Mardi Himal Trek
A quiet ridge trail eye-to-eye with Fishtail
Duration
6 Days
Max Altitude
4,500 m / 14,764 ft (Mardi Himal Base Camp)
Best Season
March–May & September–December
Group Size
2–12 (private trips available)
Overview
Opened to trekkers only in the last two decades, the Mardi Himal Trek climbs a narrow forested ridge directly toward Machhapuchhre (Fishtail, 6,993 m), a peak that remains unclimbed and considered sacred. Because it diverges from the busier Annapurna Base Camp trail, Mardi Himal sees far fewer trekkers while delivering some of the closest mountain views of any moderate trek near Pokhara, culminating at a high viewpoint and base camp at 4,500 m with Annapurna South and Hiunchuli towering directly overhead.
Trip Highlights
- Extreme close-up views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail)
- One of the least crowded trails in the Annapurna region
- Rhododendron forest giving way to dramatic alpine ridge walking
- Short enough for a one-week trip from Pokhara
- High viewpoint at 4,500 m without technical climbing
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1
Drive Pokhara to Kande, trek to Pothana
Short drive to the trailhead at Kande, trek to Pothana (1,890 m).
Day 2
Trek to Forest Camp/Low Camp
Climb through rhododendron forest onto the Mardi ridge to Low Camp (2,970 m).
Day 3
Trek to High Camp
Continue along the narrowing ridge to High Camp (3,580 m), with Machhapuchhre now dominating the skyline.
Day 4
Trek to Mardi Himal Base Camp and back to Low Camp
Early climb to the viewpoint/base camp (4,500 m) for close-up mountain views, then descend to Low Camp.
Day 5
Trek to Siding village
Descend off the ridge into the traditional Gurung village of Siding.
Day 6
Drive back to Pokhara
Short drive from Siding back to Pokhara.
Cost Includes
- Pokhara–Kande and Siding–Pokhara transport
- Licensed trekking guide
- Porter service
- Teahouse accommodation
- All permits
Cost Excludes
- Kathmandu–Pokhara transport
- Meals outside the trek
- Travel insurance
- Tips
Permits Required
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
- TIMS Card
Mardi Himal Trek — FAQs
Yes — Mardi Himal branches off the main ABC trail onto its own ridge, so even in peak season it sees noticeably fewer trekkers while offering equally dramatic close-up mountain views.
