Why choose one or the other when you can have both of these Annapurna region classics? This trip combines the up-and-coming Mardi Himal Trek with the classic Annapurna Base Camp Trek for an immersive Himalayan experience. Trek through some of the most beautiful mountain landscapes in the world. From base camp to base camp, you’ll get constant views of two of the most spectacular mountains in the Annapurna region on this exciting adventure. The Annapurna range spans the skyline for 34 miles, reaching an elevation of 26,500 feet (8077 meters) at its highest point! The remarkable Annapurna mountain range also has 30 peaks that are over 20,000 feet in elevation!
After driving from the famously beautiful city of Pokhara, you start the Mardi Himal portion of the trek in Kande. After a few days of scenic hiking, you emerge from the jungle and land on a ridge with jaw-dropping views. At Upper Viewpoint, you can see Mardi Himal (5587m), as well as Macchapucchre (6993m), Hiunchuli (6441m), Baraha Shikhar (7647m), Singu Chuli (6501m) Annapurna I (8090m), and Annapurna South (7219m). After descending from the viewpoint, you connect with the Annapurna Base Camp trail, entering a totally different experience. Again, climb back up, hiking alongside raging rivers and cascading waterfalls. The highlight of the trek is reaching Annapurna Base Camp (4130 meters/13,550 feet), where you get an up-close view of the 10th highest peak in the world. Take the same trail back from base camp and end the adventure in Pokhara, where you can chill out and celebrate the successful trek.
Being deep in the Himalayas gives you a sense of peace and gratitude. All the time, trekkers say that they feel lucky or blessed to be in the presence of such beauty. It’s not just the mountains, though, that make the Mardi Himal Annapurna Base Camp Trek so alluring. It’s also the diverse flora and fauna, as well as the native Himalayan ethnic groups that keep bringing trekkers back to this intriguing place.
In the lowlands, see the photogenic terraced rice paddy fields. Before long, the trail zigzags up to high alpine forests. Up here, you’ll see lots of red rhododendron trees (the national flower of Nepal), as well as magnolia, oak, and pine trees. If you’re lucky, you can see some of the rare wildlife on the trail, like the Blue Sheep, Himalayan tahr, and Pica. Also, keep an eye out for curious monkeys swinging through the bamboo trees! The Mardi Himal Annapurna Base Camp Trek is full of unspoiled land where lots of unique animal species can thrive.
For many people, the most memorable part about trekking in the Himalayas is the wonderful local people they meet along the way. People in the Annapurna region especially are known for their unparalled hospitality. In Nepal there is a saying – ‘Guest is God’ – and they live that out. In the lower areas, you’ll meet Brahmin, Chetri and other Hindu castes. As you climb higher, you’ll be staying in teahouses with the local Gurung people, who are Buddhist. Learn a little bit about the local language, food, and customs at each little passing village. It’s inspiring to see people with such little material wealth be so content and compassionate.
On this trail, you walk from the east to the west end of Mardi Himal Base Camp, and then enter the Annapurna Sanctuary, where you begin the hike to the Annapurna Base Camp. The trail is mellow and suitable for anyone with moderate trekking experience. By the time you reach the highest point on the trek, Annapurna Base Camp (4130 meters/13,550 feet), you will have had plenty of time to acclimatize. You don’t have to worry about getting altitude sickness on the Mardi Himal Annapurna Base Camp Trek.
The Mardi Himal Annapurna Base Camp Trek gives you the best of both worlds in a convenient, stress-free way. Get the off-the-beaten-bath Mardi Himal Trek and the world-renowned Annapurna Base Camp Trek in one package!