The Mardi Himal Trek is one of Nepal’s most scenic short treks, offering close-up views of stunning peaks such as Mardi Himal, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli. The trail is quieter than the popular Annapurna Base Camp route yet provides equally impressive ridge walks, lush forests, and wide Himalayan panoramas. It’s an excellent choice for trekkers seeking a short, peaceful, and rewarding mountain adventure

Mardi Himal Trek Itinerary Options

Trekking to Mardi Himal offers flexible itinerary choices, ranging from a quick 3-day adventure to a more relaxed 5-day journey. All itineraries begin and end in Pokhara, making the trek easy to access and perfect for travelers with limited time. You can choose a shorter, more challenging schedule or a longer itinerary that allows better acclimatization and a more enjoyable pace. Below are the most common Mardi Himal itinerary options, designed to match different time frames, fitness levels, and trekking preferences.

4-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Pokhara → Kande → Forest Camp
Day 2: Forest Camp → Low Camp → High Camp
Day 3: High Camp → Mardi Viewpoint/Base Camp → Low Camp/Forest Camp
Day 4: Trek to Siding Village → Drive to Pokhara

The 4-day Mardi Himal Trek itinerary is a standard and manageable option for most trekkers. Although it requires hiking about 6–7 hours each day, the route is well-marked and steady. With good fitness and pacing, anyone with basic trekking experience can comfortably complete this rewarding short Himalayan

5-Day Itinerary (Recommended)

Day 1: Pokhara → Kande → Deurali/Forest Camp
Day 2: Forest Camp → Low Camp → High Camp
Day 3: High Camp → Mardi Viewpoint/Base Camp → Return to High Camp
Day 4: High Camp → Siding Village
Day 5: Drive Siding → Pokhara

The 5-day Mardi Himal Trek offers an ideal balance of acclimatization, comfort, and mountain scenery. It allows a relaxed pace, avoids rushing through steep sections, and provides extra time at High Camp and the viewpoint. This itinerary is perfect for enjoying sunrise views, photography, and a more enjoyable overall trekking experience.In the 5 days itinerary, you will have a free day for enjoying the mountain views and also can visit mardi himal base camp .You get proper altitude adjustment, a relaxed pace, and the best sunrise/sunset viewing opportunities.

3-Day Itinerary (Fast/Short Option)

Day 1: Pokhara → Kande → Forest Camp → Low Camp
Day 2: Low Camp → High Camp → Mardi Viewpoint → Back to Low Camp
Day 3: Trek to Siding Village → Drive to Pokhara

The 3-day Mardi Himal itinerary is suitable only for very fit trekkers with prior high-altitude experience. It involves long, demanding days with 7–8 hours of continuous uphill and downhill hiking. This fast-paced option is challenging and should be chosen only by those comfortable with intense trekking conditions.

Cost of Mardi Himal Trek

The cost depends on whether you trek independently or with a guide/porter.

Approximate Cost Range

• With Full  Package: USD 450–750 (includes guide, porter, permits, transport, meals & accommodation)

Cost Breakdown

• Permits: USD 30 +20 =50
• Guide: USD 30–35 per day
• Porter: USD 20–25 per day
• Transport (Pokhara–Kande/Siding): USD 80– 100
• Meals & Tea Houses: USD 35– 40 per day
• Government tax, vat – Agency service charge 60- 80 per person

Required Permits

To trek Mardi Himal, you need two kinds of permit they are

1. ACAP Permit (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit)
2. TIMS Card (Trekkers’ Information Management System)

Both can be obtained in Pokhara or Kathmandu.

Accommodation on the Mardi Himal Trek

Accommodation along the Mardi Himal Trek consists mainly of simple teahouses offering basic rooms, shared bathrooms, and traditional Nepali meals. Facilities become more basic as you ascend, especially at High Camp. Despite simplicity, teahouses are warm, friendly, and provide sufficient comfort for a short Himalayan trekking journey.

Difficulty of the Mardi Himal Trek

The Mardi Himal Trek is considered moderately difficult. The trail includes steep ascents through forests, ridge walks, and rocky sections near High Camp and the viewpoint. Daily walking hours range from 5–7 hours, requiring good fitness and stamina. Although the altitude is not extremely high, rapid elevation gain can be challenging. Proper pacing, hydration, and acclimatization help ensure a safe and enjoyable trek.

Best Time to Go to Mardi Himal

The best time to trek Mardi Himal is during the stable seasons of spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November). These months offer clear skies, warm daytime temperatures, and excellent mountain visibility. Spring adds colorful rhododendron blooms, while autumn provides crisp air and the clearest views. Winter is possible but colder, and monsoon months bring cloud cover and slippery trails, making conditions less ideal.