An exposed alpine ridgeline with close-up views of Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli that most trekkers on the classic routes never see
The whole route follows a ridge with Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli visible for most of the day from Low Camp onward
Opened in 2012 and still off the main Annapurna circuit. A fraction of the trekkers, the same peaks
Government-licensed guides who know the ridge conditions and the narrow exposed section from High Camp to Base Camp
The lower sections pass through traditional Gurung villages with direct Annapurna views before the ridge trail begins
The Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek follows a southeast ridge of the Annapurna massif, opened as a trekking route in 2012. From Kande, 45 minutes from Pokhara, the trail climbs through rhododendron forest and Gurung villages to the ridgeline. From Low Camp at 2,985m the views open and stay open. The final section is an exposed alpine ridge with Machhapuchhre rising directly overhead at Base Camp — a perspective no other Annapurna route gives you.
The hardest moments are the pre-dawn push from High Camp to Base Camp on Day 6, gaining 920m on a narrow rocky ridge with drop-offs on both sides, and the long 1,300m descent on Day 7. Both need poles and an early start. Most other days are 5 to 6 hours on moderate terrain. Fit beginners can complete this trek. Prior experience helps but is not required.
Trail highlights:
For comparisons read our Poon Hill vs Mardi Himal guide and Annapurna region guide.
Your guide meets you at arrivals and transfers you to the hotel in Thamel. That evening we hold a pre-trip briefing covering the full route, kit check, and permit paperwork. Bring your passport. If you need last-minute gear, Thamel shops open from 8am and stock everything from trekking poles to sleeping bags.
The tourist bus departs at 7am from Sorakhutte near Thamel. The 200km drive along the Prithvi Highway takes 7 to 8 hours. Arrive in Pokhara by late afternoon. Phewa Lake and the Annapurna range reflections are 10 minutes from most hotels. The trek starts tomorrow with a short jeep ride to Kande
A 45-minute jeep ride along the Pokhara-Baglung highway to the Kande trailhead at 1,770m. ACAP and TIMS permits are checked at Pothana. The trail climbs through rhododendron and pine forest via Australian Camp with early views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre. Pittam Deurali is a small ridge settlement where the Mardi Himal trail branches off from the main Annapurna Sanctuary route.
The longest day on the ascent. The trail leaves the main sanctuary route and enters dense oak, maple, and rhododendron forest. Forest Camp at 2,500m is a good lunch stop. Above Forest Camp the trees thin and the ridgeline begins to emerge. Low Camp at 2,985m is the first overnight stop with clear open views of Machhapuchhre directly ahead. The Nepal national bird, the Himalayan Monal pheasant, is often spotted in the forest sections today.
The ridge walk begins in earnest. From Low Camp the trail follows an increasingly exposed ridgeline with deep valleys dropping away on both sides — Modi Khola to the left, Mardi Khola to the right. Badal Danda at 3,210m, meaning Cloud Ridge in Nepali, is the best lunch viewpoint on the entire route. High Camp at 3,580m sits above the treeline with unobstructed Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre views. Set alarm for 4am.
Alarm at 4am. The 920m climb to Base Camp follows a narrow rocky ridge with significant drop-offs on both sides. Two to three hours up in thin cold air. At 4,500m, Mardi Himal (5,587m) and Machhapuchhre (6,993m) rise directly above you in a way no other trekking route in Nepal offers. After time at the summit return to High Camp for breakfast then descend to Badal Danda. A long but defining day.
The longest descent of the trek. From Badal Danda the trail drops back through Low Camp and Forest Camp to Pothana, losing nearly 1,300m in around 6 hours. The knees take the load today. Poles are essential throughout. The forest sections on the descent are quieter and cooler than on the way up. Pothana has good teahouses with more comfortable facilities than the upper camps.
A short walk down to the Kande road then a 45-minute jeep ride back to Pokhara. Arrive by mid-morning with the rest of the day free. Phewa Lake boating, the International Mountain Museum, and paragliding are all within easy reach. Tonight is your last night in Pokhara before the long drive back to Kathmandu.
Tourist bus back along the Prithvi Highway, 200km in 7 to 8 hours. Arrive by early evening. That night your guide takes you to a local restaurant for a farewell dinner of dal bhat, momos, and traditional Nepali dishes. A good moment to let five days on the Mardi ridge sink in.
