The Annapurna Base Camp & Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek combines three incredible Himalayan base camps in one unforgettable journey: Machhapuchhre Base Camp, Annapurna Base Camp and Mardi Himal Base Camp.
Starting from Pokhara, we trek through traditional villages, terraced hillsides and beautiful rhododendron forests before entering the spectacular Annapurna Sanctuary. The trail takes us to Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3,700m) and then to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m), surrounded by some of Nepal’s most impressive peaks.
After exploring the Annapurna Sanctuary, we head towards the quieter trails of Mardi Himal, where the landscape becomes more open and peaceful. The final highlight is reaching Mardi Himal Base Camp (around 4,500m), with spectacular views of Mardi Himal, Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South and Hiunchuli.
Along the way, we experience local mountain life, forests, dramatic landscapes and the changing scenery of the Annapurna region. This is a moderate to challenging trek and a great choice for active travellers looking to combine the iconic Annapurna Base Camp with the quieter and more remote Mardi Himal route.
Three base camps. One incredible Himalayan adventure.
This is a moderate to challenging trek that combines two very different sides of the Annapurna region. Expect around 5–7 hours of walking per day, with a mix of stone steps, forest trails, steep sections and open alpine terrain. The route gradually takes us from traditional Gurung villages and lush forests to the high mountains, reaching Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3,700m), Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m) and Mardi Himal Base Camp (around 4,500m). Previous trekking experience is helpful, but with a good level of fitness and a steady pace, this is an achievable and incredibly rewarding adventure.
The day before our trekking expedition begins, we’ll gather for a memorable welcome dinner. It’s a perfect occasion for us to connect and become acquainted with one another before we set off on our exciting adventure. This dinner also provides a valuable opportunity for you to approach your guide with any final questions or concerns you may have.
Vehicle: 3–4 h
Trek: 4–5 h, 700 m ascent, 400 m descent, 8 km distance
We leave Pokhara and drive towards the starting point of the trek. From there, the trail takes us through small villages, forests and terraced hillsides as we gradually enter the Annapurna Sanctuary. We finish the day in Sinuwa, surrounded by green hills and mountain scenery.
Trek: 5–6 h, 1,000 m ascent, 150 m descent, 11 km distance
Today we follow the Modi Khola deeper into the mountains. The trail passes through beautiful bamboo, rhododendron and oak forests, with suspension bridges and small settlements along the way. As we gain altitude, the landscape slowly changes and the mountains begin to feel much closer.
Trek: 6–7 h, 950 m ascent, 100 m descent, 8 km distance
This is one of the big days of the trek. We leave the forest behind and enter the high mountain landscape, passing through Machhapuchhre Base Camp before continuing to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m). Surrounded by huge Himalayan peaks, reaching ABC is a truly unforgettable experience.
Trek: 6–7 h, 50 m ascent, 1,850 m descent, 15 km distance
After enjoying the incredible mountain views, we start our descent through the Annapurna Sanctuary. The landscape changes again as we gradually return to the forests and lower valleys. We follow the same trail back through the Modi Khola valley until reaching Bamboo.
Trek: 5–6 h, 500 m ascent, 1,000 m descent, 11 km distance
We continue downhill through the forest, crossing suspension bridges and passing mountain villages along the way. By the afternoon we arrive at Jhinu Danda, where we can relax and enjoy its natural hot springs—a perfect way to recover after the previous days of trekking.
Trek: 3–4 h, 500 m ascent, 700 m descent, 8 km distance
A shorter and more relaxed day takes us towards the beautiful Gurung village of Landruk. The trail winds through forests and terraced hillsides, with lovely views across the valley. It is a good chance to slow down, enjoy the surroundings and recharge before heading towards Mardi Himal.
Trek: 5–6 h, 1,500 m ascent, 100 m descent, 10 km distance
Today the trail starts climbing steadily towards the Mardi Himal route. We pass through peaceful forests filled with rhododendrons and gradually leave the lower villages behind. As we reach Low Camp, the trees begin to open up and we get our first impressive views towards Machhapuchhre and the Annapurna range.
Trek: 4–5 h, 700 m ascent, 100 m descent, 7 km distance
The landscape becomes increasingly alpine as we climb above the forest line. The trail is more open now, with incredible mountain views almost the entire way. We arrive at High Camp in the afternoon, with plenty of time to relax and enjoy the spectacular surroundings.
Trek: 7–9 h, 950 m ascent, 2,750 m descent, 15 km distance
An early start takes us towards the Mardi viewpoint and, if trail and weather conditions allow, onwards to Mardi Himal Base Camp. The higher we go, the more impressive the views become, with Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Mardi Himal surrounding us. After enjoying this incredible high-altitude landscape, we descend all the way to Siding, where we spend our final night in the mountains.
Vehicle: 3–4 h
Our Himalayan adventure comes to an end as we leave Siding and drive back to Pokhara. After several days surrounded by some of Nepal’s most spectacular mountains, we arrive in Pokhara with plenty of memories—and probably a well-deserved appetite!
The Annapurna Base Camp & Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek is best enjoyed during Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November), when the weather is generally stable, the skies are clearer and the mountain views are at their best. Spring brings colourful rhododendron forests and pleasant temperatures, while autumn offers crisp mountain views and comfortable trekking conditions. Winter (December to February) can be beautiful but colder, with possible snow at higher elevations, while Monsoon (June to August) brings rain, clouds and slippery trails. Although the trek is possible outside the main seasons, Spring and Autumn are the best choices for the safest and most enjoyable experience.
