What is the total cost of permits for Mardi Himal in 2026?

For 2026, foreign trekkers should budget approximately (50 USD) for mandatory permits: ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit): 20 USD e-TIMS Card (Digital Tracking): 30 USD Note: SAARC nationals pay reduced rates

Mardi Himal Trek - 10 Days

Duration 10 Days
Trip Grade Easy
Max Height 4500m.
Start From Kathmandu
Ends at Kathmandu
Group Size 1-15
Transportation Shared Bus, Jeep and Walk
Trip Meals Breakfast
Accommodation Hotel in Kathmandu / Local Lodge during the trek
Best Season Spring (March–May) & Autumn (September–November)

Mardi Himal Trek – Introduction

The Mardi Himal Trek is one of the best short trek itinerary in Nepal and a hidden gem in the Annapurna region, offering breathtaking views of Mount Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli. This 10-day trekking adventure takes you through lush rhododendron forests, scenic ridgelines, and remote mountain trails leading to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m).

Starting from Kathmandu and Pokhara, the trail diverts from the classic Annapurna routes at Pothana, providing a peaceful and less crowded trekking experience. Highlights include walking through mystical cloud forests, staying in traditional teahouses, and reaching stunning viewpoints like High Camp and Upper Viewpoint.

Perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers, the Mardi Himal Trek combines Himalayan beauty, cultural experience, and moderate difficulty, making it an ideal alternative to popular treks like Annapurna Base Camp.

Mardi Himal Trek - Trip Highlights

Witness the most intimate and spectacular views of Mt. Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) and the Annapurna range.
Experience the unique "Ridge Trek" that offers 360-degree panoramas of the Himalayas and the Pokhara Valley.
Explore the magical "Cloud Forest" filled with oak, lichen, and blooming rhododendrons.
Reach the Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m), the highest point of the trek, for an unrivaled mountain vista.
Discover the cultural authenticity of Siding Village, where traditional lifestyles endure.
Enjoy a seamless 2026 journey with a licensed professional guide, mandatory for safety and permit verification.

Trip Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m / 4,265ft)

Highest Altitude1300m
AccommodationHotel in Kathmandu
Included mealsBreakfast

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), our representative will greet you and provide a private transfer to your hotel in Thamel. After checking in, you can spend the afternoon resting or exploring the historic streets of Kathmandu. In the evening, attend a pre-trip briefing covering the 2026 mandatory guide protocols and a final gear check.

Day 2 Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (822m / 2,697ft)

Highest Altitude822m
AccommodationHotel in Pokhara
Included mealsBreakfast

After an early morning breakfast, you board a comfortable tourist bus for a 7-hour scenic drive (210km) westward. The bus follows the Prithvi Highway, winding along the banks of the Trishuli River. You will pass through rural towns and terraced hills before reaching Pokhara, the "City of Lakes." The evening is free for a boat ride on Phewa Lake.

Day 3 Drive to Phedi & Trek to Pothana (1,890m / 6,200ft)

Walking Distance4-5 hrs
Highest Altitude1890m
AccommodationLocal Lodge
Included mealsBreakfast

Your trekking adventure begins with a 1-hour drive to Phedi. From here, you start a steep ascent through stone steps and lush forests. After approximately 4-5 hours of walking, you pass through Dhampus and arrive at the beautiful village of Pothana. This ridge-top settlement offers your first unblocked views of Machhapuchhre and Annapurna South.

Day 4 Trek from Pothana to Forest Camp (2,500m / 8,202ft)

Walking Distance4-5 hrs
Highest Altitude2500m
AccommodationLocal Lodge
Included mealsBreakfast

Today’s 4-hour trek takes you off the main Annapurna trail and into a much quieter, "off-the-beaten-path" world. You enter a dense forest of oak, maple, and rhododendron. Because the trail is undisturbed, you may spot local wildlife like Langur monkeys. The day concludes at Forest Camp (Kokar), a peaceful clearing nestled deep in the woods.

Day 5 Trek from Forest Camp to Low Camp (3,050m / 10,006ft)

Walking Distance5 hrs
Highest Altitude3050m
AccommodationLocal Lodge
Included mealsBreakfast

Today is a short but steep 4-hour climb that takes you above the tree line. You emerge onto a grassy ridge that offers spectacular 360-degree views of the Annapurna range on your left and the deep Seti River Valley on your right. You will reach High Camp by early afternoon, allowing time to acclimatize and watch the sunset over the Himalayas.

Day 6 High Camp to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m) & Trek to Siding (1,700m)

Walking Distance8 hrs
Highest Altitude4500m
AccommodationLocal Lodge
Included mealsBreakfast

This is the most challenging and rewarding day. You wake up at 4:00 AM for a headlamp hike to the Upper Viewpoint and then onto the Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m). After witnessing the sunrise ignite the south face of Annapurna, you begin a long 8-hour descent. Retracing your steps to High Camp for breakfast, you then branch off toward the traditional village of Siding.

Day 7 Trek to Lumre & Drive to Pokhara (822m / 2,697ft)

Walking Distance3 hrs
Highest Altitude822m
AccommodationHotel in Pokhara
Included mealsBreakfast

A gentle 3-hour trek through terraced fields and local farming villages brings you to Lumre. From here, a private vehicle will drive you for 2 hours back to the luxury of Pokhara. The evening is yours to celebrate your successful summit with a hot shower and a lakeside feast.

