What does starting from Kathmandu add to this trek?

The Kathmandu start includes a guided half-day city tour (Boudhanath, Pashupatinath), a scenic mountain flight or drive to Pokhara, and a lakeside orientation evening. It means your entire Nepal experience is handled end-to-end — no separate city logistics to arrange on arrival.

How many days are spent actually trekking versus travelling?

Roughly 8 of the 11 days are spent on trail, with 2 days for Kathmandu sightseeing and Pokhara transfer, and 1 day for the return journey. The trekking portion follows a comfortable moderate pace with daily stages of 5-7 hours.

Is this trek suitable for first-time visitors to Nepal?

Yes — it is designed for trekkers who want a complete Nepal introduction alongside the ABC experience. Our guides handle all logistics, teahouse bookings, and checkpoint permits so you can focus entirely on the trek. No prior Nepal experience is needed.

What permits are included in the price?

ACAP and TIMS permits are included, as are all domestic transfers, NMA-certified guide, porter service, teahouse accommodation, and breakfast and dinner throughout the trekking section. The Kathmandu hotel (2 nights, 3-star) and Pokhara hotel (1 night) are also covered.

What are the main mountain views on this route?

The route passes through rhododendron forests with views of Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, and Machapuchare (Fishtail) emerging as you ascend. At base camp (4,130m) you are surrounded on three sides by peaks above 6,000m. Clear morning views are most reliable in October and March.

What is the cancellation and rescheduling policy?

Cancellations made 30+ days before departure receive a full refund minus a $50 processing fee. Within 30 days, 50% is refunded. We offer free rescheduling once with at least 14 days notice. We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance that covers trek cancellation and evacuation.

TrekModerate

Ghorepani – Poonhill Mardi Himal Trek 9 days

9 days4,130 mFrom PokharaBest: Oct–Nov, Mar–May

Photo by Mark de Jong on Pexels

01 / 08

Fixed departures

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Locked-in dates on this exact route, a guaranteed guide, and fellow trekkers from around the world — often at better value. Seats fill fast.

Ghorepani – Poonhill Mardi Himal Trek 9 days

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Fixed group dates · 11 days Instant confirmation

Ghorepani – Poonhill Mardi Himal Trek 9 days

Nov2

Nov 2 → Nov 12

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$1,320

$1,070

Nov16

Nov 16 → Nov 26

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$1,320

Dec3

Dec 3 → Dec 13

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$1,320

Prefer your own dates? Book a private trek.

Duration

9 days

From

$1,320/person

Max Altitude

4,130 m

Difficulty

Moderate

Starts

Pokhara

Group Size

2–12 People

Stay

Tea House

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Best Season

Oct–Nov, Mar–May

4.9 NMA-licensed guides Secure Stripe checkout Reserve now, pay later

Trip Highlights

Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m) — glacial amphitheatre with 360° wall of peaks

Ghorepani Poon Hill sunrise (3,210 m) — the most iconic Annapurna viewpoint

Jhinu Danda natural hot springs — soak trail-tired muscles mid-trek

Chhomrong — largest Gurung village and gateway to the Annapurna Sanctuary

Rhododendron and bamboo forest along the Modi Khola river valley

Machapuchare Base Camp (3,700 m) — sacred Fishtail Mountain close-up

Ghandruk optional return through a classic Gurung heritage village

11-day pace from Pokhara: enough time for acclimatisation without rushing

From Kathmandu temples to Annapurna glaciers in 11 days — a complete Nepal journey that handles every detail so you just have to show up and trek.

Day-by-Day Itinerary(11 days)

Distance: Drive 1.5 hrs Trek 17 km (10.56 miles)Description: Begin your journey with a scenic drive from Pokhara to Birethathi (Acap Entry check point ) via Nayapool. From Birethanti trek slowly up through bank of Bhurungdi Strem river , beautiful villages and lush greenery to reach Tikhedhunga, a small hamlet that serves as a gateway to the Annapurna region. : The trek starts more a 1 hours ascent of stone steps to Ulleri village . Stop overnight at Local Guest house .

