Marche Trek





Trek at a Glance
Duration
5–6 Days
Trip Grade
Moderate
Max. Altitude
4,000m
Best Season
Oct-Nov, July
Group Size
1–10 pax
Region
Annapurna
Accommodation
Meals
Start / End Point
Pokhara
Marche Trek Overview
Itinerary designed by Rohit Timilsina, Co-Founder & Lead Guide Verified local guide
By the 6K Nepal Treks team, based on our own ride-and-trek to Marche in July 2025.
Marche, also spelled Marchhe, is a high summer yak pasture at roughly 4,000 metres in Thasang Rural Municipality, Lower Mustang. It sits directly beneath the ice wall of Nilgiri South, looking across the Kali Gandaki, the deepest gorge on earth, to Dhaulagiri I and Tukuche Peak.
For about ten days each July, herders (nomad) from the Thakali villages below drive more than 800 yaks and sheep up onto this shelf of grass, and the pasture becomes the site of Nepal's yak blood drinking festival, a healing ritual that almost no foreign trekker has witnessed.
Reaching it takes 4 to 5 days from Pokhara, of which only two are walking days: a steep 1,400-metre climb from Taglung village, and the descent back. The route stays inside the Annapurna Conservation Area but well south of Kagbeni, so you need only the ACAP permit (about US$22) and none of the US$50 per day restricted-area paperwork that Upper Mustang demands. There are no lodges at Marche itself, so you sleep in a tent or negotiate a corner of a herder's goth.
This guide is based on our own motorbike-and-trek trip in July 2025, with the facts rechecked in August 2026. It covers a bike itinerary and a full bus/jeep version for trekkers without a motorcycle, plus permits, real costs, altitude advice and an honest look at whether you should drink the blood at all.
Marche Trek Highlights
- Nepal's yak blood drinking festival, opening on Saune Sankranti (about 16–17 July) and running roughly ten days at 4,000 metres.
- Aamji healers at work, drawing blood from living yaks in a Tibetan-influenced tradition passed down for generations. NPR 250 (US$2) a glass, and entirely optional.
- A front-row seat under Nilgiri South (6,839 m), staring across the world's deepest gorge at Dhaulagiri I (8,167 m) and Tukuche Peak.
- Titi Lake, the quiet sacred pond near Taglung that is the real lake of this region. There is no "Marche Lake".
- Homestays in Thakali villages such as Kunjo and Taglung, where dinner is dal bhat with the family rather than a lodge menu.
- Marpha, Nepal's apple capital, for whitewashed lanes, orchards, apple brandy and the best Thakali khana set of the trip.
- Muktinath (≈ 3,800 m) and its 108 Muktidhara spouts, an easy add-on at the top of the valley.
- ACAP only: roughly US$22 in permits, with no US$50 per day for Upper Mustang restricted-area fee.
- Almost no foreign trekkers, even at the height of the festival.
Marche Trek Itinerary
| Day | Itinerary | Max Altitude | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Pokhara to Taglung village (Kunjo) | 2700m | 140 KM | 6-8 Hours |
| Day 2 | Taglung to Marche Kharka | 4000m | ~20km | 7-8h Trek |
| Day 3 | A full day at Marche | 4000m | ||
| Day 4 | Descend to Taglung, ride to Marpha | 2700 | 5-6 Hours Walk and ~1 Hour Ride | |
| Day 5 | Marpha to Muktinath to Pokhara | 3800 | 220 KM |
Day 01: Pokhara to Taglung village (Kunjo)
Distance140 KMDuration6-8 HoursAltitude2700mElevation Gain1900mLeave Pokhara early and climb out of the valley on the Pokhara–Baglung highway, stopping at Lumle, the classic roadside breakfast halt.
If temples interest you, take the short detour to Baglung Kalika, a revered forest shrine of goddess Kalika Bhagwati founded around 1534 AD which is about 492 years old temple.
