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Mardi Himal Trek Itinerary

A high ridge walk with close views of Machapuchare, a quieter alternative to ABC. A 7-day plan from Kathmandu with daily stops, altitudes and walking times, an altitude profile, warnings and permits. Pick your start date and add it to your calendar.

Duration

7 days

5 walking, from Kathmandu

Highest point

4,500 m

Mardi Himal Base Camp

Difficulty

Moderate

Annapurna

Best months

March to May + October to November

Spring and autumn

Planning guide, not a substitute for a guide. Altitudes and walking times are compared from several operator itineraries and differ between sources by 10 to 150 m and by an hour or more. Weather, trail damage and road changes alter plans. Confirm your route, permits and fees with a licensed agency or guide.

Plan your dates

Add rest or spare days

Altitude profile

The height you sleep at each night. Dots: green rest day, amber and red a bigger climb than the usual guideline. Triangles mark the highest point of a day.

0k1k2k3k4k5k3,000 m: altitude guidelines startUpper Viewpoint: about 4,200 mDay 1: Pokhara, about 820 mDay 2: Forest Camp, about 2,550 mDay 3: Low Camp, about 3,000 mDay 4: High Camp, about 3,550 mDay 5: High Camp, about 3,550 mDay 6: Pokhara, about 820 mDay 7: Kathmandu, about 1,400 m1234567Day

1 day climb faster than the usual guideline (about 500 m a night above 3,000 m, and a rest day roughly every 1,000 m). This is common on the standard route. Go slowly, drink plenty, and add the rest days above if you can.

Day by day

  1. Day 1

    Kathmandu to Pokhara

    Sleep: Pokhara · about 820 m6 to 8 h by road, or about 25 to 30 min by flight

    Pokhara is the lakeside gateway to the Annapurna region. Flights are weather dependent in the morning, so book a flexible ticket. Spend the evening sorting gear and checking your permits.

  2. Day 2

    Pokhara to Kande to Forest Camp

    Sleep: Forest Camp · about 2,550 mWalking 4 to 6 hDrive Pokhara to Kande, about 1.5 h

    Start from Kande (about 1,770 m) and climb through Pitam Deurali and Pothana (about 1,890 m) to Forest Camp. Some itineraries sleep at Pitam Deurali or Pothana instead.

  3. Day 3

    Forest Camp to Low Camp

    Sleep: Low Camp · about 3,000 m (sources: 2,900 to 3,050 m)Walking 4 to 5 h

    Rhododendron forest, then the ridge begins to open up. Low Camp sits just under the tree line.

  4. Day 4

    Low Camp to High Camp

    Sleep: High Camp · about 3,550 m (sources: 3,540 to 3,585 m)Walking 4 to 5 hSleeping altitude +550 m

    Pass Badal Danda (about 3,210 m) and climb the ridge with views of Machapuchare and Annapurna South.

    Your sleeping altitude rises about 550 m. The usual guideline above 3,000 m is no more than about 500 m a night.

  5. Day 5

    High Camp to Upper Viewpoint and back

    Sleep: High Camp · about 3,550 m (sources: 3,540 to 3,585 m)Walking 5 to 7 hReach Upper Viewpoint · about 4,200 m (sources: 4,200 to 4,250 m)

    A pre-dawn start. The Upper Viewpoint is at about 4,200 m. Mardi Himal Base Camp (about 4,500 m) is optional and depends on weather, snow and your guide's advice. You return to High Camp to sleep.

  6. Day 6

    High Camp to Siding to Pokhara

    Sleep: Pokhara · about 820 mWalking 5 to 7 hDrive Siding or Lwang to Pokhara, about 1.5 to 2 h

    A long descent via Low Camp to Siding (about 1,700 m), then a vehicle to Pokhara.

  7. Day 7

    Pokhara to Kathmandu

    Sleep: Kathmandu · about 1,400 m6 to 8 h by road, or about 25 to 30 min by flight

    Return to Kathmandu. Keep a spare day before an international flight in case of delays.

Permits

  • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
  • Check at the time of travel whether a TIMS card or a local-government permit is also required

Fees and rules change, so this page does not quote prices. Check the current fee with your agency or the permit office.

