Key Takeaways
- The Mardi Himal Trek itinerary takes 5 days, starting with a 45-minute drive from Pokhara to Kande (1,770m) and reaching Mardi Himal Base Camp at 4,450m on Day 4 making it the shortest route to a high-altitude base camp in the entire Annapurna region.
- In 2026, the mandatory permits are the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and a TIMS Card both available at the Nepal Tourism Board office in Pokhara (Damside) or online at ntb.gov.np before you start the trek. No permits are sold on the trail.
- Day 3 (Forest Camp to High Camp) is the steepest single day, gaining nearly 1,000m of elevation, start early, stay hydrated, and if this is your first trek above 3,000m, build in extra rest time at High Camp before attempting Base Camp the following morning.
- There are no ATMs past Pokhara. Carry enough NPR cash for all 5 days of accommodation, meals, and personal expenses before leaving the city. Budget trekkers spend approximately USD 25–40 per day on the trail.
Table of Contents
If you want to stand at 4,450 meters above sea level, staring directly at the south face of Machhapuchhre and the full wall of the Annapurna range in just five days from Pokhara the Mardi Himal Trek itinerary is the one route in Nepal that delivers exactly that.
Most trekkers heading into the Annapurna region default to the Annapurna Base Camp trek or the Annapurna Circuit. Both are excellent. Both are also crowded, longer, and require more logistics. The Mardi Himal Trek itinerary runs parallel to those routes on a quieter ridge trail, reaches a higher viewpoint than many expect from a 5-day trek, and brings you genuinely close to peaks like Annapurna South (7,219m), Hiunchuli (6,441m), Mardi Himal (5,553m), and Machhapuchhre (6,993m) without the crowds. If you are weighing your options, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek vs Mardi Himal Trek comparison breaks down both routes in full detail.
This guide covers the complete 5-day Mardi Himal Trek itinerary – every day, every altitude, every practical detail updated for the 2026 trekking season.
Mardi Himal Trek at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
| Trek Duration | 5 Days |
| Maximum Altitude | 4,450m Mardi Himal Base Camp |
| Trek Start Point | Kande, 1,770m (45 min from Pokhara) |
| Trek End Point | Sidding Village, 1,700m |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Best Seasons | March–April, October–November |
| Required Permits | ACAP + TIMS |
| Daily Meals on Trek | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Days 1–4) |
| Accommodation | Teahouses / Guesthouses on trail, Hotel in Pokhara (Day 5) |
| Max Group Size | 15 people |
Day-by-Day Mardi Himal Trek Itinerary
Day 1: Pokhara to Kande to Pitam Deurali (2,100m)
The Mardi Himal Trek itinerary begins not on the trail, but in the vehicle. After breakfast at your Pokhara hotel, a private jeep or car takes you to Kande (1,770m) in approximately 45 minutes. Kande is a small roadside village on the edge of the Annapurna Conservation Area this is where the trekking permit checkpoint is located, where your ACAP and TIMS cards are checked for the first time. Carry originals; digital copies alone are often not accepted at the gate.
From Kande, the trail climbs steadily through terraced farmland and the first patches of mixed forest before opening up to the small settlement of Pitam Deurali at 2,100m. The walk covers a manageable elevation gain of 330m and typically takes 2.5 to 3.5 hours at a comfortable pace. Pitam Deurali has basic guesthouse accommodation where you spend your first night on the Mardi Himal Trek itinerary.
The trail on Day 1 is well-marked and wide enough for confident navigation. Use this first afternoon to organize your gear, rest early, and drink plenty of water. Altitude-related fatigue begins affecting untrained trekkers from 2,000m onward.
