Mardi Himal Trek Complete Guide for 2026

The Mardi Himal Trek has grown fast in popularity, and for a pretty good reason. It is short, relatively affordable, and rewards you with some of the closest ridge-line views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail, 6,993 m) that you can get in the Annapurna region without committing to a multi-week expedition.

But just because it is labelled short and beginner-friendly does not mean you can walk in underprepared. The route reaches 4,500 m at Mardi Himal Base Camp, and the ascent from Pokhara (822 m) happens fast!

Also, the weather in the Annapurna region can shift with very little warning. And as with any trek in Nepal, what you do not know before arriving can genuinely ruin the experience.

So, if you are planning the Mardi Himal Trek in 2026 or 2027, this guide from Everest Trekking Routes will walk you through everything: itinerary options, permits, cost, best time, altitude concerns, packing, and what the trail is actually like!

What Makes This Short & Scenic Himalayan Trek Worth It?

The Mardi Himal Trek sits inside the Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA), which happens to be Nepal’s largest protected area covering 7,629 sq. km.

In fact, according to the National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC), the ACA supports 105 mammal species, 523 bird species, and 1,226 flowering plant species. And some of the glimpses can be seen on this Mardi Himal Trail too!

Also, what this means is that the trail moves through dense rhododendron and oak forests in the lower sections, opens to alpine ridges as you gain altitude, and eventually places you face-to-face with Machhapuchhre, Mardi Himal (5,587 m), Annapurna South (7,219 m), and Hiunchuli (6,441 m).

Well, mountains and the highlights scenery of the Mardi Himal Trek are exactly what make it a short but scenic Himalayan adventure that anyone planning for 2026/27 to do. Our team at Everest Trekking routes are waiting for you to book this package with us, and we can assure you that it will be totally worth it!

How Difficult Is the Mardi Himal Trek?

Mardi Himal Trek’s difficulty grade/level is rated as “Moderate”. That rating is actually honest, but worth understanding before you accept it. Allow us to explain why.

The route gains roughly 2,500 m in net elevation. On a 4 to 5-day itinerary from Pokhara, that gain is spread across consecutive days (depends on your itinerary) with no dedicated rest day for acclimatization.

The High Camp sits at 3,550 m, and the Mardi Himal Viewpoint sits at 4,000 to 4,200 m depending on how far along the ridge you go. If you plan to visit Mardi Himal Base Camp (which is the west one), note that it sits at 4,500 m, making it the highest point of the trek.

Moreover, daily walking time ranges from 5 to 8 hours depending on the day. And the terrain from High Camp onward is a narrow ridgeline trail that demands attention and steady legs!

You should be able to walk uphill continuously for 5 to 7 hours with a light pack before attempting the Mardi Himal Trek. That means cardiovascular training 6 to 8 weeks before you leave for this journey is going to be worth the investment!

Best Time for Mardi Himal Trek

To give you clear answers: the best months are October, November, March, and April. Let us show you how the seasons compare so you can decide which is the best season for Mardi Himal Trek for yourself:

Without a doubt, October is the single best month for Mardi Himal Trek. The post-monsoon air is clean, visibility is excellent, and temperatures are manageable even at High Camp. Even November is nearly as good but colder at night (even more during late November).

While it’s possible to do the winter Mardi trek (like in December or even January), you need to prepare for temperatures that fall well below 0°C at High Camp.

Also, the possibility of snow or ice on the upper ridgeline can make it more challenging. That’s one reason you should choose to do this trek guided (with a top trekking company like Everest Trekking Routes) instead of doing it independently.

Permits Required for Mardi Trek in 2026/27

The only permit that you need for the Mardi Himal Trek is the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). The cost of this permit is NPR 3,000 for foreign nationals and NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals. 

For independent trekkers, you can obtain it at the NTNC’s EP counter in Kathmandu or Pokhara. But if you’re doing the trek with a registered trekking agency like Everest Trekking Routes, this permit shall be included within the package itself (so, no hassle).

And regarding the TIMS Card (Trekkers’ Information Management System), although the Mardi Himal route is listed as a TIMS-required zone for all non-Nepali trekkers, the route doesn’t currently require this card. But in case legal requirements get updated, make sure you get it too (in our case, we usually include it if required).

At Everest Trekking Routes, all permits, guide arrangements, and checkpoint paperwork are handled as part of every package we sell.

Mardi Trek Itinerary, Route, Distance, and Elevation Profile

Mardi Himal trek is one of the most flexible trekking destinations in Nepal. Depending on time and starting point, you can complete Mardi Himal in 4 days from Pokhara or up to 12 days combined with Annapurna Base Camp from Kathmandu.

Full Route: Pokhara > Pittam Deurali > Forest Camp > Rest Camp > Low Camp > Badal Danda > Mid Camp > High Camp > Mardi Himal Viewpoint > Mardi Himal Base Camp > Low Camp > Sidhing > Pokhara

The main Mardi Himal Trek package at Everest Trekking Routes is of 9 days overall, which comes with arrival/departure included (total trekking days: 5 days). Here’s the complete detail:

Mardi Himal Trek Cost in 2026/27

For a guided 4-to-9-day package through a reputable agency, including permits, guide, accommodation, and all meals on trail, the range runs USD 360 to USD 1,490 per person, depending on group size, services included, and travel style.

