11-Day Mardi Base Camp Trek in Nepal with Kathmandu and Pokhara

11 Days Round trip from Kathmandu Hard pace
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The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Close-up views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Mardi Himal
  • 02 Peaceful ridge walking on a less-crowded trekking route in the Annapurna region
  • 03 Trek through dense rhododendron and oak forests with dramatic landscape changes
  • 04 Reach Mardi Himal Base Camp at around 4,500 meters for an unforgettable Himalayan panorama
  • 05 Explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu, including Swayambhunath, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath, and Boudhanath
  • 06 Enjoy sunrise Himalayan views from Sarangkot and sightseeing around Pokhara

The Mardi Base Camp Trek is a stunning short Himalayan adventure in Nepal's Annapurna Conservation Area, combining Kathmandu and Pokhara sightseeing with a peaceful trek through the Annapurna foothills. This less-crowded route offers close-up views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Mardi Himal as the landscape changes from lush rhododendron and oak forests to dramatic alpine ridges. Reaching Mardi Himal Base Camp at around 4,500 meters is the highlight of the journey, with the Himalayan giants appearing incredibly close. Ideal for trekkers seeking comfort, culture, and adventure, this trek delivers an immersive mountain experience without technical climbing.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 11 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Hard
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Not applicable
Cities Pokhara, Kathmandu

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival in Kathmandu and Trek Briefing

  • Arrival: Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, a representative from our company will greet you, offer a warm welcome to Nepal, and drive you to your reserved hotel.
  • Hotel: After completing the check-in process, you can unwind and rest at the hotel.
  • Briefing: Our guide will give you a briefing about the trek.
  • Free time: The evening is free for you to enjoy Kathmandu at your own pace. You can rest and freshen up or familiarize yourself with good restaurants, ATMs, money changers, and other useful places you may need during your stay.
2
Day 02

UNESCO Sightseeing Around Kathmandu

  • Breakfast: After breakfast, our guide will meet you at your hotel for an interesting tour of Swayambhunath Stupa, which is perched atop a hill and offers stunning views of Kathmandu, the valley's lush hills, and tall snow-capped mountains.
  • Sightseeing: You will then be taken to Kathmandu Durbar Square, which is also one of the major attractions in Kathmandu.
  • Sightseeing: After sightseeing at Kathmandu Durbar Square, in the evening you will be taken to Pashupatinath Temple and Boudhanath Stupa for sightseeing.
  • Note: All of the above places are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
3
Day 03

Drive to Pokhara

  • Drive: Today, you will be received by a driver and driven to Pokhara.
  • Check-in: Upon arrival, we will check in to the reserved property.
  • Free time: After a short refreshment at the property, you will have the rest of the day to yourself. You can walk around Lakeside or enjoy the nightlife of Pokhara.
  • Optional: You can also enjoy boating on Fewa Lake, depending on the weather.
4
Day 04

Pokhara to Pittam Deurali via Australian Camp

  • Breakfast: After breakfast at your hotel in Pokhara,
  • Drive: you will drive to Kande.
  • Trek: From Kande, trek to Pittam Deurali (2100m) via Australian Camp (2060m) and Pothana (1950m).
  • Checkpoint: Pothana has the ACAP / TIMS checkpoint.
  • Walking: After about 4-5 hours of walking, you will reach Pittam Deurali from Kande.
  • Overnight: Overnight at a lodge.
5
Day 05

Pittam Deurali to Low Camp via Forest Camp

  • Breakfast: After an early morning breakfast,
  • Trek: we will trek from Pittam Deurali to Low Camp (2985m).
  • Lunch stop: You will stop for lunch at Forest Camp (2600m) after about 4 hours of trekking.
  • Walking: The trek from Pittam Deurali to Low Camp takes about 7 hours of walking.
  • Overnight: Overnight at a lodge.
6
Day 06

Trek from Low Camp to High Camp

  • Trek: Trek from Low Camp to High Camp (3550m).
  • Views: You will see spectacular views of Machhapuchhre ahead and Annapurna South to your left.
  • Walking: After about 4 hours of trekking, you will arrive at High Camp (3550m).
  • Overnight: Overnight at a lodge.
7
Day 07

