Embark on a four-day sojourn within the revered Annapurna Conservation Area, where the trail gracefully ascends to the sanctuary of Mardi Himal Base Camp, poised at 4,500 meters (14,764 ft). This immersive trek unveils the majestic panorama of the Annapurna range, crowned by the iconic Fishtail Mountain, the formidable Dhaulagiri, the elegant Himchuli, and a host of other celestial peaks, all in the shadow of the sacred Mardi Mountain (5,587 m / 18,330 ft).
Your passage unfolds through the verdant embrace of the 'Forest Camp,' a prelude to the charming villages of Pothana and Australian Camp, and the scenic heights of Badal Danda en route to High Camp. In the welcoming embrace of Pothana, indulge in exhilarating vistas of the encircling mountains, complemented by the warm and time-honored hospitality of the Gurung and Magar communities, enriching your Himalayan experience with cultural resonance.
Brief itinerary:
Day 1 : Pick up from your hotel in Kathmandu/Pokhara. (The travelers from Kathmandu will take a 30-minutes flight to Pokhara.) The trip begins with a 40-minute drive from Pokhara to Kande. The travelers will then begin their trek from Kande to Forest Camp via Australian camp and Pothana village (6-7 hours hike). A guest house in Forest Camp will be your halt for the night. (Max Altitude: 2,600 m / 8,530 ft)
Day 2 : Trek from Forest camp to High Camp over a span of 6-7 hours. High camp offers you a view of various mountain ranges and Ghandruk village. A guest house in High camp will be your halt for the night. (Max Altitude: 3,580 m / 11,745 ft)
Day 3 : Early morning hike (7-8 hours) from High Camp to Mardi Base Camp and back to Low Camp. A mountain guest house at Low camp will be your halt for the night. (Max Altitude: 4,500 m / 14,764 ft)
Optional for Day 3 : If the hike to Mardi Base Camp feels too demanding, travelers may choose to enjoy the panoramic views from Mardi View Point (4,200 m / 13,780 ft) and then descend to Low Camp.
Day 4 : Your day five begins with a descent of 4-5 hours from Low Camp to Siding. The trail offers you a pass via a dense forest with scenic views of waterfalls and ethnic villages. You will then take a 2 hour sharing jeep/bus drive back to Pokhara. Here you will bid a final farewell to your guide and porter. (Min Altitude: 830 m / 2,723 ft)
Note: Travelers will return to Pokhara by approximately 17:00 Hrs (05:00 PM) on the late afternoon of Day 4 and be dropped at their respective hotels in Pokhara. Travelers holding a return flight ticket will be transferred to Pokhara Airport for their flight to Kathmandu. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, they will be transferred to their respective hotels.
