The 3-Day Mardi Himal Trek from Pokhara is a rapid and spectacular short trek in the Annapurna region, offering quick access to high-altitude vistas and breathtaking close-up views of Mt Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) and the Annapurna massif from the Mardi Himal Viewpoint (4,200m). This condensed, moderate-to-challenging itinerary is perfect for experienced hikers with limited time, delivering dramatic landscape changes from lush forests to alpine ridges, comfortable teahouse stays, and iconic Himalayan photography opportunities, all within an efficient long-weekend adventure best undertaken in the stable seasons of spring and autumn.
Short 3 Days Mardi Himal Trek
Short 3 days The Mardi Himal Trek from Pokhara is the best trek for those who are looking to be at a higher elevation within a few days. The mesmerising beauty of this trail is the unique part, and the changes in vegetation are just amazing. Although the 3-day Mardi Himal Trek sounds amazing, it might be challenging if you are not familiar with hiking and trekking.
The 3-day Mardi Himal Trek is a popular trekking route in Nepal. Beautiful scenery that changes quickly from high to low surrounds the Mardi Himal, the Hiunchuli, the Machhapuchhre, and the Annapurna South. It took 4 to 5 days to complete the Mardi Himal Trek before it was discovered. We can still clearly recall how we first organised the excursion to Mardi Himal, which included tent camping or sleeping close to the shepherds. This location, which is close to the trekking path to Annapurna Base Camp, was little known to anyone. The majority of this trekking path region was once utilised as a sheep, yak, and buffalo grazing area.
Now that there is road connectivity to the side town where our trip would begin, the 3-day Mardi Himal Trek is feasible. The whole 5-days Mardi Himal Trek begins at either Pothana or Dhampus.
You must go to Pokhara in order to embark on the Short Days Mardi Himal Trek, so plan accordingly. Although there are other alternative short trek routes from Pokhara that we have highlighted, the short Mardi Himal trek with Rugged Trails Nepal is the most well-liked and popular trek from Pokhara. We will give you the Mardi Himal trek map and the hiking permits as soon as you reserve the trek with us. Many people skip the trekking permits on this walk, but if law enforcement or park rangers catch you, you could face fines and/or jail time.
Just let us know your itinerary, and we'll make the necessary arrangements for the Mardi Himal Trek to last for 3, 4, 5, or more days with a homestay.
Why is the 3-Day Mardi Himal Trek popular?
Because of the view! We will quickly reach elevations of 4,200 to 4,500 m without becoming ill. Even a mild headache is not a severe issue. Although it's only a number, the vista from the Mardi Himal hike is simply amazing. Check out photographs on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube videos for views; you'll really adore them. Almost all of the Mardi Himal landscape may be found on Nepalese social media. If you are a photographer and are looking for beautiful landscapes and snow-capped mountain pictures with sunrise and sunset, then you will love this. We decided to embark on a yoga trek to Mardi Himal because the trail is so serene and offers such beautiful vistas.
How long is the Mardi Himal Trek?
The ideal trip for Mardi Himal takes place over the course of five days if you want to make your journey simple and enjoyable. But if you just have a short amount of time and want to see more of Nepal, the 3-day Mardi Himal Trek is another option. The whole 10-day Mardi Himal Trek package includes lodging in all hotels in Pokhara and Kathmandu, as well as guiding and transportation.
How Difficult is the 3-Day Mardi Himal Trek?
In the Annapurna area of Nepal, the Mardi Himal trek is a moderate hike. Due to the height, the path from High Camp to the viewpoint is fairly difficult and long, but otherwise it is simple. While the rest of the section is simpler, the ascent from Sidding to Badal Danda or the descent from Low Camp to Sidding is another phase that is fairly challenging for those who have problems with their knees. The 5-day Mardi Himal trek distance is almost 57 km from Pokhara.
Which month is the best for the short Mardi Himal trek?
