Annapurna Base Camp With Mardi Himal Trek

Annapurna Base Camp With Mardi Himal Trek Overview

The Annapurna Base Camp with Mardi Himal Trek in Nepal is a thoughtfully combined journey that brings together two of the finest trekking experiences in the Annapurna region: the classic Annapurna Base Camp (Annapurna Sanctuary) Trek and the quieter, scenic Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek. 

Instead of choosing between a legendary route and a hidden gem, this trek lets you experience both in one continuous adventure. During this journey, you should expect dramatic mountain scenery, rich culture, changing landscapes, and a sense of progression from lively villages and forests to high alpine ridges and glacial amphitheaters.

This particular Annapurna adventure begins with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara, which is one of Nepal’s most beautiful road journeys. As the road follows river valleys and rolling hills, you will pass terraced farmlands, roadside villages, and winding rivers, with occasional glimpses of distant Himalayan peaks. 

Pokhara itself feels like a gentle pause before the adventure with lakeside calm, fresh air, and mountain views. From here, the real trek begins with a walk toward Jhinu Danda, which is a welcoming village best known for its natural hot springs. You will follow the stone-paved trails through forests and small settlements.

As the trail leads deeper into the Annapurna Sanctuary, you will also pass villages like Sinuwa, Himalaya, and Dovan. Later, the trek builds steadily through lush rhododendron forests, bamboo groves, misty valleys, and cascading streams. Finally, you will reach the Annapurna Base Camp at an altitude of 4,130 meters. From here, you will get a vast mountain amphitheater surrounded by giants such as Annapurna I, Machhapuchhre, Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, and Gangapurna. 

After soaking in sunrise views and the raw beauty of the Annapurna Glacier, you will descend back through Dovan to Jhinu Danda, where you will get a chance to soak in the hot springs. From here, the adventure takes a different tone as the route shifts toward the Mardi Himal trail, which was officially opened for trekking in 2012 and is still one of the Annapurna region’s most rewarding, quieter routes. 

The path here climbs through Forest Camp, Badal Danda, and High Camp, trading deep forests for airy ridgelines and ever-expanding views. This side of the trek feels more intimate and wild, with fewer trekkers and a stronger sense of solitude. From Mardi Himal Base Camp at 4,500 meters, you will stand face-to-face with Machhapuchhre, with views of other mountains such as Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Annapurna I, Annapurna III, Gandharwa Chuli, and Gangapurna. 

Sunrises and sunsets at the Mardi Himal Base Camp are surreal as they paint the Himalayas in shades of gold, crimson, and soft pink. Throughout the trek, you will walk through the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), Nepal’s first and largest protected region, home to diverse flora and fauna. 

During this journey, you will also have an opportunity to encounter wildlife such as Himalayan tahr, langur monkeys, mountain goats, and the colorful Danphe, Nepal’s national bird. The villages along the route are mainly inhabited by Gurung and Magar communities, who are known for their deep-rooted traditions, hand-carved wooden houses, and warm hospitality. 

Daily life in the Annapurna Region revolves around farming, herding, and hosting trekkers. You may also get to witness local festivals such as Dashain, Tihar, Lhosar, and local Buddhist ceremonies. Weather-wise, this trek lets you experience it all, from subtropical warmth at lower elevations to crisp alpine air and, in winter or early spring, even snow near the base camps.

Now, if you are torn between doing Annapurna Base Camp or Mardi Himal separately, this combined route answers that dilemma beautifully. You can also explore each journey on its own, but together they create a richer, more complete Himalayan experience.

What Makes The Annapurna Base Camp & Mardi Himal Trek In Nepal Unique?

Explore Pokhara Valley, The Gateway to the Trekking Route

Nestled in the western part of Nepal, Pokhara Valley is one of the country’s major cities. It is a peaceful base between bustling Kathmandu and the high Himalayas. Often called the gateway to Annapurna Region treks, Pokhara is a destination in its own right before or after your Annapurna Base Camp with Mardi Himal Trek.

