Mardi Himal
Seven days up a forested ridge to the viewpoint beneath Machhapuchhre, a quieter alternative to Annapurna Base Camp.
- Duration
- 7 days
- Highest point
- 4,500 m
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Group size
- up to 8
- Best months
- Oct, Nov, Mar, Apr, May
- Region
- Annapurna अन्नपूर्ण
For demonstration, not for trip planning. Altitudes, walking times and permit rules here are illustrative. Check current conditions with a licensed agency before you travel.
The trekयात्रा
A narrow ridge climbs out of rhododendron forest straight towards the fishtail peak of Machhapuchhre.
It is short enough for a week off work and high enough to feel like a real Himalayan trek.
Highlights
- Mardi Himal Base Camp viewpoint, 4,500 m
- Rhododendron forest in spring
- Close views of Machhapuchhre
Day by dayदिनचर्या
Day 1: Drive to Pokhara
Kathmandu to Pokharaपोखरा
- Walking
- —
- Distance
- —
- Sleep at
- 820 m
- Highest
- —
Meals: dinner. Night: Hotel in Pokhara.
Day 2: Kande to Forest Camp
Kande to Forest Camp
- Walking
- 6 h
- Distance
- 11 km
- Sleep at
- 2,520 m
- Highest
- —
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Night: Teahouse.
Day 3: To Low Camp
Forest Camp to Low Camp
- Walking
- 3 h
- Distance
- 5 km
- Sleep at
- 2,970 m
- Highest
- —
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Night: Teahouse.
Day 4: Along the ridge to High Camp
Low Camp to High Camp
- Walking
- 4 h
- Distance
- 6 km
- Sleep at
- 3,580 m
- Highest
- —
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Night: Teahouse.
Day 5: Mardi Himal Base Camp
High Camp
- Walking
- 8 h
- Distance
- 12 km
- Sleep at
- 3,580 m
- Highest
- 4,500 m
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Night: Teahouse.
Day 6: Down to Siding, drive to Pokhara
High Camp to Pokhara
- Walking
- 6 h
- Distance
- 12 km
- Sleep at
- 820 m
- Highest
- —
Meals: breakfast, lunch. Night: Hotel in Pokhara.
Day 7: Drive back to Kathmandu
Pokhara to Kathmandu
- Walking
- —
- Distance
- —
- Sleep at
- 1,400 m
- Highest
- —
Meals: breakfast. Night: None (trip ends in Kathmandu).
Altitude profile
| Day | Ends at | Altitude | Highest point |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pokhara | 820 m | — |
| 2 | Forest Camp | 2,520 m | — |
| 3 | Low Camp | 2,970 m | — |
| 4 | High Camp | 3,580 m | — |
| 5 | High Camp | 3,580 m | 4,500 m |
| 6 | Pokhara | 820 m | — |
| 7 | Kathmandu | 1,400 m | — |
Metres above sea level, by day. The dot marks the highest point.
Departuresप्रस्थान
Groups run once 2 people have paid a deposit. Bookings close 7 days before the start.
| Starts | Ends | Seats left | Status | Book | Per person (2–4) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fri 6 Nov 2026 | Thu 12 Nov 2026 | 8 | Open | Book the departure on Fri 6 Nov 2026 | US$540 |
| Fri 20 Nov 2026 | Thu 26 Nov 2026 | 8 | Open | Book the departure on Fri 20 Nov 2026 | US$540 |
| Sat 6 Mar 2027 | Fri 12 Mar 2027 | 8 | Open | Book the departure on Sat 6 Mar 2027 | US$540 |
| Sat 20 Mar 2027 | Fri 26 Mar 2027 | 8 | Open | Book the departure on Sat 20 Mar 2027 | US$540 |
| Tue 6 Apr 2027 | Mon 12 Apr 2027 | 8 | Open | Book the departure on Tue 6 Apr 2027 | US$540 |
| Tue 20 Apr 2027 | Mon 26 Apr 2027 | 8 | Open | Book the departure on Tue 20 Apr 2027 | US$540 |
Price by group sizeमूल्य
The more travellers on one booking, the less each pays. A 20% deposit holds your place; the balance is due 30 days before departure.
| Travellers on your booking | Per person |
|---|---|
| 1 | US$675 |
| 2–4 | US$540 |
| 5–8 | US$510 |
If you need to cancelरद्द
- 45 days or more before departure
- Everything you have paid is refunded.
- 15 to 44 days before departure
- The deposit is kept; anything paid above it is refunded.
- Less than 15 days before departure
- No refund.
- If we cancel the departure
- Everything you have paid is refunded.
Included
- Licensed English-speaking guide
- One porter for every two trekkers (15 kg each)
- Teahouse lodging on the trail, twin share
- Three meals a day on the trail
- Trekking permits and national park fees
- Ground transport in the itinerary
- Hotel in Pokhara
Not included
- International flights and Nepal visa
- Travel insurance with helicopter evacuation cover
- Hot showers, charging and wifi at teahouses
- Drinks, snacks and tips
Permits
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
Questionsप्रश्न
Mardi Himal or Annapurna Base Camp?
Mardi Himal is shorter, quieter and ends on a ridge with the mountains in front of you. Annapurna Base Camp takes you into the sanctuary among them.
Ask about private datesसोधपुछ
Your own dates, a longer route or a bigger group: tell us and a guide will reply.