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Mardi Himal and Annapurna Base Camp Trek

The Annapurna region is one of the best trekking destinations among all the trekkers, trekking in Nepal. Annapurna Base Camp Trek is the dream of all trekkers embarking on the Annapurna region. While the Mardi Himal trek is the most adored. Ever wondered what the fusion of both these treks looks like? Join and find out!

Permits required for the Mardi Himal and Annapurna Base camp trek

For both the Mardi Himal Trek and the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, you will need certain permits to trek in the Annapurna Conservation Area, which is a protected region in Nepal. Here are the permits required:

TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) Card

This is a mandatory permit for all trekkers in Nepal, including those trekking in the Annapurna region. It helps authorities keep track of trekkers for their safety and security. You can obtain a TIMS card either through the Nepal Tourism Board or through registered trekking agencies.

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

This permit is specifically required for trekking in the Annapurna Conservation Area, which includes both the Mardi Himal Trek and the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. The permit fees vary depending on your nationality and the season. You can obtain the ACAP permit at the entrance to the conservation area or through registered trekking agencies in Kathmandu or Pokhara.

Overview

The Mardi Himal Trek with Annapurna Base Camp offers a unique adventure in Nepal’s Annapurna region. Starting from Pokhara, trekkers traverse rhododendron forests and Gurung villages, enjoying stunning views of Machhapuchhre and the Annapurna Range. Mardi Himal Base Camp provides a secluded retreat with breathtaking panoramas before continuing to Annapurna Base Camp, where the grandeur of Annapurna I awaits.

This route provides a quieter trekking experience compared to popular trails, yet still offers challenges and cultural encounters. Accommodation in teahouses and guesthouses along the way makes the 15-day journey comfortable. For those seeking a moderate adventure with unforgettable vistas, the Mardi Himal Trek with Annapurna Base Camp delivers a memorable experience in Nepal’s Himalayas.

Highlights

  • Scenic landscapes along with lush forests, traditional villages, and alpine meadows.
  • Experience rich Gurung and Magar community hospitality.
  • Panoramic vistas of Annapurna Range and Machhapuchhre.
  • Escape crowds, embrace tranquility on lesser-traveled paths.
  • Suitable challenge for various fitness levels.
  • Cozy teahouses and guesthouses along the route.

Itinerary

Day 1:
Arrival in Kathmandu

Welcome to Nepal. Upon your arrival, one of our representative will be there at Tribhuwan International Airport to welcome and escort you to the hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 2:
Drive to Pokhara (820m / 2723ft)

Driving Hours: (205km / 127miles) 6-7 hrs

Taking an early morning bus, you will be heading towards Pokhara. On the way, you can get views of traditional villages, lush forests, and terraced fields. Pokhara is known for its phenomenal beauty, as it sits surrounded by the Annapurna ranges, Machhapuchhre, Dhaulagiri, and Manaslu snow peaks. Overnight.

Day 3:
Drive from Pokhara (820m / 2723ft) to Dhampus (1640m / 5,380ft) and trek to Deurali (2,100m / 6,889ft)

Driving Hours: 2 hrs
Trek Distance: 9km / 5.5miles
Trek Duration: 3-4 hrs

After breakfast in Pokhara, we will drive to Dhampus as it is from where the trek starts. On the way, you can see several traditional villages belonging to different ethnic groups, such as Brahmins, Magars, and Gurungs. In the background, you will witness Annapurna ranges welcoming you. From Dhampus, you will trek to Deurali. Deurali allows you can catch stunning views of glaciers originating from Annapurna South. Overnight.

Day 4:
Trek from Deurali (2,100m / 6,889ft) to Forest Camp (2,600m / 8,530ft)

Trek Distance: 6km / 3.7miles
Trek Duration: 5 to 6 hrs

On this day, you will leave Deurali and head to Forest Camp on a path that elevates gently through forests full of rhododendrons, birch, oak, maple, and hemlock, providing you fantastic opportunity to spot leopards, monkeys, deer, and several local bird species. Overnight.

Day 5:
Trek from Forest Camp (2,600m / 8,530ft) to High Camp (3,600m / 11,811ft)

Trek Distance: 8.5km / 5.2miles
Trek Duration: 4 to 5 hrs

You will leave Forest Camp in the morning, aiming for High Camp. The trails are steep but rewarding, providing you mesmerizing Annapurna range, Macchapuchhre, Annapurna Base Camp valley, and Mardi Himal. However, the trek starts on a route that initially passes through deep forests, and as you ascend, the forests give way to shrubs and pastures. As you trek further, to your left, you will see Modi Khola (river) Valley, and on your right lie the Mardi Khola (river) and Seti river valleys. On clear days, you can see as far as Pokhara. Overnight.

Day 6:
Trek from High Camp (3,600m / 11,811ft) to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m / 14,763ft) to Low Camp (3,050m / 10,006ft)

Trek Distance: 10km / 6.2miles
Trek Duration: 7 hrs

You will wake up early to witness the early sun rays hitting the mighty Annapurna range. Then after breakfast, we will take you to the Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m). The trails are a bit challenging, but the views of the alpine panorama from the base camp are equally rewarding. After enjoying the views from Mardi Himal, you will return to Low Camp for the night.

