Mardi Himal Trek | ABC Trek in Nepal

Expedition Architecture

Mardi Himal Trek – Overview

The Mardi Himal Trek is the rising star of the Annapurna region—a pristine ridge-line walk offering intimate, face-to-face vistas of Fishtail Mountain and Annapurna South.

Unlike valley-floor treks, the Mardi trail climbs along a narrow forested ridge. Once you break above the tree line at Badal Danda (Cloud Ridge), you walk along open alpine meadows with deep valley drop-offs on both sides, culminating at the Mardi Himal Viewpoint (4,200m) and Base Camp (4,500m).

Unrivaled Machhapuchhre Views

Stand closer to sacred Fishtail Mountain (6,993m) than on any other trail.

Ridge-Line Walking

Spectacular ridge walking above cloud inversions with panoramic drop-offs.

Pristine Forest Camps

Trek through quiet moss-draped forests of oak, maple, and rhododendron.

Lesser-Crowded Trail

A quieter, more tranquil alternative to the classic Annapurna Base Camp route.

Field Schedule

Day-by-Day Expedition Itinerary

Paced for optimal safety, terrain enjoyment, and cultural immersion.

Climb past Australian Camp and Pothana into dense pristine forests to Forest Camp.

Ascend through mossy woodlands. Glimpses of Machhapuchhre begin appearing through the canopy.

Break out of the tree line onto open grassy ridge. Incredible 360° panoramas at High Camp.

Lead Guide Field Note

High Camp is cold and windy. Layer with windproof shells and down jackets.

Pre-dawn 4 AM ridge hike to Mardi Himal Viewpoint (4,200m) and Base Camp (4,500m). Unbelievable morning light.

Descend off the ridge into traditional village of Siding. Private 4WD transfer back to Pokhara.

Price Integrity

Transparent Inclusions & Exclusions

Included in $580 USD

All Permits: ACAP and government park entry permits.
Licensed Mountain Guide: English-fluent, certified in Wilderness First Aid.
Insured Porters (IPPG): 1 porter per 2 trekkers, 20kg maximum load cap.
Teahouse Lodging: Hand-vetted mountain lodges throughout the route.
All Meals on Trail: 3 daily meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) plus hot tea.
Ground Transportation: Private transport to and from trailheads.

Exclusions

International Flights & Visa: Nepal entry tourist visa ($30/$50).
Emergency Travel Insurance: Mandatory policy covering high altitude and rescue.
Teahouse Incidentals: Hot showers, Wi-Fi cards, and device charging fees.
Personal Gear & Tipping: Discretionary gratuity for guide and porters.

Practical Intelligence

Frequently Answered Questions

Mardi Himal is a high-ridge walk with sweeping vistas of Machhapuchhre, while ABC is an enclosed glacial basin surrounded by peaks. Mardi is generally shorter (5-6 days).