Discovery World TrekkingMardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m) and Khopra Danda (3,660m) Trek combines the new, less crowded path in the Annapurna region. The trek trails provide fantastic views of several mountains in Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Annapurna South (7,219m), Mt. Fang (7,647m), Mt. Nilgiri (7,061m), Himchuli (6,441m), Tent Peak (5,663m), and Mardi Himal (5,587m). You will also trek through traditional villages and make it up to the Poon Hill Viewpoint.
The Mardi Himal & Khopra Danda Trek offers an ultimate off-the-beaten-path adventure that combines two premium perspectives of the Annapurna range. This unique expedition reveals two distinct ridgelines that frame the majestic Annapurna Region, providing exceptional opportunities for photographers and nature lovers to capture the region from its most breathtaking angles. Authentic cultural encounters blend seamlessly with wilderness immersion, offering a journey that is as rewarding for the soul as it is for the eyes.
The trek’s route connects two remarkable landscapes. On the east, the serene ridgeline of Mardi Himal treats you to intimate, close-up views of Machapuchare, where the delicate interplay of light and shadow over alpine meadows and dense forests captures the spirit of the region. On the west, the challenging Khopra Danda Ridge reveals its panoramic vistas of towering peaks such as Dhaulagiri, offering a contrasting but equally spectacular perspective on the Annapurna massif.
Your journey kicks off with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (850m), the tourist capital of Nepal. Passing through lush valleys and rural settlements, this drive offers glimpses of terraced fields and winding rivers, setting the tone for an unforgettable trek.
The next morning, a short drive to Dhampus (1,640m) brings you to the starting point of the trek. The initial ascent winds through dense forests and charming Gurung villages, leading to Deurali (2,100m), a peaceful stop overlooking rolling hills.
The trek progresses into Forest Camp (2,600m), where thick rhododendron forests create a mystical atmosphere. As elevation increases, the landscape shifts to alpine meadows and scattered ridges until reaching High Camp (3,600m). Here, spectacular views of Machhapuchare (Fishtail), Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli dominate the skyline.
At dawn, the push to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m) reveals a breathtaking sunrise painting the Himalayas in golden hues. After soaking in the grandeur of the peaks, the descent toward Low Camp (3,050m) and Landruk (1,565m) brings trekkers back into lush valleys, crossing rustic villages and suspension bridges.
From Landruk to Tadapani (2,610m), the trek moves toward quieter trails leading to Bayeli Kharka (3,450m) and Khopra Danda (3,660m). This lesser-known ridge offers an expansive Himalayan panorama, stretching across Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Nilgiri. A gentle descent reaches Swanta (2,214m), a traditional Magar village, before heading to Ghorepani (2,880m), a historic trekking hub.
An early morning ascent to Poon Hill (3,210m) gifts trekkers a 360-degree sunrise view over Annapurna and Dhaulagiri, a spectacle worth every step. The final descent through Birethanti (1,039m) leads back to Pokhara, where a well-earned rest awaits before returning to Kathmandu.
A complete loop experience awaits as you descend via alternative routes that introduce you to untouched rural lifestyles and ancient customs largely free from mass tourism. The Mardi Himal & Khopra Danda Trek is a 13-day adventure that perfectly balances the thrill of mountain exploration with intimate cultural immersion, all while revealing the Annapurna region in its most photogenic and awe-inspiring form.
We recommend you arrive in Kathmandu by 3 p.m. at least a day before your trek departure to ensure enough time for any last-minute arrangements.
This package covers Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu transport on a tourist bus. However, for an additional cost, you can fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara and/or from Pokhara to Kathmandu.
You’ll be invited to an online briefing after booking and submitting the required documents. The session covers everything—from what to bring to what to expect—so you’re fully prepared for your trek. We’ll email you the briefing schedule shortly after booking.
Drive to Pokhara (850m), west of the Kathmandu. Drive Time: Approx. 6-7 hrs.
Drive from Pokhara to Dhampus (1,640m). Drive Time: Approx. 2 hrs. Trek to Deurali (2,100m).
Trek from Deurali to Forest Camp (2600m). Trek time: Approx. 5-6 hrs.
Trek from Forest Camp to High Camp (3600m). Trek time: Approx. 4-5 hrs.
Trek from High Camp to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m) and Low Camp (3,050m). Trek time: Approx. 7 hrs.
Trek from Low Camp to Landruk (1,565m).
Trek from Landruk to Tadapani (2,610m). Trek time: Approx. 6-7 hrs.
Trek from Tadapani to Bayeli Kharka (3,450m). Trek time: Approx. 5-7 hrs.
