Annapurna Base Camp & Mardi Himal Trek — 10 Days

Drive 45 minutes from Pokhara to Kande (1,770 m), the starting point of the Mardi Himal trail. Begin trekking uphill through rhododendron and oak forest on a well-graded trail. Forest Camp is a quiet collection of tea houses nestled in dense woodland, offering a peaceful introduction to the Mardi Himal route.

Climb steeply through thinning forest and alpine meadows with progressively improving views of Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South and the Mardi Himal massif. Low Camp (2,985 m) is a good rest stop before the final push to High Camp, perched on an open ridge with spectacular panoramas.

Early alpine start for the ridge walk to Mardi Himal Base Camp. The trail follows a narrow ridge with sheer drops and extraordinary close-up views of Machhapuchhre (6,993 m) — arguably the finest view of this sacred peak anywhere. Mardi Himal Base Camp sits at 4,500 m with Mardi Himal (5,587 m) towering above. Return to High Camp for the night.

Long descent via the lower Mardi Himal trail through forest and past terraced farmland. Siding (also called Lwang) is a traditional Gurung village rarely visited by trekkers, offering an authentic community experience. Local homestay accommodation may be available.

Trek from Siding through Landruk village, crossing the Modi Khola, then climb the eastern bank to Chhomrong — the gateway village of the Annapurna Sanctuary. Join the classic ABC trail at this Gurung hilltop settlement with excellent views of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli.

Descend the famous stone staircase from Chhomrong to the Chhomrong Khola, then climb to Sinuwa before dropping into the deep forest gorge at Bamboo. The trail is well-maintained and the forest increasingly lush and atmospheric with mosses and waterfalls.

Trek through Dovan and the settlement of Himalaya, ascending steadily as the valley narrows dramatically. The landscape transitions to high alpine terrain — waterfalls, glacial streams and towering rock walls on all sides. Machhapuchhre Base Camp sits beneath the sacred fishtail peak that may never be climbed.

Final ascent into the Annapurna Sanctuary over glacial moraine. The amphitheatre of Annapurna I (8,091 m), Annapurna South (7,219 m), Gangapurna (7,455 m) and Hiunchuli (6,441 m) forms a complete ring of peaks above 6,000 m. Afternoon at leisure at the highest point of the trek.

Sunrise over the Annapurna Sanctuary is one of Nepal most spectacular — the entire cirque of peaks turns vivid gold. Begin descent through MBC and all the way back to Bamboo, making efficient progress on the familiar trail.

Continue the descent from Bamboo, passing Kuldi and crossing the Chhomrong Khola to arrive at Jhinu Danda. Spend the afternoon at the famous natural hot springs on the Modi Khola riverbank — a perfect reward after days of high-altitude trekking.

Short morning trek to Nayapul through Syauli Bazaar. Board a private vehicle for the scenic drive back to Pokhara. Arrive in time for lunch by Phewa Lake with Machhapuchhre shimmering in the distance.

Full free day in Pokhara to recover and explore. Options include a sunrise drive to the World Peace Pagoda, paragliding from Sarangkot, a boat trip on Phewa Lake, or simply relaxing at lakeside cafes. Celebrate 12 days of spectacular trekking.

Transfer to Pokhara airport for domestic flight to Kathmandu or onward travel. The trek is complete, with memories of two spectacular mountain circuits that few trekkers combine.