Mardi Himal Trek – 8 Days

Best Season for Mardi Himal Trek

The Mardi Himal Trek has the advantage of having two best seasons, spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). Certainly the months are the most stable for the weather, skies are clear and landscape is most beautiful these months.

Warmer temperatures, blooming rhododendron forests and good visibility are in Spring. Daytime weather is comfortable with daytime temperatures anywhere between 10°C to 20°C and cold nights.

Although spring remains the best season for trekking in Nepal, autumn surpassed it in popularity offering cool crisp air, moderate temperatures and clear vistas of the mountains. Temperatures are 15°C to 20°C day, getting as low as 5°C to 20°C at night.

Weather and Temperature Conditions Throughout the Year

Weather during the Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek varies all through the year:

Spring (March to May): Temperatures (10°C to 20°C), pleasant, blooming flowers and clear mountain views. Early spring can bring some light rain.

Summer/Monsoon (June to August): Hot and humid at lower altitudes (15°C to 25°C), frequent heavy rains, and leech-infested trails. Not ideal for trekking.

1(September to November): Best time for trekking with dry and clear weather. Temperatures are 10°C to 20°C with cooler nights.

Winter (December to February): Highly cold, especially above 3000 meters where temperatures drop as low as -5°C to -10°C at night. The trails are not easy going due to snowfall, but are pretty stunning.

Why Monsoon and Winter Might Not Be Ideal for This Trek

The least favorable seasons to go for the Mardi Himal Trek are monsoon (June to August) and winter (December to February).

The trails turn messy and slippery with heavy rainfall during monsoon, thereby, increasing the possibility of landslides. In fact, mountain views are often blocked by thick fog and clouds and there is a high probability you will be plagued with leeches in the forests. Also, trekking is a bit uncomfortable in the humidity.

In winter, temperatures are freezing above 3,000 meters. It is quite cold for trekkers and the night can drop as low as -10°C. Even snowfall can make the trails inaccessible and some tea houses can be closed due to the bleak condition of the weather.

Though winter portrays beautiful landscapes covered with snow, the harsh wind, freezing cold and risk of snow make it difficult for the majority of the treks.

Mardi Himal Trek Route can be difficult as of these seasons, so if you are inexperienced trekker, it’s better to choose seasons like spring and autumn.

Cultural Encounters with the Gurung and Magar Communities

While on the Mardi Himal Trek, one gets a fantastic opportunity to access the rich culture of the Gurung and Magar tribes. They are the richest of ethnic groups with long passed traditions, music and hospitality.

The trek along takes you through some traditional villages where the people go about their ancient customs. The Gurungs are known to be brave and many of them are part of the British Gurkha Army.

Farming and the military have been strong traditions for the Magars. Local homes can be visited by trekkers who are provided with the opportunity of tasting the local traditional food, as well as get to know their festivals such as Dashain, Tihar, and Lhosar.

Additionally, you will find people in traditional dress and hear folk songs in the tea houses. The cultural interactions of these things actually make your trek all the more unique, and allow you that deeper tie into Nepalese mountain culture.

Wildlife and Flora

The Mardi Himal Trek is an ideal route to enjoy a variety of natural landscapes like dense forest to high alpine meadow. The lower parts of the trek is filled with forest of rhododendron, oak and pine.

Flowers of red, pink and white blooming rhododendrons are in the spring, and they are colorful. There are many wild animals and birds that live in the region. In the forests you can see langurs (monkeys), Himalayan tahr (wild goats) and musk deer.

But if you’re lucky you may even see one of the rare red pandas, hear the call of the Himalayan monal (Danphe) Nepal’s national bird. Higher altitudes of the sites within this biome have dwarf shrubs and rocky landscapes in which mountain goats and yaks forage. For the nature lovers, the Mardi Himal Trek Itinerary is full of diverse wildlife and gorgeous flora on the way.

