The Mardi Himal High Ridge Experience
Opened to international trekkers in 2012, the Mardi Himal Ridge Trek is the ultimate short, high-reward mountain adventure in Nepal. Unlike traditional valley treks that walk beside rivers, this route climbs directly onto a high mountain ridge, offering 360° views above the cloud line throughout your journey.
Starting from Kande (1,770m) near Pokhara, you ascend through ancient fairy-tale oak and rhododendron forests to Forest Camp (2,500m) and Low Camp (2,970m). As the treeline recedes at Badal Danda (3,210m), the ridge narrows with towering walls of Machhapuchhre (6,993m) and Annapurna South (7,219m) rising directly in front of you. A dawn push to Mardi Himal Upper Viewpoint (4,500m) delivers one of the closest and most dramatic mountain vistas in the Himalayas.
Face to Face with Fishtail (6,993m)
Stand incredibly close to the unclimbed, sacred peak of Mt. Machhapuchhre (Fishtail).
Mardi Upper Viewpoint (4,500m)
Summit the 4,500m ridge viewpoint for dawn light on Annapurna I, South, Hiunchuli, and Mardi Himal.
Walking Above the Clouds
The high ridge from Badal Danda (3,210m) to High Camp puts you literally walking above afternoon valley cloud seas.
Ancient Rhododendron Forest
Trek under mossy oak trees and giant blooming red rhododendrons between Forest Camp and Low Camp.
Badal Danda Sunset Point
Watch 360° golden sunset light paint the snow caps of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli.
Short & High-Reward 5 Days
Perfect for trekkers with limited vacation days who want genuine high-altitude Himalayan views without 2 weeks of trekking.
Why Book Mardi Himal with Best Treks Nepal?
We use private vehicle transfers from Pokhara to Kande trailhead and secure top-tier lodge rooms at High Camp and Badal Danda.
Private Vehicle Transfers
Direct private vehicle transfers from your Pokhara hotel to Kande trailhead and return from Siding village.
100% Licensed Sherpa Guides
Experienced mountain guides trained in Wilderness First Response (WFR) and local flora, fauna, and peak safety.
Paced Acclimatization Curve
Staged mountain ascents (2,500m ➔ 3,210m ➔ 3,580m) ensuring zero altitude sickness on your dawn push to 4,500m.
Twice-Daily Pulse Oximetry
Clinical blood oxygen saturation and pulse checks every morning and night at High Camp and Badal Danda.
ACAP & TIMS Included
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and TIMS card processed in advance for zero trail check-post delay.
15% Deposit & Lifetime Validity
Lock in your trek with a 15% deposit ($75). Free date rescheduling up to 30 days prior with lifetime deposit protection.
5-Day Mardi Himal Ridge Detailed Itinerary
Ascend step-by-step from Pokhara to the high ridge at Badal Danda and High Camp, culminating at 4,500m Mardi Himal Upper Viewpoint.
Day 1
Private Drive Pokhara to Kande (1,770m) & Trek to Forest Camp (2,500m)
2,500m
5.5 hrs / 11 km
+
Morning private vehicle pickup from your Pokhara hotel to Kande (1,770m). Begin trekking up stone steps to Australian Camp (2,060m) for panoramic views of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli. Continue through Pothana and enter the quiet rhododendron forest to Forest Camp (Kokar, 2,500m).
Day 2
Trek Forest Camp to Low Camp (2,970m) & Badal Danda (3,210m)
3,210m
5 hrs / 9 km
+
Ascend through mossy oak and lichen-draped rhododendron forest to Low Camp (2,970m). As you break above the tree line, arrive at the spectacular open ridge of Badal Danda (3,210m). Watch the cloud sea float beneath you as sunset illuminates Machhapuchhre.
Day 3
Trek Badal Danda to High Camp (3,580m) & Sunset Ridge Viewpoint
3,580m
3.5 hrs / 5 km
+
Follow the narrow mountain ridge trail with precipitous drop-offs into the Modi Khola valley on one side and Mardi Khola on the other. Reach High Camp (3,580m) by lunchtime. In the afternoon, take a short warm-up hike along the ridge for sunset photos.
