Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek

Annapurna Region 7 Days TKHACA07MHB

Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek is a hidden Himalayan gem that takes you through peaceful forests, charming villages, and breathtaking mountain landscapes in the Annapurna region. This 9-day journey is perfect for travelers seeking solitude, natural beauty, and unforgettable views of the majestic Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli. With every step, you move deeper into nature’s silence and closer to the heart of the Himalayas.

Trip Highlights

  • Reach Mardi Himal Upper View Point (4,200m / 13,776ft) with stunning Himalayan panorama
  • Close-up views of Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli & Dhaulagiri range
  • Walk through lush rhododendron forests and peaceful mountain trails
  • Experience authentic Gurung village lifestyle and local hospitality
  • Scenic drive to Pokhara – Nepal’s beautiful lake city
  • Less crowded, peaceful trekking route in Annapurna region
  • Perfect blend of adventure, nature, and cultural exploration

Overview

Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek is a spectacular journey into one of the most serene and less-traveled trails of the Annapurna region. The trail gradually ascends through dense rhododendron and oak forests, opening up to dramatic alpine ridges with jaw-dropping Himalayan views.

 

Trekkers pass through traditional villages inhabited mainly by Gurung communities, where hospitality and culture are deeply rooted in daily life. The higher you climb, the more dramatic the landscape becomes—eventually revealing the iconic Machhapuchhre (6,993m) rising like a sacred pyramid in front of you.

 

At the Upper View Point (4,200m) and Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,120–4,500m), trekkers are rewarded with a 360° Himalayan panorama, making this trek one of Nepal’s most rewarding moderate adventures.


Why Choose This Trek?

  • Less crowded compared to Annapurna Base Camp Trek
  • Short yet highly rewarding Himalayan experience
  • Excellent for beginners with good fitness level
  • Incredible mountain views from close range
  • Authentic cultural experience in traditional villages
  • Safe, guided, and well-managed trail system

Route Overview

Day 1: Kathmandu → Pokhara (822m / 2,697ft) Distance: 200 km | Time: 6–7 hrs drive

Day 2: Pokhara → Kande (1,770m) → Forest Camp (2,600m / 8,530ft) Distance: Trek ~10 km | Time: 4–5 hrs trek + 45 min drive

Day 3: Forest Camp → High Camp (3,550m / 11,647ft) Distance: ~8 km | Time: 5–6 hrs trek

Day 4: High Camp → Upper View Point (4,200m / 13,776ft) → Low Camp (2,970m) Distance: ~6–7 km | Time: 4–5 hrs total

Day 5: Low Camp → Siding (1,750m / 5,741ft) → Pokhara Distance: ~12 km | Time: 3 hrs trek + 2 hrs drive

Day 6: Pokhara leisure day (optional exploration)

Day 7: Pokhara → Kathmandu (1,400m) Distance: 200 km | Time: 6–7 hrs drive


Best Time to Visit

  • Spring (Feb–May): Best season for rhododendron blooms and clear views
  • Autumn (Sep–Dec): Stable weather, crystal-clear mountains, ideal trekking conditions
  • Winter (Dec–Jan): Cold but possible with proper gear, fewer crowds
  • Monsoon (Jun–Aug): Not recommended due to rain and slippery trails

Difficulty Level

Mardi Himal Trek is a moderate-level trek, suitable for beginners with decent fitness. Daily walking ranges from 4–6 hours with gradual altitude gain. The highest point reaches 4,200m, so mild altitude effects like shortness of breath may occur. Proper acclimatization, hydration, and pacing are important.


Accommodation and Meals

  • Comfortable tea houses and mountain lodges throughout the trail
  • Twin-sharing rooms with basic bedding facilities
  • Freshly prepared Nepali meals (Dal Bhat, noodles, soups, rice, eggs, etc.)
  • Hot drinks like tea and coffee available on request
  • Limited Wi-Fi in some villages (extra charge)
  • Electricity available for charging (may be paid service in higher areas)

Culture and Local Experience

The trek passes through traditional Gurung villages where agriculture and tourism shape daily life. Travelers experience warm hospitality, local cuisine, and deep-rooted Himalayan culture. Along the trail, you may encounter Buddhist prayer flags, small monasteries, and local temples reflecting spiritual harmony with nature.

