Highlights
Moderate, 4500m
Hotels in Kathmandu & Pokhara / Cozy Teahouses during
Spring and Autumn
- Breathtaking Close-Up Views of Mount Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) and Annapurna South.
- Enjoy a peaceful, pristine trekking experience away from the busier classic commercial routes.
- Reach 4,500 Meters & Experience an unforgettable sunrise from Mardi Himal Base Camp.
- Walk through lush, enchanting forests that bloom beautifully with colorful wild flowers in the spring.
- Explore UNESCO World Heritage sites and enjoy a traditional Welcome Dinner upon arrival.
Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek Overview
Embark on an incredible journey with Alpine Asian Treks and Expedition to one of Nepal's finest hidden gems. The Mardi Himal Base Camp Trekking experience offers spectacular, close-up views of Mount Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) and the Annapurna range. Walking through pristine rhododendron forests and staying in cozy local teahouses, this short trek is perfect for both beginners and seasoned hikers looking for a peaceful Himalayan adventure.
Best Time to Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek
Spring (March to May):
Highly recommended for mild temperatures and trails decorated with blooming red and pink rhododendron forests.
Autumn (September to November):
Offers the clearest skies, crisp mountain air, and perfect visibility of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks.
Required Permits Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek
You will need two essential permits, which Alpine Asian Treks will fully arrange for you:
1. ACAP Permit (Annapurna Conservation Area Project)
2. TIMS Card (Trekkers' Information Management System)
Physical Fitness & Preparation
The Mardi Himal Trek is classified as a moderate difficulty hike, making it perfectly suitable for beginners with standard hiking fitness. While the paths are well-managed, you should be prepared for steep descents on stone stairs, particularly on Days 7 and 8.
Trekking gears to Mardi Himal Trek: For more details
Altitude Mountain Sickness: More information
Our Hotel in Kathmandu: Green Eco Resort
Day to Day Itinerary
Arrival in Kathmandu & Welcome Dinner
Welcome to Nepal! Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) in Kathmandu, a representative from Alpine Asian Treks will greet you and transfer you to your hotel. After checking in, take some time to rest and refresh. In the evening, we will host a brief orientation meeting about the upcoming trek, followed by a welcome dinner at a traditional Nepali restaurant featuring local cultural dance.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.
Trek Preparation & Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. We will hold an official meeting to double-check your trekking gear, complete official documentation, and finalize payments. Afterward, we begin a full-day guided sightseeing tour of the historic Kathmandu Valley. You will visit UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath (The Monkey Temple), Pashupatinath Temple, and Boudhanath Stupa.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.
Travel from Kathmandu to Pokhara
Option A (Fly): After breakfast, transfer to the domestic airport for a scenic 25 minute flight to Pokhara. Upon arrival, transfer to your lakeside hotel. Enjoy a free afternoon exploring the beautiful Phewa Lake.
Option B (Drive): Your guide will pick you up from the hotel and take you to the tourist bus park. Enjoy a highly scenic 6-7 hour drive along flowing rivers via the Prithvi Highway by tourist bus or private vehicle.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Pokhara.
Drive to Kande & Trek to Deurali (Trek Day 1)
After a fresh breakfast at your Pokhara hotel, your guide will meet you with a private vehicle. We drive to Kande, the official starting point of our Mardi Himal Trek. The trail leads uphill through lush forests and traditional villages to Australian Camp and Pothana. We then continuous our hike until we reach Deurali (2,100m).
Driving Time: 1 hour | Walking Time: 4–5 hours | Max Altitude: 2,100m
Dinner and overnight at a local guesthouse./ lunch on the way at a local restaurant
Trek from Deurali to Forest Camp (Trek Day 2)
After breakfast, we hit the trail and catch our first stunning views of the Annapurna panorama. We walk through a exceptionally quiet, peaceful ridge trail lined with lush rhododendron, oak, and maple trees. We will stop for lunch at a small restaurant along the path before continuing our trek to Forest Camp (2,550m).
Walking Time: 4-5 hours | Max Altitude: 2,550m
Dinner and overnight at a cozy teahouse. Lunch will be at a local restaurant on the way
Trek from Forest Camp to High Camp via Low Camp (Trek Day 3)
As we climb higher, the thick forest changes into shorter alpine trees, shrubs, and moss. We pass through Low Camp and reach Badal Danda (Cloud Ridge), which treats us to unparalleled, wide-open views of Mount Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) and the massive Annapurna range. We push forward to reach High Camp (3,580m).
Walking Time: 5–6 hours | Max Altitude: 3,580m
Dinner and overnight at a teahouse. Lunch will be at a local restaurant on the way
Hike to Mardi Himal Base Camp & Descend to Low/Middle Camp (Trek Day 4)
We wake up early around 4:00 AM for a sunrise hike along the rocky ridge line. We will reach the Mardi Himal Upper Viewpoint (4,200m) or continue all the way to the official Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m). Stand face-to-face with the towering walls of Annapurna South and Fishtail as the sun lights up the peaks! After taking photos, we hike back down to High Camp for a hot breakfast, then continue our descent to Low Camp or Middle Camp for a well-deserved rest.
