Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek
Trip Overview
The Mardi Himal Trek follows a narrow, forested ridge that runs north from the Pokhara valley straight towards Machhapuchhre (6,993 m), the sacred Fishtail mountain. Opened to teahouse trekking more recently than the classic Annapurna routes, it is quieter, shorter and more varied than its length suggests. In just a few days you climb from terraced farmland and rhododendron forest to open alpine ridges above 4,000 m, with Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Mardi Himal itself filling the skyline.
The trek starts with a short drive from Pokhara to Kande, then climbs past Australian Camp and Pothana into dense forest of oak, maple and rhododendron, which turns red and pink in spring. Above Forest Camp and Low Camp the trees give way to grassy ridges. Badal Danda, the Cloud Hill, often lives up to its name, with a sea of cloud below and the peaks above. From High Camp (3,550 m) an early start takes you along the crest of the ridge to Mardi Himal Base Camp at 4,500 m, where Machhapuchhre towers overhead and the face of Annapurna South catches the morning sun.
Accommodation is in simple teahouses run by local families. Lodges on the upper ridge are small and basic, which is part of the charm, but they fill up in peak season, so we book ahead. The descent leaves the ridge for Siding, a farming village on its western flank, before a jeep ride back to Pokhara and the lakeside.
Who is this trip for?
The Mardi Himal trek is graded moderate and suits first-time trekkers with a reasonable level of fitness as well as experienced walkers looking for a quieter route. Most days involve 4-6 hours of walking on steep but non-technical trails; the base camp day is longer, at around 8-9 hours. Because the maximum altitude of 4,500 m is reached on a day hike from High Camp, you never sleep higher than 3,550 m, which keeps the altitude risk lower than on longer treks.
Nima Adventure is a Kathmandu-based operator led by Managing Director Kanchha Sherpa, a career Himalayan guide. We take care of ACAP and TIMS permits, transport from Kathmandu, hotel nights in Kathmandu and Pokhara, and an experienced licensed guide and porter, so you can simply enjoy the ridge.
Trip highlights
- Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500 m) directly beneath Machhapuchhre (Fishtail)
- Sunrise on Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Mardi Himal from the upper ridge
- Rhododendron, oak and maple forest that flowers red and pink in spring
- Badal Danda (Cloud Hill), where you often look down on a sea of cloud
- Quiet trails and small family-run lodges away from the main Annapurna routes
- Short itinerary with a highest sleeping altitude of only 3,550 m
Itinerary
Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, our representative will welcome you and assist you to transfer in your hotel. Stay overnight at 4 star hotel in Kathmandu.
After breakfast, we take a private jeep to Pokhara. On the way, we can see beautiful views of mountains, hills, villages and rivers. It takes around 6 hours. Stay overnight in 3 star hotel in Pokhara.
We take a private jeep from Pokhara to Kande and start our trek to Forest Camp. Stay overnight in Forest Camp.
We start our trek after breakfast. It takes about 5-6 hours to reach Low Camp. Stay overnight in Low Camp.
After breakfast, we start our trek to High Camp. There will be spectacular views of Machhapuchhre ahead and Annapurna South to the left. The trek to High Camp (3550m) takes about 5 hours. Stay overnight in High Camp.
We start our trek early and climb along the narrow ridge to reach Mardi Himal Base Camp at 4500 meters. From Mardi Himal Base Camp, you can see the sun lighting up the full face of Annapurna South while Fishtail Mountain looms directly overhead. After spending some time at the Mardi Himal Base Camp, we descend back to High Camp for lunch and then descend further to Badal Danda, where we will spend another night.
We continue to descend down to Siding. Today is the last day of our trek. We then say goodbye to the trails and make a return drive through picturesque countryside to Pokhara.
After breakfast, we take a private jeep and drive back to Kathmandu.
Final departure from Kathmandu.
What’s included
Cost Includes
1 item-
• All land transportation by Jeep or Hiace (Airport/Hotel/Airport)
• 2 Nights hotel accommodation in KTM & in PKR on sharing basis (3 star hotel)
• Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu by Jeep or Hiace
• Pokhara- Kande by jeep
• Siding to Pokhara by jeep
• Full board in lodges during trekking to base camp and back.
• 1 government license holder guide, and porters on sharing basis.
• Daily wages, salary, equipment, transportation, food & clothing for guide and porter.
• Medical & emergency rescue insurance for involved Nepalese staffs during the trek.
• Nima Adventure’s duffel bag
• Trekking permit(TIMS)
• Annapurna Conservation Area Project entrance fee
• Tea, coffee, hot water, etc during the trek.
