Highlights
- Reach Mardi Himal Base Camp for spectacular views of Annapurna and Machapuchare.
- Summit Panchase Peak for 360-degree panoramas of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Manaslu.
- Experience authentic village life in Barang community homestay.
- Raft the Trishuli River and explore the medieval town of Bandipur.
- Safari through Chitwan National Park to spot rhinos, tigers, and elephants.
- Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu and the lakeside city of Pokhara.
Panchase & Mardi Trek
The Panchase to Mardi Himal Trek is Nepal at its most diverse—a journey from subtropical jungle to high-altitude snow, from whitewater rapids to a community homestay, and from ancient Newari architecture to wild rhinos in the Terai. This 18-day adventure offers an incredibly varied experience that touches all aspects of Nepal’s natural and cultural richness.
The trek begins in the Panchase region, lesser-known but no less beautiful, where forested ridges offer panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. From Panchase Peak (2,517m), you can see an arc of snow peaks stretching from Manaslu to Dhaulagiri. The route then continues to the Mardi Himal Base Camp trail, ascending through rhododendron forests and alpine meadows to reach the dramatic viewpoint beneath the soaring south face of Machapuchare (Fishtail) and the Annapurna massif.
Woven throughout the trek are cultural experiences that set this journey apart. Stay in a community homestay in Barang Village, participating in farming activities and traditional cooking. Discover the medieval charm of Bandipur with its preserved Newari architecture. And conclude with a safari in Chitwan National Park, where one-horned rhinos, Bengal tigers, and elephants roam through grasslands and sal forests.
Route Map
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
Rest | Elevation: 1,350m
Welcome to Nepal. Transfer to your hotel in Thamel and spend the evening exploring the vibrant streets of the capital.
Day 2: Kathmandu Sightseeing
Sightseeing: — | Elevation: 1,350m
Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Kathmandu Durbar Square with its ancient temples and the residence of the Living Goddess (Kumari), and the great Buddhist stupa of Boudhanath. A pre-trip briefing prepares you for the adventure ahead.
Day 3: Drive to Bandipur via Trishuli River Rafting
Kathmandu → Bandipur
Drive: 7 hours | Elevation: 1,030m
Experience the thrill of whitewater rafting on the Trishuli River, with a mix of calm stretches and exciting rapids. After drying off, continue to Bandipur, a beautifully preserved hilltop town with traditional Newari houses, panoramic mountain views, and a peaceful old-world atmosphere.
Day 4: Drive to Barang Village
Bandipur → Barang Village
Drive: 4 hours | Elevation: 1,400m
Travel through the lush countryside to Barang Village, where you'll stay with a local family for an authentic community homestay experience. Enjoy a traditional welcome and home-cooked meals prepared with organic ingredients from the garden.
Day 5: Community Experience in Barang
Sightseeing: — | Elevation: 1,400m
Spend the day immersed in village life. Participate in farming activities, learn traditional crafts, and explore the surrounding hills with their stunning views of the Annapurna range. Evening brings cultural performances and stories from your hosts.
Day 6: Trek to Panchase Bhanjyang
Leg 2: Barang Village → Panchase Bhanjyang
Trek: 5 hours | Elevation: 2,050m
Begin trekking from the village through terraced fields and dense forest. The trail climbs steadily, offering ever-improving views of the Himalayan peaks. Reach Panchase Bhanjyang, a tranquil hilltop settlement known for spectacular sunrises.
Day 7: Panchase Peak and Trek to Bhadaure
Leg 3: Panchase Bhanjyang → Panchase Peak
Trek: 2 hours, 2 km | Elevation: 2,517m
Rise early to climb Panchase Peak for 360-degree views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, and the Pokhara valley far below.
Leg 4: Panchase Peak → Bhadaure
Trek: 3 hours, 5 km | Elevation: 1,600m
After soaking in the panorama, descend through forest to Bhadaure Village.
Day 8: Trek to Deurali
Leg 5: Bhadaure → Australian Camp
Trek: 2 hours, 5 km | Elevation: 2,060m
The trail passes through Australian Camp, a popular viewpoint.
Leg 6: Australian Camp → Pothana
Trek: 1 hours, 2 km | Elevation: 1,900m
Continue through the village of Pothana.
