Mardi Himal Trek Adventure
Nine days from the lakeside calm of Pokhara to a ridge-top view of Machhapuchhre and the Annapurna range — a moderate teahouse trek to Mardi Himal Base Camp, with your permits, licensed guide, transfers and lodges arranged from arrival to departure.
A short, high-reward trek to one of Annapurna's best viewpoints
Mardi Himal is one of the newer trekking routes in the Annapurna region — opened in 2012 and still far quieter than Poon Hill or the Annapurna Base Camp trail. It follows a narrow ridge straight toward Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), so the mountain fills more of the skyline here than on almost any other teahouse trek in Nepal, without any technical climbing required.
This nine-day itinerary uses Pokhara as your base at both ends. After a day to settle in and sort permits, you'll drive to Kande and climb through oak and rhododendron forest to Forest Camp, then on to Low Camp and High Camp as the tree line falls away and the ridge opens up. From High Camp, an early start takes you to the Mardi Himal viewpoint and Base Camp at 4,500m for a close-up panorama of Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South and Hiunchuli, before you retrace the ridge back down to Pokhara.
A licensed trekking guide, ACAP permit, teahouse accommodation, breakfasts and all transfers are arranged for you, with a buffer day built in for weather or a slower pace. Want it fully private, combined with the Annapurna Base Camp trail, or run at an easier pace over more days? Every element here is a starting point, not a fixed plan.
What you'll actually see
A ridge-top seat beside Machhapuchhre
Mardi Himal's trail runs along a narrow spur pointed straight at Machhapuchhre — one of the closest trekking-accessible vantage points to the sacred, unclimbed "Fishtail" peak, with Annapurna South and Hiunchuli filling the rest of the panorama.
Oak, bamboo & rhododendron forest
The lower days climb through dense forest of oak, bamboo and rhododendron, with the tree line only breaking away near High Camp — a genuinely different landscape from the barren high passes of Nepal's more famous treks.
Authentic teahouse trekking
Overnight at family-run lodges at Forest Camp, Low Camp and High Camp — simple, warm and locally operated, with hearty meals and the kind of trailside hospitality this style of Himalayan trekking is built on.
A quieter alternative to Poon Hill and ABC
Opened only in 2012, Mardi Himal sees a fraction of the traffic of Nepal's classic routes. There's no permanent settlement past High Camp, so the push to the viewpoint and Base Camp is a focused, out-and-back day — big reward for a short trek.
Your 9-day itinerary
A steady, forest-to-ridge climb with one buffer day built in, breakfast daily, and all listed transfers included.
You're met on arrival in Pokhara and transferred to your lakeside hotel. Settle in and spend the evening at your own pace — Phewa Lake at dusk, with Machhapuchhre catching the last light, is the classic first-night welcome to the Annapurna foothills.
Your ACAP permit and licensed trekking guide are arranged, with a full briefing on the route, daily distances and what to pack. Around this, a relaxed day exploring Pokhara: the World Peace Pagoda above Phewa Lake, a boat out to Tal Barahi temple, and the old bazaar for a last look at city comforts before the trail.
A short drive to Kande marks the start of the trek. The trail climbs steadily through Dhampus and Pothana into dense oak, bamboo and rhododendron forest, gaining height gradually toward Forest Camp, where you'll overnight in one of the trailside teahouses.
The trail continues climbing through thick rhododendron forest, quieter and narrower than the lower stretch. Occasional clearings give the first glimpses of Machhapuchhre through the canopy before you reach Low Camp, a small cluster of teahouses set among the trees.
As you climb from Low Camp, the forest thins and finally breaks away entirely, opening onto a bare ridge with panoramic views in every direction. High Camp, the last teahouse stop on the route, sits right on this ridge — Machhapuchhre and the Annapurna range dominate the skyline from here.
An early, pre-dawn start along the narrow summit ridge to the Mardi Himal viewpoint and Base Camp at 4,500m, timed for sunrise light on Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South and Hiunchuli. There's no permanent accommodation past High Camp, so after taking in the panorama you'll retrace the ridge and descend back down to Low Camp for the night.
A long descent through forest and terraced hillsides brings you to Siding village, where a private vehicle is waiting to drive you back to Pokhara. Trade trekking boots for a hot shower and a proper bed — and, if your legs allow, another lakeside evening.
A built-in buffer day — used for rest and recovery after the trek, or to absorb any weather delay earlier in the itinerary. If you're feeling fresh, this is a good slot for an optional add-on such as paragliding over Phewa Lake or a relaxed boat trip, arranged separately.