Breakfast at the hotel then a private transfer to the airport timed to your flight. If you have time before departure, Boudhanath is 20 minutes by taxi and worth a final morning visit.
Two tiers on this trek. Kathmandu and Pokhara are 3-star hotels with private bathrooms and breakfast included. From Pittam Deurali to Low Camp teahouses are well-established with twin rooms, shared bathrooms, and solar hot showers at extra cost. Above Low Camp facilities become progressively more basic. High Camp has unheated rooms, shared bathrooms, and limited electricity. Base Camp is the most basic stop on the route — cold, sparse, and worth every bit of it. Sleeping bag rated to -5°C essential throughout.
Teahouse menus are consistent from Pittam Deurali to High Camp: dal bhat, garlic soup, noodle soup, fried rice, eggs, pancakes, and ginger tea. Dal bhat is the safest and most nutritious option at every stop, cooked fresh to order. Do not eat meat above Low Camp where freshness cannot be guaranteed. Vegetarian food is available everywhere. Prices increase significantly at High Camp where all supplies are porter-carried up the ridge. Budget $30 to $40 per day for three meals and drinks on trail.
| Meals on trail | $30 to $40 / day |
| Meals at High Camp and Base Camp | $40 to $50 / day |
| Hot shower | $3 to $5 |
| Wi-Fi (Pittam Deurali and Low Camp only) | $2 to $3 |
| Battery charging per device | $2 to $3 |
| Bottled water | $1 to $2 |
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This trek is rated Challenging (Level 3 on our scale). The route reaches 4,500m at Base Camp, gains altitude faster than the standard Annapurna Base Camp trail, and has two demanding days — the pre-dawn Base Camp push on Day 6 and the long 1,300m descent to Pothana on Day 7. The exposed ridge above Low Camp requires care in wet or windy conditions. That said, there is no technical climbing and first-time trekkers complete this route every season with good fitness and preparation. If you can walk 5 to 6 hours per day on uneven ground you can do this trek. See our full trek difficulty guide for context.
Yes, with caveats. Fit beginners with no prior trekking experience complete this route regularly. The trail is well-marked, teahouses are available at every overnight stop, and the itinerary builds altitude gradually with a night at Low Camp before High Camp. The two things that catch beginners off guard are the fast altitude gain — you reach 4,500m without a dedicated acclimatisation rest day — and the steepness of the descent on Day 7. If you can sustain uphill effort for 5 to 6 hours, you can manage this trek. Prior hiking experience helps but is not a requirement.
You should be comfortable walking 5 to 6 hours per day carrying a daypack of 3 to 5kg. Train for 6 to 8 weeks before departure with cardiovascular exercise 4 to 5 times per week — running, cycling, stair climbing, and long hikes all work well. Practice hikes on consecutive days with significant elevation gain are the most specific preparation. Pay attention to downhill training — the 1,300m descent from Badal Danda to Pothana on Day 7 puts sustained pressure on the knees. Trekking poles are not optional on this route.
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the two reliable windows. Autumn brings the clearest skies and best mountain visibility after the monsoon. Spring is warmer with rhododendrons in bloom in the forest sections between Kande and Forest Camp — spectacular in March and April. December is possible but cold above Low Camp with some snow on the ridge. Avoid January and February when the ridge above Badal Danda can be icy and snowbound. Monsoon (June to August) is not recommended — the exposed ridge is slippery, views are blocked above High Camp for days at a time, and the Base Camp approach becomes unsafe in heavy rain.
Yes. Base Camp sits at 4,500m and the ascent is faster than many comparable routes. You sleep at Low Camp (2,985m), then High Camp (3,580m) on consecutive nights before pushing to 4,500m on Day 6. Mild symptoms including headache, reduced appetite, and disrupted sleep are common above 3,000m. The night at High Camp before the Base Camp push is the key acclimatisation stop — do not skip it. Your guide carries an oximeter and monitors your oxygen saturation from Low Camp onward. If symptoms worsen, descent is always the correct response. Talk to your doctor about Diamox before you travel. Read our full altitude sickness guide for a detailed breakdown.
