Mardi Base Camp Trek with Chitwan

The 14-Day Mardi Base Camp Trek with Chitwan Jungle Safari begins in Kathmandu and combines Himalayan trekking, cultural exploration, and wildlife encounters in one streamlined itinerary. With all road transfers included, the journey links Nepal’s mountains, jungles, and heritage sites, creating a balanced and rewarding experience for both new and seasoned travelers.

Kathmandu Arrival and Introduction

Your adventure begins in Kathmandu, where our team welcomes you at the airport and transfers you to your hotel for a comfortable first night. This initial day offers a gentle introduction to Nepal’s vibrant capital. After settling in, you may stroll through the nearby streets, try local cuisine, or simply rest before heading toward the Himalayas.

Drive to Pokhara: Gateway to the Annapurnas

The next morning, you travel to Pokhara by road. The scenic drive passes rivers, terraced fields, and traditional settlements. Upon arrival, Pokhara greets you with calm lakeside views and stunning Himalayan reflections over Phewa Lake. At 822 meters, the city provides an ideal and peaceful environment before your trek begins.

Mardi Base Camp Trek Overview

From Pokhara, the trail leads to Dhampus and Pothana, villages known for warm Gurung hospitality and open views of the Annapurnas. As you ascend, the route winds through rhododendron, oak, and bamboo forests, creating a soothing and immersive trekking experience. Gradually, the landscape opens toward the high ridge of Mardi Himal. The trail eventually guides you to Mardi Himal Base Camp, where panoramic views of Mardi Himal, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli unfold in full scale. Because this route remains less crowded than others in the Annapurna region, the journey feels quieter, more personal, and deeply refreshing.

Mardi Himal: A Distinct Himalayan Ridge

Mardi Himal rises to 5,587 meters, directly beneath the iconic Machapuchhre (Fishtail Mountain). The two peaks are divided by a high col at roughly 5,200 meters, giving the ridge its sharp and dramatic profile. Although the peak was first summited in 1961, the trekking route opened only in 2012. Since then, it has gained popularity for its serene paths, close Himalayan views, and status as an officially recognized Trekking Peak—an appealing combination for beginners and experienced hikers alike.

Pokhara After the Trek

After returning from the mountains, you spend a relaxing night in Pokhara. This break allows you to enjoy lakeside views, explore the city, or simply rest after the high-altitude journey. The peaceful setting offers a smooth transition before you continue south toward the jungles of Nepal.

Chitwan Jungle Safari: Wildlife and Culture

Next, you drive to Chitwan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its diverse wildlife. Here, you embark on a Jeep Safari or Elephant Ride, venturing deep into the forest in search of the Royal Bengal Tiger, the endangered One-Horned Rhinoceros, crocodiles, gharials, deer, and numerous bird species. Your stay also includes cultural interaction with the Tharu community. Their traditional dances, local cuisine, and unique lifestyle add meaningful depth to your jungle experience.

Kathmandu Day Tour: Heritage and Spirituality

After completing your Chitwan stay, you return to Kathmandu by road. The final portion of your trip includes a guided tour of the Kathmandu Valley’s most significant heritage sites. You will visit four UNESCO World Heritage Sites—Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, Pashupatinath, and Kathmandu Durbar Square. In addition, you may witness the living goddess Kumari, offering a rare cultural moment before your departure.

Trek Map

Mardi Base Camp Trek

Additional information on Mardi Base Camp Trek with Chitwan Jungle Safari:

Dossier disclaimer:

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.

Booking your Mardi Base Camp Trek with Chitwan Jungle Safari:

We are now offering maximum flexibility for our guests’ convenience to book their trips in Nepal for 2026, 2027, and 2028. 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 999 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.

Booking your International Flight:

For your 14-Day Mardi Base Camp Trek with Chitwan Jungle Safari, you should plan to arrive in Kathmandu on Day 1 and depart on Day 14. However, having some extra one or two buffer days can prevent any issues with your return tickets.

Checklist for 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.

Checklist for Chitwan National Park Tour:

As bright colors like red and yellow make it difficult for you to blend in with your surroundings, darker hues like black, brown, gray or tan are most preferable. The idea is to blend into the bush so that wildlife is undisturbed, and you can view them in their natural habitat. Moreover, as you will be in the middle of the jungle, it is highly recommended that you wear full sleeve clothes even in the summer to avoid any insect bites and skin rashes. Additionally, comfortable shoes that cover your feet effectively are also recommended.

During the afternoon, sunscreen is very crucial with proper eye shades as well. You might as well carry a bottle of water to stay hydrated.

Furthermore, it is recommended to dress in layers if you are planning for the tour during mid winter to keep yourself warm. Similarly, if you want to go on your adventure during the monsoon, you must have proper rain wear.

Despite the proper preparations, you should constantly be ready for insect bites and rashes. It is therefore advisable to keep an insect repellent with you throughout the tour.

Arrival information:

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.

Trek starting and ending days:

The actual trekking days are from Day 3 to Day 9. The trekkers begin their trip on Day 2 with a 6-7 hours bus ride from Kathmandu to Pokhara. The travelers on Day 3 then take another short drive from Pokhara to Kande to begin their trek. Expect to spend 6 nights and 7 days completing the Mardi Base Camp Trek. You’ll begin your trek from Kande & move towards Mardi Base Camp and back to Pokhara with overnight stays in Pothana, Forest Camp, Badal Danda, High Camp, Low Camp & Kalimati.

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 in Kathmandu, Pokhara & Chitwan:

In Kathmandu, Pokhara & Chitwan you’ll stay in a 3 Star Category Hotel with twin/double sharing beds.

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:

In Kathmandu & Pokhara, 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 trekking days & Chitwan Jungle Safari, 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.

Drinking water during 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 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.

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 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.

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 with Chitwan:

1. Enjoy both the high Himalayas and the subtropical lowlands in one seamless itinerary.

2. Trek along a quieter Mardi Himal route with peaceful forests and stunning viewpoints.

3. Experience constantly shifting scenery, from alpine ridgelines to lush jungles.

4. Connect with Gurung and Tharu communities for meaningful cultural interactions.

5. Spot rhinos, elephants, crocodiles, and possibly the Bengal tiger in Chitwan.

6. Travel smoothly with all transfers included and a well-paced 14-Day program.

7. Discover the historic heritage of Kathmandu Valley on an elegantly guided full-day tour.