Himal Trek: Complete Guide with Itinerary, Cost, Best Time and Tips
7 May 2025 Santosh Gauli
Mardi Himal Trek: A Short, Scenic Trek Close to Pokhara
The Mardi Himal Trek is one of the best short treks in the Annapurna region. In 3 to 5 days, you walk through rhododendron forest, climb a high ridge, and reach a viewpoint at 4,200 m with close views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna South, Annapurna I, and Hiunchuli.
It starts and ends in Pokhara, so it suits first-time trekkers, travellers with limited time, and anyone who wants quiet trails.
Quick answer: The Mardi Himal Trek takes 3 to 5 days, reaches a highest point of 4,200 m at the viewpoint, and starts from Kande, about 1 to 1.5 hours by road from Pokhara. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best seasons.
Mardi Himal Trek at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3, 4 or 5 days |
| Start / End | Kande / Siding, with return drive to Pokhara |
| Highest point | Mardi Himal Viewpoint, 4,200 m |
| High Camp | 3,580 m |
| Daily walking | About 4 to 7 hours |
| Accommodation | Tea houses (basic lodges) |
| Best seasons | March to May, September to November |
Which Mardi Himal Itinerary Should You Choose?
Pick the length based on your fitness and how much time you have. More days means a slower pace and better acclimatization.
Mardi Himal Trek 3-Day Itinerary (Fast-Paced)
- Day 1: Drive Pokhara to Kande (1,770 m), then trek to Rest Camp (2,520 m). 10 11 km, 5 to 6 hours.
- Day 2: Rest Camp to High Camp (3,580 m). 8 to 9 km, 5 to 6 hours.
- Day 3: High Camp to Siding Village (1,750 m), then drive to Pokhara. 16 to 17 km, 7 to 8 hours.
This is the shortest option and demands good fitness. It also skips the sunrise trip to the viewpoint, so choose 4 or 5 days if the view is your main goal.
Mardi Himal Trek 4-Day Itinerary (Balanced)
- Day 1: Drive to Kande, then trek to Australian Camp (2,100 m).
- Day 2: Australian Camp to Forest Camp (2,520 m).
- Day 3: Forest Camp to High Camp (3,580 m).
- Day 4: High Camp to Mardi Himal Viewpoint (4,200 m), then descend to Siding (1,750 m) and drive to Pokhara.
Mardi Himal Trek 5-Day Itinerary (Recommended)
This is the most comfortable option and the one we recommend to most trekkers.
Day 1: Pokhara to Kande (1,770 m), trek to Deurali (2,100 m)
After an early pickup and a 1-hour drive, you begin climbing through the forest on stone steps. You reach the open meadows of Australian Camp, with views of the Annapurna range, Machhapuchhre and, on clear days, Dhaulagiri. The trail then passes Pothana, where the permit check post is, and continues through moss-covered rhododendron forest to the ridge-top village of Deurali.
Day 2: Deurali to Forest Camp (2,520 m)
Today’s trail is a quiet, undulating walk through rhododendron, oak and maple forest with no settlements along the way. In spring (March to May) rhododendrons bloom in red, pink and white. You may hear cuckoos or see langur monkeys, and the lodges at Forest Camp are basic but warm.
Day 3: Forest Camp to Badal Danda (3,210 m)
The forest thins and you reach Low Camp (2,970 m) after about two hours. From there, the trail follows an open ridge with views on both sides to Badal Danda (“Hill of Clouds”). Expect 4 to 5 hours of walking and a memorable sunset.
Day 4: Badal Danda to High Camp (3,580 m)
The landscape turns alpine, with low shrubs and grassy slopes. Machhapuchhre (6,993 m) looms closer with every step. Watch for Himalayan monals, snow pigeons, and lammergeiers. After 3 to 4 hours, you reach High Camp. A short afternoon hike higher helps your body adjust to the altitude.
