Annapurna Combo Trek (ABC, MBC & Mardi Himal)

Your journey begins upon arriving in Pokhara. You will check into your hotel, where you will meet your Global Compass Travels guide for a pre-trek briefing and final preparations. You have the rest of the evening to yourself. Use this time to explore the vibrant Lakeside area and make last-minute purchases before your 11-day journey ahead.

The day begins with a scenic drive to Jhinu Danda. From the trailhead, you will cross the long suspension bridge and officially start your trek. You can take a detour, away from the crowded stone steps, and follow the upper Old Sinuwa route. This trail provides a much more stable incline.

Today’s journey takes you through thick bamboo and rhododendron forests. As you gain altitude, the air becomes crisp. You will stop for lunch at Deurali, where you can try the local Garlic Soup, which the locals swear by for better blood circulation. After lunch, you will continue your journey, maintaining a slow but steady pace to the Himalayan Deurali.

This is a monumental day as you enter the Annapurna Sanctuary. You will first reach the Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3,700 meters). From MBC, you will continue for another 2 hours before reaching the iconic Annapurna Base Camp. Enjoy the spectacular sunset as you stand amid a natural amphitheater surrounded by enormous ice walls.

The day begins with a sunrise view over the south face of Annapurna I. After the magical sunrise, you can explore the glacier and the base camp before beginning your descent. Your trek takes you back to Bamboo. The journey is long, but as the oxygen levels increase, your lungs will experience a sense of relief.

From Bamboo, you will trek back to Jhinu Danda. You can visit the natural hot springs by the river for a much-deserved therapeutic session to soothe your muscles. After spending some time in the hot springs, you will head to the pick-up point where a local vehicle takes you back to Pokhara for a comfortable night’s sleep in a hotel.

The second leg of your Annapurna Combo Trek begins with a drive to the Mardi Himal trailhead. You will walk through the lush forests toward Pitam Deurali. This is a significant junction where the Annapurna Sanctuary trail splits from the Mardi Himal ridge.

Today’s trek consists of a steady climb through the forests to Low Camp. Keep yourself well-hydrated with Ginger Lemon Honey Tea along the trail. This drink is also excellent for preventing nausea and keeping your energy levels high. After a 6-hour trek, you will reach the serene Low Camp where you’ll spend the night.

You will emerge from the tree line and follow the narrow ridge toward High Camp. This section is a natural habitat of the Danphe (Himalayan Monal). Watch out for the colored feathers behind the short shrubs on the grassy slopes just below the ridge line.

Today, you will visit the final highlight of the 11-day Annapurna Combo Trek. You will trek along the narrow, rocky ridge to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,450 meters). Here, you will stand face-to-face with the Machhapuchhre. After spending some time here, you will descend to Badal Danda (Cloud Hill). This is a preferred resting spot for trekkers as it offers a 360-degree view of both the sunset and sunrise without the ridge obstruction.

Your final day takes you on a steep descent through the forests toward Siding. This route offers a different perspective of the landscape and a glimpse into the local rural life. From Siding, you will catch a local vehicle and return to Pokhara, to officially conclude your 11-day Annapurna Combo Trek.