Distance: 18 km (11.2 miles)Description: Wake up early to 45 minuets step hike to Poon Hill for spectacular sunrise views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges . From Poon Hill, trekkers can enjoy breathtaking views of several peaks in the Annapurna range. Here are some of the notable peaks visible from Poon Hill, along with their heights in meters and feet:Annapurna I (the highest peak in the Annapurna range) Height: 8,091 m (26,545 ft)Annapurna II >Height: 7,937 m (26,040 ft)Annapurna III >Height: 7,555 m (24,836 ft)Annapurna South> Height: 7,219 m (23,684 ft)Fishtail (Machapuchare) >Height: 6,993 m (22,943 ft)Hiunchuli >Height: 6,441 m (21,132 ft)Dhaulagiri >Height: 8,167 m (26,795 ft) (visible on clear day on west side)Poon Hill is renowned for its panoramic views, especially during sunrise when the first light of day casts a golden glow on these majestic peaks. The view from an elevation of 3,210 m (10,531 ft) at Poon Hill grants trekkers a captivating experience of the Himalayas.Afterward, trek down to Hotel in Ghorepani , Breakfast and continue towards Tadapani through beautiful Rhododendron forests and small stream .

Distance: 3.2 km (2 miles)Description: Today this section of the trek offers some of the most dramatic mountain vistas. Winter season small ice stream river can be frizzing allowing with you all over the path . Our guide can enhance the experience, providing safety. The altitude gain is moderate, but staying hydrated and taking it slow will help you adjust to the thinner air on high altitude Place . Arrive at ABC and enjoy the breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of the Annapurna range which looks just Infront of you. Feel like to be in Peace of Heaven.

High Point: 4,130 m (13,550 ft)Distance: 24 km (15 miles)Description – Early morning enjoy sunrse from you your hotel.These peaks create a magnificent 360-degree view, making ABC one of the most scenic and rewarding trekking destinations in the Himalayas -Annapurna (8,091 meters / 26,545 feet): The 10th highest mountain in the world and the main peak of the Annapurna range, standing tall right in front of the base camp.Annapurna South (7,219 meters / 23,684 feet): Located to the south of ABC, this peak is one of the most prominent sights with its steep and rugged face.Hiunchuli (6,441 meters / 21,132 feet): A neighboring peak to Annapurna South, it’s often visible on the left side when facing the range.Machhapuchhre (6,993 meters / 22,943 feet): Also known as Fishtail Mountain, this sacred peak is easily recognizable by its unique shape and is visible directly from ABC, though climbing it is prohibited.Annapurna III (7,555 meters / 24,786 feet): Seen to the east of Annapurna I, its sharp ridge lines and steep faces make it a prominent sight.Gangapurna (7,455 meters / 24,457 feet): With its beautiful glacier-covered slopes, Gangapurna stands to the northwest and adds to the panoramic views.Tent Peak (Tharpu Chuli) (5,695 meters / 18,684 feet): A popular trekking peak often climbed for additional adventure, visible to the north of ABC.

Distance: ~14 km (9miles). Trek 5 hours’ Description : Trek 1 hrs up step and street till siwai , Trek down hil and up more hours till chomorong village . More 1 hors down hill trek getting back to Jinudada . Check in hotel and after while rest go down step 20 minutes walk bank o f the cold modhi khola river and enjoy natural hot water (provided small swim hot water pound for tourist where you can enjoy a hot spring bath). Back to hotel before evening . take a dinner and rest with local drinks (optional) Infront of wood fire. (we may have enjoy flok dance and music with locals ) till late night .

Distance: Trek 11 kilometers (6.9 miles).Drive 27 km > 1 hours Description: trek starts with an uphill climb through forests, leading to the village of Deurali with stunning mountain views terraced landscapes, offering beautiful views of Annapurna and Machhapuchhre from popular place Pothana and Australian camp.( or Dhampush/Phedi ) The final section is a steady descent through forests and small settlements, ending at Kande. After completing the trek, you will drive back to Pokhara from Kande, drive about 1 hours descending along the scenic roads with views of the surrounding hills and valleys. Check in Pokhara hotel before evening .

The 13-day ABC Trek from Kathmandu covers the full Annapurna Base Camp route plus the Kathmandu–Pokhara overland connection in a single package — ideal for trekkers flying into Kathmandu who want Annapurna Base Camp as their primary Nepal objective without the complexity of booking intercity transport separately. The 11-night trek portion follows the proven Modi Khola valley route with proper acclimatisation days and the Ghorepani/Poon Hill sunrise option included.

The journey opens with the Kathmandu–Pokhara drive or domestic flight (included), then follows the Modi Khola approach from Nayapul through the famous stone staircase at Tikhedhunga, the rhododendron forests of Ulleri and Ghorepani, and the dramatic ridge at Chhomrong before entering the Annapurna Sanctuary through the narrow Modi Khola gorge. The sanctuary's 360-degree amphitheatre of peaks — Annapurna I, Machapuchare, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna — is the destination moment. The descent includes Jhinu Danda hot springs and return to Pokhara for the Kathmandu connection.