Tea Houses and Meals on the trek

Small mountain lodges where trekkers stay overnight are known as tea houses. There are tea houses on the Mardi Himal Trek offering basic accommodation and meals. Twin beds with blankets are the rule in the rooms, but an extra warm sleeping bag is recommended. Hot showers are additional and some of the tea houses have shared bathrooms.

Nepali, Indian and Western dishes form the food menu. Dal Bhat is the most popular meal composed of rice, lentil soup and vegetables, and pickles. Trekking gives plenty of energy. Other choices are noodles, soups, fried rice, momos (dumplings), and pancakes.

To ward off the cold however, hot tea, coffee, and local herbal drinks are available. The tea houses also tend to be a good chance for interacting with local families and fellow trekkers.

Budget vs. Luxury Mardi Himal Trekking

The Mardi Himal Trek is suitable to budget and on luxury as per your spending range. Budget treks cost between $300 to $500 per person for an 8 day adventure including basic tea house accommodation, simple meals such as dal bhat, noodles etc; permits and local transportation.

For budget trekkers, they will carry their own bag and may not hire a guide or porter.

For those seeking comfort, a luxury trek can run a person upwards of $1,000. It includes better food, private transport, an experienced guide and porter, as well as attachment bathrooms in premium lodges. Heated rooms and WiFi are provided by some of the high end lodges.

Whether you plan to spend a fortune or not, the natural beauty of trekking is the same as your budget. For those seeking an authentic experience, a luxury trek is one of the best choices when you want to relax a bit more.

Do You Need a Guide and Porter for Mardi Himal Trek?

A guide and porter for the Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek is not obligatory but strongly discouraged. Navigation, accommodation, culture and geography are mastered with the help of a guide. Also, they are trained in first aid and can assist in emergencies. The price of a guide is $25 to $40 a day.

Your backpack is carried for you by a porter and this enables you to trek for longer and more comfortably as you no longer have to carry it with you. Porters usually bear up to 20 kg and charge $15 to $25 per day.

If however you are not accustomed to trekking with heavy load you may prefer the porter. But, for some that desire a relaxed experience, engaging the services of both a guide and a porter is a recommended option.

Especially for safety and convenience, it can be at all useful to hire a guide for solo trekkers or beginners. In the difficulties of the Mardi Himal Trek Route, it is good to have support which makes it much easier and stress free with a support team.How to Get to the Starting Point of the Trek

Starting from Kande or Phedi which are both close to Pokhara, Mardi Himal trek starts. To get from Kathmandu and Pokhara you can fly for 25 minutes, flight costs range $100 to $150, or a bus ride takes 6 to 8 hours, which will cost you $10 to $30. There are also private cars available at a cost of around $100-$150 for a 6 hour drive.

When arriving in Pokhara you will need to go to Kande (from Pokhara it is appr. 5 miles) or Phedi. A taxi is about 1 hour and costs $15 to $20, a local bus 1.5 to 2 hours, and the cost is $2 to $5. Many trekkers begin their journey from Kande given that it starts off slow and gradual and affords stunning views.

The trek involves stunning villages, rhododendron forests, and a high ridgeline before reaching Mardi Himal Base Camp at an altitude of 4,500meters, thus making this trek closer to the Mardi Himal. The Mardi Himal Trek is a combination of adventure, cultural experience and beautiful views of the Himalayas, therefore making it one of the most rewarding short treks in Nepal.

Physical Training and Exercise Tips Before the Trek

The Mardi Himal Base Camp Trekking is moderate in difficulty, and so better fitness is required in order to make the most of it. Start training at least 4 to 6 weeks prior to the trek if possible. To improve endurance, cardinal exercises such as running, cycling, or swimming should be carried out 3 to 4 times a week.

As the trek has tall ascents and descents, leg strength training is important. Squats, lunges, and climbing up staircases will strengthen the legs. Additionally, oftentimes it is also good to go on practice hikes with a load on your back to get used to having weight on your back on rough trails.

If prone to altitude sickness be sure to breath exercises and stay hydrated. Yoga or stretching are flexibility and balance exercises that can help to reduce the risk of injuries. Trekking becomes easier and enjoyable when one has a well prepared body.

