Annapurna Base Camp plus Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek - 12 Days

Trip Overview

12 days you can have in Nepal and we take you to both the Annapurna base camp and Mardi Himal trek together in one itinerary. You walk into the Annapurna Sanctuary to reach Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 m, where a ring of high peaks rises around you. Later, you climb to the Mardi Himal Viewpoint at 4,200 m and Mardi Himal Base Camp at up to 4,500 m for sunrise over the Annapurna range.

Along the way, the trail passes through bamboo and rhododendron forests, traditional villages, waterfalls and open alpine terrain. The route starts at Jhinu Danda and leads through Sinuwa, Deurali and Machhapuchhre Base Camp to Annapurna Base Camp, then returns to Jhinu Danda before turning toward Mardi Himal through Forest Camp and High Camp. It is a demanding trek, best for fit and well prepared trekkers who enjoy long walking days and feel comfortable at altitude. If you are looking for more than a short trek and are ready for a real Himalayan challenge, this journey rewards you with two of the Annapurna region’s finest destinations in a single trip.

Trip Detail

Itinerary Overview

This 12 day Annapurna Base Camp and Mardi Himal Base Camp trek combines two classic Himalayan routes in one journey. You fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara and drive to Jhinu Danda. From there you cross the suspension bridge and trek uphill to Sinuwa, then continue to Deurali, Machhapuchhre Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp. After a night in the sanctuary, you descend through Deurali and Dovan to Jhinu Danda. The trail then turns toward Mardi Himal, climbing through forest to Forest Camp and High Camp. On Day 9 you start around 4:00 AM for the Mardi Himal Viewpoint and Mardi Himal Base Camp, return to High Camp for lunch and descend to Badal Danda. A short trek to Siding and a 4WD drive take you back to Pokhara, followed by a flight to Kathmandu, a farewell dinner and your departure.

Here is a quick look at how your 12 day trek unfolds.

• Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu, attend a trip briefing and transfer to your hotel and enjoy a welcome dinner.

• Day 2: Fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara, drive to Jhinu Danda and trek to Sinuwa.

• Day 3: Trek from Sinuwa to Deurali 

• Day 4: Trek from Deurali via Machhapuchhre Base Camp to Annapurna Base Camp.

• Day 5: Descend from Annapurna Base Camp to Dovan.

• Day 6: Trek from Dovan to Jhinu Danda.

• Day 7: Trek from Jhinu Danda to Forest Camp.

• Day 8: Trek from Forest Camp to High Camp.

• Day 9: Early morning hike to Mardi Himal Viewpoint and Mardi Himal Base Camp, then descend to Badal Danda.

• Day 10: Trek from Badal Danda to Siding and drive to Pokhara.

• Day 11: Fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu and enjoy a farewell dinner.

• Day 12: Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward journey.

Why You Will Love This Trek

• Two Base Camps in One Trek: Why choose between Annapurna Base Camp and Mardi Himal when you can walk both? You reach Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 m on Day 4 and Mardi Himal Base Camp at up to 4,500 m on Day 9, all within 12 days.

• A Night Inside the Annapurna Sanctuary: Many people visit Annapurna Base Camp for a short stop, but here you stay the night. You watch the light change on Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, Annapurna III and Machhapuchhre at sunset, and see them again in the morning.

• Sunrise from the Mardi Himal Viewpoint: On Day 9 you leave High Camp around 4:00 AM to reach the Mardi Himal Viewpoint at 4,200 m in time for sunrise. It is the most memorable morning of the trek, with Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South and Hiunchuli glow in the first light.

• Machhapuchhre from Two Sides: You walk beneath the “Fishtail” mountain at Machhapuchhre Base Camp on the way to Annapurna Base Camp, and later see it again from High Camp on the Mardi Himal side. Same mountain, two very different views.

• Forests, Waterfalls and Mountain Villages: Between Sinuwa and Deurali you walk through bamboo and rhododendron forests, past small settlements and waterfalls. On Day 8 you climb through more rhododendron forest to High Camp, and the views open up with every hour.

• A Journey Through the Modi Khola Valley: After Annapurna Base Camp, you retrace the Modi Khola valley through Machhapuchhre Base Camp, Deurali and Dovan, seeing the same valley in the reverse direction and in a different light.

• Natural Hot Springs near Jhinu Danda: On Day 6, after a long descent from Annapurna Base Camp, you reach Jhinu Danda. If time and energy allow, you can visit the natural hot springs nearby and rest your legs before the Mardi Himal section.

• A Well Supported Trek with Comfort at Every Step: You begin with a welcome dinner and end with a farewell dinner, stay in 4 star hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara, and enjoy full board meals in mountain lodges on the trail. Your Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and an experienced English speaking trekking guide are included, so you can focus on the walking.

Altitude and Activities

The trek starts at Jhinu Danda, climbs to Sinuwa at 2,360 m and Deurali at 3,230 m, and reaches Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 m on Day 4. After descending to Dovan at 2,500 m and Jhinu Danda at 1,760 m, you climb again through Forest Camp at 2,550 m to High Camp at 3,585 m. The highest point is Mardi Himal Base Camp at up to 4,500 m on Day 9, the longest and most demanding day, with the Mardi Himal Viewpoint at 4,200 m on the way. You then descend to Badal Danda at 3,210 m, and finish with a short trek to Siding and a drive to Pokhara.

Accommodation and Meals

You will spend nights in 4 star hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara, and in mountain lodges throughout the trekking section. Daily breakfast is included in Kathmandu and Pokhara. On the trekking days, full board meals of breakfast, lunch and dinner are included. A welcome dinner is arranged on Day 1 and a farewell dinner on Day 11.