Mardi Himal and Annapurna Base Camp [Premium]

The Mardi Himal and Annapurna Base Camp Trek is one of the most scenic and enriching trekking routes in the Himalayas, offering trekkers a perfect combination of adventure, nature, and culture. This trek is unique as it covers two incredible Himalayan base camps—Mardi Himal Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp (ABC). Spanning diverse landscapes, the trek takes you from lush forests and terraced fields to alpine meadows and high-altitude deserts, all with the towering peaks of the Annapurna range in the background. It's a trek that suits all ages and levels of experience, making it a great option for families, seasoned trekkers, and nature lovers alike.

Trek Highlights:

Duration: 15 days
Highest Altitude: 4,500m at Mardi Himal Base Camp and 4,130m at Annapurna Base Camp
Difficulty Level: Moderate (suitable for trekkers of all ages with basic fitness)
Best Season: March to May and September to November

Rich Flora and Fauna of the Mardi Himal and Annapurna Region

The Mardi Himal and Annapurna Base Camp trek offers an incredible opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich biodiversity of the Himalayas. The route passes through a wide variety of ecosystems, each with its distinct flora and fauna, offering trekkers a deeper connection with nature.

Flora

The trek begins in the lower-altitude subtropical forests, which are filled with lush vegetation such as:

Rhododendron Forests: The lower regions are dominated by these magnificent trees, especially in spring when they bloom in vibrant shades of red, pink, and white. The rhododendron forests are a major highlight of the trek.
Bamboo Groves: As you ascend, you will come across dense bamboo forests that are an essential habitat for many animal species.
Oak and Pine Forests: Higher up, the trail takes you through oak and pine forests, providing a mix of dense woodlands and clearings where you can spot wildlife.
Alpine Meadows: Above the tree line, the landscape opens up to rolling alpine meadows, adorned with wildflowers during the summer season. These high-altitude meadows offer stunning panoramic views of the surrounding peaks.
Mountain Shrubs: At higher altitudes near the base camps, the terrain becomes more barren, with shrubs and hardy grasses that survive in the cold, dry conditions.

Fauna

While trekking through the Annapurna Conservation Area, you may encounter a variety of wildlife. The diversity of fauna ranges from mammals to birds and reptiles, making the trek a fascinating experience for nature lovers.

Himalayan Tahr: This large, wild goat is often spotted grazing on steep mountain slopes.
Musk Deer: These shy, elusive animals are native to the Himalayan region and can occasionally be seen in the higher elevations.
Langur Monkeys: Playful and often seen in the forested areas, these monkeys add a lively element to the trek.
Snow Leopard (rare): While sightings are extremely rare, the elusive snow leopard inhabits the high-altitude regions of the Annapurna range.
Birdlife: The trek is a birdwatcher's paradise, with a variety of species such as the Himalayan Monal (Nepal's national bird), various eagles, pheasants, and vultures soaring overhead.

The Trek Experience: A Journey for All Ages

One of the best things about the Mardi Himal and Annapurna Base Camp trek is its accessibility to trekkers of all ages. While it covers significant altitude and offers some physical challenges, the moderate difficulty level ensures that even first-time trekkers and families can enjoy the experience without feeling overwhelmed.

Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m): This relatively new trekking route offers a peaceful alternative to the more crowded Annapurna Base Camp trail. The journey to Mardi Himal Base Camp takes trekkers through quiet forests and ridges, eventually opening up to spectacular views of Machapuchare (Fishtail Mountain), Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli.
Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m): The trek to ABC is more well-known, offering classic Himalayan trekking experiences with a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural immersion. As you approach Annapurna Base Camp, the towering snow-clad peaks of Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Gangapurna surround you, creating one of the most iconic mountain panoramas in the world.

