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Ridge-top trek beneath the Fishtail

Mardi Himal Trek

6 spring departures left

Annapurna Region, Nepal

Mardi Himal Base Camp at 4,500 m

Close-up views of Machhapuchhre

Walk the Badal Danda ridge

Quiet, less-crowded trail

The Mardi Himal Trek is one of the best short treks in the Annapurna region. It follows a narrow ridge running straight towards Machhapuchhre, known as the Fishtail, and ends at the foot of Mardi Himal. It was only officially opened to trekkers in 2012, so the trail is quieter than the nearby Annapurna Base Camp and Poon Hill routes.

Starting just an hour’s drive from Pokhara, the route climbs through Australian Camp and Pothana into dense forest of rhododendron and oak. From Forest Camp and Low Camp, the trail rises above the tree line onto Badal Danda, a grassy ridge with sweeping views on both sides. High Camp is your base for the climb to Mardi Himal Base Camp at about 4,500 m.

The sunrise from the upper viewpoint is the highlight of the trip. Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Mardi Himal and the sheer wall of Machhapuchhre appear so close that you feel you could reach out and touch them. The return route descends to the traditional Gurung village of Siding before driving back to Pokhara.

This is a moderately challenging trek, and the final ascent on day four is long and steep. Teahouses are small and simple, especially higher up. Our Pokhara-based team takes care of transport, permits, guides, porters and all meals on the trail.

At a glance

Duration

5 Days
Nights

4 Nights
Difficulty

Medium
Max.Elevation

4,500 m (14,764 ft)
Accomodation

Tea house
Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner during the trek
Group Size

1 - 12 Travelers
Best Season

Mar - May, Sep - Nov
Starting Point

Pokhara
Ending Point

Pokhara
Permit

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), TIMS Card
Trip Type

Private or Group

Itinerary

A five-day round trip from Pokhara climbing the Mardi Himal ridge via Forest Camp, Low Camp and High Camp to Mardi Himal Base Camp, returning through Siding village.

Day 01

Pokhara to Kande, Trek to Forest Camp

Max Altitude 2,550 m
Accommodation Guesthouse (Basic Lodge/Community Lodge)
Meals Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included

After breakfast, drive about an hour from Pokhara to Kande, the trailhead on the road to Baglung. The trail climbs steadily to Australian Camp, a grassy ridge with wide views of Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre and Hiunchuli, and then continues to the village of Pothana, where your permits are checked. From Pothana you turn off the main trail and enter quiet forest of oak, maple and rhododendron. Forest Camp, also called Kokar, is a small group of teahouses in a clearing among the trees.

Day highlights

Views from Australian Camp
Rhododendron forest trail

Day 02

Forest Camp to Low Camp

Max Altitude 2,970 m
Accommodation Guesthouse (Basic Lodge/Community Lodge)
Meals Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included

A shorter day helps your body adjust to the altitude. The path climbs through moss-draped forest where you may spot Himalayan birds such as the danphe, Nepal’s national bird, or hear langur monkeys in the trees. As you gain height, the forest opens and Machhapuchhre suddenly appears, looking remarkably close above the ridge. Low Camp sits on a small shoulder of the ridge with a view straight up to the Fishtail. Relax in the afternoon and enjoy the sunset on the peaks.

Day highlights

First close views of Machhapuchhre
Quiet cloud-forest walking

Day 03

Low Camp to High Camp

Max Altitude 3,580 m
Accommodation Guesthouse (Basic Lodge/Community Lodge)
Meals Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included

Climb above the tree line to Badal Danda, the ‘cloud ridge’, where the trail follows a narrow grassy crest. On both sides the land drops away, with views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Mardi Himal ahead, and the Modi Khola valley below. The walking is steady rather than steep, but the altitude makes you slow down. High Camp is a small group of lodges on the ridge. On a clear evening, the sunset over the Annapurnas is spectacular. Wrap up warmly, as nights at High Camp are cold in every season.

Day highlights

Walking the ridge at Badal Danda
Sunset from High Camp

Day 04

Hike to Mardi Himal Base Camp, Return to High Camp

Max Altitude 4,500 m
Accommodation Guesthouse (Basic Lodge/Community Lodge)
Meals Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included

Start before dawn and follow the ridge upwards by headlamp. The first stop is the Upper Viewpoint (about 4,200 m), where sunrise lights up Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Mardi Himal and the huge face of Machhapuchhre. Strong walkers continue across the rocky moraine to Mardi Himal Base Camp at around 4,500 m, which offers an even closer view of the peaks. Afterwards, return to High Camp for a late lunch and a rest. Your guide decides how far to go based on the weather and how the group feels.

Day highlights

Sunrise from the Upper Viewpoint
Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500 m)

Day 05

High Camp to Siding, Drive to Pokhara

Max Altitude 3,580 m
Meals Breakfast and Lunch Included
Trekking 5-6 hrs

Leave the ridge and descend a steep, less-travelled trail through rhododendron forest to the Gurung village of Siding. You will see farming terraces, traditional stone houses and daily village life along the way. At Siding, a jeep meets you for the bumpy drive back to Pokhara, which takes about three hours. You arrive in the late afternoon, in time to celebrate at one of the lakeside restaurants along Phewa Lake. Keep your knees happy on the steep descent by using trekking poles and taking it slowly.

Day highlights

Descent through Siding village
Back to Pokhara

Maps

Where this trip takes you.

Fixed Departures

Set group departures below. Private dates can be arranged on any day that suits you.

