ABC & Mardi Himal Trek 

Early morning boarding on a tourist bus from Kathmandu to Pokhara. Tourist buses are more comfortable than standard public transport in Nepal, making them a good choice for families with young children. As the road climbs out of the Kathmandu Valley, it winds down alongside the Rapti River, where you may see rafters tackling the lively whitewater. The journey includes scenic rest stops, with lunch at one along the way. Near Mugling, the road flattens, and you arrive in Pokhara by mid-afternoon. For those short on time or seeking a quicker journey, a 25-minute flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara is an excellent option. Daily flights operate from Kathmandu's domestic airport, offering stunning aerial views of the Himalayan range, including Annapurna and Manaslu, on clear days.

The day begins with a drive from Pokhara, following the winding Modi Khola valley. Along the way, we pass through the small towns of Nayapul and Birethanti, watching rivers and hillsides roll by. The drive finally ends at a jeep station just below Jhinu Danda. From there, our feet take over. A short trek brings us from Jhinu Danda to Chhomrong, only about an hour and a half to two hours, but the trail immediately climbs steeply. It is a tough start, yet the reward is the beautiful Gurung village of Chhomrong, perched high on the hillside. After catching our breath, we continue from Chhomrong to Sinuwa. This stretch takes two to three hours. First, we descend a long staircase of roughly 2,500 stone steps, which brings us down to the Chhomrong Khola river. We cross a swaying suspension bridge, and then comes the hard part, a steep climb back up, step by step, until we finally reach the village of Sinuwa. Tired but satisfied, we settle in for the night, surrounded by the quiet mountains.

Today, the trail continues through cool, shaded forests of rhododendron and bamboo, filled with birdsong and flowing streams. As the forest becomes more humid and jungle-like, we pass Upper Sinuwa and then gently descend to Bamboo. Surrounded by tall bamboo groves, this quiet settlement is our stop for lunch. The trail climbs steadily deeper into the sanctuary, leaving behind the Bamboo. The forest slowly thins, and the sound of the Modi Khola River replaces the quiet of the bamboo groves. Along the way, small stops like Dovan and Himalaya offer a place to rest and have tea. As we ascend, the landscape becomes more rugged. The path follows rocky ridges, with waterfalls cascading down cliffs. Fewer trees, the air turns cooler, and the mountains begin to feel closer. If you’re lucky, you may encounter wildlife langurs in the remaining forest along the trail. By the time we reach Deurali, the scenery feels truly alpine. Surrounded by towering peaks and crisp mountain air, this peaceful spot marks the gateway to the high mountains. We rest here for the night, preparing for the journey deeper into the heart of the Himalayas the next day.

Today is the climax of the trek. You leave Deurali and climb into the high sanctuary, where the air is thin, and the peaks feel close. The path winds through a stark, rocky gorge before opening at Machapuchare Base Camp. Here, the iconic Fishtail Mountain stands before you. The final stretch leads across a sweeping alpine valley. As you walk, a full circle of snowy giants rises on all sides. You arrive at Annapurna Base Camp, surrounded by the highest walls in the world. You have reached the heart of the mountains.

Leaving the silent giants behind, you begin the long walk down. The thin, cold air of the base camp gives way with every step. You retrace the path through the vast valley, past Machapuchare Base Camp, and back into the green embrace of the forest. The world grows warmer, thicker, and alive with the sound of water and birds. It is a long day of descent, a steady test for your knees, but the changing scenery is its own reward. By afternoon, you slip back into the cool, quiet bamboo groves, arriving once more at the village named Bamboo. Here, in the deep green stillness, you can finally rest tonight.

The walk from Bamboo down to Landruk is a long downhill journey, taking about five to seven hours as you descend from 2,310 meters to just 1,565 meters on the return leg of the Annapurna Base Camp trek. The day begins with a short but steep climb back up to the village of Sinuwa, followed by a long descent down stone staircases to the riverside village of Jhinu Danda, where a 20-minute side trip leads you to wonderful natural hot springs. After crossing a suspension bridge over the Modi Khola river, a final steep path brings you into Landruk, a beautiful Gurung village offering panoramic valley views, traditional stone architecture, and comfortable teahouses with modern amenities. Trekking poles are highly recommended for the steep, uneven steps, and if you wish to end your trek here, jeep services are available from Landruk to take you directly to Pokhara.

The walk from Landruk, sitting at about 1,565 meters, up to Low Camp at roughly 3,000 to 3,050 meters covers around 6 to 8 kilometers and takes about four to six hours of steady climbing. This is no gentle stroll, you will be gaining nearly 1,500 meters in elevation, mostly on steep trails that wind through beautiful forests of rhododendron and oak, often passing through spots known as Forest Camp or Rest Camp along the way. The route is a wonderful way to connect from the Annapurna Base Circuit onto the Mardi Himal Trek, letting you bypass the more common starting point at Kande or Pothana. During the trek consider that walking times and distances are only rough estimatesyour own pace and the weather on the day will be the true guides.

Today we start the steady climb to High Camp, gaining about 700 meters in altitude.Your guide sets a steady pace with regular breaks as the air grows thinner. The trail moves through thinning rhododendron forest, where you may see Himalayan marmots, tahr, and birds such as the colorful Danphe. From Badal Danda (Cloud Hill), clear views open up to Annapurna South, Mardi Himal, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail). Leaving the last trees behind, the path enters open alpine terrain and leads to High Camp, a scenic spot among the peaks for rest and acclimatization.

Before sunrise, we set out on a short hike to the Upper Viewpoint (4200m), also known as Mardi Himal Base Camp (4500m). The cool morning air and gradual climb reward us with stunning views of the Annapurna Sanctuary, where Annapurna, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) rise clearly in front of us. This is the most memorable part of the trek and a perfect place to appreciate the wilderness of the Himalayas. After enjoying the scenery, we walk back to High Camp for a filling breakfast and lunch. The rest of the day is free for rest or a gentle walk around the alpine surroundings, followed by another quiet night among the mountains.

After our ascent, the trek now turns toward descent. We leave High Camp, heading steeply down past Nangge Danda to Low Camp. Here, we branch off the main trail onto a quieter path that winds through dense rhododendron forest down to the Mardi River. This route feels more remote, passing through remote settlements and terraced farmland. After crossing several rustic bridges, we arrive at the tranquil village of Siding in the lower valley, where we spend the night surrounded by countryside calm.

Your journey now heads back to Kathmandu, either by road or by flight. As Pokhara fades behind you, take a moment to gaze at Machhapuchhre, the majestic Fishtail standing silently in the distance. Leaving the mountains is not goodbye; their calm and beauty stay with you. On the way, you can enjoy the changing landscapes, from lush valleys and terraced fields to winding rivers and charming villages. If traveling by road, there’s time to see the everyday life of local people, their farms, and markets, offering a last glimpse of rural Nepal. By flight, the aerial view of the Himalayas is unforgettable, with snow-capped peaks stretching as far as the eye can see. Carry these memories, the stillness of the mountains, the vibrant life of the villages, and the beauty of the landscapes in your heart, letting them guide and inspire you long after the trek ends.