4 Days Mardi Himal Trek From Pokhara

Overview

One of the newest and most dramatic short treks in the Annapurna region, the 4 Days Mardi Himal Trek from Pokhara follows a narrow ridge straight towards the sacred fishtail of Machhapuchhre (6,993 m) and the snowy pyramid of Mardi Himal (5,587 m). In four days you climb from the rice terraces near Dhampus through enchanted rhododendron and oak forest, above the tree line onto open grassy ridges, and up to the Mardi Himal Base Camp viewpoint at about 4,500 m – with Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Annapurna III and Gangapurna filling the horizon.

After a short drive from Pokhara to Dhampus, the first day climbs through dense, moss-hung forest – alive with birds and, in spring, ablaze with rhododendron flowers – to Forest Camp (2,600 m). Next you pass Low Camp and emerge onto the ridge, where every step brings Machhapuchhre closer, to reach High Camp (3,580 m) in time for sunset. On day three you set off before dawn for the Upper Viewpoint and Mardi Base Camp, then descend steeply through rhododendron and terraced fields to the Gurung village of Siding.

A final morning’s walk brings you to Lumre, where your vehicle takes you back to Pokhara. A licensed guide, porters for foreign trekkers, lodges with breakfast, lunch and dinner, ACAP and TIMS permits and private transport are all included.

The route at a glance

From Pokhara you drive a short way to the trailhead and walk up through Dhampus to the quiet Mardi Himal trail, climbing through rhododendron forest via Forest Camp and Low Camp to the open ridge at High Camp. A pre-dawn climb takes you to the viewpoint and Mardi Himal Base Camp (about 4,500 m) beneath Machhapuchhre, before a descent through Siding village to Lumre and back to Pokhara.

Altitude and difficulty

A moderate trek with a few steep sections and one long day; the base camp is reached on a day hike and you sleep no higher than 3,580 m. It is a great short alternative to the busier Annapurna trails, with some of the closest views of Machhapuchhre in the region.

Why choose this trek?

Close-up views of Machhapuchhre and Mardi Himal in just four days.
Quiet ridge trails and some of the best rhododendron forest in Nepal.
Guide, porters, full board, permits and transport included.

Who is it for?

Fit trekkers looking for a short but rewarding high-altitude walk. Grade: moderate to strenuous – the base camp day involves about 1,000 m of ascent and 2,800 m of descent. Best from March to May and October to December.

ITINERARY IN BRIEF WITH LOCATION MAP

Trip Facts

Tour Code: PTT-NP-TRK-12
Duration: 4Days
Program Type: Trekking
Maximum Altitude: 4500m
Minimum Pax: 1
Mode of Travel: Drive
Start Trip: Pokhara
End Trip: Pokhara
Program Grading: Easy

Trip at a Glance

Day 01: Drive Pokhara – Dhampus (1 hour), trek to Forest Camp (6–7 hours)
Day 02: Trek Forest Camp – Low Camp – High Camp (5–6 hours)
Day 03: Dawn hike to Mardi Himal Base Camp (about 4,500 m) – descend to Siding (8–9 hours)
Day 04: Trek Siding – Lumre (3–4 hours) and drive to Pokhara

Trip Highlights

Ridge-top trail facing Machhapuchhre (6,993 m) and Mardi Himal
Rhododendron and oak forest to Forest Camp
Sunset from High Camp (3,580 m)
Sunrise at the Mardi Himal Base Camp viewpoint (about 4,500 m)
Gurung village of Siding
Short trek from Pokhara with private transport

Itinerary in Details

Day 01Drive Pokhara – Dhampus (1 hour), trek to Forest Camp (6–7 hours)
Drive about 1 hour, trek 6–7 hours | Altitude: Forest Camp 2,600 m | Overnight: Forest Camp (lodge)

Drive from Pokhara to Kande or Phedi and walk up to Dhampus (1,650 m), a Gurung village with wide views of the Annapurna range and Machhapuchhre. Continue through Pothana and the Deurali ridge, where the trail leaves the main Annapurna routes and turns onto the quieter Mardi Himal trail.

