Mardi Himal
Trek

Mardi Himal is rated Moderate. It's achievable for first-timers with a reasonable level of fitness, but it's a step up from an easy trek. Day 4 starts at 4:30 AM and involves reaching 4,000m, which requires acclimatisation and stamina. If you can handle 5–7 hours of walking on consecutive days, including some steep sections, you'll be fine. We include an acclimatisation hike on Day 3 to help your body adjust.

The price is $360 to $410 per person depending on group size: $410 for one person, $399 for two, $380 for three to four and $360 for five or more. It includes private transport, meals, accommodation, guide and porter, and the TIMS and ACAP permits.

The standard plan reaches the Lower Viewpoint at about 4,000m on Day 4. The highest overnight stop is High Camp at 3,550m. If you are strong and well acclimatised, your guide can take you higher to the Upper Viewpoint or towards Mardi Himal Base Camp.

We arrange private transport from Pokhara to Kande, which takes around an hour. On the final day, we return from Siding village by jeep, again arranged by us. Both transfers are included in the trek cost, so there's nothing to organise on your end.

Teahouses on the Mardi Himal route are simple and functional: basic private rooms, shared bathrooms, and communal dining areas. Higher up (High Camp), facilities are more basic as you'd expect at altitude. Hot showers may be available at lower camps for a small fee. Bring a sleeping bag liner for extra warmth at the higher stops, especially High Camp at 3,550m.

The Lower Viewpoint at about 4,000m is high enough to feel the effects of altitude, and headaches, fatigue and shortness of breath are common. We build in an acclimatisation hike on Day 3 before the viewpoint climb on Day 4 to help your body adjust. Our guides are trained to monitor for altitude sickness. If you feel unwell, descending is always the safest option and we'll support that decision fully. Staying hydrated and not rushing the ascent are the most important factors.

Teahouse menus on this route are solid: dal bhat, noodles, pasta, eggs, soups, porridge, and seasonal vegetables. Higher up the menu simplifies, but there's always enough to fuel you for the day. Three meals per day are included in your cost. If you have dietary restrictions, let us know in advance and we'll flag it with the teahouses along the route.

October and November are the most popular months: post-monsoon air gives the clearest mountain views and the trails are dry and firm. March to May is also excellent, with rhododendrons in bloom through the forest sections. December is surprisingly good with far fewer trekkers and crisp visibility, though nights at High Camp will be cold. June to September brings monsoon rain which makes the high ridges slippery and views less predictable.

Yes. An Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and a TIMS card are both required. These are included in your trek cost and arranged by us in Pokhara before departure. You don't need to visit any permit offices yourself.

Yes, this is optional on Day 4. The standard plan reaches the Lower Viewpoint at around 4,000m, which already gives extraordinary views of Fishtail and Annapurna South. If you're feeling strong and acclimatised, your guide can take you higher to the Upper Viewpoint or towards Mardi Himal Base Camp. This adds time and effort, so we assess it on the day based on conditions and how everyone is feeling.

Key items: sturdy trekking boots with ankle support, warm layers including a down jacket (High Camp nights are cold), waterproof outer shell, trekking poles (very helpful on the descent), a headlamp for the 4:30 AM viewpoint start, sunscreen, sunglasses, a reusable water bottle, and a daypack. A sleeping bag rated to at least -5°C is recommended for High Camp. We'll send a full packing list after booking.

If you need to descend early for any reason, whether that's altitude sickness, injury, or personal circumstances, there is no refund on the remaining trek cost. However, we will arrange comfortable accommodation for you in Pokhara for the number of nights that remain on your itinerary at no extra charge. Please see our full Cancellation Policy for details.

Choose Mardi Himal for close, high-altitude views of Fishtail and Annapurna South on a moderate trek. Choose Kokhe Danda for an easier trek with family-run homestays, village culture and wide Dhaulagiri and Annapurna views. See the Kokhe Danda Trek.