Day 7:
Trek from Low Camp (3,050m / 10,006ft) to Jhinu Danda (1,780m / 5,839ft)

Trek Distance: 12km / 7.4miles
Trek Duration: 7 hrs

After breakfast, we continue our descent as the path weaves around several forests to Siding village, past the Gurung village of Landruk, and eventually reach Jhinu Danda. There are natural hot springs near Jhinu Danda, where you can relax your tired muscles. Overnight.

Day 8:
Trek from Jhinu Danda (1,780m / 5,839ft) to Bamboo (2,310m / 7,578ft)

Trek Distance: 8.6km / 5.2miles
Trek Duration: 4-5 hours

From Jhinu Danda, the trek heads to Chomrong village via the Nayagaon. You will pass the Chomrong river and ascend on a ridge near the Modi river. The trek continues through bamboo forests, small settlements, and terraced fields to Siruwa village and then to Bamboo village. Overnight.

Day 9:
Trek from Bamboo (2,310m / 7,578ft) to Deurali (3,230m / 10,595ft)

Trek Distance: 8.5km / 5.28miles
Trek Duration: 4-5 hours

The first part of the trek (trek to Mardi Himal) is already over, and now you will be following a trail to Annapurna Base Camp. At first, you will pass through a dense bamboo forest that remains cold and damp throughout the year. Then comes more forests that get progressively thinner as you reach Himalaya – a high-altitude settlement.

From Himalaya, you can see a glacial river flowing downwards, but you will continue on the dry and arid trails to reach Hinku Cave. From Hinku Cave, the trail descends to the Modi Khola river bank and elevates just before entering Deurali. Overnight in Deurali.

Day 10:
Trek from Deurali (3,230m / 10,595ft) to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m / 13,550ft)

Trek Distance: 8km / 5miles
Trek Duration: 4-5 hours

Today will be a significant day as you reach Annapurna Base Camp, your dream destination. Early morning you will start the trek along the trails that provide glimpses of stunning mountains up close. Before reaching Annapurna Base Camp, you will pass Machhapuchhare Base Camp while enjoying the views of Machhapuchhre, Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Annapurna III, and Gangapurna.

It will take you one more hour of climbing before you reach Annapurna Base Camp (ABC). At the Annapurna Base Camp, you will stay surrounded by Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Singu Chuli, Gangapurna, Khangsar Kang, Annapurna III, and Tent Peak. Overnight.

Day 11:
Trek from ABC (4,130m / 13,550ft) to Bamboo (2,350m / 7,700ft)

Trek Distance: 14km / 8.6miles
Trek Duration: 6hrs

After enjoying the views from ABC (Annapurna Base Camp), it is time to return. The route progresses downhill along the Modi River and out of the Annapurna Sanctuary. You will pass Dovan and Deurali villages on the way. Overnight.

Day 12:
Trek from Bamboo (2,350m / 7,700ft) to Jhinu Danda (1,780m / 6,393ft) and nearby natural hot springs.

Trek Distance: 8.5km / 5.2miles
Trek Duration: 3-4 hrs

You will leave Bamboo and trek uphill to Khuldighar village and Sinuwa village. As you move ahead from Sinuwa, you will reach Chomrong village. From Chomrong, you will climb for about half an hour to reach Chomrong ridge before descending to Jhinu Danda. There are natural hot springs nearby Jhinu Danda, and we will take you to the hot springs so that you can soothe your tired muscles. Overnight.

Day 13:
Trek from Jhinu Danda (1,780m / 6,393ft) to Siwa/Ghandruk Phedi (1,150m / 3,770ft) and drive to Pokhara (820m) via Nayapul

Trek Distance: 4km / 2.4miles
Trek Duration: 3-4hrs
Driving Hours: 2-3hrs

You will continue descending from Jhinu Danda to Modi Khola valley, passing several settlements, terraced farms, and wooden and suspension bridges. The hills slightly give way to flatter plain regions until Nayapul. The trekking ends in Nayapul, and you will take a bus to Pokhara. Overnight in Pokhara.

Day 14:
Drive from Pokhara (820m / 2,690ft) to Kathmandu (1,350m / 4,450ft)

Driving Hours: 205km / 127miles (6-7 hrs)

It is time to wrap up the trek. After breakfast, you will take a tourist bus and head to Kathmandu. The bus will first follow the Marshyangdi river and then the Trishuli river. As the bus rolls on Prithivi Highway, you will see tall mountains, terraced farms, and lush forests. Rest and overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 15:
Final Departure

Your Mardi Himal and Annapurna Base Camp Trek comes to an end. Our representative will be there to drop you at the airport 3 hours prior to your flight. We hope you had a good time here. Remember us for your next trip to Nepal.

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Mardi Himal and Annapurna Base Camp Trek