5 Days Mardi Himal Trek

The Mardi Himal Trek has earned its reputation as one of the most rewarding short treks in the Annapurna region — not because it is easy, but because it delivers close-range views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli within a timeframe that works for travelers who cannot commit to two or three weeks in the mountains.

Below there is detailed explaination on what the 5-day itinerary actually involves — the daily distances, the altitude gain, the steep sections, the accommodation, and the realistic mountain view conditions — so you can make an informed booking decision before contacting us.

Quick Facts of 5 days Mardi Himal Trek

Detail	Information
Duration	5 Days
Package Price	US$385 per person
Maximum Altitude	4,500m (Mardi Himal High Camp / Upper Viewpoint)
Trek Difficulty	Moderate to Strenuous
Trek Style	Tea House Trek
Region	Annapurna Conservation Area, Kaski District
Starting Point	Pokhara → Kande (by vehicle)
Ending Point	Siding → Lumre → Pokhara (by vehicle)
Accommodation	Tea houses / mountain lodges
Meals	Full board during trekking days
Guide	Included
Permits	ACAP included
Best Season	October–November and March–May
Group Size	1–15 trekkers

Mardi Himal Trek – 5 Days Overview

The Mardi Himal Trek follows a ridge route east of Machhapuchhre, climbing from the subtropical forests above Pokhara into open alpine terrain where the mountain views become increasingly direct with every hour of walking. The trek does not circle the Annapurna massif or cross a high pass. Instead, it follows a single ridge that gains altitude steadily, with the best views concentrated in the upper section between Low Camp and High Camp.

Mardi Himal itself (5,587m) is an unclimbed trekking peak that requires a permit and climbing equipment. This package reaches the area’s designated trekking high point — the Mardi Himal Viewpoint near High Camp at approximately 4,500 meters — which provides the closest access to the mountain available to trekkers without technical gear.

Five days is a fast completion of this route. The itinerary works, but the daily walking is genuine. Trekkers who prepare physically will enjoy it considerably more than those who arrive without prior training.

Why Choose the Mardi Himal Trek

The route’s primary distinction from other Annapurna short treks is the ridge approach. From Low Camp upward, the trail runs along an open ridge with views on both sides. Machhapuchhre appears directly in front of you as you climb, rather than appearing as a distant feature across a valley.

At High Camp, the surrounding peaks feel close in a way that is qualitatively different from viewpoints where you are looking across a broader landscape.

The Mardi Himal Trek also avoids the heaviest traffic sections of the Annapurna region. The trail through rhododendron and oak forest on the lower sections, and the ridge from Forest Camp to High Camp, carries a fraction of the trekker volume found on the main Annapurna Base Camp approach.

Why Choose the 5-Days Itinerary

Five days is not the only way to complete this route. Some operators run 4-day versions that compress the itinerary significantly, and 6 or 7-day options allow for a more relaxed pace. The 5-day structure strikes a practical balance: it includes enough time to reach High Camp and the viewpoint without an extremely rushed schedule, while remaining feasible for travelers with one week in Nepal.

The trade-off is that five days does not allow much margin for bad weather, slow days due to fatigue, or extended time at the viewpoint. Trekkers who want more flexibility should ask about our 6 or 7-day options.

Why Book with Merriment Treks

We arrange transportation from Pokhara to the trailhead and back, process your ACAP permit before departure, assign a licensed and experienced trekking guide, and manage tea house bookings along the route. Every component of the 5-day package is handled before you leave Pokhara, so the first morning of the trek begins with a vehicle to Kande rather than a logistics scramble.

We work with guides who have specific Mardi Himal route experience, not general trekking guides reassigned to this trail seasonally. The ridge sections above Low Camp require route familiarity, particularly in low visibility conditions or early morning starts for the viewpoint.

