Mardi Himal
5 days · Moderate · up to 4,500 m
A short, steep ridge walk from rhododendron forest to the foot of Machhapuchhre. Quieter than the classic Annapurna routes and close to Pokhara.
OVERVIEW
Mardi Himal follows a narrow ridge straight up from the forests above Pokhara to the base of Mardi Himal and Machhapuchhre, the “Fishtail”. It is one of the best short treks in Nepal: the lodges are simple and friendly, the trail is quieter than Poon Hill or Annapurna Base Camp, and you can be back in Pokhara the same afternoon you finish.
It is also one of the treks I walk most often, starting from my home town.
Day by day
A sample itinerary. I adjust stages and rest days to your pace, the season and the weather.
Day 12,100 m
Pokhara to Deurali
A short drive to Kande, then a forest trail up through Australian Camp and Pothana to Deurali.
Day 22,970 m
Deurali to Low Camp
Rhododendron and oak forest along the ridge, past Forest Camp to the first views of Machhapuchhre.
Day 33,580 m
Low Camp to High Camp
The trail leaves the trees and follows the open ridge. Afternoon views across the Annapurna range.
Day 44,500 m
Base Camp and back down
An early start to the upper viewpoint or Mardi Himal Base Camp for sunrise, then descend to Siding or Low Camp.
Day 5
Back to Pokhara
Walk down through village terraces to Siding and drive back to Pokhara by early afternoon.
Included
- Licensed guide (wages, meals, lodging and insurance)
- All trekking permits
- Lodge accommodation on the trail
- Ground transport to and from the trailhead
Not included
- Meals and drinks on the trail
- Travel insurance with helicopter evacuation cover
- Porter (available on request)
- Tips
Permits
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
- TIMS card
I arrange the permits for you. Nepal Tourism Board permit guidance
Questions about Mardi Himal
Is Mardi Himal suitable for a first trek in Nepal?
Yes, if you are comfortable walking 5 to 7 hours a day on steep trails. The days are short in distance but climb quickly, so I set the pace to how you feel.
Can it be shortened or extended?
It can be done in 4 days by driving higher at the start, or extended with an extra night at High Camp for a second chance at clear views.
FROM GUESTS ON THIS TREK
What walkers say
Recommended
Narayan and I did the Mardi Himal Trek together and even before I met him I knew that I would be in safe hands. Narayan really knows EVERYTHING about this trek: the gear you have to bring, where to find the best guesthouses with the nicest people and tastiest food, which way is the easiest, how long the different distances are and much more. He is such a great guide and person and made everyone that was around him feel good because of his positive attitude, gentle and big heart and his fun personality. I’ve really found a new friend in Nepal and can recommend everyone to go trekking with Narayan - I promise you that you won’t regret it!
And if you do go on a trek with him: bring cards and play games with him, you’ll have lots of fun
ALSO IN ANNAPURNA
Other treks nearby
Poon Hill & Ghandruk
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Stone stairways, rhododendron forest and a sunrise viewpoint over Dhaulagiri and Annapurna. The classic short trek from Pokhara.
Price on request
See itineraryAnnapurna Base Camp
- 8 days
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Follow the Modi Khola valley through bamboo forest into the Annapurna Sanctuary, a glacial amphitheatre ringed by 7,000 and 8,000 metre peaks.
Price on request
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Annapurna Circuit
- 10 days
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Walk from green river valleys to the dry high country of Manang and cross Thorong La, one of the highest trekking passes in the world.
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See itineraryPRIVATE TREK
Make Mardi Himal yours.
Send me your dates and group size, and I will reply with a tailored itinerary and price.