Trip Facts
Country:
Nepal
Duration:
13 Days
Max Altitude:
4,500 m
Activities:
Trekking and driving
Region:
Annapurna region
Starting Point:
Kathmandu
Ending Point:
Kathmandu
Grade:
moderate to strenuous
Group Size:
2 to 12 trekkers
Accomodation:
Teahouses, 3-star hotel in Pokhara
Best Season:
Mar-May & Sep-Nov
Notice
This trek joins two classic routes into one: the Mardi Himal trek and the Annapurna Base Camp trek. So you reach three base camps in a single trip.
You visit Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500 m), Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3,700 m), and Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m). The high point is Mardi Himal Base Camp on Day 5.
Both treks are easy on their own. Joined together, they are longer and harder. So this trip suits fit trekkers, not first-timers. A licensed guide and permits are required, and Spade Himalaya arranges both.
Overview of Mardi Himal and Annapurna Base Camp Trek 13-Days
Quick answer: This 13-day Mardi Himal and Annapurna Base Camp Trek links two classics, reaching three base camps including Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500 m) and Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m). It is strenuous and needs an ACAP permit, a TIMS card, and a guide (Nepal Tourism Board, retrieved 2026-06-26).
The Mardi Himal and Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a 13-day journey that joins two famous trails into one. Both routes sit inside the Annapurna Conservation Area. So it makes sense to link them into a single two-week trek. The result is one of the best long trips in the region.
On its own, the Mardi Himal trek takes about 5 days. The Annapurna Base Camp trek takes about 9 days. This combined plan blends the best of both. You walk through Gurung villages like Dhampus, Chhomrong, and Jhinu Danda. You also climb high to three different base camps.
The big draw is the variety. First, you climb the quiet Mardi ridge to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500 m), right below the Fishtail peak. Then you drop down and cross into the Modi Khola valley. After that, you climb the Annapurna Sanctuary to Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3,700 m) and Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m). On the way back, you soak in the hot springs at Jhinu Danda. So you get high views, deep valleys, and warm village life.
This trek is harder than either route alone. The days are long, the trails are steep, and you reach three base camps. So it is best for fit trekkers with some hiking experience. With a porter to carry your bags, you can focus on the views.
Spade Himalaya runs this trek with licensed Nepali guides. So your guide sets a safe pace, watches the weather, and checks your health each day. Prefer a shorter trip? You can do each route on its own. See the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, the Short Mardi Himal Trek (5 days), or the 10-day Mardi Himal Trek. For a famous sunrise, try the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek.
Still deciding? Our comparison of Mardi Himal vs Annapurna Base Camp explains what each route adds. You can also check the Mardi Himal Trek cost and the full Mardi Himal Trek guide. For the wider region, read our Annapurna region guide. Not sure you need both trails in one trip? Then our Mardi Himal vs Annapurna Base Camp comparison lays out what each one offers. And the Mardi Himal guide covers the ridge in detail.
Trips Highlights
- Reach three base camps in one trip: Mardi Himal, Machhapuchhre, and Annapurna
- Stand at Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500 m) for a 360-degree mountain view
- Walk into the Annapurna Sanctuary and reach Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m)
- Watch a golden sunrise over the Annapurna range from base camp
- Start in the charming Gurung village of Dhampus, near Pokhara
- Soak in the natural hot springs at Jhinu Danda after the high days
- Trek the quiet Mardi ridge below Machhapuchhre (6,993 m), the Fishtail peak
- See Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre up close
- Pass through classic villages like Chhomrong, Sinuwa, and Bamboo
- Enjoy a long, varied trek that combines two of Nepal's best trails
Kathmandu (1,400 m) → drive to Pokhara (822 m) → drive to Dhampus (1,650 m), trek to Pitam Deurali (2,100 m) → Forest Camp (2,600 m) → High Camp (3,580 m) → Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500 m), down to Low Camp (2,970 m) → Jhinu Danda (1,780 m) → Bamboo (2,300 m) → Deurali (3,200 m) → Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3,700 m), Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m) → Bamboo → Jhinu Danda → Ghandruk Phedi (1,150 m), drive to Pokhara → drive to Kathmandu.
