12 days · challenging
Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek
Twelve days to Mardi Himal Base Camp at 4,500 m along a quiet Annapurna ridgeline: rhododendron forest, High Camp sunrises, and close views of Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli—a calmer alternative to ABC.
From US$1469 per person (indicative)
Best seasons: Autumn · Spring
At a glance
- Distance
- 537 km
- Altitude (max · min)
- (↑) 4500 m · (↓) 822 m
- Days
- 12
- Route grade
- Grade C (difficult)
- Fitness
- Strength · Stamina
Gallery
Route map
Overview of the trekking corridor (illustrative—not a substitute for navigation).
Trip overview
The Mardi Himal Trek is a popular moderate route in Nepal’s Annapurna region, known for spectacular views of Mardi Himal, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli. It offers a quieter alternative to the Annapurna Base Camp trek, with peaceful rhododendron forests, authentic teahouses, and dramatic ridgeline walking. Trekkers hike a narrow crest flanked by the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs to the west and Machhapuchhre and Manaslu to the east, with the Mardi Himal range behind. Budding photographers enjoy unobstructed summit views. From Pokhara via Phedi and Pothana, the trail branches off the main circuit through Forest Camp and High Camp to base camp—ideal for beginners and experienced walkers seeking a shorter Himalayan immersion.
Indicative pricing
Per-person rates for the listed group sizes. For each traveller beyond the quoted group size, a supplementary charge of 30% may apply.
| Option | 2 travellers | 4 travellers | 8 travellers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | US$1665 | US$1600 | US$1469 |
| Deluxe | US$1990 | US$1900 | US$1729 |
Indicative per-person pricing for the services described in this offer. Cost varies with customization. International flights are not included.
Services
Included
- ✓Airport pickup and transfer to the hotel
- ✓Double-room accommodations with breakfast in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- ✓Entrance fees to cultural sites listed in the itinerary
- ✓All city tours by private car
- ✓English-speaking trekking guide
- ✓All transportation in the destination area
- ✓Tourist bus between Kathmandu and Pokhara
- ✓English tour guide in Kathmandu
- ✓Annapurna Conservation Area permit fees
- ✓TIMS card
- ✓One porter for every two trekkers
- ✓Full meals while trekking
- ✓Airport drop-off
- ✓All government taxes
Excluded
- -Bar bills
- -Natural calamities beyond our control and rescue expenses
- -Travel / medical insurance
- -International flights
- -Nepal visa fees
- -Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara (except where noted)
- -Gratuity to staff
Optional
- +Paragliding, boating, or other Pokhara activities on the free day
- +Room upgrade or single supplement
- +Extra nights in Kathmandu or Pokhara
Fees, bookings & tickets
- T-shirt
- Annapurna Conservation Area fee
- Trekking permit
- Pre-departure guide
- Personal assistant
Gear & equipment
- · Sleeping bag
- · Hiking boots
- · Socks
- · Thermals
- · T-shirts
- · First-aid kit
- · Travel towels
- · Sunglasses / sun hat
- · Lip balm
- · Insect repellent
- · Personal medicines
- · Down jacket
- · Rain jacket
- · Backpack
Trekking grade
Grade C includes steep forest climbs, High Camp altitude, and a rocky approach to Mardi Himal Base Camp. Allow time to acclimatise and discuss pace with your guide.
Good to know
Is Nepal a safe destination for tourists?
Nepal is generally peaceful and welcoming. Use normal travel caution and follow your guide’s advice on trail and weather conditions, especially above High Camp.
What about Nepal visa information?
Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu is Nepal’s main international gateway. Visa on arrival is available for most nationalities—confirm requirements for your passport before travel.
