Mardi Himal

Oct-Nov and Mar-Apr

Clear cold mornings clouding by afternoon; heavy monsoon rain and leeches Jun-Aug; winter snow blocks the high passes; cloud can whiteout the exposed ridge

Spring rhododendron; close-up Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) from the ridge

Rhododendron forest ridge, then open alpine ridge to the viewpoint

Non-technical; the upper ridge to the viewpoint is narrow and can be exposed/slippery in snow

Newer but now well-lodged and marked; guide required

Fit trekkers wanting a quieter alternative to ABC; the top push is steep

Langur monkey, Himalayan tahr, danphe (Impeyan pheasant), musk deer; snow leopard/blue sheep in the high remote zones (rarely seen)

Rhododendron and oak/pine forest lower, then juniper scrub and alpine meadow, then rock and snow

Much quieter than ABC/Poon Hill - its main appeal

Turn around at High Camp or Lower Viewpoint; link with ABC/Poon Hill via Landruk

Drive Pokhara to Kande/Phedi (~1 h), then walk up via Forest Camp

Jeep/taxi from Pokhara and back (often exit via Sidhing)

Teahouse lodges (private rooms lower down, dorms higher); book ahead in peak season; hot showers/wifi for a fee lower down, basic higher; fewer, smaller lodges - book ahead in peak

Layered trekking kit, down jacket and warm bag for the highs, boots, water purification, cash in NPR (few ATMs on trail); patchy mobile data (Ncell/NTC), some lodges sell wifi

Basic lodges along the ridge; carry cash; limited connectivity up high

Licensed guide required for foreign trekkers (national rule since 2023); porters optional; teahouse trek so no camping crew needed

Altitude illness (AMS) is the main danger above ~3,000 m - ascend gradually, hydrate, know the descent rule; exposed, slippery upper ridge in poor visibility or snow

Helicopter evacuation is the norm for serious cases (ensure travel insurance covers heli rescue); health posts at larger villages; descend for altitude illness