Otherwise, ride straight for Beni, the gateway to the Kali Gandaki corridor. Lunch at Tatopani ("hot water"), named for its riverside hot springs, then follow the gorge past Rupse Falls (save the long photo stop for the return) and the police check at Ghasa into cooler, pine-scented air at Lete (~2,500 m).
Just around Lete/Kokhethanti, a rough side track branches east across the Kali Gandaki into dense alpine forest, climbing to the Thakali villages of Kunjo and Taglung (~2,600–2,700 m), the true base of the Marche trek, in the lap of Nilgiri South.
Drop your bags at a village homestay, then stroll out to Titi Lake, a serene, locally sacred pond with birdlife and (in clear weather) Dhaulagiri floating above the trees. On a clean morning, Taglung's view of Nilgiri is worth the whole trip.
Sleep: homestay in Taglung · Eat: dal bhat with the family
Day 02: Taglung to Marche Kharka
Distance~20kmDuration7-8h TrekAltitude4000mElevation Gain1300mWe hired a local guide and porter in Taglung, and you should do the same (or arrange one ahead through 6k Nepal Treks).
The shepherd trails are unmarked, and this climb is the day you'll want local knowledge: first through tall pine and fir, then juniper and dwarf scrub, then a relentlessly steep ukalo that finally spills onto the open kharka.
Suddenly you're on a rolling green shelf directly beneath the Nilgiri wall, staring across the world's deepest gorge at Dhaulagiri I and Tukuche Peak, with hundreds of yaks, sheep and goats grazing around the goths.
During the mela, the pasture hums: blood-drawing in the mornings, yak-milk tea and local food at the stalls, pilgrims' tents everywhere. When we arrived the peaks played hide-and-seek in monsoon cloud, mesmerizing and also a warning that weather here changes in minutes.
Sleep: your tent, or a space in a herder's goth/communal shelter · Eat: dal bhat at festival stalls, yak curd, butter tea
Day 03: A full day at Marche
Altitude4000mGive Marche a whole day. It's the heart of the trip. Wander the kharka rim, watch the Aamji work, taste yak-milk curd, chhurpi and other herder dishes, and wait for the clouds to tear open (our only half-clear view came on arrival evening; in monsoon, treat every glimpse of Nilgiri as a gift).
Our first night's rain flooded the tent, so we spent night two in the communal sleeping shelter with festival pilgrims/visitors: cold floor, warm company, a story we still tell.
Sleep: goth or tent · Eat: whatever the herders are cooking, and say yes
Day 04: Descend to Taglung, ride to Marpha
Distance5-6 Hours Walk and ~1 Hour RideAltitude2700The knee-testing descent through wet forest took us close to six hours in monsoon mud; in dry seasons it's faster.
Back at the bikes, ride north up the widening Kali Gandaki valley past Larjung and Tukuche to Marpha (~2,650 m), Nepal's apple capital, for whitewashed lanes, gompas, orchard walks and the best Thakali khana set of your life.
Try the local apple cider, brandy, pie and dried apples.
Sleep: lodge in Marpha · Eat: Thakali set + everything apple
Day 05: Marpha to Muktinath to Pokhara
Distance220 KMAltitude3800Elevation Gain1100mStart early: through Jomsom, up the moonscape hairpins to Muktinath (≈ 3,800 m), one of the highest major temples on Earth and holy to Hindus and Buddhists alike.
Pilgrims dash under the 108 Muktidhara water spouts and dip in the two icy ponds, Laxmi Kunda and Saraswati Kunda, believed to wash away sins (we did the full circuit, and breathless is an understatement).
Lunch in Ranipauwa village below the temple, then begin the long descent: a proper stop at Rupse Falls thundering beside the road, khaja (snacks) in Beni, and into Pokhara by late evening, tired, mud-splattered and grinning.
In a hurry? Skip the Day 4 and 5 extras and return to Pokhara directly from Taglung on Day 4. That's the minimum 4-day version.
