A quieter alternative to busier Annapurna trails, the Mardi Himal Base Camp trek is a seven-day route from Pokhara that reaches about 4,500 m. Expect teahouse nights, panoramic Annapurna views, and steady altitude gain through forests and high ridgelines.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You step out of a Pokhara minivan into thin, cool air and begin climbing switchbacks that thread through rhododendron and pine. The trail pulls you upward from Kande to Australian Camp, where the Annapurna range first opens like a row of sentries, then on through villages that keep time with yak bells and wood-fired kitchens.
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
7 days
Fitness Level
Good aerobic fitness with experience on sustained uphill hikes; ability to carry a daypack for 4–7 hours daily.
Wildlife
History
The trails connect Gurung and Magar settlements long involved in trans-Himalayan trade and farming; many guides are descendants of local mountain communities.
Conservation
This route passes through the Annapurna Conservation Area—follow leave-no-trace principles, avoid single-use plastics, and respect local water sources to minimize impact.
Reserve your spot on the Annapurna: Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Acclimatize, don’t rush
Follow the itinerary’s slow gain—sleeping lower than your highest summit day reduces altitude illness risk.
Pack layered insulation
Temperatures swing dramatically between morning sun at camps and cold nights above 3,000 m—bring a warm midlayer and shell.
Use trekking poles
Poles ease steep ascents and protect knees on descents, especially through loose scree approaching High Camp.
Treat water or refill smartly
Guesthouses sell boiled water; carry a lightweight filter or purification tablets to avoid single-use plastics and stay hydrated.
Sturdy hiking boots
Support and grip are essential on rocky trails and occasional wet sections.
Insulated jacket (down or synthetic)
Cold nights above 3,000 m require a warm, compressible jacket.
winter
Trekking poles
Reduce knee strain on steep descents and improve balance on loose terrain.
Water purification (filter or tablets)
Reliable treatment keeps you hydrated and reduces plastic waste on the trail.