5 Days Mardi Himal Trek

Destination

Annapurna Region, Nepal

Max. Altitude

4200m

Difficulty

MediumYou need to have good physical condition and be in top form. You'll also require the right clothes for weather conditions and food items such as snacks or lunch breaks from your hiking adventure; water is essential too! This type of activity takes time, so ensure you're physically able to get enough rest before starting any trips.

Best Season

March-May and September-November

Transportation

Private Jeep

Start / End

Pokhara / Pokhara

Accommodation

Tea Houses and Lodges

The Mardi Himal Trek ends on a ridge where the Fishtail stands close enough to fill the sky and almost no one is there to share it. This 5-day teahouse trek climbs from Pokhara to a 4,200 m alpine viewpoint in Nepal’s Annapurna region. The trail starts at Kande, 27 km from Pokhara, then climbs for two days through rhododendron forest as the crowds fall away. From the viewpoint, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli rise in a single sweep, the scale of an Annapurna Base Camp panorama, without its trail traffic or the Poon Hill sunrise queues.

Whether you’re after a peaceful high-mountain escape or a short cultural adventure, the Mardi Himal Trek delivers both in under a week. Below, you’ll find the full day-by-day itinerary, real costs, and everything you need to book with confidence.

Per Person From

$294

5 Days

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Per Person From$2945 Days

Major Highlights of 5 Days Mardi Himal Trek

  • Stand beneath Machhapuchhre (6,993 m), Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli from an exposed 4,200 m ridge for close-up Fishtail views.
  • Reach the Mardi Himal View Point, higher than Annapurna Base Camp, in just five days, half the time of most treks.
  • Walk one of the popular but quietest routes in the Annapurna region, far from the Poon Hill and ABC traffic.
  • Lower your altitude-sickness risk with a short High Camp day and a climb-high-sleep-low viewpoint.
  • Catch sunrise from Badal Danda, a second panoramic viewpoint over Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and Fishtail.
  • Walk beneath a red, pink, and white rhododendron canopy on the lower trail from March to May.
  • Pass through authentic Gurung villages like Siding, with terraced farmland and traditional stone houses, on the descent.
  • Start and end in Pokhara with no internal flights or extra travel days.

5 Days Mardi Himal Trek at a Glance

Distance, walking time and high point for each day
DayItineraryDistance / TimeAltitude
01Drive to Kande, to Pitam Deurali via Australian Camp1 hrs2,100 m
02Pitam Deurali to Forest Camp to Rest Camp to Low Camp6 hrs3,050 m~
03Trek Low Camp to High Camp4 hrs3,580 m~
04Sunrise to Mardi Himal View Point, descend to Badal Danda7 hrs4,200 m
05Descend Badal Danda to Siding, to Pokhara4 hrs830 m
On foot, across 5 trekking days0.0 km22 hrs4,200 m

Reviews from our Guests

From travellers who walked this exact itinerary.

★★★★★

Last April was the first time we travelled to Nepal and had no idea what to expect. We stayed in Timber house (a great hotel) and got in touch with Himalayan 360 through Raj. We were considering trekking to the Annapurna Basecamp, but changed to the Mardi Himal based on his advice. This was probably the best advice we got in Nepal, because we loved every bit of the trek. It was still April, so the mountains were fully covered in snow, while the lower fields were green and the Rhododendron trees were flourishing. Himalayan 360 provided us with excellent service arranging everything for us from the beginning to the end. We chose to travel by bus which took us 9 hours on a bumpy road to Pokhara. We would recommend you to get a flight, which they will arrange for you. We were provided with some trekking material and tips on where to buy our trekking clothes. Throughout the entire experience, Raj checked in on us if everything was okay and invested in our experience. We chose to take it slow and extend our trek with one day to enjoy more of the beautiful scenery. The accommodations were clean, comfortable and the food was good. Best of all, were our guide and helper. They truly made sure we had a great time, learned about Nepal and it’s mountains and most important of all made sure we were safe. Not only were Prakesh and Santosh amazing company, they were patient and motivating us to make it all the way up. We would recommend Himalayan 360 to everyone who is interested in a high quality and worry-free experience in the Himalayan mountains.

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WA
Wessel AJune 2026
★★★★★

We were Mark several times so glad we were that we hired Himalaya360.com to arrange our trip rather than trying to do it all ourselves. It was well worth it. We had an excellent five day track on Mardi in Himal on the trail. It is frequently primarily by Nepali tourists. The views are incredible all along the trail, and many guest houses have spectacular views. Our guide was a joy to be with. Raj also offered us an alternative, a virgin trail, that is to say one that is not official yet. It would have involved sleeping in tents instead of guest houses. For sure, we will try that option next time.

