Beginners Guide to Mardi Himal Trek

Many trekkers worldwide are still unaware of the gem that Mardi Himal Trek is. It became accessible to the public in 2012. It lies in the Annapurna Conservation Area of the Annapurna region. Since its opening, it has quickly garnered the attention of international and domestic tourists for its similarities with Annapurna Base Camp Trek. If you decide to trek up to Mardi Himal Base Camp, you will conquer an elevation of 4500m, higher than the ABC trek, whose highest elevation is 4130m. Because of this, many believe that it is not suited for novices. In contrast, it is a trek suitable for all levels. This article is the beginner’s guide to the Mardi Himal Trek.

If you have just started trekking or are thinking about going on your first trek and cannot decide on a destination, you might want to consider the Mardi Himal Trek. This trek provides various options for your destination; you can reach Mardi Himal Base Camp or return from High Camp (3,850m). Due to its off-the-beaten-path trails, rhododendron forests, and views of the Himalayan massifs, the trek will give you the feel of both the Annapurna Base Camp Trek and Everest Base Camp Trek at the same time.

Why choose Mardi Himal Terk as Beginners? 

Varied Options

Trekking in Mardi Himal trails has one huge advantage that many other treks don’t have. While trekking, we always have the last destination on our minds. But for this trek, the ending point can be different. From Phedi, you can either trek to a forest camp or end your trek there. You can also trek to a low camp and finish your journey there. You can trek to a high camp if you wish to go higher. Above the high camp, there is Mardi Himal View Point. You can trek till that elevation and return. You can reach the Mardi Himal Base Camp if you are adventurous.

Landscapes

Regarding Landscapes, it is no less than ABC or EBC Trek. It lies in the conservation area, meaning the nature and culture you will encounter in your trail are protected and preserved. Besides that, if you visit during the spring season, many species of rhododendrons surround your trail, along with many wildflowers and alpine meadows. The lush forests, rugged trekking trails, and majestic snow-covered mountain views are all yours to explore in the Mardi Himal Route.

Annapurna South, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail, Hiuchuli peaks, and Annapurna Massifs are some of the mountains you will come across. If you reach the Mardi Base Camp, you will also witness the close view of Mardi Himal (5,587 m). Mardi Himal Trek is famous for its natural hot springs, such as Jhinu Danda. 

Duration of the Trek

The trek duration varies significantly depending on how fast you walk, your experience level, and the season. The longer days and higher experience means you can even complete the trek in 4 days. This is why many consider it to be a short trek. But, it might take 6 or 7 days to complete if you are a beginner. And we advise you to stick to that itinerary to gain the maximum out of your trek without challenging your physical endurance. 

Moderate Difficulty

The highest elevation of the Mardi Himal Trek is the base camp at 4,500m. Reaching this height level from Pokhara (822m) certainly requires much effort. This makes the trek moderately tricky. But, it is not entirely impossible to achieve even for the staters. It doesn’t require any technical climbing skills to ascend the trek. The trick here is to include the day for acclimatization (if necessary) and break down the daily hiking distance to 4-6 hours daily. 

Less Crowded

Because of their popularity, treks like Annapurna Circuit Trek and Poon Hill Trek are often time filled with people. Trek to Mardi Himal is less crowded because of its underrated nature. This does two things: enjoy the journey in tranquility, enjoy what nature provides, and quickly get the food and accommodations. If you happen to travel during peak seasons, you will encounter a majority of trekkers. But during the off-season, the trails go quiet. 

Affordable

Unlike other treks in the Annapurna Region, the cost of the Mardi Himal Trek is lower. The accommodations are cheaper in these trials, ranging from NPR 500 to NPR 1000. A simple Nepali dish- dal, bhat, and tarkari (lentils, rice, and curry) costs you around NPR 450. Besides, the expenditures include transportation, guides, and porters (if you hire any). A 12-day Mardi Himal Trek will cost you around USD 1255.

Hospitality

The people’s hospitality is another reason you should explore these trails as a starter. Throughout the trek, you will come across various Gurung and Magar villages. You will be spending your night at the teahouses run by these people. They will provide you with cozy accommodation and a warm meal. The care and services of these local hosts are heartwarming. Besides this, you can also experience their cultures and lifestyle. You can communicate with them to know more about them. A heartfelt conversation with a stranger in the middle of nature might sound strange, but it’s surprisingly soothing.

Exploring Pokhara and Kathmandu

On your trek toward the Mardi Himal, You must visit two major cities in Nepal, Kathmandu and Pokhara. You will land in Kathmandu first and head towards Pokhara via bus or plane. The starting point for the Mardi Himal Trek is Pokhara. So, before starting your trek, you can explore the capital city of Nepal and its capital, tourism. You can explore the city of temples and the city of lakes. You can explore the land of cultures and the land of mountains.