Day 4
Sunrise Hike to Mardi Upper Viewpoint (4,500m) & Trek to Siding Village
4,500m
⭐ Viewpoint Day
+
4:00 AM headlamp climb along the rocky ridge to the Lower Viewpoint (4,000m) and Mardi Himal Upper Viewpoint / Base Camp (4,500m)! Watch first light turn the sacred peak of Machhapuchhre (6,993m) and Annapurna South into glowing gold. Return to High Camp for breakfast, then descend down a quiet forest loop trail to Siding Village (1,750m).
Day 5
Trek/Drive Siding to Lumre & Private Vehicle Transfer to Pokhara (820m)
820m
2.5 hrs Drive
+
Enjoy breakfast in Siding village. Walk along the river valley to Lumre or board our private 4WD Jeep directly from Siding for the scenic drive back to Pokhara (820m). Check into your lakeside hotel for a relaxing afternoon.
Mardi Himal Package Tiers
All tiers include ACAP & TIMS permits, 100% licensed Sherpa guide, porters, all teahouse meals, and private vehicle transport from Pokhara.
- ✓ Private car/Jeep Pokhara ⇄ Trailhead
- ✓ All ACAP & TIMS permits included
- ✓ 4 nights teahouse lodges + 1 night Pokhara
- ✓ All 3 meals daily on trek (Full Board)
- ✓ Licensed WFR Sherpa guide & porters
- ✓ Free 100L duffel bag & -15°C down sleeping bag
- ✓ Everything in Standard, plus:
- ✓ Deluxe tourist bus Kathmandu ⇄ Pokhara
- ✓ 2 nights 3-star lakeside hotel in Pokhara
- ✓ Free hot showers & solar charging on trail
- ✓ Welcome & farewell celebratory dinners
- ✓ Private airport transfers
- ✓ Everything in Comfort Plus, plus:
- ✓ Roundtrip flights Kathmandu ⇄ Pokhara
- ✓ 5-star luxury hotel in Pokhara & Kathmandu
- ✓ Dedicated 1:1 Senior Sherpa guide
- ✓ 1 porter per trekker
Read Before You Book — Knowledge Base
Essential ridge trekking preparation, weather tips, and packing briefings prepared by our senior Sherpa guides.
Mardi Ridge Readiness Tracker
You have reviewed 0 of 12 preparation topics.
1. What makes the Mardi Ridge trail unique? +
Unlike valley treks that walk along riverbeds, Mardi Himal runs along a high, narrow mountain spine. You walk above the clouds with 360-degree peak panoramas every single day.
2. Acclimatization & 4,500m Viewpoint Push +
Sleeping altitude increases comfortably from Forest Camp (2,500m) to Badal Danda (3,210m) and High Camp (3,580m). You only spend 2 hours at 4,500m before descending, making it very safe.
3. Fitness Requirements (Moderate 2.5/5) +
Suitable for beginner to intermediate hikers with good stamina. Daily walking time is 4 to 6 hours. Stair climbing or cardio 4 weeks prior is ideal.
4. Best Photography Time on the Ridge +
Early morning sunrise from Mardi Upper Viewpoint (4,500m) provides golden light on Machhapuchhre, while Badal Danda (3,210m) offers world-class sunset cloudscape photography.
5. Permits Included (ACAP & TIMS) +
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and TIMS card are 100% included in our price. We arrange all permits in advance.
6. Travel Insurance Coverage +
Travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking up to 4,500m and emergency evacuation is required.
7. Teahouses at High Camp & Badal Danda +
Mardi Himal teahouses are cozy, wood-paneled, and family-run. We pre-book the best rooms with warm heated dining halls.
8. Temperature & Layering (-5°C to 15°C) +
Nighttime at High Camp can drop to 0°C to -5°C. A down jacket, beanie, gloves, and warm sleeping bag are essential.
9. Food & Drinking Water Safety +
All 3 meals daily are included. Menu choices include Dal Bhat, momos, noodles, soups, and hot lemon tea. Water purification is available.
10. Charging & Mobile Signal +
Ncell 4G has good coverage along most of the ridge. Solar charging for phones and cameras is available at teahouses.
11. Safety & First Aid Standards +
Guides carry pulse oximeters, medical first aid, and stay in contact with our Pokhara Operations desk.
