Is the Mardi Himal trek suitable for beginners?

Yes. Mardi Himal is one of the best first Himalayan treks in Nepal. The maximum sleeping altitude is High Camp at 3,550m, which is below the elevation where serious altitude sickness becomes common, and the trail is well marked throughout. Active families with teenagers complete it comfortably in five days. Prior trekking experience helps but is not required.

What is the maximum altitude of the Mardi Himal trek?

You sleep highest at High Camp (3,550m). The standard high point of the trek is the Upper Viewpoint at around 4,200m, reached on an early-morning push. Trekkers who want more can continue to Mardi Himal Base Camp at 4,500m, the seldom-walked upper plateau, before descending the same day.

Where is Mardi Himal located?

Mardi Himal sits inside the Annapurna Conservation Area in north-central Nepal, on a ridge directly below Machhapuchhre (Fishtail). The trailhead is about an hour's drive from Pokhara, which makes it one of the most accessible ridge treks in the country. There is no need to fly to a remote airstrip, as the whole loop starts and ends near Pokhara.

What permits do I need for the Mardi Himal trek?

You need the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), which costs NPR 3,000 (about USD 22 to 25) for foreign nationals and NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals, plus a TIMS card. 6K arranges all permit paperwork for you before the trek starts, so you do not need to queue at the permit offices in Pokhara or Kathmandu yourself.

Do I need a guide for the Mardi Himal trek?

Since April 2023, Nepal requires trekkers to hire a licensed guide rather than walking independently, and the Annapurna region follows this rule. A guide also makes Mardi Himal safer and richer: the ridge can be exposed in poor weather, and our local guides read the conditions, manage the pace, and handle teahouse bookings so the best rooms are held in advance.

What is the best time to trek Mardi Himal?

The two prime windows are autumn (late September to November) for the clearest, most stable skies, and spring (March to May) when the rhododendron forests below High Camp are in full bloom. December and January are trekkable but cold, with possible snow above Forest Camp. We generally avoid the June to August monsoon because cloud cover hides the very views the trek exists for.

How much does the Mardi Himal trek cost?

Our guided Mardi Himal trek starts at USD 400 per person on the Backpacker tier and USD 500 on the Standard tier for a solo trekker, with the per-person rate dropping as your group grows. The price includes permits, a licensed guide, porter support, teahouse accommodation, and all meals on the trail. International flights, Nepal visa, and travel insurance are not included.

Where does the Mardi Himal trek start and finish?

The trek starts with a short drive from Pokhara to the Dhampus or Kande trailhead and finishes with a jeep ride back to Pokhara from Sidding or Lumre village. You do not retrace your steps, so you see fresh country on the way down through quiet Gurung farmland.

What accommodation and food can I expect on Mardi Himal?

You stay in family-run teahouses with simple twin rooms and shared bathrooms. The menu is standard Nepali teahouse fare: dal bhat with unlimited refills, noodle and rice dishes, eggs, porridge, and Tibetan bread. Choices narrow at High Camp where everything is carried up by porter, and prices rise gently with altitude. We pre-book rooms so you are never left without a bed in peak season.

Is altitude sickness a risk on the Mardi Himal trek?

The risk is low because the highest sleeping altitude is 3,550m and the ascent is gradual. Mild symptoms such as a light headache can appear on the push to the 4,200m viewpoint or the 4,500m base camp, but these usually settle on descent. Our guides carry a pulse oximeter and watch for early signs, and the golden rule always applies: if symptoms worsen, we descend.

Can I combine Mardi Himal with another trek?

Yes. Mardi Himal pairs naturally with Ghorepani Poon Hill for a longer Annapurna loop, and stronger trekkers sometimes link it toward Annapurna Base Camp. If you are deciding between the short options, our Mardi Himal versus Poon Hill comparison breaks down which suits you, and we can build a custom combined itinerary on request.

How do I get to the Mardi Himal trek from Kathmandu?

The trek runs from Pokhara, so from Kathmandu you first travel to Pokhara by a 25-minute flight or a 6 to 7 hour drive along the Prithvi Highway. We can arrange either, and we recommend spending a night in Pokhara before the trek so you start fresh the next morning.

Is the Mardi Himal trek worth it?

For close-up mountain views relative to effort, Mardi Himal is hard to beat. High Camp puts Machhapuchhre almost directly overhead, closer than almost any other trail in the region allows, and the ridge sees a fraction of the traffic of Poon Hill or the Annapurna Base Camp route. Trekkers who want a quieter, more dramatic short trek consistently rate it among their favourites.