The path climbs through beautiful, peaceful forest of oak, maple and rhododendron (in full bloom in March and April), with moss and orchids on the trees and birdsong all around, to the lodges of Forest Camp, set in a clearing in the woods.
- OvernightForest Camp
- CountryNepal
- Highest PointForest Camp
- Altitude2,600m / 8,530ft
- Travel ModeDrive: 30 km / 1 hr · Trek: 10 km / 6 hr / 30 min
- Places VisitedPokhara, Dhampus, Forest Camp
- MealsLunch, Dinner
Day 02Trek Forest Camp – Low Camp – High Camp (5–6 hours)
Trek 5–6 hours | Altitude: 3,580 m | Overnight: High Camp (lodge)

Continue climbing through rhododendron forest to Low Camp (2,990 m), where the trees thin out and you get your first close view of the sharp summit of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail).

Above Low Camp the trail follows a narrow grassy ridge – watch for Danphe (Himalayan monal) pheasants – past Badal Danda (“cloud hill”) to High Camp. The sunset here, with Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Mardi Himal and Machhapuchhre glowing above the clouds, is unforgettable.
- OvernightHigh Camp (Mardi)
- CountryNepal
- Highest PointHigh Camp (Mardi)
- Altitude3,580m / 11,745ft
- Travel ModeTrek: 7 km / 5 hr / 30 min
- Places VisitedForest Camp, Low Camp (Mardi), High Camp (Mardi)
- MealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 03Dawn hike to Mardi Himal Base Camp (about 4,500 m) – descend to Siding (8–9 hours)
Trek 8–9 hours | Highest point: Mardi Himal Base Camp about 4,500 m | Overnight: Siding (homestay/lodge)

Start before dawn with a head-torch for the climb along the ridge to the Upper Viewpoint (about 4,200 m) and, for those with energy, on to Mardi Himal Base Camp (about 4,500 m). Sunrise reveals an extraordinary close-up view of Machhapuchhre’s steep west face, with Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Mardi Himal around you.

Return to High Camp for breakfast and then take the quieter trail down the ridge towards the Mardi Khola valley to the traditional village of Siding, where you stay among local Gurung families.
- OvernightSiding
- CountryNepal
- Highest PointMardi Himal Base Camp
- Altitude4,500m / 14,764ft
- Travel ModeTrek: 8 km / 4 hr / 30 min · Trek: 9 km / 4 hr / 30 min
- Places VisitedHigh Camp (Mardi), Mardi Himal Base Camp, High Camp (Mardi), Siding
- MealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 04Trek Siding – Lumre (3–4 hours) and drive to Pokhara
Trek 3–4 hours, drive about 1.5 hours | End of trek in Pokhara

Walk down through terraced fields and farming villages, following the Mardi Khola, to Lumre on the road. Meet your vehicle and drive back to Pokhara, arriving in the early afternoon.

Spend the rest of the day relaxing in Lakeside or on the lake.
- CountryNepal
- Highest PointSiding
- Altitude1,750m / 5,741ft
- Travel ModeTrek: 8 km / 3 hr / 30 min · Drive: 25 km / 1 hr / 30 min
- Places VisitedSiding, Lumre, Pokhara
- MealsBreakfast, Lunch

Altitude Chart of 4 Days Mardi Himal Trek From Pokhara

Total Hiking Time: 24h 30m

Highest point: 14,764 ft / 4,500 m — Day 03 · Dawn hike to Mardi Himal Base Camp (about 4,500 m) – descend to Siding (8–9 hours)

Services Included

licensed trekking guides
Porter for foreigner only
Annapurna Conservation Area permit ACAAP and TIMS card
Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Lodge Accommodation
Private Transportation
Insurance for guides and porters
Current Tax

Services Excluded

Beverages
Your travel insurance
Nepal Tourist Visa Fee
Personal expenses like shopping and trekking equipment
Rescue operation charge in case of need
Extra expenses that may have caused in case of the change in itinerary, natural calamities, political issues, strikes, and so on.

Trip Notes

Notes for this trek

Grade and fitness: moderate to strenuous – 5–9 hours of walking a day, with a long, steep descent on day 3. Good fitness is needed.
Altitude: the ascent to about 4,500 m is fairly fast. Walk slowly, drink 3–4 litres of water a day and tell your guide about any symptoms; the base camp hike can be shortened at the Upper Viewpoint.
Teahouses: lodges at Forest Camp and High Camp are simple and cold at night; a sleeping bag is recommended.
Permits: Annapurna Conservation Area (ACAP) and TIMS permits are included; please send a scanned passport copy when booking.
Best seasons: March–May (rhododendrons) and late September–November (clearest views). Winter is cold but possible; the monsoon (June–August) brings rain, leeches and cloud.
Flexibility: the itinerary may be adjusted for weather, trail conditions, flight delays or the health of the group; your guide's decisions on safety are final.

