Discovery World Trekking
Mardi Himal & Annapurna Base Camps Trek blends two beautiful hikes in the Annapurna region. The trails pass through several climatic zones, distinctive landscapes, and traditional villages (4,130m / 13,550ft) while taking you to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m/14,763ft) and then to Annapurna Base Camp (ABC). Throughout your journey, you will witness several snow-capped mountains, including Fishtail, Dhaulagiri, Hiunchuli, Annapurna Massif, Tilicho, Pisang, and Pungda Danda. The Annapurna Base Camp treks are popular, while Mardi Himal Base Camp trails are less often frequented.
The Mardi Himal & Annapurna Base Camps Trek is a journey that blends off-the-beaten-path adventure with iconic Himalayan destinations. The trails connect two distinctive geographical features of the Annapurna region, forming the heart of the route. An exposed trail along the ridgeline of Mardi Himal delivers breathtaking close-up views of Machhapuchare, while high alpine meadows, dense forests, and glacier-ringed landscapes illustrate the region’s diverse ecosystems. Each step reveals a new world—from the inviting subtropical zones to the stark, majestic alpine environments above 4,000 m.
The itinerary unfolds this remarkable adventure, beginning with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara, a gateway to Nepal’s enchanting mountains. The journey progresses toward Dhampus and Deurali, where the trek officially commences, leading through rhododendron forests and terraced hillsides adorned with traditional villages that radiate warmth and authenticity.
As the trail ascends past Forest Camp and High Camp (3,600 m), the landscape transforms into alpine beauty, revealing breathtaking vistas of the Annapurna Range, Dhaulagiri, and Machhapuchare (Fishtail). A spectacular sunrise from High Camp illuminates the towering peaks, casting golden hues over the mighty Himalayas—an unforgettable sight before reaching Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500 m).
The descent toward Low Camp and Jhinu Danda introduces you to a different rhythm, where trails wind through lush valleys and riverside settlements. Crossing Chhomrong connects this expedition to the classic Annapurna Base Camp Trek.
Ascending from Bamboo and Deurali, the path leads deeper into the Annapurna Sanctuary, where Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m) stands as a magnificent amphitheater of Himalayan giants. Encircled by towering snow-clad peaks, this sacred and awe-inspiring location is a testament to the grandeur of nature.
After reaching the Annapurna Base Camp, the final descent commences via Bamboo to Jhinu Danda, where natural hot springs provide a soothing retreat after days of trekking. A scenic drive from Siwa/Ghandruk Phedi to Pokhara, followed by the return to Kathmandu, concludes this extraordinary adventure.
Mardi Himal & Annapurna Base Camps Trek is a journey that epitomizes the harmony of authentic Himalayan adventure and serene comfort. A combination of peaceful trails, vibrant cultural encounters, and dramatic landscapes ensures that the memories made on this expedition will be cherished for a lifetime.
We recommend you arrive at Kathmandu by three pm at least one day before the trek departure date for last-minute preparations.
This package includes tourist bus rides from Kathmandu to Pokhara and from Pokhara to Kathmandu. However, you can fly to/from Pokhara to/from Kathmandu for an additional cost. Please refer to the Annapurna and Mardi Himal trek itinerary for details below.
The online briefing will clear all your doubts about the trek, including things to bring (equipment checklist) for the hike, the itinerary details, and what you can expect on the trails. As soon as you complete the booking, we will email you the available dates and times for the trek briefing, and once we receive your essential documents, we will conduct the online trek briefing.
Drive to Pokhara (820m), west of the Kathmandu Valley. Drive time: Approx. 6-7 hrs.
Drive from Pokhara to Dhampus (1640m). Drive time: Approx. 2 hrs. Trek to Deurali (2,100m). Trek time: Approx. 3-4 hrs.
Trek from Deurali to Forest Camp (2,600m). Trek time: Approx. 5-6 hrs.
Trek from Forest Camp to High Camp (3,600m). Trek time: Approx. 4-5 hrs.
Trek from High Camp to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m) to Low Camp (3,050m). Trek time: Approx. 7 hrs.
Trek from Low Camp to Jhinu Danda (1,780m). Trek time: Approx. 7 hrs.
Trek from Jhinu Danda to Bamboo (2,310m). Trek time: Approx. 4-5 hrs.
Trek from Bamboo to Deurali (3,230m). Trek time: Approx. 4-5 hrs.
Trek from Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m). Trek time: Approx. 4-5 hrs.
Trek from ABC to Bamboo (2,350m). Trek time: Approx. 6 hrs.
Trek from Bamboo to Jhinu Danda (1,780m) and nearby natural hot springs. Trek time: Approx. 3-4 hrs.