Alarm at 4am. From High Camp the trail follows an exposed ridge gaining 920m to Base Camp at 4,500m. The final section is narrow and rocky with steep drop-offs on both sides. It takes 2 to 3 hours up in cold pre-dawn air. At Base Camp, Mardi Himal (5,587m) and Machhapuchhre (6,993m) rise directly overhead in a way that no other trekking route in Nepal offers. After time at the summit you return to High Camp for breakfast then descend to Badal Danda. The round trip from High Camp is 8 to 9 hours in total. It is the hardest and most rewarding day on the trek.
Poon Hill (9 days, $550) is lower at 3,210m, focused on a sunrise viewpoint, and significantly less demanding. Mardi Himal (10 days, $615) reaches 4,500m on an exposed alpine ridge with close-up views of Machhapuchhre that neither Poon Hill nor ABC offers from the same angle. Annapurna Base Camp (15 days, $820) goes into the glacial Annapurna Sanctuary at 4,130m — slightly lower than Mardi, more days on trail, more established teahouses, and a completely different landscape. Mardi is the best option if you want serious altitude and dramatic ridgeline views in 10 days. Our Poon Hill vs Mardi Himal guide and Annapurna region guide break down all three in detail.
Two permits are required: the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the TIMS card. Both are included in the MountainKick package price. We handle all paperwork before you leave Kathmandu. Bring your passport and two passport-sized photos to the pre-trip briefing. Permits are checked at the Pothana checkpoint on Day 3 and carried throughout the ridge. For full 2026 permit details read our Nepal trekking permits guide.
Yes. Since April 2023 Nepal requires all foreign trekkers on designated routes including the Annapurna region to trek with a licensed guide. Beyond the legal requirement, the trail above Forest Camp becomes less defined and the ridge above Badal Danda can be confusing in poor visibility. The pre-dawn Base Camp push on a narrow rocky ridge in the dark is not a section to navigate without someone who has walked it before. Your MountainKick guide has done this route many times and knows where the trail goes when it disappears under snow or cloud.
Teahouses from Pittam Deurali to High Camp serve dal bhat, garlic soup, noodle soup, fried rice, eggs, pancakes, and ginger tea. Dal bhat is always the safest option, cooked fresh to order. Do not eat meat above Low Camp where freshness cannot be guaranteed. Vegetarian food is available at every stop. Prices increase significantly at High Camp where all supplies are porter-carried up the ridge. Budget $30 to $40 per day for three meals and drinks on trail, more at High Camp.
Budget for: international flights, Nepal visa (15-day $30 / 30-day $50 / 90-day $125), travel insurance, all meals on trek ($30 to $40 per day, more at High Camp), hot showers and Wi-Fi ($2 to $5 each, available at Pittam Deurali and Low Camp only), and tips for your guide and porter (10 to 15% of trip cost). Withdraw all cash before leaving Pokhara as there are no ATMs on trail. Most trekkers spend an additional $300 to $400 on top of the $615 package price.
Your policy must cover emergency helicopter evacuation to at least 4,500m. A helicopter evacuation from the High Camp or Base Camp area without insurance can cost $2,500 to $4,000. Make sure your policy also covers trip cancellation, medical treatment, and altitude-related illness. Standard travel insurance often excludes activities above 3,000m — check the fine print before you buy. Carry a printed copy of your policy and emergency contact number throughout the trek. Read our travel insurance guide for what to look for.
Medical facilities are extremely limited along the Mardi Himal route. Low Camp and High Camp have no medical facilities. Pothana has a basic health post with limited supplies. The nearest full-service hospital is in Pokhara. Your guide carries a first aid kit for treating minor issues. Serious medical emergencies require evacuation to Pokhara or Kathmandu. This trek is more remote than some other routes, so being prepared with personal medications, basic first aid knowledge, and comprehensive travel insurance is critical.
Key items include moisture-wicking base layers and insulating mid-layers for temperature management. You’ll need waterproof and windproof jacket and pants for weather protection. A down jacket rated for cold temperatures (-5°C to -10°C) is essential for High Camp and Base Camp. Bring a warm beanie, sun hat, gloves, and neck gaiter. Waterproof hiking boots (well broken-in) are critical—practice hikes should be in the boots you’ll trek in. Sleeping bag rated -10°C to -5°C is necessary. Pack a 25-35L daypack for daily essentials, trekking poles for steep sections, and a headlamp with extra batteries for the pre-dawn Base Camp hike. Bring water bottles and a purification method, sunglasses with 100% UV protection, sunscreen SPF 50+, and a personal first aid kit. Mardi Himal requires warmer gear than lower-altitude treks due to higher altitude.
