Mardi Himal Trek

Best time to trek Mardi Himal

The best time to visit Mardi Himal trek Nepal are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November).

The scenery during this period offers the best environment in the great Himalayas. The spring season is characterized by the much-cherished beauty of the colours of the Rhododendron flowers on the hill slopes.

The Mardi Himal trek peak seasons are late spring and autumn, when the weather is stable and moderate, with clear skies and views. During these times, the trails are relatively dry and easier to navigate. This is after the snow has melted and before the heavy monsoon rain begins.

Weather Forecast

The weather in Mardi Himal is quite erratic, which is a well-known fact, and this brings extra spice to adventure trekkers. It is going to be cool in the evening, breezy at times, and even snow occasionally.

The fluctuation of these conditions necessitates packing layers of warm clothing. An absolute must-have is a waterproof jacket because sometimes, when it seems that the sun shines and the weather is warm, rain can begin at any moment.

Find out the weather predictions before you begin your climb, and be prepared to make changes as you progress.

Mardi Himal Weather Information

The weather in the Annapurna region may change occasionally and even during the day.

The climate is typically mild, with daytime temperatures averaging between 10°C and 20°C in spring and autumn and cooler temperatures, even freezing at times, at night, especially at higher altitudes.

While summer/monsoon season could be a little warmer, with temperatures as high as 20°C to 25°C. In contrast, Mardi Himal in lower elevation ranges from 5°C to 15°C during the day and -5°C to -15°C at high camps during the night.

You can expect temporary climate changes and pack the proper clothing and equipment for rain, snow, and wind.

Mardi Himal Trek Difficulty

The Mardi Himal trek difficulty can be considered moderate to strenuous depending on your physical health status. For those who have good enough physical health, they can complete the trek easily. However, if you have some medical conditions like asthma, it could be challenging.

The trek reaches a significant altitude of 4500 meters within a short time. So, altitude sickness is a common risk to which you are exposed. Therefore, proper acclimatization and eating healthy is the best way to encounter it.

Additionally, you need to be prepared for the long treks. You will need to trek for about 5 to 6 hours a day to cover 8 to 15 km or more.

Further, the trekking trail has steep inclinations and a rough surface that demands stamina and endurance. You need to have decent physical endurance and stamina for that.

Another challenge that you might face during Mardi trekking is unpredictable weather conditions. Be prepared mentally and equipped for such conditions.

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Roads on the Mardi Himal Trek and How to Avoid

The road from Kathmandu to Pokhara might be under construction, so you might face bumpy roads on the way to Mardi Base Camp. But once you start trekking, you will have no connection with the roads. It’s just the Mardi Himal Trek path.

Alternative Mardi Himal Trekking Routes

The Mardi Himal trek, on its own, is already an exciting journey. However, for those who wish to spend more days and see more of the beauty of the Annapurna region, the trek can be linked with other treks.

For example, one can opt to take a longer hiking route that takes her to ABC and Mardi Himal. This trek provides striking and superb views of the Annapurna massif mountain ranges.

Likewise, you can consider incorporating poon hill and Mardi Himal short trek into the itinerary, which will give breathtaking views of the sunrise over the Himalayas.

Mardi Himal Trekking Experience

Although prior trekking experience is not required, it is very advantageous to have experience in high-altitude trekking. A certain level of experience and physical and mental fitness is expected.

Having some navigational skills using trekking gears and some extent of survival knowledge in the wild could prove to be beneficial.

If you are a new trekker, you do not need to worry. As it is a moderately difficult trek, if you have average physical stability and experience, you can complete the trek successfully.

Trip Grade: Fitness Level, Medical, and Health

Fitness Level

Physical fitness is moderate to high as the trip involves moderate trekking for about 5-6 hours with a bag. Pre-cardio training and strength training are suggested.

Medical

People with complicated medical history should seek medical advice before using the medication. Please consult with your physician if you are fit for high-altitude trekking and if you are okay with altitude-related sicknesses.

Health

You should be mentally and physically fit and able to cope with the altitude of the region. Before one can start the trek, it is important to be physically fit and healthy.

Special Training for Mardi Himal Trekking

It is not necessary to undergo a professional physiotherapy session or special trekking training. However, it is advisable to include elements of high trek altitude training, cardio exercises, and strength training. In such cases, it may be advisable to seek the advice of a fitness professional for an individual fitness training program.

