Introduction to Annapurna Base Camp & Mardi Himal Trek
The Annapurna Base Camp & Mardi Himal Trek brings together three different trails in the Annapurna region, beginning with Poon Hill, continuing to Annapurna Base Camp, and finishing on the Mardi Himal route. The journey moves through village paths, terraced hills, forested sections, river valleys, and high mountain terrain, giving trekkers a varied experience from lower elevations to the alpine zone.
The first part follows the Poon Hill trail, passing through traditional villages, terraced farmland, and rhododendron forests. The early-morning hike to Poon Hill (3,210 m) provides wide views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. From Ghorepani, the trail continues through Tadapani and Chhomrong before descending into the Modi Khola valley toward the Annapurna Sanctuary.
The second section leads to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m). The trail passes through bamboo and rhododendron forests, crosses stone stairways and small bridges, and follows the narrowing Modi Khola valley. As the route climbs beyond Deurali and Machhapuchhre Base Camp, the vegetation becomes sparse and the surrounding mountains dominate the landscape. Annapurna Base Camp sits within a natural mountain amphitheater surrounded by some of the region’s highest peaks.
The final section takes a different character as the route joins the Mardi Himal trail. From the lower hills, the path climbs through dense forest to Forest Camp, Low Camp, Badal Danda, and High Camp. Above the tree line, the trail follows an open ridge toward Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500 m), with increasingly close views of Mardi Himal, Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli. The journey then descends through Siding and Lumre before returning to Pokhara.
By combining Poon Hill, Annapurna Base Camp, and Mardi Himal in one itinerary, the trek offers a broad view of the Annapurna region without following the same trail throughout. The changing terrain, local villages, forest paths, and high mountain ridges make it a suitable choice for trekkers with good fitness who want a longer and more varied experience in the Himalayas.
Highlights of the Annapurna Base Camp & Mardi Himal Trek
- Sunrise views from Poon Hill (3,210 m)
- Reach Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m)
- Explore Annapurna Sanctuary and Machhapuchhre Base Camp
- Trek through rhododendron and bamboo forests
- Experience traditional Gurung and Magar villages
- Follow the quieter Mardi Himal trail
- Reach Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500 m)
- Views of Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, Mardi Himal, Hiunchuli, and Dhaulagiri
- Varied trails from village paths to alpine ridges