Seasonal festivals like Dashain, Tihar, and local Gurung celebrations add color and vibrancy to village life.


Transportation Details

  • Kathmandu → Pokhara: Tourist bus (6–7 hours / 200 km)
  • Pokhara → Kande: Private jeep/car (45–60 minutes / 30 km approx.)
  • Siding → Pokhara: Jeep drive (2–3 hours / 40–50 km approx.)
  • Return follows same route back to Kathmandu

Safety and Travel Tips

  • Carry travel insurance with high-altitude coverage
  • Drink plenty of water to avoid altitude sickness
  • Walk slowly and acclimatize properly
  • Hire licensed guide for safety and navigation
  • Pack warm clothes, rain gear, and trekking boots
  • Follow weather updates before summit hike
  • Keep basic medicines and personal first-aid kit

Why Book With Us (GhumnaJaau)?

  • Experienced and licensed local trekking guides
  • Strong focus on safety and personalized care
  • Responsible and eco-friendly tourism approach
  • Well-managed logistics and 24/7 customer support
  • Best value trekking packages with transparent pricing

Start your unforgettable Himalayan journey today with GhumnaJaau. Experience the magic of Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek with expert guidance, safe arrangements, and lifetime memories. Contact us now to book your adventure or customize your trekking package.

Itinerary

This day will be marked the beginning of the trip. Our representative/guide will pick you up from Hotel/Place and drop to Tourist Bus Stand. And leave Kathmandu and continue our drive to Pokhara today. The total duration of drive will be about 6-7 hours and we expect to reach Pokhara by 2 pm giving you time to explore. Upon arriving Pokhara, you will be transferred to your hotel. Rest of the evening is free to explore.

Note! For trekkers starting from Kathmandu, we provide complimentary airport–hotel transfers for foreign guests (whether you’ve booked your hotel independently or through us). If you are joining from other cities or border points, the meeting point will be Pokhara, where our representative will receive you at the airport or bus station and assist with hotel check-in (after 12:00 noon). On request, we can also arrange your domestic flight or private vehicle to Pokhara. In the evening, your trekking guide will meet you at the hotel lobby for a detailed trip briefing, followed by a short orientation walk to explore the local surroundings.
Location: Pokhara (822m)
Duration: 6 hour by drive/25 mins flight
Meal: Breakfast
Altitude Different: -578m/1895.84ft.
Accommodation: 3 Star Hotel

After breakfast go for an hour boationg to Phewa Lake with enjoy the moutain sceneries. And make refresh your mode for trekking to Mardi Himal base camp. Drive to Kande. the starting point of the trek, is about one and half hour duration. Upon reaching there, we begin our trek on the beautiful trail and climb upwards to the Pritam Deurali for a about 3 hours.

Pritam Deurali  is a beautiful , from village & surroded by forest where you can see an unobstructed view of Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, Nilgiri, Himchuli, Manaslu and associated peaks.

Location: Pritam Deurali (2100m.)
Duration: 30mins + 3 hours.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Altitude Different: +908m/2978.24ft. & +330m/1082.4ft.
Accommodation: Lodge

After taking breakfast in the morning, we head out to Forest Camp that will take about 4-5 hours walk. The trail is slightly upward from Pritam to Lovely Danda and slightly down to Dodh Khark and Forest Camp. The trail enters a quiet jungle of oak trees, maples, rhododendrons etc.

After hiking for 4-5 hour under the shades of trees, and chirping of birds, we will reach Forest Camp where we spend our night there.

Location: Forest Camp (2600m)
Duration: 4-5 hours
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Altitude Different: +500m/1640ft.
Accommodation: Lodge

 

The trek to High Camp on the Mardi Himal route is a scenic and exhilarating journey through Rhododendron forests and grassy ridges. Trekkers ascend steadily, experiencing a change in temperature as they climb higher. After 5 to 6 hours of trekking, they reach High Camp, where they are rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Location: Mardi High Camp (3550m)
Duration: 5-6 hour
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Altitude Different: +950m/3087.5ft.
Accommodation: Lodge.

