Mardi Himal Trek 2026 — 5-7 Day Itinerary, Cost & Permits
Off-the-beaten Annapurna alternative. Ridge-trail views of Machapuchare, Annapurna South and Hiunchuli from Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500 m).
- Duration
- 5-7 days
- Max altitude
- 4,500 m
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Cost from
- NPR 35,000
Quick answer
The Mardi Himal trek is a 5-7 day ridge-trail trek above the Annapurna sanctuary, climbing through rhododendron forest to a high-altitude alpine ridge with close-up views of Machapuchare (Fishtail, 6,993 m), Annapurna South (7,219 m), and Hiunchuli (6,441 m). Maximum altitude is 4,500 m at the Upper Viewpoint above Mardi Himal Base Camp. Yatra For Fun books the trek with ACAP + TIMS permits, English-speaking Gurung guide, porter, teahouse accommodation, and three meals daily, for NPR 35,000-80,000 per person.
Why this trek
Mardi Himal opened to trekkers in 2012 — it's the youngest 'Annapurna alternative' route. Where ABC tracks a glacial sanctuary at the valley floor, Mardi Himal climbs a ridge that runs parallel to the Annapurna massif, putting you above the cloud line with mountains at eye level rather than overhead. The Upper Viewpoint at 4,500 m is the closest non-mountaineering vantage point on Machapuchare's south face in all of Nepal. The trek is shorter than ABC (5-7 days vs 7-12) and significantly cheaper, but offers a comparable mountain experience — many trekkers prefer it because the foot traffic is one-fifth of the ABC route and the lodges (entirely teahouse-style, built post-2012) are newer and quieter. The lower-altitude sections also pass through pristine rhododendron forest with red panda habitat (sightings are rare but reported). Yatra For Fun books the standard 5-day Pokhara → Forest Camp → Mardi BC → Sidhing → Pokhara loop for shorter holidays, or the 7-day version that combines Mardi with the Ghorepani / Poon Hill section as a comprehensive Pokhara-region trek.
About the route
The trek starts with a 1-hour jeep ride from Pokhara to Kande (1,770 m). Day 1 climbs steadily through pine and rhododendron forest to Forest Camp (2,520 m). Day 2 continues to Low Camp (2,990 m) and onwards to High Camp (3,580 m) on a ridge that begins to give the first views of Mardi Himal and Machapuchare. Day 3 is the summit-style day: pre-dawn 2-3 hour climb to the Upper Viewpoint at 4,500 m for a sunrise panorama of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Machapuchare and the upper Modi Khola valley. Most trekkers turn back at the Upper Viewpoint; some continue 30 minutes more to Mardi Himal Base Camp at 4,300 m. The descent retraces or takes the alternative route via Sidhing village and Lwang Ghalel back to Pokhara. Total walking distance is approximately 45 km. Daily walking time is 4-7 hours.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
Pokhara → Kande → Forest Camp
- Altitude
- 2,520 m
- Walking
- 5h
1h jeep to Kande, trek 4-5h through rhododendron forest to Forest Camp (2,520 m).
Day 2
Forest Camp → Low Camp → High Camp
- Altitude
- 3,580 m
- Walking
- 6h
Continue ridge ascent to Low Camp (2,990 m) and onwards to High Camp (3,580 m).
Day 3
Upper Viewpoint sunrise (4,500 m) → Sidhing
- Altitude
- 4,500 m
- Walking
- 9h
Pre-dawn 2-3h to Upper Viewpoint for the panorama, then long descent to Sidhing village (1,725 m).
Day 4
Sidhing → Lwang Ghalel → Pokhara
- Altitude
- 822 m
- Walking
- 4h
Final descent through Gurung villages to Lwang Ghalel, jeep back to Pokhara.
Cost breakdown (NPR)
Per person in a 2-pax group, mid-tier teahouse accommodation, spring/autumn season. Yatra concierge confirms exact NPR at booking.
| Category | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ACAP + TIMS permits | NPR 5,000 | |
| Pokhara ↔ trailhead jeep transport | NPR 4,000-6,000 | |
| Guide (English-speaking Gurung) | NPR 12,000-18,000 | USD 25-30 per day × 4-5 days |
| Porter (1 per 2 trekkers) | NPR 8,000-12,000 | USD 18-22 per day × 4-5 days |
| Teahouse accommodation (twin-share) | NPR 3,000-5,000 | NPR 800-1,200 per night × 4 nights |
| Three meals per day | NPR 10,000-16,000 | NPR 2,500-3,500 per day × 4-5 days |
| Yatra concierge + emergency line | NPR 5,000 | |
| Total per person (2-pax group) | NPR 35,000-80,000 | Lower = 5-day fast route, shoulder; upper = 7-day with Ghorepani add-on |
Required permits
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
NPR 3,000 - TIMS card
NPR 2,000 group / NPR 1,000 FIT
Best season
March-May (spring) and September-December (autumn through early winter). Mardi Himal is one of the few Nepali treks that's good in December because the maximum altitude (4,500 m) is reached on a single day-trip — no need to sleep above 3,580 m. October offers the clearest mountain panoramas. Avoid monsoon June-August (cloud, leeches, slippery trail).