In short, you first climb the Mardi ridge to Mardi Himal Base Camp. Then you drop to Jhinu Danda and cross into the Annapurna Sanctuary. After that, you climb to Machhapuchhre and Annapurna Base Camps. Finally, you descend through Ghandruk Phedi and drive back to Pokhara and Kathmandu.
Trips Itinerary
Your trip begins with the drive west to Pokhara. First, the road follows the Trishuli River along the Prithvi Highway. The distance is about 200 km, but the road is windy and slow. So plan for 6 to 8 hours on a tourist bus. You stop for lunch at a highway eatery on the way. The river and the green hills keep you company for most of the ride. By evening, you reach Pokhara, the tourism capital of Nepal. Then you check into your hotel near Phewa Lake. So the rest of the day is free to relax by the water. On a clear evening, the Annapurna peaks glow behind the lake.
- Duration: 6 to 8 hrs Drive
- Max Altitude: 1,400 m
- Meals: Breakfast Included
- Accommodation: Shared 3 Star Hotel
After breakfast, you take a short jeep ride to Dhampus. The road is windy and uphill, so it takes about 1.5 hours. Dhampus is a pretty Gurung village inside the Annapurna Conservation Area. From there, the trek begins. The trail climbs gently through forest and hill farms to Pothana. As the trees open up, the Annapurna range fills the view. You reach Pothana, a quiet village, in about 1.5 hours. After a short rest, you climb on through rhododendron forest. Stone steps lead you higher up the ridge. The birdsong and the mountain breeze keep you going. By late afternoon, you reach Pitam Deurali. So you settle into a teahouse for the night.
- Duration: 4 to 5 hrs Hiking & Driving
- Max Altitude: 2,100 m
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Guest House
Today the trail leaves the main Annapurna Base Camp route. Instead, it climbs the quiet Mardi ridge through thick rhododendron forest. Shepherds use this path to take cattle to high pastures in summer. So the trail is wide and easy underfoot. The climb is gentle the whole way, with no harsh, steep sections. Along the way, several clearings open up. From these, you get clean views of the Annapurna peaks to the north. The forest gives welcome shade as you walk. After about six hours, you reach Low Camp. So you spend a peaceful night, deep in the woods.
- Duration: 6 hrs hike
- Max Altitude: 2,600 m
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Guest House
Today is short in distance but full of height gain. After breakfast, you climb through oak and pine forest. The forest thins into sparse woodland with more clearings. The narrow hillside trail widens into open ridges near Badal Danda, your lunch stop. The name means “Cloudy Hill”, and clouds often form below it. After lunch, the trees fall away. Now you see only rocks, low bushes, and alpine grass. The air grows thinner, so you slow down. Soon you reach High Camp, the highest sleeping point of the trek.
- Duration: 4 to 5 hrs hike
- Max Altitude: 3,580 m
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Guest House
This is the climax of the Mardi section, so you start at 5 in the morning. You leave your heavy bags at the lodge and carry only the essentials. The first part is narrow and steep, along a ridge with big drops on each side. As you climb, the sunrise lights up the snow peaks. The trail is full of rock and ice, with almost no plants. After about two hours, you reach the Lower Viewpoint, above 4,000 m. Here, a couple of tea shops make a good rest stop. Then the trail gets sharper as you push up the ridge. Two more hours bring you to Mardi Himal Base Camp at 4,500 m. The view here is your reward. So you stand in a ring of giants. Right above you soars Machhapuchhre (6,993 m), the sacred Fishtail peak. You also see Mardi Himal (5,587 m), Annapurna South (7,219 m), Hiunchuli (6,441 m), and the tip of Annapurna I (8,091 m). So the whole Annapurna wall fills the sky. After photos, you turn back down. You stop at High Camp for lunch and your bags, then drop to Low Camp for the night.
- Duration: 8 hrs hike
- Max Altitude: 4,500 m
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Guest House
Today is all about descent, so save your knees with trekking poles. You lose over 1,200 m of height to reach Jhinu Danda. The trail drops through small settlements and forests of oak, pine, and rhododendron. Going downhill is easier on the lungs but harder on the joints. So take it slow and steady. After about six hours, you reach Jhinu Danda. This village is famous for its natural hot springs. People believe the warm water has healing power. So a long soak is the perfect treat for sore muscles. Spend the night here and rest well.
