5-day Mardi Himal Trek + Jhinu hot springs [2025]
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Why choose the Mardi Himal Trek?
The Mardi Himal trek offers a stunning journey through Nepal's Annapurna region. Known for its diverse landscapes, including lush forests and majestic peaks, this trek is perfect for those short on time, typically taking 3-5 days. Reaching up to 4500 meters at Mardi Himal Base Camp, you'll enjoy panoramic views of mountains like Machapuchare and Annapurna South.
We (Lisa and Pol) completed the trek in 3 days in the beginning of March 2025. We went without any guide or porter and found that the path was easy to follow and the permit straightforward to get. There are many solo trekkers on this trek as it's one of the shortest one around Pokhara. Going alone also meant that the entire expedition came down to a very reasonable budget : basically having to pay only for the permit, food and accommodation.
Since the Annapurna Conservation Area permit is valid until the exit, we decided to prolong the hiking experience and head towards the Jhinu Hot Springs from Forest Camp. This 2-day extension turned out to be a great addition to the trek as the scenery is quite different and very enjoyable. This article will focus on the full 5-day journey.
Although not technically challenging, the trek is physically demanding with significant elevation changes (4000m of elevation gain). The high altitude, cold temperatures, and early morning starts can be mentally taxing, but the rewards are breathtaking views and a sense of accomplishment. It's a perfect trek for people running low on time, or wanting to have a first experience of hiking in the Himalayas.
Preparing for the trek
Buying or Renting some gear
Not all items can be rented; mostly sleeping bags, shoes, jackets, and trekking poles are available for rent (price per day). The rest should be bought. Pokhara has many shops offering similar items (lots of fakes) at varying prices, so be prepared to negotiate. It can take a full day to gather everything. Knowing your trek conditions is crucial to ensure you buy the right gear and not rely solely on shop owners' advice. Insist on paying by card to avoid cash withdrawal fees. Keep your pack light. There is no shop we can recommend, visit a few to have an idea of the prices and then start buying. The more items from one shop, the bigger the discount.
Getting the ACAP permit
For 3000 NPR per person (approx 20€), you get a single entry into the zone. Bring two passport-sized photographs and your passport. Go directly to the office and fill out the paperwork; it takes about 15 minutes. Leave the agency/guide info blank. Take a motorbike using InDrive to get to the office from Lakeside.
Other things to plan
Check the weather using MeteoBlue or Mountain Forecast. Stock up on snacks like energy bars and chocolate. Those will be very expensive on the trek and highly appreciated. Pack essentials such as a first aid kit, water purification tablets (almost in every camp, there will be free tap water), a headlamp, an external charger, and a water bottle (from our experience, you can get away with one liter per person and refill at the different stops). Download the map of the area on Organic Maps or any other offline gps app. Also, prepare to carry a lot of cash for you entire trek, credit cards are not really accepted anywhere and there won't be any ATMs.
Our 5-day itinerary
Overview
The official Mardi Himal trek covers the first three days, with the additional two days following existing paths and joining part of the ABC trek. The first three days are very steep, ascending from 1700m to 4200m. We reached the viewpoint but did not go to the base camp. Although not the most popular trek, it is frequently used by both locals taking a short break from work and international trekkers. In early March, there's no need to book anything in advance, and you can negotiate prices at tea houses. The weather was pleasant for walking but not ideal for views, as it was very foggy.
Day 1 - Kande to Forest Camp
7h45 - 13.6km - 1045m up - 335 down.
To start the trek, you can take the bus from Hari Chowk in Pokhara to Kande. We took the 7 AM bus, using InDrive to get there. The journey takes 45 minutes.
The trek begins with a steep uphill climb on stairs, first crossing a village, then Australian Camp, followed by Pothana with the first ACAP checkpoint.
A long uphill walk through the forest follows. At an intersection, you can choose between a flat path to the left or an uphill route to the right leading to a temple. Every hour or so, there are options for food or drinks.
Forest Camp offers many lodging options. We stayed at the first one we found and went straight to sleep. Rooms are not heated, but the dining hall is open from 4-5 PM until after dinner, serving as a social hub where people eat, charge phones, and relax. Hot showers are available for 200 NPR, and WiFi and charging prices are negotiable.
Day 2 - Forest Camp to High Camp
5h45 - 7.8km - 1095m up - 15m down.
This is a shorter day, so there's no need to start too early. The trek involves an endless, steadily steep walk through the forest with many stairs. It was the hardest day for us, with no views due to the fog. There are plenty of accommodations in High Camp. Every hour or so, there are options for food or drinks along the way.
