Begin your journey from Pokhara with a scenic drive to Kande, then trek via Australian Camp and Pothana to reach Forest Camp. Continue ascending through Low Camp to High Camp along the Mardi Himal ridge, with increasingly open views of Machhapuchhre and the Annapurna range. From High Camp, hike to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500 m), one of the best viewpoints in the region.
From High Camp, descend to Siding village through forest and hillside trails. For those following only the main Mardi route, the trail typically returns via the standard Mardi Himal Trek path.
This itinerary, however, continues forward from Siding through quieter forest routes via Mirsa toward Khumai Danda. The trail reaches Korchan ridge for wide Himalayan views before descending through Hile Kharka to Ghachok, where the trek ends with a drive back to Pokhara.
| Trip Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Trip Name | Mardi Himal & Khumai Danda Trek |
| Duration | 6 Nights / 7 Days |
| Maximum Altitude | 4,500 m – Mardi Himal Base Camp |
| Major Highlights | Mardi Base Camp, Khumai Danda, Korchan viewpoint |
| Trek Difficulty | Moderate |
| Trek Start / End Point | Pokhara |
| Best Season | Spring (March–May) & Autumn (September–November) |
| Low Season | Winter – fewer trekkers, clear views |
| Not Recommended | Monsoon Season (June–August) |
| Accommodation | Tea House Lodges |
| Meals Included | Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner |
| Trek Style | Guided Trekking |
| Region | Annapurna |
Pokhara → Kande → Forest Camp → Low Camp → High Camp → Mardi Base Camp → Siding → Mirsa → Khumai Danda → Korchan → Hile Kharka → Ghachok → Pokhara
This trek is designed for travelers who want both well-known Himalayan viewpoints and quieter trails within a short timeframe. It combines the popular Mardi Himal ridge with the less-visited Khumai Danda route, creating a more balanced and varied trekking experience.
The route follows a continuous ridge-to-ridge path without backtracking, allowing you to experience changing landscapes from forest trails to open alpine ridges.
Mountain Hike Nepal operates this trek in a simple and efficient way, focusing on safety, consistency, and a well-managed trekking experience.
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✅ Accommodation in teahouses and mountain lodges during the trek
✅ All meals during the trek (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)
✅ Transportation (Pokhara–Kande & Ghachok–Pokhara)
✅ Experienced English-speaking trekking guide
✅ Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
✅ Guide expenses (salary, meals, accommodation, insurance)
✅ All government taxes and service charges
❌ International flights to and from Nepal
❌ Nepal entry visa fees
❌ Travel insurance (must cover trekking and emergency evacuation)
❌ Personal expenses (hot showers, Wi-Fi, charging, drinks, snacks)
❌ Meals and accommodation in Pokhara or Kathmandu
❌ Porter service (optional)
❌ Tips for guide and porter
❌ Personal trekking gear and equipment
❌ Rescue or evacuation costs (covered by insurance)
❌ Additional costs due to delays, weather, or itinerary changes beyond control
❌ Any services not mentioned in the “Includes” section
Altitude: 2,500 m (approx.)
Trek Duration: 5–6 hours
Accommodation: Teahouse
The journey begins with a short drive from Pokhara to Kande. The trail follows forest paths via Australian Camp and Pothana, gradually ascending through rhododendron and pine forest. The day ends at Forest Camp, surrounded by dense woodland.
Altitude: 3,580 m
Trek Duration: 4–5 hours
Accommodation: Teahouse
The trail continues through forest before opening onto the Mardi Himal ridge. As elevation increases, views of Machhapuchhre and the Annapurna range become more prominent. High Camp offers a clear alpine setting close to the mountains.
Altitude: 4,500 m
Trek Duration: 6–7 hours
Accommodation: Teahouse
An early morning hike leads along a narrow ridge to Mardi Himal Base Camp. The viewpoint offers close-up mountain scenery, especially during sunrise. After spending time at the base camp, return to High Camp for overnight.
Altitude: 1,750 m
Trek Duration: 5–6 hours
Accommodation: Teahouse
Descend from the ridge through alpine terrain into forest trails. The route leads to Siding, a quiet village that provides a more local and less crowded experience.
Altitude: 3,245 m
Trek Duration: 6–7 hours
Accommodation: Teahouse
The trail climbs steadily through forest and less-traveled paths toward Khumai Danda. This section is quieter and offers a more natural trekking environment.
Altitude: 3,700 m (Korchan)
Trek Duration: 5–6 hours
Accommodation: Teahouse
An early morning hike leads to Korchan ridge for wide Himalayan views. After sunrise, descend through forest trails toward Hile Kharka.
Trek Duration: 4–5 hours
Drive Duration: 1–1.5 hours
The final day follows a descending trail through forest and village paths to Ghachok. From there, a short drive returns to Pokhara, completing the trek.
This trek is moderate in difficulty. It involves daily walks of 5–7 hours with steady ascents and descents, suitable for trekkers with basic fitness.
The highest point is Mardi Himal Base Camp at 4,500 meters, which offers close-up views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks.
Previous trekking experience is helpful but not necessary. Anyone with good physical condition and preparation can complete the trek.
Most trekking days involve 4–7 hours of walking, depending on the route and elevation gain.
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best seasons due to stable weather and clear mountain views.
The Mardi Himal section is popular, but the Khumai Danda route is quieter and less visited, offering a more peaceful trekking experience.
You need the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and a TIMS card for this trek.
A licensed guide is recommended for navigation, safety, and a smoother overall experience.
Accommodation is in local teahouses with basic but comfortable facilities along the route.
Teahouses offer a range of meals including dal bhat, noodles, rice, soups, eggs, and hot drinks.
The risk is lower compared to higher-altitude treks, but proper pacing and hydration are still important.
Yes, the standard Mardi Himal route can be done separately. This itinerary includes Khumai Danda for a more diverse and less crowded experience.
Travel insurance that covers trekking at this altitude and emergency evacuation is strongly recommended.
This combined route takes 7 days, depending on pace and itinerary.
It offers both the popular Mardi ridge and a quieter extension through Khumai Danda, giving a more varied and complete trekking experience.