Trek from Jhinu Danda to Siwa/Ghandruk Phedi (1,150m). Trek time: Approx. 3-4 hrs. Drive to Pokhara (820m) via Nayapul. Drive time. Approx. 2-3 hrs.
Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu. Drive time. Approx. 6-7 hrs.
If the published schedule does not suit you, we can build the trek around your dates, your pace and what you want to see.
The calendar below displays the available trek schedules. Please select the exact trek start date. Ensure your arrival day is before the trek start date and your departure day is after the trek end date.
You will leave Kathmandu early morning on a tourist bus. The bus will leave Kathmandu and follow the Prithivi Highway, which progresses by the bank of the Trishuli and Marsyandi rivers. From the bus, you can get views of traditional villages, lush forests, and terraced fields. Pokhara is known for its phenomenal beauty, as it sits surrounded by the Annapurna ranges, Machhapuchhare, Dhaulagiri, and Manaslu snow peaks.
Dhampus is two hours drive from Pokhara, and it is from Dhampus that you will begin the trek. So, after breakfast in Pokhara, we will drive to Dhampus. On the way, you can see several traditional villages belonging to different ethnic groups, such as Brahmins, Magars, and Gurungs. In the background, you will witness Annapurna ranges welcoming you. From Dhampus, you will trek to Deurali. Deurali allows you can catch stunning views of glaciers originating from Annapurna South.
On this day, you will leave Deurali and head to Forest Camp on a path that elevates gently through forests full of rhododendrons, birch, oak, maple, and hemlock, providing you fantastic opportunity to spot leopards, monkeys, deer, and several local bird species.
You will leave Forest Camp in the morning, aiming for High Camp. The trails are steep but rewarding, providing you mesmerizing Annapurna range, Macchapuchhare, Annapurna Base Camp valley, and Mardi Himal. However, the trek starts on a route that initially passes through deep forests, and as you ascend, the forests give way to shrubs and pastures. As you trek further, to your left, you will see Modi Khola (river) Valley, and on your right lie the Mardi Khola (river) and Seti river valleys. On clear days, you can see as far as Pokhara.
You will wake up early to witness the early sun rays hitting the mighty Annapurna range. Then after breakfast, we will take you to the Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m). The trails are a bit challenging, but the views of the alpine panorama from the base camp are equally rewarding. After enjoying the views from Mardi Himal, you will return to Low Camp for the night.
After breakfast, we continue our descent as the path weaves around several forests to Siding village, past the Gurung village of Landruk, and eventually reach Jhinu Danda. There are natural hot springs near Jhinu Danda, where you can relax your tired muscles.
From Jhinu Danda, the trek heads to Chomrong village via the Nayagaon. You will pass the Chomrong river and ascend on a ridge near the Modi river. The trek continues through bamboo forests, small settlements, and terraced fields to Siruwa village and then to Bamboo village.
The first part of the trek (trek to Mardi Himal) is already over, and now you will be following a trail to Annapurna Base Camp. At first, you will pass through a dense bamboo forest that remains cold and damp throughout the year. Then comes more forests that get progressively thinner as you reach Himalaya - a high-altitude settlement.
From Himalaya, you can see a glacial river flowing downwards, but you will continue on the dry and arid trails to reach Hinku Cave. From Hinku Cave, the trail descends to the Modi Khola river bank and elevates just before entering Deurali.
Today will be a significant day as you reach Annapurna Base Camp, your dream destination. Early morning you will start the trek along the trails that provide glimpses of stunning mountains up close. Before reaching Annapurna Base Camp, you will pass Machhapuchhare Base Camp while enjoying the views of Machhapuchhre, Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Annapurna III, and Gangapurna.
It will take you one more hour of climbing before you reach Annapurna Base Camp (ABC). At the Annapurna Base Camp, you will stay surrounded by Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Singu Chuli, Gangapurna, Khangsar Kang, Annapurna III, and Tent Peak. The view from ABC is soul soothing and very fulfilling.
After enjoying the views from ABC (Annapurna Base Camp), it is time to return. The route progresses downhill along the Modi River and out of the Annapurna Sanctuary. You will pass Dovan and Deurali villages on the way.
You will leave Bamboo and trek uphill to Khuldighar village and Sinuwa village. As you move ahead from Sinuwa, you will reach Chomrong village. From Chomrong, you will climb for about half an hour to reach Chomrong ridge before descending to Jhinu Danda. There are natural hot springs nearby Jhinu Danda, and we will take you to the hot springs so that you can soothe your tired muscles.
