7-Day Mardi Himal Trek from Kathmandu with Base Camp and Hot Springs

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Scenic journey to Pokhara along the Trishuli and Marsyangdi rivers
• 02 Trek through charming Brahmin, Magar, and Gurung villages
• 03 Walk through rhododendron forests rich in wildlife such as deer, monkeys, and birds
• 04 Take in panoramic views from High Camp over Machapuchare, Annapurna South, and Mardi Himal
• 05 Hike to Mardi Himal Base Camp for close-up views of towering peaks and glacial valleys
• 06 Relax in the rejuvenating natural hot springs at Jhinu Danda

Experience the Mardi Himal Trek from Kathmandu with a scenic journey to Pokhara, a beautiful valley by Phewa Lake framed by views of Annapurna, Machapuchare, Dhaulagiri, and Lamjung Himal. Trek through charming Brahmin, Magar, and Gurung villages, rhododendron forests, and open ridges with panoramic mountain vistas. Reach Mardi Himal Base Camp for close-up views of towering peaks and glacial valleys, then descend through forested trails to Jhinu Danda's rejuvenating natural hot springs. This 7-day adventure combines Himalayan scenery, village culture, and rewarding trekking in the Annapurna region.

Trek through charming Brahmin, Magar, and Gurung villages, rhododendron forests, and open ridges with panoramic mountain vistas.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 7 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Pokhara, Kathmandu, Ghandruk

Languages English, Nepali

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Drive from Kathmandu to Lakeside Pokhara

• Travel Time: 6-7 hours (200km/124 miles)
• Highlights:
  • Enjoy a scenic drive from Kathmandu along the Trishuli and Marsyangdi rivers, surrounded by terraced fields and lush hills.
  • Arrive in Pokhara, a beautiful valley by Phewa Lake, offering breathtaking views of Annapurna, Machapuchare (Fishtail), Dhaulagiri, and Lamjung Himal.
• Meals: Breakfast included.
• Accommodation: Hotel in Pokhara.

2

Day 02

Drive to Dhampus and Trek to Deurali

• Travel Time: 2-hour drive, 3-4 hours trekking.
• Highlights:
  • Begin from Dhampus and pass through charming villages of Brahmin, Magar, and Gurung communities.
  • Trek through rhododendron forests to Deurali (2100m), with stunning vistas of Annapurna South and Machapuchare.
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included.
• Accommodation: Lodge in Deurali.

3

Day 03

Trek through Forest Trails to Forest Camp

• Trek Distance: 6km/3.7 miles (6-7 hours trekking).
• Highlights:
  • Ascend through dense forests of rhododendron, birch, oak, maple, and hemlock, rich in wildlife such as deer, monkeys, and birds.
  • Enjoy the serene atmosphere at Forest Camp.
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included.
• Accommodation: Lodge at Forest Camp.

4

Day 04

Climb to High Camp on Panoramic Ridges

• Trek Distance: 8.5km/5.2 miles (5-6 hours trekking).
• Highlights:
  • Trek through Low Camp, emerging from the forests onto open ridges with panoramic views of Machapuchare, Annapurna South, and Mardi Himal.
  • The ridge offers spectacular views of the Modi Khola valley on the left and the Seti River valley on the right.
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included.
• Accommodation: Lodge at High Camp.

5

Day 05

Sunrise at Mardi Himal Base Camp and Descent to Low Camp

• Trek Distance: 10km/6.2 miles (7-8 hours trekking).
• Highlights:
  • Start early to witness the sunrise over Annapurna South, Machapuchare, and Mardi Himal.
  • Hike to Mardi Himal Base Camp for a close-up view of towering peaks and glacial valleys.
  • After lunch at High Camp, descend to Low Camp.
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included.
• Accommodation: Lodge at Low Camp.

6

Day 06

Descend via Siding Village to Jhinu Danda

• Trek Distance: 12km/7.4 miles (6-7 hours trekking).
• Highlights:
  • Descend through dense forests, stopping at Siding village with views of the Modi Khola river valley.
  • Continue to Jhinu Danda, known for its rejuvenating natural hot springs.
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included.
• Accommodation: Lodge in Jhinu Danda.

7

Day 07

Trek to Siwa and Drive Back to Pokhara

• Trek Distance: 4km/2.4 miles (2-3 hours trekking).
• Drive Time: 2-3 hours.
• Highlights:
  • Enjoy a pleasant trek along the Modi River to Siwa/Ghandruk Phedi.
  • Conclude your trek with a scenic drive back to Pokhara via Nayapul.
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch included.
• Accommodation: Hotel in Pokhara.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• Round-trip tourist bus between Kathmandu and Pokhara
• Private vehicle transfers from Pokhara to Dhampus and from Ghandruk Phedi to Pokhara
• Two nights in Pokhara, with breakfast
• Five nights of trek accommodation (private/shared rooms at lodges)
• All meals during the trek (7 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 6 dinners)
• Licensed trek guide, assistant guide (for groups of 12+), and porters (1 porter for 2 trekkers)
• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and Trekker's Information Management System (TIMS) card
• Daily snacks, seasonal fruits, and water purification tablets
• Rescue arrangement for emergencies (covered by travel insurance)
• Souvenir T-shirt, cap, and trek completion certificate
• Farewell dinner in Kathmandu

What's Not Included

• International flight expenses
• Nepal visa fees ($25-$110 depending on duration)
• Charges for excess baggage (over 9kg per person)
• Accommodation and meals in Kathmandu before/after the trek
• Extra nights/meals in Kathmandu or Pokhara due to schedule changes
• Lunch and dinner in Pokhara
• Personal expenses (shopping, snacks, bar tabs, bottled/boiled water, showers, Wi-Fi, laundry, phone calls, charging, and extra porters)
• Personal clothing and trekking gear
• Travel insurance (must cover emergency high-altitude rescue)
• Tips for guides and porters
• Costs or delays due to unforeseen circumstances (weather, safety concerns, strikes, etc.)
• Any additional costs not mentioned in the inclusions

What to bring

• Clothing: Layered clothing (thermal, fleece, waterproof jacket), trekking boots, warm hat, gloves, sun hat, and socks.
• Gear: Backpack (40-50L), daypack, trekking poles, water bottle, sleeping bag, headlamp, and sunglasses.
• Health: First aid kit, altitude medication, sunscreen, lip balm, and insect repellent.
• Documents: Passport, trekking permits, and insurance.
• Extras: Cash (Nepali Rupees), snacks, camera, and book/journal.

Know before you go

• Permits: Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and TIMS card are required.
• Altitude: The trek reaches 4,500m at Mardi Himal Base Camp. Proper acclimatization is essential.
• Best Time: Trek in spring (Mar-May) or autumn (Sept-Nov) for optimal weather.
• Fitness: Moderate fitness is required due to steep ascents and descents.
• Packing: Pack light with warm layers, waterproof gear, trekking boots, and water purification tablets. Cash is needed, as ATMs are limited.
• Culture: Respect local traditions, particularly in villages influenced by Tibetan culture.
• Insurance: Ensure your insurance covers high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Kathmandu, Nepal

Tour start

Pokhara, Nepal

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.