Baeyli Kharka to Khopra Danda (Ridge) (3,660m). Trek time: Approx. 5 hrs.
Trek from Khopra Danda (Ridge) to Swanta (2,214m). Trek time: Approx. 4-5 hrs.
Trek from Swanta to Ghorepani (2,880m). Trek time: Approx. 5 hrs.
Early morning hike to Poon Hill (3,210m), trek to Birethanti (1,039m). Trek time: Approx. 4-5 hrs. Drive from Nayapul to Pokhara (820m). Drive time: Approx. 2 hrs.
Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu (1,350m). 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.
Early morning, we will board you on a tourist bus to Pokhara. The bus will roll along the Prithvi Highway for around seven hours before reaching Pokhara - the tourist capital of Nepal. On the way to Pokhara, you will see Machhapuchhare and Annapurna ranges. After reaching Pokhara, you are free to explore this fantastic city.
Early morning, you will leave Pokhara on a bus and head to Dhampus. The road is quite developed and, on the way, you will pass Phedi. The Dhampus village is ethnically diverse, consisting of Brahmins, Chhetris, and Gurungs. The trek trails start from Dhampus, and you will head to Deurali on a path that passes through lush forests, and in the background, you can enjoy the views of the Annapurna ranges. From Deurali, you can gain fantastic views of glaciers originating from Annapurna south.
The trails to Forest Camp are quite easy and exciting as they pass through maple, birch, rhododendron, and oak forests. The fresh smell of damp soil and decayed leaves keeps the trekking spirit alive. The trail first climbs up to the top of a ridge, then descends steeply and ascends one more time, taking you to the open grassland at Forest Camp.
You will leave Forest Camp, aiming to reach High Camp. You will be gaining a lot of altitude. So, it is wise to walk consistently. Once more, the trails pass through lush forests, and the occasional clearings allow you to enjoy the views of Mt. Machhapuchhre, Mardi Himal, and Annapurna mountains. After hiking for a few hours, you will reach Mardi Himal Low Camp, then ascend steeply to a ridge that finally takes you to the Mardi Himal High Camp.
You will wake up early to enjoy the early sun rays hitting the gigantic mountains from the Upper View Point of Mardi Himal. It will take about two hours to reach the Mardi Himal Base Camp from High Camp. From the Base Camp, you will enjoy the views of Annapurna I and III, Annapurna South, Himchuli, Tent Peak, Bharashikhar, and Mardi Himal. The sights of Mt. Machhapuchhare (Mt. Fishtail) look stunning from the Base Camp. After enjoying the views from Mardi Himal Base Camp, you will return to Low Camp to spend the night.
The descent to Landruk from Low Camp is steep and can be tough on your knees. The steepest section falls between Forest Base Camp and Landruk. However, this day’s walk will be effortless, and you can enjoy the dense forests, full of several bird species. Landruk looks like a sibling of a much larger village Ghandruk, with ethnic Gurungs making up the dominant demography.
After breakfast, you will initially descend to Modi river and ascend for a few more hours to reach Ghandruk, a traditional Gurung village famous for its stunning looks. From Ghandruk, you will also get great views of the Annapurna ranges and Machhapuchhare mountain. There is a Gurung museum at Ghandruk, which we shouldn’t miss visiting. The trails then pass through lush forests before reaching Tadapani.
We bid goodbye to Tadapani after breakfast, and take an off-beaten path through the isolated sections of the Annapurna region. The route passes through dense forests full of oak and rhododendron trees, and through the forest apertures, you can see the stunning views of Mt. Dhaulagiri, the world’s seventh tallest mountain.
On this day, you will reach Khopra Danda (ridge), but first, you will bid Baeyli Kharka goodbye and trek through rich pasturelands to Chistibung. The trail provides you the opportunity to view yaks, pheasants, and Himalayan tahrs while ascending to Khopra ridge, known for superb views of Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Annapurna South (7,219m), Mt. Nilgiri (7,061m), and Mt. Fang (7,647m).
After reaching Khopra Danda, it is time to return, and on the first day, you will hike to Swanta, passing terraced fields and small settlements. Mt.Dhaulagiri will persist to dazzle you. You also have the option to visit the holy Khayar Lake. Swanta village is famous for its community cheese factory, and we shouldn’t miss tasting the local cheese.
You will leave Swanta early morning and head for Ghorepani. The route passes through thick forests, exposing you to incredible landscapes worthy of admiring. Eventually, you will cross a suspension bridge to enter Chittre village and follow the main trekking route that will take you to Ghorepani. Ghorepani is a major trek destination known for its fantastic views. With numerous accommodation options, most people who visit Poon Hill stay at Ghorepani.
