Mardi Himal Trek – 5 Days

The Mardi Himal Trek 5 Days is a short and scenic Himalayan adventure in Nepal's Annapurna region, designed for trekkers who want spectacular mountain views without committing to a long trekking holiday. Starting from Pokhara, the journey follows a beautiful ridge through rhododendron and oak forests before reaching the open alpine landscapes around High Camp and the Mardi Himal viewpoint.

The Mardi Himal Trek offers impressive views of Mardi Himal, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and the surrounding Annapurna range. The combination of forest trails, traditional mountain settlements, high ridges and close-up Himalayan scenery makes it a popular short trek in Nepal.

The trek normally begins with a drive from Pokhara to Kande, followed by trekking through Forest Camp, Low Camp and High Camp. The highest point is commonly listed at approximately 4,500 meters at Mardi Himal Base Camp/upper viewpoint, although some itineraries use the Upper Viewpoint around 4,200–4,250 m as the main turnaround point depending on trail and weather conditions. Wander Himalayan

For travelers looking for a Mardi Himal Short Trek, the five-day itinerary provides a compact way to experience the Annapurna Himalayas while including the major sections of the classic Mardi Himal Trek route.

Trip Facts

The exact highest point reached can vary by itinerary and conditions; current route descriptions distinguish between the Upper Viewpoint around 4,200–4,250 m and the approximately 4,500 m Base Camp area.

Mardi Himal Trek Highlights

• 5-day short Himalayan trekking adventure
• Scenic trek in the Annapurna region
• Start and finish around Pokhara
• Trek through rhododendron and oak forests
• Beautiful views of Machhapuchhre and Annapurna South
• Explore Forest Camp, Low Camp and High Camp
• Sunrise views from the Mardi Himal upper viewpoint
• Opportunity to reach approximately 4,500 m
• Traditional mountain villages and teahouse accommodation
• Suitable for travelers with limited time
• No technical climbing required
• Excellent option for a short scenic trek in Nepal

Detailed Itinerary

Cost Details

Cost Includes

• Licensed English-speaking trekking guide
• Required trekking permits
• Teahouse/lodge accommodation during the trek
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trekking period
• Pokhara to Kande transportation
• Siding to Pokhara transportation
• Guide's meals, accommodation and daily expenses
• Government taxes and applicable service charges
• Basic trekking assistance
• First-aid support

Cost Excludes

• International airfare
• Nepal visa fee
• Pokhara hotel accommodation before or after the trek
• Personal trekking equipment
• Travel insurance
• Emergency helicopter evacuation
• Personal snacks and beverages
• Wi-Fi and charging fees
• Alcoholic drinks
• Hot showers where charged separately
• Laundry
• Personal expenses
• Tips for guide, driver and support staff

Optional Add-ons

1. Porter service
2. Private transportation
3. Additional night in Pokhara
4. Extra trekking day
5. Additional accommodation
6. Trekking equipment rental
7. Airport transfer
8. Travel insurance assistance
9. Customized Mardi Himal Trek Package
10. Private group trekking
11. Photography assistance

Mardi Himal Trek – 5 Days Route Map

More Information

Mardi Himal Trek Route

The classic Mardi Himal Trek route generally follows:

Pokhara → Kande → Australian Camp → Pothana/Deurali → Forest Camp → Low Camp → Badal Danda → High Camp → Upper Viewpoint/Mardi Himal Base Camp → Siding → Pokhara

The precise overnight stops can vary between trekking operators, but current 2026 route descriptions consistently identify Kande, Forest Camp, Low Camp, High Camp, the upper viewpoint/Base Camp area and Siding as the principal stages.

Mardi Himal Trek Difficulty

The Mardi Himal Trek difficulty is generally considered moderate, although it can be described as easy to moderate for experienced hikers with good fitness.

The lower sections are relatively manageable, but the difficulty increases as you approach High Camp and the upper viewpoint. The rapid elevation gain and long walking day toward the upper viewpoint are the main physical challenges.

There is no technical climbing involved on the standard trekking route. However, trekkers should be prepared for steep sections, uneven terrain, changing weather and high-altitude walking.

Is Mardi Himal Trek difficult?

For a reasonably fit person who regularly walks or exercises, the trek is achievable with preparation. First-time trekkers should train before departure and maintain a comfortable pace.

Mardi Himal Trek Altitude

Altitude is an important consideration because the trek climbs from the Pokhara area to approximately 4,500 m.

