Mardi Himal Trek Itinerary: 4, 5 & 6-Day Options

Which Itinerary Is Right for You?

Mardi Himal follows a single forested ridge, so its length is flexible: what changes is how many stages you merge and whether you add an acclimatisation night. The trailhead at Kande is barely an hour from Pokhara, which is what makes even a 4-day version realistic.

All versions start near Pokhara and reach the same high point: Mardi Himal Base Camp / Upper Viewpoint at around 4,500 m, beneath Machhapuchhre (Fishtail).

The Classic 5-Day Itinerary

This is the route most trekkers walk, well-paced, with a steady climb up the ridge and a big summit day.

Day 1: Pokhara → Kande → Forest Camp (2,520 m)

A short 1–1.5 hour drive to Kande (1,770 m), then up through pine and rhododendron past Australian Camp and Pothana, where the trail branches off the busy route into deep, mossy forest to Forest Camp / Kokar. (5–6 hrs.)

Day 2: Forest Camp → Low Camp (2,970 m)

A shorter, steady climb through old-growth forest. As you near Low Camp the trees thin and Machhapuchhre rises straight ahead. (3–4 hrs, afternoon to rest and acclimatise.)

Day 3: Low Camp → High Camp (3,550 m)

The trail breaks onto an open, exposed ridge with sweeping views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Mardi Himal and Fishtail. Pass Middle Camp and Badal Danda to reach High Camp. (3–4 hrs, take it slow, you have gained real altitude.)

Day 4: High Camp → Upper Viewpoint / Base Camp (4,500 m) → descend

The big day. Start before sunrise for the steep, narrow climb past the Lower Viewpoint (3,900 m) to the Upper Viewpoint / base camp at around 4,500 m, a 360° amphitheatre with Fishtail impossibly close. Retrace to High Camp for lunch, then continue down to Badal Danda or Low Camp. (7–9 hrs.)

Day 5: Descend to Sidhing → drive to Pokhara

Drop off the ridge through forest and terraced fields to Sidhing (1,700 m), then a 2–3 hour jeep back to Pokhara. (3–4 hrs walking + drive.)

The Fast 4-Day Itinerary

For strong walkers short on time. It merges the lower forest stages and the descent, giving long days but the same summit.

• Day 1: Drive Pokhara → Kande; trek to Low Camp (2,970 m), a big first day.
• Day 2: Low Camp → High Camp (3,550 m).
• Day 3: High Camp → Upper Viewpoint / base camp (4,500 m); descend to Low Camp.
• Day 4: Descend to Sidhing → drive to Pokhara.

The 4-day plan gains altitude quickly. If you have not been at altitude recently, the gentler 5-day route is safer, see our Mardi Himal altitude sickness guide.

The Relaxed 6-Day Itinerary

The most rewarding version for first-timers and anyone who wants time on the ridge. It adds a night, either splitting the lower forest stages or spending an extra night high for better acclimatisation and a second chance at clear morning views.

• Days 1–2: Pokhara → Kande → Forest Camp → Low Camp, at an easy pace.
• Day 3: Low Camp → High Camp (3,550 m), with the afternoon to rest.
• Day 4: Sunrise climb to the Upper Viewpoint (4,500 m) and back to High Camp or Badal Danda.
• Days 5–6: Descend the ridge, overnight low, then out to Sidhing and drive to Pokhara.

The extra day means better acclimatisation, a buffer if the summit morning is cloudy, and a far more relaxed walk overall. It also pairs naturally with a Poon Hill add-on for a longer foothill loop.