You will wake up very early in the morning to catch the sunrise from Poon Hill. It will take you around forty-five minutes to reach Poon Hill from Ghorepani. The panoramic view from Poon Hill is second to none, and many treks are designed around the grand views from Poon Hill. You can see a dozen snow peaks from Poon Hill, including the Annapurna ranges, Machhapuchhare, Gangapurna, Tukuche, Dhampus, Hiuchuli, Gurja Himal, and Nilgiri Himal. After enjoying the views from Poon Hill, you will trek through Birethanti and Ulleri to Nayapul. From Nayapul, we will drive to Pokhara.
After breakfast, you will board a bus to Kathmandu. The bus follows Prithivi Highway one more time and heads east to Kathmandu. It will take you around seven hours to reach Kathmandu. Your trek ends in Kathmandu. Hope you enjoyed your trek and created some life-lasting memories on the trails.
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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We advise you to bring only essential clothing, gear, and equipment for the trek. Though porters will carry your luggage, per trekker weight limit is 9 kg. You can store your extra luggage at the Discovery World Trekking store for free during your trek. Here is our list to help you pack for this trek. Since we provide a porter for every two trekkers, we request you to partner with a fellow traveler and pack your things together in a duffle bag with a capacity of over sixty liters.
Moisture-wicking short or long-sleeved t-shirts
Thermal base layers (light for warm months/heavy for cold)
Fleece and puffy/insulated jacket
Down jacket for colder elevations
Waterproof and windproof outer jacket
Lightweight long-sleeve breathable trekking shirt
Synthetic bra for women
Waterproof nylon raincoat or poncho
Connect with our local expert for honest recommendations, personalised guidance, and insider tips to make every step of your adventure count.
13 steps · Everything you need to know before you book: permits, meals, costs and what each day looks like. No rush, take your time.
When you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, our representative will greet you with a warm welcome, complete with a garland as a traditional gesture. Look for them holding a pamphlet with your name on it. Our representative will escort you to your hotel in a private vehicle. To ensure this smooth experience, please share your flight details with us in advance.
For the trek, arrive in Kathmandu by 3 PM at least one day before departure for any last-minute preparations. On the trek departure date, you'll board a tourist bus to Pokhara, where you'll spend the night. The following morning, we’ll drive you to Dhampus, and your trekking adventure begins towards Deurali.
You’ll spend two nights in Pokhara at the Silver Oaks Inn, a comfortable hotel offering rooms with attached bathrooms, laundry services, hot/cold water, Wi-Fi, and 24-hour TV. Along the trek, you'll stay in carefully selected lodges and tea houses to ensure comfort and quality. Rooms with attached bathrooms are available at Ghorepani and Deurali, while standard rooms are provided at Forest Camp, High Camp, Low Camp, Landruk, Tadapani, Bayeli Kharka, Khopra Danda, and Swanta. Electricity for charging devices, Wi-Fi access, and hot showers are available in most lodges but you may have to pay for them.
In Kathmandu, you'll need at least two nights of accommodation—one before and one after the trek. These are not included in the package, allowing you the flexibility to choose a hotel that fits your budget and preferences.
Trekking requires plenty of energy, and we ensure you have access to nutritious, hygienic, and tasty meals throughout your journey. Your trek package includes 11 breakfasts, 11 lunches, and 10 dinners. Meals feature traditional Nepali, Asian, and Western dishes. As you ascend higher, food options become more limited and slightly more expensive. All meals are on a full-board (main course) basis.
Our package does not include any beverages (including tea and coffee).
We recommend avoiding meat at high altitudes for hygiene concerns and limiting caffeinated drinks, dairy, hot chocolates, and alcoholic beverages. Instead, stay hydrated with lemon tea, green tea, garlic soup, and plenty of water.
Each porter will carry luggage for two trekkers, with a weight limit of 9 kg per person (18 kg per porter). Since you will share a porter, team up with a fellow trekker and pack your things together in a duffle bag of over sixty liters. We expect you to bring a small backpack with valuables, water, and essential documents. You can store excess luggage at our office for free.
While bottled water is available along the trekking route, some areas may have restrictions on plastic bottles. We recommend carrying a reusable water bottle, purchasing boiled/filtered water from lodges, and using water purification tablets. If you do not have purification pills, we can provide them. Avoid drinking water directly from local taps, wells, or rivers.
