The combined Annapurna Base Camp and Mardi Himal Trek is one of Nepal's most captivating adventures, offering the perfect blend of popular trekking routes and tranquil, lesser-known trails. Nestled within the Annapurna Conservation Area, this trek immerses you in the rich biodiversity, spectacular alpine vistas, and cultural tapestry of the Himalayas. Starting from the vibrant city of Pokhara, the journey takes you through traditional Gurung and Magar villages, lush rhododendron forests, cascading waterfalls, and high-altitude meadows before culminating at two iconic base camps: Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 meters) and Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500 meters).
The trek first guides you to Annapurna Base Camp via a trail shared with the famed Ghorepani Poon Hill route, offering majestic views of Annapurna I, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Hiunchuli, and other towering peaks. After witnessing the awe-inspiring amphitheater of mountains from ABC, the route transitions toward the Mardi Himal section—a more secluded and pristine experience. Here, trekkers are treated to close-up views of Machhapuchhre, enchanting forest trails, and panoramic ridge walks.
The ideal seasons for the Annapurna Base Camp and Mardi Himal Trek are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). Spring offers vibrant rhododendron blooms, pleasant temperatures, and clearer skies. Autumn is the most popular season due to stable weather and crystal-clear mountain views, making it perfect for photography and high-altitude trekking. While winter (December to February) is colder and snow-covered, it still attracts trekkers seeking solitude. Monsoon (June to August) is not recommended due to slippery trails and leeches.
For a safe and comfortable trek, the following gear is essential:
Accommodation is provided in teahouses—simple lodges run by local families. Rooms typically have twin beds with shared bathrooms. Annapurna Base Camp teahouses can be fully booked during peak season; early booking is advisable.
Meals include traditional dal bhat (rice, lentils, vegetables), pasta, momos, soups, and pancakes. Meals are freshly cooked, but options decrease at higher altitudes.
One ACAP permit is valid for both Annapurna Base Camp and Mardi Himal trails as they fall within the same conservation area.
The ACAP permit supports conservation efforts, trail maintenance, and community development. It also helps regulate tourism for environmental protection and safety monitoring.
Safety is paramount. Stay hydrated, acclimatize properly, and do not rush. Symptoms of altitude sickness include headaches, nausea, and dizziness. Always inform your guide if feeling unwell.
Carry medicines for
Boiled water is available at teahouses. To minimize plastic waste, use purification tablets or filters for tap or stream water.
Hiring a guide ensures safety and cultural insights. A porter carries your gear (typically up to 20kg), allowing you to trek comfortably. Guides and porters are trained and familiar with emergency protocols.
Trekkers can opt for:
Pokhara offers relaxation and adventure. Enjoy boating on Phewa Lake, visiting caves, waterfalls, and experiencing vibrant nightlife. It’s a great place to unwind post-trek.
Mandatory for trekkers and recommended for guides/porters. It must cover high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuations.
WiFi is available in many teahouses for a small fee. We provide Nepali SIM cards with data for reliable communication.
Rooms can be scarce during peak season. We recommend early arrival or advance booking to secure a bed.
Carry Nepali Rupees. Exchange or withdraw cash in Kathmandu or Pokhara. ATMs are unavailable along the trail.
Be polite, dress modestly, and follow local customs. Respect religious sites and ask before taking photographs.
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to your hotel in Thamel. After check-in, you can rest from your journey or enjoy a short walk around the lively streets of Kathmandu.
After breakfast, we drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara. The journey takes you along rivers, hills, and countryside villages with beautiful scenery.
Driving Distance: approx. 200 km
Driving Time: 6–7 hours
Overnight: Hotel in Pokhara
We drive about 2 hours from Pokhara to Kimche. From Kimche, the trek begins. The trail passes through villages, stone steps, and terraced fields before reaching Chhomrong, a lovely Gurung village with mountain views.
Trekking Distance: approx. 7 km
Walking Time: about 5 hours
Overnight: Lodge in Chhomrong
Today we walk downhill to the Chhomrong River, cross a suspension bridge, and then climb gently through bamboo and forest trails. The path is peaceful and shaded.
Trekking Distance: approx. 7 km
Walking Time: 5–6 hours
Overnight: Lodge in Bamboo
The trail climbs steadily through forest and alpine areas, passing Dovan and Himalaya. The air becomes cooler as altitude increases, and the mountain environment feels stronger.
Trekking Distance: approx. 9.5 km
Walking Time: 6–7 hours
Overnight: Lodge in Deurali
We trek past Machhapuchhre Base Camp 3,700M and continue into the Annapurna Sanctuary. Reaching Annapurna Base Camp is a very special moment, surrounded by high Himalayan peaks.
