Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek with a Photographer

Mardi Himal: trekkers on a mountain ridge with Machapuchare in the background

Nepal

Country

11 days

Duration

Trekking

Format

Moderate

Difficulty

Basic fitness

Preparation level

About the program

Mardi Himal is a trek in the Annapurna region. Our route takes us through Australian Camp, Pothana and Forest Camp to High Camp. Our main goal is Mardi Himal Base Camp at 4,500 m. Along the way, we will walk through rhododendron forests and mountain villages, with views of Machapuchare and the Annapurna range.

We will start the main day of the trek early in the morning, following a mountain ridge towards Mardi Himal Base Camp. After the ascent, we will descend to Low Camp. This is the longest walking day of the programme, with around 8–9 hours on foot.

The whole trip takes 11 days, five of which are spent trekking. We stay in hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara and in lodges in the mountains. After the trek, we return to Phewa Lake in Pokhara. We fly between Kathmandu and Pokhara on domestic flights. Reserve days in Pokhara and Kathmandu allow time to rest and provide a buffer for delays. Two Russian-speaking Sauvage Adventure guides and a photographer accompany the group throughout the programme.

Important. Walking, driving and flight times are approximate. The programme depends on the weather, trail and road conditions, flight operations and the group's wellbeing. The ascent to base camp is possible when conditions are suitable. Reserve days in Pokhara and Kathmandu allow for delays.

Guides on the program

Vladimir Kotlyar

Mountain guide, co-founder of Sauvage Adventure

Traveller and mountaineer. I call myself a Wanderer. I have been guiding in the mountains since 2010.

16 years experience250+ ascents

Natalya Zanina

Guide, travel organizer

Guide and travel organizer with seven years of experience. First sports rank in mountaineering, high-altitude and technical routes up to Russian grade 5B, four ascents of Lenin Peak and an ascent of Khan Tengri.

7 years experience

Alexander Romanenko

Photographer

Professional photographer since 2013, specialising in action sports and reportage. Photographs mountain expeditions around the world.

Route by day

Day 1

Arrival in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal.

Please arrive in Kathmandu before lunch on the first day of the programme, local time. We arrive at Tribhuvan Airport, where we are met and transferred to our hotel. We meet the team and rest after the journey. Overnight in a hotel in Kathmandu at 1,400 m.

Day 1Overnight in a hotel in Kathmandu at 1,400 m.1400 m

Day 2

Flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara.

After breakfast, we take a domestic flight to Pokhara. We check into our hotel and spend the rest of the day by the lake. Flight time: around 30 minutes. Overnight in a hotel in Pokhara at 822 m. Breakfast at the Kathmandu hotel is included.

Day 2Overnight in a hotel in Pokhara at 822 m.822 mBreakfast at the Kathmandu hotel is included.

Day 3

Pokhara, Kande and the trek through Australian Camp to Pothana.

We leave Pokhara for Kande, where our walking route begins. We climb to Australian Camp, enjoy the mountain views and continue along a forest trail to Pothana. Walking time: around 3–4 hours. Overnight in a lodge in Pothana at 1,950 m. Breakfast at the Pokhara hotel is included; lunch and dinner on the trek are paid for separately.

Day 3Overnight in a lodge in Pothana at 1,950 m.1950 mBreakfast at the Pokhara hotel is included; lunch and dinner on the trek are paid for separately.

Day 4

Trek from Pothana to Forest Camp.

We continue climbing along forest trails among rhododendrons. Gradually gaining altitude, we reach Forest Camp, where we stay for the night. Walking time: around 5–6 hours. Overnight in a lodge at Forest Camp at 2,600 m. Meals on the trek are paid for separately.

Day 4Overnight in a lodge at Forest Camp at 2,600 m.2600 mMeals on the trek are paid for separately.

Day 5

Trek from Forest Camp via Low Camp and Badal Danda to High Camp.