Itinerary
- 1
Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to your hotel
Kathmandu
Welcome to Nepal
- Distance: 5 km
- Altitude: (↑) 1400 m · (↓) 1400 m
- Duration: 0.5 h
- Stay: Hotel
- 2
Tour of Boudhanath and Pashupatinath
Kathmandu
Sacred Kathmandu
- Distance: 14 km
- Altitude: (↑) 1400 m · (↓) 1400 m
- Duration: 6 h
- Stay: Hotel
- 3
Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara
Pokhara
Into the lake city
- Distance: 200 km
- Altitude: (↑) 1400 m · (↓) 820 m
- Duration: 7 h
- Stay: Hotel
- 4
Pokhara — Phedi — trek to Pothana
Pothana
Australian Camp views
- Distance: 37 km
- Altitude: (↑) 1900 m · (↓) 822 m
- Duration: 6 h
- Stay: Tea house / mountain lodge
- 5
Trek from Pothana to Forest Camp
Forest Camp
Off the main circuit
- Distance: 11 km
- Altitude: (↑) 2550 m · (↓) 1900 m
- Duration: 5 h
- Stay: Tea house / mountain lodge
- 6
Trek from Forest Camp to High Camp
High Camp
Rhododendron and juniper
- Distance: 8 km
- Altitude: (↑) 3580 m · (↓) 2550 m
- Duration: 4 h
- Stay: Tea house / mountain lodge
- 7
Trek from High Camp to Mardi Himal Base Camp
Mardi Himal Base Camp
Summit day
- Distance: 6 km
- Altitude: (↑) 4500 m · (↓) 3580 m
- Duration: 4 h
- Stay: Tea house / mountain lodge
- 8
Trek from Mardi Himal Base Camp to Siding
Siding
Long descent
- Distance: 14 km
- Altitude: (↑) 4500 m · (↓) 1900 m
- Duration: 6 h
- Stay: Tea house / mountain lodge
- 9
Trek Siding to Lumre — drive to Pokhara
Pokhara
End of trekking
- Distance: 37 km
- Altitude: (↑) 1700 m · (↓) 822 m
- Duration: 3 h
- Stay: Hotel
- 10
Free day in Pokhara
Pokhara
Lakeside leisure
- Distance: 0 km
- Altitude: (↑) 822 m · (↓) 822 m
- Duration: 0 h
- Stay: Hotel
- 11
Drive back to Kathmandu
Kathmandu
Return to the capital
- Distance: 200 km
- Altitude: (↑) 1400 m · (↓) 822 m
- Duration: 7 h
- Stay: Hotel
- 12
Departure from Kathmandu
Kathmandu
Farewell to the Himalaya
- Distance: 5 km
- Altitude: (↑) 1400 m · (↓) 1400 m
- Duration: 0.5 h
- Stay: Hotel
Detailed itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to your hotel
Welcome to Nepal
- Distance: 5 km
- Altitude: (↑) 1400 m · (↓) 1400 m
- Duration: 0.5 h
- Stay: Hotel
After landing at Kathmandu Airport our representative meets you and drives you to your hotel. The evening is free to explore the lively streets of Thamel.
As arranged
Day 2
Tour of Boudhanath and Pashupatinath
Sacred Kathmandu
- Distance: 14 km
- Altitude: (↑) 1400 m · (↓) 1400 m
- Duration: 6 h
- Stay: Hotel
Visit Boudhanath, one of the world’s largest stupas at 36 m, with prayer wheels and Buddha images encircling the mandala. Continue to Pashupatinath on the Bagmati River—Nepal’s revered Shiva temple where Hindu cremation rites offer a profound view of life’s cycle.
Breakfast
Day 3
Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara
Into the lake city
- Distance: 200 km
- Altitude: (↑) 1400 m · (↓) 820 m
- Duration: 7 h
- Stay: Hotel
A scenic drive of about six to seven hours (with lunch en route) brings you to Pokhara, Nepal’s second-largest city—gateway to treks, lakes, paragliding, and wide Himalayan views.
