A 4-day Mardi Himal trek reaches High Camp on the second night and climbs to the viewpoint on the third morning before a long descent. A 5-day trek adds a night on the way up or the way down, which makes the climb gentler and leaves time to go on to Mardi Himal Base Camp at about 4,500 m. Choose 5 days unless you are fit and pressed for time.
4 days and 5 days at a glance
- Nights on the trail. 4 days: three. 5 days: four.
- Nights before High Camp. 4 days: one. 5 days: two.
- Summit morning. 4 days: viewpoint, about 4,200 m. 5 days: viewpoint, with time for base camp, about 4,500 m.
- Longest day. 4 days: 8 to 9 hours on summit day. 5 days: 6 to 7 hours.
- Altitude gain in the first two days. 4 days: about 1,900 m. 5 days: about 1,900 m over three days.
- Best for. 4 days: fit walkers, long weekends. 5 days: most trekkers.
The 4-day plan
Day one: drive to Kande and walk to Forest Camp or Rest Camp. Day two: climb through Low Camp and Badal Danda to High Camp at 3,550 m. Day three: start at about four in the morning for the viewpoint, return to High Camp for breakfast and descend all the way to Siding or Lwang. Day four: drive to Pokhara. It is efficient, but day two gains more than 1,000 m and day three is very long.
The 5-day plan
The usual version sleeps at Forest Camp, then Low Camp or Badal Danda, then High Camp, which splits the big climb. Summit morning is the same, but with more in reserve you can continue along the ridge to base camp, another one and a half to two hours each way, and still descend to Low Camp or Siding without rushing.
Viewpoint or base camp?
Most trekkers stop at the viewpoint, a flag-covered knoll with Machapuchare, Mardi Himal and Annapurna South close at hand. Base camp is further and higher along a narrowing ridge with some exposed steps. The view opens a little wider. It is worth it in clear, dry weather for those who feel strong, and not worth pushing for in cloud, snow or with a headache.
Altitude
High Camp is at 3,550 m and the viewpoint about 650 m higher. Coming from Pokhara at 820 m in two days, a headache at High Camp is common on the shorter plan. The extra night lower down reduces that noticeably.
Season
October to November and March to May are best. In December to February the ridge above High Camp holds snow and ice, summit morning is very cold, and microspikes help. In the monsoon the forest is leech country and views are rare.
Lodges
Lodges are simple and get busy in peak season, especially at High Camp, where rooms are limited. A guide who phones ahead matters more here than on bigger routes.
Permits, guide and cost
Mardi Himal is inside the Annapurna Conservation Area, so you need its permit and a licensed guide. The fifth day adds one more night of food and lodging and a day of guide and porter wages, a modest sum for a much easier trek.
What to pack for summit morning
A head torch, warm gloves, a hat, a down jacket and a windproof layer are essential at four in the morning on the ridge, even in October. Take a litre of water kept inside your jacket so it does not freeze, and some snacks. In winter add microspikes.
Choose 4 days if
- You have a long weekend from Pokhara.
- You are fit and used to steep climbs.
- You only want the viewpoint.
- You do not mind a very long third day.
Choose 5 days if
- You want an easier ascent.
- You would like to reach base camp.
- It is your first trek above 3,000 m.
- You want daylight to enjoy the ridge.
Plan it
See the Mardi Himal guides, or ask us for either plan with transport from Pokhara.
Common questions
Can Mardi Himal be done in 3 days?
Only by very fit walkers, with long days, and without going beyond the viewpoint.
How high is the Mardi Himal viewpoint?
About 4,200 m. Base camp is about 4,500 m.
Is Mardi Himal Base Camp worth the extra walk?
In good weather, for strong walkers, yes. The viewpoint already gives most of the view.
Where does the trek end?
Usually at Siding, where a jeep takes you back to Pokhara in about two hours.
Heights, days, fees and rules are approximate and can change, so confirm the current details with us before you book.