- Duration: 6 hrs hike
- Max Altitude: 2,970 m
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Guest House
Today you join the classic Annapurna Base Camp trail. First, you climb stone steps to the village of Chhomrong. This is a busy, friendly stop for many trekkers. You follow the Modi River upstream, with the water crashing on the rocks below. After about two hours, you reach Chhomrong at 2,170 m. So you rest and enjoy the Annapurna views. Then the trail drops over stone steps to the Chhomrong River. You cross it on a suspension bridge and climb to Sinuwa for lunch. After that, the path leads down through bamboo forest. You pass Kuldi Ghar before a final downhill to Bamboo village. So you reach Bamboo, tucked in thick green forest, for the night.
- Duration: 6 hrs hike
- Max Altitude: 2,170 m
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Guest House
Today is a hard day, with over 900 m of climbing. First, you walk up through bamboo and oak forest. In about 1.5 hours, you reach Dovan (2,505 m) for a short rest. Then the trail follows the Modi River upstream, with steep stone steps. You pass a small temple, then climb to Himalaya village at 2,920 m. This is your last stop before the day’s end. Above the village, the treeline thins out. You cross an avalanche-prone zone, with your guide leading the way. Giant rocks and debris mark old slides here. Soon you reach Hinku Cave, an old shepherds’ shelter. The final climb to Deurali is steep and wide, with cliffs on each side. So you reach Deurali (3,200 m) in the Annapurna Sanctuary for the night.
- Duration: about 6 hrs hiking
- Max Altitude: 3,200 m
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Guest House
This is one of the great days of the trek. After breakfast, you climb a rocky trail of pebbles and boulders. Then the path opens to a wide valley ridge along the Modi River. About 50 minutes on, you pass Bagar, a deserted landslide section. After a suspension bridge, the trail climbs for over an hour to Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3,700 m). So you rest there, drink water, and take photos. Then the trail turns west, with views of glaciers all around. From here, you see Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, Annapurna I, and Hiunchuli. The final climb is icy and slow. After two more hours, you spot the blue roofs of Annapurna Base Camp. So you arrive at 4,130 m, deep in the Annapurna Sanctuary. Giant peaks ring you on every side, like Annapurna I (8,091 m), Gangapurna, and the Fishtail. So you stand in a vast amphitheatre of ice and rock. The night here is cold, so a warm sleeping bag matters.
- Duration: 5 to 6 hrs hike
- Max Altitude: 4,130 m
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Guest House
First, you wake early for a stunning sunrise over the Annapurna range. Then you eat a hot breakfast to fuel the long descent. You leave Annapurna Base Camp and retrace the trail to Machhapuchhre Base Camp. From there, the path drops to Deurali, beside the Modi River. Next, you reach Himalaya village and then Dovan, crossing streams and bridges on the way. By Dovan, you have lost a lot of height, but the day is not over. So you keep going down to Bamboo village. In all, you walk over 13 km in about 8 hours. It is a long day, but every step is easier than the climb up.
- Duration: 8 hrs hike
- Max Altitude: 4,130 m
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Guest House
Today is a shorter, gentler day. After about 1.5 hours, you reach Sinuwa (2,360 m). Then the trail drops to the Chhomrong River. After that, you climb back up to Chhomrong village. From there, a sharp climb is followed by a short descent to Jhinu Danda. So you return to the hot springs for a second soak, if you wish. It is a good way to ease the legs after the long descent. Spend a relaxed final night on the trail here.
- Duration: 5 hrs hike
- Max Altitude: 2,360 m
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Guest House
This is the last trekking day. First, you drop to the Modi River and cross a suspension bridge to Landruk. You reach there in about three hours. Then the trail climbs a little before leveling out toward Ghandruk Phedi. This spot is a junction: one road leads to Ghandruk village, the other to Nayapul. You take the Nayapul track and reach the road in about 2.5 hours. There, a jeep is waiting for you. So you drive to Pokhara in about 1.5 hours. Then you can rest by the lake and celebrate the trek.
- Duration: 6 to 7 hrs hiking & Driving
- Max Altitude: 1,780 m
- Meals: Breakfast Included
- Accommodation: Shared 3 star Hotel
This is the last day of your trip. You wake to the calm of Pokhara and enjoy breakfast by the lake. Then you board the tourist bus back to Kathmandu. The drive retraces the river valleys and hill towns. So it is a relaxed day to rest and look back on the trek. By afternoon, you reach Kathmandu. This marks the end of your Mardi Himal and Annapurna Base Camp Trek.
