Annapurna · Treks
6 days · Moderate · up to 4,500 m
A short, quiet ridge trek from Pokhara above the clouds to Mardi Himal Base Camp, face to face with Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South and Hiunchuli.
Mardi Himal Trek is one of Nepal's most scenic short trekking adventures, located in the Annapurna region. Known for its spectacular views of Mardi Himal, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna South and Hiunchuli, the trek combines peaceful forest trails, traditional villages and breathtaking mountain landscapes.
With its relatively short duration and moderate difficulty, Mardi Himal is ideal for trekkers who want an unforgettable Himalayan experience away from crowded trails. The route follows a narrow grassy ridge above the tree line, so from High Camp onwards the mountains are in view all day.
It starts and ends at our office in Lakeside, Pokhara, so it fits easily into a shorter Nepal holiday.
Steady climbs through forest and one long day to the base camp viewpoint and back. Suitable for fit beginners.
A 45-minute drive from Lakeside to Kande, then up to Australian Camp for the first wide view of the Annapurnas, and on to Pothana.
A peaceful climb through dense rhododendron and oak forest, alive with birds, to the clearing of Forest Camp.
Out of the forest at Low Camp, Machhapuchhre appears close enough to touch. A ridge walk leads to High Camp.
An early start along the ridge to the viewpoint and base camp at 4,500 m, with Mardi Himal, Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South and Hiunchuli in a row. Back to High Camp for the night.
A steep descent through forest to the Gurung village of Siding, with its terraced fields and stone houses.
A short walk to the road head and a 2-hour jeep ride back to Lakeside.
Next departure Sat, 24 Oct 2026
From US$590 per person
11 dates through May 2027
Starts Sat, 24 Oct and ends Thu, 29 Oct 2026
6 days
12 seats left
Book by 17 Oct
US$590per person
Starts Sat, 7 Nov and ends Thu, 12 Nov 2026
6 days
12 seats left
Book by 31 Oct
US$590per person
Starts Sat, 21 Nov and ends Thu, 26 Nov 2026
6 days
12 seats left
Book by 14 Nov
US$590per person
Starts Sat, 5 Dec and ends Thu, 10 Dec 2026
6 days
12 seats left
Book by 28 Nov
US$590per person
Starts Sat, 19 Dec and ends Thu, 24 Dec 2026
6 days
12 seats left
Book by 12 Dec
US$590per person
Starts Sat, 6 Mar and ends Thu, 11 Mar 2027
6 days
12 seats left
Book by 27 Feb
US$590per person
Starts Sat, 20 Mar and ends Thu, 25 Mar 2027
6 days
12 seats left
Book by 13 Mar
US$590per person
Starts Sat, 3 Apr and ends Thu, 8 Apr 2027
6 days
12 seats left
Book by 27 Mar
US$590per person
Prefer your own dates? Ask for a private trip.
Choose your own datePermits we arrange: Annapurna Conservation Area (ACAP), TIMS card
You don't need technical skills, but you should be comfortable walking 5 to 7 hours a day with a light daypack. Regular hiking, running, cycling or stair-climbing for 6 to 8 weeks before the trip makes a big difference.
Spring (March to May) brings rhododendron forests in bloom; autumn (October to December) has the clearest mountain views. Winter is cold but quiet and still very doable on lower routes; June to September is monsoon.
Our itineraries climb gradually and include acclimatisation days. Your guide checks your oxygen saturation each evening. Drink 3 to 4 litres of water a day, avoid alcohol, and tell your guide about any headache, nausea or dizziness straight away.
Travel insurance covering emergency helicopter evacuation up to the highest altitude of your trek is required. Please send us a copy before departure.
Carry Nepali rupees for the trail: ATMs are only in towns. Most teahouses sell Wi-Fi and charging; a local SIM (Ncell or NTC) works on much of the route.
Teahouses are simple, family-run lodges with twin rooms and shared bathrooms. Menus run from dal bhat to pasta and pancakes; dal bhat is the best value and comes with refills.
Yes, if you are reasonably fit. Days are shorter than on most treks, but the climb from Low Camp to the base camp is steep and exposed to wind.
This trek starts and ends in Pokhara. We can book your bus or flight from Kathmandu and hotel nights in Lakeside.
Yes. Every trip runs as a private trek on the dates you choose, as well as on our fixed group departures. Private trips cost the same per person for two or more travellers.
Our own government-licensed guides from the Annapurna and Everest regions. Most have more than ten years on the trails and speak good English.
Your guide carries a first-aid kit and an oximeter and is trained to recognise altitude sickness. If you need to descend, we arrange it immediately, including a helicopter evacuation through your insurance if necessary.
Send an enquiry with your dates. We confirm availability, then take a 20% deposit to secure your place; the balance is paid on arrival in Nepal by card, bank transfer or cash.
Refunds are a share of the total trip price. Permit and flight costs already paid to third parties can't be refunded. You can transfer your booking to another date or person free of charge up to 30 days before departure.