• Lunch and dinner in Pokhara
• Welcome or Farewell dinner in Kathmandu.
• Agency service charge.
• 13% government tax
Cost Excludes
1 item-
• International airfare from/to your country.
• Nepal entry visa fee (can be obtained at the airport at upon arrival).
• Extra nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu or Pokhara in case of early arrival or
late departure, early return, or due to any other reasons than the scheduled itinerary.
• Lunch and dinner during your stay in Kathmandu (also in case of early return from
trekking down to schedule itinerary).
• Personal insurance such as travel, accident, medical, emergency evacuation and lost
luggage. *Mandatory
• Expenses of personal nature such as soft drinks,mineral water, battery charge,
laundry, postage, telephone, internet/wifi, hot showers, alcoholic beverages etc.
• Any change in the itinerary if requested by the client other than the mentioned
itinerary.
• Extra charge if additional staff added.
• Tips and bonuses for Guide and Porter.
• Personal trekking equipments and personal medical kits.
• Anything that’s not mentioned in the “Package Includes” section.
Equipment list
Foot Wear
3- Normal Socks 3-4Pairs
- Trekking Shoes 1 Pair
- Slippers
Hands
2- Thin Fleece Gloves 1 Pair
- Wind Stopper Fleece Gloves
Upper Body
6- Light Weight Top / Thermo Coat
- Buff
- Fleece Jacket 1
- Gore Tex Jacket 1
- Down Jacket 1
- Cotton T-Shirt 2-3
Lower Body
4- Mid Weight Long Under Pants
- Under Wear 4-5 Pairs
- Gore Tex Pant. 1
- Water Proof Pant1
Head
4- Sun Cap
- Balaclava
- Fleece Hat
- Neck Gaiter 2-3
Sleeping Bags
1- Sleeping Bag rated to -20°C For base camp
Bag Packs
2- Rucksacks 45-55L
- Duffle Bag 90 L 1 Piece
Sun stuffs
4- Sunscreen Minimum SPF 50
- Lip balm with SPF 30
- Sunglasses UV protection
- Toiletries.
Medicines
7- Brufen / Ibuprofens
- Antibiotic
- Diamox
- Paracetamol
- Handy Plaster
- Crack Bandage
- Tincture Iodine
Miscellaneous
2- Walking Stick
- Umbrella / Rain Coat
Frequently asked questions
It is a moderate trek. The trail is steep in places, especially between Low Camp and High Camp and on the final ridge to base camp, but it is not technical. Most days are 4-6 hours of walking, with one long day of 8-9 hours to base camp and back down to Badal Danda. Anyone with reasonable fitness who prepares with regular walks or hill training can complete it comfortably.
No. Mardi Himal (5,587 m) is a separate trekking peak that needs a climbing permit, technical equipment and a climbing guide. This trek goes to Mardi Himal Base Camp at 4,500 m, which already offers superb close views of Machhapuchhre and Annapurna South. If you would like to attempt the summit, Nima Adventure can arrange a dedicated peak climbing itinerary.
The trek lies inside the Annapurna Conservation Area, so you need an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and a TIMS card. Both are included and arranged by Nima Adventure before you start walking; we only need a copy of your passport in advance. Your guide carries the permits and presents them at the checkpoints on the trail.
Spring (March to May) brings warm days and flowering rhododendron forest, while autumn (late September to November) usually offers the clearest views. Winter is possible and very quiet, but snow above High Camp can make the base camp ridge icy. During the monsoon, cloud often hides the peaks and the forest trails are muddy, with leeches in the lower sections.
The ridge above High Camp is exposed, and cloud, strong wind or fresh snow can make it unsafe. Your guide assesses the conditions before dawn and along the way. If necessary we turn back at the upper viewpoint, at around 4,200 m, which still gives fine views of Machhapuchhre, rather than push on to base camp. Safety always takes priority over reaching the final point.
Teahouses on this route are smaller and simpler than on the main Annapurna trails. Rooms are basic twin rooms with blankets, toilets are usually shared, and the dining room is the warm heart of each lodge. At Low Camp, Badal Danda and High Camp space is limited in peak season, so rooms may occasionally be shared. A warm sleeping bag is strongly recommended.
Yes. Travel insurance is mandatory and must cover trekking to 4,500 m, medical treatment and emergency helicopter evacuation. Please send us your policy number and the insurer emergency contact before the trip so we can act quickly if needed. We also recommend cover for trip cancellation, flight delays and lost or stolen belongings.
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