Current route and altitude references give slightly different figures for some camps and distinguish the Upper Viewpoint from the Base Camp area, so these figures should be treated as approximate.

Mardi Himal Trek Cost

The Mardi Himal Trek cost depends on group size, accommodation, transportation, guide and porter requirements, meals, permits and additional services.

A Nepal Trekking Trails package can be structured to include:

• Licensed trekking guide
• Trekking permits
• Teahouse accommodation
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner during trekking
• Pokhara–Kande transportation
• Siding–Pokhara transportation
• Guide accommodation and meals
• Government/local taxes
• Trekking support and basic first-aid arrangements

Personal expenses, travel insurance, trekking equipment, international flights, alcoholic beverages, snacks, tips and optional services can be excluded.

Mardi Himal Trek Permits

Trekkers should arrange the required trekking permits before starting the journey. Current 2026 trekking sources identify the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and TIMS as relevant permits for the route. Mardi Himal Trek

Nepal Trekking Trails can assist with the necessary permit arrangements as part of the trekking preparation.

Best Time for Mardi Himal Trek

The best time for Mardi Himal Trek is generally during spring and autumn.

Spring – March to May

Spring brings warmer conditions, clearer mountain views and blooming rhododendrons. Mardi Himal Trek in March and Mardi Himal Trek in April can be particularly attractive for trekkers interested in forests and flowers.

Autumn – September to November

Autumn generally offers good mountain visibility after the monsoon. Mardi Himal Trek in October and Mardi Himal Trek in November are popular choices for Himalayan scenery.

Winter and monsoon trekking are also possible, but snow, rain, clouds and trail conditions can affect the experience.

Mardi Himal Trek from Pokhara

The Mardi Himal Trek from Pokhara is convenient because Pokhara is the main gateway for the route. Trekkers can arrange transportation from Pokhara to Kande and return from the Siding area after completing the trek.

This makes Mardi Himal particularly suitable for travelers searching for a short trek from Pokhara.

Mardi Himal Trek for Beginners

The Mardi Himal Trek for beginners can be a good introduction to Himalayan trekking for travelers who have reasonable fitness and prepare appropriately.

Although it is often marketed as a short or beginner-friendly trek, the route reaches high altitude and includes several demanding uphill and downhill sections. Beginners should not underestimate the final ascent toward the upper viewpoint.

Mardi Himal Trek Accommodation

Accommodation during the trek is generally provided in local teahouses and mountain lodges.

Rooms are normally simple and may include twin beds, blankets and shared bathroom facilities. Facilities become more basic at higher elevations.

Teahouse trekking allows visitors to experience local hospitality while keeping the logistics of a short Himalayan trek relatively straightforward.

Mardi Himal Trek Packing List

Essential items for the Mardi Himal Trek packing list include:

• Comfortable trekking boots
• Trekking trousers
• Thermal base layers
• Fleece jacket
• Down or warm jacket
• Waterproof jacket
• Warm hat and gloves
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Water bottle
• Headlamp
• Trekking poles
• Personal medication
• Basic first-aid supplies
• Sleeping bag
• Backpack
• Power bank
• Toiletries
• Reusable water bottle
• Travel insurance documents

Because the trek reaches high altitude, warm clothing should be carried even during spring and autumn.

Mardi Himal Trek Distance

The total distance varies depending on the exact starting and ending points and whether the itinerary reaches the Base Camp area or turns around at the Upper Viewpoint. Current route sources estimate the complete route at roughly 40–60 km depending on itinerary.

For the Nepal Trekking Trails itinerary, the daily distance should be confirmed according to the final accommodation and trail route selected for the group.

Mardi Himal High Camp

Mardi Himal High Camp is one of the most important overnight stops on the trek and sits at approximately 3,580 m.

It provides an excellent position for the early morning hike toward the upper viewpoint. From High Camp, the landscape becomes more open and the views toward Machhapuchhre and the Annapurna range become particularly impressive.

Mardi Himal Viewpoint

The Mardi Himal Viewpoint is the major scenic attraction of the trek. The viewpoint offers close views toward Machhapuchhre and the surrounding Annapurna mountains.

Trekkers usually begin early from High Camp to reach the viewpoint around sunrise. Weather conditions can influence visibility, so an early start provides the best opportunity for clear morning mountain views.

Why Choose Mardi Himal Short Trek?