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SM
Scott MJune 2026
★★★★★

Our recent trip to Nepal and trek to Mardi Himal with Himalayan 360 turned out to be one of the most memorable adventures of my life. From the very beginning, the team was organized, responsive, and genuinely caring. They took care of every detail, like permits, accommodation, and transfers, so we could simply focus on enjoying the mountains. Throughout the trek, Amit stayed in touch to make sure everything was going well, and our guide, Max, was simply amazing. He was friendly, knowledgeable, and incredibly supportive, especially during the steep sections of the trail. We always felt safe and encouraged, and he made the whole experience both fun and meaningful by sharing stories about the local culture and the Himalayas. The views along the Mardi Himal route were breathtaking, from the lush forests to the snow-capped peaks that seemed almost within reach. The tea houses were cozy and clean, and every stop offered delicious home-cooked meals that made the evenings feel warm and comforting. It was one of the most rewarding journeys, and I couldn’t have asked for a better company to guide me through it. I highly recommend Himalayan 360 to anyone planning a trek in Nepal. They made the Himalayan adventure safe, smooth, and unforgettable!

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Tasnuva RJune 2026
★★★★★

One day, I slipped on a muddy patch and fell. My guide laughed, and so did I!!! The trek was tough, but the tea houses were cozy, and the people were super friendly. The view from High Camp made me forget all the hard climbing.

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RS
Rajiv SharmaOctober 2025
★★★★★

I knew that Nepal was a beautiful country but this trek showed me how beautiful Nepal actually is. From the time I landed in Kathmandu till my last day in Nepal- I loved every bit of the trip. The trek to Mardi Himal was challenging but immensely rewarding. Each step of the trek was magical and filled with sense of adventure and wonder. Throughout the trek, I couldn't take my eyes off the awe-inspiring views, and the hospitality of the Nepali people was truly next level. All thanks to team Himalayan 360 ?

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R
RussellApril 2024 · Guided by Kumar Thapa

5 Days Mardi Himal Trek Day By Day Itinerary

Download this itinerary

Day 01: Drive to Kande, trek to Pitam Deurali via Australian Camp

Itinerary Details
Itinerary FactDetails
Trek Duration:1 hour Drive / ~3–4 hours walk
Highest Altitude:2100m

Your trek begins with a private jeep transfer from Pokhara to Kande (1,770 m). From Kande the trail climbs steadily to the Australian Camp (2,060 m), a ridge that opens onto the Annapurna range and the Pokhara valley below. From there you continue through Pothana (1,890 m) to Pitam Deurali(2,100 m) leaving the busy Annapurna Sanctuary trails behind and entering the quieter Mardi forest. We spend the night in a teahouse at Pitam Deurali.

Day 02: Pitam Deurali to Forest Camp to Rest Camp to Low Camp

Itinerary Details
Itinerary FactDetails
Trek Duration:~5–6 hours
Highest Altitude:~3,050 m

Our second day is the forest day. The trail follows the main Mardi ridge through dense rhododendron, oak, and magnolia, passing Forest Camp (~2,520 m) and Rest Camp before reaching Low Camp at 3,050 m. In spring the forest blooms red, pink, and white, covered with rhododendron. Low Camp sits on a flat terrace with the first unobstructed view of Mardi Himal and a partial view of Machhapuchhre. We spend the night here.

Day 03: Trek Low Camp to High Camp

Itinerary Details
Itinerary FactDetails
Trek Duration:~3–4 hours
Highest Altitude:~3,580 m

The third day of the 5 day Mardi Himal Trek is intentionally short. You exit the treeline and climb an open ridge to High Camp at 3,580 m, gaining roughly 530 m of altitude. This is the acclimatization stage of the trek, arriving by midday lets your body adapt before the viewpoint push. High Camp delivers the most expansive mountain panorama of the trail, with Annapurna South and Hiunchuli rising directly to the west. We sleep at High Camp.

Day 04: Sunrise hike to Mardi Himal View Point, descend to Badal Danda

Itinerary Details
Itinerary FactDetails
Trek Duration:6-7 hours
Highest Altitude:4200 m

Day 4 is the highlight. You start before dawn with a headlamp and trekking poles and climb the exposed upper ridge as the sun lights the peaks, reaching the Mardi Himal View Point at 4,200 m, your highest point. Mardi Himal, Machhapuchhre, Hiunchuli, and Annapurna South stand close enough to feel within reach.

