Nepal · Annapurna Region
Mardi Himal Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Trip Highlights
Trip Overview
Day-by-Day Itinerary
You will arrive in Tribhuvan International Airport and meet your Himalayan Social Journey's Guide. Arrival in Kathmandu airport, transfer to hotel. Overnight at Himalayan suite hotel. (D)
After early breakfast, you will take an early bus to Pokhara. The drive is scenic and about 5-6 hours. Overnight at Hotel Dandelion or Hotel Lake Star in Pokhara. (B)
Early morning drive to Pothana (2100M) approx. 2 hrs by private vehicle (Jeep / Bus). From Pothana, you trek starts officially. This day provides a steep climb through the Rhododendron, birch, oak, maple, hemlock, and daphnia for most of the day, all of which are the high glaciers at a distance from one of the highest Himalaya peaks-South-Annapurna. Occasionally we will get glimpses of the rich wildlife; many of us live in this thick forest, including leopards, goats, monkeys, and many bird species. If you go up to the Low Camp from the hills, then with its top in form of a fishtail, the holy Machepucherare rises before you, its lower sides covered by the Mardi-Himal ridge now evident as a mountain different from the Fishtail range.
Trek to Badal Danda approx. 5 hrs. The view of Mt Fishtail and Mardi Himal appears far better. You would be walking mostly from the grasslands. The vision of lower Himalayan layers and the soft valley toward the south takes you back to a bright blue sky.
We will start on the Mardi Himal top, leaving the Badal Danda, for 4-5 hours walking. We walk incredibly high to Mardi's edge with a magnificent view of the Mardi Himal and the Machapuchhre. After 1.5 hours we can get to the Middle Camp via Rhododendron timberlands. The tree lines tend to be narrower and the field is mostly made up of shrubs with restricted pathway rhododendron. We also see "Daphne" (National bird of Nepal) on our way to a camp if you are lucky enough. We're heading up to the high house, the last target of the day.
We walk towards the High Camp at the beginning of the day early in the morning, after getting breakfast, to our main destination-the Mardi Base Camp-at last. The Mardi Base Camp takes about 5 hours. At the base camp, we will enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the tropical flora and fauna and snowy mountains. We are going to spend some time visiting the glamorous Himalayas and the mountainous mountains.
We will spend some time there exploring the gleaming Himalayas and snowy landscape. After spending some great time enjoying the beautiful scenes of Himalayas and capturing some beautiful memories and trek to Siding Village. From Siding, you will trek to Landruk and reach our final destination for today that is Jhinu danda. The last part of the trail is steeply up to Jhinudanda.
Trekking forward from the Jhinu Danda we will cross the Chommrong, and our next destination is a beautiful village of Doban. We enter the green forest through the stone steps of Homrong Hola and then uphill to the village of Doban, through the thick bamboo and rhododendron trees.
You trek gently & ascend through bamboo forests with varieties of rhododendron and oak trees. Now you pass through the muddy trail which traverses high above the river. It takes approximately 3 and half hours to reach Deurali (3230m.) from Dovan. (Optional: You can also hike upto Machhapuchhre Base Camp from Doban.)
On this day, we finally arrive to our ultimate destination. At the altitude of 4130m, we shall have walked 6-7 hours to reach the Annapurna Base Camp. To reach here we pursue an itinerary through the narrow gorge Modi Khola glacier valley, which takes us to Annapurna's base camp, at the foot of Machhapuchhre. The Annapurna glaciers are not far away.
The Base Camp in Machhapuchhre gives us amazing views of the nearby mountains. From Hiunchuli, past Annapurna South to Annapurna I (8097m/26,566 ft) and Khangsar Kang, Gangapurna, Annapurna III and Machhapuchhare we have an impressive 360 grade view.
