Mardi Himal Trek
A short, scenic ridge walk under the fish-tail peak of Machapuchare — the Annapurnas’ best-kept secret, perfect on a tight schedule.
About this trek
Mardi Himal is the quiet alternative for trekkers short on time but not on ambition. A forest approach gives way to an airy ridge that climbs straight toward the fluted spire of Machapuchare, with the High Camp viewpoint delivering a front-row seat to the Annapurna south face. It’s compact, beautiful and still wonderfully uncrowded.
At eight days door to door it slots neatly into a two-week holiday, and a modest top altitude keeps it accessible to most reasonably fit walkers. We finish, as ever, in relaxed lakeside Pokhara.
Trek highlights
- The airy Mardi Himal ridge
- Front-row views of Machapuchare
- High Camp viewpoint (4,500 m)
- Quiet trails and rhododendron forest
- Short enough for a two-week trip
- Finish in lakeside Pokhara
The itinerary
A typical day-by-day plan. We tailor pace and rest days to your group, and your guide adjusts on the ground for weather and acclimatisation.
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Arrive in Kathmandu
1,400 mAirport transfer, evening briefing and gear check.
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Drive to Pokhara
820 mA scenic transfer to the lakeside town beneath the Annapurnas.
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Drive to Kande, trek to Forest Camp
2,520 mA short transfer to the trailhead, then a climb into mossy rhododendron forest.
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Trek to High Camp
3,580 mEmerge onto the ridge with the peaks opening up ahead.
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Mardi Himal viewpoint, trek to Badal Danda
4,500 mA dawn push to the high viewpoint beneath Machapuchare, then down to Badal Danda.
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Trek to Sidhing, drive to Pokhara
820 mDescend through forest and villages to the road, then back to Pokhara.
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Drive to Kathmandu
1,400 mA scenic return drive, or upgrade to a short flight.
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Departure
1,400 mAirport transfer for your onward flight, or extend your stay.
What's included
In your trip price
- Private ground transfers per the itinerary
- Licensed, English-speaking local guide
- Insured porter team (one porter per two trekkers)
- All national-park entry and trekking permits
- Teahouse lodging throughout the trek
- Three freshly cooked meals a day on the trail
- Group medical kit, pulse oximeter and first aid
Not included
- International flights to and from Nepal
- Nepal entry visa fee
- Travel and high-altitude rescue insurance (required)
- Personal trekking gear and equipment
- Drinks, snacks and personal expenses
- Tips for your guide and crew (at your discretion)
From people who walked it
4.7 / 5 from 61 verified reviews
All the drama of the big treks in a fraction of the time. That ridge is something else.
Quiet, gorgeous and superbly run. Ideal when you can’t take three weeks off.
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Make the Mardi Himal yours
Tell us your dates and we’ll tailor this itinerary around you — at no cost until you book.