After taking in the mardi himal view point climb, you descend back past High Camp and continue down to sleep lower at Badal Danda (3,200 m), a panoramic ridge that catches the evening light.

Note:Strong, well-acclimatized groups can extend to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500 m), about 1-1.5 hours further, ask your guide on the trail.
Overnight Stay at Badal Danda

Day 05: Descend Badal Danda to Siding, drive to Pokhara

Itinerary Details
Itinerary FactDetails
Trek Duration:3-4 hours walk / 2 hours drive
Highest Altitude:830m

The final day descends through terraced fields and the traditional village of Siding (1,750 m), a quiet farming community few trekkers see. From Siding a private jeep returns you to Pokhara, where the trek ends.
After 2 – 3 hrs of drive, you are back at Lakeside by afternoon with the whole evening free.

5 Days Mardi Himal Trek Included/ Excluded

Cost Includes

Cost Excludes

Transfer

  • Airport Pick-Up & Drop: Airport – Hotel transfer – Airport (Pick Up and Drop).
  • International Airfare: International flight airfare (from and to Kathmandu).

Accommodation & Food

  • Accommodation in Pokhara: Stay at a hotel in Pokhara on a bed and breakfast basis.
  • Foods & Lodging: 3 meals a day (BDL; including tea and coffee) with shared twin-bedroom accommodation at a hotel/lodge during the trek.
  • Lunch & Dinner: Lunch & dinner during the stay in Kathmandu (also applies in case of early return from trekking before the scheduled itinerary).

Permit & Insurance

  • Permits: TIMS and ACAP.
  • Staff Insurance: Insurance for all involved Nepalese staff during the trek.
  • Nepal Visa Fees: Nepali Visa fee is US$ 40 per person for 30 days (US$ 100 for 60 days).
  • Rescue Evacuation: Medical insurance and emergency rescue evacuation costs if required (includes rescue, repatriation, medication, medical tests, and hospitalization costs).
  • Insurance: Travel and high-altitude insurance, including accident, medical & emergency evacuation.

Support

  • Map: Trekking map.
  • Member Luggage: Up to 15 kg per member for personal baggage during the trek carried by porters.
  • Staff Salary & Allowance: All Nepalese staff & porters’ daily wages, salary, equipment, food & clothing.
  • Medical Kit: Comprehensive medical kit.
  • Personal Expenses: Telephone calls, internet, toiletries, battery recharge, hot shower, laundry, soft drinks, beer, and any alcoholic beverages.
  • Personal Equipment: Clothing, packing items or bags, personal medical kit, and personal trekking gear.
  • Toiletries: Soaps, shampoos, toilet and tissue papers, toothpaste, and other personal hygiene items.
  • Filming: Special filming, camera, and drone permit fee.
  • Internet Service: Internet facility during the trek is not included.
  • Extra Porter: US$ 25 per extra porter per day (if additional porter service is requested).
  • Tips: Tips for guides, porters, and staff.

FAQs for 5 Days Mardi Himal Trek

5 Days Mardi Himal Trek Information

Difficulty

Medium

Best Season

The best times to trek Mardi Himal are spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November), when skies are clear, trails are stable, and mountain views are sharpest. The trek runs year-round, but each season offers a different experience.

SeasonMonthsWhat to expect
SpringMar–MayRhododendron forests in full bloom, warm days, clear views, the most colourful season
AutumnSep–NovCrisp air, the most stable weather, the sharpest mountain views, the most popular season
WinterDec–FebCold nights below freezing, possible snow above 3,000 m, empty trails, for prepared trekkers who want solitude
MonsoonJun–AugLush green hills, rice cultivation in the valleys, but muddy trails, leeches, and cloud, the quietest and cheapest season

For first-time trekkers chasing guaranteed mountain views, October and November deliver the most reliable conditions of the year.

Weighing It Against the Alternatives

If you are still deciding, this is how 5 Days Mardi Himal Trek sits against the trips people most often weigh it against — on days, distance, difficulty and cost.

This trip compared with the alternatives
TripDays / DistanceDifficultyFrom
5 Days Mardi Himal Trekthis trip5 daysMedium$294
5 Days Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour5 daysEasy$270
5 Days Nepal Tour5 days471.4 kmEasy$197
Chisapani Nagarkot Hike5 daysEasyOn request
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek5 days31 kmEasy$488

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