8-Day Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek with Annapurna Ridge Views
About This Tour
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 vil...
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
Know before you go: 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.
About Pokhara
Pokhara
Hugging its own mirror-like lake in the midst of the snow-mantled Nepalese Himalaya, Pokhara is a breathtaking affair. Temples and views abound, so be sure to get a local guide while in town.
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.
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.
Itinerary
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1Day 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 busDriving time: Approximately 7-9 hoursOvernight: Pokhara
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2Day 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 hoursTrek: 4-5 hoursOvernight: Deurali
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3Day 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 hoursOvernight: Forest Camp
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4Day 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 hoursHighest overnight altitude: Around 3,580 mOvernight: High Camp
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5Day 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 hoursHighest point: Around 4,500 mOvernight: Low Camp
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6Day 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 hoursTransport: Siding-Pokhara JeepOvernight: Pokhara
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7Day 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 busDriving time: Approximately 7-9 hoursOvernight: Kathmandu
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8Day 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 transferEnd point: Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu
Meeting Point
Meeting point: Tribhuvan International Airport · Tour start: Tribhuwan Tnternational Airport — Tour ends at the same location as the start point.