Breakfast
Day 4
Pokhara — Phedi — trek to Pothana
Australian Camp views
- Distance: 37 km
- Altitude: (↑) 1900 m · (↓) 822 m
- Duration: 6 h
- Stay: Tea house / mountain lodge
Drive to Phedi and trek through Gurung villages including Dhampus toward Australian Camp, then on to Pothana—an Annapurna Circuit trailhead—with sweeping views of Annapurna and Machhapuchhre.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 5
Trek from Pothana to Forest Camp
Off the main circuit
- Distance: 11 km
- Altitude: (↑) 2550 m · (↓) 1900 m
- Duration: 5 h
- Stay: Tea house / mountain lodge
The trail briefly follows the Annapurna Circuit route, then branches east on a quieter path to Forest Camp. Watch for wildlife—monkeys, deer, birds—and enjoy Dhaulagiri and Annapurna views before camp.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 6
Trek from Forest Camp to High Camp
Rhododendron and juniper
- Distance: 8 km
- Altitude: (↑) 3580 m · (↓) 2550 m
- Duration: 4 h
- Stay: Tea house / mountain lodge
A steep climb through rhododendron and juniper forest leads to High Camp (3,580 m), with rewarding views of Machhapuchhre, the Annapurna range, the ABC valley, and Mardi Himal ahead.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 7
Trek from High Camp to Mardi Himal Base Camp
Summit day
- Distance: 6 km
- Altitude: (↑) 4500 m · (↓) 3580 m
- Duration: 4 h
- Stay: Tea house / mountain lodge
Pre-dawn start for sunrise at High Camp, then a demanding rocky ascent to Mardi Himal Base Camp at 4,500 m—danphe (Himalayan monal) may appear as the giants of the Annapurna massif fill the horizon.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 8
Trek from Mardi Himal Base Camp to Siding
Long descent
- Distance: 14 km
- Altitude: (↑) 4500 m · (↓) 1900 m
- Duration: 6 h
- Stay: Tea house / mountain lodge
Having reached your goal, descend about six to seven hours to Siding (1,900 m), a beautiful village offering an authentic taste of rural Nepal on your last full day in the hills.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 9
Trek Siding to Lumre — drive to Pokhara
End of trekking
- Distance: 37 km
- Altitude: (↑) 1700 m · (↓) 822 m
- Duration: 3 h
- Stay: Hotel
Walk to Lumre and drive to Pokhara for rest, refreshment, and farewell to your trekking crew after days on the ridge.
Breakfast
Day 10
Free day in Pokhara
Lakeside leisure
- Distance: 0 km
- Altitude: (↑) 822 m · (↓) 822 m
- Duration: 0 h
- Stay: Hotel
A full free day: stroll Phewa Lake, paraglide over the city, boat to Tal Barahi temple, or visit Devi’s Fall, Bat Cave, Mahendra Cave, and the Tibetan refugee settlement—with Machhapuchhre reflected on still water.
Breakfast
Day 11
Drive back to Kathmandu
Return to the capital
- Distance: 200 km
- Altitude: (↑) 1400 m · (↓) 822 m
- Duration: 7 h
- Stay: Hotel
After breakfast, drive to Kathmandu. A farewell dinner with traditional Nepali food, dance, and music closes the journey.
Breakfast
Day 12
Departure from Kathmandu
Farewell to the Himalaya
- Distance: 5 km
- Altitude: (↑) 1400 m · (↓) 1400 m
- Duration: 0.5 h
- Stay: Hotel
Airport transfer for your flight home—we hope you carry sweet memories of Mardi Himal, Nepal’s forests, and its welcoming people.
Breakfast
Traveler notes
Shortlisted guests who have travelled with partner operators (illustrative).
- Christopher · UK · 2026-04-20
- David · Australia · 2026-04-09
- Mathis & Ida · Germany · 2026-04-06
- Paul & Tim · Germany · 2026-03-25
- Claudia · Germany · 2026-03-18
Detail inspiration: https://himalayancircuit.com/tour/mardi-himal-base-camp-trek