What should I pack for the Mardi Himal trek?

Bring layers for a wide temperature range, broken-in trekking boots, trekking poles for the stone-step descent, a sleeping bag rated to at least -5°C, a windproof and waterproof shell, sun protection, and a headlamp for the pre-dawn viewpoint push. We send a full checklist after you book and rent down jackets and four-season sleeping bags in Pokhara for USD 35 each.

Mardi Himal Trek

Q: How long is the Mardi Himal trek?

The standard Mardi Himal trek runs 4 to 5 days on the trail from Pokhara, covering roughly 40 km. Fit hikers sometimes compress it into 3 days, while a relaxed 7-day version adds Australian Camp, Lwang village, and extra acclimatisation. The 5-day itinerary is the one we recommend for most trekkers because it keeps the daily ascent gentle and leaves time for sunrise at the Upper Viewpoint.

Q: How difficult is the Mardi Himal trek?

Mardi Himal is rated moderate. There is no technical climbing, glacier travel, or scrambling on the standard route to the Upper Viewpoint. The challenge is cumulative: four to seven hours of walking a day, with the steepest section being the climb from Forest Camp to High Camp. A month of regular cardio before you arrive makes it comfortable rather than a grind. It is one of the most accessible high-viewpoint treks in the Annapurna region.

+11

4.9

rated 4.9 by 90+ travellers on Google5+ years guiding in the HimalayaGuests from 30+ countriesBorn-and-raised local guides

Trek at a Glance

Duration

4–5 days

Trip Grade

Moderate

Max. Altitude

4,500m

Best Season

Oct–May

Group Size

1–12 pax

Region

Annapurna

Accommodation

Tea houses

Meals

Included

Start / End Point

Pokhara

Mardi Himal Trek Overview

Itinerary designed by Rohit Timilsina, Co-Founder & Lead Guide Verified local guide

A quieter Annapurna alternative that rewards you with close-up views of Machhapuchhre and Annapurna South from a ridge-top trail few trekkers know exists.

Mardi Himal is the route our team recommends when someone wants an honest Annapurna experience without walking in a procession of trekkers. The trail peels off the main Annapurna circuit near Dhampus and climbs its own ridge, through rhododendron forest, past the small clearings at Low Camp and Forest Camp, and eventually up to High Camp at 3,550m before the final push to the Upper Viewpoint at around 4,200m or, for those who want more, the base camp plateau at 4,500m.

What strikes most people is how different the perspective is from here compared to Poon Hill or the ABC trail. Machhapuchhre fills the sky almost directly in front of you at High Camp in a way that even photographs don't quite capture. Mardi Himal itself, a sharp, rarely-climbed peak, stands to the north-east, and the Annapurna massif stretches across the full western horizon. Our guides look up every single morning at High Camp.

The trail is well-suited to first-time trekkers in Nepal. The only permit required is the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), checked at Pothana above Dhampus. Maximum sleeping altitude is High Camp at 3,550m, manageable for most healthy walkers ascending gradually over four or five days. The descent typically runs through Badal Danda and Low Camp to Siding village, where a jeep ride back to Pokhara saves retracing steps and provides a genuine Gurung village as the last cultural stop.

Who this trek is for: Mardi Himal works well for first-time Himalayan trekkers who are fit but not experienced at altitude, and for returning visitors who have already done Poon Hill or ABC and want something less crowded. The short duration and modest sleeping altitude (3,550m) make it the most forgiving of the Annapurna region's significant viewpoint treks. Families with active teenagers handle it comfortably in five days.

Upper Viewpoint

Mardi Himal Upper Viewpoint

4,500 m / 14,763 ft

Ridge walk above the clouds to the boulder-field perch at 4,500m, directly opposite Machhapuchhre. The mountain fills the sky in a way no photograph captures, with Annapurna South and Hiunchuli stretched across the western horizon.