However, packages do not include your Nepal tourist visa, international flights, and personal spending as they are separate. Just for your note: a 15-day visa costs USD 30 and a 30-day visa costs USD 50, both obtained on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport. 

Given that most visitors will want buffer days in Pokhara, the 30-day visa is usually the smarter option. So, be sure to get that!

At Everest Trekking Routes, we price packages transparently and include all required permits. Contact us directly for current rates and group customisation. 

Right now, here are the best Mardi Himal Trek packages that we offer at ETR for the years 2026 and 2027:

• Main Mardi Himal Trek of 9 Days: $550/person
• 4 Days Mardi Himal Trek: $360/person
• 5 Days Mardi Himal Trek: $390/person
• Solo Mardi Himal Trek in 7 Days: $600/person
• Luxury Mardi Himal Trek: $1490/person
• Mardi Himal with ABC Trek in 12 Days: $1270/person

For a daily cost breakdown, we suggest going through our daily wise cost details here.

Altitude Sickness in Mardi Trek: How Serious Is It?

AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) becomes a genuine concern above 3,000 m in any Himalayan trail. When it comes to the Mardi Himal Trek, you already know how fast its altitude gain is. 

If you didn’t know, let us tell you that, at sea level, approximately 21% oxygen enters your lungs with each breath. At 4,500 m or even lower at sleeping altitude of 3,550 m, atmospheric pressure is roughly half that at sea level, which significantly reduces the amount of oxygen available per breath!

So, early symptoms are common, but you have to keep an eye on your watch as it may lead to persistent headache, loss of appetite, disturbed sleep, and unusual fatigue in no time.

If any of these appear, you have to stop ascending immediately! The next natural steps are: resting, hydrating, and most importantly of them all: informing your guide!

Let us warn you right in this article itself. Ignoring early AMS symptoms is how it progresses into HACE (High Altitude Cerebral Edema) or HAPE (High Altitude Pulmonary Edema), both of which require emergency descent, as it could be fatal.

Good news if you’re booking with Everest Trekking Routes! Our Viewpoint day is designed with “climb high, sleep low” principle in mind. That means you ascend from High Camp to 4,200 m or beyond and return to Low Camp to sleep. So, this reduces the chances of altitude sickness.

Please note that Diamox (acetazolamide) is commonly used as a preventive measure, but consultation with your physician before use is very essentual. Carry it if recommended, but do not use it to mask symptoms and push through. Even our guides at ETR carry this with them, so in case you really need one, they’ll help you out!

Accommodation, Food, and Connectivity in Mardi Trail

Teahouses on the Mardi Himal trekking route are mostly twin-sharing with basic squat toilets in most cases. Even hot showers are available in Mardi’s accommodations, but only in the lower sections.

Solar-charged electricity is available up to High Camp for device charging, though output is slower and depends on the weather. So, don’t overrely and be sure to carry your powerbank(s) or other forms of battery backup.

Moving on to mobile network coverage, it becomes unreliable above Low Camp, seriously! Only NTC SIM cards have any signal in the upper sections compared to Ncell. Still, do not count on connectivity for communication or navigation above Badal Danda.

Instead, download our Mardi trek map or other offline maps before you leave Pokhara (especially for independent trekkers).

Talking about meals, Dal Bhat is the most reliable and energy-efficient food option on the trail. For breakfast, noodle soups, garlic soups, porridge, omelettes, pancakes, Tibetan bread, and other western options are also available. Very similar to the Annapurna Base Camp with no major difference.

However, keep in mind that above Low Camp, food variety decreases and prices increase slightly. You can even purchase energy bars for the long viewpoint or base camp day from the teahouse at High Camp itself.

Responsible Trekking in the Annapurna Region

Bear in mind that the Mardi Himal trail passes through Gurung communities whose livelihoods are tied directly to the local trekking economy. So, here are a few things that you can follow as a part of ‘responsible tourism’: 

• Use a refillable water bottle with purification tablets instead of buying single-use plastic bottles on the trail (even if you buy one, be sure to use the trash).
• Stay in locally-run teahouses (which is usually the case when you’re hiking with Everest Trekking Routes, but still a friendly reminder to independent trekkers).
• Ask before photographing anyone (tourist or local).
• The teahouses above Low Camp are small operations. So, be patient with wait times, especially when the teahouses are crowded (particularly during peak season). It’s best that you get assistance from your guide rather than putting pressure on staff directly.
• Don’t pick rhododendrons on the trail.
• Do not play speakers on the trail and disturb others who are perhaps enjoying their peaceful time in nature.

Final Tips For Your Mardi Himal Trek

The Mardi Himal Trek’s ridgeline walk on viewpoint day with Machhapuchhre dominating the view to the west, and the full Annapurna range stretched out in front of you, is exactly the kind of experience that makes this short and scenic Himalayan Trek absolutely worth it!

But be sure to go in prepared! Know your itinerary, sort your permits before you hit the trail, understand that the altitude gain is faster than it looks on paper, pack right, and give yourself enough time at each camp!

And if you have questions or want to book, our team at Everest Trekking Routes is always available to customise any of the itineraries above to your group size, schedule, and fitness level. Remember us, and we shall handle everything from permits to guide selection and ground transport!