Altitude Sickness During Trek

Altitude sickness is another common problem likely to be experienced on the Mardi Himal base camp trek: the pains and discomfort associated with high trek altitude.

Measures that people need to take in acclimatization include correct climbing techniques, taking the right amount of water and awareness of signs of altitude sickness. Signs of altitude sickness include headache, nausea, loss of appetite and breath, and tiredness.

It is recommended that you seek medical advice and take Diamox (acetazolamide) to prevent and eliminate the condition. In the worst-case scenario, be prepared for a helicopter evacuation.

Emergency and Evacuation

Medical and rescue services in this area are limited, with few available emergency service providers. Therefore, you need to be fully prepared for any kind of medical condition.

Furthermore, we advise that you have travel insurance that covers medical evacuation and other medical expenses. Being aware of early signs of difficulties or when to take an exit is crucial.

Insurance for Mardi Himal Trek

Proper travel insurance must be obtained before engaging in any form of trekking, especially in areas where medical facilities are scarce.

Your insurance should cover medical risks, evacuation, lost belongings, and cancellation of the trip. This will help you to be prepared for any eventuality while on the trek and protect your financial needs adequately.

Mardi Himal Trek Cost

The Mardi Himal trek costs $500 per person for the entire trip. However, the cost can vary from day to day, depending on the trek length, the number of people in your group, the type of lodges or teahouses you will stay at, and whether you go trekking on your own or hire a travel agency.

Breakdown of the trek cost

Permits: The ACAP charges about 30 USD, while the TIMS card is comparatively cheaper at 10 USD.

Accommodation: Accommodation along the route ranges from $5 to $20 per night based on the facility’s standard.

Food: Food on a trek costs about $10 to $20 a day, according to individual’s preference.

Transportation: Shuttle services to and from the trailhead range from $ 30-$ 50.

Guide Fees: The services of the guide are not compulsory but highly advisable, and they charge about 25 US dollars per day.

These Mardi Himal trek costs may vary depending on personal preferences and the way travellers would want to experience the country.

Furthermore, taking a lodge that is costlier or hiring a private guide to help with the tour will cost more. But with little research and a well-planned budget, the Mardi Himal short trek can be a very enjoyable and cheap adventure.

How much cash should I carry for the trek?

It is not necessary to have cash for the trek. All the costs for transportation, food, accommodation, and a few other expenses are included in the trip package itself. However, if you wish to buy bottled water, snacks, drinks, souvenirs, etc., you will spend around $15 to $20 per day.

ATM on the Trek Route

The ATM card can easily be accessed in Pokhara and Kathmandu following the presence of ATM machines. However, it is suggested that one should also carry some amount of cash with them before the trek, as ATM services are rare on the trail.

Money Exchange

Whenever you make a payment by Visa or MasterCard in Nepal, it costs you an additional 3.5%. Therefore, it would be wise to exchange your money for Nepali currency.

We recommend that you exchange your money for Nepali currency cash here in Kathmandu or Pokhara. During the trek, there might not be any money exchange booth available.

Packing List for Trek

There is no specific packing list for the Nepal Mardi Himal Trek, but you should not miss out on some items for a comfortable and successful trek journey.

You should include strong hiking boots, waterproof coats, warm clothing, headlamps, walking sticks and not less than a forty-litre pack.

You might think of leasing equipment if you have to, depending on the situation. However, some other essentials that a traveller should carry include a first aid kit, water purification tablets or filters, sunscreen lotion, a hat, and sunglasses.

Accommodation and Food on Trek

The accommodation and food on the Mardi Himal Trek itinerary are good enough.

The success of your trek can depend greatly on the food you eat or the bed where you sleep. Each day, you will be walking for 5-7 hours. For that, you need a significant amount of energy and a good night’s sleep to give rest to your body.

Accommodations on the route

Throughout the trek, you will be staying in one of the lodges or teahouses (a small local house). Depending on your comfort level and preference, you can stay in any of the teahouses on the Mardi Himal route.

The hotels in the Mardi Himal trek map provide minimal facilities, including beds, blankets, and, at times, hot water. The teahouses offer a true picture of the local people. It is one of the best ways to engage with local stakeholders and get a true taste of the culture and warmth of the region.

In contrast, lodges in lower altitudes, like Pokhara, provide modern facilities such as hot showers, better beds, and even power outlets for charging devices.

Moreover, the food served in the teahouses en route Mardi Himal is good enough, giving enough energy for the trek.