Why This Trek is Perfect for All Ages:

Moderate Difficulty: The trek features a moderate gradient and well-maintained trails, making it accessible for younger trekkers and families, as well as older trekkers looking for a manageable adventure in the Himalayas.
Flexible Itinerary: With multiple stopping points, the itinerary can be adjusted to suit the pace and preferences of the group. There are plenty of rest days and shorter trekking distances, ensuring that all participants can trek comfortably.
Cultural Experience: The trek also offers cultural insights as it passes through traditional Gurung and Magar villages, allowing trekkers to interact with local communities and experience Himalayan hospitality.
Natural Hot Springs: After a long trek, one of the highlights is a dip in the natural hot springs at Jhinu Danda, a welcome respite for tired muscles and a chance to unwind.
Panoramic Views: The trek offers some of the most stunning and unobstructed views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, making it a photographer's dream.

Starting from

₹ 89,799

Duration

14 Nights 15 Days

Departure schedule

29 Mar 2025, 12 Apr 2025, 26 Apr 2025, and more

Location

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Highlights

Two Base Camps: Trek to both Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m) and Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m) with stunning mountain views.
Diverse Landscapes: Traverse lush forests, alpine meadows, and rugged high-altitude terrain.
Cultural Immersion: Explore traditional Gurung and Magar villages, experiencing rich Himalayan culture.
Moderate Difficulty: Ideal for both beginners and experienced trekkers with a well-paced itinerary.
Natural Hot Springs: Unwind in the Jhinu Danda hot springs after a long day of trekking.
Panoramic Views: Witness spectacular views of Annapurna, Machapuchare, and other iconic Himalayan peaks.

Itinerary

Mardi Himal Trek itinerary in brief:

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu & transfer to hotel

Day 02: Fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara. Drive from Pokhara to Kande & Trek to Pitham Deurali (2,100 M)
Day 03: Trek from Deurali to Low Camp (2,520m)
Day 04: Trek from Low Camp to Badal Danda (2,970 M)
Day 05: Trek from Badal Danda to High Camp (3,540m)
Day 06: Excursion to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m) & trek back to Badal Danda
Day 07: Trek from Badal Danda to Siding village (1,750 M)& drive back to Pokhara (823m)
Day 08: Fly back to Kathmandu from Pokhara
Day 09: Final Departure

Mardi Himal Trek Detailed Itinerary:

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to Hotel

Altitude: 1,400 meters

Arrive in Kathmandu and be transferred to your hotel. This day allows for acclimatization. Explore Thamel's vibrant streets and local delights.

Day 02: Fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara. Drive from Pokhara to Kande & Trek to Pitham Deurali

Altitude: Kande (1,770 meters), Pitham Deurali (2,100 meters)
Trek Distance: Approximately 6 km
Duration: 3-4 hours trek

Take a morning flight to Pokhara for stunning Himalayan views. Drive to Kande, initiating a trek to Pitham Deurali with breathtaking landscapes.

Day 03: Trek from Deurali to Low Camp

Altitude: Low Camp (2,520 meters)
Trek Distance: About 8 km
Duration: 4-5 hours trek

Ascend through rhododendron forests to Low Camp, offering panoramic views of Machapuchare and Annapurna South.

Day 04: Trek from Low Camp to Badal Danda

Altitude: Badal Danda (2,970 meters)
Trek Distance: Approximately 7 km
Duration: 4-5 hours trek

Continue through rhododendron and oak forests to 'Cloud Hill' at Badal Danda, providing a perfect vantage for sunset views.

Day 05: Trek from Badal Danda to High Camp

Altitude: High Camp (3,540 meters)
Trek Distance: About 6 km
Duration: 4-5 hours trek

Journey to High Camp, an alpine setting with stunning views of Annapurna and Machapuchare, serving as a base for the Mardi Himal Base Camp excursion.

Day 06: Excursion to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m) and trek back to Badal Danda

Altitude: Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500 meters)
Trek Distance: Approximately 10 km (round trip)
Duration: 7-8 hours trek

Embark on an exhilarating journey to Mardi Himal Base Camp, offering awe-inspiring views. Return to Badal Danda for rest.

Day 07: Trek from Badal Danda to Siding Village and drive Back to Pokhara

Altitude: Siding Village (1,750 meters), Pokhara (823 meters)
Trek Distance: About 12 km
Duration: 6-7 hours trek, drive to Pokhara

Descend through villages to Siding, experiencing local culture. Drive back to Pokhara, known for serene lakes and mountain views.