Trekking Distance: approx. 10 km
Walking Time: 6–7 hours
Overnight: Lodge at Annapurna Base Camp
Early in the morning, enjoy sunrise views at Annapurna Base Camp. After breakfast, we walk downhill through the same route via MBC and Deurali to Bamboo.
Trekking Distance: approx. 17 km
Walking Time: 7–8 hours
Overnight: Lodge in Bamboo
The trail continues downhill through forest and villages to Jhinu Danda. In the afternoon, you can relax in the natural hot springs near the river.
Trekking Distance: approx. 7.5 km
Walking Time: 5–6 hours
Overnight: Lodge in Jhinu Danda
Today we leave the Annapurna Base Camp trail and join the quieter Mardi Himal route. The trail climbs gradually through green forest and is less crowded.
Trekking Distance: approx. 10 km
Walking Time: about 6 hours
Overnight: Lodge in Forest Camp
The trek climbs higher and slowly goes above the tree line. The views open up, offering clear sights of Machhapuchhre and Annapurna South.
Trekking Distance: approx. 8.5 km
Walking Time: 5–6 hours
Overnight: Lodge in High Camp
Early morning hike to Mardi Himal Base Camp for stunning close-up mountain views. After enjoying the scenery, we carefully descend to Low Camp.
Trekking Distance: approx. 12 km
Walking Time: about 7 hours
Overnight: Lodge in Low Camp
On the final day, we trek downhill through forest and villages to Kande. From Kande, we drive back to Pokhara, marking the end of the trek.
Trekking Distance: approx. 9 km
Walking Time: about 5 hours
Driving Distance: approx. 30 km
Driving Time: about 2 hours
(All equipment must be returned after the trek.)
Personal expenses such as
The Annapurna Base Camp – Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek is a carefully designed Himalayan journey that combines two of the most scenic and contrasting trekking routes in Nepal’s Annapurna region. This trek takes you deep into the Annapurna Sanctuary to reach Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m), surrounded by towering Himalayan giants, and then continues to the quieter and more remote Mardi Himal Base Camp (around 4,500 m), famous for its ridge walks and close-up views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail).
By combining these two routes, trekkers experience both a classic, world-famous trekking destination and a peaceful, less-crowded Himalayan trail. The trek offers dramatic mountain scenery, cultural villages, forests, alpine meadows, and high-altitude landscapes—all in one unforgettable journey.
This trek is located in central Nepal’s Annapurna region, north of Pokhara, within the Annapurna Conservation Area. The route passes through traditional Gurung and Magar villages such as Ghandruk and Chhomrong, climbs into the Annapurna Sanctuary, and later follows the scenic Mardi Himal ridge.
The region is known for its accessibility, diverse landscapes, and some of the most impressive mountain views in Nepal, including Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre.
Combining Annapurna Base Camp and Mardi Himal Base Camp creates a more complete and balanced trekking experience. Annapurna Base Camp offers iconic, dramatic views in a glacial amphitheater, while Mardi Himal provides solitude, narrow ridges, and an intimate mountain experience.
Many trekkers find that ABC alone can feel crowded in peak season, while Mardi Himal remains peaceful. Together, they deliver both energy and tranquility, making this combination ideal for trekkers seeking variety, scenery, and depth.
This trek is considered moderate to moderately challenging. While it does not require technical climbing skills, it involves long daily walks, steep stone staircases, and steady altitude gain. The climb to Mardi Himal Base Camp is physically demanding due to its steep ridge sections.
With proper pacing, acclimatization, and guidance from experienced professionals like Peace Nepal Treks, most trekkers with reasonable fitness can complete the trek successfully.
Yes, this trek is suitable for fit beginners, especially those with strong motivation and preparation. The trails are well established, tea houses are available, and altitude gain is gradual.
Peace Nepal Treks designs itineraries with rest days and flexible walking hours, making the trek manageable even for first-time Himalayan trekkers.
The best trekking seasons are:
Spring (March–May): Warm temperatures, blooming rhododendrons, clear skies
Autumn (September–November): Stable weather, sharp mountain views, dry trails
These seasons offer the best combination of safety, visibility, and comfort.
Yes, but with extra challenges.
Winter (December–February): Snow, cold temperatures, quieter trails
Monsoon (June–August): Rain, leeches, limited mountain views
Peace Nepal Treks can organize off-season treks with additional safety planning, but spring and autumn are recommended for most trekkers.
The trek usually takes 12 to 16 days, depending on route choices, rest days, and trekking pace. Shorter versions focus on one base camp first, while longer itineraries allow better acclimatization and cultural exploration.
The highest point is Mardi Himal Base Camp at approximately 4,500 meters, while Annapurna Base Camp lies at 4,130 meters. Although these altitudes are lower than some Himalayan treks, altitude awareness and proper acclimatization are still essential.
Yes, altitude sickness (AMS) can affect trekkers above 3,000 meters. Symptoms include headache, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue. Peace Nepal Treks minimizes risks through gradual ascent, rest days, and trained guides who monitor health daily.