We climb along the forest trail to Low Camp, then continue through Badal Danda to High Camp. As we gain altitude, views open up of Machapuchare and the Annapurna range. Walking time: around 5–6 hours. Overnight in a lodge at High Camp at 3,600 m. Meals on the trek are paid for separately.

Day 5Overnight in a lodge at High Camp at 3,600 m.3600 mMeals on the trek are paid for separately.

Day 6

Ascent to Mardi Himal Base Camp and descent to Low Camp.

We set off early in the morning and follow the mountain ridge towards the sunrise and Mardi Himal Base Camp. We enjoy the views of Machapuchare, Annapurna South and the surrounding Himalayas. We then descend to Low Camp, where we stay for the night. Walking time: around 8–9 hours. Maximum altitude: 4,500 m. Overnight in a lodge at Low Camp at 2,970 m. Meals on the trek are paid for separately.

Day 6Overnight in a lodge at Low Camp at 2,970 m.4500 mMeals on the trek are paid for separately.

Day 7

Descent from Low Camp to Siding and drive to Pokhara.

We descend through forests and traditional mountain villages to Siding. A vehicle will be waiting here to take us back to Pokhara. We check into our hotel and rest after the trek. Walking time: around 3–4 hours. Driving time: around 1.5–2 hours. Overnight in a hotel in Pokhara at 822 m. Meals on the trek, including breakfast at the lodge, are paid for separately.

Day 7Overnight in a hotel in Pokhara at 822 m.822 mMeals on the trek, including breakfast at the lodge, are paid for separately.

Day 8

Reserve day in Pokhara.

A free day to rest after the trek, stroll around Lakeside and explore Pokhara's sights. This day also provides a buffer in case of delays on the route. Overnight in a hotel in Pokhara at 822 m. Hotel breakfast is included.

Day 8Overnight in a hotel in Pokhara at 822 m.822 mHotel breakfast is included.

Day 9

Flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu.

After breakfast, we return to Kathmandu on a domestic flight and check into our hotel. The rest of the day can be spent relaxing, walking around the city, shopping or sightseeing. Flight time: around 30 minutes. Overnight in a hotel in Kathmandu at 1,400 m. Breakfast at the Pokhara hotel is included.

Day 9Overnight in a hotel in Kathmandu at 1,400 m.1400 mBreakfast at the Pokhara hotel is included.

Day 10

Reserve day in Kathmandu.

A free day to rest, visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites or explore other Kathmandu sights. We also keep this day in reserve in case of delays during the programme. Overnight in a hotel in Kathmandu at 1,400 m. Hotel breakfast is included.

Day 10Overnight in a hotel in Kathmandu at 1,400 m.1400 mHotel breakfast is included.

Day 11

End of the trip and departure from Kathmandu.

We take a private transfer to Tribhuvan Airport in time for our international flights. This marks the end of our programme. Airport transfer timed to your international departure. Breakfast at the Kathmandu hotel is included.

Day 11Breakfast at the Kathmandu hotel is included.

What is included

Included

Two Russian-speaking Sauvage Adventure guides accompanying the group.
A photographer throughout the programme.
A Nepali guide.
Porter services to carry luggage on the trek.
Organisation of the programme and coordination of accommodation, transport and the local team.
Three nights in a hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast, at the start of the trip and after returning from Pokhara.
Three nights in a hotel in Pokhara with breakfast, before the trek, after the descent and on the reserve day.
Four nights in mountain lodges: Pothana, Forest Camp, High Camp and Low Camp.
Meet-and-greet at Kathmandu Airport and transfer to the hotel; private airport transfer on the final day of the programme.
Domestic flights from Kathmandu to Pokhara and back, with transfers between airports and hotels as scheduled.
Transfer from Pokhara to Kande at the start of the trek.
Jeep transfer from Siding to Pokhara after completing the walking route.
ACAP permit for the Annapurna Conservation Area, including processing.
Porter insurance provided by the local operator.
The local operator's service and administrative costs, required official documents and government taxes for the programme.
Welcome and farewell team dinners.
Sauvage Adventure branded merchandise.
Breakfasts at the hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara, along with the welcome and farewell team dinners, are included. Meals on the trek, including breakfasts at lodges, are paid for separately. Lunches and dinners in the cities are also paid for separately, apart from the included team dinners.