12. Flexible Deposit & Rescheduling +
Book with a 15% deposit ($75). Free date changes up to 30 days prior with lifetime deposit protection.
5-Day Topographic Elevation Profile & Ridge Curve
Visualizing the steep ridge ascent from Kande (1,770m) through Forest Camp, Badal Danda, and High Camp to Mardi Upper Viewpoint (4,500m).
Mardi Ridge Weather & Temperature Model
Calculated across waypoints from Kande (1,770m) up to Mardi High Camp (3,580m) and Upper Viewpoint (4,500m).
Rhododendron forests in full crimson bloom, bright sunny mornings, and clear mountain views.
Lush green mossy forests; mist rolls across the ridge creating dramatic atmospheric photography.
Crystal-clear autumn skies, zero cloud cover on morning viewpoint hikes, and warm sunny days.
Crisp winter air, dusting of snow on the upper ridge, and uninterrupted mountain panoramas.
Guaranteed Fixed Small-Group Departures
Small group sizes (maximum 10 trekkers) ensuring personalized Sherpa guidance, private Pokhara transfers, and guaranteed lodge rooms.
| Departure Dates | Season | Status | Price / Pax | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 10 – Mar 14, 2026 | Spring Season | ✓ Confirmed (3 seats left) | $499 USD | Book Seats |
| Apr 02 – Apr 06, 2026 | Prime Spring Peak | ✓ Confirmed (2 seats left) | $499 USD | Book Seats |
| May 05 – May 09, 2026 | Late Spring Ridge | ⚡ Filling Fast (3 seats left) | $499 USD | Book Seats |
| Oct 02 – Oct 06, 2026 | Prime Autumn Peak | ✓ Confirmed (4 seats left) | $499 USD | Book Seats |
| Oct 20 – Oct 24, 2026 | Autumn Clear Skies | ✓ Confirmed (3 seats left) | $499 USD | Book Seats |
| Nov 10 – Nov 14, 2026 | Late Autumn Solitude | ✓ Confirmed (5 seats left) | $499 USD | Book Seats |
We arrange private tailor-made Mardi Himal Ridge departures for couples, solo travelers, and families starting on any date.
Mountain Lodges, Food & Trail Amenities
Experience cozy, wood-paneled mountain teahouses along the Mardi Himal ridge with warm dining rooms and fresh meals.
Cozy Ridge Lodges
Comfortable twin bedrooms with clean foam mattresses, warm blankets, and wood-paneled interiors at High Camp and Badal Danda.
Fresh Organic Meals
Unlimited traditional Dal Bhat power, momo dumplings, noodle soups, fried rice, and hot ginger lemon tea cooked fresh to order.
Solar Power & 4G Signal
Solar charging hubs in lodge dining rooms for cameras and phones, with Ncell 4G mobile signal available along the ridge.
Hot Showers & Water Filter
Hot gas-geyser showers available at Forest Camp, Low Camp, and Siding village, plus purified drinking water stations.
Wilderness Safety Standards & Emergency Support
Even though Mardi Himal is a 5-day trek, safety at 4,500m remains our top priority.
Twice-Daily Pulse Oximetry
SpO2 blood oxygen saturation and pulse rates checked morning and evening at Badal Danda and High Camp.
Medical Kit & Oxygen Support
Guides carry comprehensive wilderness first aid kits, emergency bottled oxygen, and altitude medicine.
24/7 Operations Desk Link
Direct mobile and radio link connecting your trail guide with our Pokhara and Kathmandu operations team.
Helicopter Rescue Protocol
Established helicopter emergency evacuation standby covering High Camp and Badal Danda helipads.
Essential Packing Gear Checklist
Recommended gear for 5-day ridge trekking up to 4,500m.