Oct 20

Oct 20 - Oct 24, 2026

Group Joining
Guaranteed

From $480 /Person

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Nov 05

Nov 5 - Nov 9, 2026

Group Joining
Guaranteed

From $480 /Person

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Nov 20

Nov 20 - Nov 24, 2026

Group Joining
Guaranteed

From $480 /Person

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Mar 05

Mar 5 - Mar 9, 2027

Group Joining
Available

From $480 /Person

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Mar 20

Mar 20 - Mar 24, 2027

Group Joining
Available

From $480 /Person

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Apr 05

Apr 5 - Apr 9, 2027

Group Joining
Available

From $480 /Person

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Apr 20

Apr 20 - Apr 24, 2027

Group Joining
Available

From $480 /Person

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May 05

May 5 - May 9, 2027

Group Joining
Available

From $480 /Person

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May 20

May 20 - May 24, 2027

Group Joining
Available

From $480 /Person

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Sep 05

Sep 5 - Sep 9, 2027

Group Joining
Available

From $480 /Person

Book now

Sep 20

Sep 20 - Sep 24, 2027

Group Joining
Available

From $480 /Person

Book now

Availability

Join a set group departure, or ask us for a private date that suits you.

Book now

Didn’t find a suitable date? Contact us with your dates and preferences.

Inclusions & exclusions

What the trip price covers, and what to budget for separately.

What’s included

Transfers – hotel pick-up and drop-off in Pokhara
Ground transport – drive to Kande and jeep from Siding back to Pokhara
Teahouse accommodation – 4 nights on the trail, twin share
Meals – breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trek
Guide – licensed English-speaking trekking guide
Porter – one porter for every two trekkers
Permits – Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and TIMS card
Staff costs – wages, meals, lodging and insurance for the guide and porter

Not included

International flights – flights to and from Nepal are not included
Travel insurance – must cover trekking and emergency evacuation
Nepal visa fee – payable on arrival in Kathmandu
Personal expenses – snacks, drinks, hot showers, Wi-Fi and battery charging on the trail
Tips – gratuities for guide and porter are appreciated but optional
Hotels – accommodation in Pokhara before and after the trek
Kathmandu – travel between Kathmandu and Pokhara
Dinner on day 5 – the evening meal back in Pokhara

Why people fall for it

Why this trip stands out

You reach a 4,500 m viewpoint in just five days from Pokhara.
The trail is quieter and less developed than the busy Annapurna Base Camp and Poon Hill routes.
Machhapuchhre looks closer from this ridge than from almost anywhere else.
The route passes through moss-covered rhododendron forest, open alpine ridges and traditional Gurung villages.
Our Pokhara-based guides walk this route regularly and know every teahouse.

Good to know

Practical information to help you prepare for this trip.

Altitude & Acclimatisation

You sleep at 3,580 m on High Camp and hike up to around 4,500 m. Take the ascent slowly, drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol. Tell your guide straight away if you feel headaches, nausea or dizziness.

Permits

This trek lies inside the Annapurna Conservation Area, so every trekker needs an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP, NPR 3,000 for foreign nationals) and a TIMS card. Our team arranges both before you set off; we only need a copy of your passport and a passport photo.

Accommodation and Meals

Teahouses on this route are small, family-run lodges. Menus become shorter and prices rise the higher you go, since everything is carried up on foot. Expect dal bhat, noodles, fried rice, porridge and eggs.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is strongly recommended and should cover trekking up to the highest altitude on this route, plus emergency helicopter evacuation and medical treatment. Please share your policy details with our team before the trek.

Currency

Nepal uses the Nepalese Rupee (NPR). Pokhara has plenty of ATMs and money changers, but there are few or none on the trail, so carry enough cash for snacks, hot showers, charging and Wi-Fi.

Budget: roughly USD 15–25 per day for extras on the trail.

Essential Packing Guide

Pack light: a porter carries up to about 10–12 kg shared between two trekkers, and you carry a daypack.

Clothing: moisture-wicking base layers, a fleece, a warm down jacket and a waterproof shell
Footwear: broken-in waterproof trekking boots and camp sandals
Sleeping: a sleeping bag rated to around -10°C (we can lend one)
Essentials: sunglasses, sunscreen, water bottle or purification tablets, headlamp and a small first-aid kit
Warm layers: gloves, a warm hat and thermals for the early start to base camp

FAQs

Answers to the questions travellers ask us most about this trip.

How difficult is the Mardi Himal Trek?

It is a moderate trek. The first three days are steady climbs of 3–6 hours. Day four is the hardest, with an early start and a steep climb to about 4,500 m and back. Good general fitness is enough; no technical skills are needed.

Do I have to reach Mardi Himal Base Camp?

No. Many trekkers turn around at the Upper Viewpoint (about 4,200 m), which already offers superb views. Your guide will advise on the day based on weather, snow and your energy levels.

What are the teahouses like?

They are basic, especially at High Camp, with twin rooms, shared toilets and limited hot water. In peak season rooms can be scarce, so our team books ahead.

When is the best time to go?

October to November offers the clearest skies, while March to April brings rhododendron blossoms. In winter the ridge can be snowy and very cold, and the upper sections may be impassable after heavy snowfall.

Is altitude sickness a concern?

Mild symptoms are possible above 3,000 m. This itinerary includes a short day to Low Camp to help you acclimatise, and your guide monitors everyone closely.