Travel insurance is compulsory for the trek. All the trekkers must provide a copy of their comprehensive travel insurance policy certificate. The policy must cover medical and emergency repatriation – including helicopter rescue and evacuation expenses at high altitudes (up to 4,500m).
Trekking members are kindly requested to send their detailed insurance information after trek booking. In case of emergencies, we will be using the insurance policy and informational documents you sent us. It will help us arrange a quick and effective rescue operation, transfer for emergency medical help, etc. Please ensure that your insurance covers all costs incurred during mountain rescue service.
Before buying travel insurance, make sure to call the insurance company and recheck if they have heli-rescue up to 4,500m.
This trek gradually takes us from the lower valleys to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m) and Mardi Himal Base Camp (around 4,500m), allowing the body to adapt as we gain altitude. The itinerary includes overnight stops at different elevations, with Deurali, Annapurna Base Camp, Low Camp and High Camp being key points along the route. We recommend walking at a steady pace, staying well hydrated and listening to your body. Your guide will monitor everyone throughout the trek, especially at higher elevations, and safety always comes first.
We recommend you bring a container for one liter of water. In the teahouses we can buy boiled water suitable for drinking with which to fill our bottles. Another option is to refill water from natural fountains along the trail or directly from the taps in the teahouses, where the water usually comes straight from natural mountain sources. Although some travelers prefer to use water purification tablets or filters as an extra precaution, they are completely optional and can easily be purchased at pharmacies in Nepal before the expedition.
The Annapurna massif stretches for around 50 km and includes several impressive peaks, with Annapurna I (8,091m) being the highest and the 10th-highest mountain in the world. The name Annapurna comes from the Hindu goddess of harvest, fertility and abundance. Annapurna I was first climbed in 1950 by a French expedition led by Maurice Herzog, becoming the first 8,000m peak ever successfully climbed.
Along the trek, we also get an incredible view of Machhapuchhre (6,997m), meaning “Fish Tail” in Nepali. One of Nepal’s most recognisable mountains, its distinctive double summit dominates the skyline on the approach to the Annapurna Sanctuary and Mardi Himal. Although it is considered a sacred mountain and climbing it is prohibited, its dramatic shape makes it one of the most memorable peaks of the journey.
Between Dovan and Machhapuchhare Base Camp there are several places where avalanches from hidden slopes of Hiunchuli come crashing onto the trail. It is the only major trekking route in Nepal with significant avalanche danger. Our certified local guide will know whether the trail is safe. Most avalanches occur after 9am. We will be specially wary if there has been recent heavy rainfall in the lowlands.
We will be watchful for symptoms of altitude sickness as we reach Machhapuchhare Base Camp. Do not hesitate to tell everything to your guide and remember to stay especially hydrated.
For Nepali culture, tipping is widely accepted and appreciated. However, it remains entirely at the traveler’s discretion and should reflect the quality of service received and the length of the expedition.
After completing this trek, if you may want to stay a couple of days extra in Nepal, we can organize other activities for you, including sightseeing tours in Kathmandu, Pokhara trip, Chitwan jungle safari, paragliding, rafting, canoeing, yoga, etc.
The Annapurna Base Camp & Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek is a moderate to challenging trek, suitable for active travellers with a good level of fitness. Most days involve around 5 to 7 hours of walking, with some longer days and steeper sections as we reach higher elevations.
The route includes stone staircases, long ascents and descents, uneven mountain trails and high-altitude terrain, particularly around Annapurna Base Camp and Mardi Himal Base Camp. Previous trekking experience is helpful, but not essential if you are well prepared and comfortable with long days of walking.
We do not recommend this trek for people with serious heart or lung conditions, or other health issues that could be affected by physical exertion or altitude. The highest point is Mardi Himal Base Camp at around 4,500m, so good overall health, preparation and a steady pace are important to enjoy the trek safely.
Every day brings something different, from traditional villages and lush forests to high-altitude trails and spectacular Himalayan views. Your experienced guide will be with you throughout the trek, setting a comfortable pace and helping you enjoy the journey along the way.
We usually start the day with an early morning tea or coffee, followed by breakfast, and begin walking around 7:00–8:00 am, depending on the day’s route. After a few hours on the trail, we stop for lunch and take some time to rest before continuing towards our destination.
Most afternoons involve another 2–3 hours of walking before reaching our teahouse for the night. Once there, you can relax, enjoy the views, have a hot shower if available or simply rest after the day’s trek.
In the evening, we have dinner together and your guide will explain the plan for the following day. Then it’s time to relax, chat with the group, play cards or get an early night before another day in the mountains.
You will usually find Wi-Fi in most teahouses, although the connection becomes slower and less reliable as we reach higher and more remote areas. Mobile phone coverage is available in many sections of the route, but signal can be weak or intermittent, particularly around the higher camps.
If you would like to use a local SIM card, we recommend getting one at Kathmandu airport upon arrival, where it is quick and easy to arrange.
For safety and coordination, our trekking guide stays in regular contact with the team, making sure everyone is safe, accounted for and supported throughout the journey.
