The Mardi Himal trek is Nepal's best-kept short trekking secret. Opened to independent trekkers in 2012, this ridge route climbs the eastern spur of the Mardi Himal massif through dense rhododendron and oak forest to high ridge camps with unobstructed close-up views of Machapuchare (Fishtail), Annapurna South, and the full Annapurna sanctuary range — views that rival anything on the Annapurna Base Camp or Poon Hill routes, but with a fraction of the crowd.
In 7 days from Pokhara, you gain 2,730m of altitude from Kande (1,770m) to Upper Viewpoint / Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m), traverse a spectacular forest ridge, and return via a different descent route through the village of Siding.
7 days (5 trekking + 2 travel)
4,500m (Upper Viewpoint / Mardi Base Camp)
~60km
Moderate
October-November, March-May
ACAP ($30) + TIMS ($10-20)
Not mandatory (recommended)
~3,000 (vs ~70,000 on ABC)
Good (basic above High Camp)
Why Mardi Himal?
Closest views of Machapuchare anywhere: The ridge approach puts you within 5km of the Fishtail peak's unclimbed summit — closer than ABC, with different (arguably better) angles.
Genuine off-the-beaten-path: With ~3,000 annual trekkers vs ~70,000 on ABC, you will often have the trail and ridgeline entirely to yourself.
Complete in 7 days: Perfect for those with limited time who still want a substantial high-altitude ridge experience.
Accessible from Pokhara: No domestic flight required; 1 hour by road.
Altitude Profile
| Day | Destination | Altitude | Daily Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kande → Low Camp | 2,985m | +1,215m from Kande |
| 2 | Low Camp → High Camp | 3,580m | +595m |
| 3 | High Camp → Upper Viewpoint → High Camp | 4,500m | +920m (return to 3,580m) |
| 4 | High Camp → Forest Camp | 2,600m | -980m |
| 5 | Forest Camp → Siding → Pokhara | 820m | -1,780m |
| 6 | Free Day in Pokhara | 820m | Rest |
| 7 | Pokhara → Kathmandu | 1,400m | Travel |
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Drive Pokhara to Kande (1,770m), Trek to Low Camp (2,985m)
Drive time: 1 hour from Pokhara lakeside Trek distance: 8km | Trek time: 4-5 hours
Drive from Pokhara to Kande, a small village on the ridge road above the city. The trek begins here with a well-marked trail through oak and rhododendron forest. In spring, the rhododendron bloom here is outstanding.
The trail climbs steadily on a single-track path through increasingly dense forest. Low Camp is a cluster of 4-5 teahouses at a forest clearing on the ridge — the first point where mountain views begin to emerge through the trees.
Key sight: First glimpse of Machhapuchhare's twin summits above the forest canopy.
Accommodation: Teahouse at Low Camp, NPR 300-500/night Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Pro Tip
Kande is accessible by road from Pokhara's tourist bus area. Many trekkers take a taxi ($8-12) rather than a tourist bus, as schedules are irregular. Arrange transport the evening before departure.
Day 2: Low Camp to High Camp (3,580m)
Trek distance: 6km | Trek time: 4-5 hours
The trail continues up the ridge, leaving the dense forest and entering rhododendron scrub with increasingly open views. The first clear views of the full Annapurna range appear as you gain altitude, with Annapurna South and the sanctuary revealed to the northwest.
High Camp is the main hub of the Mardi Himal route — several teahouses on an exposed ridgeline at 3,580m with 180-degree panoramic views. From here you can see Machapuchare directly across the ridge, Annapurna South beyond, Mardi Himal above, and the green valleys far below.
Evening: Spectacular sunset views from High Camp. Clear nights reveal star-filled skies above the ridgeline.
Accommodation: Teahouse at High Camp, NPR 400-600/night Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
High Camp at 3,580m — Acclimatization Note
High Camp is the highest you'll sleep on this trek. Some trekkers experience mild altitude symptoms (headache, reduced appetite). This is normal and typically resolves after the first night. If symptoms are significant, add a rest day here before ascending to Upper Viewpoint.
Day 3: High Camp to Upper Viewpoint (4,500m) and Return
Trek distance: 5km up, 5km return | Trek time: 3-4 hours up, 2-3 hours return
Early start: Depart by 5:30-6:00 AM for the best conditions. Clouds build quickly after 11 AM on this ridge.
