Pokhara & Annapurna, Annapurna Region
A ridge trek from Kande near Pokhara through rhododendron forest to the open crest below Machhapuchhre, with a day climb to Mardi Himal Base Camp at about 4,500 m.
The Mardi Himal trek follows a long forested ridge north from the Pokhara valley towards Mardi Himal (5,587 m), a smaller peak standing in front of Machhapuchhre. The route was opened to teahouse trekking around 2012 and has lodges at Forest Camp, Rest Camp, Low Camp, Badal Danda and High Camp.
Above Low Camp the trail leaves the trees and follows the open ridge, with Machhapuchhre close to the east and Annapurna South and Hiunchuli to the west. From High Camp (about 3,550 m), a pre-dawn start leads to the Lower and Upper Viewpoints and on to Mardi Himal Base Camp at about 4,500 m, returning the same day.
It fits into five or six days from Pokhara and is quieter than the main Annapurna routes, though lodges can fill in October and April.
Why it is rated moderate
Sleeping altitude for each night. The dashed lines at 3,000 m and 4,000 m mark heights where altitude illness becomes more common. General information only, not medical advice.
Hover, tap or use the arrow keys to see each day. Shaded columns are acclimatisation days.
| Day | Overnight | Sleeping altitude | High point |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pitam Deurali | 2,100 m | - |
| 2 | Forest Camp | 2,550 m | - |
| 3 | Low Camp | 2,970 m | - |
| 4 | High Camp | 3,550 m | - |
| 5 | Low Camp | 2,970 m | 4,500 m |
| 6 | Pokhara | 822 m | - |
About an hour by road to Kande, then up through forest to Australian Camp (about 2,060 m) for the first mountain views, down slightly to Pothana and on to Pitam Deurali.
Teahouse in Pitam Deurali
Turn off the Landruk trail at the Forest Camp signpost and follow the ridge through dense rhododendron and oak forest via Dhod Kharka.
Teahouse in Forest CampAbout Forest Camp
A short day through forest via Rest Camp, with the first close views of Machhapuchhre from Low Camp.
Teahouse in Low Camp
Up an eroded section of trail to Badal Danda, then out of the trees onto the open ridge to High Camp, with sunset views of the Annapurna range.
Teahouse in High CampAbout High Camp
Start in the dark for the Lower Viewpoint (about 3,960 m), the Upper Viewpoint (about 4,150-4,200 m) and Mardi Himal Base Camp, then return past High Camp to Low Camp. Many people turn round at the Upper Viewpoint, which already gives close views.
Teahouse in Low Camphigh point Mardi Himal Base Camp, 4,500 m
A steep descent through forest to the village of Siding, then about 2-3 hours by jeep to Pokhara. An alternative exit drops to Lumre for buses.
Hotel in Pokhara
Stages, times and altitudes vary by operator, weather and pace. Partner agencies confirm the exact plan.
Trail geometry from OpenStreetMap.
ACAP entry permit (Annapurna Conservation Area)Conservation area
Issued by the National Trust for Nature Conservation, which runs the Annapurna Conservation Area Project, at its offices in Kathmandu and Pokhara or through its online e-permit system. Carry it with your passport; it is checked at trail posts.
TIMS cardTrekker card
Check whether a TIMS card is currently required; since 2023 it has been issued through registered trekking agencies.
Verify before travel: permit rules and fees change. Checked 2026-10-06 against National Trust for Nature Conservation (Annapurna Conservation Area Project, e-permit links). Guide rule: Nepal bans solo trekking for tourists, guides mandatory from April 1 (The National, March 2023).
Nepal trekking permits explainedBest months: Mar-May, Oct-Dec
Forecasts for start (Pitam Deurali, 2,100 m), highest overnight (High Camp, 3,550 m), end (Pokhara, 822 m). Mountain weather changes fast; check again on the day.
Forecast for 2,100 m. Conditions change fast in the mountains.
Weather data: MET Norway, licensed CC BY 4.0. A forecast, not a guarantee.
Forecast for 3,550 m. Conditions change fast in the mountains.
Weather data: MET Norway, licensed CC BY 4.0. A forecast, not a guarantee.
Forecast for 822 m. Conditions change fast in the mountains.
Weather data: MET Norway, licensed CC BY 4.0. A forecast, not a guarantee.
Upper Mardi Himal Base Camp
About 300 m above the base camp on steep, faint trail; only for experienced trekkers with a guide.
From Forest Camp, descend to Landruk and continue to the Annapurna Base Camp route via New Bridge.
The first stop on the trek; worth a night on its own for sunrise.
Usually 5-6 days from Pokhara, with a seventh day if you want a spare day for weather.
Moderate. Most days are short, but the base camp day is long and steep and goes above 4,000 m.
No. The Upper Viewpoint at about 4,150-4,200 m gives close views of Machhapuchhre, and many people turn round there.
An ACAP entry permit; check whether a TIMS card is currently required.
A 2023 rule requires foreign trekkers in conservation areas to go with a licensed guide; enforcement has varied, so check the current rule.
A teahouse trek from the road heads north of Pokhara through Gurung villages and the bamboo forest of the Modi Khola gorge into the Annapurna Sanctuary, to Annapurna Base Camp at about 4,130 m.
A one- or two-day walk from Kande near Pokhara to Australian Camp, a grassy viewpoint at about 2,060 m facing the Annapurnas and Machhapuchhre, returning via Dhampus and Phedi.
A short teahouse loop from Pokhara through Magar and Gurung villages and rhododendron forest to Ghorepani and the Poon Hill viewpoint (3,210 m), returning via Tadapani and Ghandruk.
Mardi Himal · 6 days