5 days Mardi Himal Trek Itinerary Overview

Day 1: Drive Pokhara to Kande – Trek to Forest Camp

A vehicle from Pokhara transfers you to Kande (approximately 1,770m), the trailhead for the Mardi Himal route. The drive takes roughly 45 minutes to 1 hour depending on traffic. From Kande, the trail begins immediately uphill through rhododendron and oak forest, passing through Pothana (1,890m) before continuing along the ridge to Forest Camp (2,550m).

The first day involves consistent uphill walking through forest. The trail is well-defined but not flat. Expect stone steps in several sections, particularly on the lower approach. This is not a warm-up day in the sense of easy terrain; the climbing begins from the first hour.

Day 2: Forest Camp to Low Camp to High Camp

This is the longest and most demanding day of the upward journey. The trail continues above the tree line as it approaches Low Camp (approximately 3,300m), then pushes further upward to High Camp (approximately 3,850m–4,200m depending on the specific stopping point used).

The section from Low Camp to High Camp is the steepest sustained climb of the trek. The trail narrows in places as it follows the ridge. Open views begin to appear from Low Camp onward, with Machhapuchhre becoming increasingly prominent to the north. Wind can be significant on the exposed ridge above Low Camp, particularly in the afternoon.

Day 3: High Camp – Mardi Himal Viewpoint – High Camp

The viewpoint ascent begins early, ideally before sunrise, to maximize the chance of clear visibility before cloud build-up occurs mid-morning. The climb from High Camp to the Mardi Himal Viewpoint (approximately 4,500m) takes 1.5–2 hours depending on pace and altitude response.

From the viewpoint, the surrounding peaks — Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and the broader Annapurna range — are visible at close quarters on clear days. This is the highest point of the trek and the primary photographic and experiential objective of the entire 5-day itinerary.

Cloud typically builds from the valley floor by mid-morning. Trekkers who reach the viewpoint by 7:00–8:00 AM on a clear day have the best conditions. Afternoon visits frequently encounter reduced visibility.

After returning to High Camp, the afternoon allows for rest, acclimatization, and optional further exploration of the upper ridge.

Day 4: High Camp to Low Camp to Siding

The descent begins with the same ridge trail used on the ascent, dropping back through Low Camp. Below Low Camp, the route diverges from the ascent path, turning toward Siding (approximately 1,750m) rather than returning to Forest Camp and Kande. This section of the descent is steep and sustained, covering significant elevation loss over several hours.

Siding is a traditional Gurung village with basic tea house accommodation. The descent from High Camp to Siding is long — plan for 5–6 hours of walking. This day puts the most pressure on the knees of any stage on the trek. Trekking poles are valuable here.

Day 5: Siding to Lumre – Drive to Pokhara

A short morning walk from Siding leads to Lumre (approximately 840m), where a vehicle from Merriment Treks meets the group for the return drive to Pokhara (approximately 1–1.5 hours). The morning walk is gentle compared to the previous days and provides a natural wind-down to the trekking portion of the package.

Daily Walking Distance and Hours

Day	Route	Approx. Distance	Walking Hours
Day 1	Kande → Forest Camp	8–10 km	4–5 hours
Day 2	Forest Camp → High Camp (via Low Camp)	9–11 km	6–7 hours
Day 3	High Camp → Viewpoint → High Camp	5–7 km	3–4 hours
Day 4	High Camp → Siding (via Low Camp)	10–12 km	5–6 hours
Day 5	Siding → Lumre → Pokhara	4–5 km walk + drive	2–3 hours

Walking distances are approximate and vary based on pace and route variations.

Altitude Profile

Location	Approximate Altitude
Pokhara	820m
Kande (trailhead)	1,770m
Pothana	1,890m
Forest Camp	2,550m
Low Camp	3,300m
High Camp	3,850m–4,200m
Mardi Himal Viewpoint	~4,500m
Siding	1,750m
Lumre	840m

Mardi Himal High Camp

High Camp is the overnight base for the viewpoint ascent and the highest sleeping point on this itinerary. Several tea houses operate at High Camp, offering basic accommodation in a genuinely high-altitude environment. At this elevation, temperatures drop significantly after sunset, and early mornings before the viewpoint ascent will be cold regardless of season.

