Most trekkers in the Annapurna region have to choose between two very different experiences: the quiet, offbeat trail to Mardi Himal Base Camp, or the classic, well-loved route to Annapurna Base Camp. The Mardi Himal to ABC trek solves that problem by combining both into a single 15-day journey, so you get the solitude of one and the iconic mountain amphitheatre of the other, without having to pick.
TrekNomads' itinerary for this route is built specifically around reaching Mardi Himal Base Camp before continuing on to Annapurna Base Camp, so both high points are covered in full rather than treated as an optional add-on. Here's a complete route guide covering the itinerary, terrain, difficulty, and everything else worth knowing before you commit to this trek.
Trek Overview at a Glance
- Duration: 15 days from Kathmandu to Kathmandu
- Highest points: Mardi Himal Base Camp at 4,500 metres and Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 metres
- Difficulty: Moderate to difficult, manageable for trekkers with basic fitness
- Total distance: Over 120 kilometres across the full route
- Best season: March to May and September to November
Mardi Himal to Annapurna Base Camp Itinerary, Day by Day
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m) Land in Kathmandu and settle in at the hotel, with the rest of the day free to rest before the trek begins.
Day 2: Kathmandu to Pokhara to Kande to Deurali (2,100m). A short flight takes you to Pokhara, followed by a drive to Kande and a first trek through rhododendron forest to Deurali.
Day 3: Deurali to Forest Camp (2,600m). A longer day through dense oak and rhododendron forest, gaining around 500 metres of altitude.
Day 4: Forest Camp to High Camp (3,540m). The trail moves through alpine forest and rougher terrain, opening up to your first proper views of Annapurna and Machapuchare.
Day 5: Mardi Himal Base Camp excursion (4,500m) and trek to Low Camp (2,900m). The longest day of the trek. You hike up to Mardi Himal Base Camp for panoramic mountain views before descending to Low Camp for the night.
Day 6: Low Camp to Jhinu Danda (1,780m) A downhill trek to Jhinu Danda, home to natural hot springs, a welcome stop after the Mardi Himal section.
Day 7: Jhinu Danda to Bamboo (2,310m) The trail heads back uphill through bamboo forest toward the Annapurna Base Camp section of the route.
Day 8: Bamboo to Deurali (3,230m) A steady climb through valleys and rugged paths, setting up the final approach to Annapurna Base Camp.
Day 9: Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m) The trek's second major milestone. You reach ABC surrounded by the full Annapurna Massif.
Day 10: Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo (2,310m) The descent begins, retracing the route back through familiar terrain.
Day 11: Bamboo to Jhinu Danda (1,780m) A second, well-earned stop at the Jhinu Danda hot springs to ease the legs before the final stretch.
Day 12: Jhinu Danda to Nayapul, drive to Pokhara. A shorter trek to Nayapul, followed by a drive back into Pokhara.
Day 13: Explore Pokhara. A free day in Pokhara, with time for sites like the Peace Pagoda, the International Mountain Museum, or optional paragliding.
Day 14: Fly back to Kathmandu. A short flight returns you to Kathmandu, with time for last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
Day 15: Final departure. Transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Terrain and Landscape Along the Route
One of the biggest draws of this combined route is how much the landscape changes over 15 days. You start in subtropical forest lower down, move through dense rhododendron and oak woodland, pass through bamboo groves, and eventually reach alpine meadows and bare, rocky terrain near both base camps. Few single treks in Nepal pack in this much variety.
Flora and Fauna You Might Spot
The trail runs through the Annapurna Conservation Area, which supports a wide range of wildlife. Keep an eye out for Himalayan Tahr grazing on the steep slopes, playful langur monkeys in the forested sections, and if you're lucky, the elusive musk deer at higher elevations. Birdwatchers will find plenty to look at too, including Nepal's national bird, the Himalayan Monal, along with various pheasants and eagles. Snow leopard sightings are technically possible in the high Annapurna range, though genuinely rare.
Why This Route Works So Well as a Combination
Doing Mardi Himal and Annapurna Base Camp together isn't just about covering more distance; it changes the character of the trip. Mardi Himal gives you quiet trails and a peaceful build-up to your first 4,000m-plus viewpoint, while Annapurna Base Camp delivers the classic, dramatic mountain amphitheatre that the region is famous for. The natural hot springs at Jhinu Danda, visited twice on this itinerary, are a genuinely useful bonus for recovering muscles between the two demanding sections.
Along the way, the trail also passes through traditional Gurung and Magar villages, adding a cultural layer to what is otherwise a very nature-focused trek.
How Difficult Is the Mardi Himal to ABC Trek?