Altitude: 2,100m | Walking time: 2.5–3.5 hrs | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Stay: Guesthouse
Day 2: Pitam Deurali to Forest Camp (2,600m)
Day 2 of the Mardi Himal Trek itinerary is defined almost entirely by the forest. From Pitam Deurali, the trail enters the dense rhododendron and oak forest that covers this section of the Annapurna Conservation Area ridge. In spring (March–April), this is one of the most visually striking sections of trekking in all of Nepal. Rhododendron trees in full bloom line both sides of the trail in deep reds, pinks, and whites.
The walk from Pitam Deurali to Forest Camp covers an elevation gain of 500m and takes approximately 3 to 4 hours of walking time. The trail is forested the entire way, which means natural shade, cooler temperatures, and some of the best birdwatching on the entire Mardi Himal route. Himalayan monal pheasant, laughingthrush species, and various woodpeckers are commonly spotted in this section.
Forest Camp (2,600m) has 5 to 6 teahouses open during peak trekking season. Rooms are basic shared bathrooms, squat toilets, and wood-fired dining rooms but the meal quality is good. Dal bhat, noodle soup, pasta, fried rice, and omelettes are available at every teahouse. A dinner, bed, and breakfast package is standard and the most cost-effective way to eat and sleep on this part of the Mardi Himal Trek itinerary.
Altitude: 2,600m | Walking time: 3–4 hrs | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Stay: Guesthouse
Day 3: Forest Camp to High Camp (3,540m)
Day 3 is the hardest day of the Mardi Himal Trek itinerary. The elevation gain from Forest Camp (2,600m) to High Camp (3,540m) is nearly 940m in a single day steeper and more sustained than anything encountered on Days 1 or 2. The trail passes through the upper tree line and then onto open ridge walking with increasingly expansive mountain views as you gain altitude.
The first mountain views that make this trek famous appear on Day 3. As the forest thins above 3,000m, the Annapurna massif begins revealing itself Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and the distinctive pyramid of Machhapuchhre all come into view on clear days. At High Camp (3,540m), the panorama is full and unobstructed. Sunrise and sunset from High Camp are among the most photographed moments of the entire Mardi Himal Trek itinerary, with the golden light hitting the Annapurna range directly at eye level.
High Camp has 4 to 5 teahouses with limited total capacity. During October and November peak season, lodges fill by early afternoon. Reach High Camp before 2:00 PM if you do not have a pre-booked room. Room rates here run slightly higher than Forest Camp, roughly NPR 500–800 per night.
You are now at 3,540m. Drink 3–4 liters of water before sleeping tonight. If you experience a persistent headache that does not resolve with hydration and rest, descend to Forest Camp rather than pushing to Base Camp the next morning.
Altitude: 3,540m | Walking time: 4–5 hrs | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Stay: Guesthouse
Day 4: High Camp to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,450m) and Back
Day 4 is the centerpiece of the entire Mardi Himal Trek itinerary, the summit push to Base Camp and back. Leave High Camp no later than 5:30 AM. Cloud buildup in the Annapurna region typically begins between 9:00 and 11:00 AM. Trekkers who leave High Camp at 7:00 or 8:00 AM regularly reach Base Camp to find visibility already deteriorating. An early start guarantees clear skies at the summit.
The trail from High Camp to View Point (4,200m) takes approximately 2 hours on a narrow, exposed ridge. The View Point is where most trekkers pause longest the 360-degree panorama from this position includes Annapurna South (7,219m), Hiunchuli (6,441m), Annapurna III (7,555m), Mardi Himal peak (5,553m) itself, and Machhapuchhre (6,993m) at extremely close range. From the View Point, continue for a further 45 to 60 minutes to reach Mardi Himal Base Camp at 4,450m.
There is no teahouse or permanent structure at Mardi Himal Base Camp. It is a turnaround point to only pack snacks, water, and warm layers from High Camp before departure. The return journey from Base Camp back to High Camp takes 2 to 2.5 hours of descent on the same ridge trail.
