Mardi Himal: the short, stunning trek above the Annapurna clouds
The Mardi Himal trek is the Annapurna region's best-kept short secret — a 4–5 day climb to a high ridge with Machhapuchhre filling the sky. Here's why it belongs on your list.
At a glance
- Published · updated
- TopicTrail & Weather
- ReportingOriginal, by our guides in Pokhara
- Treks coveredMardi Himal Trek — 7 Days, Mardi Himal Trek — 4 Days, Poon Hill & Annapurna Panorama Trek — 10 Days
If you want the drama of the high Himalaya without the crowds or the long itinerary, let us let you in on the Annapurna region's quiet gem: the Mardi Himal trek. In just 4 to 5 days it climbs a hidden forested ridge to a high camp where the fishtail summit of Machhapuchhre seems close enough to touch — and far fewer trekkers know it than the famous trails alongside.
From the trail · Annapurna
Key facts
- Mardi Himal Base Camp sits at ~4,500m; High Camp at 3,580m
- A short trek of about 4–5 days from Pokhara
- Famous for close-up Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) views
- Much quieter than the Poon Hill and ABC trails
A ridge above the clouds
Mardi Himal only opened as a marked route relatively recently, which is part of its charm — it threads up a forested spur between the popular trails, climbing through rhododendron and moss-draped woods to a high, open ridge. From High Camp and the push to Upper Viewpoint, the panorama is extraordinary: Machhapuchhre dead ahead, with Annapurna South and Hiunchuli to the sides. It is one of the best views-per-effort treks in all of Nepal.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| High Camp | 3,580m |
| Upper Viewpoint / Base Camp | up to ~4,500m |
| Length | ~4–5 days |
| Start | Drive from Pokhara |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
Who it is for
Mardi Himal is ideal for trekkers who want a short trip with a big payoff, who have perhaps done Poon Hill and want something a little higher and quieter, or who simply love a ridge walk with a knockout view. It pairs beautifully with a Pokhara stay, and because the daily distances are manageable, it suits reasonably fit first-timers as well as seasoned walkers.
What this means for you
For a short, scenic, crowd-free Himalayan trek, Mardi Himal is hard to beat — a few days' walking for one of the most intimate mountain views in Nepal. We run it as a guided 4–5 day trip from Pokhara, and it combines perfectly with Annapurna Base Camp if you want to link the two.
Source: Travel Himalaya Nepal trek operations.
Cover photo: the raaz photojourney via Pexels (Pexels License).
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