Except during the monsoon season (June, July, August, and mid-September), which is rather uncomplicated, you may come at any time to trek to Mardi Himal. Only the leeches will be annoying even when the weather is clear. If the weather is favourable, the monsoon will also be enjoyable because of the greenest hills and rainbows. Some people claim that winter is bad, but we believe that the winter walk to Mardi Himal is one of its greatest features. Due to the tremendous snowfall, we may not be able to reach the summit, but even so, the view will be breathtaking. Come along if you like to hike in Nepal and enjoy snow! View a winter walk in Mardi Himal on YouTube.
This route is wonderful to stroll on in the springtime because of the vibrant rhododendron woodland. The surroundings are also lovely. No other hike allows you to get a closer view of Mt Fishtail in such a short amount of time. Other attractions of this walk include the alpine peaks of Heuchuli, Annapurna South, and others.

How high will we go on the Mardi Himal Trek itinerary?
The Mardi base camp is located at 4,500 m, while the viewpoint is at 4,200 m (13,779 ft) in elevation (14,763 ft). Therefore, if we travel to the Mardi Himal Base Camp, the maximum height of the Mardi Himal walk is 4,500 m. Remember that the Mardi viewpoint at 4200 m offers a breathtaking perspective; therefore, reaching Base Camp just entails touching Mardi Base Camp.
How about the food and accommodation on the 3-day Mardi Himal Trek?
Although we cannot promise you a stay in a five-star hotel or a meal at a fancy restaurant, we can promise you will forget about these things for a few days. You may order tasty meals from the menu, including pizza, pasta, Nepalese, and Tibetan dishes. The dining area will be warm thanks to the conventional heating system, and the rooms will be tidy and clean with cosy blankets. You can check our reviews on Google and TripAdvisor if there are any complaints about the food and our services.
How much does the Mardi Himal Trek cost?
The price of a trip may vary depending on the size of the group and how long it is, but a 3-day Mardi Himal hike starts at $300 USD. We also provide a group departure journey for the Mardi Trek, so if you're travelling in a group, the cost will be determined as follows: We offer a private trek for you to Mardi Himal so you may enjoy your vacation without a hustle. You do not need to join or be in a group to trek to Mardi Himal.
How do I go from Kathmandu to Pokhara?
From Kathmandu, you can take a 25-minute Himalayan flight or a 6-hour scenic drive. We arrange flight tickets and ground transportation on request. We are hoping direct flights will be available from Dubai in this September 2026 so you can make travel arrangements if you want to fly directly to Pokhara.
Two distinct trek routes have been mentioned for the three-day Mardi Himal Trek; one is from Siding Village, and the other is shown below. Usually, we arrange a 3-day Mardi Gras excursion starting from a siding village; you choose whatever option is appropriate for you.
3 days of the Mardi Himal trek for Indian and Nepalese nationals will cost 21,000 NPR (a minimum of 2 people is required). Meals and plans will be predetermined.
What You’ll Explore
Itinerary
Pokhara Drive to Kalimati and Trek to (Forest Camp) Rest Camp
Our guide will come to your hotel or given address around 8.30 in the morning. We will drive from Pokhara to Kalimati village. The road trip is quite mixed, paved, and bumpy in some places, but the local drivers are experienced on these roads (we only use local vehicles in these kinds of places because they know every section and corner of the roads). After reaching Kalimati, we will have lunch. Mount Fishtail is clearly visible from here, and the green landscape is beautiful. After having lunch, we will hike towards Rest Camp. Rest Camp is one step ahead of Forest Camp (Forest Camp doesn't have good views, so we will hike 45 minutes more to Rest Camp). Enjoy the beautiful landscapes as well as Pokhara. Overnight in Rest Camp.
Total walking distance: 5 km
Rest Camp Trek to High Camp
Wake up with Mount Fishtail just in front and the beautiful sunrise. Enjoy your morning breakfast (pick from the menu) and trek towards High Camp. The hike up to Badal Danda, or Middle Camp, will be inside the forest, but after Badal Danda, the trail goes above the tree line and offers magnificent views of Mount Annapurna, Heuchuli, Mount Fishtail, and amazing green grasslands. We will have lunch here in Badal Danda and then trek to our last spot, High Camp. We will walk around and get some beautiful landscape pictures and, of course, the mountain views. Sleep early for the next morning's wakeup call.
