The ‘Mardi Himal Trek 4 days’ is a short and excellent itinerary from Pokhara that I recommend for everyone. It’s even perfect for beginners and much more relaxed compared to the 3-day sprint we had discussed in the other article.
The major difference is simple: you get to stay an extra night during the return, which gives you proper time to explore the Mardi Himal region properly. And you won’t even have to rush during the descent, bringing down its difficulty level to Moderate.
If you want a quick, enjoyable, and scenic Mardi experience from Pokhara, this guide is just for you. Let’s begin!
Key Facts About Mardi Himal Trek 4 Days
| Trek Difficulty | Moderate |
| Route Overview | Pokhara > Pittam Deurali > Rest Camp > High Camp > Sidhing > Pokhara |
| Best Time | March to June and October to December |
| Suitable For | All |
| Budget | USD 300 to USD 450 for Foreign nationals |
| NPR 10,000 to 12,000 for Nepalese |
Mardi Himal Trek Short Itinerary From Pokhara
This 4-day Mardi trek plan is ideal if you’re already in Kaski. But if you’re coming from Kathmandu, plan one extra day to reach Pokhara first. This makes the trip for an overall of 5 to 6 days.
Here’s the complete itinerary:
Day 1: Pokhara to Pittam Deurali Drive, Reach Rest Camp
| Drive Distance | 28 km |
| Drive Duration | 2 to 2.5 hours |
| Hike Distance | 9 km |
| Hike Duration | 5 to 6 hours |
| Elevation Gain | 1,778 m |
| Difficulty Level | Easy |
The first step is to reach the starting point of the Mardi Himal Trek. My preferred option was Pittam Deurali (2,137 m), and I recommend the same.
You can either get a jeep or a bus from Hari Chowk (922 m). I’ve explained about this in another guide related to Mardi Himal trek transportation, so do check that out.
Important: Foreign trekkers are required to show permits halfway. The jeep driver or your own guide will stop you on the way and lead you through the process, so no need to worry. Just remind them if needed. Permits (ACAP) are arranged by the trekking agency or can be applied online via NTNC’s official website.
Upon reaching Pittam Deurali, you’ll start the hike. Stop at Suire Danda (2,440 m) for lunch, then continue to Dhod Kharka (2,559 m), followed by Besal Baari (2,572 m). Within 5 hours (including a 1-hour lunch break), you should reach Forest Camp, aka Kokar (2,448 m).
There should be ample time to push up to Rest Camp (2,700 m). But if you’re trekking in winter, you may have to stay at Forest Camp itself, which is the preferred option for most trekkers.
There are no major attractions today. It’s entirely a forest route, with rhododendron, oak, birch, maple, and hemlock trees.
Day 2: Rest Camp to High Camp
| Hike Distance | 6.5 km |
| Hike Duration | 6 to 7 hours |
| Elevation Gain | 853 m |
| Difficulty Level | Moderate |
Wake up early today, as the sunrise from Rest Camp is spectacular. In the right season, clouds in the morning can make your experience even more memorable.
Today, you’ll head to Kamkiku (2,793 m), followed by Low Camp (2,970 m), Mid Camp (3,209 m), and Badal Danda (3,300 m). It’s a great spot to pause, and if you’re lucky, the cloud inversion makes you feel like you’re above the clouds.
You can have lunch there or go slightly higher to Low High Camp, aka Upper Badal Danda (3,357 m). These spots bring Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli even more closer!
At the end, it’s a little uphill to reach High Camp (3,553 m). If you’re following this itinerary right, you should be able to reach there before sunset to enjoy the golden views of the three mountains.
Don’t just sit inside the dining. Explore the surroundings, right beneath the mountains, where cloud inversion adds a magical touch for sure!
Once it’s evening time, stay in the warm dining area, enjoy the firewood warmth, and don’t forget to fill your thermos for the night. Staying hydrated at high altitudes is essential.
You’ll meet both local and international trekkers, so socialise! And if the weather is clear (mostly in late autumn and winter), be sure to get out for stargazing.
Sleep early, as you’ll need to wake up at 3 am for the next hike. So, for your packing list, be sure to carry a headlamp or reliable torch. Or you may drain your phone if you’re using it for light!