A good physical conditioning makes sure that you are able to enjoy the breathtaking landscapes as well as the cultural experiences of the Mardi Himal Trek to the fullest.

Trekking Permits Required for Mardi Himal Trek

For Mardi Himal trek, you will require two important permits, Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card. A trekker needs to have these permits to enter Annapurna region and to guarantee the safety of trekking.

Foreigners may apply for the ACAP permit at NPR 3,000 ($25) while SAARC nationals’ permit cost is NPR 1,000 ($8). For individual trekkers the TIMS card is NPR 2,000 ($15), for group trekkers only NPR 1,000 ($8). Obtaining these permits can be done in Kathmandu at Nepal Tourism Board or in Pokhara at ACAP office.

Both require to be carried at all times and they are checked at different places along the trek. The fines for distance trekking without them are not striven for. Being able to use the right Permits is important because this is the only way where your trek will be considered legal and it will support the conservation of Annapurna region.

How to Prevent Altitude Sickness on Mardi Himal Trek

As trekkers ascend above 2,500 meters, altitude sickness can affect them, and Mardi Himal Base Camp is at 4,500 meters. Proper acclimatization is key in order to not get altitude sickness by taking it slowly and gracefully. Do not rush, and allow your body to balance itself according to your altitude.

Key is hydration, at least 3 to 4 liters of water a day is required to prevent dehydration. Alcohol and caffeine should be avoided as they dehydrate the body even further and exacerbate the symptoms. High altitude trekking is provided with energy by eating carbohydrate rich meals like rice, pasta and potatoes.

If headaches, dizziness, nausea and inability to breathe begin while you are ascending, descend immediately to a lower altitude. Diamox (Acetazolamide) which can be carried for prevention and treatment of altitude sickness must be taken after consulting a doctor.

An additional few days rest and ensuring your route up the mountain is done gradually will ensure a safe and good trek.

Essential First Aid and Emergency Tips for Trekkers

When on the Mardi Himal Trek Route, it is essential to bring along a well-equipped first aid kit as the medical facilities in this region are limited. Bandages, antiseptic wipes, Ibuprofen or Paracetamol, Diamox for altitude sickness, blister pads, rehydration salts should all be included in a basic kit.

Clean wound with antiseptic and bandage for minor injuries such as cuts and blisters. In the case of headaches or mild altitude sickness just rest and stay hydrated. Descend to a lower altitude and immediately if symptoms get worse.

In addition, trekkers should carry a whistle, flashlight and emergency contact numbers as a precaution in case they happen to get lost. Mobile network coverage is limited, so having a satellite phone or at least the trekking agency’s emergency contact, can save lives.

High altitude rescue is highly recommended to be covered by travel insurance. Having basic knowledge of First aid and Emergency response procedures will make it easy to handle unexpected situations safely.

Understanding the Difficulty of the Mardi Himal Trek

The Mardi Himal Trek falls into a moderate grade, and, therefore, recommended for beginners in average shape. The total trekking distance is around 40 to 50 km and it takes 5 to 7 hours to walk daily. There are steep ascents and descents, the trail is forested and ridges with more exposed sections.

There is no need for technical climbing skills, but experience of high altitude walking is required. The most tricky part is the last part to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500 m) through steep and rocky trails. Although it is physically demanding, especially when you have snow in the winter.

The trek will be difficult then make sure you train cardio exercises, leg strength exercises and practice hikes before the trip. So with the right preparation, experience and acclimatization, first time trekkers can indeed complete Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek and you can enjoy views of the Himalayas.

Eco-Friendly Trekking

Trekking in the Himalayas is a wonderful experience, but it is a good idea to protect nature by going towards eco-friendly trekking. The Mardi Himal Trek itself goes through forests, rivers and villages after which trekkers should leave less and less of their imprint.

Buying plastic bottles is one simple way to not be eco friendly, instead carry a reusable water bottle. It is common to find refill stations for boiled or filtered water in many tea houses.

