Mardi Himal Trek: The Short, Wild Ridge Above Pokhara
Mardi Himal base camp faces Machapuchare. Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC).
The Mardi Himal trek is the compact alternative to the busy Poon Hill route — a narrow ridge walk above Pokhara that delivers a face-to-face view of Machapuchare (the "Fishtail") and the Annapurna wall. In 4–7 days you go from lakeside to a high ridge at around 4,500 m, through rhododendron forest and yak pastures, with the kind of close-up peak drama that longer treks take weeks to reach. This guide covers the route, the difficulty, and the best season for our Mardi Himal trek package.
Why Mardi Himal is popular
Mardi exploded in popularity because it packs a serious mountain view into a short trip close to Pokhara. The ridge is dramatic — you walk a thin line with valleys dropping on both sides — and the Machapuchare view from the high camp is spectacular. It is less commercial than Poon Hill, so the trail feels wilder for its size.
The route at a glance
Most treks start with a drive to Kande or Phedi, climb to Australian Camp or Deurali, then Forest Camp, Low Camp, High Camp, and the Mardi Himal viewpoint (about 4,200–4,500 m). Some descend via Siddhing or loop back to Pokhara. The classic 4–5 day version is tight; 6–7 days is more relaxed with a Pokhara buffer.
The Machapuchare view
Mardi's signature is the unclimbed Fishtail peak filling your frame, with Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Gangapurna behind. The pre-dawn walk to the viewpoint for first light is the payoff. Because you are on a ridge, not in a valley, the proximity of the peaks feels immediate.
Difficulty and fitness
Mardi is moderate. Days are 5–7 hours with real climbs, and the high camp is properly high, so altitude matters. The trail is rougher and more exposed than Poon Hill, with some steep, narrow sections. Fit trekkers with some hill experience do well; it is not a first-ever-walk, but it is achievable for most.
Altitude on Mardi
The viewpoint sits near 4,500 m. The ascent is fast for the altitude, so a relaxed pace and a buffer night at High Camp help. Symptoms of AMS should be taken seriously; descending is the cure. A guide keeps the pace honest when the view tempts you to rush.
Best season
Autumn (Oct–Nov) and spring (Mar–May, with rhododendrons) are best, per the best time to visit Nepal guide. Winter is snowy and cold at the high camp; monsoon is leechy and cloudy. Spring turns the forest red and pink, which is a draw on its own.
Teahouses and facilities
Mardi's lodges are newer and simpler than the established ABC or Poon Hill teahouses — basic rooms, communal dining, dal bhat and noodles. Upper camps can be cold; a good sleeping bag matters. Because the trail is shorter, supplies are limited up high, so carry snacks and a power bank.
Mardi vs Poon Hill
Poon Hill is lower, easier, and more built-up, with a famous sunrise over a broad range. Mardi is higher, wilder, and more intimate with Machapuchare. If you want a short trek with a strong peak experience and fewer crowds, Mardi wins; if you want the gentlest possible walk, Poon Hill is safer.
Permits
Mardi lies in the Annapurna Conservation Area, so you need the ACAP permit and TIMS card (same as ABC), arranged in Pokhara or Kathmandu. Our package handles both. Carry your passport for checks.
What to pack
Layers, a -10°C sleeping bag for the high camp, broken-in boots, poles for the steep bits, a rain shell, and a headlamp. The exposed ridge is windy and cold at dawn. A camera with zoom captures Machapuchare without the haze of a phone lens.
Combine Mardi with Pokhara
Mardi is the perfect Pokhara add-on — fly or drive in, trek 4–5 days, and return to a lakeside massage and the paragliding or wellness options. It slots into almost any tour package.
Photography on the ridge
The narrow ridge gives leading-line compositions; shoot the valley drops and the peak together. Sunrise lights Machapuchare pink. A polarizer cuts glare. The high camp at golden hour, with yaks and prayer flags, is the social-media shot everyone wants.
Responsible trekking
The trail is young and the lodges are small — tread lightly, carry out trash, and respect the forest. Rhododendron blooms are protected; do not pick them. Fair tipping supports the local families running the camps.
Why book with a guide
The route has a few junctions and the high camp is cold and exposed; a guide keeps you on track and safe at altitude. Our Mardi Himal trek includes a licensed guide, permits, and lodges, so the short trek stays simple for you.
How long is the Mardi Himal trek?
It takes about 4 to 7 days from Pokhara. The classic version drives to Kande, climbs through Forest, Low, and High Camp to the viewpoint near 4,500 m, then descends. Four or five days is tight; six or seven is more relaxed with a Pokhara buffer at either end.
Is Mardi Himal difficult?
It is moderate. Days are 5 to 7 hours with real climbs, and the high viewpoint is near 4,500 m, so altitude matters. The trail is rougher and more exposed than Poon Hill, with steep narrow sections, but it is achievable for fit trekkers with some hill walking experience.
What is the best time for Mardi Himal?
Autumn (October to November) and spring (March to May) are best, with spring adding rhododendron blooms. Winter is snowy and cold at the high camp, and the June to August monsoon brings leeches and cloud. The dry, stable windows give the clearest Machapuchare views.
Do I need a permit for Mardi Himal?
Yes. Mardi lies in the Annapurna Conservation Area, so you need the ACAP permit and the TIMS card, arranged in Pokhara or Kathmandu. A booked trek usually handles both permits, and you should carry your passport for the entry-post checks along the trail.
Mardi Himal or Poon Hill — which is better?
Poon Hill is lower, easier, and more built-up with a broad sunrise range; Mardi is higher, wilder, and more intimate with Machapuchare. Choose Mardi for a short trek with a strong, less-crowded peak experience; choose Poon Hill for the gentlest possible walk.
About Enticing Himalayas
Enticing Himalayas (legal name Enticing Himalayas Travels) is a Kathmandu based, Nepal licensed travel operator under the brand Explore Heal Thrive. This guide covers the Mardi Himal trek — itinerary, views, difficulty, and season.
Our services
- Trekking and slow trekking with daily meditation and breathwork
- Spiritual and pilgrimage tours (Muktinath, Gosaikunda, Lumbini, Pashupatinath, Namobuddha)
- Wellness and yoga retreats, including the 9 Day Luxury Yoga, Wellness and Himalayan Escape
- Certified Ayurveda and Panchakarma, vetted locally
- Cultural, heli, rafting, and wildlife journeys
- Custom itinerary design and on ground logistics
Accreditations and partnerships
We are a recognized partner of the Nepal Tourism Board and list experiences through established global platforms. Every wellness provider we send guests to is met in person and vetted.
About the author
Written by the Enticing Himalayas editorial team in Kathmandu, with input from our resident guides and partners. We update this guide as our programs develop.
Why trust Enticing Himalayas
We are based in Kathmandu and our guides run these routes every season. We vet every provider on three things: verifiable training, a resident qualified practitioner, and a track record with international guests. If a provider cannot clear that bar, we do not send you there.