Recommended months: Mar · Apr · May · Sep · Oct · Nov · Dec
Fitness & difficulty
Moderate. The longest single day is the Upper Viewpoint summit + descent to Sidhing (9 hours, with 950 m gain and 2,775 m loss). Maximum sleeping altitude is High Camp at 3,580 m. The summit at 4,500 m is reached as a day-trip with no overnight at that altitude, lowering AMS risk significantly. Recommended: 4-6 weeks of cardio + hill walking.
Difficulty rating: Moderate
What's included
- ✓ACAP + TIMS permits
- ✓Pokhara ↔ trailhead jeep transport
- ✓Licensed, English-speaking guide
- ✓Porter (1 per 2 trekkers, 25 kg max)
- ✓4 nights teahouse accommodation (twin-share)
- ✓All meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
- ✓Tea / coffee with every meal
- ✓Welcome briefing in Pokhara
- ✓Yatra For Fun 24/7 emergency line + helicopter evac coordination
What's not included
- ·International flights to Kathmandu
- ·Nepal visa fee (NPR 4,000 for 30 days / USD 50)
- ·Mandatory travel insurance with high-altitude trek cover
- ·Tips for guide + porter (recommended: USD 6-10 per day per trekker)
- ·Pokhara accommodation (Yatra books separately if needed)
- ·Hot showers + device charging at teahouses
- ·Soft drinks, alcohol, snacks
- ·Personal trekking gear (Yatra rents)
Book Mardi Himal Trek 2026 via Yatra concierge
We confirm availability with the operator within 2 business hours and only charge your card once your group is secured. Pay in NPR or USD — taxes included.
Frequently asked questions
How is Mardi Himal different from Annapurna Base Camp?
Three key differences: (1) Mardi is a ridge trek at 4,500 m max with one-fifth the foot traffic; ABC is a sanctuary trek at 4,130 m with much busier teahouses. (2) Mardi is 5-7 days vs ABC's 7-12. (3) Mardi is roughly half the cost (NPR 35-80K vs NPR 60-150K). Both end with sunrise views, but Mardi's Upper Viewpoint gives you Machapuchare south face at eye level — the closest non-mountaineering vantage point of the Fishtail in Nepal.
Why is Mardi Himal cheaper than other Nepal treks?
Three reasons: shorter duration (5 days minimum vs 7+ for ABC, 12+ for EBC), no domestic flight required (jeep from Pokhara only, vs Lukla flight for EBC), and no restricted-area permit (vs Manaslu's NPR 22K). The total NPR 35-80K reflects the genuinely lower overhead for a comparable Himalayan-mountain experience.
What's the altitude sickness risk?
Low. Maximum sleeping altitude is High Camp at 3,580 m — well below the 4,000 m sleeping threshold where most AMS cases begin. The summit at 4,500 m is reached as a day-trip and you descend immediately to lower altitudes. Yatra still recommends the standard prevention: hydrate, ascend slowly, watch for symptoms, and turn back if unwell.
Can I trek Mardi Himal in winter (December-February)?
December and early January are workable. The summit at 4,500 m has snow but the route is non-technical and crampons usually aren't needed. Late January and February see heavy snowfall above 3,000 m and many teahouses partially close — book through Yatra's winter desk for current open-teahouse confirmation. Spring (March-May) is generally a better-value winter alternative.
How fit do I need to be?
Moderately fit. The hardest day is the Upper Viewpoint summit + descent to Sidhing — 9 hours with significant elevation change. The earlier days are 5-6 hour walks at gradual elevation. If you've done a 5-day European Alps tour or a Lake District multi-day hike with overnight bag, you're ready. Recommended: 4-6 weeks of cardio + step climbing before departure.
Can I combine Mardi Himal with another trek?
Yes — the most popular combination is Mardi Himal + Ghorepani / Poon Hill (10-day total), which gives the rhododendron forest cultural experience plus two summit views (Mardi Upper Viewpoint + Poon Hill). Yatra also books Mardi + ABC (12-day total) for trekkers who want the ridge-and-sanctuary contrast. Both add NPR 25-40K to the base trek cost.
What gear do I need?
Same as ABC: boots, daypack (30-35 L), -10°C sleeping bag, down jacket, base layers, gloves, hat, sunglasses, trekking poles. Yatra rents the bulky items (sleeping bag, down jacket, poles) for NPR 250-500 per item per day from our Pokhara depot. No technical gear needed.
When is the absolute best month?
October. Clearest mountain views (95% clear summit-day weather), driest trail, full teahouse coverage, peak rhododendron post-monsoon greenery on the lower section. April is second-best for the rhododendron bloom but afternoon clouds are more frequent. Yatra books year-round but recommends the two main windows.