Mardi Himal Base Camp Hike and Descent to Badal Danda

  • Hike: You will hike to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4500m) and return to High Camp.
  • Walking: This round trip takes about 4 to 5 hours of walking.
  • Option: If you do not want to go all the way to Mardi Himal Base Camp, you can hike to a viewpoint about halfway and return to High Camp.
  • Lunch: After lunch, trek down to Badal Danda (3210m).
  • Overnight: Overnight at a lodge.
8
Day 08

Badal Danda to Siding and Drive to Pokhara

  • Views: You will have a very nice view in the morning.
  • Breakfast: After breakfast,
  • Trek: you will trek down to Siding. It takes around 4 hours of trekking.
  • Drive: After lunch, take a 3-hour drive back to Pokhara.
  • Overnight: Overnight at the hotel.
  • Option: It is also possible to extend the trek by one more day. If you extend by one day, you will trek from Siding to Lwang via Ghalel. On this day, we trek down to Lwang Village. It takes 5-6 hours of walking from Siding to Lwang, followed by an overnight stay at a lodge. The next day, you will drive back to Pokhara.
9
Day 09

Sarangkot Sunrise and Pokhara Sightseeing

  • Visit: Today is one of the most significant days of your trip, as you will travel to Sarangkot, a major vantage point for viewing the Himalayas.
  • Early morning: You will go to Sarangkot early in the morning to take in the breathtaking views of the Annapurna range, Machhepuchhre, Himchuli, Manaslu, and many others.
  • Breakfast: After spending a few hours in Sarangkot, you will return to the hotel for breakfast.
  • Sightseeing: After a short break, you will go sightseeing in and around Pokhara.
  • Locations: You will visit some of the most well-known locations, such as Phewa Lake, Mahendra Cave, Davi's Fall, and Barahi Temple.
10
Day 10

Fly Back to Kathmandu

  • Breakfast: Today, after having breakfast at the property,
  • Flight: you will fly back to Kathmandu.
  • Check-in: Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be checked in to the property, where you can refresh yourself.
  • Free time: If you like, you can go around Thamel and enjoy it at your own pace.
11
Day 11

Departure from Kathmandu

  • Breakfast: After breakfast, you will depart for your destination today with a bag full of trinkets and a mind full of priceless memories.
  • Transfer: Our representative will transfer you to the airport 2-3 hours prior to your international flight.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Kathmandu 2 cities · 11 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • 4 nights' accommodation on a twin-sharing basis under BB Plan in Kathmandu (Deluxe Room).
  • 2 nights' accommodation on a twin-sharing basis under BB Plan in Pokhara (Deluxe Room).
  • 4 nights' accommodation on a twin-sharing basis under AP at a lodge (as per availability).
  • Breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the hotel during the trek.
  • Trek permit and National Park fee, including TIMS.
  • All transportation and transfers by private vehicle.
  • Domestic flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu.
  • Professional English-speaking guide for the whole tour.
  • Licensed, experienced guide services.
  • Emergency evacuation coordination.
  • Insurance for staff.
  • Daily health monitoring.

What's Not Included

  • Additional meals.
  • Extra night accommodation.
  • Beverages and alcoholic drinks.
  • All other additional charges for additional services.
  • Items of a personal nature such as bar bills, telephone calls, laundry, extra mileage, and any additional costs incurred due to natural calamities or flight delays.
  • Medical emergency rescues.
  • Insurance.
  • Anything not mentioned in the "Price includes" section.

Know before you go

  • Difficulty Level: The Mardi Base Camp Trek is considered easy to moderate, making it suitable for beginners with basic fitness levels.

  • Key characteristics include:

    • 4-7 hours of walking per day

    • Steep but manageable ascents in some sections

    • No technical climbing required

    • Well-established teahouse routes

    • Moderate altitude gain up to 4,500m

  • Although the trek is not technically difficult, proper acclimatization and pacing are important for comfort.

  • Best Season for Mardi Trek:

    • Spring (March-May): Rhododendron forests in full bloom; clear mountain views; pleasant temperatures

    • Autumn (September-November): Best visibility of Himalayan peaks; stable weather conditions; peak trekking season

    • Winter (December-February): Cold but scenic with snow views; fewer trekkers

    • Monsoon (June-August): Heavy rainfall and slippery trails; not recommended

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Kathmandu, Tribhuvan International Airport
Tour start
Kathmandu
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 11 days finish where they began, in Kathmandu.

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