Best trekking times are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). Spring brings beautiful rhododendron forest blooms, clear mornings with occasional afternoon clouds, and base camp temperatures ranging from -5°C to 10°C. Autumn offers the clearest skies and best mountain visibility with stable weather and base camp temperatures from -8°C to 5°C. Winter (December to February) is the coldest season with temperatures dropping to -15°C at base camp, but visibility is exceptional and trekkers are rare. Monsoon season (June to August) is not recommended due to heavy rain, leeches at lower elevations, and cloud-obscured views. Autumn is generally ideal due to stable weather and excellent visibility.
Compared to Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, Mardi Himal reaches higher altitude (4,500m vs. 3,210m), involves more challenging terrain and longer trekking days, is less crowded and more remote, features more dramatic close-up mountain views, and has fewer facilities with more basic teahouses. Compared to Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Mardi is shorter (10 days vs. 12-14 days), significantly less crowded, reaches similar altitude, and offers different perspectives of the Annapurna range. For comprehensive comparisons, see our Nepal trekking guide.
Mobile coverage is available in most villages but spotty and unreliable at High Camp and near Base Camp. Wi-Fi is available at most teahouses for a daily fee of $2-$4. Internet speed is generally slow, suitable for basic messaging but not video calls. Local SIM cards from NCell and Nepal Telecom can be purchased in Kathmandu before your trek. Signal strength is generally good at lower elevations but limited at High Camp. For emergency communication, your guide has alternative methods to contact MountainKick’s Kathmandu office. Inform family and friends that you may be out of contact during portions of the trek.
Daily expenses on the trail include meals $30-$40 per day, hot showers $2-$5 (higher at upper camps), Wi-Fi $2-$4 daily, battery charging $2-$5 per device, and extra snacks and drinks $2-$8 per item. Other expenses include international airfare to/from Nepal (not included), Nepal visa fees ($30-$125 depending on duration), travel insurance with high-altitude and helicopter evacuation coverage (mandatory), personal trekking gear, meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara outside of included breakfast and farewell dinner, and tips for guides and porters (recommended 10-15% of trip cost). Budget extra for optional activities in Pokhara like paragliding or boating before or after your trek.
MountainKick offers flexible customization options. You can choose private departure dates, modify the itinerary by adding or removing days, change pace, or include side trips. Extensions are available like adding activities in Pokhara or combining Mardi with nearby treks like Poon Hill. Accommodation upgrades to higher-standard lodges are available where feasible. You can focus on photography, culture, wildlife, or combine Mardi with other experiences. Simply contact us with your preferences and we’ll create a customized itinerary matching your needs. We never force customers to follow the standard itinerary.
Solo travelers are welcome. You can join one of our scheduled group departures to share costs and meet other trekkers. Alternatively, arrange a private solo trek with dedicated guide and porter at higher cost. Single room supplements are available in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Single rooms may be available at lower elevations along the trek but are limited at High Camp. Solo trekkers often find teahouse environments social, with opportunities to meet other trekkers. MountainKick ensures solo travelers receive the same attention and service as groups, with safety as our primary concern.
Carry sufficient Nepalese Rupees for the entire trek as ATM access is extremely limited. ATMs only exist in Kathmandu and Pokhara, so exchange currency there before starting your trek. Carry small denominations as change is limited in remote areas. Keep money secure in a money belt or hidden pouch. Budget approximately ($30-$40) per day for meals and extra expenses like hot showers, Wi-Fi, and battery charging. Add extra for optional expenses and porter tips. Credit cards are not accepted at teahouses. The Mardi Himal trek is more remote than some other treks, making adequate cash essential.