Possible to operate round the year
Adult pricing applies to all travelers
Wear Flexible and Sport Shoes
You can buy required equipment in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
Important: We need scanned passport copy and photograph by email at least 2 working day before [ Mon-Fri/ except Govt.Holiday] in order to make Acaap/Tims/Staff Insurance]. So allow us that at least 2 day before your trip start from Pokhara. You can email us passport copy/passport size photo for this purpose.
Instant confirmation if you are booking for 7 days later at least. Otherwise please email us. This can be possible for next day start also which we can confirm on your email inquiry.

Equipment List

Appropriate footwear.
Map and compass/GPS.
Extra water and a way to purify it.
Extra food.
Rain gear and extra clothing. Dressing in layers allows you to adjust to changing weather and activity levels. Two rules: avoid cotton (it keeps moisture close to your skin) and always carry a hat.
Safety items: fire, light, and a whistle.
First aid kit.
Knife or multi-purpose tool.
Sun screen and sun glasses. Especially above treeline when there is a skin-scorching combination of sun and snow, you’ll need sunglasses to prevent snow blindness and sunscreen to prevent sunburn.
Daypack/backpack. You’ll want something you can carry comfortably and has the features designed to keep you hiking smartly. Don’t forget the rain cover; some packs come with one built-in. Keep the other Essentials in the pack and you’ll always be ready to hit the trail safely.
These and more available in Kathmandu to buy or hire

FAQ

4 days. It starts in Pokhara and ends there. Overnight stops: Forest Camp, High Camp (Mardi), Siding. The day-by-day itinerary above shows travel times, places visited and meals for each day.

The best seasons are March to May (rhododendrons in bloom) and late September to November (clearest mountain views). Winter is cold but possible at lower altitudes; the monsoon (June–August) brings rain, leeches and cloud.

The grade is easy, with a maximum altitude of about 4,500 m. You will walk several hours a day on mountain trails, so good fitness is needed; no technical climbing is involved. Your guide sets a steady pace and watches for signs of altitude sickness.

Yes. Pokhara is Nepal's adventure capital – tandem paragliding from Sarangkot, the zip-flyer, ultralight flights, bungee jumping, the Annapurna cable car and boating can all be added to your free time. Tell us in advance and we will reserve the best time slot.

No technical skills are needed, but you should be in good health and able to walk for several hours a day on uneven mountain trails. Regular walking, hiking and cardio exercise in the weeks before your trip will make it much more enjoyable.

Yes. Travel insurance covering trekking at the maximum altitude of your itinerary, including emergency helicopter evacuation and medical treatment, is mandatory for all trekkers.

Yes, porters are included as stated in the package (normally one porter for two trekkers, carrying up to about 20–25 kg in total). You carry only a small daypack with water, camera, snacks and a warm layer. Extra luggage can be left safely at your hotel.

licensed trekking guides; Porter for foreigner only; Annapurna Conservation Area permit ACAAP and TIMS card; Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner; Lodge Accommodation; Private Transportation; Insurance for guides and porters; Current Tax.

Beverages; Your travel insurance; Nepal Tourist Visa Fee; Personal expenses like shopping and trekking equipment; Rescue operation charge in case of need; Extra expenses that may have caused in case of the change in itinerary, natural calamities, political issues, strikes, and so on.

This package includes 3 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners, as marked on each day of the itinerary. Other meals are at your own cost; your guide will recommend good local restaurants, and vegetarian, vegan and other dietary needs can be catered for.

Yes. We run this trek privately for your group on the dates you choose, and we can tailor it – add extra nights, change or upgrade hotels, add activities, flights or a guide in your language (Russian, German, French, Spanish, Chinese or Hindi on request). Just send us your wishes.

A deposit of 20–30% of the total tour cost is required to confirm your booking. The remaining balance is payable on arrival in Kathmandu, unless otherwise agreed in writing. Your booking is confirmed once the deposit and the completed booking details are received and we send you a written confirmation. You can enquire through this page, email pigeontravel@gmail.com or contact us on WhatsApp, and we will confirm availability and send a booking confirmation.