The tea houses at High Camp are more basic than those at lower elevations. Rooms are simple with limited insulation. The kitchen facilities are functional but menu options narrow at this altitude. Hot drinks are consistently available, which matters more at 4,000 meters than most trekkers anticipate before arriving.

Wind at High Camp can be significant, particularly in the afternoon and evening. The ridge position offers no shelter from prevailing mountain winds. Carrying a windproof layer beyond your standard rain jacket is important for this overnight stop.

Mardi Himal Viewpoint — Highest Point of This Trek

The Mardi Himal Viewpoint at approximately 4,500m is the highest point reached on this 5-day package. This is distinct from Mardi Himal Base Camp, which sits higher on the mountain and is not part of this standard trekking itinerary.

From the viewpoint, the south face of Machhapuchhre dominates the view to the north. Annapurna South and Hiunchuli are visible to the west, and the broader Annapurna range extends behind them. The Mardi Himal peak itself rises above and beyond the viewpoint, explaining why trekkers without technical climbing permits cannot proceed further.

Cloud behavior is the primary variable in the viewpoint experience. Early morning visits in stable weather deliver the best conditions. Even in optimal seasons, some mornings produce cloud that limits visibility. There is no guarantee of clear views at any specific time; the early start simply improves the odds.

Mountain Views Along the Route

Location	Mountains Visible
Pothana	Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South (partial)
Forest Camp	Machhapuchhre (clearer), Annapurna South
Low Camp	Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli
High Camp	Full ridge panorama: Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Mardi Himal
Viewpoint	Machhapuchhre (very close), Annapurna massif, Dhaulagiri visible on clear days

Mountain visibility depends on weather, season, and time of day. Morning views are generally clearer than afternoon. October and November typically offer the most reliable visibility. Clouds frequently build over the range by mid-morning during shoulder seasons.

Trail Conditions

The Mardi Himal trail transitions through several distinct terrain types:

Lower section (Kande to Forest Camp): Mixed stone steps and natural forest path. Can be muddy during and after rain. Well-defined and straightforward to follow. Rhododendron canopy provides shade in warmer months.

Middle section (Forest Camp to Low Camp): Trail becomes steeper and more exposed as it climbs above the tree line. Rocky in places. The transition from forest to open ridge is relatively abrupt.

Upper section (Low Camp to High Camp and Viewpoint): Open ridge walking on narrow trail. Steep in sections. Rocky and potentially icy or snow-covered in colder months (December–February and early March). Requires careful footing particularly on the approach to the viewpoint.

Descent (High Camp to Siding): Steep throughout, particularly the upper section. Loose rock in places. Extended knee strain over a long descent day. Trekking poles significantly reduce discomfort.

Mardi Himal Trek Difficulty

Overall Rating: Moderate to Strenuous

The 5-day Mardi Himal Trek is not a casual walk, and the short duration does not reduce the physical demand. Day 2 in particular — from Forest Camp to High Camp — involves over 1,300 meters of elevation gain in a single day. That is a significant climb regardless of fitness level, and it comes on the second day of the trek before the body has fully adjusted to the daily routine.

Key difficulty factors:

• Sustained uphill walking on Days 1 and 2 with no flat or downhill recovery sections
• High Camp altitude (3,850m–4,200m) reached within two days of leaving Pokhara (820m)
• Exposed ridge sections above Low Camp where wind and cold add to the physical challenge
• Long descent on Day 4 with significant knee pressure over 5–6 hours
• Early morning viewpoint ascent on Day 3 at altitude before breakfast

What makes it manageable:

• The trail is well-defined throughout and does not require technical skills
• Tea houses at each overnight stop provide food and shelter
• Five days provides slightly more margin than a 4-day version
• The maximum altitude of 4,500m at the viewpoint is below the level where serious altitude illness most commonly occurs, though individual responses vary

Fitness Requirements

Fitness Level	Assessment
No prior hiking experience	Not recommended without specific preparation
Occasional day hiker	Challenging; preparation required
Regular hiker (3–4 times weekly, multi-hour walks)	Well-suited with preparation
Experienced trekker	Straightforward with normal preparation

Begin cardio training at least 4–6 weeks before departure. Loaded day hikes on consecutive days are the most relevant preparation. The sustained uphill on Day 2 is the physical crux of the trek; training specifically for sustained climbing makes a measurable difference.