Not included

International flights to and from Kathmandu.
Nepal visa.
Meals on the trek, including breakfasts at lodges.
Lunches and dinners in the cities, apart from the included welcome and farewell team dinners.
Extra nights in hotels and lodges outside the programme, including early arrival, late departure or finishing the trek early.
Single-occupancy supplements at city hotels and on the trek, where available.
Room or hotel upgrades requested by a participant.
Charging devices, paid internet access and mobile communications.
Hot showers, laundry and other individual lodge services.
Personal medical insurance for high-altitude trekking is mandatory. The policy must cover the route's altitudes up to 4,500 m, altitude-related illnesses, emergency medical assistance and evacuation, including by helicopter.
Medical treatment, search and rescue, and evacuation. Coverage of these expenses depends on the terms of the insurance policy.
Additional expenses arising from leaving the route early, changes to personal plans, flight delays or cancellations, and necessary route changes: extra accommodation, meals, transport and new tickets.
Individual transfers outside the agreed programme schedule.
Excess baggage on flights and porter loads exceeding the agreed allowance.
Tips for local guides, porters and staff — from USD 100 per participant for the entire programme.
Tips for Sauvage Adventure guides are optional.
Purchase and hire of personal equipment.
Souvenirs and other personal expenses.
Additional excursions and activities not included in the programme.
Entrance fees for temples, monasteries, museums and other sights.

Required gear

Clothing

Warm hooded down jacket for freezing conditions and rest stops.
Waterproof shell jacket.
Waterproof shell trousers.
Trekking trousers: 1–2 pairs.
Fleece top: 1.
Fleece trousers: 1 pair.
Quick-drying long-sleeved tops or long-sleeved trekking shirts: 2–3.
Lightweight base layers: 1 set, top and bottoms.
Warm base layers: 1 set, top and bottoms.
Separate dry clothes for sleeping.
Underwear: several changes.
Lightweight trekking socks: 3–4 pairs.
Warm trekking socks: 2 pairs.
Separate dry socks for sleeping: 1 pair.
Rain cape or poncho: optional.
Lightweight fleece gloves or liner gloves: 1–2 pairs.
Warm windproof gloves or mittens.

Footwear

Broken-in trekking boots with protection against water ingress.
Hiking shoes: optional, for towns and easier sections.
Crocs, sandals or slippers for the lodges.
Gaiters: if snow is expected, as agreed with the guide.

Trekking and sleeping equipment

Soft duffel bag for items carried by a porter. Capacity up to 100–120 litres; luggage weight within the agreed allowance.
Daypack: 40–60 litres.
Dry bags or waterproof liners for your sleeping bag, clothes and electronics.
Sleeping bag with a comfort rating of around −10 °C.
Sleeping bag liner: optional.
Earplugs: optional.
Thermos flask: 1 litre.
Water bottle: 1 litre.

Technical equipment

Trekking traction devices / microspikes with steel spikes: 1 pair, sized to fit your boots.
Trekking poles: 1 pair.
Headlamp with spare batteries or backup power.
Power bank and charging cables.
Travel plug adapter.

Sun and wind protection

Cap or sun hat.
Fleece or wool hat.
Buff or neck gaiter: 1–2.
Balaclava: optional.
Sunglasses with UV400 protection, category 3–4 lenses and preferably side protection.
Goggles for wind and snow protection, if recommended by the guide.
SPF 50 or 50+ sunscreen.
Lip balm with SPF.

Hygiene and personal items

Water treatment product, as agreed with the guide.
Compact, quick-drying towel.
Soap, toothpaste and toothbrush.
Personal first-aid kit and any regular medication.
Plasters and blister protection.
Hand sanitiser.
Tissues and toilet paper.
Wet wipes.
Personal hygiene products, including menstrual products, as needed.
Bags for personal rubbish and used wipes.