- Duration: 6 to 7 hrs drive
- Max Altitude: 1,400 m
- Meals: Breakfast Included
Trips Include
- Tourist bus between Kathmandu and Pokhara, both ways.
- Private transport from Pokhara to Dhampus (trek start) and from Ghandruk Phedi (trek end) to Pokhara.
- 2 nights' hotel in Pokhara (3-star, twin share) with breakfast.
- All teahouse and lodge accommodation during the trek.
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during the trek, plus a farewell dinner.
- Safe drinking water using a filter or purification tablets.
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and TIMS card.
- A licensed, first-aid trained, English-speaking Spade Himalaya guide (2 guides for groups over 7).
- Porter support, one porter per two trekkers (pay, insurance, meals, lodging, equipment).
- First-aid kit for basic medical assistance during the trip.
- Rescue-operation assistance for serious illness (funded by your travel insurance).
Trips Exclude
- All hotels in Kathmandu, before and after the trek.
- International airfare and airport departure tax.
- Nepal entry visa (US30 for 15 Days, US50 for 30 days, US$125 for 90 days).
- Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
- Travel and medical insurance (mandatory; must cover high-altitude trekking and helicopter evacuation).
- All drinks, snacks, hot showers, Wi-Fi, and device charging on the trail.
- Tips for guide, porter, and driver.
- Extra nights from early arrival, late departure, or itinerary changes.
- Personal trekking gear and any personal expenses.
- Anything not listed under Cost Includes.
Add-on: you can upgrade your hotels in Pokhara and Kathmandu, or choose higher-end lodges in some villages, for an extra fee. Ask Spade Himalaya for current rates.
Trips Altitude
Trips Gallery
Packing List
General
- Four-season (zero degree) sleeping bag.
- Sleeping bag liner
- Puffy down jacket.
- Duffel bag.
- Daypack, 30 to 45 litres, with a rain cover
Upper Body
- Warm hat or beanie that covers the ears
- Neck gaiter, buff, or scarf
- Sunglasses with UV protection (vital for the snow glare)
- Headlamp with spare batteries
- Sunscreen (SPF 35 to 60) and lip balm
- Long-sleeve t-shirts and thermal tops
- Fleece jacket or wool pullover
- Waterproof, windproof shell jacket
Lower Body
- Thermal base-layer trousers
- Comfortable trekking trousers
- Light trousers for the teahouses
- Waterproof, windproof shell trousers
Hands
- Wool or technical liner gloves
- Warm outer gloves for the high base camps
Feet
- Waterproof trekking boots (well broken in)
- 4 to 5 pairs of warm wool socks and sock liners
- Light shoes or sandals for the evenings and the hot springs
- Micro spikes if there is snow or ice near the base camps
Undergarments
- Quick-drying technical underwear
- Sports bras (women)
- Thermal underwear set for cold nights
First Aid Kits
(Your guide carries a kit, medication, and a pulse oximeter, but a personal kit is strongly recommended.)
- Assorted adhesive and blister bandages
- Antiseptic ointment and pain relief
- Altitude medication such as acetazolamide (Diamox), only if advised by your doctor
- Anti-itch ointment
- Water-purification tablets
Others
- Passport, 4 passport photos, and a copy of your insurance
- Reusable water bottle and a water filter or purifier
- Toiletry kit, quick-dry towel, toilet paper, hand wipes
- High-energy snacks (bars, nuts, dried fruit)
- Swimwear for the Jhinu Danda hot springs
- Waterproof or dry bags for documents and electronics
Optional
- Trekking poles (your own, if you prefer them; otherwise provided)
- Power bank and spare batteries
- Camera with memory cards, charger, and spare batteries
- Local SIM card for Pokhara and the lower trail
- Book or cards for the evenings
Good to Know
On their own, the Mardi Himal Base Camp trek and the Annapurna Base Camp trek are both fine trips. Joined together, they make one epic trip. You reach three base camps, not one. You also see far more of the Annapurna region in a single visit. So it is the ideal choice if you have two weeks and want the full experience.
