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 an authentic sense of wilderness.

How high does the trek reach and what are the key viewpoints?

The route tops out at Mardi Himal High Camp at approximately 4,500m. From here the panorama of Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machapuchare is outstanding. The 7-day itinerary allows time to linger at High Camp at sunrise — the single best moment of the trek.

What permits do I need?

You need an Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit and a TIMS card, obtainable in Kathmandu or Pokhara. Combined cost is around $30–$35 for foreign nationals — very affordable for a trek of this scenic quality.

Why choose the 7-day version over the shorter 4 or 5-day options?

The 7-day itinerary paces the ascent more carefully, reducing altitude sickness risk, and typically includes a rest or exploration day at High Camp. It also usually incorporates a different descent route through traditional Gurung villages and dense rhododendron forest, making it a richer overall experience.

What is the accommodation like on this trek?

Teahouses along the Mardi Himal ridge are simpler and smaller than on the main Annapurna circuit, particularly above the forest zone. Rooms are basic (twin beds, shared bathrooms) but clean, and the teahouse owners are notably friendly. Book ahead during peak spring and autumn weeks as capacity is limited.

Can I combine Mardi Himal with Annapurna Base Camp?

Yes — Travel Himalaya Nepal also offers a 13-day itinerary combining both destinations. This is ideal for trekkers wanting to see the full Annapurna sanctuary alongside the quieter Mardi ridge. If time is tight, Mardi Himal alone gives arguably better close-up Machapuchare views than ABC does.

TrekModerate

Mardi Himal Trek — 7 Days

7 days4,500 mFrom PokharaBest: Oct–Nov, Mar–May

Duration

7 days

From

$780/person

Max Altitude

4,500 m

Difficulty

Moderate

Starts

Pokhara

Group Size

2–12 People

Stay

Tea House

Meals

Breakfast & Dinner

Best Season

Oct–Nov, Mar–May

Trip Highlights

Nepal's most underrated short trek — extraordinary Himalayan views with a fraction of ABC's crowds

Mardi Himal High Camp (4,500 m): arguably the closest accessible viewpoint to Machapuchare (6,993 m)

Dense rhododendron forest that blazes red and pink from March to May

Ascent via the quiet forested ridge above Pokhara, with sweeping valley views throughout

Overnight at Upper Camp with unobstructed sunrise on the Annapurna massif

Genuine Gurung tea-house culture: locally cooked dal bhat, butter tea, mountain hospitality

Quick access from Pokhara — trailhead reachable in under 2 hours

Quieter than ABC and with closer Machapuchare views, Mardi Himal's 4,500m High Camp rewards fit trekkers seeking Annapurna grandeur without the crowds.

Day-by-Day Itinerary(7 days)

Altitude Profile

Peak: 4,500 m · Day 5

Drive from Pokhara (820m) to Kande (1,770m), a small roadside village above the valley. Trek through rhododendron and oak forest on the less-crowded Mardi Himal trail, climbing to the peaceful Forest Camp (2,520m) with first views through the trees of Machhapuchhre.

2,520 m3–4 hours8 kmB, L, DTea House

The Mardi Himal Trek is Nepal's most underrated short route — a 7-day forested ridge climb from Pokhara to the High Camp (4,500 m), with a closer view of Machapuchare (6,993 m) than any other accessible trail in the Annapurna region. The Mardi trail carries a fraction of ABC's traffic and offers genuine discovery on the upper sections, where the moorland opens to an extraordinary close-up panorama: Machapuchare's twin summits directly north at 9 km, Annapurna South to the west, and the Modi Khola valley 2,000 m below.

The approach ascends through dense rhododendron and oak forest via Forest Camp (2,600 m) and Low Camp (3,550 m) to High Camp (4,500 m) in well-spaced stages. Dawn alpenglow on Machapuchare's ice face from High Camp is one of the great short-trek rewards in Nepal.

Best seasons: October–November and March–May (forest bloom). Start: Pokhara (jeep to Kande included). Max altitude: High Camp 4,500 m.

