Annapurna Base Camp Trek via Mardi Himal Base Camp

About Annapurna Base Camp

Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 meters' altitude gazes over the Annapurna Sanctuary and is one of the best trekking spots in Nepal. Panoramic 360-degree views of Himalayan giants such as Annapurna I (8091 m), Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and the extremely holy Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) in the center of the sanctuary are among the few visible sights. The glacial valleys are side-by-side-by-side—the upper one glacial and the lower half forested and cultivated; and from the fertile slopes, the trek provides the visitor with a glimpse of the successful culture of the Gurung and the Magar. A captivating place to immerse oneself in nature's beauty, alpine scenery, and scenery; a place to be explored by all trekkers.

About Mardi Himal Base Camp

Situated at a height of 4,300 meters, the Mardi Himal Base Camp is on a calm ridge below the breathtaking Machhapuchhre peak with one of the best close-up views of the Annapurna range. There are fewer visitors on this route, and this trip to MHBC is an insider's tip that goes through rhododendron forests, alpine meadows, and ridge views. From base camp, trekkers are given glorious views of Mardi Himal, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and the neighboring valleys; this is the best for nature lovers, pristine mountain scapes, and a lonely Himalayan experience.

What to Expect

Annapurna Base Camp Trek via Mardi Himal is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, as it combines two of Nepal's most beautiful trekking routes under a single grand adventure. What follows below is what you can be sure to enjoy:

• Variation of Topography: From terrace agriculture and subtropical woods to alpine meadow and glacial peak, the trek passes over scenically diverse landscapes in between.

• Two Iconic Base Camps: You'll be in the shadow of Annapurna I (4,130 m) and be treated to ridge-top Himalayan views of Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500 m) under Machhapuchhre.

• 360° Himalaya Panorama Views: Enjoy the wide vista views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) — especially from Poon Hill, ABC, and MHBC.

• Cultural Encounter: Hike through Gurung and Magar communities, along Nepalese local tea houses, and have a Nepalese local hospitality experience.

• Relaxing. Off-the-Beaten-Path Ridge Hikes and Trails: Although ABC is a good trek, the Mardi Himal trek features peaceful, off-the-beaten-path ridge hikes and trails.

• Moderate but Worthwhile: Treks are 4 to 7 hours per day with vertical climbs and declines. It's a moderate level of fitness needed but well worth the pretty vistas and overall experience.

• Natural Hot Springs: Relax in the natural hot springs with healing properties at Jhinu Danda following the ABC hike.

• Wildlife & Florals: Keep an eye out for Himalayan fauna such as langurs, goats, and pheasants. Blooms of flowers along the trail, with rhododendrons in the spring season.

• Sunrise Magic: See stunning sunrises in Poon Hill and High Camp, where gold rays penetrate white peaks.

• Well-Preserved Lodges: Rest in warm teahouses along the trek, with simple but comfortable lodgings and home-style food cooked locally. 

Best Season to Trek

Spring (March to May) 

Its presence has always been the tourist center for trekking wonderlands in a high-altitude region of Nepal. Rhododendron shoots begin to flower in the forest; wildflowers of every possible color come into bloom; and with maximum trekking conditions in tow, wholehearted fulfillment awaits any trekker as they step out. The dawn is invigoratingly crisp; daylight warms the spirits; and basking in all the natural wonder at such times is the perfect companion for high-altitude trekking. Far away from the view are the immense and mighty Himalayas of the classic incarnations of Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, and Mardi Himal.

Autumn (September-November)

This period holds magical timings for a Himalayan trek in Nepal. Thus is the finest season when the Annapurna trek is in accumulation service for most of the trekkers. The monsoons would clear up the skies, and there would not be a single obfuscation blocking the view of the Himalayas. Dry and steady Fay weather: the greatest festivals of Nepal are celebrated during this season-Dashain and Tihar, thereby enriching your trekking culture.

Permits for Trekking

You’ll need two permits while trekking in Annapurna Base Camp and Mardi Himal Base Camp. They are:

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

Annapurna Conservation Area is protected, so you need to have a permit to enter this area. The permit costs around USD 25 (NPR 3000) per person. SAARC nationals receive a 1000 Rs discount. 

Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Card 

In the TIMS card, your information is recorded. If any emergency occurs, your agency will help you. It costs around USD 12 (NPR 2000) per person. SAARC nations get a discount of RS 1000. 

Both these permits can be obtained from the Nepal Tourism Board Office in Kathmandu or Pokhara. If you don’t want to get in paperwork trouble, we, Nepal Trekking Rangers, will arrange all the permits for you. 

Food and Accommodation on Trek

Accommodation

You’ll be staying in a local teahouse throughout your trekking journey. The facilities are basic. The rooms are quite small, and a shared room is available. With a basic mattress, pillow, and blanket, there will be. Bathrooms are usually shared. 

In a lower altitude like Pokhara, you’ll get a private room with an attached bathroom. As you gain altitude, the facilities shift to basic, but you’ll enjoy the basic yet comfortable accommodation.

Food

At lower altitudes, you might get a variety of food options, but at higher altitudes, most of the teahouses have similar kinds of menus. You’ll be eating dal bhat for lunch and dinner. You’ll be eating healthy food made by local people, grown on their farm. Dal bhat consists of rice and lentils and may include 2 varieties of veggies and homemade pickles. You’ll eat a big portion of dal bhat, which provides you with energy for walking in a high-altitude region. 

For breakfast, you’ll get Tibetan bread, a bowl of soup, eggs, bread, or any other thing that is available in the teahouse. Some other food options are also available, like noodles, momo, pasta, and other varieties of food. 

Trekking Difficulty

The Annapurna Base Camp from Mardi Himal is moderately difficult to moderate. It's for intermediate to basic-level trekkers, but they need to have great stamina since it involves two high-altitude treks in a single trek.

Altitude

The journey has two peak points: Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130m and Mardi Himal Base Camp at 4,500m. There is less opportunity for altitude sickness than in the Everest area, but still, slowly acclimatizing, drinking plenty of fluid, and moving slowly upwards is recommended.

Trail Conditions

Trails are well and well-marked but with long ascents, steep descents, and rock steps, particularly from Hile to Ulleri and via Chhomrong. The Mardi Himal section has narrow ridges and steeper rises, particularly around High Camp and Base Camp. Some treks entail walking for 6 to 7 hours.

Physical Fitness

You don't need technical climbing skills, but good leg strength, cardiovascular fitness, and endurance are needed. Pre-holiday walking uphill or hill walking will be adequate to prepare you.

Packing Essentials

Packing wisely is much considered while trekking in Nepal’s Himalayan region. Here is the list of must-have essential gear that every trekker needs to pack while trekking in the Annapurna region: 

• Moisture-wicking base layers

• Thermal underwear

• Insulating fleece or down jacket

• Waterproof and windproof shell jacket

• Trekking pants

• Lightweight trekking shirts 

• Warm hat/beanie and sun hat

• Buff or neck gaiter

• Gloves (inner + waterproof outer)

• Warm trekking socks

• Sports bra and underwear

• Well-broken-in trekking boots 

• Lightweight camp shoes or sandals

• Gaiters 

• 40–50L backpack

• Duffel bag

• Daypack (20–25 L)

• A rain cover for a backpack

• 4-season sleeping bag (–10°C to –15°C)

• Sleeping bag liner

• Travel pillow (optional)

• Quick-dry towel

• UV-protection sunglasses

• Headlamp

• Trekking poles 

• Water bottles

• Water purification tablets or a filter

• Power bank and charging cables

• Small lock for bags

• Lightweight dry bags or zip-lock bags

• Biodegradable soap/shampoo

• Toothbrush & toothpaste

• Wet wipes & hand sanitizer

• Lip balm with SPF

• Sunscreen (SPF 30+)

• Feminine hygiene products

• Toilet paper

• Small quick-dry towel

• Personal medications

• Diamox

• Pain relievers 

• Band-aids and blister plasters

• Antiseptic cream

• Rehydration salts

• Anti-diarrheal tablets (e.g., Imodium)

• Valid passport and passport-sized photos

• Trekking permits (ACAP & TIMS)

• Travel insurance (must include high-altitude trekking)

• Copies of passport, visa, and permits

• Cash in NPR