Mardi Himal Viewpoint Trek
9 days from Kathmandu via Pokhara, with forest lodges, Badal Danda and the upper Mardi viewpoint at about 4,200 m.
Photo: UKESH18 · CC BY-SA 4.0
About this spot
Access check, 14 September 2026: Kathmandu-Pokhara road disruption was reported; confirm the operating route before departure. [access]
Mardi offers a ridge walk toward Machhapuchhre from the Pokhara side. The upper viewpoint is around 4,200 m; the higher base-camp objective is around 4,500 m and is not automatically the same trip. [mardi-height] This plan adds a Badal Danda night and breaks the descent instead of racing from Kathmandu to High Camp.
TRIP AT A GLANCE
9 days, Kathmandu to Kathmandu.
Difficulty: Moderate to demanding; steep, exposed upper ridge.
High point: Upper viewpoint about 4,200 m; higher base camp is not included.
Season: March-May and October-November; exposed ridge needs clear conditions.
Keep 1-2 extra days for transport, ridge weather or a slower ascent.
DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY
Suggested planning stages, not guaranteed departures. Walking hours and elevations are approximate; your pace, weather and road access may change the plan.
Day 1 - Kathmandu to Pokhara
Take a daytime bus on a confirmed route. Stay in Pokhara and arrange the Kande transfer.
Day 2 - Pokhara to Kande, walk to Pitam Deurali
Drive about 1-2 hours, then walk 3-4 hours via Australian Camp and Pothana. Sleep near 2,100 m. [mardi]
Day 3 - Pitam Deurali to Forest Camp
Walk about 4-5 hours through the forest. Overnight around 2,550-2,600 m. [mardi]
Day 4 - Forest Camp to Low Camp
Climb for roughly 3-4 hours and sleep near 3,000 m. Keep the afternoon unhurried. [mardi]
Day 5 - Low Camp to Badal Danda
Take a short 1-2-hour stage to roughly 3,210 m. Confirm a lodge; this extra night splits the climb. [mardi-stages]
Day 6 - Badal Danda to High Camp
Walk about 2-3 hours to roughly 3,550-3,600 m. Check visibility and ridge conditions for tomorrow. [mardi-stages]
Day 7 - Upper viewpoint, descend to Low Camp
If conditions permit, hike to the viewpoint and retrace via High Camp. Allow 6-8 hours total; sleep back near 3,000 m. [mardi-height]
Day 8 - Low Camp to Siding, drive to Pokhara
Descend around 3-4 hours, then use a prearranged jeep. Allow the rest of the day for travel. [mardi-stages]
Day 9 - Pokhara to Kathmandu
Return by daytime bus, allowing for the current road situation.
PLANNING FROM KATHMANDU
Book the small upper lodges ahead, particularly when a group travels during Nepali holidays. Ask your host to confirm the Siding jeep; walking down does not guarantee a vehicle waiting. Bring grippy footwear, poles if useful, warm gloves and a headlamp. Choose a daylight viewpoint attempt if unfamiliar with the ridge. The forest stage is part of the experience, not merely time to remove from the schedule.
ENTRY AND IDENTIFICATION
Carry Nepali citizenship/national ID and check the Nepali entry category locally. Do not assume foreign-package permit charges apply. [fees]
TRAIL NOTES
Fog, wind, snow or ice are reasons to stop below the viewpoint. Do not follow a higher base-camp trail just because someone calls every viewpoint 'base camp'. [mardi-height] Do not ascend with altitude symptoms; descend if worsening and seek medical help. [altitude]
SOURCES
Research checked 2026-09-14. The day plan is JamJam's adaptation of these route references for Nepali travellers.
[mardi] MardiHimal.com (commercial route guide): Mardi Himal Trek Itinerary. Undated page.
https://mardihimal.com/trek/itinerary/
[mardi-stages] Guide for Nepal: Mardi Himal trek from Kathmandu. Undated page.
https://trekkingguide4nepal.com/itinerary/4-…
[mardi-height] MardiHimal.com (commercial route guide): High Camp Mardi Himal. Undated page.
https://mardihimal.com/high-camp/
[access] The Tourism Times (reporting TAAN's September 10 update): Most trekking destinations safe, but access routes still disrupted: TAAN. 2026-09-11.
https://www.thetourismtimes.com/news/travel-…
[fees] Nepal Tourism Board: Park Entry Fees. Undated page.
https://ntb.gov.np/plan-your-trip/before-you…
[altitude] Himalayan Rescue Association Nepal: Health Problems. Undated page.
https://himalayanrescue.org/health-problems
Location
Mardi ridge, Kaski, DhampusMardi ridge, Kaski, Nepal. Destination: Mardi Himal View Point Nepal. Nearby settlement / discovery location: Dhampus. The suggested journey starts and ends in Kathmandu.
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