Mardi Himal Trek – 7 Days
Seven days on a high forested ridge directly beneath Machhapuchhre — the closest you can get to the Fishtail. Nepal's finest short trek.
Trip Facts
| Duration | 7 days (4–5 trekking days) |
|---|---|
| Max altitude | 4,500m — Mardi Himal Upper Viewpoint |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Trek start / end | Pokhara |
| Best season | Mar–May, Oct–Dec |
| Accommodation | Teahouse + 2 nights hotel |
| Group size | 2–14 |
| Permits | ACAP + TIMS |
| Daily walking | 4–6 hours |
Overview
The Mardi Himal Trek follows a forested ridge that runs directly south from Machhapuchhre, and it delivers something no other short trek in Nepal can match: you walk with the Fishtail filling the entire view ahead of you, close enough to see individual snow flutings on its face. Opened as a teahouse route only in 2012, Mardi Himal is still one of the quieter Annapurna trails. The route climbs through dense moss-hung rhododendron and oak forest to Forest Camp and Low Camp, then breaks above the treeline at around 3,000m onto an open ridge. From there to High Camp you are walking a narrow grassy spine with the Annapurna range on one side and the Seti valley dropping away on the other. The final morning is the payoff. Leaving High Camp before dawn, you follow the ridge to the Mardi Himal Upper Viewpoint at 4,500m, standing beneath Machhapuchhre with Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Annapurna I, Gangapurna and Mardi Himal itself laid out around you. At seven days including Kathmandu transfers, Mardi Himal is the strongest option for trekkers with limited time who still want to break 4,000m. It is also excellent in December and January, when higher routes are snowbound but this ridge remains walkable in clear, cold conditions.
Highlights
- Reach 4,500m at the Mardi Himal Upper Viewpoint, directly under Machhapuchhre
- Walk an exposed high ridge with 360-degree Annapurna views for two full days
- Quieter and less crowded than the Annapurna Base Camp and Poon Hill trails
- Moss-draped rhododendron forest between Kande and Forest Camp
- Sunrise from High Camp over Annapurna South and Hiunchuli
- Breaks 4,000m in just seven days including all transfers
Itinerary
Arrive Kathmandu; briefing and permits
Drive or fly Kathmandu to Pokhara
Drive to Kande; trek via Australian Camp to deurali
Deurali to forest camp 2520
Forest camp to to High Camp
Sunrise ascent to Mardi Himal Viewpoint (4,500m); descend to low camp
820m
Fly or drive Pokhara to Kathmandu; departure
What the Price Includes
Cost Includes
- Airport pick-up and drop-off (private vehicle)
- All ground transport per itinerary
- Teahouse/lodge accommodation throughout the trek (twin share)
- Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu 2 nights /Pokhara 2 nights(3-star, B&B)
- Three meals a day on trek — breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Tea/coffee with meals on trek
- Government-licensed English-speaking trekking guide
- Porter service (1 porter per 2 trekkers, max 25kg)
- All staff wages, insurance, equipment, food and lodging
- All required trekking permits and entry fees
- TIMS card
- Seasonal fresh fruit after dinner
- First aid kit and pulse oximeter carried by guide
- Duffel bag, trekking map and company T-shirt
- All government taxes and service charges
Cost Excludes
- International airfare and Nepal visa fees
- Travel and medical insurance (mandatory — must cover helicopter evacuation to 6,000m)
- Meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara (except where stated)
- Personal trekking equipment and clothing
- Hot showers, Wi-Fi, battery charging and bottled drinks on trek
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Personal expenses — laundry, phone, souvenirs
- Emergency evacuation costs (recoverable from your insurer)
- Tips for guide and porters
- Anything not listed under "Cost Includes"
Best Time to Trek
The most reliable season. Clear skies, stable weather, firm trails and the sharpest mountain views of the year. Book early; this is peak season on every route.
The second-best window and the finest season for scenery below 4,000m, when rhododendron forests are in full bloom. Warmer nights and longer days, with some afternoon haze building through May.
Clear, quiet and cold. Excellent for lower routes such as Poon Hill, Mardi Himal and Kathmandu Valley. High passes may close under snow.
Wet and leech-prone on most routes, but this is the right season for the rain-shadow trails: Upper Mustang, Nar Phu and Upper Dolpo.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moderate. Daily walking is 4–6 hours and the trail is well-defined, but the final push to the 4,500m viewpoint is a sustained 900m climb at altitude in cold pre-dawn conditions. Good general fitness is enough; technical skills are not needed.
They serve different trekkers. Poon Hill is easier, lower (3,210m) and better for families or those short on fitness. Mardi Himal is higher, quieter and gets you far closer to the mountains. If you can manage six hours of walking a day, choose Mardi Himal.
Yes, but it is scarcer than on the ABC route — High Camp in particular relies on limited supply and charges more. Carry a filter or purification tablets and fill up at Low Camp.
Yes, and it is one of the best winter options in the Annapurna region. Expect snow above Low Camp from late December. Bring a sleeping bag rated to -15°C and microspikes for the High Camp ridge.
Ready to Book This Trek?
Departures run year-round on your dates — private groups, couples and solo trekkers all welcome. Tell us your dates and we will send a full quote within 24 hours.
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