8 Days Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek

You arrive in Pokhara, a peaceful city hugged by lakes and overlooked by Himalayan giants. Fewa Lake mirrors the snow-clad Machhapuchhre, offering a surreal first glimpse of the mountains to come. This is a day to rest, shop for last-minute gear, and mentally prepare for the journey ahead.

• Duration: Free day (arrival, relax, prep)
• Max-Altitude: 850 meters (Pokhara)
• Lodging: Hotel or guesthouse by Fewa Lake
• Fooding: Wide range of choices – Nepali, Continental, and more (own selection)

From Pokhara, a short drive takes you to Kande where your trek begins. The trail gently ascends through terraced fields, oak forests, and scattered villages. After 4 hours of hiking, you reach Deurali, perched on a ridge with sweeping views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna South. The teahouse offers basic comforts and hearty meals to fuel your journey.

• Drive Duration: 1 hour (to Kande)
• Trek Duration: 4 hours
• Max Altitude: 2,125 meters
• Lodging: Teahouse in Deurali (basic twin-sharing rooms, shared bathroom)
• Fooding: Simple Dal Bhat, soups, noodles, fried rice, eggs, tea

Today’s trail plunges into rhododendron forests, a magical green corridor where the air is thick with mist and birdsong. As you ascend, the landscape becomes more alpine. Low Camp greets you with rustic charm and stunning mountain views breaking through the trees. The altitude begins to feel real here, and warm soup never tasted so good.

• Trek Duration: 6–7 hours
• Max Altitude: 3,150 meters
• Lodging: Teahouse in Low Camp (basic rooms, limited power, cold showers)
• Fooding: Dal Bhat, Tibetan bread, momos, ginger tea, hot lemon

The trees thin and the world opens up. You follow a ridge with dizzying views of the valleys below and the snowy giants above. After a few hours of steady ascent, High Camp emerges—exposed and stunning. This is where you’ll prepare for base camp. Nights here are cold, so warm food and good sleeping bags are essential.

• Trek Duration: 4 hours
• Max Altitude: 3,700 meters
• Lodging: Teahouse in High Camp (limited electricity, cold nights, cozy dining room)
• Fooding: Thukpa, pasta, potato dishes, tea/coffee, yak cheese (if available)

You begin before dawn, headlamps cutting through the cold darkness. As the sun rises, golden light spills over the mountains. The trail is steep and rocky, but each step is rewarded with increasingly majestic views. At Mardi Himal Base Camp, you stand face-to-face with Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre—unreal, silent, and powerful. After soaking it all in, you descend back to High Camp for a well-earned rest.

• Trek Duration: 6–7 hours round trip
• Max Altitude: 4,500 meters
• Lodging: Same teahouse at High Camp
• Fooding: Breakfast before hike, packed snacks, late lunch/dinner at High Camp

Your legs are tested today as you descend over 1,800 meters through forest trails and scattered settlements. The environment changes from alpine to subtropical. You reach Siding village by afternoon, where a jeep awaits. After a scenic, bumpy ride, you’re back in Pokhara—civilization feels luxurious after days on the trail. A hot shower and your favorite dish are waiting.

• Trek Duration: 6 hours (9 km)
• Drive Duration: ~3 hours (from Siding to Pokhara)
• Max Altitude: 3,700 meters (starting point)
• Lodging: Hotel/guesthouse in Pokhara
• Fooding: Breakfast at High Camp, lunch in Siding, dinner in Pokhara

You can return back to Kathmandu on the final day either by a quick and scenic domestic flight, which takes about 25 to 30 minutes and offers stunning mountain views, or by road. Which, usually takes 6 to 8 hours from Pokhara,