Walking Time: 6–7 hours | Max Altitude: 4,500m
Dinner and overnight at a teahouse. Lunch will be at a local restaurant on the way
Trek from Low Camp to Siding Village & Drive to Pokhara (Trek Day 5)
After breakfast, we descend via a steep, forested trail down to the traditional ethnic village of Siding (1,700m). Here, our private jeep will be waiting. We take a bumpy but incredibly scenic drive back to Pokhara. Check into your hotel, enjoy a long hot shower, and celebrate your trekking success by the beautiful lakeside.
Walking Time: 4 hours | Driving Time: 2 hours | Min Altitude: 1,700m
Overnight stay at a hotel in Pokhara.
Flight back from Pokhara to Kathmandu
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and take an easy morning around lake side. Later transfer to airport and taka a 25m scenic flight to Kathmandu. Transfer to Hotel and after refreshment, drive to sightseeing to UNESCO site. Later return to hotel and night rest.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.
Flight back from Pokhara
UNESCO site visit
Free Day / Buffer Day in Kathmandu
This is a designated safety/buffer day in case of any flight delays or unpredictable weather during the trip. If everything goes according to plan, you can use this day for extra sightseeing around the valley, resting, or joining us for a nice farewell dinner.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.
Final Departure to Your Home Country
Enjoy your final breakfast in Kathmandu. Check out of your hotel, and our team will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) in good time for your final flight back home. Have a safe journey!
Whats Included?
Accommodation
- Five-nights Hotel in Kathmandu with B/B basis
Meals
- Welcome and farewell dinner at Nepali Kitchen
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner and tea/coffee) while on the trek
Transportation
- Airport pick-ups and drops in a private vehicle
- All ground transportation on a comfortable private vehicle as per the itinerary
Other
- Full day guided sightseeing in Kathmandu
- All necessary paperwork
- Annapurna Conservation Area entrance fee
- Professional & government licensed holder English Speaking Trekking Guide Porter service (2 trekkers: 1 porter)
- Staff costs including their salary, insurance, equipment, food, Transportation and accommodation
- Annapurna Base camp Trekking Map
- First Aid medical box with Guide
- All government and local taxes
Whats not Included?
Not Included
- International Airfare and Nepal Visa fee
- Travel & Health Insurance
- Tips for guides and porters
- Unforeseen Cost such as Flight Cancellation
- Hot Shower, Battery Charges, International call, WIFI & internet on Trek
- Any Alcoholic Drinks, Water and deserts in Trek
- Lunch & Dinner in Kathmandu
- Emergency Helicopter Rescue Insurance
- Entrance fee of all Monastery & Museums while on the trek
Travel Infos
Altitude & Safety
Safety First: The maximum altitude is 4,500m at Base Camp. Our itinerary is carefully planned to allow gradual acclimation to the altitude.
Our Guides: Your licensed guide from Alpine Asian Treks will monitor your health closely every day.
Insurance: It is mandatory for all clients to have travel insurance that specifically covers emergency mountain rescue and medical evacuation up to 4,500 meters.
Drinking Water & Electricity
Drinking Water & Electricity
Water: Safe drinking water is available at every teahouse. You can buy boiled filtered water or use water purification tablets/drops in your reusable bottles. We strongly discourage buying single-use plastic bottles.
Electricity & Wi-Fi: Most teahouses have electricity and Wi-Fi, but they will charge a small fee ($2–$4).
Essential Gear & Packing Quick-List
You only need basic trekking gear for this 5-day hike. Heavy bags can be carried by our helpful porters.
Clothing: Moisture-wicking base layers, a warm fleece jacket, a good down jacket, and a waterproof outer shell jacket.
Footwear: Comfortable, broken-in waterproof hiking boots.
Gear: A 30–45L backpack, trekking poles (great for the steep descents), a headlamp (essential for the Day 7 sunrise hike), and a quality power bank.
Accommodation & Meals
In the Cities: 3 Star standard hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
On the Trek: local mountain teahouses or guesthouse (twin-sharing rooms). Blankets are provided, but bringing a sleeping bag is recommended for the cold nights at High Camp.
Food: Teahouses serve fresh, hygienic meals. You can choose from traditional Nepali Dal Bhat (rice, lentils, and curry), momos, pasta, eggs, and pancakes.
Nepal Visa & Arrival
Visa on Arrival: You can obtain Visa on Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) in Kathmandu. What you need: A valid passport (with at least 6 months validity), passport-sized photos, and cash USD for the visa fee ($30 for 15 days, $50 for 30 days).
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