Mardi Himal Trek Highlights

Closest views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail)
High Camp at 3,580m and upper viewpoint at 4,500m
Quiet ridge-top trail with fewer trekkers
Diverse forest-to-alpine ecology
Views of Annapurna South

Mardi Himal Trek Itinerary

Day	Itinerary	Max Altitude	Distance	Duration
Day 1	Pokhara to Pritam Deurali (2,100m)	2,100m / 6,890ft	6km / 3.7mi	3 hours hike + 1 hour drive
Day 2	Pritam Deurali to Low Camp (2,600m)	2,600m / 8,530ft	9km / 5.6mi	5-6 hours
Day 3	Low Camp to High Camp (3,550m)	3,550m / 11,647ft	6km / 3.7mi	4 hours
Day 4	High Camp to Viewpoint, MBC, descend to Sidding village	4,500m / 14,764ft	16km / 10mi	8-9 hours
Day 5	Sidding village to Pokhara	—	—	2 hours drive

Day 01: Pokhara to Pritam Deurali (2,100m)
2,100m / 6,890ft
Distance6km / 3.7mi
Duration3 hours hike + 1 hour drive
Altitude2,100m / 6,890ft
A short 1-hour drive from Pokhara brings you to Dhampus village, the trailhead for the Mardi Himal trek. After breakfast or brunch at Dhampus, the trail enters terraced farmland and then climbs steadily through pine and rhododendron forest, passing the Gurung village of Pothana mid-way.
The path is well-marked and gains altitude gradually. In spring (March to May) the rhododendrons cover the hillsides in vivid reds and pinks. After about 3 hours of walking, you reach Pritam Deurali, where the Mardi ridge trail proper begins. The teahouse is simple but comfortable, with warm blankets and hot meals.
With no road noise and no phone signal, the evening is remarkably peaceful. Your guide will brief you on the next day's route over evening tea.
Day 02: Pritam Deurali to Low Camp (2,600m)
2,600m / 8,530ft
Distance9km / 5.6mi
Duration5-6 hours
Altitude2,600m / 8,530ft
Elevation Gain+500 m
The trail steepens today as you push from Pritam Deurali to Low Camp through dense rhododendron and oak forest. Breakfast at Pritam Deurali, lunch at Forest Camp on the way.
In the spring trekking season the hillside erupts in brilliant reds, pinks, and whites as the rhododendrons reach full bloom. Even outside the flowering season, the twisted trunks and hanging moss give the forest a magical quality. As you gain altitude, the trees gradually begin to thin and you catch your first glimpses of Annapurna South (7,219m) and Hiunchuli (6,441m) through gaps in the canopy.
Low Camp sits on a ridge clearing with simple but welcoming teahouses. On clear evenings the sunset views from the terrace are spectacular, with the snow peaks glowing gold and pink as the light fades. Stay well hydrated and eat plenty of carbohydrates. Tomorrow you will break above the treeline.
Day 03: Low Camp to High Camp (3,550m)
3,550m / 11,647ft
Distance6km / 3.7mi
Duration4 hours
Altitude3,550m / 11,647ft
Elevation Gain+950 m
Today is the day the Mardi Himal trek truly reveals its magic. About 4 hours of ridge walking above the treeline. Breakfast at Low Camp, lunch at Badal Danda. Within an hour the forest thins, then vanishes entirely as you break onto wide open ridgeline.
Machhapuchhre (Fishtail, 6,993m) dominates the skyline directly ahead. From this angle you are closer to it than almost any other trekking route allows. To the right, Mardi Himal (5,587m) and Annapurna South (7,219m) form an imposing wall. On the far left, Annapurna I (8,091m) and Annapurna III peek over the ridgeline.
The trail follows a narrow ridge with steep drops on both sides, giving an exhilarating sense of exposure without any technical difficulty. High Camp is perched on a narrow section of the ridge with teahouses cleverly built into the terrain. The accommodation is basic but the location is world-class.
Day 04: High Camp to Viewpoint, MBC, descend to Sidding village
4,500m / 14,764ft
Distance16km / 10mi
Duration8-9 hours
Altitude4,500m / 14,764ft
Elevation Gain+950 m
Start the day early at around 4:30 am and hike 2 hours to the viewpoint for sunrise and the mountain panorama. The first rays hit the summit of Machhapuchhre and the entire amphitheatre of peaks is ablaze with colour: Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Mardi Himal, and Machhapuchhre stand in a semicircle around you.
For trekkers wanting more, an optional 1.5-hour push to Mardi Himal Base Camp at 4,500m takes you to the very upper plateau. Back to the guest house at High Camp for a late breakfast, then the long descent begins. Lunch on the way.
The descent drops through every vegetation zone, from alpine scrub back through rhododendron forest, past terraced farmland, and into the lowlands around Sidding village. The descent is hard on the knees, so trekking poles help. By late afternoon you reach Sidding, where the warm, thick air of the lowlands feels like a blanket after the cold of High Camp.
Day 05: Sidding village to Pokhara
Duration2 hours drive
Breakfast at Sidding village, then a 2-hour jeep drive back to Pokhara along the winding Lwang road through terraced farmland and small Gurung settlements. After the intensity of the high-altitude days, the warmth of the lowlands feels luxurious. Back in Pokhara, a hot shower feels like the ultimate luxury after High Camp. Your guide will present you with a trek completion certificate.

