MARDI HIMAL & ANNAPURNA BASE CAMP TREK

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you’ll be warmly greeted and transferred to your hotel. Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, is rich in cultural heritage and offers a vibrant atmosphere to kick off your adventure. Take some time to rest from your journey and explore the lively streets of Thamel, known for its colorful shops and busy markets.

In the morning, you’ll either take a scenic but long drive or a short flight to Pokhara, a picturesque city beside Phewa Lake. Pokhara is the gateway to the Annapurna region and offers stunning views of the Himalayas. Spend the rest of the day exploring the charming streets.

After an early breakfast, you’ll drive  1 hour to Kande, the starting point of the Mardi Himal trek. From here, your trekking adventure begins as you ascend through lush rhododendron forests and the traditional village of Pothana to reach Deurali, a peaceful stopover in the Himalayas for the first night on the trek.

Today’s trek takes you deeper into the heart of the Mardi Himal region. You’ll navigate enchanting forests and gradually gain altitude as you head to Forest Camp. Along the way, watch for colorful bird species and wildlife.

As you leave the forest camp behind, the landscape reveals panoramic vistas of snow-capped peaks. Trekking to High Camp, you’ll be surrounded by alpine meadows decorated with vibrant wildflowers, offering a taste of the rugged beauty of the Himalayas.

The highlight of the day is reaching the Mardi Himal Base Camp, situated at an altitude of 4,500 meters (14,764 feet). Wake up early to catch the sunrise over the towering peaks of the Annapurna range. After soaking in the awe-inspiring views, descend to Low Camp for a well-deserved rest.

Descending further, hike downhill through the forest via forest camp to Landruk village. You were immersing yourself in the rich cultural heritage of the region. Arrive at landruk village where you’ll be welcomed by warm hospitality by Gurung people and stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.

 As you trek towards Chomrong, you’ll pass through charming villages, encounter diverse flora and fauna, and witness the magnificent Annapurna range dominating the skyline. The trail rambles along hillsides, crosses suspension bridges over roaring rivers, and ascends through rhododendron forests, providing a diverse and immersive experience of the region’s natural beauty. Chomrong, situated at the base of the majestic Annapurna South, serves as a gateway to further exploration of the Annapurna Sanctuary.

 Departing from the picturesque village of Chomrong, the trail descends steeply towards the Modi Khola (river), where you’ll cross a suspension bridge before ascending through dense rhododendrons and bamboo forests.  Passing through Vanuwa, Sinuwa villages, and terraced farmland, trekkers experience the region’s rich cultural tapestry, interacting with local communities and learning about their traditional way of life. Arriving at Bamboo, trekkers are rewarded with a peaceful location and a sense of natural immersion.

 Leaving Bamboo behind, the trail gradually ascends through rhododendron and oak forests, offering occasional glimpses of the towering peaks of the Annapurna range. The trail follows the Modi Khola (river), leading trekkers through narrow gorges, creating a sense of adventure and exploration.

As you trek higher, reaching closer to Deurali village, the landscape transforms into a dramatic alpine setting, with towering cliffs and snow-capped peaks looming overhead.  Arriving at Deurali, trekkers are greeted with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and guest houses offer basic amenities where you can have hot meals and goodnight sleep before continuing the ascent towards Annapurna base camp.

Leaving Deurali behind, the trail ascends gradually, offering panoramic views of the surrounding peaks following the Modi River. With the excitement, everyone is ready to continue their journey towards ABC, the ultimate destination. From MBC, the trail continues to ascend gradually towards Annapurna Base Camp, passing through pristine alpine meadows and rugged terrain

Arriving at Annapurna Base Camp at an elevation of approximately 4,130 meters (13,550 feet), trekkers are rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, the sense of achievement and awe at reaching this iconic destination is unparalleled, making it a truly unforgettable experience for trekkers.

 The sunrise view from Annapurna Base Camp is a truly unforgettable experience, leaving trekkers with lasting memories of the majestic Himalayas and the awe-inspiring beauty of nature.

As the first light of dawn breaks over the horizon, the surrounding peaks, including Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Machapuchare, and Hiunchuli, are gradually brightened, casting long shadows and creating a mesmerizing play of light and shadow on the rugged terrain. Trekkers often gather near the glacier eagerly awaiting the sunrise and capturing the magical moment with cameras or simply soaking in the breathtaking scenery.

After a beautiful morning, it’s time to descend, gradually leaving behind the high-altitude terrain. As they make their way down towards Bamboo the trail offers sweeping views of the surrounding mountains, providing a different perspective than the ascent.

 The trek from Bamboo to Chomrong, Jhinu Danda, and the subsequent drive to Pokhara offers trekkers a diverse blend of natural beauty, cultural encounters, and relaxation, making it a truly rewarding and unforgettable adventure in the Annapurna region of Nepal.

 Traveling from Pokhara to Kathmandu, everyone has the option of either taking a scenic but long bumpy drive or a short flight, both offering unique perspectives of Nepal’s diverse landscapes.