Rest Camp to High Camp Trek distance: 8 KM
High Camp - Mardi View Point - Trek to Sidding
This morning, we will wake up early to catch the sunrise from Mardi Himal Viewpoint (4,200 m). The morning hike will be 2 to 3 hours ascending. You might feel breathing difficulties, but slowly, slowly, we will hike to Mardi viewpoint, which is the last spot of the trek where you can see the best views of the entire trip. Get some amazing pictures, and don't forget to pose something fun and crazy that makes your picture more beautiful.
After exploring around Mardi Himal Viewpoint, hike back to Mardi High Camp and have some tea and breakfast, and then hike to Siding village. Lunch will be somewhere before reaching Siding.
Pokhara Hotel is on your own; our guide will transfer you to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the evening on your own with walking around, massages, and drinks. If you need a company to make further plans and to explore around, let your guide or us know anytime.
When you have limited time but still want to see and reach the higher elevation to see the beautiful mountain peaks in Nepal. The Rugged Trails Nepal 3 Day Short Mardi Himal Trek itinerary is designed for those travelers who don't have enough time to trek in the Himalayas. For the pro hiker during the summer season, this trek can be organized for 2 days, but a gentle, normal, and easy trip is for 3 days from Pokhara.
Trip Map & Altitude
Cost Details
What’s Included
- Full Board (breakfast, lunch, and Dinner) in Trekking
- Accommodation during the trek (local lodge)
- The government registered an English-speaking trekking guide.
- Annapurna Conservation Park fees, TIMS Card, and government taxes.
- Insurance for all staff, salary, and allowances.
- Private transportation to and from the starting and ending points of the trek
- First Aid Kit for the Short Mardi Himal Trek.
- Mardi Himal Trekking Map.
What’s Excluded
- Hotel accommodation in Pokhara
- Personal gear (including backpack) and clothing (available on hire)
- Porter to carry your bags.
- Tips for Guide (not fixed as per your wish).
- Any expenses incurred in an emergency evacuation or roadblock due to any reason
- Table drinks and snacks while walking
- Personal travel insurance.
- Service other than those mentioned above.
Dates & Availability
What are the departure dates for the 3-day Mardi Himal Trek?
The three-day Mardi Himal trek's tentative departure dates for 2026 are shown below. Perhaps this isn't the date you're searching for. Don't worry; just let us know when you'll be traveling, and we'll schedule the trip appropriately. Due to the fact that we are a local travel agency in Nepal, the number of travelers on the departure dates might range from 2 to 10, or even just you. Travel agencies set firm departure times from your home nation to pick up passengers and depart; however, during the busiest months, we also offer last-minute trek departures. Reserve your spot today and begin honing your cycling, swimming, and stair-climbing skills in preparation for your Nepali trek.
Equipment List
Renting and Buying Gear in Kathmandu & Pokhara
Because the Mardi Himal Trek starts just a short drive from Pokhara, you can easily buy or rent any missing equipment in Pokhara (Lakeside) or Kathmandu (Thamel). High-quality down jackets, sleeping bags rated to -10°C, and trekking poles can be rented for $1 to $3 USD per day. Basic accessories such as sun hats, wool beanies, neck gaiters, and water purification tablets are cheap to purchase locally. However, you should always bring broken-in trekking boots from home to prevent severe blisters on the steep ridge climbs and descents.
- 2–3 Moisture-wicking base layers: Synthetic or Merino wool t-shirts and long-sleeve tops (avoid cotton).
- Mid-layer fleece jacket / Pullover: For cool daytime walking and teahouse rest hours.
- Warm down jacket: Rated to -10°C to -15°C (sub-zero temperatures are common at High Camp and Base Camp).
- Waterproof & windproof jacket: Gore-Tex or breathable shell to block severe ridge winds and sudden mountain rain.
- 1–2 Pairs of quick-dry trekking pants: Flexible pants suited for steep uphill climbing.