You will continue descending from Jhinu Danda to Modi Khola valley, passing several settlements, terraced farms, and wooden and suspension bridges. The hills slightly give way to flatter plain regions until Nayapul. The trekking ends in Nayapul, and you will take a bus to Pokhara.
It is time to wrap up the trek. After breakfast, you will take a tourist bus and head to Kathmandu. The bus will first follow the Marshyangdi river and then the Trishuli river. As the bus rolls on Prithivi Highway, you will see tall mountains, terraced farms, and lush forests. The bus makes one final climb, and you will return to Kathmandu, where your trek ends. Later in the day, Discovery World Trekking will organize a farewell dinner at Kathmandu.
You have seen all 13 days.Next, choose the date you want to start.
See trip datesIf the published schedule does not suit you, we can build the trek around your dates, your pace and what you want to see.
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You will need different equipment and clothing for the Mardi Himal and Annapurna Base Camp trek according to seasons. However, here is a list we prepared to help you pack. Please bring the essentials only. You can store your non-essentials for free at the Discovery World Trekking store. We provide a porter for every two trekkers, who will carry up to 18 kg of luggage. That makes per trekker luggage limit of 9 kg. So, please partner with a fellow trekker and pack both of your luggage in a duffle bag (over sixty liters capacity).
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13 steps · Everything you need to know before you book: permits, meals, costs and what each day looks like. No rush, take your time.
We offer free airport pickup and drop-off services for all our valuable clients trekking to Mardi Himal and Annapurna base camps. Upon arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, our company representative, holding a placard with your name, will greet you with a marigold garland and take you to your hotel in a private vehicle. To avail of this service, share your flight details after booking. We advise you to arrive in Kathmandu at least one day before the trek, ideally by 3 PM, for last-minute preparations. The trek officially begins with a tourist bus ride from Kathmandu to Pokhara, followed by a drive to Dhampus, the starting point of the trail.
The 12-night trek includes two nights at Silver Oaks Inn in Pokhara, with modern amenities like attached bathrooms, cable TV, laundry services, and internet access. The remaining ten nights include four nights in rooms with attached bathrooms at Jhinu Danda (2N) and Deurali (2N) and six nights in standard twin-sharing rooms at Forest Camp, High Camp, Low Camp, Bamboo (2N), and Annapurna Base Camp.
Pre- and post-trek stays in Kathmandu are not included in the package, allowing flexibility to choose accommodations based on personal preference. In most lodges, you will get electricity to charge your devices, Wi-Fi for net access, and hot showers for an additional cost.
Nutrient-rich and hygienic meals are essential for sustaining energy on this trek. We provide 11 breakfasts, 11 lunches, and 10 dinners, served on a full-board (main course) basis. While meal options are plentiful in lower regions, choices become limited at higher elevations.
Personal expenses for alcoholic drinks, hot (tea/coffee) beverages, and cold drinks are not included. Lunch and dinner in Pokhara are also excluded.
We recommend you take lots of fluids, like lemon tea, green tea, ginger tea, and garlic soup for health benefits. Avoid non-vegetarian dishes, alcohol, caffeinated drinks, and dairy products for better acclimatization.
Each porter carries luggage for two trekkers, with a maximum weight limit of 18 kg (9 kg per trekker). Bring a small backpack for valuables and essentials. You can store excess luggage at our office for free. Since, you will share a porter, partner with a fellow trekker, and pack your things together in a duffle bag of over sixty liters.
Bring a reusable water bottle and buy boiled/filtered water from the tea houses/lodges. Avoid single-use plastic bottles to minimize environmental impact. Further, use water purification pills before drinking. Do not drink directly from local sources, such as taps, wells, and rivers. If you do not have purification pills, we can provide them.
Purchasing a local SIM card in Kathmandu is an option, but network coverage may be unreliable in remote trek areas. We maintain daily communication with trek leaders (of all trekking teams) to ensure safety and trip progression and are on standby to handle any issues if they unfold.
Foreign nationals (except Indians) need a visa to enter Nepal. On-arrival visas are available at Tribhuvan International Airport and designated border checkpoints. Required documents include a passport valid for at least six months, a passport-sized photo, and visa fees (USD 50 for 30 days). For details please view https://www.immigration.gov.np/en.
Travel insurance is mandatory and must cover emergency high-altitude helicopter rescue (up to 4,500 m) and medical expenses. Please verify coverage details directly with your insurer making sure the emergency helicopter evacuation is included in your policy.
The official currency of Nepal is the Nepali Rupee (NPR), with an exchange rate of approximately 1 USD to 133 NPR. Exchange foreign currency in legal money exchanges in Kathmandu, as trek regions only accept Nepali Rupees. ATMs are widely available in Kathmandu and Pokhara, but withdrawal fees apply. Avoid traveler’s checks due to high commission charges.