You can purchase a local SIM card for mobile connectivity. However, network coverage may be spotty at higher altitudes. Our trek leaders connect with our head office via mobile to ensure your safety and track your progress. We are always on standby to handle any issues.
Most foreign nationals can obtain a visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport. Ensure your passport has at least six months of validity and carry a passport-sized photo. The standard visa fee is $50 for a 30-day stay. Certain nationalities may need to secure a visa before arriving in Nepal. For the latest updates, visit the official Immigration Department website - https://www.immigration.gov.np/en.
You must have travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking, including helicopter rescue up to 4,500 m and medical expenses. Confirm these details with your insurance provider before purchasing a policy.
The local currency is the Nepali Rupee (NPR). (1 USD = ~ 133 NPR). We recommend exchanging your currency (EURO, USD, GBP) in Kathmandu. You can withdraw NPR from ATMs before starting your trek. However, you are likely to incur fees, and there might be restrictions. Trek regions only accept cash in local currency.
While most trek expenses are covered, you’ll need extra cash for tips, beverages, extra meal courses, snacks, visa fees, souvenirs, meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara, etc. You’ll likely need around $10–$20 per trek day for personal expenses, such as hot showers, Wi-Fi, and snacks.
For the best experience, plan your trek in Spring (March-May) or Autumn (September-November) when the weather is stable, skies are clear, and trails are in good condition. Summer brings heavy rainfall, while winter can be extremely cold at higher altitudes. The summer day temperatures range from 10 to 23°C, and nights are around 5 to 10°C. Winter day temperatures at high elevations can dip to -10°C before rising to -5°C after early February. For more information of the month wise weather, check our Annapurna Travel Guide.
Your trekking day starts with breakfast around 7–8 AM. You'll then hike for 4–5 hours, stopping for lunch midday and resting briefly. You will then continue to your next destination. After reaching your destination, you can enjoy some free time exploring the area. We serve dinner at around 7 PM. After dinner, your trek leader will brief you on the next day's itinerary before you wind down for the night. Before bed, you can enjoy board games, socialize, or watch videos.
After your trek, we’ll host a farewell dinner in Kathmandu to celebrate your achievement. Afterward, you will also receive a trek completion certificate as a keepsake. This is also the right time to provide feedback.
We’ll arrange your transfer from your hotel to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure flight, ensuring a smooth conclusion to your journey. Please share your hotel name, room number, departure date, and time.
We organize private treks only and do not add anyone to your group. We can handle all group sizes and larger groups receive discounts. Further, we also provide an assistant guide for a group of 12 or more.
Booking with us is safe and straightforward. We are a government-authorized trekking operator in Nepal and a proud member of the Trekking Agency Association of Nepal (TAAN) and the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA). A 10% advance payment confirms trek bookings. You can pay this amount via bank transfer, credit card, Wise, or Western Union.
After booking, please send us the necessary documents, including a passport copy, photos, and travel insurance within a week. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you can pay the remaining balance using cash, bank transfer, Wise, Western Union, or credit card. We will also email you detailed payment details.
It is best to book a trek at least a month in advance, but we also accept last-minute bookings. For last-minute bookings, you must clear the entire cost of the trek at least 24 hours before the departure date. We’ll do our best to organize treks anytime however, last-minute trek bookings may face delays due to circumstances beyond our control, such as bad weather.
All our treks have fixed departure dates. However, if the departure dates do not suit you, we are ready to adjust so you can enjoy your trek at your convenience.
If you have extra days in Nepal after your trek, we can arrange additional activities like sightseeing tours, Chitwan Jungle Safari, or another trek.
At Discovery World Trekking, you’re not just a client—you’re part of our trekking family. During the trek, our licensed and experienced Sherpa/guide will accompany you and provide information about the places you visit. Porters will carry your luggage.
We prioritize the well-being and happiness of our employees and pay them well, provide them with food, accommodations, insurance, and gear for the trek, and offer medical care when needed. Ourtrek leaders are Nepal-government licensed. They have undergone intensive wilderness first aid training, are fluent in English have completed biodiversity and conservation training, and have experience with rock climbing.
We are committed to sustainable and responsible tourism. By partnering with organizations like the Kathmandu Environmental Education Project (KEEP), we minimize environmental impact and promote eco-friendly practices on every trek.
In Nepali culture, tipping is a respected way to express gratitude (Dhanyabad) for excellent service. It’s best to tip as a group at the end of the trek, covering both the guide and porters. The tip amount is entirely up to you and may depend on service quality, trek duration, and budget.
Talk to Paul. Free advice, no pressure.
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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