Choose Your Itinerary Length

3 days

3-day express

A fast push to High Camp and the viewpoint for fit hikers short on time. Long days, less margin for weather.

4 days

4-day classic

Drives in higher to Forest Camp and trims one teahouse night. Popular with returning trekkers.

5 daysRecommended

5-day recommended

The gentlest ascent profile and the best odds of a clear sunrise at the Upper Viewpoint. Our default.

7 days

7-day relaxed

Adds Australian Camp, Lwang village, and extra acclimatisation for a slower, more cultural loop.

Compare all itineraries in detail

Your Trek Is Prepared & Led by a Local Guide

Govt. License #1497

Rohit Timilsina

Co-Founder & Lead Guide · 6K Nepal Treks

Hi, I'm Rohit Timilsina

I started 6K Nepal Treks to give travellers the trek I would want myself: small groups, honest prices and a guide who actually knows the trail. I have guided across the Annapurna, Manaslu and Everest regions for over five years, and I design every itinerary on this site personally.

“Whether it is your first teahouse trek or your tenth Himalayan expedition, I want you back home telling everyone it was the best trip of your life.”

Govt. License #14974.9★ from 90+ reviews30+ countries guidedHighest guided: 5,416m

Meet the full team

Mardi Himal Trek Cost & What's Included

Pick a comfort level to see exactly what its package covers. Prices by group size are in the booking card.

What is included in this trek package?

All required permits and TIMS card

Licensed English-speaking trekking guide

Private vehicle transfers to and from the trailhead

Comfortable tourist-standard lodges, twin share

All meals on the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Crew salary, insurance, meals and lodging

What is excluded in this trek package?

International flights and Nepal entry visa

Travel and high-altitude rescue insurance

Porter (available on request, extra cost)

Hot showers and Wi-Fi where not complimentary

Lunch and dinner in the city

Tips for your guide and crew

Private departures, your dates

We run this trek as a private trip on the dates that suit you. Tell us when and we will confirm availability.

Email us WhatsApp

Mardi Himal Trek Reviews

4.9★ from 90+ Google Reviews

Trekkers guided from 30+ countries.

“Riding from Pokhara to Upper Mustang over five unforgettable days with Rohit was a true adventure in every sense of the word. As an experienced adventure motorbike rider, including demanding desert expeditions, I can say with absolute confidence that Rohit is a phenomenal rider and an exceptional tour guide. He masters the terrain, understands the mountains, and rides with calm authority and precision. I highly recommend Rohit and his company.”

Jacob Mato ★

Upper Mustang Motorbike Tour · Mar 2026

5.0

“Rohit was an excellent guide for my Khopra Ridge trek. From the very first day, he was professional, friendly, and always attentive. He knows the trail extremely well and made sure the pace was comfortable while still keeping good time each day. What I really appreciated was how caring and patient he was, especially on long uphill sections and in changing weather. I highly recommend Rohit to anyone planning the Khopra Ridge trek or any trek in Nepal.”

Birendra T Xettri ★

Khopra Ridge Trek · Mar 2026

5.0

“My first trek with Rohit, who is extremely knowledgeable. He is the mountain man of Nepal. His deep love for the mountains means he wants to give his trekkers the best experience, share his stories but above all make sure you are feeling safe, comfortable and able to complete the trek. We did Mardi Himal Trek, blessed with the weather. Do not hesitate to book with Rohit, I will be back again. Namaste”

Ange ★

Mardi Himal Trek · Jan 2026

5.0

“This was my second trek with Rohit, I first did the Manaslu Circuit with him a while ago and came back for Mardi Himal this time. Both experiences were absolutely fantastic. Rohit is professional, kind, and really knows the mountains. He always makes sure you're safe, comfortable, and enjoying yourself. He takes care of all the logistics, finds great tea houses, and adjusts the pace perfectly for everyone. Wouldn't trek in Nepal with anyone else.”