You should budget around 20 USD each trek day for personal expenses not included in the trek package. This covers costs for snacks, additional meal courses, hot and cold beverages, alcoholic drinks, bottled water, and souvenirs. Meals in Pokhara are not included in the package to allow flexibility in food choices. We advise you to exchange your currency in Kathmandu as trek regions do not have money exchange facilities.
The Annapurna & Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek is possible year-round, but weather conditions vary by month, affecting the experience.
Spring offers mild temperatures, clear skies, and beautiful rhododendron blooms. High-altitude temperatures range from 10°C to 0°C, making it an ideal time for trekking.
Summer coincides with the monsoon, bringing wet and slippery trails. Temperatures range from 10°C to 23°C during the day, with clouds appearing in the afternoons. The rains enhance the region’s lush greenery.
Autumn is the peak season with mild temperatures (20°C during the day, 5°C at night), clear skies, and stunning golden foliage. It's also festival season, adding a lively atmosphere.
Winter treks are less popular due to cold temperatures and snow. At Annapurna Base Camp, temperatures can drop to -10°C, but clear skies and fresh snow offer stunning mountain views.
The trek begins after breakfast at 7-8 AM. We serve lunch around mid-day followed by an hour's rest before resuming the hike. Afternoons involve shorter treks, followed by free time upon reaching the lodge. You can explore the new area until dinner, usually around 6:30 PM. After dinner, your guide will brief you about the next day’s plan. Before bed, you can spend time, watching videos, socializing, playing games, or maybe learning a few Nepali words.
We host a special farewell dinner in Kathmandu to celebrate your trek's success. It’s an excellent opportunity to share feedback and memorable experiences. Later, we will provide you with a trek achievement certificate.
We provide complimentary transportation to Tribhuvan International Airport in a private vehicle. To ensure smooth coordination, you must share your hotel name, room number, and departure flight time in advance.
For spontaneous travelers, last-minute bookings are available with full payment required at least 24 hours before the intended trek's departure. While we will try our best to ensure smooth arrangements, last-minute bookings may face delays due to weather, accommodation limitations, or logistical challenges. Please, contact Paul at 977-9840055491 (call/WhatsApp/Viber) or email info@discoveryworldtrekking.com after preparing your vital documents.
The trek itinerary includes fixed departure dates but we are willing to adjust to suit preferences and schedules. If the pre-set dates are inconvenient, we can arrange alternative schedules upon request.
If you want to extend your stay in Nepal, we can offer additional adventures such as cultural tours, jungle safaris, and other treks.
We are a team of experienced, government-licensed guides and Sherpas from remote Himalayas. Our English-speaking guides are trained in wilderness first aid, ecological conservation, rocking climbing, and responsible trekking practices. The company ensures fair wages, comprehensive insurance, and proper accommodation and meals for the trekking crew, fostering a supportive and motivated team for a better trek experience for our valuable clients.
Discovery World Trekking prioritizes sustainable and eco-friendly practices, including minimizing plastic waste, promoting reusable water bottles, and collaborating with local lodges to support regional economies. Partnering with the Kathmandu Environmental Education Project (KEEP), our company emphasizes leaving no trace, except the footprints, in trekking regions.
Tipping is a valued cultural gesture in Nepal and a way to express gratitude for excellent service. We encourage you to tip collectively at the trek’s conclusion, based on service quality, trek cost and length, and overall satisfaction.>
Discovery World Trekking looks forward to guiding you on a transformative journey through some of the most breathtaking landscapes on Earth.
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Discovery World Trekking allocates a certain percentage of business profit to rural development and relief programs.
Discover Nepal’s breathtaking trails at your own pace with our exclusive private treks. No strangers, no rushed schedules—just you, your adventure, and complete flexibility.
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Trip Reviews
Explorations that last a lifetime.
We fulfilled my lifelong dream of trekking to Mardi Himal and Annapurna Base Camp. Although I had done other hikes in the past, this was the longest continuous trek I had ever embarked on. Having Dol as our guide was a blessing...
We had an extraordinary time trekking to Mardi Himal and Annapurna Base Camp trek, and a significant part of our experience was made possible by the exceptional guides and porters who took great care of us. It is advisable to r...
Trekking in Nepal has been a long-standing desire on my list, and my initial adventure to Mardi Himal and Annapurna Base Camp surpassed all my expectations and then some! We commenced this trek as a group of unfamiliar faces, b...
I undertook the Mardi Himal and Annapurna Base Camp trek in the company of Discovery World Trekking. Paul, the organizer, took care of every aspect of the journey, starting from airport pickup and concluding with drop-off.
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