Foods on the route

The food during the trek is basic and usually Nepali. It may not be gourmet, but it is wholesome and prepared to give you the energy you need for trekking.

Breakfast at the teahouse

Tea, coffee, roti, bread, lemon ginger tea, veg and non-veg soup, egg items, muesli, corn flex, porridge, apple pie, pancakes, Tibetan bread, etc.

Lunch at the teahouse 

Dal bhat, chow mien, noodle soup, spaghetti, potato items, roti/chapati, Mo: Mo, local-style pizza, chicken and mountain sheep meat (seasonal or during festivals), spinach, carrot, onion, etc.

Dinner at the teahouse

Dal Bhat, noodle soup, potato curry, spinach and other seasonal vegetables, thukpa, spaghetti, pizza, Mo: Mo, veg-spring roll, etc.

Desert at the teahouse

Apple pie, banana pie, custard pudding, rice pudding, chocolate roll, sneaker roll, etc.

Electricity and Battery Recharge

The electricity and battery charging services are easily available in the teahouses and lodges. However, some of them might not have charging available in rooms, or it might cost some additional charge.

For charging phones, digital cameras, headlamps, and other electrical appliances, you can carry a power bank or solar charger.

Water During Mardi Himal Trekking

The source of water during the trek is from the natural spring. You can fill your water in one of the teahouses and purify it with the water purification tablet that we provide.

You can also find natural spring water between the routes. But before drinking it, ask your guide if the water is drinkable.

Communication

The main means of communication during the Mardi Himal Nepal trekking are the Wi-Fi network and cellular connectivity. You can connect to Wi-Fi in all the teahouses where you stop. However, they might charge you $2 to $3 extra.

Likewise, throughout the trekking route, you will find the NTC network. However, the NCELL network might not be available in some places. Additionally, if you want to be connected to the internet at all times, you can buy a data package, too.

You can buy Nepali SIM cards (NTC and NCELL) at any of the network provider companies or shops that sell them in Kathmandu. To buy it, you need to submit a copy of your passport and a couple of passport-sized photos.

Safety and Security

The Mardi Himal trek map is a safe trek, with a well-maintained trekking trail and various teahouses along the way. However, trekkers should always be mindful of altitude sickness as they ascend, especially above 3,000 meters (9,800 ft).

It is essential to stay hydrated, acclimatize properly, and walk at a constant pace.

Hiring a local guide can enhance your trekking journey as they are familiar with the terrain, weather conditions, and local cultures.

Instances of theft are rare, but it is better not to carry any valuables during the trek. You can leave them in our office or at your hotel.

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Porter vs No Porter

Depending on your personal preferences and physical capabilities, you can trek to Mardi Himal Base Camp with or without a porter.

However, hiring a porter can significantly reduce your load and enhance your trekking experience. Walking on a steep hill with your backpack for several days can be exhausting.

On the other hand, hiring a porter contributes to local employment and improves their economy.

Tips on Hiring a Porter 

• The maximum load a porter can carry is 26 kg. However, if you have less weight, it will be easier for the porter.
• If you have less than 12 kg of load, you can share a porter with others.
• Porters will only meet you at the teahouse, where you will stay overnight. Therefore, carry a daypack to keep your go-to items.
• Typically, porters and guides are tipped 10% of your trip. But you can tip as you please.

Extending Trip to Nepal

If you have a few more days to spend in Nepal, there are several places you can visit. You can visit around Kathmandu and Pokhara if you are looking for cultural and natural beauty.

Likewise, for historical enthusiasts and adventurers, a visit to Lumbini could be a perfect option.

Further, if you want to go for another trek in the Mardi region, Annapurna Circuit Trek and Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek could be ideal. You can also go for Everest View Trek or Manaslu Circuit Trek if you are looking for a little challenging trekking destination.

Additionally, wildlife safaris and cultural performances in Chitwan Nation Park and Bardiya National Park are paradise for nature enthusiasts. Nepal has something for everyone.

Trip Extension to National Parks

A great way to extend the Nepal adventure is by extending the trip to the national parks of Nepal. For that, Chitwan National Park and Bardiya National Park could be the best escape destinations, and they can be easily reached from Pokhara or Kathmandu.

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Chitwan National Park is a perfect place to explore rhinos, Bengal tigers, and elephants. In addition to the wildlife adventures, you can also enjoy the cultural dance in the evening.

Similarly, Bardiya National Park offers the experience of wildlife exploration on a less crowded path. If you are looking for wilderness, it is an ideal destination for you.

