trekhigh

Mardi Himal Trek — 4 Days

A woman enjoys a swing with a stunning view of the Annapurna mountain range in Pokhara, Nepal.
Length
4 days
Highest point
4,500 m
Difficulty
Moderate
Best months
Oct–Nov, Mar–May
Starts
Kande / Pokhara
Group size
2–12 People
Sleeping
Tea House / Camp

A quieter alternative to ABC — Mardi Himal's 4,500m High Camp delivers jaw-dropping Machapuchare views in just 4 fast-paced days from Pokhara.

  • Mardi Himal High Camp (4,500 m) — closest non-technical approach to Machapuchare (Fish Tail)
  • Unobstructed views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and the Mardi Himal summit
  • Off-the-beaten-path ridge trail — 90% fewer trekkers than the Poon Hill circuit
  • Dense rhododendron and oak canopy trail leading to high alpine grasslands
  • Deurali viewpoint at dawn — golden Annapurna massif with no crowd
  • Perfect 4-day introduction to Annapurna Conservation Area trekking
  • Cloud-forest descent through Siding village — authentic Gurung homestay culture

The climb, day by day

1,000 m2,000 m3,000 m4,000 m4,500 m, day 3
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Altitude reached each day of the itinerary
  1. Day 1Drive Pokhara → Kande → Trek to Forest Camp (2,550 m)2,550 m

    Drive 45 minutes to Kande. Trek steeply up through rhododendron forest on the less-trodden Mardi Himal ridge trail. Beautiful forest camp with first Machapuchare views.

    Distance
    8 km
    Walking
    4–5 hours
    Meals
    B, L, D
    Night
    Tea House
  2. Day 2Forest Camp → Low Camp (3,100 m) → High Camp (3,580 m)3,580 m

    Trek through mixed forest then open meadows. Low Camp offers close Machapuchare views. Continue up the ridge to High Camp with sweeping Annapurna South and Hiunchuli panoramas.

    Distance
    10 km
    Walking
    5–6 hours
    Meals
    B, L, D
    Night
    Tea House
  3. Day 3High Camp → Upper Viewpoint (4,500 m) → Descent to Siding4,500 m

    Early morning push to the Upper Viewpoint and Mardi Himal base (optional summit 4,700 m). Closest point to Machapuchare (Fishtail) achievable without permit. Descend all the way to Siding village.

    Distance
    16 km
    Walking
    7–8 hours
    Meals
    B, L, D
    Night
    Tea House
  4. Day 4Siding → Lumre → Drive Pokhara820 m

    Short descent to Lumre road then drive back to Pokhara. Arrive mid-morning.

    Distance
    5 km
    Walking
    1.5 hours + drive
    Meals
    B
    Night
    Pokhara hotel

The price includes

  • Government-registered English-speaking guide
  • Porter (1 per 2 trekkers)
  • ACAP permit and TIMS card
  • Pokhara–Kande trailhead transport
  • Forest Camp–Pokhara return transport
  • All teahouse accommodation (3 nights)
  • 3 meals per day (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
  • All government taxes and service charges

You pay separately

  • International airfare to/from Kathmandu
  • Nepal entry visa fee ($30–$50 on arrival)
  • Comprehensive travel insurance with emergency evacuation
  • Meals not listed in daily itinerary
  • Personal trekking gear and equipment
  • Tips for guides and porters
  • Beverages, hot showers, and battery charging at teahouses (payable direct)
  • Personal expenses and souvenirs
  • Any costs arising from illness, injury, or early departure

Nameste and warm greeting from Prakash  and Travel Himalaya Nepal Treks  Pvt. Mardi Himal Trek is a short and scenic trekking route in the Annapurna region of Nepal.

This 4 days Mardi Himal Trek from Pokhara offers stunning Himalayan sunrise views, rhododendron forests, and close views of Machhapuchhre and Annapurna range.

This trek is ideal for those who want a short Annapurna trek with amazing mountain views, local culture, and adventure in a limited time.

Trip Overview

Duration: 3 Nights / 4 Days
Starting Point: Pokhara
Ending Point: Pokhara
Maximum Height: 4,500m / 14,764 ft (Mardi Himal Base Camp)
Transportation: Private / Sharing Vehicle
Group Size: Min 2 Pax / Max 20 Pax
Trip Type: Tea House / Package Trek

DayRouteStay Place & HeightDistanceDurationTrek Type
Day 1Pokhara – Kande – Forest CampForest Camp (2,600m / 8,530 ft)6 km / 3.7 miles1 hr drive + 5–6 hrs trekDrive → Forest trail → Uphill
Day 2Forest Camp – High CampHigh Camp (3,700m / 12,139 ft)10 km / 6.2 miles6–7 hrsForest → Ridge → Open mountain
Day 3High Camp – Base Camp – Badal DandaBadal Danda (3,250m / 10,662 ft)12 km / 7.4 miles6–7 hrsViewpoint → Ridge → Downhill
Day 4Badal Danda – Siding – PokharaPokhara (822m / 2,697 ft)6 km trek3–4 hrs trek + 3 hrs driveDownhill → Village → Drive

📞 WhatsApp: +45 91 71 72 19
📧 Email: info@travelhimalayanepal.com

Questions people ask

What makes Mardi Himal different from the Annapurna Base Camp trek?
Mardi Himal sits on a quieter ridge east of the main Annapurna trail, offering some of the most direct and unobstructed views of Machapuchare (Fishtail, 6,993m) available anywhere. You will encounter far fewer trekkers than on the ABC or classic Poon Hill routes, preserving the sense of wilderness.
How high does the 4-day trek reach?
The route tops out at Mardi Himal High Camp at approximately 4,500m, from where the panorama of Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machapuchare is exceptional. No technical equipment is needed, though the trail is steep in sections.
What permits do I need for Mardi Himal?
You need an Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit and a TIMS card, both available at the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu or Pokhara. Combined cost is around $30–$35 for foreign nationals.
Is 4 days enough or should I choose the longer itinerary?
The 4-day version is a genuine fast-paced option for fit trekkers with limited time — you reach High Camp and return via Low Camp. The 7-day itinerary adds acclimatisation, more time at High Camp, and often a different descent route through forest villages, reducing altitude-related risk and allowing richer cultural stops.
What is the trail condition like?
Trails below the forest zone are well-maintained; above the treeline the path is narrower and can be icy in early spring or late autumn. The ridge walk between Low Camp and High Camp is exposed to wind. Proper hiking boots with ankle support and trekking poles are strongly recommended.
Can I do this trek year-round?
Spring (March–May) offers rhododendron blooms and good visibility. Autumn (October–November) has the clearest skies. Winter (December–February) is possible but High Camp can receive heavy snow. Monsoon season (June–September) brings slippery trails and obscured mountain views and is not recommended.

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