A compact five-day trek from Pokhara to Mardi Himal Base Camp reaching roughly 4,500 m. Expect rhododendron forests, sweeping views of Machapuchare and Annapurna, and lodge-to-lodge trekking with a strong cultural thread through Gurung villages.
A compact five-day trek from Pokhara to Mardi Himal Base Camp reaching roughly 4,500 m. Expect rhododendron forests, sweeping views of Machapuchare and Annapurna, and lodge-to-lodge trekking with a strong cultural thread through Gurung villages.
The trek opens before dawn in Pokhara, with a private drive to Kande and the scent of damp earth underfoot.
You climb through terraced fields and rhododendron forests that push sunlight into shafts, each switchback lifting Machapuchare (Fishtail) higher into view.
By the time you reach High Camp the air thins and the ridgelines sharpen; on day four the trail crests at Mardi Himal Base Camp (about 4,500 m) where a 360° sweep of Annapurna, Hiunchuli and Fishtail rewards the effort.
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Operated by Peace Himalaya Treks & Travels Pvt. Ltd · Pokhara, Gandaki Province
The trek opens before dawn in Pokhara, with a private drive to Kande and the scent of damp earth underfoot.
You climb through terraced fields and rhododendron forests that push sunlight into shafts, each switchback lifting Machapuchare (Fishtail) higher into view.
By the time you reach High Camp the air thins and the ridgelines sharpen; on day four the trail crests at Mardi Himal Base Camp (about 4,500 m) where a 360° sweep of Annapurna, Hiunchuli and Fishtail rewards the effort.
This route threads the southern slopes of the Annapurna massif—rock uplift and glacial carving have created steep valleys and hanging cliffs—while local Gurung villages scatter the lower ridges, offering a living glimpse of rural mountain life.
Lodges along the way are simple teahouses; the trek infrastructure developed with rising trekking traffic since the 1970s.
Practically, expect 4–7 hours walking per day on mixed dirt trails, stone stairways and occasional scree, with total altitudes ranging from ~1,600 m at Pothana to 4,500 m at base camp.
Permits (TIMS and local trekking permits) are required; guides handle logistics and acclimatization pacing.
Hydrate, layer for wide temperature swings, and use trekking poles for loose descents.
This five-day itinerary is best in stable weather (spring and autumn) but can be done in shoulder seasons with proper cold-weather kit.
Support local lodges, pack out waste, and give yourself time at High Camp to enjoy the view rather than racing the summit push.
You need a TIMS card and the local Annapurna Conservation Area permit; guides typically arrange these before the trek.
No technical experience is required, but prior multi-day trekking and good cardio fitness help; altitude awareness and pacing are essential.
Simple teahouse lodges with shared rooms and basic facilities provide meals and a bed—expect rustic comfort rather than hot-water luxury.
Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) offer the most stable weather and clear mountain views; shoulder seasons are possible with extra cold-weather gear.
Peace Himalaya Treks & Travels Pvt. Ltd operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.




The trek opens before dawn in Pokhara, with a private drive to Kande and the scent of damp earth underfoot.
You climb through terraced fields and rhododendron forests that push sunlight into shafts, each switchback lifting Machapuchare (Fishtail) higher into view.
By the time you reach High Camp the air thins and the ridgelines sharpen; on day four the trail crests at Mardi Himal Base Camp (about 4,500 m) where a 360° sweep of Annapurna, Hiunchuli and Fishtail rewards the effort.
The trek opens before dawn in Pokhara, with a private drive to Kande and the scent of damp earth underfoot.
You climb through terraced fields and rhododendron forests that push sunlight into shafts, each switchback lifting Machapuchare (Fishtail) higher into view.
By the time you reach High Camp the air thins and the ridgelines sharpen; on day four the trail crests at Mardi Himal Base Camp (about 4,500 m) where a 360° sweep of Annapurna, Hiunchuli and Fishtail rewards the effort.
This route threads the southern slopes of the Annapurna massif—rock uplift and glacial carving have created steep valleys and hanging cliffs—while local Gurung villages scatter the lower ridges, offering a living glimpse of rural mountain life.
Lodges along the way are simple teahouses; the trek infrastructure developed with rising trekking traffic since the 1970s.
Practically, expect 4–7 hours walking per day on mixed dirt trails, stone stairways and occasional scree, with total altitudes ranging from ~1,600 m at Pothana to 4,500 m at base camp.
Permits (TIMS and local trekking permits) are required; guides handle logistics and acclimatization pacing.
Hydrate, layer for wide temperature swings, and use trekking poles for loose descents.
This five-day itinerary is best in stable weather (spring and autumn) but can be done in shoulder seasons with proper cold-weather kit.
Support local lodges, pack out waste, and give yourself time at High Camp to enjoy the view rather than racing the summit push.