Altitude and Acclimatization

The 5-day itinerary gains altitude quickly. Leaving Pokhara at 820m and sleeping at High Camp (approximately 4,000m) within two days represents a significant altitude gain without a dedicated acclimatization day.

Most healthy trekkers complete this itinerary without serious altitude-related problems. However, individual responses to altitude vary and cannot be predicted based on fitness level alone. Mild symptoms — headache, disturbed sleep, reduced appetite — are common at High Camp and should be monitored.

Practical guidance:

• Drink 3–4 liters of water daily throughout the trek
• Walk at a steady, sustainable pace rather than pushing hard on Day 2
• Report any symptoms of concern to your guide immediately
• Do not ascend to the viewpoint if you have a worsening headache or nausea from the previous night at High Camp
• Descent is the most effective response to worsening altitude symptoms

Your guide carries a pulse oximeter and basic first aid supplies. Discuss any medical history including respiratory or cardiovascular conditions with your physician before the trek.

Best Time for 5 days Mardi Himal Trek

Season	Months	Conditions	Suitability
Spring	March–May	Rhododendron bloom; warming temperatures; some cloud	Very Good
Pre-Monsoon	Early June	Increasing humidity and rain	Acceptable
Monsoon	July–August	Heavy rain; very muddy; reduced views	Not Recommended
Autumn	September–November	Stable weather; clearest skies; cold nights	Best
Winter	December–February	Cold; snow possible above 3,500m; ice on upper trail	Possible for prepared trekkers

October and November are the strongest months for mountain visibility and trail conditions. The post-monsoon air is clean, temperatures are cool but comfortable for walking, and the skies are typically stable in the morning.

March and April are excellent for the rhododendron forest experience on the lower sections and for comfortable daytime temperatures. Late April and May introduce more afternoon cloud.

Winter trekking (December–February) is possible but requires experience with cold conditions, appropriate gear for potential ice and snow on the upper trail, and the willingness to accept that the viewpoint section may not be safely accessible in heavy snowfall.

Weather Overview

Month	Day Temp (High Camp)	Night Temp (High Camp)	Conditions
March	5–12°C	-5–0°C	Good; rhododendrons blooming
April	8–15°C	-3–2°C	Very good; some afternoon cloud
May	10–18°C	0–5°C	Good; pre-monsoon cloud building
October	5–12°C	-8– -2°C	Best; clear and stable
November	0–8°C	-12– -5°C	Excellent visibility; cold nights
December	-5–5°C	-15– -8°C	Cold; possible snow on ridge

High Camp temperatures drop significantly below these ranges with wind chill. Regardless of month, a down sleeping bag and insulated layers are essential at this elevation.

Transportation from Pokhara

The package includes vehicle transfer from Pokhara to Kande (trailhead) on Day 1 and from Lumre back to Pokhara on Day 5. Both transfers are arranged by Merriment Treks and included in the US$385 package price.

The Pokhara-to-Kande drive takes approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour by private vehicle. The Lumre-to-Pokhara return is similar in duration. No additional transportation cost is required for the standard trailhead and endpoint transfers.

If you are arriving from Kathmandu, Merriment Treks can assist with Pokhara accommodation and onward transportation arrangements at additional cost.

Accommodation

Location	Type	Bathroom	Hot Shower	Electricity
Forest Camp	Mountain tea house	Shared	Sometimes (fee)	Solar / limited
High Camp	Basic mountain lodge	Shared / outdoor	Limited or none	Solar / minimal
Siding	Village tea house	Shared	Cold only	Solar / limited

Accommodation throughout the trek is simple tea house style. Rooms are typically twin-sharing with foam mattresses and basic bedding. At High Camp, room insulation is minimal and nights are genuinely cold. A personal sleeping bag rated to at least -10°C is the appropriate minimum for the High Camp overnight in all but the warmest months.

