A short, spectacular ridge trek from Pokhara to the base of Mardi Himal, right under the sharp summit of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail). In five days you climb through moss-covered rhododendron forest above the clouds onto open grassy ridges, with Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Fishtail filling the sky. Small lodges and quiet trails make it one of the best short treks in Nepal.
From NPR 52,000 per person
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Highest night 3,580 m · Meals: 5 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners
Day 1: Drive to Kande, trek to Forest Camp (2,520 m)
⛰ 2,520 m⏱ 6 h walking🛏 Teahouse at Forest Camp
Hotel pick-up in Pokhara and a one-hour drive to Kande. Walk via the Australian Camp and Deurali into dense forest to Forest Camp.
Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner
Day 2: Trek to Badal Danda (3,210 m)
⛰ 3,210 m⏱ 5 h walking🛏 Teahouse at Badal Danda
Climb through moss-draped rhododendron trees to Low Camp, where Fishtail suddenly appears, and continue to Badal Danda, the “cloud hill”.
Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner
Day 3: Trek to High Camp (3,580 m)
⛰ 3,580 m⏱ 3 h walking🛏 Teahouse at High Camp
A short climb along an open ridge to High Camp, with the afternoon free to enjoy the views.
Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner
Day 4: Mardi Himal Base Camp viewpoint (4,500 m), back to Low Camp
⛰ 4,500 m⏱ 9 h walking🛏 Teahouse at Low Camp
Leave before dawn for the upper viewpoint and Mardi Himal Base Camp, with a stunning close-up of Machhapuchhre, Mardi Himal and Annapurna South. Descend to Low Camp.
Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner
Day 5: Trek to Siding village, drive to Pokhara
⛰ 1,750 m⏱ 4 h walking
Descend through forest and farmland to Siding and drive back to your hotel in Pokhara.
Meals: Breakfast · Lunch
Meeting point
Your hotel in Pokhara (Lakeside)
We pick you up from your hotel in Pokhara at 7:30 am on day 1.
The tour ends back at the meeting point.
Open in maps ↗Pickup included. We pick you up from your hotel in Pokhara at 7:30 am on day 1.
The trek starts and ends in Pokhara. We pick you up from your hotel in Lakeside. We can also arrange your bus, flight and hotel from Kathmandu.
It is moderate: the trails are steep in places and the base camp day is long, but the altitude is lower than on longer treks and the route is short.
No technical experience is needed, but you should be fit enough to walk 5–7 hours a day for several days in a row. We recommend regular hiking, running or cycling for 6–8 weeks before your trip.
Spring (March–May) and autumn (late September–November) bring the clearest views and stable weather. Winter (December–February) is quieter and colder; the monsoon (June–August) brings rain and cloud, but some valleys stay pleasant.
Our itineraries follow a gradual ascent with acclimatisation days. Your guide checks how you feel and your oxygen level every day, carries a first-aid kit, and will turn around or arrange evacuation if needed. Your safety always comes before reaching the top.
Yes. Your policy must cover trekking up to the maximum altitude of your trek, including emergency helicopter evacuation and medical treatment. Please send us your policy details before departure.
Yes. Every trek can run as a private trip on the date you choose, for solo travellers, couples, families and groups. Ask us if you would like to add extra days, upgrade hotels or combine treks.
Permits
You need the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit. It is included and arranged by us.
Accommodation and food
On the trek you stay in local teahouses: simple, clean lodges with twin rooms and shared bathrooms in the higher villages. Meals are freshly cooked, from dal bhat to pasta and soups. In Kathmandu and Pokhara you stay in comfortable tourist-class hotels.
Fitness and health
A good level of fitness makes the trek much more enjoyable. Tell us about any medical conditions when you book, so your guide is prepared. Drink plenty of water, walk at a steady pace and avoid alcohol at altitude.
Payment
Send a booking request with your preferred date. We confirm availability within 24 hours and send you the payment details with your confirmation. Your place is secured once the deposit is received; the balance is due before the trip starts.
5.0
1 review
Best short trek near Pokhara
Walking along the ridge above the clouds with Fishtail right in front of us was magical. Only five days, but it felt like a real Himalayan adventure.
Mei Y., China · travelled April 2026
English, Nepali, Hindi
Treks involve long days on uneven mountain trails and many stone steps, and are not suitable for wheelchair users. Please tell us about any mobility needs before booking.
Cancel 30 days or more before the start date for a full refund of what you paid, less bank charges. 15–29 days before: 50% refund. Less than 15 days before, or no-show: no refund. Permits and flight tickets already bought for you can’t be refunded. You can move your trip to a new date free of charge up to 15 days before departure, subject to availability.
The perfect short trek for first-timers and families. In a week from Kathmandu you walk through terraced hills, rhododendron forests and friendly Magar and Gurung villages to Poon Hill (3,210 m), where sunrise lights up a 180° panorama of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna and Machhapuchhre. Low altitude, comfortable lodges and short walking days make this an easy introduction to the Himalaya.
Next departure: Sat, Oct 24
FromNPR 70,000per adult
ViewOne of the world’s great walks: a full loop around the Annapurna massif from lush subtropical valleys to the high desert of Mustang. Over 15 days you pass Tibetan-Buddhist villages around Manang, cross the Thorong La pass at 5,416 m, visit the pilgrimage temples of Muktinath and finish with sunrise on Poon Hill and a soak in the hot springs of Tatopani. Dramatic changes in landscape and culture make every day different.
Next departure: Thu, Oct 29
FromNPR 168,000per person
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