Stop 01
Annapurna Permits: ACAP & TIMS
AnnapurnaExperience
“Before you go: arrange your ACAP permit and confirm current TIMS rules; book High Camp ahead in peak season.”
trekAnnapurna
Mardi Himal Trek
Summary
A short, scenic ridge trek east of the Annapurna Sanctuary, climbing through moss-draped forest to High Camp and a 4,200 m viewpoint almost beneath Machhapuchhre. The best "quiet, high, and quick" option in the Annapurnas — 4–5 days, moderate effort, dramatic payoff.
Why this guide
It delivers near-Sanctuary altitude and the best close-up fishtail views in the region on a short, quieter trek.
Good for
Trekkers wanting a short but high objective, ridge-walk and photography lovers, and those avoiding the busiest routes.
Skip if
Skip if you are uneasy on steep, exposed ground at altitude, or if fresh snow has made the upper ridge sketchy.
Story
Mardi Himal is the modern favourite for trekkers who want height and drama without the crowds or the time the Sanctuary demands. The route climbs a single forested ridge directly toward Machhapuchhre, breaking out of the trees onto an open alpine spine with some of the most intimate fishtail views anywhere in the Annapurnas.
Who it's for
Reasonably fit trekkers who want a short trip that still reaches real altitude (the Upper Viewpoint is around 4,200 m). It is a step up from Poon Hill in both effort and exposure, and a good choice if you have done a little hill walking before.
How hard it is
The forest days are moderate; the sting is the steep, exposed ridge above High Camp and the thin air on the dawn push to the Upper Viewpoint. Because the route gains height quickly, take the High Camp night seriously for acclimatisation and turn back at the Lower Viewpoint if anyone feels unwell.
Season
Autumn and spring are best. The narrow upper ridge can be icy or snow-covered in winter and early spring, and cloud often builds by late morning — which is why trekkers climb the viewpoint at dawn.
Permits & trust note
You need an ACAP permit (and possibly a TIMS card — see the linked permits guide). Mardi has fewer lodges than the big routes and they fill in peak season. Road-heads, lodge openings, and ridge conditions change, so confirm current conditions in Pokhara and book High Camp ahead through a guide where possible.
4–5 daysLow to medium4 daysmoderate4200 m high point32 kmKande (from Pokhara) to Sidhing/Lumre → PokharaChecked Jun 10, 2026
SpringAutumn
quieter-routeridge-walkfishtail-viewsalpine
On the map
The route
The stops
5 places
- → ~1 hr drive + 4–5 hr walkDay 1Stop 02
Pokhara to the Annapurna Trailheads (Jeep)PokharaTransport
“Short drive from Pokhara to Kande on the Baglung Highway, then climb through dense, moss-draped rhododendron and oak forest to Forest Camp.”
- → ~4–5 hr walkDay 2Stop 03Editorial stop
Day 2: Forest Camp to Low Camp and Badal Danda (3,200 m)
“The forest thins and the ridge opens to its first big views of Machhapuchhre and Annapurna South. A steady climb along the spine to the meadows of Badal Danda.”
- → ~3–4 hr walkDay 3Stop 04
Mardi High Camp LodgesMardi HimalStay
“A shorter but higher day onto the open alpine ridge to High Camp, perched beneath the fishtail. Rest, hydrate, and prepare for the pre-dawn start.”
- → ~4–5 hr up/down + jeepDay 4Stop 05
Mardi Himal Upper ViewpointMardi HimalAttraction
“Climb the exposed ridge for sunrise almost beneath Machhapuchhre, then descend the long way off the ridge toward Sidhing or Lumre for a jeep back to Pokhara.”