The trail climbs from High Camp along the narrow ridge to Upper Viewpoint, also known as Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m). The route is clear in good weather — follow the ridge crest and cairns. In some sections, the trail is steep and rocky.
Upper Viewpoint (4,500m): The payoff for the entire trek. You are standing at the base of Mardi Himal (5,587m) itself, with Machhapuchhare filling the sky ahead — close enough to see individual seracs on its south face. Annapurna South (7,219m), Hiunchuli, and Gangapurna complete the panorama. On clear mornings, the sight is extraordinary.
Return: The return to High Camp takes 2-3 hours. Eat lunch at High Camp and begin the descent to Forest Camp.
Trek day total (including descent to Forest Camp): 12-14km, 8-9 hours
Accommodation: Teahouse at Forest Camp, NPR 300-500/night Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Pro Tip
This is the hardest day of the trek — Upper Viewpoint and descent to Forest Camp in a single day. Start the day well-fed and hydrated. The altitude at Upper Viewpoint makes the climb feel harder than the numbers suggest. Move slowly and steadily.
Day 4: Forest Camp to Siding Village, Drive to Pokhara (820m)
Trek distance: 14km | Trek time: 5-6 hours Drive: 1.5-2 hours to Pokhara
The descent via Siding takes a different route than the ascent, adding variety to the return. The trail drops from Forest Camp through dense sub-tropical forest (a completely different ecosystem from the high ridge) to the village of Siding (1,750m), then continues to Lwang where vehicles are available.
At Siding and Lwang: Local taxis and jeeps can be arranged to return to Pokhara. Cost: $30-50 for a private vehicle.
Arrive in Pokhara: By late afternoon. Hot shower, lakeside restaurant, and comfortable bed await.
Accommodation: Hotel in Pokhara Lakeside, $15-50/night Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5 (Optional): Free Day in Pokhara
Pokhara is Nepal's premier mountain resort town. Options include paragliding over the Annapurna range ($80-100), Phewa Lake boat rental, World Peace Pagoda, Old Bazaar exploration, or simply relaxing lakeside with mountain views.
Accommodation: Hotel in Pokhara Lakeside Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6: Return to Kathmandu
Options:
- Tourist bus: $10-15 (7 hours)
- Flight: $100-130 (25 minutes — spectacular mountain views if clear)
- Private vehicle: $100-150 (6 hours)
Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu (if needed)
Day 7: Departure
Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport.
Alternative Itinerary: 5-Day Fast Track
For trekkers with less time:
| Day | Destination |
|---|---|
| 1 | Kande → High Camp |
| 2 | High Camp → Upper Viewpoint → High Camp |
| 3 | High Camp → Forest Camp → Siding → Pokhara |
| 4 | Pokhara |
| 5 | Pokhara → Kathmandu |
Day 1 is very long (Kande to High Camp in one push = ~14km, 1,810m elevation gain). Only recommended for fit, experienced trekkers.
Teahouse Conditions by Camp
| Camp | Altitude | Teahouses | Facilities | WiFi | Hot Shower |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low Camp | 2,985m | 4-5 | Basic-Good | Limited | Usually |
| High Camp | 3,580m | 6-8 | Basic | Limited | Cold only |
| Upper Viewpoint | 4,500m | 1-2 | Very basic | No | No |
| Forest Camp | 2,600m | 3-4 | Basic | Limited | Usually |
Mardi Himal vs Poon Hill: Which to Choose?
| Factor | Mardi Himal (7 days) | Poon Hill (4-5 days) |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum altitude | 4,500m | 3,210m |
| Mountain views | Close-up (Machapuchare, Annapurna South) | Panoramic (full range) |
| Crowds | Very low | High (Ghorepani is very busy) |
| Duration | 7 days | 4-5 days |
| Difficulty | Moderate | Easy-Moderate |
| Best for | More time, want mountain immersion | Limited time, iconic sunrise experience |
Recommendation: If you have 7 days and want a genuine off-the-beaten-path experience with extraordinary close-up mountain views, choose Mardi Himal. If you have 4-5 days and want the classic Nepal sunrise experience, choose Poon Hill.