You need:
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
TIMS Card
Peace Nepal Treks handles all permit arrangements before the trek begins.
Yes. According to Nepal trekking regulations, trekking with a licensed guide is mandatory. A guide ensures safety, navigation, cultural insight, and emergency coordination throughout the journey.
Accommodation is provided in tea houses, offering simple yet comfortable rooms, warm dining areas, and shared bathrooms. Facilities become more basic at higher altitudes, but they are sufficient for trekkers’ needs.
Tea houses serve freshly prepared meals such as dal bhat, noodles, soups, rice, pasta, eggs, and potatoes. Meals are filling and designed to provide energy for long trekking days.
Temperatures vary by season and altitude. Daytime temperatures are usually comfortable, while nights at higher camps can drop below freezing. Warm clothing and sleeping bags are essential.
Trekkers should be able to walk 5–7 hours per day on uneven terrain. Regular cardio training, hiking, or stair climbing before the trek is strongly recommended.
Packages typically include licensed guides, porters, permits, accommodation during the trek, and transportation as per the itinerary.
Excluded items usually include trekking meals, travel insurance, personal expenses, hot showers, Wi-Fi, and tips.
Yes. Travel insurance must cover high-altitude trekking and emergency helicopter evacuation.
Tap water is not safe untreated. Trekkers should use boiled water, purification tablets, or filter bottles.
Mobile networks are available in many villages. Wi-Fi is offered in some tea houses for an additional cost but may be slow at higher altitudes.
Yes, charging is available at tea houses for a fee. Carrying a power bank is highly recommended.
Porters typically carry 20–25 kg, shared between two trekkers. Guests carry only a light daypack.
Annapurna Base Camp offers a breathtaking 360-degree Himalayan panorama, surrounded by massive peaks and glaciers in a natural amphitheater.
Mardi Himal Base Camp is quieter, more intimate, and offers unmatched close-up views of Machhapuchhre, making it a favorite for photographers and nature lovers.
Yes. Peace Nepal Treks can customize itineraries with additional rest days, alternative routes, or comfort upgrades.
Yes, when organized professionally. With experienced guides, proper acclimatization, and emergency planning, the trek is very safe.
Annapurna Base Camp can be busy in peak season, but Mardi Himal remains much quieter, balancing the overall experience.
Peace Nepal Treks offers experienced local guides, fair pricing, flexible itineraries, and strong safety standards.
You can book directly with Peace Nepal Treks (P) LTD.
Email: - info@peacenepaltreks.com
WhatsApp: +9779851014405
The team assists with planning, permits, and preparation from start to finish.
Choosing the best time for the Annapurna Base Camp – Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek plays a vital role in the success, safety, and overall enjoyment of your Himalayan journey. This combined trek reaches altitudes of 4,130 meters at Annapurna Base Camp and around 4,500 meters at Mardi Himal Base Camp, where weather conditions, visibility, and trail safety can change dramatically with the seasons.
Nepal has four main trekking seasons—Spring, Summer (Monsoon), Autumn, and Winter. Each season offers a different trekking experience, and understanding these differences helps you select the best time based on your preferences and trekking experience.
Spring (March, April, and May) is considered one of the best seasons for the Annapurna Base Camp – Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek. During this time, the weather is stable, temperatures are comfortable, and the landscapes are at their most colorful.
Spring is perfect for trekkers who want beautiful scenery, colorful forests, and reliable weather.
Autumn (September, October, and November) is widely regarded as the best overall season for the Annapurna Base Camp – Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek. After the monsoon rains, the air becomes clean and fresh, offering crystal-clear views of the Himalayas.
October is often considered the single best month for this trek due to perfect weather and visibility.
The monsoon season brings heavy rainfall to much of Nepal, making it the least recommended time for trekking in the Annapurna region. However, the trek is still possible for experienced trekkers with proper planning.
Peace Nepal Treks recommends monsoon trekking only for trekkers who prefer solitude and are comfortable with flexible plans.
Winter trekking in the Annapurna region offers a peaceful and dramatic experience but comes with colder temperatures and occasional snowfall, especially near base camps.
Winter is suitable for experienced trekkers who are well equipped and flexible with their itinerary.
| Month | Trekking Conditions |
|---|---|
| March | Very Good |
| April | Excellent |
| May | Very Good |
| June–August | Difficult (Monsoon) |
| September | Very Good |
| October | Excellent |
| November | Very Good |
| December–February | Challenging |
Peace Nepal Treks strongly recommends Spring and Autumn for most trekkers planning the Annapurna Base Camp – Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek. These seasons provide the safest trails, best mountain views, and most comfortable trekking conditions.
For trekkers looking for solitude or a unique experience, Winter trekking can also be arranged with additional safety planning and suitable equipment.