Day 3: Viewpoint & Base Camp Exploration, Return to Low Camp
| Hike Distance | 16 km |
| Hike Duration | 7 to 8 hours |
| Elevation Gain | 947 m |
| Difficulty Level | Intermediate |
This day is a little difficult compared to the others as you’ll be reaching 4500 meters!
Waking up at 3 AM is tough for many. Before starting, check signs of AMS. Don’t hike in the chilly morning if you’re showing symptoms. Rather, seek help from your guide or lodge staff.
In winter, water in drums freezes! So, my dear Nepalese and South Asian trekkers, be sure to carry wet tissues or toilet paper!
For the final hike, don’t forget to fill your water bottle full, as there won’t be refill points in between, though a few tea shops at viewpoints sell tea.
The morning hike may feel cold, but as the sun rises, you’d be glad you’ve done the Mardi Himal Trek! Stars, sunrise, and the Milky Way make it a paradise for astrophotography lovers, too.
Passing via Lower Viewpoint (3,981 m), you’ll reach Upper Viewpoint, aka Mardi Himal Viewpoint (4,200 m). That’s where you get one of the best sunrise views in Nepal.
Mountains appear even closer, especially Mardi Himal (5,587 m) and Machhapuchhre (6,993 m). You can also see distant peaks like Khangsar Kang, Tarke Kang, Tare Kang, Asapurna, and Gangapurna.
While many make a return, I highly recommend proceed ahead. First to Lower Base Camp (4,218 m) and then to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500 m), which happens to be the west base camp. It’s just about 1.5 to 2 hours away from the viewpoint, so definitely don’t miss it.
I only recommend spending a little time at the base camp, as you have already gained almost 950 meters by now in a short span of just 4 hours. But there’s no need to hurry if you’re all good.
That’s the advantage of doing the 4-day trek. Even during the return to High Camp, you can walk in a relaxed way, as you don’t have to reach all the way down. You’ll also realize those insane stairs you had climbed in the dawn.
Have your breakfast, pack your things, and start the downhill. Stop for a late lunch at Badal Danda, and if you wish, you can even stay here up to sunset to watch clouds gather below at that time. You’ll be on cloud nine, literally!
Today’s final downhill from Badal Danda to Low Camp takes roughly 45 minutes to 1 hour. The advantage of this 4-day plan is that you don’t have to rush and reach Low Camp at your own pace.
Day 4: Low Camp to Sidhing, Back to Pokhara
| Hike Distance | 5 km |
| Hike Duration | 3 to 4 hours |
| Drive Distance | 31 km |
| Drive Duration | 2 to 2.5 hours |
| Difficulty Level | Easy |
It’s the last day of this 4-day Mardi Himal Trek, and it’s going to be completely downhill through the forests of the Annapurna Conservation Area.
On the way, you’ll pass small settlements like Takaichi (2,285 m) and Ratencho (2,092 m) before reaching Sidhing (1,751 m). Since you’ll be descending gradually, your knees feel less stressed compared to the 3-day trek. Still, I suggest wearing knee support if you know you’ll have knee issues.
The place to get a jeep is actually called Bhimjung (1,935 m), where you can share a jeep with other friends that you met on the trail.
Within two to three hours, you’ll reach Pokhara today, and this gives you enough time for sightseeing. If you have energy left, try kayaking, a trending activity in Phewa Lake!
It’s even possible to return to Kathmandu the same day. Head to Prithvi Chowk and you’ll easily find evening microvans or night buses. But let’s be honest, you’d rather want to give yourself a celebration night in Lakeside, don’t you?
Alternative 4-Day Mardi Himal Trek Itineraries
Pittam Deurali is the best starting option from my pov, but those wishing to visit Australian Camp can start from Kande for sure. It’s also what many prefer on this 4-day journey.
And if you start from Sidhing or Kalimati, it reduces the total distance from 36 km via Pittam Deurali to 30 km and 32 km, respectively.
Read below for more details:
Start From Kalimati
The Mardi Himal Trek route via Kalimati (1,833 m) is becoming more popular in recent times among local trekkers. Forest Camp in just about 2 to 3 hours from here!