Your Trek Is Prepared & Led by a Local Guide
Govt. License #1497Rohit Timilsina
Co-Founder & Lead Guide · 6K Nepal Treks
Hi, I'm Rohit Timilsina
I started 6K Nepal Treks to give travellers the trek I would want myself: small groups, honest prices and a guide who actually knows the trail. I have guided across the Annapurna, Manaslu and Everest regions for over five years, and I design every itinerary on this site personally.
“Whether it is your first teahouse trek or your tenth Himalayan expedition, I want you back home telling everyone it was the best trip of your life.”
Marche Trek Cost & What's Included
Pick a comfort level to see exactly what its package covers. Prices by group size are in the booking card.
What is included in this trek package?
Accommodation
- Twin-sharing accommodation in tea houses or local lodges throughout the trek
- Hotel accommodation on nights before and after the trek where applicable (breakfast included)
Meals & Drinking Water
- All standard meals on the trail (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) with one hot drink per meal
- Purified drinking water throughout the trek (filter or purification tablets)
- Seasonal fruits when available
Transportation
- All ground transfers by private or shared tourist vehicle as per the itinerary
- Domestic flights where explicitly noted in the itinerary
Guide and Staff
- Experienced, first-aid trained, government-licensed, English-speaking lead guide
- Assistant guide for groups of 7 or more
- One porter per two trekkers for carrying main luggage (up to 10 kg per person)
- Wages, accommodation, meals, gear, and insurance for all trek staff
Permits
- All required trekking permits and conservation-area fees for the route
- TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) card where applicable
- All permit paperwork arranged before the trek starts
Safety and Support
- Comprehensive first aid kit including pulse oximeter for daily altitude checks
- Emergency oxygen on treks above 4,000m
- 24/7 operational support from our Pokhara office
- Trip completion certificate
What is excluded in this trek package?
Flights & Visa
- International flights and airport departure tax
- Nepal entry visa (USD 30 for 15 days, USD 50 for 30 days, USD 125 for 90 days, on arrival at Kathmandu airport)
Insurance & Personal Gear
- Travel insurance with high-altitude and emergency helicopter evacuation coverage (mandatory)
- Personal trekking gear, clothing and footwear
Meals Outside the Trail
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu or Pokhara before and after the trek
- Any beverages including alcoholic drinks, bottled and boiled water
Other
- Tips for trekking staff and drivers (recommended but not included)
- Hot showers, WiFi, and charging fees at tea houses
- Any personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls, or souvenirs
- Any additional costs caused by natural disasters, political disturbances, or flight delays
- Any items not explicitly listed in the Price Includes section
Marche Trek Reviews
4.9★ from 90+ Google Reviews
Trekkers guided from 30+ countries.
“Riding from Pokhara to Upper Mustang over five unforgettable days with Rohit was a true adventure in every sense of the word. As an experienced adventure motorbike rider, including demanding desert expeditions, I can say with absolute confidence that Rohit is a phenomenal rider and an exceptional tour guide. He masters the terrain, understands the mountains, and rides with calm authority and precision. I highly recommend Rohit and his company.”
Jacob Mato ★
Upper Mustang Motorbike Tour · Mar 2026
“Rohit was an excellent guide for my Khopra Ridge trek. From the very first day, he was professional, friendly, and always attentive. He knows the trail extremely well and made sure the pace was comfortable while still keeping good time each day. What I really appreciated was how caring and patient he was, especially on long uphill sections and in changing weather. I highly recommend Rohit to anyone planning the Khopra Ridge trek or any trek in Nepal.”
Birendra T Xettri ★
Khopra Ridge Trek · Mar 2026
“My first trek with Rohit, who is extremely knowledgeable. He is the mountain man of Nepal. His deep love for the mountains means he wants to give his trekkers the best experience, share his stories but above all make sure you are feeling safe, comfortable and able to complete the trek. We did Mardi Himal Trek, blessed with the weather. Do not hesitate to book with Rohit, I will be back again. Namaste”
Ange ★
Mardi Himal Trek · Jan 2026
“This was my second trek with Rohit, I first did the Manaslu Circuit with him a while ago and came back for Mardi Himal this time. Both experiences were absolutely fantastic. Rohit is professional, kind, and really knows the mountains. He always makes sure you're safe, comfortable, and enjoying yourself. He takes care of all the logistics, finds great tea houses, and adjusts the pace perfectly for everyone. Wouldn't trek in Nepal with anyone else.”
