Reaching Mardi Himal is straightforward because the trailhead is close to Pokhara. The practical question is how to get to Pokhara first and which start and finish points suit your plan.
Kathmandu to Pokhara
You can fly in about 25 to 30 minutes, take a tourist bus for six to eight hours or hire a private car. Flights are weather-dependent and best booked with some buffer. Buses are cheaper but long and can be delayed by traffic or landslides.
Pokhara to Kande
Kande is the most common start. It lies about 20 km from Pokhara along the Baglung highway, about one to one and a half hours by taxi or private car. Some trekkers take a local bus to Phedi or Dhampus and walk from there. Your operator will arrange transport and timing.
Other start points
- Phedi or Dhampus for a gentler start through villages.
- Pothana, where some jeeps can drive further up in certain conditions.
- Siding as an alternative end point for the descent.
Exit via Siding
Instead of returning to Kande, you can descend from Low Camp or Forest Camp to Siding, a village on the eastern side of the ridge. From there you take a jeep or taxi to Pokhara. This gives variety, but it means a different stretch of the trail.
Timing your transport
Start early in the morning so that you reach your first lodge in daylight. At the end, allow time for traffic. If you have a flight out of Pokhara or Kathmandu on the same day, leave a generous buffer.
Costs and bookings
Taxis and private cars are quoted per vehicle, so sharing with other trekkers saves money. Public buses are cheaper but less flexible. If you book through an operator, confirm what transport is included and whether it is private.
What to do on arrival day in Pokhara
Use the day to collect permits, buy any final supplies, rent gear, change money and rest. Pokhara has plenty of shops and cafes. Have an early dinner and check that your bag is packed and weighed. Confirm your pickup time with your driver or operator.
Mobile and navigation
Download offline maps of the route before leaving Pokhara. Signal is unreliable on the ridge. Note the names of the main villages in order. If you walk without a guide, check at each junction with locals.
Returning to Pokhara
After finishing, take a taxi, jeep or bus back to Pokhara. If you finish early, spend an extra day relaxing by the lake. If you have a flight, allow a generous buffer.
