Mardi Himal is a moderate trek with shorter walking days than Annapurna Base Camp, but a steeper trail. You climb a forested ridge and then follow it above the tree line to High Camp.
The hard parts
- The ridge above Low Camp. The trail climbs steadily from Low Camp (2,970 m) to High Camp (3,540 m), steep in places and exposed to wind.
- The viewpoint day. You leave High Camp before dawn and climb about 615 m to the Upper Viewpoint (4,155 m), then walk all the way back down to Low Camp, about 1,185 m of descent in one day.
- The descent to Siding. The last trail day drops about 1,025 m to Siding, which is hard on knees.
Altitude
You sleep at 3,540 m on one night and walk to 4,155 m. That’s high enough for altitude sickness, so if you feel unwell, tell your guide and don’t go higher.
Who it suits
Fit walkers who want a quieter, higher trek than Poon Hill in about a week, and anyone who wants a close view of Machapuchare without the crowds on the main Annapurna Base Camp trail.