This route is graded moderate to difficult. It's more demanding than either base camp trek done individually, simply because of the added distance and consecutive trekking days, but it doesn't require any technical climbing experience. Daily walks generally run 5 to 7 hours, with a couple of longer days, particularly the Mardi Himal Base Camp excursion, that stretch closer to 8 to 9 hours.
Despite the moderate to difficult rating, this trek remains accessible to beginners with a reasonable fitness base, and it's genuinely suitable for a wide age range, families included, as long as everyone has put in some basic preparation beforehand.
Best Time for the Mardi Himal to ABC Trek
Spring, from March to May, and autumn, from September to November, are the recommended windows. These months bring stable weather, clear mountain views, and comfortable trekking temperatures, both important given how much time this itinerary spends at altitude.
Who This Trek Is Suited For
Because of its flexible pacing and well-established teahouse route, this trek works for a broad range of trekkers, first-timers building up to a bigger Himalayan trek, families trekking together, and solo or women travellers, for whom TrekNomads also organises dedicated women-only group departures. Prior trekking experience isn't mandatory, though a reasonable level of fitness and a few weeks of preparation beforehand will make the longer days noticeably easier.
What's Included When You Trek With TrekNomads
The 15-day itinerary is run as a fully supported package, with hotel stays in Kathmandu and Pokhara before and after the trek, ten nights at premium teahouses along the route, and all meals with tea and coffee included throughout. You trek with a licensed guide and assistant guide, with a porter shared between every two trekkers, and permits including the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit and TIMS card are arranged as part of the booking.
Safety provisions include a carried oxygen cylinder for emergencies, mandatory travel insurance covering high-altitude evacuation, and guides trained to monitor for altitude sickness throughout the trek. A few extras- an expedition-grade duffel bag, a personalised Dri-Fit t-shirt, and gear discounts- round out the package.
Final Thought
The Mardi Himal to ABC trek is one of the more complete ways to experience the Annapurna region in a single trip: quiet forest trails, two separate high-altitude base camps, natural hot springs, and genuine cultural stops along the way. It asks for more time and stamina than either trek alone, but for trekkers who want the full Annapurna experience without doing two separate trips, this route delivers exactly that.
FAQs
1. Is the Mardi Himal to Annapurna Base Camp Trek suitable for first-time trekkers?
Yes. The trek is graded as moderate to difficult, but it doesn't involve technical climbing. With a reasonable level of fitness and some preparation before the trek, first-time trekkers can complete it comfortably.
2. How long is the Mardi Himal to Annapurna Base Camp Trek?
The TrekNomads itinerary runs for 15 days and 14 Nights, including your arrival and departure from Kathmandu, sightseeing time in Pokhara, and the complete trekking route covering both Mardi Himal Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp.
3. What is the highest altitude reached during the trek?
The highest point of the trek is Mardi Himal Base Camp at 4,500 metres. The route also reaches Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 metres, giving trekkers the chance to experience two high-altitude destinations in one journey.
4. Which mountains can I see on the Mardi Himal to ABC Trek?
The trek offers spectacular views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and the surrounding Annapurna Massif. The scenery changes throughout the trek, with excellent viewpoints from both base camps.
5. When is the best time to do the Mardi Himal to ABC Trek?
For the most enjoyable experience, plan your trek between March and May or September and November. These seasons are known for good trekking weather and spectacular Himalayan views.
6. What permits are required for this trek?
The trek requires the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and a TIMS Card. Both permits are included and arranged as part of the TrekNomads package.
7. What kind of accommodation is provided during the trek?
The package includes hotel stays in Kathmandu and Pokhara before and after the trek, along with ten nights in premium teahouses on the trekking route.
8. Are food and drinks included during the trek?
Yes. Daily meals are included throughout the trek, along with tea and coffee, so you don't have to arrange meals separately during the journey.
9. How does TrekNomads support trekkers during the journey?
The trek is led by a licensed guide and an assistant guide, with one porter shared between every two trekkers. The package also includes permits, accommodation, meals, insurance, an expedition duffel bag, and a personalised TrekNomads Dri-Fit T-shirt.
10. Can I enjoy the hot springs during this trek?
Yes. The itinerary includes Jhinu Danda twice, allowing trekkers to relax in its natural hot springs during both the onward and return sections of the trek.
11. How many hours do you walk each day on this trek?
Most trekking days involve 5 to 7 hours of walking, while the excursion to Mardi Himal Base Camp is the longest day, taking approximately 8 to 9 hours.
12. Why choose the combined Mardi Himal and Annapurna Base Camp Trek?
This trek combines two of the Annapurna region's most rewarding routes into a single adventure. You'll experience peaceful forest trails, two scenic base camps, traditional mountain villages, natural hot springs, and some of the finest Himalayan views, all in one well-paced itinerary.
