Mardi Himal is one of the easiest Himalayan treks for Indian travellers to plan: no visa, a short drive from Pokhara and a trek of about five days. It fits a long weekend plus a few days of leave.
Entry and documents
Indian citizens do not need a visa to enter Nepal and may arrive by air or by land. Carry a valid passport or voter ID card, which are the documents normally accepted, and check the current rules shortly before you travel because requirements can change. Keep photocopies and a digital copy in a separate bag. The trek needs the Annapurna Conservation Area permit and a registration card. Your operator or lodge in Pokhara can help, and the paperwork takes a few hours.
Money and costs
Carry Nepali rupees. Pokhara has ATMs and exchange offices. Lodges on the trail are inexpensive, but charging and hot showers cost extra. Keep small notes for tea and snacks.
Food and diet
Vegetarian dal bhat, noodles, momos and pancakes are easy to find. Jain meals need advance notice. See teahouses and food for what to expect at each camp.
Planning your leave
A five-day trek plus travel fits within a week. October and spring are busy; winter is cold but clear. Add a buffer day for travel from India. See how many days to allow.
A sample short plan
Fly to Pokhara on day one and rest. Drive to Kande on day two and walk to Forest Camp. Walk to Low Camp and High Camp on day three, reach the viewpoint on day four and descend to Siding on day five. Return to Pokhara on day six. This plan fits within a week with travel time and gives a spare day.
Getting there
Fly to Pokhara via Delhi or Kathmandu, or travel by road from Sunauli. The trailhead at Kande or Phedi is under an hour from the city. See how to reach Kande.
Money and food
Carry rupees for the trail and bring snacks. Vegetarian meals are easy to find in lodges.
Planning your days
The standard trek takes four to six days from Pokhara. The upper section climbs steeply, so go slowly and keep an extra day if you can.