Private rooms are available at most stops but cannot always be guaranteed, particularly during peak season (October). Inform Merriment Treks of any accommodation preferences at the time of booking.

Meals and Drinking Water

All meals are included from Day 1 dinner through Day 5 breakfast. The tea house menu on the Mardi Himal route offers standard Nepal trekking fare.

Typical menu items:

• Dal bhat (lentil soup with rice, vegetables, and pickles — the most filling and reliably available option)
• Noodle soups and fried noodles
• Pasta and fried rice
• Eggs in various preparations
• Porridge and pancakes for breakfast
• Tibetan bread with butter or honey
• Hot drinks: tea, coffee, hot lemon, hot chocolate

Menu options narrow at High Camp due to supply limitations. Dal bhat is consistently available. High-energy snacks carried from Pokhara — energy bars, dried fruit, nuts — are useful supplements on the longer walking days.

Drinking water: Treat all water sources. Boiled water is available at tea houses for a small additional charge. A personal water purification solution (SteriPen, Sawyer filter, or purification tablets) is recommended as a backup and to reduce reliance on single-use plastic bottles.

Wi-Fi, Electricity, and Connectivity

Location	Wi-Fi	Charging	Notes
Forest Camp	Sometimes available	Solar / limited	Variable reliability
High Camp	Generally unavailable	Very limited	Do not rely on charging at this elevation
Siding	Limited	Solar	Inconsistent

Plan as if Wi-Fi and reliable electricity are unavailable above Forest Camp. A power bank with sufficient capacity for your devices is essential, particularly if you are using a camera or GPS device heavily. NTC and Ncell mobile signal is available on the lower sections but becomes unreliable above Forest Camp on most networks.

Permits and Trekking Requirements

Permit	Requirement	Included in Package
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)	Required for all foreign trekkers	Yes — included in US$385
TIMS Card	Currently not required for this specific Annapurna route under updated regulations — confirm at time of booking	Confirm with Merriment Treks

The ACAP permit is processed by Merriment Treks before departure. You will need to provide your passport details and a passport-sized photograph for the permit application. Your guide carries the permit and presents it at the checkpost on the trail.

Permit regulations and fees in Nepal are subject to change. The inclusions stated in this package are based on current requirements; we confirm all current documentation requirements at the time of booking.

Packing Checklist

Clothing

Item	Notes
Moisture-wicking base layers (top and bottom)	2 sets minimum
Fleece mid-layer	For evenings and cool mornings
Down jacket	Essential for High Camp overnight and viewpoint ascent
Waterproof jacket (windproof)	Rain and wind protection on exposed ridge
Waterproof trousers	For rain and cold on upper sections
Trekking trousers	2 pairs recommended
Warm hat covering ears	Essential for High Camp
Sun hat or cap	For lower sections
Gloves (insulated)	Critical for viewpoint ascent
Neck gaiter or buff	Versatile layer
Trekking socks	4–5 pairs; wool blend preferred
Trekking boots (high ankle, waterproof)	Well broken-in before the trek
Sandals or camp shoes	For tea house evenings

Gear

Item	Notes
Sleeping bag (-10°C rated)	Non-negotiable for High Camp
Trekking poles	Strongly recommended; critical on Day 4 descent
Daypack (25–30L)	For personal items during walking
Duffel bag	Porter-carried luggage (max 10–12kg)
Headlamp with spare batteries	For early viewpoint start
Power bank (10,000–20,000 mAh)	Charging unreliable above Forest Camp
Water bottles (2 × 1L)	Plus purification method
Sunglasses (UV protection)	Needed particularly at High Camp and viewpoint
Sunscreen (SPF 50+) and lip balm	UV intensity increases with altitude
Personal first-aid kit	Blister care, pain relief, antidiarrheal
Camera with extra batteries	Cold reduces battery performance