| Trip Starts | Trip Ends | Status | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JUNE 2026 | ||||
| 13 Jun 2026 10 days | 22 Jun 2026 | available | $615 | |
| 20 Jun 2026 10 days | 29 Jun 2026 | available | $615 | |
| 27 Jun 2026 10 days | 6 Jul 2026 | available | $615 | |
| SEPTEMBER 2026 | ||||
| 4 Sep 2026 10 days | 13 Sep 2026 | available | $615 | |
| 11 Sep 2026 10 days | 20 Sep 2026 | available | $615 | |
| 18 Sep 2026 10 days | 27 Sep 2026 | available | $615 | |
| 25 Sep 2026 10 days | 4 Oct 2026 | available | $615 | |
| OCTOBER 2026 | ||||
| 2 Oct 2026 10 days | 11 Oct 2026 | available | $615 | |
| 9 Oct 2026 10 days | 18 Oct 2026 | available | $615 | |
| 16 Oct 2026 10 days | 25 Oct 2026 | available | $615 | |
| 23 Oct 2026 10 days | 1 Nov 2026 | available | $615 | |
| 30 Oct 2026 10 days | 8 Nov 2026 | available | $615 | |
| NOVEMBER 2026 | ||||
| 6 Nov 2026 10 days | 15 Nov 2026 | available | $615 | |
| 13 Nov 2026 10 days | 22 Nov 2026 | available | $615 | |
| 20 Nov 2026 10 days | 29 Nov 2026 | available | $615 | |
| 27 Nov 2026 10 days | 6 Dec 2026 | available | $615 | |
| DECEMBER 2026 | ||||
| 4 Dec 2026 10 days | 13 Dec 2026 | available | $615 | |
| 11 Dec 2026 10 days | 20 Dec 2026 | available | $615 | |
| 18 Dec 2026 10 days | 27 Dec 2026 | available | $615 | |
| 25 Dec 2026 10 days | 3 Jan 2027 | available | $615 | |
| MARCH 2027 | ||||
| 2 Mar 2027 10 days | 11 Mar 2027 | available | $615 | |
| 9 Mar 2027 10 days | 18 Mar 2027 | available | $615 | |
| 16 Mar 2027 10 days | 25 Mar 2027 | available | $615 | |
| 23 Mar 2027 10 days | 1 Apr 2027 | available | $615 | |
| 30 Mar 2027 10 days | 8 Apr 2027 | available | $615 | |
| APRIL 2027 | ||||
| 6 Apr 2027 10 days | 15 Apr 2027 | available | $615 | |
| 13 Apr 2027 10 days | 22 Apr 2027 | available | $615 | |
| 20 Apr 2027 10 days | 29 Apr 2027 | available | $615 | |
| 27 Apr 2027 10 days | 6 May 2027 | available | $615 | |
| MAY 2027 | ||||
| 4 May 2027 10 days | 13 May 2027 | available | $615 | |
| 11 May 2027 10 days | 20 May 2027 | available | $615 | |
| 18 May 2027 10 days | 27 May 2027 | available | $615 | |
| 25 May 2027 10 days | 3 Jun 2027 | available | $615 | |
| 30+ days before departure | Deposit forfeited, balance refunded in full |
| 15–29 days before departure | 50% of total trip cost charged |
| Under 15 days | No refund |
| MountainKick cancels trip | Full refund or reschedule |
We give you the power to choose the departure date that suits your group best. A private trip is a perfect solution if you can’t find a published departure date that you and your companions agree on. You can set up a private departure for most of the trips we offer.
| Travellers | Price Per Person (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $945 |
| 2-3 | $615 |
| 4-9 | $520 |
Ready to go? Request your preferred dates or message Kumar directly on WhatsApp — he'll confirm availability within a few hours.
We never force our customers to follow our set itinerary. You can customize your itinerary exactly the way you want. Please share with us your ideas.
