8-Day Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek with Annapurna Ridge Views

8 Days Round trip from Tribhuwan Tnternational Airport Moderate pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Reach Mardi Himal Base Camp at approximately 4,500 meters
02 Enjoy close views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) from the upper ridge
03 Take in panoramic vistas of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Annapurna I
04 Walk through peaceful rhododendron and oak forests
05 Experience traditional Gurung villages and local Himalayan hospitality
06 Stay at High Camp with magnificent Himalayan sunset views
07 Follow scenic mountain ridges through alpine meadows
08 Enjoy a short but rewarding Himalayan adventure near Pokhara

The Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek is a beautiful short Himalayan trek in Nepal's Annapurna region, ideal for travelers who want mountains, forests, traditional villages, and local culture without spending many weeks on the trail. This journey takes you from Pokhara through peaceful rhododendron and oak forests, Gurung settlements, alpine meadows, and scenic ridges to Mardi Himal Base Camp at approximately 4,500 meters. Along the way, enjoy spectacular views of Machhapuchhre, Mardi Himal, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Annapurna I. Compared with busier trekking routes, Mardi Himal offers a quieter and more peaceful Himalayan experience with rewarding mountain scenery throughout.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 8 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Pokhara, Kathmandu, Annapurna

Languages English, Hindi, Japanese

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Kathmandu to Pokhara by Deluxe Tourist Bus

Your Mardi Base Camp adventure begins with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara. After breakfast, board a deluxe tourist bus and travel west through Nepal's beautiful countryside.

The road follows rivers and green hills, passing small towns, farms, suspension bridges, and traditional villages. After several hours, arrive in Pokhara, a beautiful lakeside city surrounded by Himalayan mountains.

After checking into your hotel, you can relax around Lakeside and prepare for the trek.

Transport: Deluxe tourist bus
Driving time: Approximately 7-9 hours
Overnight: Pokhara

Day 02

Pokhara to Kande and Trek to Deurali

After breakfast, drive from Pokhara to Kande, the starting point of the trek. The road journey takes approximately 1-1.5 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.

From Kande, begin walking through stone steps, farmland, and forest. You pass Australian Camp, where you can enjoy your first impressive views of the Annapurna mountains. Continue toward Pothana and then walk through a peaceful forest to Deurali.

This is a beautiful introduction to the Mardi Himal trail, with a mixture of forest, villages, and mountain scenery.

Drive: Approximately 1-1.5 hours
Trek: 4-5 hours
Overnight: Deurali

Day 03

Deurali to Forest Camp Through Rhododendron Forest

After breakfast, continue toward Forest Camp. The trail enters dense rhododendron and oak forests. During spring, the rhododendron forests can be especially beautiful when the flowers are blooming.

The trail gradually climbs through the peaceful forest, with occasional openings where you can see the surrounding hills and mountains. Take your time today and maintain a comfortable walking pace.

Arrive at Forest Camp, also known by different local names depending on the lodge and route description. Enjoy the quiet mountain environment and rest for the next day's climb.

Trek: Approximately 5-6 hours
Overnight: Forest Camp

Day 04

Forest Camp to High Camp via Low Camp

Today is one of the most rewarding climbing days of the trek. Leave Forest Camp and continue uphill through the forest toward Low Camp.

As you gain altitude, the dense forest gradually becomes thinner. The trail eventually opens onto the ridge, where the views become much wider. Continue toward Badal Danda and then High Camp.

At High Camp, you can see Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) rising dramatically ahead of you. On clear days, the surrounding Annapurna mountains create an unforgettable Himalayan panorama.

Because you are sleeping at a considerably higher altitude, walk slowly, drink plenty of water, and follow your guide's advice.

Trek: Approximately 5-6 hours
Highest overnight altitude: Around 3,580 m
Overnight: High Camp

Day 05

Mardi Himal Base Camp Excursion and Descent to Low Camp

Today is the major highlight of the Mardi Base Camp Trek.

Wake early, usually before sunrise, and begin the hike from High Camp toward Mardi Himal Base Camp. The trail follows the high ridge and becomes more exposed and rugged as you gain altitude.

You pass beautiful viewpoints where the panorama opens toward Machhapuchhre, Mardi Himal, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli. Continue carefully toward the base camp area.

