The Mardi Himal Trek is named for Mardi Himal (5,587m) — a peak directly east of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Mountain) in the Annapurna massif. The route climbs the east ridge of the massif to High Camp (4,500m), where you are positioned almost directly south of Machhapuchhre's distinctive twin summits — closer than any other commercial trekking route gets to this sacred, unclimbed peak.
Why Mardi Himal Over ABC or Poon Hill
Both the Annapurna Base Camp Trek and Poon Hill are excellent routes. But they share one characteristic: crowds. In peak October season, the Ghorepani trail to Poon Hill can feel like a procession. The Annapurna Base Camp approach up the Modi Khola is barely less busy. Mardi Himal branches from the main trail early and climbs a separate ridge that sees perhaps 2–5% of the trekker traffic.
The trade-off is infrastructure — tea houses are smaller, menus more limited, and the trail less well-developed in places. For experienced trekkers who want genuine mountain atmosphere without crowds, this is the correct trade-off.
The Route: Kande to High Camp
The trek starts at Kande (1,770m), one hour from Pokhara by vehicle. The trail climbs northeast through dense rhododendron and pine forest — one of the finest forest sections in the Annapurna region — before emerging onto the open ridge above Forest Camp (2,600m). From Low Camp (3,350m) and High Camp (4,500m), the ridge is completely open and the mountain views are constant.
The descent finishes at Sidhing village (1,700m) rather than returning to Kande — making the trek a loop rather than an out-and-back. Sidhing is a traditional Gurung village with homestay options and a jeep connection to Pokhara.
Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Mountain) — Why It Matters
Machhapuchhre (6,993m) is Nepal's most recognisable mountain after Everest — its twin summits form the "fishtail" shape visible from Pokhara and across the Annapurna foothills. It is one of the very few peaks in Nepal that has never been climbed: it is considered sacred and climbing permits are not issued. This means its summit is genuinely pristine — no ropes, no camps, no tracks. From Mardi Himal High Camp, you are looking at it from less than 8km away at a similar altitude. The perspective is extraordinary and unavailable anywhere else.
The Forest: A Hidden Highlight
The section from Kande to Forest Camp passes through some of the finest moss-covered rhododendron forest in Nepal. In March and April, the blooms — red, pink, and white — run for hours of walking. Even outside bloom season, the ancient forest is atmospheric: twisted trees, lichen-covered branches, langur monkeys overhead. This section alone is worth the day's walking.
Best Months
- March–April: Rhododendron bloom in the forest, stable weather at High Camp, Machhapuchhre views in the morning before clouds build. The best months.
- October–November: Post-monsoon clarity, cold nights at High Camp but exceptional views. The second-best season.
- December–February: Cold (below -10°C at High Camp) but clear. Snow possible above Forest Camp. Not recommended for beginners.
- May–September: Monsoon season — forest is lush and atmospheric but trails are wet and views obscured by cloud. Not recommended.
Mardi Himal vs Annapurna Base Camp — Which Should You Choose?
Choose Mardi Himal if you want fewer crowds, the closest views of Machhapuchhre, and a more adventurous, less-developed route in 7 days. Choose Annapurna Base Camp if you want the full Sanctuary experience — standing at 4,130m surrounded by 13 peaks — and are comfortable with a busier, more established trail. You can also do both in a 14-day combined itinerary — contact us for details.
Practical Information
- Duration: 7 days (including Pokhara arrival and departure)
- Max altitude: 4,500m at High Camp (4,700m if extending to Mardi Himal Base Camp)
- Difficulty: Moderate — good general fitness required, no prior altitude experience needed
- Start/end: Kande (start) / Sidhing (end) — both 1 hour from Pokhara by jeep
- Permits: ACAP (NPR 3,000) + TIMS (NPR 2,000) — arranged by us
- Price: From USD 690 per person (group of 4+)
See the complete Mardi Himal Trek itinerary and booking details.
