Max altitude 4,500 m (Mardi Himal BC). Total trek ~60 km. Difficulty: Moderate (steep climbs early days). Best season: Mar–May, Sep–Nov. Group size usually 2–8. Annapurna permits required (ACAP, TIMS).
Day 1 drives to Kande (1,700 m) then treks to Forest Camp (2,600 m) through subtropical hills. Day 2 climbs to Badal Danda (3,210 m) on a ridge with panoramas of Annapurna South. Day 3 continues to High Camp (3,550 m) through alpine meadows. Day 4 is the summit: hike to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500 m) before descending to Low Camp (3,150 m). Day 5 descends to Sidding (850 m) and drives back to Pokhara. The route features Machhapuchhre dominating the skyline.
Trip Higlights
- The highlight is the alpine meadows of High Camp and Mardi Himal’s base, with sweeping Himalayan vistas.
- it is quieter and passes through Annapurna Conservation Area’s rhododendron and oak forests.
