Nepal10 days
Mardi Himal Trek: Base Camp Circuit — 10 Days
A moderate trek in the Annapurna region reaching 4,500 meters, with a circuit route that avoids backtracking and passes through rhododendron forests and traditional Nepalese villages.
The Mardi Himal Trek traces a circuit through the Annapurna region east of Nepal's better-known trekking corridors, ending at Mardi Himal Base Camp at 4,500 meters. The route moves through rhododendron and pine forest, past terraced farms and village settlements, and along ridges offering views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Mountain), Annapurna South, and Himchuli. Because the trek follows a loop rather than an out-and-back path, the descent passes through different terrain—including the traditional village of Siding—rather than retracing the ascent. The trek reaches its highest point in 3 to 4 hours from High Camp (3,850 meters), and the moderate fitness level required reflects the altitude gain and rocky sections near base camp rather than technical difficulty. October through May sees the most trekkers on this route; winter snow reveals the peaks clearly while summer brings rhododendron and bamboo in full growth. Accommodation combines 3-star hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara with tea houses and homestays during the trekking days.
Best time to go: October to May
Highlights
- Trek to Mardi Himal Base Camp at 4,500 meters with views into the Annapurna Sanctuary
- Ascent through rhododendron forest to High Camp at 3,700 meters with views of Annapurna South and Himchuli
- Circuit descent through Siding, a traditional Nepalese village, and the Brahmin settlement of Kalimati
- Sightings of Danphe pheasant and dzokpo (yak-cow crossbreds) on the high ridges
- Traversal of the Mardi Himal ridge above tree line on grass and alpine terrain
Day by day
1Arrival in KathmanduKathmandu · Tribhuwan International Airport
Arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport followed by hotel transfer. An evening briefing outlines the trek itinerary and logistics. Overnight accommodation in Kathmandu.
2Kathmandu to Pokhara by RoadKathmandu to Pokhara · Pokhara
A 6- to 7-hour drive westward from Kathmandu to Pokhara passes through towns including Thankot, Naubise, Baireni, Muglin, and Maleku. The journey is typically scheduled early to avoid daytime traffic. Pokhara, situated at the base of the Annapurna range alongside Phewa Lake, serves as the launching point for the trek. Overnight accommodation in Pokhara.
3Kande to Pitam Deurali and Forest CampKande · Dhampus · Pothana
A drive from Pokhara reaches Kande, where the trek begins. The initial ascent to Dhampus is steep; the path then eases as it continues to Pothana, passing through mixed forest. Overnight at a tea house in Pothana.
4Pothana to Low CampLow Camp · Forest Camp to Low Camp
A 5-hour trek climbs from Forest Camp to Low Camp at 3,150 meters through rhododendron and moss-covered forest, with occasional glimpses of ferns and lichen on the trees. As elevation increases, the forest composition shifts noticeably. Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Mountain) comes into view up the valley. Overnight at Low Camp tea house.
5Low Camp to High Camp on the Mardi Himal RidgeLow Camp to High Camp on the Mardi Himal Ridge · High Camp · Mardi Himal ridge
The trail climbs approximately one hour to 3,700 meters, where it breaks above the tree line onto grass slopes and ridges. The route continues along the Mardi Himal ridge, mostly on open grass with scattered rhododendron bushes. Views open westward to Annapurna South and Himchuli. Danphe pheasant are observed on this section. Accommodation is in well-maintained tea houses or lodges at High Camp.
6Mardi Himal Base Camp and Return to Low CampMardi Himal Base Camp · Low Camp · High Camp · high pastures
An early start allows for sunrise views before breakfast. From High Camp, the path follows the ridge crest toward Mardi Himal Base Camp at 4,500 meters, with a few steeper sections through grass. Dzokpo (yak-cow crossbreds) and Danphe pheasant inhabit the high pastures; sheep and goats from lower villages are brought up to graze seasonally. At 4,500 meters, the Annapurna Sanctuary spreads into view—the south face of Annapurna, surrounding peaks, Himchuli, and Machhapuchhre fill the panorama. The return to Low Camp allows for overnight rest and acclimatization.
7Low Camp to Siding via Circuit DescentLow Camp · Siding
A 6-hour trek descends from Low Camp along a different route from the ascent, completing the circuit. The path drops to Siding, a traditional Nepalese settlement that remains apart from main trekking circuits. Overnight accommodation is often in a homestay, allowing direct contact with village life and daily routines. Evening meals typically include dal bhat (lentil rice), the staple of Nepalese home cooking.
8Siding to Pokhara via LumrePokhara · Kalimati · Ghalel · Siding to Lumre · Lumre to Pokhara
The trek descends 3 hours from Siding to the roadhead at Lumre, passing through the villages of Kalimati and Ghalel. Kalimati is primarily Brahmin, with mixed populations in Ghalel and Siding. A jeep or similar vehicle completes the 2-hour drive back to Pokhara. Overnight accommodation in Pokhara.
9Pokhara to KathmanduPokhara to Kathmandu · Kathmandu · a local restaurant
After breakfast, a tourist bus returns travelers to Kathmandu (approximately 6 hours). A farewell dinner at a local restaurant features Nepalese food and traditional dance. Overnight in Kathmandu.
10DepartureTribhuwan International Airport
Transfer to Tribhuwan International Airport for departure, or onward travel within Nepal if arranged.
Where you go
- 1Kathmandu
- 2Pokhara
- 3Dhampus
- 4Pothana
- 5High Camp
- 6Pokhara
- 7Kathmandu
Included
- Included
- Arrival and Departure arrangement
- Accommodation in Kathmandu and in Pokhara as per itinerary on twin sharing room
- Accommodation in a local tea house during trekking
- Every morning breakfast in Kathmandu and in Pokhara
- All the foods, Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner during trekking
- Private transportation to and from trekking starting/ending point
- Private transportation from Kathmandu to Pokhara
- Tourist bus from Pokhara to Kathmandu
- Trekking permit and TIMS card
- Experience trekking guide and porter (2 Pax =1porter)
- Food, Accommodation, Insurance, equipment and salary of guide and porter
- Emergency evacuation management
- Government taxes and official service charge
Not included
- Excluded
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and in Pokhara
- Any flight (you can choose 22 minutes flight to and from Kathmandu - Pokhara)
- Personal equipment, insurance, medical expenses, emergency evacuation charge
- Tipping to staffs
- Bar bills, Bottled drinks including drinking water
Activities: Sightseeing