At this altitude, the air contains roughly 60% of the oxygen available at sea level. Slow down, breathe deliberately, and stop for regular rest breaks rather than pushing continuously. According to altitude safety guidelines from the Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (taan.org.np), Acute Mountain Sickness symptoms above 4,000m persistent headache, loss of coordination, nausea, confusion require immediate descent. Do not sleep at an altitude where symptoms are present.
After returning to High Camp, rest for the afternoon and night before the final day’s descent.
Maximum Altitude: 4,450m | Walking time: 7–9 hrs total | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Stay: High Camp Guesthouse
Day 5: High Camp to Sidding Village (1,700m) to Pokhara
The final day of the Mardi Himal Trek itinerary is a long descent with a vehicle transfer at the end. From High Camp (3,540m), the trail drops all the way to Sidding Village (1,700m), a total descent of 1,840m that takes approximately 4 to 5 hours of walking. The descent route passes back through forest and increasingly warm, humid air as you lose altitude rapidly. Knees take the most strain on this section trekking poles and a slow, deliberate pace protects the joints on steep descents.
Sidding is a Gurung village at the base of the ridge, where the trail meets the road and shared jeeps wait to take trekkers back to Pokhara. The jeep transfer takes approximately 1.5 hours. You will typically arrive back in Pokhara Lakeside by early-to-mid afternoon, in time for a proper hot shower, a restaurant meal, and a recovery rest.
Only breakfast is provided on Day 5 the standard package meal plan ends the morning of the final day.
Altitude at finish: 1,700m | Walking time: 4–5 hrs descent | Meal: Breakfast only | Stay: Hotel in Pokhara
Mardi Himal Trek Permits 2026
Two permits are mandatory for the Mardi Himal Trek itinerary. Both must be purchased before the trek begins; no permit sales exist on the trail.
ACAP Annapurna Conservation Area Permit: Required for all trekkers entering the Annapurna Conservation Area, which covers the entire Mardi Himal route from Kande onward. ACAP permits are checked at the Kande gate and at further checkpoints along the trail. Foreign nationals pay USD 30 per person. SAARC nationals pay a subsidized rate. The ACAP funds conservation, anti-poaching, and trail maintenance across the 7,629 sq km Annapurna Conservation Area, the largest protected area in Nepal.
TIMS Card Trekkers’ Information Management System: The TIMS Card registers your identity, intended route, and emergency contact with Nepal’s trekking authority system. This enables search-and-rescue coordination if a trekker goes missing or requires evacuation above the mobile network coverage zone, which applies to the High Camp section of the Mardi Himal Trek itinerary. Independent foreign trekkers pay NPR 2,000 (approximately USD 15). Group trekkers through a registered agency pay NPR 1,000.
Both permits are available at the Nepal Tourism Board offices in Pokhara (Tourist Information Center, Damside) and Kathmandu (Bhrikutimandap). Online TIMS registration is available at ntb.gov.np. Carry originals in a waterproof document sleeve throughout the trek checkpoint staff do not accept phone screenshots as a substitute for physical permits.
What Is Included in the Package
A full-service Mardi Himal Trek 5-day package from a registered Pokhara operator covers the following: private jeep or car transport from Pokhara to Kande at the start and from Sidding back to Pokhara at the end; a licensed guide for the full 5 days including the guide’s salary, insurance, food, accommodation, and transport; porter service on a ratio of one porter per two trekkers; full-board meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) on all trekking days; teahouse accommodation on a twin-sharing basis during the trek and hotel accommodation in Pokhara on the final night; ACAP permit fees; and all applicable government taxes.
Not included in the standard package: personal travel insurance (mandatory you must hold a policy covering high-altitude trekking and emergency helicopter evacuation before departure); meals and accommodation in Pokhara on pre- and post-trek nights; personal expenses including hot showers (NPR 200–400), battery charging (NPR 200–400), WiFi usage (NPR 300–500/hr), bottled drinks, and snacks; tips for your guide and porter (customary approximately USD 5–10/day per guide and USD 3–5/day per porter); and any extra costs arising from weather delays, route changes, or personal medical needs on the trail.
