Mardi Base Camp Trek with a 5 days itinerary from Pokhara is Cordial Trek’s newest addition to the already most popular trip in Nepal. Moreover, it is also considered suitable for all kinds of travelers. The trip is comparatively an easy trek and affordable trek package full of thrill and adventure. Furthermore, it highlights the very famous Mardi Base Camp (4500 m) of Mardi Himal (5587 m).
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. Additionally, 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 trek starts from the beautiful city of Pokhara and follows the route through the villages of Kande and Pothana. 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
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.
Trek Map
Mardi Base Camp Trek
Additional Information on Mardi Base Camp Trek from Pokhara:
Booking your Mardi Base Camp Trek from Pokhara:
We are now offering maximum flexibility for our guests’ convenience to book their trips into the ACAP region for 2024 and 2025. 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 455 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.
Packing for the Mardi Base Camp Trek:
Please click here for a complete checklist of your Mardi Base Camp Trek. Be sure to read it carefully and pack accordingly as per your personal preferences.
Trek Starting and Ending Days:
The complete trip from Day 1 to Day 5 consists of trekking distance. The travelers begin their trip on Day 1 with a short drive from Pokhara to Kande. Kande marks the start point of the trek. The travelers then trek towards Pritam Deurali for their night halt. Expect to spend 4 nights and 5 days completing the Mardi Base Camp Trek. You’ll begin your trek from Kande with overnight stays in Pritam Deurali, Low Camp, High Camp and Badal Danda.
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.
Accommodation during the trekking days:
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.
Food:
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 until the end of your trek, as proper toilet facilities are not available everywhere along the trekking trail.
Drinking Water on the Trek:
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.
Electricity, Charging and Wi-Fi:
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.
Cash for Extras and Tipping:
You should have Nepali rupees for expenses such as tea, coffee, bottled drinks and Wi-Fi. Plan to carry about USD 80-100 equivalent Nepali rupees. Additionally, set aside USD 80-120 for tipping your guide and porter. The amount can vary based on the level of service provided by the field staff members.
Baggage and Weight Limit:
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 Pokhara 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.
Availability of Guide & Porter:
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.
Highlights of Mardi Base Camp Trek:
1. Hike via beautiful village of Pothana and Pritam Deurali 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
Places You’ll See :
Pokhara is a metropolitan city in central Nepal that serves as the capital of Gandaki Province. It is the second most populous city of Nepal after Kathmandu.
1Pokhara
Dhampus is a village and Village Development Committee in Kaski District in the Gandaki Zone of northern-central Nepal. It has the Australian Base Camp with views of the peaks Annapurna, Dhaulagiri And Machhapuchhre.
2Dhampus
Badal Danda is a popular view point on the way to Mardi Base Camp.
3Badal Danda
Mardi Base Camp provides a base station for mountaineers before summiting the peak Mt. Mardi. Mt. Mardi is a 5587 meters (18330 ft) peak beneath the much more prominent Machapuchare in the Annapurna region of Nepal. It was first conquered in 1961 by Basil Goodfellow.
4Mardi Base Camp
Travel Itinerary:
Day 1 : Drive to Kande and Trek to Pritam Deurali (Max Altitude: 2060 m / 6759 ft)
The first day of the trip begins with an introduction and short briefing with your trek guide. The travelers will then be taking a short drive to Kande and trek (4-5 hours) to Pritam Deurali. A guest house in Pritam Deurali will be your halt for the night.
Accommodation: Mountain Guest House
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Approximate Trek Distance: 9 km / 5.6 miles
Day 2 : Trek to Low Camp (Max Altitude: 3000 m / 9843 ft)
On day two, the travelers will be taking a 5-6 hour trek from Pritam Deurali to Low Camp via Forest Camp and Middle Camp. Low Camp is a small settlement with tea houses that offers a panoramic view of the surrounding mountain range. A guest house in Low Camp will be your halt for the night.
Approximate Trek Distance: 11 km / 6.8 miles
Accommodation: Mountain Guest House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3 : Trek to High Camp (Max Altitude: 3580 m / 11745 ft)
Day three of your trip begins with a 3-4 hour hike towards the High Camp via Badal Danda. High Camp is the final settlement with tea houses. Moreover, it offers the visitors a spectacular up close view of Mt. Machhapuchhre, Mt. Annapurna South and Mt. Himchuli among others. The camp will be your halt for the night.
