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Lopchan Treks · Trip notes

Mardi Himal Trek

A short, steep ridge trek from near Pokhara, through forest and above the tree line to High Camp and a dawn viewpoint below Mardi Himal, with Machapuchare and Annapurna South close in front of you.

Duration
8 days
High point
Upper Viewpoint, 4,155 m / 13,632 ft
Grade
Moderate
Best months
Mar, Apr, May, Oct, Nov
Start / end
Kande / Siding
Stay
Teahouse lodges, twin-share rooms
Group size
1–8 people
Price
From US$710 per person

Route

Pothana 1,990 mForest Camp 2,440 mLow Camp 2,970 mHigh Camp 3,540 mUpper Viewpoint 4,155 mSiding 1,945 m N10 km
Route diagram: stops at their real positions, joined in the order you first reach them. Not a navigation map. Positions from OpenStreetMap.

Altitude

1,0002,0003,0004,0005,00012345678 Upper Viewpoint 4,155 m
Altitude in metres by day. Dashed line: 3,000 m.

Itinerary

DayRouteElevation
1Tourist bus from Kathmandu to Pokhara
Most of the day on the road. Night in Pokhara.		–
2Drive to Kande, trek via Australian Camp to Pothana1,990 m
3Trek through forest to Forest Camp2,440 m
4Trek up the ridge to Low Camp2,970 m
5Trek to High Camp3,540 m
6Dawn hike to the Upper Viewpoint, descend to Low Camp
Sleep at Low Camp.		4,155 m
7Trek down to Siding, drive to Pokhara1,945 m
8Tourist bus back to Kathmandu–

Included

  • Licensed trekking guide
  • Tourist bus from Kathmandu to Pokhara and back
  • Two hotel nights in Pokhara, before and after the trek
  • Teahouse accommodation on the trek
  • All meals on the trek: breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit

Not included

  • International flights and Nepal visa
  • Hotel nights in Kathmandu
  • Porter (we can add one; ask us for the price)
  • Travel insurance with helicopter evacuation cover
  • Tips for guides and porters

Is it for me?

  • No climbing skills needed, but the ridge is steep in places, especially above Low Camp.
  • The viewpoint day means a pre-dawn start and about 600 m of climbing before a long descent.
  • You sleep at 3,540 m and walk to 4,155 m, high enough for altitude sickness, so read our safety approach before you go.

Permits

  • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): NPR 3,000 (SAARC nationals NPR 1,000)
  • TIMS card (arranged by your trekking agency): NPR 2,000 (SAARC nationals NPR 1,000)

Spending on the trail

  • Hot shower: On request
  • Phone or battery charging: On request
  • Dal bhat (set meal): On request

Questions

How hard is the Mardi Himal trek?

Moderate. The days are shorter than on Annapurna Base Camp, but the trail climbs steeply up the ridge, and the viewpoint day starts before dawn and ends with a long descent.

Do I climb Mardi Himal?

No. Mardi Himal (5,553 m) is a mountaineering peak. The trek goes to viewpoints below it, with the highest at about 4,155 m on our itinerary.

Mardi Himal or Poon Hill?

Poon Hill is easier and lower. Mardi Himal is quieter, higher and closer to the big peaks. See our [Poon Hill vs Mardi Himal](/journal/poon-hill-vs-mardi-himal/) comparison.

Do I need a guide?

Since 1 April 2023, Nepal requires foreign trekkers in national parks and conservation areas, including the Annapurna Conservation Area, to trek with a licensed guide. See our [guide rules explainer](/journal/do-i-need-a-guide-nepal/).

What permits do I need?

An Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). Your guide arranges it.