Mardi Himal Trek Cost 2026
For a full breakdown of what is included at each price point, see the dedicated Mardi Himal Trek cost for 5 days page.
| Group Size | Price Per Person |
| Solo trekker | USD 560–1,070 |
| Group 5–10 people | USD 360 per person |
| Group 11–15 people | USD 330 per person |
Pricing variation within the solo range reflects the level of service, accommodation quality, and operator credentials. Budget operators at USD 560 provide basic teahouse accommodation and a licensed local guide. Premium operators at the higher end include better accommodation options where available, more experienced English-speaking guides, and dedicated pre-trek support and gear check services.
For independent budget trekkers managing their own Mardi Himal Trek itinerary without a packaged operator, the self-arranged cost runs approximately USD 140–220 for the 5-day trek covering permits (USD 45), teahouse accommodation (USD 25–55), meals (USD 55–90), and transport (USD 15–30).
Mardi Himal Trek Difficulty
The Mardi Himal Trek is graded moderate. It does not require technical climbing skills, specialized mountaineering equipment, or prior Himalayan trekking experience. The physical requirements are: the ability to walk 4 to 6 hours per day over uneven terrain, tolerance for elevation gain of 500 to 940m per day, and the physical and mental capacity to function at 4,450m above sea level.
The altitude is the defining challenge, not the trail surface. At 4,450m, the air contains approximately 58% of the oxygen available at sea level. Trekkers who are otherwise fit can experience significant fatigue, reduced cognitive function, and disrupted sleep at this altitude if acclimatization is insufficient. The Day 3 ascent to High Camp is the steepest physical day. Day 4 to Base Camp is the highest and most physiologically demanding.
For a detailed look at what makes this trail challenging at each section, see the full Mardi Himal Trek difficulty breakdown. Preparation should begin 4 to 6 weeks before departure cardiovascular training, running, cycling, and sustained uphill walking with a loaded pack builds the aerobic base required for 5 consecutive days of high-altitude trekking.
Best Time for the Mardi Himal Trek
The best month for the Mardi Himal Trek depends on what kind of experience you are looking for. Here is the seasonal summary:
Autumn (October–November) is the peak season. Post-monsoon skies are clear, mountain visibility is at its best, and all teahouses operate at full capacity. Trail is at its busiest book High Camp accommodation in advance for October dates.
Spring (March–April) is equal in trail quality to autumn and arguably superior in visual character. The rhododendron forest between Kande and High Camp blooms in late March through mid-April, transforming the forest sections of the Mardi Himal Trek itinerary into something that autumn trekkers never see. Recommended as the first-choice season for first-time Himalayan trekkers.
Winter (December–February) brings snowfall to High Camp and above. The trail remains open but requires crampons and cold-weather gear rated to at least -15°C from High Camp upward. Only experienced cold-altitude trekkers should attempt the Mardi Himal Trek itinerary in winter months.
Monsoon (June–September) is not recommended. Leeches are dense on the forest sections, visibility is frequently reduced to near zero on the ridge above 3,000m, and several High Camp teahouses close for the season.
Packing List
The Mardi Himal Trek itinerary covers an altitude range from 1,700m to 4,450m, producing temperature swings from +18°C at Kande to -10°C at High Camp on clear autumn nights. A three-layer clothing system is non-negotiable above 3,500m: moisture-wicking base layer, insulating mid-layer (fleece or down), waterproof hardshell outer layer.
Essential items: waterproof trekking boots with ankle support, trekking poles (especially important for the Day 5 descent), sleeping bag rated to at least -10°C, headlamp with spare batteries, high-SPF sunscreen and UV-blocking sunglasses (UV exposure intensifies significantly above 3,000m), water purification tablets or a Steripen, a compact first-aid kit including Diamox (acetazolamide) for altitude sickness prevention (consult your doctor before use and confirm the correct dosage for your health profile).