Mardi Himal Trek with Lwang Ghalel Return

You can add a few extra trekking days to your standard Mardi Base Camp Trek if you have enough energy in your tank. It is a beautiful trek, offering a unique combination of mountain vistas and cultural experiences.

You can opt for trekking to Pokhara instead of driving from Siding to Pokhara in your original Mardi trek itinerary. The trek goes to a local traditional village, Lwang, via Ghalel village.

You will be staying in Lwang village for a night, where you can enjoy the local traditional dance and their traditional local foods, and stay in the homestay. The people living here are Gurung, Magar, Baun, Chhetri, etc., which gives a mixture of cultural experiences.

Then, the next day, you will trek to Hemja, Pokhara. Then, take a private jeep or public bus to Pokhara and enjoy all that Pokhara has to offer.

Mardi Himal and Khopra Danda Trek

The Mardi Himal and Khopra Danda Trek is a total trek with a 10-12 days itinerary. This trek is a combination of awe-inspiring views and adventure from Mardi Himal and Khopra Danda.

The trek route starts first with the Khopra Danda trek. Then, when returning, you will take a detour from Ghorepani to Forest Camp via Tadapani, Ghandruk, and Landruk villages. From there, you can follow the traditional Mardi Himal trek.

The Mardi Himal with Khopra Danda Trek offers a more remote trekking experience along with great views and rich cultural experiences. It is a perfect trek if you are looking for a long trek in the Annapurna region.

Mardi Yoga Trek

The Mardi Yoga Trek is a lesser-known and new destination for trekking with yoga in the Nepalese mountains.

During the Mardi Himal yoga trek, you will be starting your day with a brief yoga session. This will allow your body to stretch and feel positive throughout the day.

You will be doing some stretching and calmest postures in the morning. Whereas, after a day of trek, you will find a special place where you can see a great sunset view with beautiful surroundings.

Then, in the midst of peaceful and calming forests and fields, you will find yourself immersed in soulful yoga sessions.

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek vs Mardi Himal Trek

Both the Ghorepani Poon Hill and Mardi Himal Trek lie in the Annapurna region of Nepal. Although both the treks are known for stunning sunrise views, they differ in trek route and elevation reached.

Ghorepani Poon Hill trek reaches a maximum altitude of 3210 meters (10,531 ft) at the Poon Hill viewpoint. In contrast, you can reach 4500 meters (14,764 ft) at the base camp of Mardi Himal on the Mardi trek.

Furthermore, despite having almost the same itinerary period, the trek route goes in through different routes and villages. The trek route to Mardi Himal Base Camp is comparatively more challenging than Poon Hill Viewpoint.

So, decide for yourself if you want to go on a thrilling high-altitude trek to Mardi Base Camp or an easier trek with cultural and scenic beauty to Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek.

Is the Mardi Himal trek worth it?

Yes, the trek is definitely worth it, especially for those seeking a shorter trekking destination. In a short period of time, you can see stunning views of the Annapurna range, including Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) and a diverse landscape ranging from lush forests to alpine meadows.

The trek also offers a close insight into local Gurung and Magar villages and their culture.

The short duration and moderate difficulty, which take you to a significant altitude, make the trek even more exciting and suitable for novice as well as experienced trekkers.

How to Book Mardi Himal Trek

Himalayan Masters gives you a hassle-free booking and pick-up from the airport itself.

You can contact Himalayan Masters via mobile, WhatsApp, email, or by visiting the office itself. Please feel free to contact us anytime if you have any queries regarding the trek.

To book the Mardi Himal Trek with us, you can fill out the online form on the site. After that, we can discuss the trek itinerary or the trek can be customized on your request.

Once you pay the booking charges, your trek will be confirmed. Finally, after you arrive in Nepal, we can have the trek briefings at the office, or it can be done online, too.

Why choose Himalayan Masters?

Himalayan Masters Adventure and Travel Company is composed of highly experienced and professional individuals. We ensure your trekking journey is done effectively and with ease. Our treks are one of the most flexible and easily accessible trek packages in the cheapest price range.

Our team is committed to accompanying and assisting you before, during, and after the trek. One should not look at Himalayan Masters as just a tour agency; it is a family.

Feedback and Review

Your feedbacks are much appreciated. Once you have completed the trek, please leave a review. Your review allows us to know our strong and weak points so that we can improve your trekking experience with us.