Peter Murphy ★

Manaslu Circuit + Mardi Himal · Jan 2026

5.0

“Rohit is a young, energetic, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic guide. He took us up to Annapurna Base Camp. We had bad weather, so Rohit decided to wait a day when other guides kept going up. Due to avalanche-risk, this was the obviously the best decision. Rohit always made sure that we felt comfortable and always in a good mood. We had fun, lots of laughter and great stories. Thanks to Rohit we will never forget: Dahl Baht Power 24 Hour!”

Sander Wolters ★

Annapurna Base Camp · 2025

5.0

“Without doubt the best guide in the world... Every part of our trip was a dream. From start to finish Rohit and his team had prepared everything to perfection. I cannot recommend this young man enough, so professional, so fun and so considerate. Thank you so much for making our time so special.”

Ryan Chandler ★

Himalayan Trek · Oct 2025

5.0

“Just returned from completing a 2 day trek with Rohit as our guide to Kapuche Glacier lake. It was a challenging but fantastic experience thanks to his professional skills his passion for the mountains and his outgoing and friendly personality. He was always there to guide and motivate us even up the never ending stairs!! His support and sense of humour got us safely to our destination and back again. If we return to Nepal we will definitely meet again.”

Karen Smith ★

Kapuche Glacier Lake · 2025

5.0

“We did Austrian Basecamp with Rohit. I thought it was going to be a short and predictable trek but I was surely wrong. We went up and stayed for the night and on the next day we did a long return going through some of the most stunning views I've ever seen in my 37 years of life. I don't think that would have been possible without the guidance of Rohit. Also it's really nice to share with him, he is friendly, respectful and chill. And he knows everything about Nepal, its mountains and its flora and fauna.”

Arturo Cuevillas ★

Australian Camp Trek · Jan 2026

5.0

“I recently embarked on the Dhampus-Pothana-Australia Camp trek with Rohit, and it was an experience I'll cherish forever. From the very beginning, Rohit's easygoing nature and ability to connect made the journey incredibly enjoyable. Our conversations ranged from deep discussions about spirituality, mountains, and cultures to sharing our mutual love for rock and metal music. Overall, trekking with Rohit was an incredible experience. His warmth, knowledge, and passion for the mountains truly enhanced the trip.”

Fahad Rahman ★

Dhampus-Pothana-Australian Camp · 2025

5.0

“Undertook Annapurna Base Camp Trek along with Rohit in first week of April 2025. His detailed knowledge and experience of the terrain and weather helped us having an awesome experience. He was accommodative of our needs and change in plans. Two days later we undertook a motorbike ride upto Muktinath in Mustang Valley. Again his energy, knowledge and experience in the area resulted in us having a superb n memorable time.”

Prateek Johari ★

Annapurna Base Camp + Mustang · Jul 2025

5.0

“Rohit was our guide on the 12 day Manaslu circuit trek. The trek was great, nice scenery, not too hard and Rohit took good care of making sure we had a place to sleep every night, as teahouses were filling up quickly because of high season. Rohit is a cheerful guy, social and he takes good care of his guests. With Rohit you are definitely in good company.”

Sara Coessens ★

Manaslu Circuit Trek · 2025

5.0

“Had an amazing 9 day Annapurna Base Camp Sanctuary Trek this June with Rohit and his team. His fantastic organisation, hosting, knowledge and professionalism makes Rohit a fabulous choice of guide. Visiting Nepal and especially the Himalayas is a life changing experience and I will never forget it.”

Rupert Potts ★

Annapurna Base Camp · Sep 2025

5.0

“Rohit (Haku) was one of the many blessings we received from Nepal. He is not only a great guide who knows how to make trips and expeditions fun and flowy. He is also an incredibly fun human to be around. It was delightful to spend some days riding to the temple of Muktinath with him. Jamming, and discovering a new young friend, full of kindness, values and knowledge.”

David Sanchez ★

Muktinath Motorbike Tour · 2025

5.0

“I called Rohit just before 8hrs of starting our Khumai Danda trek. Even after being tired he said let's meet in morning at 6am. He knows English, Hindi, French and Nepali. He not only guided the trek route but made the whole stretch very memorable and interesting. We told stories to each other. He became more like a friend. It was complete fun trekking with Rohit. And yes, Rohit has his own band. Quite an interesting guy.”

