Mardi Himal Trek 4-Day Tour from Pokhara

Four days through rhododendron forest to a 4,500-meter summit surrounded by snow-capped peaks

This 4-day trek from Pokhara climbs through lush forests and dense jungle to Mardi Himal Base Camp at 4,500 meters, where you stand surrounded by panoramic views of the Annapurna range and Machhapuchre. An expert English-speaking guide leads you from Pokhara to Forest Camp on day one, then pushes higher each day through changing terrain until you reach the summit viewpoint on day three, photograph the peaks, and descend to Low Camp before returning to Pokhara on day four.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Pokhara to Forest Camp

• Drive from Pokhara to Dhampus
• Trek from Pitam Deurali to Forest Camp
• Overnight at Forest Camp lodge

Day 2: Forest Camp to High Camp

• Breakfast at Forest Camp
• Trek to Mardi Himal High Camp
• Overnight at High Camp lodge

Day 3: High Camp to Low Camp

• Ascend to Mardi Himal Base Camp
• Enjoy panoramic mountain views
• Descend to Low Camp
• Overnight at Low Camp lodge

Day 4: Low Camp to Pokhara

• Descend from Low Camp to Siding Village
• Jeep transfer from Siding to Pokhara

The experience

How do you reach Mardi Himal Base Camp without spending a week on the trail? This trek compresses the climb into four days by starting from Pokhara and moving steadily upward through distinct zones. A car takes you from Pokhara to Pitam Deurali, where the actual trekking begins. From there, the route climbs through rhododendron forests and dense jungle, gaining roughly 2,000 meters of elevation across the first two days before the final push to the base camp on day three.

Day two is the longest push: a five-hour trek from Forest Camp at 2,500 meters up to High Camp at 4,000 meters, where the air thins and the landscape opens. The next morning you rise early and ascend another 500 meters to Mardi Himal Base Camp itself, standing at 4,500 meters. From this vantage point, the Annapurna range spreads across the horizon: Machhapuchre's distinctive fishtail peak rises among snow-capped summits in every direction. You get time to photograph and absorb the view before retracing your steps back down to Low Camp at 3,000 meters. The final day is a descent to Siding village, a shared jeep ride back to Pokhara, and the trek is done.

Your expert guide speaks English and manages the logistics throughout: teahouse lodging each night, meals included at each stop, and the transport from Pokhara at the start and end. The guide's salary and all fees and taxes are covered in the price. You'll need moderate fitness (the altitude and daily climbing demand it), but the pace is built for acclimatization, not speed.

What’s included

• Expert English-speaking guide throughout the trek.
• teahouse and lodge accommodation for all four nights.
• all meals at each stop.
• transport from Pokhara to the trailhead and return jeep transfer from Siding to Pokhara.
• guide salary and all fees and taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day16 departure times: the first at 07:00, the last at 11:45

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 12 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancy

Operated by MTA Trekking

Is this one for you?This trek suits small groups or solo travelers who want a compact mountain experience without committing to a longer expedition. The four-day structure fits a long weekend or a break in a broader Nepal itinerary, and the moderate pace with an expert guide means you climb high without needing mountaineering experience.

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Top questions

What's the altitude like on this trek, and will I feel it?

Mardi Himal Base Camp sits at 4,500 meters, and you climb there from 2,500 meters over three days. The route ascends gradually: Forest Camp on day one is 2,500 meters, High Camp on day two reaches 4,000 meters, and the base camp push on day three adds another 500 meters. This pace allows your body to adjust, though you'll notice the thinner air, especially on the final climb.

What kind of accommodation will I have each night?

You stay in teahouses and lodges along the route. Forest Camp, High Camp, and Low Camp each have basic but comfortable overnight facilities. These are simple mountain lodges, not hotels, but they provide shelter, meals, and a place to rest between trekking days.

What will I see from Mardi Himal Base Camp?

The base camp viewpoint offers panoramic views of the Annapurna range, with Machhapuchre (Fishtail) peak as the iconic centerpiece. You're surrounded by snow-capped mountains, and the elevation gives you an unobstructed vista across the entire region. It's considered a photographer's vantage point for capturing the Himalayan landscape.

How much of each day is actually trekking versus rest?

Day one involves a car ride to Pitam Deurali, then a moderate trek to Forest Camp. Day two is the most demanding: a five-hour trek from Forest Camp to High Camp. Day three starts with an ascent to the base camp, time for photography and viewing, then a descent back to Low Camp. Day four is a shorter descent to Siding village and the jeep ride home. The itinerary balances climbing with rest stops and acclimatization time.

Do I need any special gear or equipment for this trek?

Moderate physical fitness is required, and you should bring warm layers: the temperature drops significantly at 4,000+ meters, especially at night. Sturdy trekking boots, a good backpack, and weather-appropriate clothing are essential. Your guide will advise on what to pack, and teahouses provide basic amenities, but you're responsible for personal items and any specialized gear you prefer.