The Mardi Himal Short Trek is suitable for travelers who:

• Have limited time in Nepal
• Want a Himalayan trekking experience
• Prefer a shorter route than Everest Base Camp or Annapurna Circuit
• Want to trek from Pokhara
• Enjoy mountain and forest scenery
• Want to experience teahouse trekking
• Prefer a route that does not require technical climbing
• Want views of Machhapuchhre and the Annapurna range

Traveller's Reviews

Jack Bennett | On May, 2026

5 Excellent

An Incredible Journey Around Manaslu

I Completed The 14-day Manaslu Circuit Trek With Nepal Trekking Trails, And It Was An Incredible Himalayan Experience From Beginning To End. The Changing Landscapes Were One Of My Favorite Parts Of The Journey, From The Green Valleys And Rivers In The Lower Region To The Rugged High-altitude Scenery Around Samagaun, Samdo And Dharmasala.

The Hike Toward Manaslu Base Camp Was A Memorable Acclimatization Experience, And The Views Of Manaslu Were Spectacular. The Biggest Challenge Was Crossing Larkya La Pass At 5,106 Meters, But Reaching The Top And Looking Across The Surrounding Himalayan Peaks Was Incredibly Rewarding.

Our Guide Chandra Was Knowledgeable, Patient And Supportive Throughout The Trek. He Helped Us Maintain A Comfortable Pace And Provided Useful Information About The Villages, Mountains And Local Culture. Kedar Neupane, The Owner, Also Made Sure The Transportation, Accommodation And Overall Arrangements Were Well Organized.

The Combination Of Adventure, Mountain Scenery, Local Culture And Professional Trekking Support Made This A Memorable Trip. I Would Happily Recommend Nepal Trekking Trails To Anyone Looking For A Well-organized Manaslu Trekking Experience.

Mateo Alvarez | On August, 2026

5 Excellent

Manaslu Beyond The Mountains

The Manaslu Circuit Trek Was Much More Than A Mountain Adventure For Me. It Was An Opportunity To Experience The Culture And Daily Life Of The Himalayan Communities While Walking Through Some Of The Most Beautiful Landscapes I Have Ever Seen.

I Particularly Enjoyed The Traditional Villages, Buddhist Monasteries, Mani Walls And Tibetan-influenced Settlements Along The Route. Samagaun And Samdo Gave Us A Fascinating Glimpse Into The Culture And Lifestyle Of People Living At High Altitude. As We Climbed Higher, The Landscape Gradually Changed From Green Forests And Valleys Into A Dramatic Alpine Environment.

The Crossing Of Larkya La Pass At 5,106 Meters Was Certainly Challenging, But The Views From The Pass Made The Effort Worthwhile. Our Guide Basu Was Excellent Throughout The Journey. He Explained Local Traditions, Helped Us Understand The Route And Made Sure Everyone Was Comfortable During The Difficult Sections.

I Would Also Like To Thank Kedar Neupane For Organizing The Trek And Keeping The Logistics Well Managed. The Experience Gave Me Wonderful Memories Of Both The Mountains And The People Of The Manaslu Region.

Hannah Fischer | On September, 2026

5 Excellent

A Challenging Trek Made Smooth

I Chose The Manaslu Circuit Trek Because I Wanted A Challenging Himalayan Trekking Experience, And The 14-day Itinerary Provided Exactly That. The Trek Was Physically Demanding, Particularly During The Longer Walking Days And The Steady Increase In Altitude, But The Itinerary Allowed Enough Time To Adjust To The Changing Conditions.

The Acclimatization Day At Samagaun Was Especially Useful Before Continuing Toward Samdo And Dharmasala. The Most Demanding Day Was The Early-morning Climb To Larkya La Pass At 5,106 Meters. The Ascent Required Patience And A Steady Pace, But Reaching The Pass Was One Of The Highlights Of My Entire Trip.

Our Guide Uttam Was Very Professional And Supportive. He Helped Us Maintain A Sensible Walking Pace, Gave Us Guidance During The High-altitude Sections And Made Sure The Daily Trekking Arrangements Were Handled Properly.

I Also Appreciated The Communication And Organization From Kedar before And During The Trek. Transportation, Accommodation And Other Logistics Were Arranged Smoothly, Allowing Me To Concentrate On Enjoying The Trek.

The Manaslu Circuit Is Definitely A Physical Challenge, But With Good Preparation And The Right Support, It Is A Rewarding Experience That I Will Remember For A Long Time.