Day 5: Sunrise at Mardi Himal Viewpoint (4,200 m), trek to Siding (1,750 m), drive to Pokhara
At 4:00 AM, you reach the viewpoint in 2 to 2.5 hours, in time for sunrise over Machhapuchhre, Annapurna I, Annapurna South and Hiunchuli. After breakfast at High Camp, you descend for 6 to 7 hours through forest and terraced farmland to Siding. A jeep then takes you to Pokhara in 2.5 to 3 hours.
Best Time for the Mardi Himal Trek
- Spring (March to May): Rhododendron forests bloom, and the weather is mild. This is the most scenic season.
- Autumn (September to November): Clear skies, stable weather, and the sharpest mountain views.
- Winter (December to February): Cold nights, and snow is possible near High Camp. This season suits experienced trekkers
- Monsoon (June to August): Leeches, slippery trails, and cloud-covered views make this the least recommended season.
Permits for the Mardi Himal Trek
Trekkers need the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and a TIMS card. Permits are checked at Pothana, so keep your passport and permits handy. Permit fees and rules can change, so confirm current rates before you travel. When you book with us, we arrange your permits.
Tea Houses and Food on the Mardi Himal Trek
Tea houses are small, family-run guesthouses along the trail. Rooms are simple, with wooden floors and shared bathrooms, and some places offer private rooms or dormitory-style beds. Villages include Kande, Forest Camp, Low Camp, High Camp, and Siding.
Typical menu:
- Dal bhat: rice, lentil soup, vegetables, and pickles. It is filling and energy-rich.
- Noodles and soup: including Tibetan-style noodle soups.
- Momo: steamed dumplings with chicken or buffalo.
- Tibetan bread and butter tea: more common on higher days.
- International dishes: pizza, pasta, pancakes, fried rice, sandwiches, fruit and salads.
Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free requests are usually possible, but the menu gets smaller higher up, so bring your own snacks if you have special needs. Meals can also take longer to prepare at altitude. Expect nights to be cold at Forest Camp and above, and dress in layers.
Altitude and Safety Tips
- Walk slowly. The air is noticeably thinner above 3,000 m.
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
- Acclimatize. Choose the 4- or 5-day itinerary, and take the short hike above High Camp.
- Know the symptoms of altitude sickness: headache, nausea, dizziness, and unusual tiredness. If symptoms get worse, descend and tell your guide immediately.
- Pack for changing weather: a windproof jacket, warm layers, gloves, a hat, headlamp, and sturdy shoes for the steep, rocky sections.
- Protect your knees. The final descent takes 6 to 7 hours, and trekking poles help.
Why Trek Mardi Himal with a Local Guide?
The trail is well marked, but a licensed local guide adds safety, logistics, and local knowledge. A guide manages your permits, lodges, pace, and acclimatization, and can adjust plans if the weather changes. You also learn about the villages, wildlife, and culture along the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
How difficult is the Mardi Himal Trek?
It is moderate. The highest point is 4,200 m, and 4 to 7 hours of walking. Steady fitness is enough, and there is no technical climbing.
How many days do you need for the Mardi Himal Trek?
Most trekkers take 4 or 5 days. The 3-day version is possible for fit trekkers with limited time.
Can beginners do the Mardi Himal Trek?
Yes, with a realistic pace and enough days to acclimatize. The 5-day itinerary is the most beginner-friendly.
Is Mardi Himal Trek safe?
It is generally safe when you go with a licensed guide, follow altitude precautions, and check the weather.
Do I need a guide?
I’ll check the current rule first, since whether a guide is required has changed in recent years.
Is there electricity, charging, and Wi-Fi?
Most tea houses have solar power for charging phones and cameras, usually for a small fee. Power can be limited on cloudy days and at High Camp.
Plan Your Mardi Himal Trek with Us
Trek Mardi Himal with Nepal Everest Guide. We offer 3-, 4-, and 5-day treks with licensed local guides, and we also arrange Everest Base Camp treks.