Surrounded by lush hills and framed by the snow-capped Annapurna range and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), the valley sits beside the shimmering Phewa Lake, which is Nepal’s second-largest lake and the heart of the city’s relaxed vibe. Here, you can stroll along the lakeside cafés, sip a cup of local coffee while watching the mountains glow at sunrise, or rent a bright wooden boat or even kayak across the calm water.

Now, while you are in the valley, there are plenty of side adventures too, from panoramic sunrise views at Sarangkot and paragliding over the mountains and lakes, to visiting the World Peace Pagoda, exploring limestone wonders like Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave, or checking out local culture at markets and temples.

Thus, with all these activities you can do, Pokhara is an unforgettable part of the Nepal trekking experience.

Enjoy Tranquil Boating & Relax By The Scenic Phewa Lake

One of the highlights of any stay in Pokhara is spending time at Phewa Lake, which is the centerpiece of this beautiful valley. Phewa Lake is a serene freshwater lake in Pokhara, famous for its calm waters, reflections of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks, and the small island temple of Tal Barahi nestled in its middle. Here, you can slow down, breathe deeply, and enjoy a different kind of peace before or after days on the trail.

Boating on Phewa Lake is a simple and joyful way to experience the scenery up close. You will see colorful wooden rowboats and paddle boats lining the lakeside, and you can choose to row yourself or relax while a boatman gently guides you across the water. 

For a more active experience, kayaks are also available, letting you paddle at your own pace as you explore corners of the lake and chase reflections of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) and the Annapurna range on still mornings. Hourly boating fares vary depending on boat type, such as shared rowboats and paddle boats, which are often around NRs 300 to 800 per hour, while private or full-day options and kayaks can be slightly higher.

The best times to float are early morning and late afternoon. In the quiet of dawn, the water often lies glass-smooth, mirroring mountain silhouettes and offering magical photo moments. Similarly, at sunset, the golden light makes the peaks and lakeshore glow, which is perfect for lovers, photographers, or anyone who just wants to soak in the view.

Moving on, you can also enjoy a stroll along the water’s edge, popping into cozy cafes and restaurants with mountain views, sipping coffee or Nepali tea, and sampling local foods. You will also see street vendors and shops with shaded benches.

Walk Into The Annapurna Sanctuary At Annapurna Base Camp

The Annapurna Sanctuary is a hidden glacial basin nestled deep within the Annapurna range. It is a natural amphitheater shaped by ancient glaciers and towering peaks, protected today under the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), Nepal’s first and largest protected area. 

This sanctuary was historically a sacred realm for local Gurung and Magar communities and was later designated as a conservation zone to preserve its unique biodiversity and cultural heritage. Your trek to the Annapurna Base Camp takes you on a journey through changing landscapes. 

Starting from lower elevations of terraced farmlands and subtropical forests, the trail gradually moves into dense rhododendron and bamboo groves, which are fragrant with wild blossoms in spring. 

As you climb higher, the air sharpens, the trees thin out, and alpine meadows open up, revealing uninterrupted views of jagged ridges and waterfalls. The path itself is a mix of wide stone-paved trails, rocky sections near streams, and well-built switchbacks.

At 4,130 meters, Annapurna Base Camp sits at the heart of this sanctuary. It offers you an awe-inspiring 360° panorama of the Annapurna massif. From here, you will see Annapurna I dominating the skyline, along with Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail). On clear mornings, sunlight washes the peaks in gold and pink.

Wildlife and flora are part of the journey too. The Annapurna Sanctuary is home to species like the Himalayan tahr, barking deer, langur monkeys, and colorful birds such as the Danphe. If you are traveling in spring and autumn, you will also notice the forest floors and hillsides dotted with flowering rhododendrons.

The base camp itself has a communal energy. While here, you will see trekkers resting on boulders, guides sharing stories over warm tea, and the constant backdrop of mountains. 