🧥 Upper Body & Layers
- 2x Thermal base-layer shirts
- 2x Quick-dry trekking shirts
- 1x Fleece jacket or mid-layer
- 1x Down jacket (-10°C rated)
- 1x Wind/rain proof outer shell jacket
👖 Lower Body & Pants
- 2x Lightweight trekking pants
- 1x Thermal long underwear bottoms
- 1x Waterproof rain pants
- 4x Moisture-wicking hiking socks
- 1x Comfortable teahouse slippers/sandals
🥾 Footwear & Trail Grip
- 1x Ankle-support waterproof hiking boots
- 1x Pair of microspikes (for spring/winter ridge)
- 1x Set of adjustable trekking poles
- 1x Warm fleece beanie & sun hat
- 1x Lightweight thermal gloves
🎒 Hardware & Accessories
- 1x 25–30L Daypack with rain cover
- 1x 100L Duffel bag (provided free)
- 1x -15°C Down sleeping bag (provided free)
- 2x 1L Water bottles or bladder
- 1x UV Sunglasses & headlamp
Book Mardi Himal Ridge Trek (5 Days)
Lock in your 2026/2027 trek dates with a 15% flexible deposit ($75 per person). Free cancellation and date transfers up to 30 days before departure.
What Travelers Say About Mardi Himal
"Walking along Badal Danda with clouds below us on both sides felt like walking in the sky! The sunrise at 4,500m right in front of Machhapuchhre was unforgettable. 5 days of pure mountain perfection."
"I had limited vacation days in Nepal, so Mardi Himal was the perfect choice. Less crowded than Poon Hill or EBC, and the view from High Camp is unbelievable. Our guide Lakpa was fantastic!"
"Spring rhododendron blossoms made the forest walk magical. Reaching 4,500m without any altitude issues was a huge confidence booster. Best Treks Nepal executed every detail seamlessly."
"The private transfers and 5-star hotel in Pokhara made this trip feel like a luxury holiday combined with high mountain adventure. 10/10 recommendation!"
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers from our senior trail team covering Mardi Himal ridge logistics, weather, and preparation.
How difficult is the hike to Mardi Upper Viewpoint (4,500m)? +
The dawn hike from High Camp (3,580m) to Upper Viewpoint (4,500m) takes 2 to 3 hours along a narrow rocky ridge path. While steep, it is non-technical and well within the reach of any trekker with average fitness.
Is Mardi Himal less crowded than Annapurna Base Camp or Poon Hill? +
Yes. Mardi Himal remains significantly less crowded than ABC or Poon Hill, offering a peaceful, pristine nature experience through dense forests and quiet high ridge camps.
What time do we start on the morning of the 4,500m viewpoint hike? +
We start from High Camp at 4:00 AM with headlamps so you arrive at the Upper Viewpoint in time for the first golden rays of sunlight hitting Fishtail (6,993m) and Annapurna South.
What permits are required for Mardi Himal? +
You need an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and a TIMS card. Both are fully included in our package and arranged prior to trek departure.
What are teahouse facilities like at High Camp & Badal Danda? +
Teahouses on the Mardi ridge are cozy and family-run with twin beds, heavy blankets, and wood-stove heated dining rooms. Private bathrooms are available at lower stops.
Do I need travel insurance for Mardi Himal? +
Yes, travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking up to 4,500m and emergency evacuation is required.
How does the 15% deposit policy work? +
You pay 15% ($75) online to secure your dates. The 85% balance is paid in Nepal upon arrival. Your deposit has lifetime validity with free date changes up to 30 days prior.
What meals are included during the 5 days? +
Full board (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) is included for all 5 days on trek. Menu options include Dal Bhat, pasta, momos, eggs, soups, and hot tea.
Is there any danger of acute mountain sickness (AMS) on Mardi? +
Because you only sleep at 3,580m (High Camp) and spend just 2 hours at 4,500m before descending, AMS risk is very low. Guides test pulse oximetry daily.
Can beginners do the Mardi Himal Ridge Trek? +
Yes! It is one of the best treks for first-time Himalayan hikers with good physical condition. Daily hiking duration is 4 to 6 hours.
Are microspikes needed for Mardi Himal? +
In early spring (March) or winter, microspikes can be helpful on the upper ridge section. Your guide will advise you based on current weather.
Can we combine Mardi Himal with Poon Hill or ABC? +
Yes! We frequently combine Mardi Himal with Annapurna Base Camp or Poon Hill for an extended 9 to 12-day circuit. Contact us on WhatsApp for custom route options.
Have a question about the Mardi ridge trail?
Our Pokhara trail desk and senior Sherpa guides are available 24/7 on WhatsApp.