Gear rental in Pokhara Lakeside is widely available for most items: sleeping bags at USD 2–4/day, trekking poles at USD 1–2/day, down jackets at USD 2–4/day. If you are only doing one high-altitude Himalayan trek, renting is more practical than purchasing.
Cash: Carry a minimum of NPR 20,000–30,000 per person in cash before leaving Pokhara. There are no ATMs anywhere on the Mardi Himal Trek route.
FAQs
How many days does the Mardi Himal Trek itinerary take?
The standard Mardi Himal Trek itinerary takes 5 days. Day 1 starts from Kande (1,770m) after a 45-minute drive from Pokhara, finishing at Pitam Deurali. Day 4 is the Base Camp summit day at 4,450m. Day 5 descends to Sidding Village and drives back to Pokhara. Extended versions of the Mardi Himal Trek itinerary run 7 to 12 days and incorporate acclimatization rest days, cultural homestays at Lwang Ghalel, or an extended ridge traverse. For those with limited time, see whether completing the Mardi Himal Trek in 3 days is realistic for your fitness level.
What permits do I need for the Mardi Himal Trek in 2026?
Two permits are required: the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and a TIMS Card. Both are purchased before the trek starts at the Nepal Tourism Board office in Pokhara (Damside) or Kathmandu (Bhrikutimandap). Online TIMS registration is available at ntb.gov.np. No permit sales exist on the Mardi Himal trail. Trekkers without both permits are denied entry at the Kande checkpoint.
What is the highest point of the Mardi Himal Trek?
The highest point on the Mardi Himal Trek itinerary is Mardi Himal Base Camp at 4,450m (14,600 ft), reached on Day 4. The View Point at 4,200m, approximately one hour before Base Camp, provides the widest panoramic mountain views including Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Mardi Himal, and Machhapuchhre. Mardi Himal peak itself stands at 5,553m the standard trekking itinerary reaches Base Camp only. The summit requires a separate mountaineering permit and technical climbing.
Is a guide required for the Mardi Himal Trek?
A licensed guide is not legally mandatory for the Mardi Himal Trek in 2026 the trail is well-marked and teahouses at each camp serve as natural orientation points. However, for solo trekkers, first-time Himalayan visitors, or anyone attempting the ridge above High Camp in low visibility or poor weather conditions, a licensed guide significantly reduces risk. The exposed ridge between High Camp and Base Camp becomes hazardous in cloud, freezing rain, or morning frost conditions that occur regularly even during peak season. See the full discussion on whether a guide is mandatory for Mardi Himal before making your decision.
What is the best time for the Mardi Himal Trek?
The best times for the Mardi Himal Trek itinerary are October–November and March–April. Autumn brings the clearest mountain visibility and fully open teahouses. Spring brings warmer temperatures and rhododendron forest blooms. Both windows offer stable weather, open trails, and safe conditions. Avoid June–September (monsoon) and December–February unless you have cold-altitude trekking experience.
How much does the Mardi Himal Trek cost in 2026?
Full-service 5-day Mardi Himal Trek packages through a registered Pokhara agency start from USD 330 per person for groups of 11–15 and USD 360 per person for groups of 5–10. Solo full-service packages run USD 560–1,070 depending on the operator and service level. Independent self-arranged trekking costs USD 140–220 per person for 5 days.
Is the Mardi Himal Trek suitable for beginners?
Yes. The Mardi Himal Trek itinerary is suitable for fit beginners with no prior Himalayan experience. No technical gear, ropes, or climbing skills are required. The altitude (4,450m maximum) is the primary challenge rather than the terrain. Beginners should begin acclimatization precautions above 3,000m, start Day 4’s Base Camp push by 5:30 AM, and spend an additional acclimatization night in Pokhara before beginning the trek if arriving directly from a sea-level country. Read the dedicated guide on whether the Mardi Himal Trek is good for beginners for a full assessment.