Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek Itinerary
Outline Itinerary
Day 01: Kathmandu to Pokhara 200 km./124 miles/8 hrs. By Tourist Bus
Morning at 6:30 am pick up and go to the Tourist bus station. It is 8 hour's drive through Prithvi Highway. Arrival in Pokhara and transfer to Hotel. The rest of the time is free.
Distance cover- 200 km./124 miles
Bus journey- 8 hrs.
Accommodation- Hotel
Meals- B/L/D
Day 02: Pokhara to Kade 20 km./12.50 miles and trek to Pothana 2,232 m./7,320 ft./5 km./4 hrs.
Mardi Himal trekking begins after a short drive to Kade. The first part of the trek until Australian Camp is gradually uphill through the forest but you can experience the beautiful landscape including Pokhara valley and local settlement. We will have a nice stop for Lunch at the Australian camp, and continue to Pothana through the Rhododendron and Pine forest.
Distance cover- 25 km./15.52 miles
Elevation Gain-1422 m.
Driving hours- 1 hour
Walking Distance-5 km
Trekking Time- 4 hrs.
Accommodation- Guest House/Tea House
Meals- Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 03: Kande to Forest Camp 2,600 m./8,530 ft./8.5 km./5 hrs
After spending the beautiful morning in the ridge-top village of Pothana, we head off the main Annapurna trekking trail and follow the forested ridge to Forest camp. Since this is the new trekking destination, there are small tea houses along the way but we need to carry sufficient water. The day’s walk in the rhododendron forest is beautiful with a gradual uphill.
Distance Cover-8.5 km
Altitude Gain-368 m.
Trekking Time- 5 hrs
Accommodation- Guest House/Tea House
Meals- Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 04: Forest Camp to Badal Danda 2,950 m./9,670 ft./8 km./6 hrs
The trail gradually climbs through the rhododendron forest following the ridge. The low camp has got a couple of tea houses in the clearing of the forest. The view of Mt Fishtail and Mardi Himal appears much closer. You find yourself closer to a clear blue sky with a view of layers of Himalayan foothills and a sweeping valley towards the south. Note: You can trek 1 more hour to Badal Danda (Cloud Hill) above the tree line with the consent of the guide for a better view. There is only one lodge in Badal Danda.
Distance Cover- 8 km.
Elevation Gain-350 m.
Trekking Hours- 6 hrs.
Accommodation- Guest House/Tea House
Meals- Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 05: Badal Danda to High Camp 3,550 m./11,644 ft./3 km./ 3hrs
The trail further climbs along the ridge towards Mardi Himal and Mt Fishtail. From Badal Danda, we leave the tree line and arrive in the shrubby alpine zone. Snowcapped peaks of Annapurna South, Huinchuli, and Fishtail loom in a distance above the deep valley on either side. High camp is a small pasture after the climb with 3 lodges. Here you find yourself above the clouds and closer to snowcapped peaks.
Distance Cover-3 km
Elevation Gain-550 m.
Trekking Hours-3 hrs.
Accommodation- Guest House/Tea House
Meals- Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 06: Explore Mardi Himal View point and trek back to Low Camp 4,500 m./14,760 ft/13 km./7 hrs
The day trip is more difficult than other days with steep climbs and longer walks. The trail becomes more vertiginous at some points with uneven and steep rocky steps. The first steep climb will take about 2 hrs. to the ridge top which is marked as MBC (Mardi Himal Base Camp). However, the real base camp will take about another 2 hrs. along the ridge. The view is amazing all along the ridge. While Mardi Himal and Mt Fishtail appear right above us, the view of Annapurna I, Gangapurna, and Annapurna III also appears at a distance.
Distance Cover- 13 km.
Elevation Gain- 950 m.
Trekking Hours- 7 hrs.
Accommodation- Guest House/Tea House
Meals- Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 07: Low Camp to Lumbre 1,200 m./ 4 km./5 hrs and drive back to Pokhara Alt. 810 m. 22/25 km./2 hrs drive.
There is an optional excursion to a tea plantation to see how tea is produced; it takes around 45 minutes uphill to reach. The trail to the end of our trek takes us to pass the village tea factory, which we can visit and purchase the freshly grown tea we have enjoyed since arriving in the village. We exit the village down the stone staircase that leads onto established paths that take us to Anante Thati. From here we drive back to Pokhara.
Distance Cover- 28/30 km
Elevation Descend-3300 m.
Trekking Hours- 5 hrs.
Accommodation- Hotel **
Meals- Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 08: Pokhara to Kathmandu 200 km./124 miles/8 hrs. Tourist bus.
A bus drive to Kathmandu is a scenic drive through the Prithivi high way. You will pass the small village and town towards Kathmandu. Arrivals Kathmandu and transfer to hotel. Evening farewell dinner will be served at a typical Nepali restaurant. Optional you may stay in Pokhara on your own.