Altitude sickness basics

  • Above 3,000 m, raise your sleeping altitude by no more than about 500 m a night, and rest about every 1,000 m of climbing.
  • Headache, nausea, dizziness and unusual tiredness are early signs. Do not go higher with symptoms.
  • If symptoms get worse, or you feel confused or unsteady, go down immediately.
  • Drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol and do not travel alone. Ask a doctor about medication before you go.

General information, not medical advice.

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Mardi Himal Trek Itinerary from Kathmandu

The Mardi Himal trek follows a forested ridge north of Pokhara to a high camp below Machapuchare (Fishtail). The Upper Viewpoint is at about 4,200 m and Mardi Himal Base Camp at about 4,500 m. It is shorter than most treks, and the trail is quieter than the main Annapurna routes.

The final day is long and exposed, so the weather decides whether you go to the viewpoint or the base camp. Teahouses are simple, and the trail is narrow and steep in places.

Day-by-day itinerary (7 days)

  1. Day 1: Kathmandu to Pokhara. Sleep at Pokhara (about 820 m). 6 to 8 h by road, or about 25 to 30 min by flight.
  2. Day 2: Pokhara to Kande to Forest Camp. Sleep at Forest Camp (about 2,550 m). Walking about 4 to 6 h. Drive Pokhara to Kande, about 1.5 h.
  3. Day 3: Forest Camp to Low Camp. Sleep at Low Camp (about 3,000 m). Walking about 4 to 5 h.
  4. Day 4: Low Camp to High Camp. Sleep at High Camp (about 3,550 m). Walking about 4 to 5 h.
  5. Day 5: High Camp to Upper Viewpoint and back. Sleep at High Camp (about 3,550 m). Walking about 5 to 7 h. Reach Upper Viewpoint (about 4,200 m).
  6. Day 6: High Camp to Siding to Pokhara. Sleep at Pokhara (about 820 m). Walking about 5 to 7 h. Drive Siding or Lwang to Pokhara, about 1.5 to 2 h.
  7. Day 7: Pokhara to Kathmandu. Sleep at Kathmandu (about 1,400 m). 6 to 8 h by road, or about 25 to 30 min by flight.

Altitudes and walking times are compared from several operator itineraries and differ between sources. Confirm your route, permits and fees with a licensed agency or guide.

Best time

Spring (March to May) and autumn (October to November) are the best seasons. Autumn has the clearest skies and is the busiest. Spring is warmer, with rhododendrons in bloom, but afternoon cloud is common. June to August is monsoon, and December to February is cold with snow at height.

Permits

  • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
  • Check at the time of travel whether a TIMS card or a local-government permit is also required

Altitude sickness

Above 3,000 m, raise your sleeping altitude by no more than about 500 m a night and rest about every 1,000 m of climbing. Do not go higher with symptoms, and descend if they get worse. This is general information, not medical advice.

Frequently asked questions

How many days is the Mardi Himal Trek from Kathmandu?

This plan takes 7 days from Kathmandu back to Kathmandu, with 5 days of walking and the rest for travel and rest. Itineraries from operators vary, and you can add extra rest days on the page.

How high does the Mardi Himal Trek go?

The highest point most itineraries reach is Mardi Himal Base Camp, at about 4,500 m.

What is the best time for the Mardi Himal Trek?

March to May and October to November. Spring (March to May) and autumn (October to November) are the best seasons. Autumn has the clearest skies and is the busiest. Spring is warmer, with rhododendrons in bloom, but afternoon cloud is common. June to August is monsoon, and December to February is cold with snow at height.

Do I need a permit for the Mardi Himal Trek?

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). Check at the time of travel whether a TIMS card or a local-government permit is also required. Fees change, so confirm the current amounts with your agency.

How high is Mardi Himal Base Camp?

About 4,500 m. Most itineraries stop at the Upper Viewpoint (about 4,200 m) and treat the base camp as optional, depending on weather and conditions.

Is the Mardi Himal trek suitable for beginners?

It is moderate. It is short, but the ridge climbs steeply and High Camp is at about 3,550 m, so altitude and weather matter. Previous hiking experience helps.