Mardi Himal Trek – 9 Day Annapurna Ridge & Base Camp Route

If you are looking for a short, marvelous, and quieter trekking trip, the Mardi Himal Trek blends a decent duration of and good landscapes with a quiet environment, making it a perfect choice for you. Opened in 2012, the trek may be short, but it surely provides some breathtaking adventures. You will see glacial valleys as well as a ridge east of Annapurna Sanctuary and the unparalleled beauty of the Annapurna region.

📋 Key Details

• Duration: 9 days
• Accommodation: Hotels, teahouses, local lodges, homestay
• Max altitude: 4,500 m
• Region: Annapurna
• Best season: March–May, September–December

📅Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1300 m / 4265 ft)

As you land at Tribhuvan International Airport, our representative will welcome you upon arrival and transfer you to the hotel. After check-in and a short break, we will take you to the vibrant Thamel area, where you can have lunch, exchange currency, and even shop for trekking gear. You will spend the night at the hotel.Any flight delays will result in shifting the planned activities to the next possible day.

Day 2: Kathmandu – Pokhara flight (900 m / 2952 ft) – Drive to Kade and Trek to Deurali (2,060 m / 6,758 ft) / 25 mins flight, 45 mins drive and 3.5 hrs walk

Start the day with breakfast at the hotel and drive to the airport for a scenic 25-minute flight to Pokhara, a beautiful city nestled beneath the Annapurna range. After reaching Pokhara, we will subsequently drive towards Kande. Kande is a small town renowned for the highway that passes alongside the jungle. Once you reach Kande, you are all set for the trek. You might meet other trekkers during your walk, as this trail is used by fewer trekkers. We pass through Australian Camp and Pothana. After checking in at the ACAP Annapurna Conservation Area Project check-post to register you – hike up to Deurali and spend the night at a local lodge.

Day 3: Deurali to Forest Camp (2,500 m / 8,200 ft) – 6 hrs walk

After breakfast, start your walk to forest Camp. The trail gradually ascends through beautiful forest landscapes, requiring you to stay well-hydrated throughout the journey. As you climb higher, the forest opens up to reveal spectacular panoramic views of Annapurna South (7,219 m), Himchuli (6,441 m), and the iconic Machapuchhre (6,993 m). In the distance, you might catch glimpses of higher settlements like Chhomrong and Ghandruk. Your day concludes at forest camp, where a breathtaking sunset awaits, promising an unforgettable evening in the mountains. Overnight at the lodge.

Day 4: Forest Camp to Low Camp (2,970 m / 9,744 ft) to High Camp (3,550 m / 11,647ft) 7 hrs walk:

You start the day after breakfast and walk your way through a beautiful forest. Once you reach Low Camp, enjoy your lunch. You should keep yourself hydrated throughout the journey. While walking, you get to witness beautiful mountains on your way, including South Annapurna, Himchuli, and Mt. Fishtail. On this day, you will be able to observe settlements in higher hills and at the base of mountains like Chhomrong, Ghandruk, and the base camp for Fishtail. Your journey ends for the day at High Camp, where a beautiful sunset view will greet you. You spend your night at a local lodge.

Day 5: High Camp to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500 m) – Badal Danda – 7 hrs round trip

An early morning start brings you to the highlight of the trek — Mardi Himal Base Camp. After enjoying a sunrise breakfast, you'll embark on a challenging but rewarding hike. The trail becomes steeper and rockier as you ascend, testing your trekking skills. A packed lunch will sustain you during this remote stretch with limited teahouse access. Upon reaching the viewpoint, you'll be rewarded with panoramic mountain views that include the majestic ranges of Annapurna, Mardi Himal, and the distinctive Fishtail peak. The trail passes through Badal Danda, offering unique landscape perspectives before returning to High Camp for the night.

Day 6: Badal Danda to Lwang Village (1,460 m / 4,790 ft) – 6 hrs walk

Descending from the higher altitudes, today's trek takes you through stunning rhododendron and pine forests. The trail offers a gradual descent, allowing you to enjoy the changing landscape and vegetation. The journey provides glimpses of local mountain life and diverse ecological zones. You'll arrive at Lwang Village, a picturesque Gurung settlement known for its traditional homestays and cultural experiences. In the evening, you will enjoy a cultural program by the local people. Overnight at homestay.

Day 7: Lwang Village to Pokhara (820 m / 2,690 ft) – 2 hrs drive

Start your morning with a short walk through the village's tea garden to experience how tea is grown and harvested, while capturing magnificent mountain views and experiencing local rural life. Then return to the homestay for a hearty breakfast. A scenic drive takes you back to Pokhara, offering spectacular views of agricultural landscapes, rivers, streams, and local countryside, allowing you to absorb the diverse Nepalese terrain. Upon reaching Pokhara, you'll check into your hotel.

Pokhara, a scenic city, is known for its breathtaking scenery dotted with lakes, temples, caves, and waterfalls. On a lucky day, you might even be able to spot the majestic ranges of Langtang, Ganesh Himal, Manaslu, and the Gorkha massif. After lunch, you can explore attractions like Devi's Fall, local caves, and visit the International Mountain Museum. The museum showcases Nepal’s mountaineering history, including the high mountains and alpine life, and contains historical artifacts of many climbers. You could explore the museum, get information on mountaineering through documentaries and resources available, and later go boating on beautiful Fewa Lake. Overnight at hotel in Pokhara.

Day 8: Drive from Pokhara – Kathmandu (1300 m / 4,265 ft) – 7 hrs drive

After breakfast, you drive to the Pokhara tourist bus park and drive back to Kathmandu approximately 206 km. You drive through beautiful bending mountain highways that stretch along the river and pass through beautiful landscapes. Once in Kathmandu, we will transfer you to your respective hotel, and you will be given free time to wander around. Overnight will be spent at the hotel.

Day 09: Departure Day

As per your flight schedule, you will be transferred to the international airport of Kathmandu three hours prior to the flight time, and your tour ends here.

🧗 Prerequisites

This trek does not require previous trekking experience, but participants should be comfortable walking for several hours a day on uneven ground. Some sections are steep, and altitude gain is gradual but continuous.

You should be prepared for basic accommodation at higher elevations and changing weather conditions. Following guide advice on pacing, hydration, and acclimatisation is essential.