The walking starts from Dhampus, a Gurung village near Pokhara. A jeep takes you there in about 1.5 hours, because buses cannot manage the steep, winding road. Before you set off, your guide briefs you on the gear you need. So make sure you have it all before the drive.
This is a long, demanding trek. So train for it. Start at least 10 weeks before the trip. Build your cardio with running, cycling, or swimming. Also work your legs and core for the steep, rugged trails. Practice long hikes with a daypack on hilly ground. The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy the high days.
The trek stays below 5,000 m, so the altitude risk is lower than on higher routes. Still, take it seriously. Drink 3 to 4 litres of water a day, and walk slowly. Skip alcohol up high, and eat well for energy. Tell your guide early if you feel a headache or nausea. Your guide carries an oximeter and checks you daily. Going down is the best cure.
Since April 2023, foreigners must trek the Annapurna region with a licensed guide. You also need the ACAP and a TIMS card. Spade Himalaya is a registered agency, so the guide and permits are handled for you. A ranger checks the permits at points along the trail.
The trail runs on cash, and there are no ATMs. So carry enough Nepalese rupees from Pokhara. In the Gurung villages, try local food like dhindo, kinema, and Gurung bread. Hot showers, Wi-Fi, and charging cost a small fee. Power can be solar in some villages, so charge when you can. Signal fades the higher you climb, so enjoy the quiet.
Trips Reviews
The Perfect Combination of Two Amazing Himalayan Routes
Trips FAQs
Trek Difficulty & Altitude
It is graded moderate to strenuous. Each route is easy on its own. But joined together, they make a long, demanding trek. So the difficulty comes from long days, big climbs and descents, stone stairs, and three base camps. There is no technical climbing. Still, you need good fitness and ideally some trekking experience.
We do not recommend it for absolute beginners. The combined route is long and tough, with back-to-back high days. So even fit people can find it hard. If you are new to trekking, it is better to do each route on its own first. The Annapurna Base Camp Trek and the Short Mardi Himal Trek are gentler choices.
The high point is Mardi Himal Base Camp at 4,500 m, reached on Day 5. The highest place you sleep is Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 m. So both heights stay below the 5,000 m line. Still, you should climb slowly and drink plenty of water. Your guide checks your health with an oximeter each day.
There is no separate rest day in this plan, because the trek stays below 5,000 m. But the route climbs, drops, and climbs again, which helps your body adjust. So walk at a slow, steady pace, and tell your guide if you feel unwell. If you want extra rest, Spade Himalaya can add a day.
You walk roughly 100 km in total over the trekking days. So it works out to about 8 to 14 km a day. The daily distance feels longer because of the steep stone stairs and the big climbs. So your pace matters more than the raw distance.
Permits, Guide & Insurance
Yes. Since April 2023, foreigners must trek the Annapurna region with a licensed guide. You also need two permits: the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and a TIMS card. Spade Himalaya provides the guide and arranges both permits. The guide and porter are already part of your package.
The ACAP is about NPR 3,000 (around US$25) for foreign trekkers. The TIMS card is about NPR 2,000 (around US$17). So the permits total roughly US$42 per person. Spade Himalaya includes both in the trip cost and handles the paperwork before you start.
Yes, it is a must. Your policy has to cover high-altitude trekking and a helicopter rescue. Many normal policies do not, so check the wording first. Arrange it at home before you fly. Then leave a copy with Spade Himalaya at the briefing, so the team can act fast in an emergency.
Best Time to Trek
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are best. Autumn has clear skies, mild days, and little rain. Spring brings blooming rhododendrons and warm air, plus a few festivals. Winter is cold, with snow up high. The summer monsoon brings rain and cloud, so most people skip it.
Accommodation & Facilities
You sleep in simple teahouses, usually in twin rooms with shared bathrooms. Higher up, rooms are basic and cold. The food is hearty and local. You can try Gurung dishes like dhindo, gundruk, and sukuti. You can also get dal bhat, momo, noodles, soup, and eggs. Vegetarian meals are easy to find.
Trek Highlights & Views
Yes. Jhinu Danda has natural hot springs, just below the village by the river. You pass through Jhinu Danda twice on this loop. So you can soak after the Mardi section and again after Annapurna Base Camp. A warm bath is a fine reward for the long, high days.