A ridge trek from Kande near Pokhara through rhododendron forest to the open crest below Machhapuchhre, with a day climb to Mardi Himal Base Camp at about 4,500 m.
- Days
- 6 days
- Maximum altitude
- 4,500 m
- Difficulty
- Moderate
Annapurna Regionमार्दी हिमाल हाइ क्याम्प
Mardi Himal High Camp
The highest lodges on the Mardi Himal ridge, at about 3,550 m, facing Machhapuchhre and the Annapurna range.
The highest lodge stop on the Mardi Himal ridge, not High Camp (Thorong High Camp) on the Annapurna Circuit.
- Altitude
- 3,550 m*
- Best months
- Mar-Apr, Oct-Nov
- Type
- Trek stop
- District
- Kaski, Gandaki
- Permit
- Permit required
Why go
High Camp is a cluster of lodges on the open crest of the Mardi Himal ridge at about 3,550 m, above the tree line. From here Machhapuchhre rises close to the north-east, with Annapurna South and Hiunchuli to the north-west and the foothills falling away towards Pokhara.
It is the highest place to sleep on the Mardi Himal trek. Trekkers leave before dawn for the Lower Viewpoint (about 3,960 m), the Upper Viewpoint (about 4,150-4,200 m) and Mardi Himal Base Camp (about 4,500 m), returning the same day.
History and culture
The Mardi Himal route was opened to teahouse trekking around 2012, and the lodges at High Camp were built after that on former grazing land. The ridge leads towards Mardi Himal, a 5,587 m peak first climbed in 1961, which stands in front of Machhapuchhre.
Things to do in Mardi Himal High Camp
Viewpoint at dawn
Leave in the dark to reach the Lower or Upper Viewpoint for sunrise, about 1.5-3 hours up.
Sunset from the ridge
The open ridge near the lodges gives sunset views west over the Annapurna range.
Weather and the best time to visit Mardi Himal High Camp
Weather in Mardi Himal High Camp
Forecast for 3,550 m. Conditions change fast in the mountains.
Weather data: MET Norway, licensed CC BY 4.0. A forecast, not a guarantee.
Best time to visit
Mar-Apr, Oct-Nov
- Jan
- Feb
- Good month: Mar
- Good month: Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Good month: Oct
- Good month: Nov
- Dec
- Autumn (Sep-Nov)
- October and November bring clear mountain views and dry trails; lodges are busiest in these months.
- Winter (Dec-Feb)
- December to February often brings snow and ice on the ridge above High Camp; microspikes may be needed.
- Spring (Mar-May)
- March to May brings rhododendron flowers in the forest, warmer days and more afternoon cloud.
- Monsoon (Jun-Aug)
- June to August is cloudy and wet; views are rare and the trail is slippery.
Where to stay
Teahouses
Several basic lodges; in peak season rooms run short and some lodges use tents.
No partner stays are listed here yet. List a property.
Getting there
High Camp is reached on foot along the Mardi Himal ridge.
Nearest hub: Pokhara
- trekLow Camp to High Camp via Badal Danda, about 2.5-4 hours.
- trekDown to Siding by a steep trail, about 4-6 hours, for jeeps to Pokhara.
Permits and fees
Permit required
High Camp is inside the Annapurna Conservation Area; an ACAP permit is required.
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): Issued by the National Trust for Nature Conservation in Kathmandu and Pokhara or online; checked on the trail.
- TIMS card: Check whether a TIMS card is currently required.
- Guide rule: Since April 2023 foreign trekkers in national parks and conservation areas are generally required to go with a licensed guide; check the current rule.
Verify before travel: permit rules and fees change. Checked 2026-10-06 against National Trust for Nature Conservation (Annapurna Conservation Area Project, e-permit links).
On the trail
On the Mardi Himal trek.
- Previous stop:
- Low Camp
- Next stop:
- Mardi Himal Base Camp (day hike)
- A typical day:
- From Low Camp, about 2.5-4 hours and roughly 550 m of climbing out of the forest onto the open ridge.
Practical tips
- At about 3,550 m, altitude illness is possible; do not go higher with symptoms. General information, not medical advice.
- The ridge above is exposed; do not go up in cloud, high wind or fresh snow.
- There is no ATM; carry cash for the whole trek.
- Nights are cold; bring a warm sleeping bag.
Treks through Mardi Himal High Camp
Questions about Mardi Himal High Camp
How high is Mardi Himal High Camp?
About 3,550 m, though some sources quote up to 3,700 m.
How long from High Camp to Mardi Himal Base Camp?
About 3.5-4 hours up and 2-3 hours back down.
Is there accommodation above High Camp?
No lodges for sleeping; small tea stalls may operate at the viewpoints in season.
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All of Annapurna Region
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Nearby
National park or conservation area
Annapurna Region
Nepal's largest protected area, from Gurung hill villages and rhododendron forest to the dry valleys behind the Annapurna range.
Editorial draft: facts are being checked against the sources below. Last checked 2026-10-06. Sources: Mardi Himal trek, Wikivoyage, Mardi Himal, Wikipedia