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| Item | Qty | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Waterproof hiking boots, ankle support | 1 pair | The ridge above Low Camp and the long descent to Pothana demand grip and ankle stability. |
| Merino wool hiking socks | 3 pairs | Never cotton. Merino manages moisture and odour. |
| Camp sandals or flip flops | 1 pair | For teahouses after long days. |
| Waterproof gaiters, light | 1 | For the exposed ridge sections above Badal Danda in wet or snowy conditions. |
| Item | Qty | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Moisture-wicking base layer top | 1 | Synthetic or merino. Never cotton. |
| Quick-dry trekking shirts | 2 | One on, one drying. |
| Fleece jacket | 1 | Main mid-layer. Worn every evening. |
| Down or insulated jacket | 1 | Essential for the 4am Base Camp climb and cold evenings at High Camp. Rentable in Pokhara |
| Waterproof jacket with hood | 1 | Must have a hood. The ridge above Badal Danda is fully exposed to wind and rain |
| Quick-dry trekking pants | 2 pairs | Convertible zip-off works well as temperatures vary. |
| Underwear, moisture-wicking | 4 pairs | Quick-dry synthetic or merino. |
| Item | Qty | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Sun hat or cap | 1 | UV is strong on the open ridgeline above Low Camp |
| Warm beanie | 1 | For early morning starts and cold evenings above Low Camp |
| Fleece gloves | 1 pair | Liner gloves alone are not enough for the 4am Base Camp climb |
| Neck gaiter or buff | 1 | Wind protection on the exposed ridge above Badal Danda |
| Sunglasses, UV protection | 1 | Standard UV lenses are fine at this altitude. |
| Item | Qty | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Daypack, 20 to 25L with rain cover | 1 | Stays with you all day on trail. |
| Sleeping bag, rated to -5°C | 1 | High Camp is the coldest overnight. Rentable in Pokhara. -5°C rated essential |
| Trekking poles | 1 pair | Critical for the narrow ridge to Base Camp on Day 6 and the 1,300m descent to Pothana on Day 7 |
| Headlamp with spare batteries | 1 | Essential for the 4am Base Camp push. Keep batteries in sleeping bag overnight |
| Reusable water bottle, 1L | 1 | Plastic bottles are banned in the Annapurna region. |
| Water purification tablets | 1 pack | Backup when boiled water is unavailable. |
| Power bank, 10,000 to 20,000mAh | 1 | No reliable electricity above Low Camp. Keep in sleeping bag overnight to prevent cold drain |
| Item | Qty | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Blister treatment, moleskin or second skin | 1 pack | Day 7 long descent to Pothana is the highest blister risk day. Start treating hot spots early |
| Pain relievers, paracetamol or ibuprofen | 1 pack | For headaches and muscle soreness. |
| Anti-diarrheal tablets | 1 pack | Stomach issues are common from food changes. |
| Sunscreen SPF 40 | 1 | Reapply every 2 hours on the open ridgeline above Low Camp. UV intensity is extreme |
| Lip balm with SPF | 1 | Lips crack fast in cold dry air at High Camp and on the Base Camp ridge |
| Item | Qty | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Microfiber towel | 1 | Teahouses do not provide towels. |
| Toothbrush and toothpaste | 1 each | Travel size only. |
| Hand sanitizer | 1 small | Water can freeze overnight at High Camp |
| Toilet paper | 2 rolls | Teahouses can run out above Low Camp. Always carry your own |
| Wet wipes | 1 pack | Hot showers above Low Camp cost $3 to $5 and are not always available |
| Item | Qty | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Passport, valid 6 months | 1 | Keep a photocopy separate. |
| Trek permit copies, ACAP and TIMS | 1 set | We handle permits. Carry copies at the Pothana checkpoint and throughout the ridge |
| Travel insurance document | 1 | Must cover helicopter evacuation to 4,500m. Print a hard copy |
| Cash, Nepali rupees | As needed | Budget NPR 3,500 to 5,000 per day for meals plus showers, Wi-Fi, and charging. Higher at High Camp |
| Item | Note |
|---|---|
| Sleeping bag rated to -10°C | High Camp drops well below freezing in January and February. -5°C bag not sufficient in winter |
| Microspikes | The ridge above Badal Danda and Base Camp approach can be icy in December and January |
| Insulated waterproof gloves | Liner gloves not enough for the 4am Base Camp climb in winter |
| Balaclava | Full face protection for the pre-dawn Base Camp push and wind on the exposed ridge |
| Extra thermal base layer | Third layer for the coldest nights at High Camp in winter months |
| Item | Note |
|---|---|
| Heavy waterproof gaiters | Mud and water on trail from Kande through Forest Camp |
| Rain cover for backpack | Sustained monsoon rain will soak a water-resistant pack on the exposed ridge |
| Extra quick-dry layer | Nothing dries overnight in monsoon. |
Sleeping bags and down jackets can be rented in Pokhara. Trekking poles are cheap to buy there and worth keeping. MountainKick provides a duffel bag for every trekker and connects you with trusted shops at the pre-trip briefing.
Kumar and the team have guided this route for over a decade. Ask anything — gear, fitness, altitude, private groups — before you commit.
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