Leg 7: Pothana → Deurali
Trek: 3 hours, 4 km | Elevation: 2,050m
Trek through beautiful rhododendron forests and terraced hillsides to reach Deurali, the gateway to the Mardi Himal trail.
Day 9: Trek to Forest Camp
Leg 8: Deurali → Forest Camp
Trek: 5 hours, 8 km | Elevation: 2,600m
Climb through dense jungle into the Mardi Himal corridor. The thick forest is home to diverse wildlife, including monkeys, deer, and numerous bird species. Forest Camp is a peaceful clearing in the woods.
Day 10: Trek to Badal Danda
Leg 9: Forest Camp → Badal Danda
Trek: 5 hours, 5 km | Elevation: 3,200m
Continue ascending through changing vegetation zones. The forest gradually thins, and views of the Himalayan giants begin to appear. Badal Danda (Cloud Hill) lives up to its name, often shrouded in mist.
Day 11: Trek to High Camp
Leg 10: Badal Danda → High Camp
Trek: 4 hours, 4 km | Elevation: 3,550m
The landscape becomes increasingly alpine as you climb above the tree line. High Camp offers stunning views of Machapuchare (Fishtail) and the Annapurna range. Acclimatize with a short afternoon hike.
Day 12: Mardi Himal Base Camp and Return to Badal Danda
Leg 11: High Camp → Mardi Himal Base Camp
Trek: 4 hours, 3 km | Elevation: 4,500m
The culminating day of the trek. Climb to the Mardi Himal Base Camp viewpoint for breathtaking close-up views of Machapuchare's south face and the Annapurna massif.
Leg 12: Mardi Himal Base Camp → Badal Danda
Trek: 3 hours, 3 km | Elevation: 3,200m
After soaking in the views, retrace your steps back down to Badal Danda for the night.
Day 13: Trek to Lwang
Leg 13: Badal Danda → Lwang
Trek: 6 hours, 22.77 km | Elevation: 1,460m
Descend rapidly through the forest, enjoying new perspectives on the landscapes you climbed through earlier. Lwang village offers a warm welcome and a chance to experience local hospitality.
Day 14: Trek to Pokhara
Lwang → Pokhara
Drive: 3 hours | Elevation: 820m
A short trek to the road head, then drive to Pokhara, Nepal's lakeside city. Spend the afternoon relaxing by Phewa Lake or exploring the vibrant lakeside area.
Day 15: Pokhara Sightseeing
Sightseeing: — | Elevation: 820m
Optional early morning trip to Sarangkot for sunrise views. Daytime visits include Devi's Fall, Gupteshwor Cave, and Bindyabasini Temple. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of this beautiful city.
Day 16: Drive to Chitwan
Pokhara → Chitwan
Drive: 4 hours | Elevation: 150m
Leave the mountains behind and descend to the Terai plains and Chitwan National Park. After checking into your jungle lodge, attend a traditional Tharu cultural performance in the evening.
Day 17: Chitwan Jungle Activities
Sightseeing: — | Elevation: 150m
A full day exploring Chitwan. Morning jeep safari through the park to spot one-horned rhinos, elephants, and perhaps a Bengal tiger. Canoe ride along the Rapti River to observe crocodiles and water birds. Guided nature walk through the jungle.
Day 18: Return to Kathmandu and Departure
Chitwan → Kathmandu
Flight: 6 hours | Elevation: 1,350m
Transfer to Bharatpur airport for the flight to Kathmandu (or scenic drive if preferred). Connect to your international departure or extend your Nepal adventure.
Journey Gallery
Annapurna SunriseThe first light of dawn paints the massive face of Annapurna South in warm golden hues above a sea of clouds.
Annapurna Above the CloudsSnow-capped Annapurna peaks rise above a cloud-filled valley, framed by rhododendron branches in the foreground.
MachapuchareThe iconic twin summit of Machapuchare (Fishtail) soars into a deep blue sky, its rocky faces streaked with snow.
Trekking Above the CloudsTwo trekkers with poles walk along a stone ridge path high above a thick blanket of clouds.
Ridge-Top LodgesLodges and teahouses perch on a narrow mountain ridge as the sun shines over a vast sea of clouds.
Above the WorldA lone trekker stands silhouetted at the end of a stone-stepped ridge as the sun bursts over a sea of clouds.