Peter Murphy ★
Manaslu Circuit + Mardi Himal · Jan 2026
“Rohit is a young, energetic, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic guide. He took us up to Annapurna Base Camp. We had bad weather, so Rohit decided to wait a day when other guides kept going up. Due to avalanche-risk, this was the obviously the best decision. Rohit always made sure that we felt comfortable and always in a good mood. We had fun, lots of laughter and great stories. Thanks to Rohit we will never forget: Dahl Baht Power 24 Hour!”
Sander Wolters ★
Annapurna Base Camp · 2025
“Without doubt the best guide in the world... Every part of our trip was a dream. From start to finish Rohit and his team had prepared everything to perfection. I cannot recommend this young man enough, so professional, so fun and so considerate. Thank you so much for making our time so special.”
Ryan Chandler ★
Himalayan Trek · Oct 2025
“Just returned from completing a 2 day trek with Rohit as our guide to Kapuche Glacier lake. It was a challenging but fantastic experience thanks to his professional skills his passion for the mountains and his outgoing and friendly personality. He was always there to guide and motivate us even up the never ending stairs!! His support and sense of humour got us safely to our destination and back again. If we return to Nepal we will definitely meet again.”
Karen Smith ★
Kapuche Glacier Lake · 2025
“We did Austrian Basecamp with Rohit. I thought it was going to be a short and predictable trek but I was surely wrong. We went up and stayed for the night and on the next day we did a long return going through some of the most stunning views I've ever seen in my 37 years of life. I don't think that would have been possible without the guidance of Rohit. Also it's really nice to share with him, he is friendly, respectful and chill. And he knows everything about Nepal, its mountains and its flora and fauna.”
Arturo Cuevillas ★
Australian Camp Trek · Jan 2026
“I recently embarked on the Dhampus-Pothana-Australia Camp trek with Rohit, and it was an experience I'll cherish forever. From the very beginning, Rohit's easygoing nature and ability to connect made the journey incredibly enjoyable. Our conversations ranged from deep discussions about spirituality, mountains, and cultures to sharing our mutual love for rock and metal music. Overall, trekking with Rohit was an incredible experience. His warmth, knowledge, and passion for the mountains truly enhanced the trip.”
Fahad Rahman ★
Dhampus-Pothana-Australian Camp · 2025
“Undertook Annapurna Base Camp Trek along with Rohit in first week of April 2025. His detailed knowledge and experience of the terrain and weather helped us having an awesome experience. He was accommodative of our needs and change in plans. Two days later we undertook a motorbike ride upto Muktinath in Mustang Valley. Again his energy, knowledge and experience in the area resulted in us having a superb n memorable time.”
Prateek Johari ★
Annapurna Base Camp + Mustang · Jul 2025
“Rohit was our guide on the 12 day Manaslu circuit trek. The trek was great, nice scenery, not too hard and Rohit took good care of making sure we had a place to sleep every night, as teahouses were filling up quickly because of high season. Rohit is a cheerful guy, social and he takes good care of his guests. With Rohit you are definitely in good company.”
Sara Coessens ★
Manaslu Circuit Trek · 2025
“Had an amazing 9 day Annapurna Base Camp Sanctuary Trek this June with Rohit and his team. His fantastic organisation, hosting, knowledge and professionalism makes Rohit a fabulous choice of guide. Visiting Nepal and especially the Himalayas is a life changing experience and I will never forget it.”
Rupert Potts ★
Annapurna Base Camp · Sep 2025
“Rohit (Haku) was one of the many blessings we received from Nepal. He is not only a great guide who knows how to make trips and expeditions fun and flowy. He is also an incredibly fun human to be around. It was delightful to spend some days riding to the temple of Muktinath with him. Jamming, and discovering a new young friend, full of kindness, values and knowledge.”