Day 08: Fly Back to Kathmandu from Pokhara

Take a morning flight back to Kathmandu. Explore Thamel or indulge in last-minute shopping. Reflect on Mardi Himal Trek memories.

Day 09: Final Departure

Bid farewell to Nepal, departing for your onward journey. Cherish memories of Mardi Himal Trek, an adventure of stunning landscapes and cultural discoveries.

Trek Insurance:

Trekking in the Himalayas comes with its own set of risks. While adventure is fun and can be extremely thrilling, nature can be unpredictable, and to help secure you during your trek, it is of utmost importance that you are covered with insurance.

We've gone a step ahead and made sure that you don't have to worry about scouting for the best insurance option out there. When you trek with us, your insurance comes as a part of your inclusions.

Risk and Liability:

We will endeavor to make your program smooth and as pleasant as possible. However, the entire course of trekking depends on the ranges of the mighty mountains, physical health, and environmental conditions. Therefore, TrekNomads shall not be responsible for any changes in the itineraries due to unavoidable circumstances and natural disasters such as landslide, road blockage, flood, snowing, cancellation of flight and delay, any type of sickness including altitude sickness.

Inclusions

Kathmandu / Pokhara / Kathmandu domestic airfares
Arrival and departure transfer to the international and domestic airport in a private vehicle
02 Nights accommodation at Kathmandu at a deluxe category hotel with breakfast on twin sharing basis
02 Nights accommodation at Pokhara at a deluxe category hotel with breakfast on twin sharing basis
10 Nights accommodation in TeaHouses during the trek on twin sharing basis
Private Jeep from Pokhara – Kande and Jhinu Danda to Nayapul
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit fee
TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) Fee
Three meals in a day along with three times tea or coffee during the trekking period (open menu to choose any one item per meal from the menu)
Three times tea or coffee in a day during the trekking period
2 litres of mineral water or hot water
10 days trekking with an experienced, English-speaking and government-licensed trek guide and assistant trek guide
1 porter for every 2 persons’ luggage (max 10-12 kgs per head allowed)
Insurance, meals, transportation daily salary of guide & porter
Domestic airport taxes at Kathmandu and Pokhara
3 litres oxygen cylinder with mask regulator for emergency (additional charge if used)
All government, local taxes and service charges
TrekNomads Fee, Trek Captain support and expertise
15% discount coupon on Gokyo Trek Apparel and Gear
10% discount on Fast&Up products
25% discount on BMore products
Personalized Dri-Fit T-shirt
TrekNomads goodies

Exclusions

International airfare
Nepal Visa fee
Lunch and dinner at Kathmandu and Pokhara
Any personal expense
Personal Adventure Insurance
Excess baggage charge(s), if it exceeds 15kg
Insurance Fee
Any type of soft drinks
Boiled hot water, shower, etc, during the trek
Extra meals apart from inclusions
Tips to porters and guides (calculated per person at 10$ per day per person)
Any other activity such as Bungee Jumping/River Rafting
Helicopter fares
Extra days at the hotel in Kathmandu apart from the schedule
Any other expenses incurred apart from inclusions
All personal, medical, evacuation and emergency expenses like extra day stay out of itinerary, helicopter services and vehicle charges due to delays, landslides, evacuation
Expenses incurred for guide or porter during extra days stay, transport, flight, helicopter service, etc (divided amongst the group which utilises the services of guides/porters on extra days)

Treknical Details

Altitude Map:

Kathmandu: 1,400 m (4,593 ft)
Kande: 1,770m (5,807 ft)
Deurali: 2,100 m (6,923 ft)
Forest Camp: 2,520 m (8,268 ft)
High Camp: 3,540 m (11,614 ft)
Mardi Himal Base Camp: 4,500 m (14,764 ft)
Low Camp: 2,970 m (9,744 ft)
Jhinu Danda: 1,780 m (5,840 ft)
Annapurna Base Camp(ABC): 4,130 m (13,550 ft)
Bamboo: 2,130 m (7,579 ft)
Nayapul: 1,040 m (3,412 ft)
Pokhara: 823 m (2,700 ft)

Other Details:

Trek Gradient: Moderate to Difficult
Trek Distance: 120+ Km
Assembling Point: Kathmandu
Trek Duration: 70+ hours
Average Temperature: 20°C to -10°C
Best Months to trek: March,April, May, September,October, November

Trek Gradient

Moderate, Difficult

FAQ's

FAQs for Mardi Himal and Annapurna Base Camp Trek

What is the duration of the Mardi Himal and Annapurna Base Camp Trek?
The trek is a 15-day adventure, starting from Kathmandu and covering both Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m) and Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m).
What is the difficulty level of the trek?
The trek is moderately difficult, making it suitable for beginners with basic fitness levels as well as experienced trekkers.
What is the best time to do the Mardi Himal and Annapurna Base Camp Trek?
The best seasons for this trek are March to May and September to November, when the weather is pleasant, and the skies are clear.
What is the highest altitude reached during the trek?
The highest point of the trek is Mardi Himal Base Camp at 4,500 meters (14,764 feet), while Annapurna Base Camp is at 4,130 meters (13,549 feet).
How long do we trek each day?
On average, you will trek for about 5 to 7 hours each day, covering a distance of around 6-12 kilometers depending on the day's itinerary.
Is prior trekking experience required for this trek?
No, prior trekking experience is not mandatory. The trek is accessible to beginners who are in good health and have a reasonable fitness level.
What kind of accommodation is provided during the trek?
Accommodation will be in teahouses or lodges along the trek route, offering basic but comfortable rooms. In cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara, you will stay in comfortable hotels.
What kind of food is available during the trek?
The teahouses along the trek provide a variety of meals, including Nepali, Indian, Tibetan, and Western dishes. The food is nutritious and filling, perfect for fueling long days of trekking.
Do I need to carry my own trekking gear?
While basic gear like clothing, trekking poles, and shoes should be carried by each trekker, other items like sleeping bags and jackets can be rented. A detailed packing list will be shared after booking.
How do I deal with altitude sickness during the trek?
Altitude sickness is a common concern on high-altitude treks. The itinerary is designed with proper acclimatization days, and our trek leaders are trained to monitor your health and provide necessary care.
Are there any age restrictions for this trek?
There are no strict age limits for the trek. It is suitable for individuals of all ages, provided they are in good physical condition. Young children should be accompanied by an adult, and the trek can be adjusted for family groups.
What is the landscape like on this trek?
The trek offers a diverse landscape, starting with lush rhododendron forests and terraced farmlands, progressing to alpine meadows, and eventually reaching high-altitude rocky terrain at the base camps. You'll also have incredible views of Annapurna and Machapuchare.
Can I charge my electronics during the trek?
Yes, most teahouses offer charging facilities for electronics like phones and cameras, though there may be a small fee for it.
Is there mobile network coverage on the trek?
Mobile network coverage is available in some parts of the trek, but it can be unreliable in remote areas. It is advisable to inform your loved ones in advance of potential communication gaps.
What kind of clothing should I bring for this trek?
You should bring layers of clothing to adjust to varying temperatures. This includes thermal wear, a good down jacket, waterproof outer layers, gloves, and trekking boots. TrekNomads will provide a comprehensive packing list.
How safe is this trek for solo travelers or women travelers?
TrekNomads ensures the safety of all trekkers, regardless of whether you are traveling solo or in a group. Our team includes experienced guides, and we maintain strong connections with local communities along the route. We also organize women-only trekking groups for those who prefer that option.
Is insurance mandatory for this trek?
Yes, travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking is mandatory. It should also cover emergency evacuation, medical issues, and trip cancellations.
What is the total distance covered on this trek?
The total trekking distance is approximately 115-120 kilometers over the course of 10 trekking days, varying slightly depending on detours or extra acclimatization walks.
How can I book this trek?
You can book the Mardi Himal and Annapurna Base Camp Trek directly through the TrekNomads website or contact our customer support team for assistance.
What happens in case of emergency during the trek?
TrekNomads' team is equipped to handle emergencies. We carry a first aid kit, oximeter, and communication devices to arrange evacuation if necessary. Helicopter evacuation is available but will depend on weather conditions and insurance coverage.

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