Approximate Trek Distance: 6 km / 3.7 miles
Accommodation: Mountain Guest House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 4 : Take a round trip to Mardi Base Camp (Max Altitude: 4500 m / 14764 ft)
On day four you will be on a 4-5 hour round trip from High Camp to Mardi Base Camp. You will then take a 2 hour hike down towards Badal Danda / Low Camp, your halt for the night.
Approximate Trek Distance: 14 km / 8.6 miles
Accommodation: Mountain Guest House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5 : Trek to Siding and travel back to Pokhara (Min Altitude: 830 m / 2723 ft)
Your day five begins with a descent of 3-4 hours from Low Camp to Siding. The trail offers you a pass via a dense forest with scenic views of waterfalls and ethnic villages among others. You will then take a 2 hour drive back to Pokhara. Here you will bid a final farewell to your guide and porter.
Optional: You may book any other new trips with us.
Approximate Trek Distance: 6 km / 3.7 miles
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
F.A.Q
Will I get a pick up and drop off service from my hotel in Pokhara ?
Yes, you will get a private vehicle pick up and drop off service from your hotel in Pokhara.
What is the weight limit for luggage during my trekking days?
All porters available at your service (one porter for every two travelers) can carry a maximum of 25 kilograms / 55 pounds each. You are therefore allowed to load a maximum of 12.5 kilograms / 27 pounds of luggage to your porter during your trekking days.
What about the communication services available during the trekking days?
All hotels and guest houses in the city area are available with free WiFi hotspots. Also, all travelers with a valid passport and a photograph are allowed to purchase a SIM Card upon their arrival in Nepal. The traveler must however additionally purchase data / voice packages as per their need and stay in Nepal. There are 2G, 3G and 4G services available with major carriers all over Nepal. You may optionally also purchase a WiFi service in the mountains where available.
Can I book this package as a solo traveler?
Yes, we do book a solo traveler. However a single traveler surcharge may be applied (an additional USD 150).
What about the foods / meals during my trekking days?
You will be provided with a full board meal / breakfast / complimentary dinner as per mentioned in the respective Trek / Tour package. You may however choose to purchase your additional meals / beverages where available.
Full board meal mentioned above includes breakfast with an omelet / boiled egg, toasts / local bread and one porridge with fried potatoes.
During your lunch you will be provided with Dal-Bhat-Tarkari, the most famous Nepalese food that contains rice and pulse / lentil with curries (vegetables / chicken) and pickle. Optionally you may choose your lunch for fried noodles with eggs / chicken / vegetables as well.
For your dinner you will have an option to choose between Dal-Bhat-Tarkari / Pizza / MoMo / Spaghetti.
How difficult is Mardi Base Camp Trek?
Mardi Base Camp Trek is a moderately challenging trek package as it includes high altitude (4500m) hikes. The package has however been successfully completed by children above 10 years of age as well as elders above 75 years of age. The difficulty however mostly relies upon your will power and physical fitness. The extremities you must expect here include a 5-6 hours hike with tea breaks in between.
Additionally, Cordial Trek also provides you with an experienced trek guide capable of first aid services and other assistance.
What items should I bring (or buy in Kathmandu) for this trip?
You may bring (or buy in Kathmandu) following items for this trip:
1. Warm clothes including a down jacket / puffer jacket, inner wears, hats, a beanie, gloves, neck gaiter, hiking boots, warm socks, a towel and a pair of hiking pants as well.
2. A Daypack (25-30 liters)
3. Backpack (A duffle bag will be provided to you by Cordial Trek)
4. Sleeping bag (will be provided to you by Cordial Trek)
5. Trekking Poles (will be provided to you by Cordial Trek)
6. A Camelbak or a water bottle
7. A sunscreen
8. A sunglass
9. A headlamp for night use
10. Your toiletries
What are the permits required for this trip?
You need not worry about any permits required. Cordial Trek will make necessary preparations for all the documents and travel permits (including TIMS and ACAP) required for your Mardi Base Camp Trek.
What's Included
Company T-shirt
First Aid
Full Board Meals (Trekking Days)
Mountain Guest House
Necessary Equipment
Pick Up and Drop
Porter
Private Vehicle
Travel Permits
Trekking Guide
Trekking Map
What's Excluded
Alcoholic Beverages
Gratitude for Guide and Porter
Hot / Cold Drinks
Insurance
Personal Expenses
Activities
Hiking
Snow and Ice
Sunrise
Trekking
Location Map
Why Book With Us?
Book your Trek / Trip /Tour with us for a secure, safe and joyful holiday experience.
‘Mardi Base Camp Trek’ is a short (7 days) trek package that is considered suitable for all kinds of travelers. It is comparatively a moderately challenging trek package full of thrill and adventure.
