Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu. A TrekkingKey representative will greet you and transfer you to your hotel in Thamel. In the evening, your trek leader will brief you on the full itinerary, gear requirements, and what to expect on the trail. Spend the evening exploring Thamel — Nepal's famous trekker's hub — packed with restaurants, gear shops, and vibrant local culture.

Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel  |  Meals: Welcome Dinner

After a leisurely breakfast, board a comfortable tourist bus for the scenic drive to Pokhara — Nepal's adventure capital and the gateway to the Annapurna region. The journey takes approximately 7-8 hours through lush valleys, rivers, and mountain scenery. Upon arrival in Pokhara, enjoy the stunning lakeside atmosphere of Phewa Lake. The Annapurna, Machapuchare, and Dhaulagiri ranges tower spectacularly above the valley.

Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel in Pokhara  |  Meals: Breakfast  |  Drive: ~205 km / 7-8 hours

After breakfast, a short drive of approximately 1.5 hours takes you to Birethanti — the official trailhead of the Mardi Himal and Poon Hill trek. Cross the Modi Khola river and begin trekking through charming local villages, terraced farmlands, and lush green hillsides. Pass through the Magar villages of Hile and Tikhedhunga before a steep stone-staircase ascent brings you to the large Magar settlement of Ulleri, where you are rewarded with your first magnificent views of Hiunchuli and Annapurna South.

Walking: ~5-6 hours  |  Distance: ~8.8 km  |  Accommodation: Teahouse  |  Meals: All included

Depart Ulleri after breakfast and trek through enchanting rhododendron and oak forests that burst into glorious color in spring. The trail follows Bhurungdi Khola through dense jungle, passing through the peaceful hamlet of Banthanti and on to Nangge Thanti. The highlight of today is the immersive forest walk — alive with birdsong, wildflowers, and glimpses of snow-capped peaks through the canopy. Arrive in Ghorepani — a well-known trekking hub — with stunning views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli.

Walking: ~4-5 hours  |  Distance: ~10.3 km  |  Accommodation: Teahouse  |  Meals: All included

Wake before dawn for the short but exhilarating climb to Poon Hill — one of the most celebrated sunrise viewpoints in all of Asia. At 3,210m, the sweeping 180-degree panorama reveals the full Annapurna massif, Bahari Shikhar, Hiuchuli, Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri, Tukuche, Lamjung Himal, Manaslu, and the iconic fish-tail profile of Machhapuchhre. Return to Ghorepani for breakfast, then trek through beautiful oak and rhododendron forests via Deurali and Banthanti to reach the scenic village of Tadapani.

Walking: ~5-6 hours  |  Distance: ~11 km  |  Accommodation: Teahouse  |  Meals: All included

Today's trail descends through oak and rhododendron forest to the stunning Gurung village of Ghandruk — one of the most picturesque and culturally rich settlements in the Annapurna region. Here, traditional stone-walled, slate-roofed homes line cobblestone paths, and the Annapurna Conservation Area Visitor Centre offers insight into the region's remarkable biodiversity and Gurung heritage. Continue via the small hamlet of Phedi, cross the Modi River, and ascend to the friendly village of Landruk — your starting point for the Mardi Himal trail.

Walking: ~5-6 hours  |  Distance: ~10 km  |  Accommodation: Teahouse  |  Meals: All included

Begin the Mardi Himal portion of your trek with a steep but rewarding ascent from Landruk through pine and juniper forests. The trail rises steadily through Forest Camp — a wild, tranquil spot with only a handful of basic teahouses — before continuing through moss and lichen-draped woodland to Low Camp. As you gain altitude, the views open dramatically: rhododendron-covered ridgelines frame perfect vistas of Machhapuchhre, the Annapurna Range, and the distant Dhaulagiri. Low Camp sits in a breathtaking position with sweeping valley views.

Walking: ~5-6 hours  |  Distance: ~6 km  |  Accommodation: Teahouse  |  Meals: All included

Trek upward via Badal Danda — the 'Cloud Village' — following a narrow ridgeline with dramatic drop-offs to the Modi Khola valley on one side and the Mardi Khola and Seti river valleys on the other. The ridge grows thinner as you ascend, offering adrenaline-inducing views in every direction. On a clear day, the Pokhara Valley sparkles far below, while the giants of Mardi Himal, Machhapuchhre, and the Annapurna massif dominate the sky above. Look out for the Danphe (Himalayan Monal) — Nepal's national bird — along this section.

Walking: ~4-5 hours  |  Distance: ~8.5 km  |  Accommodation: Teahouse  |  Meals: All included

The most memorable day of the trek. Rise before dawn and push upward on the most challenging and rewarding section of the entire route. The trail climbs through steep, uneven terrain above the treeline, revealing ever-more-dramatic panoramas. At Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m), the full grandeur of the Himalaya is revealed: close-up views of Machhapuchhre, Mardi Himal, Annapurna I (8,091m), Annapurna III (7,555m), and Gangapurna (7,455m) fill every direction. After soaking in this extraordinary moment, descend carefully back to Badal Danda for a well-earned rest.

Walking: ~6-7 hours  |  Distance: ~12.3 km  |  Accommodation: Teahouse  |  Meals: All included

Descend from Badal Danda through the beautifully scenic and rarely visited village of Siding — a living example of traditional Gurung mountain life, untouched by mass tourism. Enjoy a final lunch in Siding before boarding a shared jeep to Pokhara. In Pokhara, you have the option to enjoy a relaxing boat ride on Phewa Lake or explore the lakeside area before your evening tourist bus back to Kathmandu. Celebrate your incredible achievement with your TrekkingKey crew over a well-deserved farewell dinner in Thamel.

Walking: ~5-6 hours  |  Distance: ~5.2 km  |  Drive: ~7-8 hours  |  Meals: Breakfast & Lunch