Mardi Himal Trek — Our Favourite Trek From Pokhara

From Pokhara, the trail takes you through dense rhododendron forests, terraced hillside villages, and quiet ridgelines that many trekkers never see.

The trek is unhurried. The paths are peaceful, the teahouse owners know us by name, and somewhere between the forest and High Camp, something shifts. The mountains get closer, and the noise of everyday life fades away.

At Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500 m / 14,764 ft), the views of Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South and the surrounding peaks are among the finest we know. On a clear day, it is a view we never get tired of.

The trek is moderate, and some preparation helps because of the altitude. We always adapt the pace to you, so please let us know what you need when you reach out.

You can trek Mardi Himal all year, but the best months are February to May and October to December.

Spring (February to May)

This is one of our favourite times to be on the trail. From March, the rhododendron forests bloom and the mountain views are often clear. Temperatures are comfortable, around 20°C (68°F) during the day and 5°C (41°F) at night. In February it is colder, and the upper ridge can still have snow and ice.

Autumn and early winter (October to December)

October and November usually have the clearest skies of the year, with fresh air and wide views of the mountains. Temperatures are similar to spring. In December it gets colder, and there can be snow and ice on the upper ridge, but the views are often very clear.

Monsoon (June to September)

The monsoon brings green landscapes and a quieter trail, but also heavy rain, muddy paths and clouds over the mountains. It is possible to trek in these months, but we would gently advise choosing a different time if you have the flexibility.

January

January is cold, the higher sections of the trail can be icy, and snow or clouds can hide the views. The lower parts of the trail stay beautiful and peaceful. Please do reach out, and we will advise you on the best options for your dates.

Whatever time you choose, please come prepared with warm layers. And please feel free to check the weather forecast for Mardi Himal before you pack.

We have put together a detailed packing guide on our Trekking Equipment page. Please do have a look before you prepare your bag.

If you are not sure whether to buy or rent your gear, our article Buy or Rent Trekking Gear in Pokhara explains what you can rent in Pokhara and what it costs. The day before the trek, we go with you to a rental shop near our office and help you choose.

We would also recommend checking the weather forecast for Mardi Himal closer to your departure date, so you know exactly what to expect.

The Mardi Himal Trek is moderate. Most days have four to five hours of walking, but Day 4 takes about nine hours and climbs to 4,500 m / 14,764 ft. Good fitness helps, but trekking experience is not needed.

Yes, it can be. You sleep at High Camp (3,580 m / 11,745 ft) and reach Mardi Himal Base Camp at 4,500 m / 14,764 ft, where many people feel the altitude. Being fit does not protect you from altitude sickness. Fit guests often walk too fast and climb too quickly. A slow, steady pace gives your body time to adjust and reduces the risk, so please always follow the pace of your guide, even if you feel strong. Drink enough water, and tell your guide straight away if you get a headache, feel sick or dizzy. Our guides know these signs well and decide with you what is safest. If you have had altitude sickness before, please tell us when you book.

Yes. Mardi Himal has fewer trekkers than Annapurna Base Camp and Poon Hill, and the villages and teahouses along the way are smaller. On many days you walk through the forest and along the ridge without meeting many other people. The trek has become better known in recent years, so in October and November there are more trekkers on the trail, especially at High Camp. If you are looking for the quietest time, we recommend February, early March or December, when the weather is still good and the trail is much calmer. Whenever you come, we book your teahouse rooms as soon as you send us your details, so you always have a place to stay.

Yes. The standard trek takes six days. We can shorten it to five days, extend it to seven or eight days for a slower pace, or combine it with the Poon Hill Trek or the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. Please ask us for a price.

No, a helper is optional. A helper costs $22 per day per helper and carries up to 15 kg, so two guests can often share one. The helper's meals and accommodation are included in this price. A helper makes your trek lighter, and it also means fair, insured work for someone from our local community.

No. There is no payment in advance, you pay once you are here with us. We prefer cash in NPR, USD, GBP or EUR. If you pay in NPR, GBP or EUR, we convert the USD price using the Google exchange rate on the day of payment. You can cancel free of charge up to 48 hours before the trek starts.

You can book online on this page, or simply send us an email. Either way, we usually get back to you within 24 hours. You do not need to know your hotel in Pokhara yet. Closer to the trek, we agree on a time for the pre-trek meeting with your guide the day before you start, and you tell us your hotel so we can pick you up there. For the trekking permits, we need a photo of the main page of each traveller’s passport by email, at the latest one week before the trek starts. There is no payment in advance, you pay once you are here with us. We prefer cash in NPR, USD, GBP or EUR. If you pay in NPR, GBP or EUR, we convert the USD price using the Google exchange rate on the day of payment.

For drinks, snacks and personal expenses, we suggest around NPR 3,000 per person per day (about $20). It depends a lot on what you like to drink and snack between meals. Soft drinks like Coca-Cola or Fanta, and alcohol, are expensive in the mountains, because everything has to be carried up. Tea, drinking water and homemade lemonade are much cheaper. There are no ATMs along the trail, so please bring enough cash from Pokhara. Tips for your guide and helper are not part of this amount.