A narrow ridge that leads you straight at the Fishtail: moss-hung rhododendron forest, a string of simple lodges, and a final dawn climb above the trees to stare at Machapuchare's west wall from close enough to hear it avalanche.
Mardi Himal is a 5,587-metre peak on the south flank of Machapuchare. The trek follows the forested ridge that leads up towards it, opened to trekkers only in 2012 and still much quieter than the Sanctuary next door.
From Australian Camp or Kande, the trail climbs through moss-hung rhododendron and oak forest to Forest Camp and Low Camp, then out of the trees to High Camp at 3,580 metres, where the ridge narrows and the views open on every side: Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and the Fishtail in front, the Pokhara valley far below.
The final morning walk to the upper viewpoint at about 4,250 metres, before dawn, faces Machapuchare's west wall across a deep valley; strong walkers continue to Mardi Himal base camp. Lodges are basic above Low Camp; book ahead in October and November.
Up the ridge in four days, down in one or two via Siding village for a different way out.
Climb to Australian Camp and Pothana, turn off the main trail and into the forest to Forest Camp at about 2,550 metres.
A beautiful day in old forest to Low Camp, about 2,970 metres, with the first close view of the Fishtail.
The ridge narrows past Badal Danda, "cloud hill", to High Camp at 3,580 metres. Watch sunset from the lodge.
Leave by 4am for the upper viewpoint at about 4,250 metres, or continue to base camp. Return to High Camp and down to Low Camp.
Descend steeply to the Gurung village of Siding and take a jeep back to Pokhara along the valley road.
ACAP permit required, and since 2023 most foreign trekkers must hire a licensed guide. Check the current rules with the Nepal Tourism Board in Pokhara.
Small and basic above Low Camp, with shared rooms. In peak months they fill fast, so let your guide book ahead.
Clouds build by late morning on the ridge: start early each day and be at viewpoints by sunrise.
Pokhara practical notes →
The other side of the Fishtail.
The classic short trek.
Community lodges facing Dhaulagiri.
The first day of this trek, on its own.
Rhododendrons above the lake.
Sunrise above the lake.
Wikimedia Commons photographs are used under their licences; Pexels photographs under the Pexels licence.