Today's itinerary begins with an early wake-up call as we embark on a memorable journey to the Upper View Point or Mardi Himal Base Camp. The trek takes us through breathtaking landscapes for a few hours until we reach our destination. Here, the majestic Annapurna Sanctuary unfolds before our eyes, offering clear views of the South face of Mt. Annapurna, Himchuli, and the iconic Machhapuchhre (Mt. Fishtail). This moment marks the culmination of our trek, and the sense of accomplishment is palpable as we soak in the panoramic vistas from Mardi Himal Base Camp.

After spending some time reveling in the awe-inspiring scenery, we begin our descent back to High Camp, where a well-deserved breakfast awaits us. Following a leisurely meal and some rest, we bid farewell to High Camp and commence our trek downwards. The trail leads us through the enchanting surroundings for approximately 2 hours until we reach Low Camp at an elevation of 2970 meters.

Today's journey is not only about witnessing spectacular mountain views but also about cherishing the sense of achievement and camaraderie forged along the way. As we retreat to Low Camp, we carry with us memories that will last a lifetime, ensuring that this trek to Mardi Himal remains etched in our hearts and minds forever.

Location: Mardi Himal Base Camp (4120m)
Duration: 5-6 hours.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Altitude Different: +650m/2132ft./-80m/262.4ft./-1150m/3772ft.
Accommodation: Lodge

After breakfast we start our day with a descent down the trail to Siding (1750m) thourgh forest trail added with the drastic change in elevation.

After walking for around 4-5 hours we will reach Siding and drive to Pokhara. 

Location: Pokhara (822m)
Duration: 4+2 hours.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch
Altitude Different: -1250m/4001.6ft. & -928m/3043.84ft.
Accommodation: 3 Star Hotel

We head out for Kathmandu in a tourist bus. The journey will be about 6 hours. Upon arrival at Kathmandu, our representative will meet and transfer you back to the hotel.

In the evening, we host a farewell dinner in a fine restaurant. (Your guide(s) and an office staff will accompany you).

 

Location: Kathmandu (1350m)
Duration: 6 hours
Meal: Breakfast & Farewell dinner
Altitude Different: +578m/1895.84ft.
Accommodation: 3 Star Hotel

Trip Information

What's Include?

  • Accommodation: 2 nights' accommodation at 3*Standard Hotel in Pokhara & 4 nights' accommodation at Lodge/Teahouse on trek (Twin sharing room).
  • Transportation: Two way transportation from Kathmandu to Pokhara on Luxury Tourist Bus & Private transportation for Kande/Siding & return
  • Meal: Bed/Breakfast in Pokhara Hotel. All meals (B,L,D) on OPEN/CHOICE Menu whilst on the trek with tea & coffee.
  • Support Crew: Experience licensed trek guide and 1 porter for 2 clients including his/her allowances & insurance.
  • Permits: All required permits for trek (TIMS Card and Annapurna Conservation area.).
  • Complimentary Gear: Duffel bag, sleeping bag & trekking poles (return after trek)
  • Additional Services: Airport/hotel transfers by private vehicle, First-Aid & essential kit, emergency rescue arrangements and All taxes & service charges

What's Exclude?

  • Personal expenses: Snacks, drinks, laundry, and other personal items.
  • Accommodation in Kathamndu is available on request (Standard Hotel 3*) - US$ 30-40/per night
  • Personal trekking gear & clothing: All necessary gear, clothing, and hygiene items.
  • Travel insurance: Must cover high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation.
  • Nepal Entry Visa (Visa can be acquired easily after your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu with a fee of USD 50 for 30 days visa and USD 125 for 90 days visa).
  • Optional/add-on services: Extra assistant guide, personal porter, horse rental, or additional porters.
  • Emergency and unforeseen costs: Helicopter evacuation, additional expenses caused by strikes, weather, natural disasters, or itinerary changes.

Map

FAQ's

It is a moderate trek suitable for beginners with basic fitness.

The highest point is around 4,200m at Upper View Point.

It is a 9-day complete package including travel and trekking.

No, but regular walking or light fitness training is recommended.

Tea houses and basic mountain lodges with shared rooms.

Mild symptoms may occur; proper hydration and slow ascent help.

TIMS card and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP).

Fresh Nepali and basic international meals are available.

Limited Wi-Fi is available in some villages for extra cost.

Yes, GhumnaJaau offers full customization based on your needs.

Traveler Reviews

Shreyas Sapkota
Shreyas Sapkota
Nepal May 30, 2024

Awesome trek, Guide was awesome

Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek

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