Kopra Dada- Mardi Himal-2026

Overview Departures Itinerary Inclusion Exclusion Gallery

Trip Overview

The Poon Hill, Khopra Danda, and Mardi Himal Trek is a remarkable Himalayan adventure that weaves together three of the most scenic and diverse trekking trails in the Annapurna region. This journey offers an extraordinary combination of iconic sunrise viewpoints, off-the-beaten-path ridgelines, and close-up mountain vistas, all in a single unforgettable expedition.

The trek begins with a scenic drive from Pokhara to the trailhead, passing through lush rhododendron and oak forests, traditional Gurung and Magar villages, and terraced farmlands. The route first ascends to the world-famous Poon Hill, where trekkers witness a spectacular sunrise painting the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges in golden hues. From there, the trail diverges from the crowded routes into the remote and tranquil Khopra Ridge, offering sweeping panoramic views of some of the highest peaks on Earth.

The journey then connects to the Mardi Himal trail, a relatively new and less-crowded route that takes you through moss-covered forests, alpine meadows, and exposed ridgelines to Mardi Himal Base Camp. Here, you are rewarded with awe-inspiring close-up views of Machhapuchhare (Fishtail), Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli. The trek concludes with a scenic descent through the charming village of Siding, where road access provides a comfortable return to Pokhara.

This trek is ideal for adventurers seeking a varied and culturally rich Himalayan experience with spectacular mountain panoramas, diverse landscapes, and the tranquility of less-trafficked trails.

Best Seasons to Travel

Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) are the best seasons for this trek, offering stable weather, clear mountain views, blooming rhododendron forests, and safe trekking conditions. During spring, the rhododendron forests along the Khopra and Mardi trails burst into vibrant colors, creating a spectacular landscape.

Notes to Travelers

This trek is moderate to challenging and recommended for trekkers with good fitness levels and some prior trekking experience. The route reaches altitudes over 4,500 meters at both Khopra Danda and Mardi Himal Base Camp, requiring proper acclimatization.

The Khopra Ridge section offers an off-the-beaten-path experience with fewer trekkers and more remote trails. There are community lodges along this route, providing basic but comfortable accommodation and authentic local hospitality.

The Mardi Himal section involves walking on exposed ridgelines with steep drop-offs. Trekkers should be comfortable with heights and narrow trails. The descent to Siding offers a shorter and quieter exit option compared to returning via Kande.

Accommodation throughout the trek is in teahouses and community lodges with basic facilities. At higher altitudes, temperatures drop significantly at night, so warm gear is essential.

Transportation from Siding to Pokhara is available by sharing jeep, with a travel time of approximately 2 hours.

This trek combines three distinct trails—Poon Hill, Khopra Danda, and Mardi Himal—offering one of the most complete and rewarding trekking experiences in the Annapurna region.

Highlights

Poon Hill Sunrise - Iconic viewpoint offering spectacular panoramic views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Machhapuchhare, and more than 30 peaks
Khopra Ridge - Off-the-beaten-path ridgeline with breathtaking views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Nilgiri, and other Himalayan giants
Khayer Lake Excursion - Sacred high-altitude alpine lake nestled beneath Annapurna South, offering a rewarding day hike from Khopra Danda
Mardi Himal Base Camp - Close-up views of Machhapuchhare (Fishtail), Mardi Himal, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli from 4,500 meters
Rhododendron Forests - Trek through some of the largest rhododendron forests in the world, especially spectacular in spring bloom
Gurung and Magar Villages - Experience authentic local culture and hospitality in traditional villages like Ghandruk, Tadapani, and Swanta
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experience - Enjoy quieter trails on the Khopra and Mardi sections compared to more popular routes
Diverse Landscapes - From subtropical forests and terraced farmlands to alpine meadows and high-altitude ridgelines
Siding Exit - Scenic descent through the quiet village of Siding, offering a shorter and less-crowded end to the trek

Fixed Departure Dates

Early booking recommended due to limited seats.