At approximately 4,500 m, enjoy the incredible Himalayan scenery and take time for photographs. The exact highest point reached can vary according to weather, trail conditions, and the guide's safety assessment.

After enjoying the Base Camp area, begin your descent. Rather than spending another night at the highest point, return toward Low Camp. The descent gives your legs a welcome break from the steep ascent, although it can still be demanding.

Trek: Approximately 7-8 hours
Highest point: Around 4,500 m
Overnight: Low Camp

Day 06

Low Camp to Siding Village and Drive to Pokhara

After breakfast, begin descending from Low Camp toward Siding Village.

The trail passes back through forest and gradually enters a more rural landscape. You will see traditional houses, terraced fields, and local village life. Siding is a peaceful settlement and provides a good opportunity to experience the quieter side of the Annapurna region.

From Siding, take a Jeep toward Pokhara. After arriving in Pokhara, check into your hotel and enjoy a well-deserved rest.

Trek: Approximately 4-5 hours
Transport: Siding-Pokhara Jeep
Overnight: Pokhara

Day 07

Pokhara to Kathmandu by Deluxe Tourist Bus

After breakfast, take the deluxe tourist bus from Pokhara to Kathmandu.

Enjoy the changing scenery as you travel from the Himalayan foothills toward the Kathmandu Valley. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and relax.

You can spend the evening shopping for souvenirs or enjoying a final dinner in Kathmandu.

Transport: Deluxe tourist bus
Driving time: Approximately 7-9 hours
Overnight: Kathmandu

Day 08

Final Departure from Kathmandu

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel according to your flight schedule. Your representative will transfer you from your hotel to Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) for your international departure.

Your Mardi Base Camp Trek ends with beautiful memories of the Annapurna Himalayas.

Transport: Private airport transfer
End point: Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Tribhuwan Tnternational Airport 3 cities · 8 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu transportation by tourist bus or private vehicle, as agreed at the time of booking.
Transportation between Pokhara and the trekking starting and ending points.
Experienced, English-speaking, government-licensed trekking guide.
Porter service, with one porter for every two trekkers where applicable.
Guide and porter salaries, food, accommodation, and insurance.
Accommodation in comfortable local teahouses/lodges during the trek.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the trekking period.
Annapurna Conservation Area entry permit.
Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card, where applicable.
Necessary local trekking permits and official fees.
Guide and porter transportation and accommodation expenses.
Basic first-aid support and a company medical kit.
Government taxes and applicable service charges.
Company service charge and necessary trekking arrangements.

What's Not Included

International flights to and from Nepal.
Nepal entry visa fee.
Hotel accommodation and meals in Kathmandu or Pokhara unless specifically mentioned in the package.
Personal travel and medical insurance.
Emergency helicopter evacuation and medical expenses.
Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, snacks, drinks, and souvenirs.
Wi-Fi and charging fees at teahouses where applicable.
Bottled water, alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, and other personal beverages.
Personal trekking equipment and clothing.
Tips for guides, porters, and drivers.
Any additional accommodation or transportation caused by flight delays, road closures, bad weather, illness, or other unforeseen circumstances.
Any services or expenses not specifically mentioned under the inclusions.

What to bring

For the Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek, it is best to pack light but carry the essential trekking equipment. Weather can change quickly in the mountains, especially at higher elevations, so warm and waterproof clothing is important.

Clothing

Lightweight trekking T-shirts
Long-sleeved shirts
Thermal underwear/base layers
Fleece jacket or warm sweater
Down or insulated jacket
Waterproof and windproof jacket
Comfortable trekking trousers
Waterproof trousers
Warm hat and sun hat
Warm gloves
Several pairs of trekking and woolen socks
Comfortable clothes for the evening

Footwear

Good-quality trekking boots with good ankle support
Lightweight shoes or sandals for the teahouse
Extra shoelaces

Trekking equipment

Comfortable day backpack (around 30-40 liters)
Duffel bag for your main luggage
Trekking poles
Sleeping bag suitable for cold mountain nights
Headlamp with extra batteries
Water bottles or hydration bladder
Sunglasses with good UV protection
Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF

