Mardi Himal Ridge and Base Camp Trek
- 5 days
- moderate
- Up to 12
- Spring (Mar–May) & Autumn (Sep–Nov)
We lead this five-day trek up the quiet ridges of the Annapurna foothills to the 4,500 m high viewpoint beneath Mardi Himal.
At a glance
Trip overview
We run this five-day trek along the forested ridges and alpine pastures of the Annapurna massif, climbing steadily from Kande to a maximum elevation of 4,500 m at the Mardi Himal viewpoint. This route avoids the heavier foot traffic found on neighbouring trails, offering our groups a quieter alternative that still delivers close mountain panoramas.
The journey suits fit trekkers who want a genuine alpine experience within a compressed schedule. We walk through dense rhododendron and oak forests in the lower sections before breaking above the tree line onto exposed ridges where the vegetation gives way to scrub and rock.
Terrain involves sustained uphill walking, narrow earthen paths, and occasional stone staircases. While technical mountaineering skills are not required, the daily ascents demand good cardiovascular fitness and steady footing, particularly when frost or light snow affects the upper sections near High Camp.
Why this trek
Trip highlights
Machapuchare Face-to-Face
We secure clear vantage points of the distinctive double-finned summit of Machapuchare, also known as Mt. Fishtail.
Rhododendron Forests
Our trail winds through dense canopies of rhododendron and oak trees between Deurali and Low Camp.
Ridge Traverse
We walk along high, open ridges above the clouds with uninterrupted views across the Annapurna range.
High Camp Sunrises
We watch dawn light break over the high peaks from our overnight stop at High Camp (3,550 m).
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
Drive from Pokhara to Kande and Trek to Deurali via Pothana
Meals: B
Day 1
Drive from Pokhara to Kande and Trek to Deurali via Pothana
Meals: B
We depart Pokhara by private vehicle for the one-hour drive to Kande along the Beni highway. From the roadside, our walk begins with a steady climb through terraced fields and cool forest shade to reach Australian Camp and the village of Pothana, before continuing upwards to Deurali at 2,100 m.
Day 2
Trek from Deurali to Low Camp
Meals: B / L / D
Day 2
Trek from Deurali to Low Camp
Meals: B / L / D
Our route today enters deeper woodland zones dominated by rhododendron and damp moss-hung trees. We navigate sustained uphill sections along the ridge, gaining elevation steadily until we reach Low Camp at 2,990 m for our overnight teahouse stay.
Day 3
Trek from Low Camp to High Camp
Meals: B / L / D
Day 3
Trek from Low Camp to High Camp
Meals: B / L / D
We leave the tree line behind as the path becomes steeper and more exposed. Walking along the narrow ridge towards High Camp at 3,550 m, we experience widening vistas of the surrounding peaks and valleys below.
Day 4
Climb to Mardi Himal Base Camp and Descend to Sidding
Meals: B / L / D
Day 4
Climb to Mardi Himal Base Camp and Descend to Sidding
Meals: B / L / D
We start before dawn to reach the upper viewpoint and Mardi Himal Base Camp at 4,500 m for clear morning light on the peaks. After taking in the surroundings, we retrace our steps partially before descending off-ridge down to the traditional village of Sidding at 1,750 m.
Day 5
Drive from Sidding to Pokhara
Meals: B
Day 5
Drive from Sidding to Pokhara
Meals: B
We complete our trek with a morning Jeep ride along dirt tracks from Sidding back to Pokhara, concluding our five-day circuit in the lakeside city.
Inclusions
What’s included
Included
- Government licensed mountain guide
- All meals on trek (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
- Annapurna Conservation Area Project permit
- TIMS card registration
- Private vehicle from Pokhara to Kande
- Local Jeep transport from Sidding to Pokhara
- Four nights teahouse accommodation
- Fresh fruit provisions during the trek
- Comprehensive medical kit bag carried by lead guide
Not included
- International airfare to and from Nepal
- Nepal entry visa fees
- Travel insurance covering high-altitude emergency evacuation
- Personal trekking porter
- Bar bills, bottled drinks, and personal expenses
Before you go
Good to know
Altitude & acclimatisation
We reach a maximum altitude of 4,500 m on day four at the Mardi Himal viewpoint. Because we gain height rapidly over short distances, our team monitors everyone closely for early signs of acute mountain sickness.
Accommodation on the trail
Teahouses along this route are simpler and fewer in number than those on major commercial routes. Rooms are unheated, twin-share with wooden beds and foam mattresses, and toilet facilities are generally shared and external.
Drinking water
Bottled water is restricted in parts of the conservation area to limit plastic waste. We advise carrying refillable bottles and treating tap or boiled water with purification tablets or filters purchased in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
Physical conditioning
We recommend preparing with consistent cardiovascular exercise and stair training for several weeks prior to departure. The daily walks of five to seven hours involve prolonged uphill climbing that tests leg strength and stamina.
Route
Route overview
Altitude
Altitude profile
Pack list
What to pack
Sturdy trekking bootsEssential
Footwear
Must be broken in prior to arrival with good ankle support.
Down jacketEssential
Clothing
Required for cold mornings and overnight stays above Low Camp.
Waterproof shell jacketEssential
Clothing
Breathable rain protection for sudden mountain showers.
Thermal base layersEssential
Clothing
Merino wool or synthetic tops and bottoms for cold nights.
Sleeping bag rated to -10°CEssential
Camping
Teahouses provide beds with blankets, but temperatures drop below freezing at High Camp.
Trekking polesEssential
Safety
Crucial for saving knee joints on steep descents to Sidding.
Headlamp with spare batteriesEssential
Safety
Needed for early morning starts towards the base camp viewpoint.
Valid passport and insurance documentsEssential
Documents
Keep physical copies and digital backups in your daypack.
Paperwork
Permits & paperwork
We arrange
Handled in Kathmandu — nothing for you to do.Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
PermitMandatory entry permit for conservation area conservation and management.
Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) Card
PermitRegistration card required for all independent and guided trekkers in Nepal.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
How difficult is the Mardi Himal Trek?
We grade this trek as moderate. It requires walking up steep ridges for up to seven hours a day with a maximum altitude of 4,500 m, making prior hill-walking experience essential.
Do I need a porter for this trek?
A porter is not automatically included in our base package, but we can arrange one upon request if you prefer not to carry your own daypack.
What kind of food is available in the teahouses?
Teahouses serve basic menus featuring dal bhat (lentils, rice, and vegetables), noodle soups, momos, fried rice, and simple breakfast items like porridge or eggs.
Are charging facilities available on the trail?
Electricity is available in most teahouses to charge devices, though lodge owners usually charge a small hourly fee for this service.
Is travel insurance mandatory?
Yes, we require all participants to hold comprehensive travel insurance that explicitly covers emergency helicopter evacuation up to 5,000 m.
Can I leave excess luggage in Pokhara?
You can store any non-essential city luggage securely at your hotel in Pokhara free of charge while you are out on the trail.
Still have a question? Message us and our trip planner will reply within a working day.
Book your trip
Pick any start date on the calendar. We block the trip out over 5 days and confirm the plan with you before payment.
Start dateTrip runs
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