Mardi Himal Trek Route

While there are multiple routes through which you can enter the Mardi Himal Trek. For example, if you are in Ghandruk, you can trek to Landruka, and from here, you can hit the trails to the Mardi Himal viewpoint and base camp. But, here we are discussing the two major routes that will take you to your destination. We advise you to plan your trek in such a way that it will explore both routes at the same time. You can use one route to reach the Base Camp and another to return to Pokhara. The routes are- 

Sidhing Route

The sidhing route is the shortest route from Pokhara to Mardi Himal Basecamp. The route will take you through the shades of forests and terrace fields. You will encounter the Mardi Khola on this route. The Tamang and Gurung Villages will be your places to stay. This side trail will meet the other trail at Low Camp. Here is what this route looks like- 

Pokhara – Hyangja- Lwang- Sidhing- Low Camp- Badal Danda – High Camp – View Point – Mardi Himal Base Camp 

Forest Camp Route

Forest Camp route is the classical route. On this route, you will have to drive to Phedi. From Phedi, you will start your trek and reach Pothana on your first day. On your second day, you will get to the Forest Base Camp at an altitude of 2,530 m. This part of the trek is a dream for any bird enthusiast as they can encounter various species of birds along the way. This path merges with the Sidhing route at Low Camp. The route looks like- 

Pokhara – Hyangja – Phedi- Kande – Australian Base Camp- Pothana – Deurali – Forest Camp- Low Camp- Badal Danda – High Camp- View Point – Mardi Himal Base Camp 

Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek Itinerary for Beginners

The Itinerary for Mardi Himal Trek can vary depending on your path. As we discussed earlier, completing the trek in 4 days is possible. Many expert trekkers complete it in 3 days through the short route. But the nature of the trek is not that difficult or easy either. So, as a starter, you want to take more days. Those who haven’t been to higher altitudes might be prone to altitude sickness. It is necessary that you ascend gradually and not hurry with the trek. Here is a brief itinerary; 

This Mardi Himal trek itinerary is the best for any level of trekkers. As you can see, it doesn’t include constant walking when not necessary, providing rest time for trekkers when necessary. The average walking distance is around 6. It understands your level and allows you to heal your body. This plan allows you to explore the regions nearer to your accommodations and communicate with locals to learn more about the land and culture. However, We also make a customized plan for you based on what you want and how many days you have in your hand. 

Best Season to Trek to Mardi Himal

Nepal experiences four seasons: Spring, Winter, Autumn, and Summer/Monsoon. Mardi Himal Trek in Nepal is possible throughout the year in all seasons. Yes, each season has unique characteristics that provide a distinct experience, but an equal number of challenges come along the way. Let us compare each season; 

If we observe the table, we can see that Mardi Himal Trek is quite comfortable to ascend in the Spring and Autumn seasons because of the mild temperatures, clear skies, and stable weather conditions. However, winter and Summer pose significant challenges in trails, snow, extreme temperature, rainfall, snowfall, and unpredictable weather. They are off-seasons for a season. That is why we recommend peak seasons for novice trekkers. But, if you are considering hitting the trails in the off-seasons, hire a trekking guide.

You can also check – Mardi Himal Base Camp Weather

Permits Required 

Mardi Himal is part of the Annapurna Conservation Area, and Trekking inside this preserved area requires a permit. You will also need a Trekker’s Information Management System Card. 

• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): You can get this permit at the Nepal Tourism Board in Pokhara or Kathmandu. It costs NPR 3,000 for foreign nationals and NPR 1000 for SAARC nationals. This card ensures the security of the environment, culture, and trekkers. 
• Trekker’s Information Management System Card (TIMs)- You can get this permit at the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu or Pokhara. You can also get it from the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN). It costs NPR 2000 for international trekkers and NPR 1000 for trekkers form SAARC countries. 

Health and Saftey Tips for Beginners

Mardi Himal Trek is suitable for beginners and experienced trekkers. Anyone with a certain level of physical endurance can complete this trek. However, your health and safety are always your priorities. You should make sure to stay safe and healthy. Here are the tips you can follow;

• Even though the trails are well managed and easy to navigate. You should avoid wandering off as much as possible, especially if you do not know the routes. 
• If this is your first trek, you might not be familiar with the intricacies of the map or the technicalities of trekking. Therefore, we recommend hiring a guide to ensure your safety and help you navigate the rugged terrain. 
• The Base Camp of Mardi Himal is not going anywhere, so don’t hurry. Take it slow. Let your body adapt to the temperature and elevation. If you feel uncomfortable or uneasy at any point during the trek, take a rest. 
• You might be at risk of altitude sickness. Check your elevations at times and determine if you feel any headaches, dizziness, or discomfort. 
• Drink plenty of water and eat fresh foods. Avoid alcohol and meat. 
• Carry a first aid kit with you for emergencies. 
• If you have any disease, consult your doctor before starting. 

Preparation for Mardi Himal for Beginners

Even though the trek is absolutely doable for first-time trekkers, we recommend they prepare themselves. You will ascend to the elevation of 4500 m through rugged and steep terrains. The journey might take a toll on physical and mental well-being. So, proper preparation is always good. This preparation includes training your body and your mind. Preparation doesn’t mean you have to lift tons of kilos in your gym.

You can start simply by walking. If any hike is accessible to you, you can hike to the higher elevation. This will prepare your body for higher altitudes. As a beginner, do as much research as possible. It will help prepare your brain for the forthcoming challenges in the journey. 

Conclusion

Mardi Himal Trek for beginners is a short and rewarding journey. It provides awe-striking views of the Mardi Himal to Annapurna Massifs and takes you through the rhododendron forests and alpine meadows. It is a peaceful and scenic experience. It can be a fantastic introduction for you to kickstart your trekking journey. But don’t sacrifice your safety and health as you approach Mardi Himal. I hope this complete guide for the Mardi Himal Trek has helped you. 

Best of Luck for your first Trek!