Personal items

Personal toiletries
Quick-drying towel
Hand sanitizer
Toilet paper and tissues
Small first-aid kit
Personal medicines
Reusable water bottle
Water purification tablets or a portable water filter
Power bank
Mobile phone and charging cable
Camera and extra batteries, if needed

Important documents

Passport
Nepal visa
Travel insurance documents
Trekking permits and other documents provided by your trekking company
Emergency contact information
A few passport-size photographs, if required

Useful extras

Small dry bags or waterproof bags
Rain cover for your backpack
Snacks such as chocolate, energy bars, nuts, or dried fruit
Small lock for your luggage
Earplugs
Binoculars or camera, if you enjoy photography

Know before you go

Before starting the Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek, it is important to be prepared for mountain conditions and changing weather. The trek is not a technical climb, but it reaches around 4,500 meters, so good preparation will make your journey safer and more enjoyable.

Physical fitness: You should have a reasonable level of fitness before starting the trek. Regular walking, hiking, stair climbing, or other cardiovascular exercise before your trip will help you manage the uphill and downhill sections more comfortably.
You do not need previous mountaineering experience, but you should be prepared to walk for several hours each day on uneven mountain trails.
Weather and temperature: Mountain weather can change quickly. Even when the weather is warm in Pokhara, it can be cold and windy at High Camp and Mardi Himal Base Camp.
Bring warm layers, a waterproof jacket, comfortable trekking clothes, and suitable footwear. Your guide will also advise you according to the current weather and trail conditions.
Altitude: The trek reaches approximately 4,500 meters at Mardi Himal Base Camp. Altitude sickness can affect anyone, regardless of age or fitness.
Walk slowly, drink enough water, eat regularly, and allow your body to adjust to the increasing altitude. Tell your guide immediately if you feel unwell, especially if you develop a severe headache, dizziness, unusual tiredness, nausea, or breathing difficulties.
Travel insurance: We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance before starting the trek. Your insurance should cover trekking at the maximum altitude of your itinerary and include emergency medical treatment and helicopter evacuation if required.
Accommodation: Accommodation is provided in local teahouses and lodges. Facilities are comfortable but basic, particularly at higher elevations. Rooms are generally simple, and bathrooms may be shared.
Do not expect luxury facilities in the high mountains. The real reward is the beautiful scenery and warm local hospitality.
Food and drinking water: A variety of meals are available in the teahouses, including dal bhat, noodles, pasta, soup, vegetables, eggs, bread, and other simple dishes.
Carry a reusable water bottle. Boiled drinking water and other water-treatment options are available along the route. Staying properly hydrated is especially important at higher elevations.
Internet and electricity: Mobile phone coverage and Wi-Fi can be limited in the higher parts of the trek. Electricity is generally available in teahouses, but charging may cost an additional fee.
A power bank is recommended if you want to keep your phone or camera charged.
Money: Carry some Nepalese rupees in cash for personal expenses. ATMs are not reliably available in the higher trekking areas.
You may need extra money for drinks, snacks, charging, Wi-Fi, hot showers, tips, and other personal expenses.
Respect local culture: The Mardi Himal region is home to friendly mountain communities, including Gurung communities. Please respect local traditions, religious places, customs, and people's privacy.
Ask permission before photographing local people, monasteries, or religious ceremonies.
Environmental responsibility: Please help keep the Himalayan environment clean. Carry a reusable water bottle, avoid unnecessary plastic, use designated waste facilities, and never leave rubbish along the trail.
We encourage responsible trekking that supports local communities and protects the natural beauty of the region.
Pack light: You do not need to bring a large suitcase. Pack only the essential trekking equipment and clothing. If you are traveling with a porter, your main luggage can be carried while you keep a small daypack with water, a jacket, camera, snacks, and other daily necessities.
Before starting the trek: Make sure your trekking shoes are comfortable and already broken in. Check your clothing and equipment before leaving Kathmandu or Pokhara.
Bring your passport, travel insurance details, necessary permits, personal medicines, and emergency contact information.
Most importantly, come with a positive attitude and enjoy the journey. The Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek is not only about reaching the highest point - it is about enjoying the forests, villages, mountains, local culture, and unforgettable Himalayan experience along the way.