Before 60 days – No cancellation charge. From 60 days to 45 days – 5% of the total tour / service cost. From 45 days to 15 days – 10% of the total tour / service cost. From 15 days to 07 days – 15% of the total tour / service cost. From 07 days to 02 days (48 hrs) – 30% of the total tour / service cost. From 48 hours to arrival or NO SHOW – NO REFUND. Please see the Cancellation Policy section for full details.

We welcome families, and children are very welcome on our Nepal tours. Under 5 years: free of charge when sharing their parents' room and bed (no extra bed). 5 to 12 years: discounted child rate – please ask us for the exact price for your dates and hotel. Above 12 years: charged the full adult rate. An extra bed or a separate room for children is charged as per the hotel's policy; domestic flights are charged at the airline's child fare.

Cancellation Policy

Policy Regarding Cancellation / NO SHOW / EARLY DEPARTURE
In the event of cancellation of tour / travel/Trekking services – due to any avoidable / unavoidable reason, you must be informed in writing. Cancellation charges would be effective from the date we receive advice in writing and cancellation charges would be as follows:-

Before 60 days – No cancellation charge.
From 60 days to 45 days – 5% of the total tour / service cost
From 45 days to 15 days – 10% of the total tour / service cost
From 15 days to 07 days – 15% of the total tour / service cost
From 07 days to 02 days (48 hrs) – 30% of the total tour / service cost
From 48 hours to arrival or NO SHOW – NO REFUND

In case you cancel the trip after commencement, refund would be restricted to a limited amount, which too would depend on the amount that we would be able to recover from the hoteliers/contractors we patronize. For unused hotel accommodation, chartered transportation & missed meals etc. we do not bear any responsibility to refund.

Booking Policy

Booking your Nepal tour with Pigeon Travel & Tours is easy:

Book online with the Book Now button when it is active, or send us the enquiry form / email with your dates, number of travellers and hotel preference.
A deposit of 20–30% of the total tour cost is required to confirm your booking.
The remaining balance is payable on arrival in Kathmandu, unless otherwise agreed in writing.
Domestic flight tickets, permits and other non-refundable items included in the package are paid at the time of confirmation.
Please send a copy of your passport and your arrival/departure flight details so that we can arrange pick-up, hotels and tickets.
Your booking is confirmed once the deposit and the completed booking details are received and we send you a written confirmation.

Child Policy

We welcome families, and children are very welcome on our Nepal tours.

Under 5 years: free of charge when sharing their parents' room and bed (no extra bed).
5 to 12 years: discounted child rate – please ask us for the exact price for your dates and hotel.
Above 12 years: charged the full adult rate.
An extra bed or a separate room for children is charged as per the hotel's policy; domestic flights are charged at the airline's child fare.
Children under 10 years receive a free (gratis) Nepal tourist visa on arrival.

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Amal Karunaratna

We spent 4 days in Nepal, visiting different places with the Pingeon Travel Agency, Mr. Min Khatri was very friendly, helpful and was attentive to us at all times, with 24-hour service. for anything we needed and was attentive to us via WhatsApp every day. We booked everything from Spain, they picked us up at the airport and at the end they took us, including a driver, guide in Spanish, visits and hotels, and we had no problem, they complied with everything agreed and we were able to visit everything. The driver (Mr. Pawan) is a very good driver, friendly and kind, and the guide (Mr. Giri) is friendly and helpful. Punctual, helpful and attentive. We were in 2 different hotels, and both were very good, highlighting the one in Kathmandu, Hotel Hyatt Place Kathmandu, a new hotel, excellent service and very friendly. The Pingeon Travel agency is highly recommended and they have everything from tours to complete packages. We were happy with the services.

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Pigeon Travel has been an exceptional ressource for me in both travel support to and from Nepal, India, and Bhutan. Min Katri is simply always there onnecway or another, checking fright and other arrangements, hotel schedules and in Bhutan excellent ( required) tour guides. As well, he and Pigeon Travel are exceptional in meeting last minute changes to my plans and really are “there” 24/7. I thinking now about next trips and highly recommend Min and Pigeon travel for your trips— as in planning my next trip to India and Nepal and am using Pigeon Travel the whole way. Highly recommend!

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4 Days Mardi Himal Trek From Pokhara