Day 8 Drive from Pokhara back to Kathmandu

Walking Distance3 hrs
Highest Altitude1300m
AccommodationHotel in Kathmandu
Included mealsBreakfast

You retrace the 7-hour journey via tourist bus back to the capital. The evening in Kathmandu is the perfect time for last-minute souvenir shopping in Thamel or visiting any sights you missed on Day 1.

Day 9 Final Departure

Walking Distance9 hrs
Highest Altitude1300m
AccommodationHotel in Kathmandu
Included mealsBreakfast

Our representative will provide a private transfer to the airport according to your flight schedule. You head home with a heart full of memories from the "Ridge Trek" of 2026.

What's Included in Mardi Himal Trek

Transfers: All Airport Pickups & Drop-offs via private vehicle.
Hotels: 2 Nights in Kathmandu and 2 Nights in Pokhara (3-Star, Breakfast included).
Teahouses: 5 Nights in standard mountain lodges during the trek.
Staff: Professional Licensed English-speaking Guide (mandatory in 2026).
Permits: All mandatory ACAP and e-TIMS card fees.
Transport: Kathmandu-Pokhara tourist bus and private vehicle for trailhead transfers.

What's Excluded in Mardi Himal Trek

Staff: Porter service (Self-carry backpack recommended; max 10-12kg).
Other Meals: Lunches and Dinners (Budget $25–$35 per day).
Teahouse Extras: Hot showers, Wi-Fi, and electronic charging fees.
Insurance: Mandatory insurance covering helicopter evacuation up to 5,000m.

Trip Map of Mardi Himal Trek

From US$ 800 US$ 673 (Price varies by group size)

We Offer Group Discount

No. of people	Price P.P
1	US$ 673
2 to 5	US$ 565
6 to 10	US$ 529
11 - Above	US$ 479

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Mardi Himal Trek – Detailed Overview

The Mardi Himal Trek is a transformative trekking journey into the pristine “hidden gem” of the Annapurna region, offering a front-row seat to the iconic Mount Machhapuchhre (Fishtail). This 10-day adventure invites you into a region where ancient rhododendron forests and high-altitude ridges stand in the majestic shadows of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli. Unlike the more crowded trails, Mardi Himal offers a sense of mystical isolation as you transition from lush, tropical forests to the stark, rugged terrain of the Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m).

The trek diverges from the traditional paths at Pothana, veering onto a narrow ridgeline that feels remote and untouched. As you follow the winding trails, dramatic landscapes unfold—from deep, echoing gorges to expansive valleys framed by soaring Himalayan peaks. Along the way, you’ll stay in cozy teahouses and walk through the “cloud forest,” where mosses and orchids create a spiritual stillness. Your adventure begins in the cultural hub of Kathmandu before moving to the lakeside paradise of Pokhara, eventually guiding you to the high vantage points of High Camp and the Upper Viewpoint. This journey promises an enduring impact on your heart and soul, leaving you with memories of pristine landscapes that will last a lifetime.

You Should Know Before Travel Expand All Collapse All

Yes. According to the 2026 Nepal Tourism Board regulations, foreign trekkers are strictly prohibited from trekking solo in the Annapurna Conservation Area. You must be accompanied by a licensed government guide hired through a registered trekking agency. This rule is strictly enforced at checkpoints in Phedi and Kande to ensure trekker safety and environmental protection.

The trek is rated as Moderate. While it is shorter than the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC), it features steep ridgeline climbs. It is considered one of the best beginner-friendly treks in Nepal because the maximum sleeping altitude (High Camp at 3,580m) is manageable, though the final push to Base Camp (4,500m) requires good stamina and steady breathing.

For 2026, foreign trekkers should budget approximately (50 USD) for mandatory permits:

ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit): 20 USD
e-TIMS Card (Digital Tracking): 30 USD
Note: SAARC nationals pay reduced rates

The "Golden Windows" for this trek are Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November). Spring is famous for the blooming rhododendron forests below Forest Camp, while Autumn offers the sharpest, crystal-clear mountain views and the most stable weather for high-altitude photography.

Yes. If you choose to self-carry your gear, a porter is not mandatory. However, a licensed guide remains a legal requirement. If you carry your own pack, we recommend keeping the weight under 10–12kg due to the steep, narrow ridges between Low Camp and High Camp.

Mardi Himal is shorter, steeper, and less crowded than ABC. While ABC takes you into a "mountain amphitheater," Mardi Himal offers a ridge-top experience where you look across at the peaks. Mardi is perfect for those seeking solitude and a "wilder" feel with fewer trekkers on the trail.

While the highest point is 4,500m, the risk of AMS is lower because you only spend a few hours at that elevation before descending. However, the climb from Low Camp to High Camp is a significant jump. Our 10-day itinerary includes proper acclimatization to ensure your safety.

Mardi Himal is a teahouse trek. You will stay in basic but cozy lodges with twin-sharing rooms. In 2026, most teahouses offer Wi-Fi (NPR 300-500) and hot showers (NPR 200-500), though these facilities become more limited and expensive as you reach High Camp.

Coverage is unreliable but possible. Both NTC and Ncell work in patches along the ridge. You may get a signal at High Camp, but it often disappears as you approach the Base Camp. Most trekkers rely on the teahouse Wi-Fi for essential communication.

No, there are no ATMs available anywhere on the Mardi Himal trail. The last place to withdraw cash is in Pokhara before you drive to the trailhead. Once you begin your ascent toward Forest Camp, Low Camp, and High Camp, all transactions at teahouses and local shops are done in cash (Nepalese Rupees).