Nutrition and supplements

Isotonic drink mix or electrolytes to add to water: we recommend bringing these for long walks and climbing, particularly in hot weather or when sweating heavily, to replace lost salts.
Vitamin and mineral supplements according to individual needs. If you take these on medical advice, bring enough for the whole programme.

Documents

Passport and an electronic copy.
Insurance policy and the insurer's assistance contact details.
Tickets, organiser contact details and the necessary travel documents.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the trip, and how high will we go?

The programme lasts 11 days and 10 nights, including 5 trekking days. Our main goal is Mardi Himal Base Camp at 4500 m.

Where will we stay?

The programme includes three hotel nights in Kathmandu and three in Pokhara, with breakfast. On the trek, we spend four nights in mountain lodges: Pothana, Forest Camp, High Camp and Low Camp.

Which meals are included?

Breakfasts at the hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara, plus the welcome and farewell team dinners, are included. All meals on the trek, including breakfasts in lodges, are paid for separately. Lunches and dinners in the cities are also paid for separately, apart from the included team dinners.

How will we reach the trek and return afterwards?

We take domestic flights between Kathmandu and Pokhara. From Pokhara, we drive to Kande to start the trek; after the descent, we return from Siding to Pokhara by jeep. These flights and transfers, scheduled airport–hotel transfers, the arrival transfer in Kathmandu and the airport transfer on the final day are included. International flights are paid for separately.

Who accompanies the group, and will there be a photographer?

Two Russian-speaking Sauvage Adventure guides and a photographer accompany the group throughout the programme. The price also includes a Nepali guide and porters to carry luggage on the trek.

Which is the longest trekking day?

The longest walking day takes us from High Camp to Mardi Himal Base Camp at 4500 m and then down to Low Camp. We start early in the morning and spend around 8–9 hours on foot. The ascent to base camp is possible when conditions are suitable; the programme depends on the weather, trail conditions and the group's wellbeing.

Do I need insurance?

Yes. Personal medical insurance for high-altitude trekking is mandatory and is not included in the price. The policy must cover the route up to 4500 m, altitude-related illnesses, emergency medical care and evacuation, including by helicopter. Coverage for treatment, search and rescue, and evacuation depends on the policy terms.

How do booking, payment and cancellations work?

Start by submitting an application and waiting for approval from your trip manager. Pay the deposit within 5 days (120 hours) after your application is approved by the manager, and no later than the programme start. The exact deadline is shown on your trip status page. Your place is secured once we receive it.

The deposit forms part of the total trip price. The deposit pays for consultations, booking services with partners and organising the trip, so it is non-refundable if you choose to cancel your participation.

The remaining balance for your selected departure must be paid no later than September 20, 2027 at 11:15 PM (Astana).

If the deposit is received after the usual balance deadline, the balance is due by the end of the 10th working day in the Astana calendar following the deposit, capped at the programme start. The exact deadline is shown on your trip status page.

If your plans change, notify your trip manager that you wish to cancel. If you have already paid the remaining balance for the programme:

If the Company receives your cancellation notice at least 60 calendar days before the programme starts, the remaining balance paid is refunded in full.
If your cancellation notice is received fewer than 60 calendar days before the programme starts, actual, documented expenses incurred in preparing your trip and not covered by the deposit may be deducted from the remaining balance paid. If there are no such expenses, the remaining balance paid is refunded in full.

Amounts returned or due to be returned by partners are excluded from the calculation of deducted expenses. The Company’s fee is included in the retained deposit and is not deducted again.

Your trip manager checks the documents and confirms the refund calculation. If cancellation results from the Company’s breach of its obligations, the amount paid, including the deposit, is refunded in full. Refunds are paid within 5 working days in the Astana calendar from the date the grounds for the refund arise, without waiting for funds from the partner.

For full details, see Booking and Payment.