What's Included

Included

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

Not Included

International flights
Nepal visa
Travel insurance
Lunches
Personal gear
Tips

Best Time to Go

Autumn (Sep–Nov)

Best season. Crystal-clear skies, stable weather, spectacular mountain views. Peak crowds on EBC and ABC trails.

Low: -5°C High: 15°C Possible above 4,500 m in November

Spring (Mar–May)

Second-best season. Rhododendrons in bloom, good visibility. Slightly warmer than autumn. Pre-monsoon clouds build in afternoon.

Low: -2°C High: 18°C Possible above 5,000 m in March

Winter (Dec–Feb)

Cold but uncrowded. Clear skies and great views. High passes may be snowed-in. Lower altitude treks (Ghorepani, Langtang lower) remain open.

Low: -15°C High: 8°C Heavy above 3,500 m

Monsoon (Jun–Aug)

Wet season. Trails slippery, leeches on lower sections, views often obscured. Not recommended except for rain-shadow regions (Upper Mustang).

Low: 10°C High: 22°C None at low altitude

Permits Required

TIMS Card

USD 20 (group trek) / USD 10 (free individual)

Required for all trekkers in Nepal

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

USD 30

Required for Annapurna region. Valid for single entry.

All permits are arranged and included in your package price. Nothing to organise yourself.

What to Pack

Moisture-wicking base layers (top + bottom)

Fleece mid-layer jacket

Down jacket (600+ fill power)

Waterproof shell jacket and pants

Trekking trousers (2 pairs)

Trekking shorts (1 pair)

Merino wool socks (4–5 pairs)

Liner socks (3 pairs)

Warm hat / beanie

Sun hat or cap

Lightweight gloves

Heavy gloves or mittens for high passes

Neck gaiter or buff

Thermal underwear set

A detailed packing list will be sent with your booking confirmation. Gear rental available in Kathmandu and Pokhara.

Frequently Asked Questions

$780

/ person

all-inclusive · permits included

Groups save up to 26% — from $580/person for 8++ pax

Price calculator

Guests

$710 × 2 people· 2–3 pax rate$1,420

All-inclusive · permits included

Price by Group Size

per person · all-inclusive

Book via WhatsApp Chat About Your Trek (Free)

Travel Insurance Recommended

World Nomads covers altitude sickness, evacuation & trip cancellation.

Get a Quote

Duration7 days

DifficultyModerate

Max Altitude4,500 m

StartsPokhara

Group Size2–12 People

AccommodationTea House

Best SeasonOct–Nov, Mar–May

Your Guide

NMA-Licensed Senior Guide

Travel Himalaya Nepal · Est. 1998

15+ yrs experienceEnglish speakingFirst Aid certifiedZero fatalities

All guides are NMA-certified with 10–20 years in the Himalayas. You'll be briefed personally before departure.

Meet all our guides

NMA Certified Agency

Licensed by Nepal Mountaineering Association · Est. 1998

Annapurna Region Guide

Similar Treks & Tours

Ghorepani Poon Hill, Ghorepani Poon Hill 4 days trek

4 daysModerate3,700 m

Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek — 4 Days

From / person

$455

1 daysEasy4,130 m

Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour — 1 Day

From / person

$900

4 daysModerate4,500 m

Mardi Himal Trek — 4 Days

From / person

$455

On the Trail

See it in motion

All videos

From the Blog

Plan Your Trek

Trek Comparison

$780

/ person · all-inclusive

Mardi Himal Trek — 7 Days

Trip Highlights

Day-by-Day Itinerary(7 days)

Altitude Profile

What's Included

Included

Not Included

Best Time to Go

Permits Required

What to Pack

Frequently Asked Questions

Price by Group Size

Similar Treks & Tours

Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek — 4 Days

Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour — 1 Day

Mardi Himal Trek — 4 Days

See it in motion

Plan Your Trek

Poon Hill vs Mardi Himal: Which Trek to Choose?

6 Best Short Treks from Pokhara (3–5 Days)

Altitude Sickness: Prevention & Treatment

Best Time to Trek Nepal 2026