Early in the morning after a warm breakfast, we can see mesmerizing sunrise views and return to Bamboo from Annapurna Base Camp and do an overnight at the lodge. (B)
The path is descending up to Bamboo passing through forests with varieties of rhododendron, oaks and bamboo plants. After Bamboo, the trail goes steeply up to the Kuldi Ghar and now the trail is quite flat until we reach Sinuwa. We trek gradually descending to the Chomrong Khola and we go up a stone staircase which you think will never end for almost an hour till we reach Chomrong. The last part of the trail is steeply down to Jhinudanda. From the town, you walk down for 20 minutes to reach Hot Spring at the bank of the Modi Khola. You can unwind yourself at the hot springs & pamper your body with a hot bath. Stay overnight at lodge. (B)
Today after breakfast, we will drive to reach Pokhara. You can enjoy the views of beautiful landscapes along the drive back from Jhinu. We drive to Pokhara via jeep which is considered one of the best and most relaxing spaces after the trekking.
After breakfast drive or fly back to Kathmandu (flight is optional). Evening farewell dinner with cultural program. Overnight at Himalayan Suite Hotel. (B)
After breakfast transfer to airport for Departure!
What's Included
Trek Route
Weather & Best Time
Average temperatures are indicative for Annapurna Region (~3,000–4,000 m). Actual conditions vary with altitude and year.
Recommended Equipment
Available Departures
Traveler Reviews
"If I ever go trekking in Nepal again, I would definitely go with HSJ."
We have now done two treks with Himalayan Social Journey, to Mardi Himal Base Camp and to Annapurna Base Camp. The trek to Annapurna was the hardest thing I've ever done (I am 65 years old, so maybe was being a bit ambitious) but hugely rewarding. We felt very safe and well looked after on both treks, the organisation and communication were excellent and if I ever go trekking in Nepal again, I would definitely go with HSJ. The Mardi Himal trek was shorter and easier and included rafting and a trip to Chitwan national park to see local wildlife.You inevitably tend to meet other trekers and don't really get a huge cultural experience. But the trekking is awesome! We were unlucky with the weather on our Annapurna trek, so didn't get the same glorious sights of the mountains. But this is partly becase we had to fit the trek into various holiday allowances. So do your research, get yourself as fit as possible and expect an experience of a lifetime.
"Best way to experience Nepal"
We did the 14 days Nepal budget tour and we could not be more happy with our choice. In only 2 weeks we visited Kathmandu, Chitwan national park, Pokhara and did a 5 day trek in the Annapurna region. The organization was flawless (like a swiss clock). We felt safe and welcomed in every place. Our guides Harka (Chitwan) and Ganesh (Pokhara and trek) + Bishal (our porter) did an outstanding job. We recommend them and the whole trip 100%. It was much better than we could have imagined. In the end, we recommand everyone to visit the beautiful places from Nepal and meet its warm and welcoming people.
"💯"
It was an wonderful experience with himalayan social journey,mingmar and Rupesh are our guide and they did so well. Everyday it was on time ,well planned and executed trek👍
"Amazing Everest Base Camp Trek!!"
Had an absolute amazing time. The Himalayas were beautiful, had blue skies and views everyday. Himalayan Social Journey and our guides Mingmar Sherpa and Rupesh went beyond our expectations. Definety helped us reach Everest Base Camp without any issues. Would definitely do another trek with them and would not use anyone else.
"Awesome Experience!!!"
Mingmar sherpa dai was our trek lead along-with Tenzing dai, Janak and Siddharth. All of them really helped us during entire the trek. Whether it is stay, food or assistance for any additional request. I would highly recommend them as trek leads if you are planning for the trek in and around Nepal. Specially EBC.
"Best Experience"
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Amazing Trishuli rafting experience! I did this rafting in October 2024. Himalayan Social Journey made it safe, fun, and unforgettable. Thrilling rapids and stunning scenery combined for the perfect adventure. Highly recommend!
"Best Experience Of My Life!"
It was my first trekking experience in Nepal and Himalayan Social Journey made the entire experience memorable. They are very professional and will help you at every point. A special word of thanks to Sushma, who helped a lot throughout and was my go-to person. My guide Dinesh was a gem and so was the porter, Ramkrishna. Dinesh saved my life a few times (literally) and he is so efficient and helpful that it is hard to put in words. Want togo back to Nepal through HSJ, there is a lot more to do. If you are planning any activity in Nepal you may blindly book with HSJ and be assured of an experience of a lifetime. These guys are more than a tour planner, they are your friend. philosopher, guide all in one!