To enjoy the best Annapurna Base Camp – Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek experience, choose a season with:
Selecting the right season ensures better views, safer trails, and a more enjoyable Himalayan adventure.
Choosing the right trekking equipment for the Annapurna Base Camp – Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek is one of the most important steps in preparing for this beautiful but demanding Himalayan adventure. This trek reaches elevations of 4,130 meters at Annapurna Base Camp and around 4,500 meters at Mardi Himal Base Camp, where weather can change quickly and temperatures can drop below freezing at night.
Proper gear ensures warmth, safety, comfort, and energy conservation, allowing you to enjoy the scenery, culture, and mountain views without unnecessary hardship.
A good layering system helps you adapt to changing temperatures from warm valleys to cold high-altitude camps.
These layers keep your body dry and warm, especially at higher altitudes.
Night temperatures can drop to –10°C or lower, so proper insulation is essential.
These protect you from wind, snow, and rain, especially during early mornings and bad weather.
Avoid cotton, as it absorbs moisture and dries slowly.
Good boots provide stability on stone steps, forest trails, and high-altitude paths.
Lightweight sandals or sports shoes for evenings in lodges
Sleeping bag rated to –10°C
Lightweight sleeping bag liner (optional)
Tea houses provide blankets, but a quality sleeping bag ensures warmth at higher camps.
Peace Nepal Treks can provide sleeping bags on request.
25–35 liters with rain cover
Used for water, camera, jacket, snacks, and personal items.
Carried by the porter.
Peace Nepal Treks provides duffel bags for porters.
Avoid buying plastic bottles to help protect the mountain environment.
Electricity is limited at higher altitudes, and charging often costs extra.
Peace Nepal Treks’ guides carry group first-aid kits and oximeters.
Peace Nepal Treks follows ethical porter standards and prioritizes staff safety.
With the right trekking equipment for Annapurna Base Camp – Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek, your journey will be safer, warmer, and far more enjoyable.
Proper travel insurance for the Annapurna Base Camp – Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek is not just a recommendation—it’s a crucial safety requirement when trekking in the high Himalayas of Nepal. This combined trek reaches elevations above 4,000 meters, traverses rugged terrain, and exposes trekkers to unpredictable weather, cold temperatures, and altitude-related risks.
Whether you’re a first-time trekker or an experienced hiker, comprehensive travel insurance ensures you are protected financially and medically throughout your Himalayan adventure.
The Annapurna Base Camp – Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek includes several high-altitude sections where help is not readily available. Common risks include:
Without proper insurance, emergency services—especially helicopter evacuation from high camps—can cost several thousand USD.
Your insurance policy for the Annapurna Base Camp – Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek must include the following minimum coverage:
Since the trek reaches up to ~4,500 m, your policy must explicitly cover trekking at altitudes above 4,000 meters.
This includes hospital expenses, doctor visits, medications, and treatments while in Nepal.
Helicopter evacuation from the trail or high camps is expensive and only covered if your insurance includes rescue services.
This covers transportation back to your home country in case of serious medical emergencies.
This provides reimbursement if you must cancel or cut short the trek due to weather, illness, or other covered reasons.
Most basic travel insurance policies do NOT cover trekking above 3,000–4,000 meters. The Annapurna Base Camp – Mardi Himal Trek reaches:
Without explicit high-altitude trekking coverage, your insurance may be void if evacuation or treatment is needed above the permitted altitude.
Altitude sickness—also called Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)—can range from mild headaches to severe conditions such as:
Quality travel insurance should cover medical costs related to altitude illness and emergency evacuation.
The Annapurna region experiences seasonal variations:
Insurance that covers trip interruption, extra accommodation, and alternate travel costs is strongly recommended.
While Peace Nepal Treks does not sell insurance, many trekkers choose internationally trusted providers such as:
Before purchasing, always confirm specifically that your policy covers:
Before your trek begins, you must:
This helps Peace Nepal Treks act quickly with evacuation or medical support if needed.
Most policies do not cover:
Always read the full policy wording before purchasing.
Peace Nepal Treks provides mandatory insurance for all Nepali trekking staff, including:
This ensures coverage for medical treatment, emergency evacuation, disability, and accidental injury during the Annapurna Base Camp – Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek.
Nepali staff insurance is a legal and ethical requirement and is strictly followed by Peace Nepal Treks.
Helicopter evacuations may be required due to:
Cost without insurance can exceed USD 4,000–10,000. Having appropriate travel insurance is essential for covering these unpredictable but life-saving rescues.
Peace Nepal Treks ensures:
Your safety is our first priority.
Before buying an insurance policy for your trek:
For a safe, worry-free experience on the Annapurna Base Camp – Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek, Peace Nepal Treks recommends:
Good insurance protects your health, your wallet, and your peace of mind.
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