Trekkers should also abide by the ‘Leave No Trace’ principle, i.e. not leave the wall with litter, not leave any waste behind and carry the waste back to the city.

Do not use chemical soaps and shampoos near water sources as they can poison the rivers. Do not feed or disturb animals in the area. Apart from that, eco-friendly lodges and other local businesses are supported too. Trekking responsibly will help keep Nepal’s natural beauty preserved for the future generations.

Trekking Solo vs. Group Trekking

Personal preference decides whether solo trekking or group trekking is to be preferred while choosing Mardi Himal Trek.

There is freedom and flexibility in solo trekking and trekkers can travel and route as they wish and enjoy a solitude environment. It is risky, particularly in the case of a remote area with unpredictable weather. In the peak seasons, you can also face difficulty finding any available teahouses.

Group Trekking is safer and more social doing group trekking. It is a guide to navigation and it has the support of fellow trekkers. Logistics are easier because planned accommodation and meals are also incorporated in group treks. Yet, there is less flexibility and the group’s pace is always set by the slowest in the group.

Group trekking is best for beginners for safety and convenience. Solo trekking may be more enjoyable to those experienced enough in the hills already for navigation and capable of carrying their own gear. A good idea for solo trekkers who want some help but still want to be independent is to hire a guide or porter.

Travel Insurance for High-Altitude Trekking

The Mardi Himal Trek Route demands travel insurance as it saves one from unforeseen circumstances such as altitude sickness, injuries, flight cancellations, etc. Trekkers should be aware that Mardi Himal Base Camp is at 4,500 meters, so their insurance must cover trekking higher than 4,000 and helicopter rescue in case of emergencies.

A good trekking insurance has to provide for medical issues, evacuation charges, trip cancellations, as well as theft or loss of belongings. The insurance generally costs between $50 and $150, depending on coverage and duration. World Nomads, Allianz, and Travel Guard are amongst some of the best providers.

Such a policy must be read carefully before purchasing and the trekkers have to ensure if it includes high ­altitude trekking or not. Medical treatments or helicopter rescues are very expensive in Nepal without insurance. Proper insurance is good for peace of mind and safety trekking.

Things to Do in Pokhara Before or After the Trek

Finally, Pokhara is a beautiful and relaxed town to spend some time drinking in the views before or after the Mardi Himal Trek.

Taking a boat ride on Phewa Lake is one of the best things to do, peaceful waters with impressive views of the Annapurna mountains. Sarangkot is known as the best place for paragliding (from there you can have an experience of a lifetime with wonderful views of the city) of Newari culture.

Apart from natural beauty, cultural heritage is served by the attractions such as Davis Falls, Gupteshwor Cave and the World Peace Pagoda. If you want to get further information of the Himalayas, you can visit the International Mountain Museum.

After trekking, Pokhara has a number of cafés, spas and yoga centres where you can chill out and relax. Shopping, listening to live music, eating Nepali and international allured cuisines are pleasant in the Lakeside area. And spending a few days (a day or two) in Pokhara enhances a trekking experience.

How Mardi Himal Trek Compares to Other Treks in Nepal

The Mardi Himal Trek is one of the best short treks in Nepal encircling the stupendous view of mountains including Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna and Hiunchuli. Mardi Himal receives comparatively fewer tourists in comparison with more popular treks like Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) and Everest Base Camp (EBC).

Unlike ABC and EBC, which take 10 to 14 days, Mardi Himal can be completed in 5 to 8 days, thus for trekkers who have little time this is a perfect trek. It has moderate difficulty and the trails go through dense forests, ridges and high altitude landscapes.

The infrastructure of the Everest and Annapurna treks is more developed than Mardi Himal, which is peaceful and has less tea houses and is more remote.

Mardi Himal is a good option for those who want a quieter adventure set off away from the beaten track with beautiful mountain views. It’s also a Himalayan trek great for beginners who don’t want to struggle catching their breath here.