David Sanchez ★
Muktinath Motorbike Tour · 2025
“I called Rohit just before 8hrs of starting our Khumai Danda trek. Even after being tired he said let's meet in morning at 6am. He knows English, Hindi, French and Nepali. He not only guided the trek route but made the whole stretch very memorable and interesting. We told stories to each other. He became more like a friend. It was complete fun trekking with Rohit. And yes, Rohit has his own band. Quite an interesting guy.”
Shreyassh Verma ★
Khumai Danda Trek · 2024
“Had an amazing trek, Rohit is a perfect guide especially when dealing with the unpredictability of the trek, someone who's very easy going and social however extremely professional and even other guides would come to him for advice. 100/10”
Louis Anderson ★
Himalayan Trek · 2024
“Rohit is the guy to go trekking with! He knows a lot and can tell you a lot about life in the mountains but also about his amazing family. This drummer of a band can show you around, but also knows that silence in walking is good when doing a hike. Super chill and easy going.”
Rutger Dankelman ★
Himalayan Trek · 2024
“We had an amazing time with Rohit and Yuddha. Rohit was quick to reply when planning the trip and clearly explained the route options, and on the trip his enthusiasm and knowledge were very appreciated. He seems to know all the best tea houses for food too.”
Ben Ashby ★
Himalayan Trek · 2024
“What an amazing experience! Highly recommend Rohit to guide you through the Himalayas. Nothing was too much trouble for him and his team and they went out of their way to ensure we had an unforgettable trip. And most importantly. SO MUCH FUN!!!”
Richard Hilliard ★
Himalayan Trek · Sep 2025
“Just had the most fantastic trek with Rohit and his team. An incredible experience that has created amazing memories and hit the reset button for me in such a positive way. Thank you Rohit.. Namaste”
Jonathan Marriott ★
Himalayan Trek · Sep 2025
“Our experience in Nepal was nothing short of extraordinary, thanks to our incredible friend. He truly is a superman! From the very beginning, the tour was meticulously personalized to cater to our every need and interest, ensuring that we always had exciting activities to look forward to.”
Minhaj Ul Islam ★
Nepal Tour · 2025
Why Book With 6K Nepal Treks
Licensed & Insured
Registered with Nepal Tourism Board, TAAN and NMA. Fully insured for trekking, climbing, and high-altitude emergencies.
Expert Local Guides
Every trek is led by a licensed, first-aid trained Sherpa or Gurung guide, born and raised in these mountains.
Safety First
Pulse oximeter and emergency oxygen carried on all high-altitude treks. Helicopter evacuation protocol on standby.
Small Groups
Maximum 12 trekkers per group. One porter per two guests. You are a person, not a tour number.
Fair & Transparent Pricing
No hidden fees. Permits, guides, porters and taxes are all included and itemised in your quote.
Responsible Travel
Fair wages for all staff, eco-friendly practices on the trail, and direct support for the mountain communities we work with.
Know Before You Go
Rated Easy-Moderate. The ridge sections involve some sustained climbing over two to three hours, but maximum altitude is around 4,000m and there are no technical sections or steep exposed traverses. The main physical demand is the daily walking time: five to seven hours with moderate elevation gain. Anyone who walks regularly and has basic hill fitness can manage this route comfortably. The descent can be steep in places and is slippery in wet conditions.
No specific preparation beyond general fitness is required. If you are accustomed to multi-hour walks with some uphill, this route will be well within your range. Bring broken-in footwear with good grip, the trail surfaces are uneven and can be muddy. Trekking poles are helpful on the descent. We handle all logistics including transport and homestay arrangements, there is nothing to pre-book independently.
Good to know. Arrive in Pokhara at least one day before departure so there is time for your pre-trip briefing and any last-minute gear hire. We can store spare luggage while you trek.
FAQs for Marche Trek
Choose your package, price per person (USD)
Free cancellation up to 30 days
No booking fees, 20% deposit
Licensed operator (#1497)
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