4-Day Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek from Pokhara: Private Guide

Four days climbing to 4,500m through forests, villages, and high-altitude meadows

This 4-day trek from Pokhara ascends to Mardi Himal Base Camp at 4,500 meters in the Annapurna region, led by a private English-speaking guide. The route crosses lush rhododendron forests, traditional villages, and alpine terrain, with overnight stays in guest houses. You reach the base camp, spend time at the summit views, then descend to lower elevations before returning to Pokhara.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Drive to Kande and trek to Forest Camp

• Drive from Pokhara to Kande
• Trek through forests and villages
• Reach Forest Camp

Day 2: Trek from Forest Camp to High Camp

• Ascend gradually through forest
• Enjoy mountain views
• Reach High Camp

Day 3: Trek to Mardi Base Camp and descend

• Climb steep trail to Base Camp
• Spend time at Mardi Base Camp
• Hike down to Low Camp

Day 4: Descend to Siding Village and return

• Trek down through forests and villages
• See Nepalese houses and fields
• Reach Siding Village
• Drive back to Pokhara

The experience

The trek starts with a one-hour drive from Pokhara to Kande, then a steep 5-6 hour climb through forests and villages to Forest Camp at 2,600 meters. The next day brings a gradual ascent through forest to High Camp at 3,540 meters, taking 6-7 hours as the mountain views open up. On day three, the trail steepens as you push toward Mardi Himal Base Camp at 4,500 meters (a 3-4 hour push from High Camp), where you spend time taking in the panoramic views before descending to Low Camp for the night. The final day is a 5-6 hour descent through forests and terraced fields to Siding Village, followed by a 2-3 hour drive back to Pokhara.

Your private guide speaks English and carries a first aid kit for emergencies. You stay in tourist-standard guest houses each night, and the operator handles all entrance fees, trekking permits, and official documents. Hotel pickup and drop-off in Pokhara are included, as is round-trip transport by shared bus or jeep according to the itinerary. Food and drinks are available to purchase separately.

What’s included

• All entrance fees and trekking permits.
• private English-speaking guide.
• round-trip hotel pickup and drop-off in Pokhara.
• round-trip transport by shared bus or jeep.
• four nights in tourist-standard guest houses.
• emergency first aid kit with your guide.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 19:15

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (8 and older) · Under 8: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by CAN Travels

Is this one for you?Your guide speaks English throughout, so you can follow the commentary and ask questions as you climb. This works well if you want a private trek with someone who knows the route and can adjust the pace to your needs, rather than trekking with a larger group.

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Top questions

How steep is the trek to Mardi Himal Base Camp?

The route climbs steadily through day two, then becomes noticeably steeper on day three as you approach the base camp at 4,500 meters. The first day from Kande to Forest Camp has steep sections; the second day is relatively easier with a gradual ascent; the third day is the most challenging push to the summit.

What kind of accommodation do you stay in during the trek?

You sleep in tourist-standard guest houses each night, with overnight stays at Forest Camp, High Camp, and Low Camp before the final descent to Siding Village.

What are the views like at Mardi Himal Base Camp?

From the base camp at 4,500 meters, you see panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the valley below. The trek passes under the peaks of Machhapuchhre, Annapurna, and Hiunchuli, which frame the route throughout the four days.

Do I need to arrange my own food and water on the trek?

Food and drinks are available to purchase during the trek. They are not included in the standard package. Your guide can help arrange meals at the guest houses and tea houses along the route.

What fitness level do I need for this trek?

The operator recommends at least a moderate level of physical fitness. The trek is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or if you are pregnant.