Mardi Himal only opened as a teahouse trek in 2012, which by Nepali standards makes it brand new. It climbs a forested ridge east of the main Annapurna Sanctuary trail and finishes almost directly beneath Machhapuchhre, the sacred Fishtail peak.
What sets it apart is proximity. On most Annapurna treks you admire the mountains across a valley. On Mardi Himal you walk along a ridge with them rising immediately in front of you.
Why Trekkers Choose Mardi
- Exceptionally close views of Machhapuchhre (6,993m) and Annapurna South
- A high ridge walk rather than a valley approach
- Short enough for a one-week trip
- Considerably quieter than Poon Hill or the Sanctuary
- Starts and ends within easy reach of Pokhara
The Route
Five to seven days is standard, depending on how high you push and how fast you descend.
- Kande (1,770m) — trailhead, about an hour from Pokhara
- Australian Camp and Deurali — gentle forest walking
- Forest Camp (2,550m) — dense rhododendron and moss
- Low Camp (2,970m) — the mountains begin to appear
- High Camp (3,580m) — the ridge opens up completely
- Upper Viewpoint (4,200m) — the highest point most trekkers reach
- Descend via Sidhing to Lumre and back to Pokhara
The stretch between High Camp and the Upper Viewpoint is the highlight — a narrow ridge with Machhapuchhre filling the sky ahead.
Permits
- ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area) permit
- TIMS card for independent trekkers
Both are straightforward to arrange in Pokhara or Kathmandu, and no restricted-area permit is needed.
Costs
- Guided packages typically USD 350 to USD 600 per person
- Teahouse costs of roughly USD 25 to 35 per day
- Lodges on the upper ridge are simpler and slightly more expensive
Water and supplies must be carried up to High Camp, which is reflected in the prices there.
Best Time to Go
- October to November — the most reliable views
- March to May — rhododendrons on the lower ridge, warmer nights
- December to February — cold and sometimes snowy above Low Camp
- Monsoon — the ridge is usually inside cloud, with limited views
Difficulty
Mardi is moderate. The distances are short, but the climb is consistent.
- Four to six hours of walking per day
- A steady uphill gradient for the first three days
- A maximum sleeping altitude of 3,580m at High Camp
- The push to 4,200m is a long day but non-technical
Because you sleep no higher than High Camp, altitude problems are uncommon, though the viewpoint day should still be taken slowly.
Ready to Walk the Fishtail Ridge?
Mardi Himal is the trek for people who want to feel close to the mountains rather than simply see them from a distance — and it fits comfortably into a single week.
At Global Rising Tours & Travel, we run small-group Mardi Himal departures with guides based in Pokhara. View our trekking packages and let us tailor the route to your schedule.