Too much time is saved, especially if you compare it with Kande. Upon connecting to Forest Camp, it’s the same route as above.
And here’s the itinerary:
- DAY 1: Pokhara to Kalimati Drive, Reach Rest Camp
- DAY 2: Rest Camp to High Camp
- DAY 3: Reach Base Camp, Back to Low Camp
- DAY 4: Low Camp to Kalimati, Back to Pokhara
Start From Sidhing
Starting from Sidhing requires a 4 to 5 km steep uphill through the forest. Not recommended, but if you’re willing, it allows you to complete the trek much faster compared to any other itinerary:
- DAY 1: Pokhara to Sidhing Drive, Reach Low Camp
- DAY 2: Low Camp to High Camp
- DAY 3: Reach Base Camp, Back to Low Camp
- DAY 4: Low Camp to Sidhing, Back to Pokhara
Start From Kande
Kande to Sidhing is approx. 42 km, and is the longest Mardi Himal trek route. However, this part of the trail is culturally richer than any other.
You’ll even get to explore Australian Camp (a popular stop) and pass Pothana (2,060 m) before reaching Pittam Deurali. There are hidden short routes that you can ask locals, or your guide will lead you.
- DAY 1: Pokhara to Kande Drive, Reach Forest Camp
- DAY 2: Forest Camp to High Camp
- DAY 3: Reach Base Camp, Return to Low Camp
- Day 4: Low Camp to Sidhing, Back to Pokhara
Note: You can even start your trek from Dhampus, which is a popular Gurung village to stop by. Many trekkers opt to stay here a day prior and start the trek the next day.
4-Day Mardi Himal Trek Cost & Packages
The overall Mardi Himal trek cost or budget differs for Nepalese and international tourists. Nepalese can expect to complete this 4-day trek in NPR 10,000 to 12,000 budget, which is quite ideal.
Here’s a general idea on how it should go on a per-person basis (remember this is just an idea, the cost may be lower or higher, that’s why I’m suggesting 10k):
- Vehicle Expenses: NPR 2,500–3,000
- Rest Camp Package: NPR 1,500–1,700
- High Camp Package: NPR 1,500–1,800
- Low Camp Package: NPR 1,500–1,800
- Snacks & Extras: NPR 1,200–1,800
For foreign trekkers, the prices vary depending on whether you’re trekking independently, with a freelance guide, or with a travel agency.
The best option is definitely choosing a registered trekking agency because you’ll be safer and everything else will be handled for you!
Packages for the Mardi Himal Trek usually cost USD 300 to USD 450, depending on how reliable the agency is and the level of luxury you prefer. Generally, this price covers your vehicle expenses, BLD during the trek, guide fees, porter fees, etc. Overall, it’s a good deal, but I suggest tipping the guides and porters.
But which agency should you choose? Well, our TNT team is working on reviewing travel agencies through various means, and we’ll soon update it here on the site with the best ones.
But for the time being, you can fill up the form below to book your Mardi Trek, and we’ll get back to you with the best possible option:
Remember: Travel Nepal Today is not a trekking or travel agency. Our job on the internet is to provide you with actual and factual information about Nepal and also help you out in every possible way so you get to explore the beauty of ours.
Bonus: Packing List for 4-Day Mardi Himal Trek
Packing right is also equally essential. You don’t have to carry tons of items for a short itinerary like this one.
Below, I’ll be sharing my personal packing list and even recommend good products that you may purchase if you’d like:
Final Words
This 4-day Mardi Himal itinerary is perhaps the shortest and best option from Pokhara. But if you’re from Kathmandu, consider the same approach for 6 days. We also have 7-day and 8-day itineraries if you like a more relaxed trip.
Clearly, there’s no rush, and the itinerary is perfect in all seasons too. In fact, it’s even ideal for beginners, and also great for adventure lovers, explorers, and photography/videography enthusiasts.
Hopefully, you enjoyed reading this article. Travel Nepal Today has more such articles for you to read. So, keep posted and don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter.
Happy travelling to Kaski!
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