We got there very early, before 2pm, so we napped until dinner and then went to sleep at 8pm. So in total we got more than 8h of sleep despite the early wake up the next day.
Day 3 - High Camp to Landruk
10h30 - 20.1km - 710m up - 2480m down.
This is the most exciting day, starting at 4 AM with a group dynamic as almost everyone wakes up at this time. The trek is cold, steep, and dark, but seeing lights in the darkness creates a unique atmosphere. Upon reaching the top around 6 AM, there are a couple of shacks selling tea with a fire, offering a warm respite.
The first lights of dawn reveal incredible views, with everyone happy, shouting, and taking pictures. We stayed at the top for 1.5 hours, bringing a backpack to shed layers during the ascent and stay warm at the summit. The rest of our gear remained at High Camp.
After enjoying the views, we had breakfast at High Camp and began our descent. The walk down is quite easy, even without trekking poles, which can be found in the forest if needed. We had lunch in Low Camp and reached Forest Camp around 1 PM.
From there, we turned right, heading down towards Landruk. It started raining, and our bodies were sore, so we stopped before reaching Landruk, staying in Kyupche Basti. We took our first shower of the trek, had an early dinner, and went to sleep.
Day 4 - Landruk to Jhinu Danda
5h30 - 8.9km - 585m up - 650m down.
The last two days of our expedition were much less exhausting and physically demanding, with just a 4-hour trek to the hot springs. We expected the ABC trek to be crowded, but it wasn't at all. We crossed the river and took what seemed like an old, overgrown path, following the Modi River upstream.
The scenery was beautiful, wild, and calm, with suspension bridges all around. We had lunch in New Bridge and soon reached Jhinu, crossing the second-longest suspension bridge in the country, spanning 287 meters.
We left our belongings at a hotel and headed to the springs with just a towel. The ticket office is right at the top, followed by a 15-minute walk down to the actual pools. There are four pools with varying temperatures. The experience was amazing; the scenery is breathtaking, nestled next to the river and overlooking a lush, vertical forest. The facilities are new, featuring a changing room and restrooms. We stayed for 1.5 hours, bathing in our underpants.
Day 5 - Jhinu Danda to Ghandruk
2h45 - 7.5km - 500m up - 385m down.
We woke up to a beautiful view of the valley and began our walk towards Ghandruk. There's an option to hire a jeep from after the bridge directly to the bus stops in Ghandruk if needed, although it's quite pricey. We chose to walk instead. The journey took us 2 hours and 45 minutes to reach the bus stop, which is currently 30 minutes past Ghandruk due to road construction. The walk was enjoyable, winding through fields and offering scenic views. We were fortunate to catch the bus just as it was leaving, and the 2-hour and 45-minute journey took us back to Pokhara's Baglung station.
Extra content
We've poured our hearts into sharing our Mardi Himal trek experience, providing detailed insights and stunning photos to inspire and guide fellow independent trekkers. Whether you're planning a 3-day adventure or extending it to 5 days or more, we hope our journey empowers you to embark on this incredible expedition with confidence.
For those eager to dive deeper, we've prepared an exclusive resource pack. This includes our precise GPX file for offline navigation, a comprehensive list of equipment with prices, detailed breakdowns of transportation and daily expenses, and even a sample menu from High Camp to give you a taste of what's available.
To unlock this treasure trove of information, simply make a donation using the link below and mention "Mardi Himal" in the comments. We'll promptly send you a folder packed with all these valuable resources. Please note that while the information is accurate as of March 2025, prices may vary over time. Nonetheless, it will serve as a reliable reference for your adventure.
Conclusion
Embarking on the Mardi Himal trek was more than just a journey; it was an adventure that left us with unforgettable memories and a deep sense of accomplishment. The anticipation of ascending through dense, foggy forests, where visibility was often limited, built a sense of mystery and stress. However, the moment the fog lifted and the majestic peaks came into view, the delight and awe were indescribable, making every challenging step worthwhile. The physical challenges, coupled with the camaraderie of fellow trekkers, made each day unique and rewarding.
For those considering this trek, we wholeheartedly recommend it. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a novice seeking your first Himalayan experience, the Mardi Himal trek provides a perfect blend of adventure and accessibility. The independence of trekking without a guide adds an extra layer of satisfaction, knowing that every step is a testament to your own strength and resilience.
We hope our experiences and insights inspire you to take on this incredible journey. The Himalayas are calling, and the Mardi Himal trek is a fantastic way to answer that call. So, lace up your boots, pack your bags, and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime. The mountains await, and the rewards are immeasurable. Happy trekking!