September 10, 2026

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December 31, 2026

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March 02, 2027

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May 31, 2027

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Itinerary

Day 1 : Arrival and Transfer to Hotel in Kathmandu (1,350m)
- Highlights: Arrival in the capital city of Nepal, welcome by our representative, first glimpse of the Himalayan atmosphere
- Activity: Transfer to hotel, rest and recovery from your flight
Day 2 : Drive Kathmandu to Pokhara (800m)
- Highlights: Scenic drive along the Prithvi Highway, views of Trishuli River, first glimpses of the Annapurna range, arrival in the beautiful lake city of Pokhara
- Activity: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (approximately 6-7 hours), hotel check-in, explore Lakeside area, visit Phewa Lake
Day 3 : Drive Pokhara to Nayapul and Trek to Ulleri (1,960m)
- Highlights: Short scenic drive to the trailhead, crossing suspension bridges, views of Machhapuchhare, traditional villages, Modi Khola river views
- Activity: Drive to Nayapul, commence trekking along the Modi Khola River, pass through Birethanti and Tikhedhunga, ascend the famous stone steps to Ulleri
Day 4 : Trek Ulleri to Ghorepani (2,860m)
- Highlights: Dense rhododendron forests, panoramic views of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli, traditional Magar and Gurung villages, Nangethanti and Banthanti forests
- Activity: Trek from Ulleri through rhododendron and oak forests, pass through Nangethanti and Banthanti, arrive at Ghorepani village
Day 5 : Explore Poon Hill (3,210m) and Trek to Swanta (2,260m)
- Highlights: POON HILL SUNRISE - spectacular panoramic view of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I, Machhapuchhare, and more than 30 peaks, descent through forest trails, arrival at the peaceful village of Swanta
- Activity: Early morning hike to Poon Hill for sunrise, return to Ghorepani for breakfast, trek through forests and rural landscapes to Swanta village
Day 6 : Trek Swanta to Khopra Danda (3,660m)
- Highlights: KHOPRA RIDGE - sweeping panoramic views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Nilgiri, and Tukuche Peak, the Kali Gandaki Gorge (world's deepest gorge), community lodge experience, remote alpine landscape
- Activity: Trek from Swanta through alpine meadows and pastures, pass through Chistibung, arrive at Khopra Danda Community Lodge
Day 7 : Excursion to Khayer Lake (4,500m) and Return to Khopra Danda
- Highlights: KHAYER LAKE - sacred high-altitude alpine lake, close-up views of Annapurna South, glacial amphitheater setting, serene Himalayan landscape, spiritual atmosphere
- Activity: Early morning start, hike from Khopra Danda to Khayer Lake (approximately 6 km each way), explore the sacred lake and surrounding shrines, return to Khopra Danda
Day 8 : Trek Khopra Danda to Dobato (3,420m)
- Highlights: Gradual descent through rhododendron forests, spectacular mountain vistas, remote trail sections, peaceful alpine meadows
- Activity: Trek from Khopra Danda through forests and alpine terrain, arrive at Dobato with views of the surrounding peaks
Day 9 : Trek Dobato to Tadapani (2,630m)
- Highlights: Descend through lush rhododendron forests, views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhare, traditional Gurung village, waterfall and stream crossings
- Activity: Trek from Dobato through dense forests, cross streams and bridges, arrive at the village of Tadapani
Day 10 : Trek Tadapani to Landruk (1,430m)
- Highlights: Descent through terraced fields and forests, views of Machhapuchhare and Annapurna South, traditional Gurung village life, welcoming tea houses
- Activity: Trek from Tadapani through forests and farmland, descend to the village of Landruk
Day 11 : Trek Landruk to Forest Camp (2,100m)
- Highlights: Ascent through lush rhododendron and oak forests, moss-covered stone steps, views of Machhapuchhare, immersion in pristine wilderness
- Activity: Trek from Landruk through forests, cross small streams, arrive at Forest Camp on the Mardi Himal trail
Day 12 : Trek Forest Camp to High Camp (3,600m)
- Highlights: Gradual ascent through dense rhododendron forests, panoramic views of Machhapuchhare and Annapurna South, alpine landscape, exposed ridgeline
- Activity: Trek from Forest Camp through forests and open terrain, arrive at High Camp with stunning mountain views
Day 13 : Trek High Camp to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m) and Descend to Badal Danda (3,210m)
- Highlights: MARDI HIMAL BASE CAMP - close-up views of Machhapuchhare (Fishtail), Mardi Himal, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli, exposed ridgeline walk, 360-degree Himalayan panorama, Badal Danda sunrise viewpoint
- Activity: Early morning start from High Camp, hike to Mardi Himal Base Camp along the exposed ridge, explore and photograph, descend to Badal Danda
Day 14 : Trek Badal Danda to Siding Village (1,700m) and Drive to Pokhara
- Highlights: SIDING EXIT - scenic descent through alpine terrain into lush forests, quieter trail option, completion of the trek, drive back to Pokhara
- Activity: Trek from Badal Danda to Siding Village through forests, drive from Siding to Pokhara (approximately 2 hours), hotel transfer, celebration and rest
Day 15 : Drive Pokhara to Kathmandu
- Highlights: Scenic drive along the Prithvi Highway, views of the Trisuli River, return to the capital, farewell dinner celebration
- Activity: Drive back to Kathmandu, hotel transfer, free time for shopping, farewell dinner with Himalayan Karma Treks
Day 16 : End of the Program / Fly to Your Destination
- Activity: Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward journey, farewell

Cost Inclusion

Airport transfers on arrival and departure in a private vehicle
3 nights hotel accommodation in Kathmandu on BB plan (twin-sharing basis)
1 night hotel accommodation in Pokhara on BB plan (twin-sharing basis)
Guided city tour in Kathmandu (if applicable)
Kathmandu to Pokhara transportation by tourist bus/private vehicle
Pokhara to Nayapul (trek start point) and return by private vehicle/local jeep
Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) entry permit
Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card
Tea house/lodge accommodation during the trek (twin-sharing basis)
Three meals a day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek
One experienced, government-licensed, English-speaking trekking guide
Porter service (1 porter for every 2 trekkers) to carry your main luggage (max 15-20 kg per porter)
Insurance, salary, meals, and accommodation for guide and porters
Medical kit (basic first aid)
All government taxes and official expenses
Farewell dinner in Kathmandu with the Himalayan Karma Treks
Complimentary duffel bag from Himalayan Karma Treks for storing and carrying your trekking gear

Cost Exclusion

International airfare to and from Nepal
Nepal entry visa fee (available on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport)
Travel and medical insurance (mandatory, covering emergency evacuation and high-altitude trekking)
Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, internet, battery charging, hot showers, etc.
Alcoholic beverages, cold drinks, bottled water, and snacks
Extra meals and accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara beyond the itinerary
Extra porter services (if required beyond the standard 1:2 ratio)
Tips for guide, porters, and drivers (recommended but at your discretion)
Any additional costs due to flight cancellations, weather delays, natural disasters, or other unforeseen circumstances
Personal trekking gear and equipment
Emergency evacuation and medical treatment costs