Best seasons: October–November and March–May. Start/end: Kathmandu. Max altitude: ABC 4,130 m.

What's Included

Included

Government-registered English-speaking trek guide
Porter (1 per 2 trekkers)
ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area) permit
TIMS card
Pokhara–Nayapul private jeep (both ways)
All teahouse accommodation throughout
3 meals per day (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Altitude sickness kit and pulse oximeter
Hotel and airport transfers in Pokhara
All government taxes and service charges

Not Included

International airfare to/from Kathmandu
Nepal entry visa fee ($30–$50 on arrival)
Comprehensive travel insurance with emergency evacuation
Meals not listed in daily itinerary
Personal trekking gear and equipment
Tips for guides and porters
Beverages, hot showers, and battery charging at teahouses (payable direct)
Personal expenses and souvenirs
Any costs arising from illness, injury, or early departure

Pickup

Pokhara or Kathmandu: where should we pick you up?

This trip begins in Pokhara, Nepal’s lakeside trekking town. Most international flights land in Kathmandu, about 200 km away (25 minutes by plane or 6 to 8 hours by tourist bus), so you can either make your own way to Pokhara or let us collect you in Kathmandu.

Pickup in Pokhara

Trip starts here

Already in Pokhara? We collect you from your hotel at no charge.

Pokhara hotel pickupFrom any hotel in Pokhara, Lakeside included.Included
Pokhara airport pickupIncluded
Pokhara tourist bus park pickupWe quote

Pickup in Kathmandu

Landing in Kathmandu? We meet you at the airport or your hotel and get you to the start.

Kathmandu international airport (on arrival)Includes getting you to Pokhara by tourist bus or flight. The price depends on your arrival, so we confirm it with you.We quote
Kathmandu domestic airportWe quote
Kathmandu hotel pickupIncludes getting you to Pokhara by tourist bus or flight. The price depends on your arrival, so we confirm it with you.We quote
Kathmandu tourist bus park pickupWe quote

Hotel in the city

No hotel, I will book my own$0
Pokhara: tourist standard guest houseWe quote
Pokhara: 3-star hotel (bed & breakfast)We quote
Pokhara: 4-star hotel (bed & breakfast)We quote
Pokhara: 5-star hotel (bed & breakfast)We quote

Prices are per person and added to the trip price when you book. “We quote” means the price depends on your flight time and hotel, so our team confirms it with you before the trip. It is never added to your payment without asking.

Best Time to Go

Autumn (Sep–Nov)

Best season. Crystal-clear skies, stable weather, spectacular mountain views. Peak crowds on EBC and ABC trails.

Low: -5°C High: 15°C Possible above 4,500 m in November

Spring (Mar–May)

Second-best season. Rhododendrons in bloom, good visibility. Slightly warmer than autumn. Pre-monsoon clouds build in afternoon.

Low: -2°C High: 18°C Possible above 5,000 m in March

Winter (Dec–Feb)

Cold but uncrowded. Clear skies and great views. High passes may be snowed-in. Lower altitude treks (Ghorepani, Langtang lower) remain open.

Low: -15°C High: 8°C Heavy above 3,500 m

Monsoon (Jun–Aug)

Wet season. Trails slippery, leeches on lower sections, views often obscured. Not recommended except for rain-shadow regions (Upper Mustang).

Low: 10°C High: 22°C None at low altitude

Permits Required

TIMS Card

NPR 2,000 (about US$15)

Required for all trekkers in Nepal

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

NPR 3,000 (about US$23)

Required for Annapurna region. Valid for single entry.

All permits are arranged and included in your package price. Nothing to organise yourself.

What to Pack

Moisture-wicking base layers (top + bottom)

Fleece mid-layer jacket

Down jacket (600+ fill power)

Waterproof shell jacket and pants

Trekking trousers (2 pairs)

Trekking shorts (1 pair)

Merino wool socks (4–5 pairs)

Liner socks (3 pairs)

Warm hat / beanie

Sun hat or cap

Lightweight gloves

Heavy gloves or mittens for high passes

Neck gaiter or buff

Thermal underwear set

A detailed packing list will be sent with your booking confirmation. Gear rental available in Kathmandu and Pokhara.

Frequently Asked Questions

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