How Long is Mardi Himal Trek? My Experience on This Hidden Gem

I just returned from the Mardi Himal Trek, and it still feels like a dream. The trail winds through quiet forests, opens to wide ridges, and ends with a front-row view of Machapuchare—also called Fishtail Mountain. If you’re asking, “How long is Mardi Himal Trek?”, the short answer is: it depends. Most people finish it in 4 to 6 days, but I’ll break it down for you in detail. Our journey took 5 days, and every day had its own rhythm, surprises, and beauty.

A Quick Look at the Trek

Total trekking distance: Around 40–50 km (25–31 miles), depending on your route

Maximum altitude: 4,500 meters (14,764 feet) at Mardi Himal Viewpoint

Starting point: Kande (about 1.5 hours from Pokhara)

Ending point: Sidhing or Landruk (both connect to road access)

Average daily walk: 5 to 7 hours

We started our trek from Kande and ended at Sidhing. Some trekkers take a longer or shorter version depending on their time and energy. The beauty of this trail is how flexible it is. You can stretch it out or keep it short.

Day-by-Day Breakdown

Day 1: Kande to Forest Camp

We began at Kande (1,770 m) after a short drive from Pokhara. The trail rose gently through terraced fields and rhododendron forests. The air smelled fresh—like wet leaves and earth. After about 6 hours of walking, we reached Forest Camp (2,550 m). The place was quiet, wrapped in trees, and perfect for a first night.

Day 2: Forest Camp to Low Camp

This part of the trail was peaceful. We hiked through dense woods where light flickered through the leaves. It felt like walking in a nature painting. After 5 to 6 hours, we reached Low Camp (2,970 m). From here, the views started to open. In the evening, Machapuchare peeked through the clouds—a hint of what was coming.

Day 3: Low Camp to High Camp

This was my favorite day. The trees thinned out, and we found ourselves walking on a ridge with views on both sides. It felt like we were walking in the sky. We reached High Camp (3,580 m) after 5 hours, with enough time to enjoy a warm meal and the sunset. The cold started to bite here, but the view made up for it.

Day 4: High Camp to Viewpoint and back to Low Camp

We woke up early—around 3:30 AM—and started our climb to Mardi Himal Viewpoint (4,500 m). The path was steep and dark, but stars lit the sky. When we reached the top after about 3 hours, the sun began to rise. Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machapuchare glowed with morning light.

This was the moment we had waited for. It was breathtaking—and not just because of the thin air.

After taking it all in, we returned to High Camp for breakfast and continued down to Low Camp for the night. It was a long day—almost 9 hours of walking—but every step was worth it.

Day 5: Low Camp to Sidhing and drive to Pokhara

On the final day, we took a new route downhill through Sidhing village (1,700 m). The trail was steep but scenic. It took about 4 to 5 hours, and then we drove back to Pokhara. Our legs were tired, but our hearts felt full.

Is 4 Days Enough?

Some people finish the trek in just 4 days. For example:

Day 1: Kande to Forest Camp

Day 2: Forest Camp to High Camp

Day 3: Early hike to Viewpoint, then down to Sidhing

Day 4: Back to Pokhara

This is possible if you’re fit and have some trekking experience. But it leaves little room for rest or altitude adjustment. We met one group who did it in 4 days, but they looked exhausted.

If you want to enjoy the views and move at a comfortable pace, 5 or 6 days is ideal.

Why Mardi Himal is Worth It

One reason I love the Mardi Himal Trek is because it feels wild but safe. It’s not as crowded as Annapurna Base Camp or Everest Base Camp. The lodges are simple but warm, and the people are kind. You hear birds more than footsteps.

Another unique thing about this trail is how fast it climbs. In just a few days, you go from forest trails to alpine ridges with giant mountain views. It’s like flipping through a photo album where every picture is better than the last.

Some Helpful Tips

Start slow: The trail gets steep quickly. Give your body time to adjust.

Pack light: Layers are important. It gets cold after Low Camp.

Start early: Sunrises are the best part. Start your hikes early to enjoy the views.

Bring a good camera: Trust me, you’ll want to capture these moments.

Final Thoughts

So, how long is Mardi Himal Trek? It’s short in days, but rich in experience. Most people take 4 to 6 days, and every step brings something new. Whether you want a quick escape or a week in the hills, this trek has something for you.

What stays with me the most isn’t just the mountains—it’s the calm, the quiet, and that one saffron-sky morning when the Himalayas opened their arms and made us feel tiny, but alive.