Cost Breakdown

Item	Included
Transportation (Pokhara–Kande and Lumre–Pokhara)	✓
ACAP Permit	✓
Tea house accommodation (4 nights, twin-sharing)	✓
All meals from Day 1 dinner to Day 5 breakfast	✓
Licensed English-speaking trekking guide	✓
Porter service (1 porter per 2 trekkers)	✓
Guide and porter insurance and daily allowances	✓
Government taxes and agency fees	✓

Additional Costs to Budget Separately	Estimated
Pokhara accommodation before/after trek	USD 15–50/night
Hot showers at tea houses	NPR 200–500 per shower
Wi-Fi fees where available	NPR 200–500
Device charging fees	NPR 100–300
Personal snacks from Pokhara	USD 20–40 total
Guide and porter tips (customary)	USD 50–100 total
Travel insurance	USD 50–120
Nepal visa	USD 50 (30-day visa on arrival)

Optional Services and Customization

• 6 or 7-day itinerary: For trekkers who want a more relaxed pace, additional overnight stops can be added at Low Camp, reducing the altitude gain on Day 2 and providing a genuine acclimatization buffer before High Camp. Contact us to discuss extended options.
• Private group departures: The standard package is available year-round on fixed departure dates. Private group bookings allow flexible start dates.
• Single room supplement: Available at most stops subject to tea house availability.
• Kathmandu to Pokhara transfer: Tourist bus or flight can be arranged at additional cost.

Responsible Trekking

The Mardi Himal route passes through the Annapurna Conservation Area, a protected zone that sustains both the ecosystem and the communities that depend on it.

• Carry out all non-biodegradable waste. Tea houses cannot manage large volumes of trekker packaging.
• Use a water filter to reduce single-use plastic bottle consumption on the trail.
• Stay on marked trails, particularly on the upper ridge where vegetation is fragile and regenerates slowly at altitude.
• Respect tea house operations: waste water, rubbish, and noise management in small mountain communities requires more consideration than in standard hotels.
• Tips for guides and porters are an important component of fair wages on this route. The recommended amounts reflect the actual working conditions involved.

Practical Travel Tips

• Carry cash from Pokhara. There are no ATMs or card payment facilities on the trail. NPR is the only currency accepted at tea houses. Budget for the full trek period plus a contingency for extra nights or delays.
• Start Day 2 early. The climb from Forest Camp to High Camp is long. Starting by 7:00 AM gives you the best chance of arriving at High Camp in daylight with energy to spare.
• Treat the viewpoint ascent seriously. An early start on Day 3 (5:00–5:30 AM for a before-sunrise arrival) is strongly recommended. Cloud typically builds over the Annapurna range by 9:00–10:00 AM even on clear days.
• Pack your down jacket in your daypack every day. Temperature drops on the ridge when you stop walking, cloud comes in, or wind picks up. Access to insulation layers during the walk matters as much as having them at the tea house.
• Break in your boots before arrival. Blisters on Day 1 make the next four days significantly harder. Walk in your trekking boots for several weeks before the trek, not just once or twice.

Book Your 5-Day Mardi Himal Trek with Merriment Treks

The US$385 Mardi Himal Trek package covers everything from the Pokhara vehicle transfer to the final descent — guide, porter, permits, accommodation, and meals. What it requires from you is physical preparation and the right gear for the altitude.

To check availability and departure dates:

• Contact Merriment Treks with your preferred start date and group size
• We confirm the guide assignment, permit processing timeline, and any specific questions about the route
• A deposit secures your booking; full payment is due before departure

We respond to all inquiries within 24 hours. If you have questions about fitness preparation, gear, combining this trek with other Nepal itineraries, or adjusting to a 6-day version, include those in your message and we will give you a direct answer.

The Mardi Himal Trek delivers what it promises — close mountain views, genuine ridge walking, and a 5-day itinerary that fits a tight Nepal schedule — provided trekkers arrive prepared for the actual physical demands involved. Contact Merriment Treks to confirm dates and begin planning.