Admire Sacred Himalayan Peaks At Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) Base Camp

As your combined Annapurna Base Camp with Mardi Himal journey unfolds, one of the most atmospheric stops along the Annapurna Sanctuary trail is Machhapuchhre Base Camp. You will reach here before you push onward to Annapurna Base Camp. 

Situated at about 3,700 meters in the heart of the sanctuary, this alpine spot sits directly beneath the sacred Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) peak. It is a striking mountain revered by the local Gurung people and famously never climbed out of respect for its spiritual significance.

The trail to Machhapuchhre Base Camp is part of the classic Annapurna Sanctuary route. You will leave behind dense forests and cascading waterfalls around Sinuwa and Deurali, and as you climb higher, the landscape gradually shifts to open alpine terrain. From here, you can see snow-capped giants like Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, and even glimpses of Annapurna I in the distance.

You should expect crisp, cool air and a real sense of height as you arrive. The terrain here is rugged and windswept, with the landscape opening up dramatically compared to the forested lower sections of the trek. 

You will find simple tea houses, where you will have a chance to rest, sit with a warm cup of tea, and soak in the views before continuing toward Annapurna Base Camp. Sunrise and sunset at this base camp are especially magical.

Relax In Natural Hot Springs At Jhinu Danda After Trekking

One of the most satisfying and rejuvenating moments on your ABC and Mardi Himal Trek comes when you reach Jhinu Danda. It is a quiet mountain village tucked into the lush Modi Khola valley, around 1,780 meters above sea level. It is famous for its natural hot springs that feel like nature’s own spa after days of trekking.

As you descend from higher elevations toward Jhinu Danda, you will notice the sound of rushing river water, the scent of the forest, and a sense of calm. The hot springs themselves are nestled right on the banks of the mighty Modi Khola, surrounded by tall trees and cool mountain breezes. 

You will reach these hot springs by a short 20 to 30-minute walk downhill through rhododendron and bamboo forest. Once you arrive, you will find several stone-built thermal pools filled with warm, mineral-rich water that locals and trekkers alike believe help soothe sore muscles, ease joint stiffness, and boost circulation after long days on the trail.

The experience here is uniquely Himalayan. You will step out of your trekking boots, slip into the warm, gently bubbling water, and hear the Modi Khola roar nearby while you relax. For this experience, you should bring flip-flops, swimwear, and a towel. Now, the hot spring is almost a social hub where trekkers swap stories and rest together.

Hike To Mardi Himal Base Camp For Quiet Trails & Panoramic View

The section that takes you up to Mardi Himal Base Camp feels like discovering a beautiful secret in the heart of the Annapurna Conservation Area. Unlike the more traveled Annapurna Sanctuary paths, this route stays quiet and serene, letting you immerse yourself in natural mountain wilderness almost all the way to the high alpine ridges. 

Mardi Himal Base Camp is situated at around 4,500 meters and is one of the most rewarding viewpoints you will encounter on the combined journey, offering spectacular panoramas of the Annapurna range and beyond. The trail toward Mardi Himal Base Camp leaves the busy main trekking highways behind as it climbs gradually through dense rhododendron and oak forests, moss-covered paths, and peaceful ridgelines.

Close to Forest Camp and High Camp, the trail opens up to reveal clearer mountain vistas. Here, you will get the first glimpses of Machhapuchhre and Annapurna South, and later the grand panorama of peaks like Hiunchuli, Annapurna I, and distant summits.

What makes this hike special and a standout part of the combined trek is the feeling of solitude and connection with the mountains. You will pass through calm stretches, and as you rise above the forest line, the views just keep getting bigger and better. 

By the time you reach the base camp viewpoint at 4,500 meters, you will be rewarded with what feels like one of the cleanest, most unobstructed views in the Annapurna region. Even though the terrain at higher elevations can feel raw with rocky patches and exposed ridges, the gradual ascent and well-defined trail make it accessible for trekkers with moderate fitness. 

In fact, many people say the sunrise or sunset light from Mardi Himal Base Camp is among the most memorable of the entire journey.