A final breakfast, then a transfer to the airport for your onward journey. If you'd like to extend, this trek links well with the Annapurna Base Camp trail, a wider Annapurna Circuit itinerary, or a few relaxed extra nights on Phewa Lake.
Indicative itinerary. The exact order of trekking days, distances and overnight stops is confirmed at the time of booking and may adapt to weather, trail conditions, group fitness and your guide's judgement. This is a genuine high-altitude trek reaching 4,500m — pace, acclimatisation and safety calls always take priority over the schedule.
What's included — and what's not
Clear from the start, so there are no surprises when you travel.
Included
- Accommodation for 8 nights (Pokhara hotel + trail teahouses)
- Daily breakfast
- Airport transfers (arrival & departure)
- Intercity transfers where applicable
- Sightseeing as listed in the itinerary
- Selected entrance fees
- Local assistance throughout
Not included
- International flights (unless stated)
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Meals not stated in the itinerary
- Optional activities & hotel upgrades
- Tips & gratuities
Before you go
Best time to trek
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the two best windows — clear mountain views and stable trails. Rhododendron blooms are strongest at lower elevations in spring; autumn generally offers the crispest visibility.
Currency
The Nepalese Rupee (NPR). Cards are usable in Pokhara's hotels and shops; carry cash for teahouse meals, snacks, hot showers and charging fees on the trail, all of which get more expensive the higher you climb.
Fitness & altitude
This is a moderate trek reaching 4,500m — walkable by reasonably fit beginners, but a real high-altitude day out, not a casual walk. Mild altitude symptoms (headache, fatigue) are possible above 3,500m; your guide monitors the group and will adjust pace or descend if needed.
Permits & guide
The route runs through the Annapurna Conservation Area, so the ACAP permit is mandatory, and Nepal has required a licensed local guide for all foreign trekkers here since April 2023. [[CONFIRM]] Whether a separate TIMS card is still required alongside ACAP. All paperwork and your guide are arranged as part of this package.
What to pack
Layered clothing for a wide temperature range, a warm jacket for High Camp mornings, sturdy broken-in trekking boots, a headlamp for the pre-dawn summit push, and a sleeping bag liner — teahouse bedding is basic. A rain layer and sun protection year-round.
Teahouse accommodation
Simple, family-run lodges throughout — twin-share rooms, shared bathrooms, and basic bedding above Forest Camp. Hot showers and device charging are usually available for a small extra fee, and get pricier the higher you climb.
From Phewa Lake to the Mardi Himal ridge
Good to have answered
Is the US$1,099 price per person? What does it cover?
Yes — that's a starting price, per person, for the 9-day itinerary based on twin-share accommodation. It covers your Pokhara hotel and trail teahouses, daily breakfast, airport and listed transfers, your licensed trekking guide and ACAP permit, the sightseeing in the itinerary and local assistance throughout. The final figure depends on your travel dates, group size and whether you'd like a private guide and porter, so we confirm an exact quote when you enquire.
How difficult is the Mardi Himal Trek?
It's rated moderate — no technical climbing or specialist equipment, but a genuine multi-day trek with a steady daily climb and a high point of 4,500m on summit day. Reasonably fit beginners complete it comfortably at a sensible pace; it isn't a casual walk, and mild altitude symptoms are possible above 3,500m.
Do I need a permit and a guide?
Yes to both. The trail runs through the Annapurna Conservation Area, so the ACAP permit is required, and Nepal has mandated a licensed local guide for all foreign trekkers on this route since April 2023. Both are arranged as part of this package, along with any additional trail permits your guide confirms are needed.
Are international flights included?
No — international flights aren't included unless we've specifically stated so in your quote. Most travellers fly into Kathmandu and connect on to Pokhara; we can advise on convenient routings and arrange your Pokhara airport transfers to match your flights.
Can this itinerary be customised or run privately?
Absolutely — this is a template, not a fixed package. Run it fully private with your own guide and porter, spread the trekking days out at a gentler pace, or link it with the Annapurna Base Camp trail for a longer Himalayan itinerary. Tell us what you have in mind and we'll shape it around you.
What if the weather closes in?
Day 8 is a built-in buffer, used to absorb a weather delay earlier in the trek if needed, or simply for rest if everything ran to schedule. Your guide makes the final call on route timing and safety at every stage — the schedule adapts to conditions, not the other way around.
How do I book or get a quote?
Send us an enquiry with your rough dates, fitness level and group size and we'll come back with a tailored quote and next steps. There's no obligation, and no payment needed to get a proposal.
Let's plan your Mardi Himal trek
Tell us your dates, fitness level and who's travelling. We'll send back a tailored itinerary and a clear, all-in quote — with the flexibility to make it exactly the trip you want.