Mardi Base Camp Short Trek is the most popular 7 Days trip in Nepal that is considered suitable for all kinds of travelers. It is comparatively an easy trek package full of thrill and adventure. The trip highlights the very famous Mardi Base Camp (4500 m / 14764 ft) of Mardi Himal (5587 m / 18330 ft). Moreover, the mountain itself falls inside Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP). ACAP is Nepal’s largest protected area covering 7629 km2 in the Annapurna range of the Himalayas. Furthermore, it ranges in elevation from 790 m to the peak of Annapurna I at 8091 m. The conservation area stretches across Manang, Mustang, Kaski, Myagdi, and Lamjung Districts. Annapurna Conservation Area encompasses Annapurna Sanctuary and is known for several trekking routes including Annapurna Circuit.
The trip begins with a scenic drive from the beautiful city of Kathmandu to Pokhara and follows the route through the villages to Dhampus. It then passes through dense forests of oak, rhododendron, and bamboo. The trail then heads towards the Mardi Himal Base Camp offering its travelers stunning views of the Mardi Himal, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli peaks. While on your stay in Dhampus village you will also be enjoying the exhilarating panoramic view of your ethereal surroundings with traditional Gurung hospitality at your service.
Mardi Himal is a 5587 m peak beneath the much more prominent Machapuchhre in the Annapurna region of Nepal. It is thus separated by a 5200 from the Fishtail Mountain. It was first successfully summited in 1961 by Basil Goodfellow. The Mardi Himal Trek was however opened to the public only after 2012. It is therefore also known by the name Virgin Trail. The peak is now also classified by the Government of Nepal as a Trekking Peak.
This trip details here are compiled with due diligence and provided in good faith. However, please be aware that information contained herein is subject to alteration and does not form a contractual agreement between the client and Cordial Trek Pvt. Ltd. The published itinerary is correct at the time of printing. We are always committed to providing you with an enriching and enjoyable trip.
We are now offering maximum flexibility for our guests’ convenience to book their trips into the ACAP region for 2025 and 2026. You may thus choose a date that best suits your schedule. Regarding your booking, please select one of the two available options. You may either pay USD 100 per person as a booking amount to confirm your trip or pay the full amount of USD 645 per person upfront. Moreover, if you opt for the booking, the remaining is payable via Online / Card Swipe / Cash. We also accept all of the convertible currencies including USD, AUD, CAD, EURO, GBP, SGD, etc. when you arrive in Kathmandu.
For your 7 Days Mardi Base Camp Trek, you should plan to arrive in Kathmandu on Day 1 and depart on Day 8. However, having some extra one or two buffer days can prevent any issues with your return tickets.
Please click here for a complete checklist of your 7-Days Mardi Base Camp Short Trek. Be sure to read it carefully and pack accordingly as per your personal preferences.
Once you’ve booked your flight ticket, please share the details with us so that we can provide you with a complimentary airport pickup. Our airport representative will then be waiting for you at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, holding our official name Cordial Trek and your nameplate as you exit the airport terminal. Additionally, if you’re arriving earlier, we can also arrange an accommodation for extra nights with add-on tours for additional cost.
The actual trekking days are from Day 3 to Day 7. The trekkers begin their trip on Day 2 with a 6-7 hours bus ride from Kathmandu to Pokhara. The travelers then take another short drive from Pokhara to Dhampus for their night halt. Dhampus also marks the starting point of the trek. The travelers will then commence the trek on Day 3 towards Forest Camp. Expect to spend 5 nights and 5 days completing the Mardi Base Camp Trek. You’ll begin your trek from Dhampus with overnight stays in Forest Camp, Badal Danda, High Camp and Low Camp.
Each day’s trek will begin around 07:30 AM and conclude in the late afternoon, with frequent breaks to catch your breath. You’ll have numerous photo opportunities along the way and enjoy dinner and breakfast at the same place, while lunch is en route.
Additionally, your guide will provide you with regular briefings about timing and stops every morning before the trek begins.
In Kathmandu, you’ll stay in a 3 Star Category Hotel with twin/double sharing beds.
During the trek, your accommodation options are mostly at teahouses. Although basic, these tea houses are clean and provide a comfortable place for a good night’s rest.
In Kathmandu, your package includes breakfast only, typically served buffet-style. Except if you plan to leave for your trip early in the morning, you have an option to receive a packaged breakfast as well. During the trek, you will be provided with full board meals and may choose from a menu offering local and international cuisines.
Note: It is highly advisable to stick to vegetarian food from your arrival in Kathmandu until the end of your trek, as proper toilet facilities are not available everywhere along the trekking trail.
Bottled water is available along the trail, but we encourage you to bring your own reusable water bottles and treat tap water to reduce single-use plastic bottle waste. Be sure to bring water treatment pills and flavorings to enhance the taste. Staying hydrated is essential, so aim to drink more than 4 liters of water every day while trekking.
Please keep in mind that you’re embarking on a trek and not exploring urban areas. While some facilities like charging and Wi-Fi are available at an extra cost, they are not guaranteed. We also recommend against planning to work or conduct online meetings during the trek, allowing you to fully enjoy the trekking experience.
You should have Nepali rupees for expenses such as tea, coffee, bottled drinks and Wi-Fi. Plan to carry about USD 100-120 equivalent Nepali rupees. Additionally, set aside USD 100-150 for tipping your guide and porter. The amount can vary based on the level of service provided by the field staff members.
Your porter is limited to carrying a maximum of 25 kgs for every two travelers. However if you are a solo traveler or want to pay extra for a private porter you may utilize the complete 25 kgs. Else, if you have items that you don’t need on the trek, you can leave them at your Kathmandu hotel for storage at no extra cost. But remember to take a photo of your bag-tag and keep it for easy identification in case the original tag is lost.
As said earlier, every two travelers will be provided with a single porter and an experienced guide. Therefore, the baggage must be divided between 12.5 kgs each as every porter carries a maximum of 25 kgs. Additionally, both guide and porter will be insured and well equipped with necessary items and first aid kit.
1. Hike via beautiful village of Dhampus
2. Trek inside the lush green jungles of Forest Camp
3. Spectacular 360 degree view from Badal Danda
4. Hike to Mardi Base Camp (4500 m)
5. An overnight stay at High Camp
6. Drive via beautiful city of Pokhara