Shreyassh Verma ★

Khumai Danda Trek · 2024

5.0

“Had an amazing trek, Rohit is a perfect guide especially when dealing with the unpredictability of the trek, someone who's very easy going and social however extremely professional and even other guides would come to him for advice. 100/10”

Louis Anderson ★

Himalayan Trek · 2024

5.0

“Rohit is the guy to go trekking with! He knows a lot and can tell you a lot about life in the mountains but also about his amazing family. This drummer of a band can show you around, but also knows that silence in walking is good when doing a hike. Super chill and easy going.”

Rutger Dankelman ★

Himalayan Trek · 2024

5.0

“We had an amazing time with Rohit and Yuddha. Rohit was quick to reply when planning the trip and clearly explained the route options, and on the trip his enthusiasm and knowledge were very appreciated. He seems to know all the best tea houses for food too.”

Ben Ashby ★

Himalayan Trek · 2024

5.0

“What an amazing experience! Highly recommend Rohit to guide you through the Himalayas. Nothing was too much trouble for him and his team and they went out of their way to ensure we had an unforgettable trip. And most importantly. SO MUCH FUN!!!”

Richard Hilliard ★

Himalayan Trek · Sep 2025

5.0

“Just had the most fantastic trek with Rohit and his team. An incredible experience that has created amazing memories and hit the reset button for me in such a positive way. Thank you Rohit.. Namaste”

Jonathan Marriott ★

Himalayan Trek · Sep 2025

5.0

“Our experience in Nepal was nothing short of extraordinary, thanks to our incredible friend. He truly is a superman! From the very beginning, the tour was meticulously personalized to cater to our every need and interest, ensuring that we always had exciting activities to look forward to.”

Minhaj Ul Islam ★

Nepal Tour · 2025

5.0

Why Book With 6K Nepal Treks

Licensed & Insured

Registered with Nepal Tourism Board, TAAN and NMA. Fully insured for trekking, climbing, and high-altitude emergencies.

Expert Local Guides

Every trek is led by a licensed, first-aid trained Sherpa or Gurung guide, born and raised in these mountains.

Safety First

Pulse oximeter and emergency oxygen carried on all high-altitude treks. Helicopter evacuation protocol on standby.

Small Groups

Maximum 12 trekkers per group. One porter per two guests. You are a person, not a tour number.

Fair & Transparent Pricing

No hidden fees. Permits, guides, porters and taxes are all included and itemised in your quote.

Responsible Travel

Fair wages for all staff, eco-friendly practices on the trail, and direct support for the mountain communities we work with.

Know Before You Go

Mardi Himal is rated easy-to-moderate and is genuinely accessible to first-time trekkers. There are no technical sections, no glacier crossings, and no scrambling above High Camp on the standard Upper Viewpoint route. The challenge lies in cumulative fitness over four to five consecutive days of uphill walking, mostly on stone steps and ridge paths.

Daily walking time ranges from four to seven hours depending on the day. The steepest sustained climbing occurs between Forest Camp and High Camp on day three, about 930 vertical metres over 5-6 hours. Above High Camp, the rocky path to the Upper Viewpoint gains another 650m at a gentler gradient, but the reduced oxygen at 4,000m makes the final hour feel noticeably harder than the numbers suggest.

The main physical concern is not technical difficulty but the mossy, lichen-covered stones in the forest zone between Dhampus and Low Camp, which can become slippery after rain or in cold morning conditions. Trekking poles are strongly recommended, particularly on the descent. In winter (December-February), snowfall may cover the trail from Forest Camp upward, adding route-finding complexity and requiring gaiters and microspikes in some years.

Altitude is a secondary consideration at the sleeping elevations here. High Camp at 3,550m is well below the threshold where most healthy adults experience serious AMS. The optional base camp at 4,500m pushes into territory where mild symptoms (headache, fatigue) are more common, and our guides closely monitor these before allowing anyone to continue past High Camp.

A month of consistent cardiovascular training before arriving in Nepal makes Mardi Himal comfortable rather than a grind. Running, cycling, swimming, or hiking regularly builds the aerobic base required for five to seven hours of walking at elevation. Focusing on uphill work is beneficial if gradients are accessible. Strength training for the lower body aids on descent days, involving long sections of stone steps that exert stress on the quads and knees. Practice with trekking poles can also help if they are not familiar.

Good to know. Arrive in Pokhara at least one day before departure so there is time for your pre-trip briefing and any last-minute gear hire. We can store spare luggage while you trek.