- Thermal base layer leggings: Merino wool or heavy synthetic for sleeping and the freezing Base Camp morning walk.
- Windproof rain pants: Lightweight outer shell pants to guard against wind chill and rain/snow.
- Trekking boots: Sturdy, waterproof boots with good ankle support and solid tread for steep, narrow ridge paths.
- Teahouse sandals or camp shoes: Lightweight slip-ons for evening relaxation at lodges.
- 3–4 Pairs of trekking socks: Thick Merino wool socks, plus 1 pair of thin liner socks.
Gloves:
- 1 pair of lightweight fleece/inner gloves.
- 1 pair of windproof, insulated outer gloves for the summit push.
Microspikes / Ice cleats: Highly recommended during late autumn, winter, and early spring when snow or ice accumulates on the narrow upper ridge between High Camp and Base Camp.
- Sun hat or baseball cap: Essential for daytime walking through lower forests and exposed ridge tracks.
- Warm fleece beanie / woollen hat: Crucial for cold evenings at High Camp (3,580 m) and the early pre-dawn push to Base Camp (4,500 m).
- Polarized UV Sunglasses: Protects against strong high-altitude glare and potential snow reflection along the ridge.
- Neck Gaiter / Buff: Essential for wind protection and keeping dust/cold air out of your lungs on the exposed ridge.
- First Aid Supplies: Blister plasters (moleskin), elastic bandage, antiseptic wipes, and athletic tape.
- Personal Medications: Diamox (Acetazolamide) for altitude sickness, ibuprofen/paracetamol, anti-diarrheal medicine, and rehydration salts.
- Sunscreen & Lip Balm: High SPF (50+) broad-spectrum sunscreen and SPF lip balm.
- Water Purification: Iodine tablets, Aquatabs, or a SteriPEN UV purifier.
- Toiletries: Biodegradable soap, travel towel, wet wipes, hand sanitizer, toilet paper, and a small lighter (for sanitary waste disposal).
- Passport: Original passport valid for 6+ months, plus 2 paper photocopies.
- Trekking Permits: Rugged Trails Nepal will handle it.
- Travel Insurance Policy: Paper copy explicitly covering high-altitude trekking up to 4,500 meters and emergency helicopter evacuation.
- Local Cash (NPR): Enough Nepalese cash for personal expenses, hot showers, device charging, and bottled/hot water (there are no ATMs along the trail).
- Daypack (25L–30L): For daily essentials (water, extra layers, camera, rain shell, personal items).
- Duffle Bag / Waterproof Bag: Rugged Trails Nepal will provide after hiring a porter (kept within the 18-20 kg weight limit for 2 people).
- Pack Rain Cover: Waterproof cover to protect your daypack from sudden showers.
- Sleeping Bag: 3-to-4-season sleeping bag (rated -10°C) plus a silk liner for hygiene and extra warmth at High Camp lodges.
- Trekking Poles: Crucial for Mardi Himal to reduce joint strain on the steep uphill climbs and intense downhill descents through forest trails.
- Headlamp: High-lumen headlamp with extra batteries for the early pre-dawn (approx. 4:00 AM) hike to Mardi Himal Base Camp.
- Power Bank: 10,000–20,000 mAh power bank.
- Reusable Water Bottles: 2 x 1-litre wide-mouth water bottles capable of holding boiling water for extra bed warmth at night.
Client Reviews
Amazing 5 Star Experience
Rugged Trails delivered an absolutely phenomenal experience on our three-day Mardi Himal trek in the Annapurna range. The entire trip ran flawlessly from the first step out of Pokhara to the final descent. Our...
Life time experince with Rugged Trails Nepal
My girlfriend and I booked a full week of activities with Rugged Trails, including the 3 days Himal Trek and a jungle safari in Chitwan. The whole process went smoothly, and the Rugged staff...
Top Notch Mardi Himal Trek
Extremely well organised. Nirajan made everything super easy and was an absolute gent. Depak and Jivan (our guide and porter) were very caring, knowledgeable and great company. The trek was amazing and made better by...





