Mardi Himal Base Camp Weather

Standing tall at an elevation of 4500m, Mardi Himal Trek is one of Nepal’s most underrated trekking destinations. It is located in the Annapurna region and offers great mountain views, such as Machhapuchhre. The trek begins in Pokhara and offers two paths: one leading through Lumre and the other via Pothana. It is a worthy alternative to popular treks, such as the Annapurna Base Camp Trek and Annapurna Circuit Trek. Its difficulty ranges from moderate to challenging, and one factor that makes it difficult is the weather conditions.

If trekkers choose to trek to the Mardi Himal Base Camp during the ideal spring and autumn seasons, they will experience perfect trekking conditions. Similarly, if they trek in the off-season, the dynamic weather conditions will challenge them in every step of their trekking. Let’s explore the weather situations at Mardi Himal Base Camp throughout each season in Nepal.

Mardi Himal Base Camp Weather in Each Season

The weather at Mardi Himal varies by season, each with its own characteristics. Spring brings vibrant colors of rhododendrons with moderate temperatures, and winter offers majestic views of the Himalayas covered in snow due to constant snowfall. Similarly, Autumn welcomes trekking in Mardi Himal, offering clear blue skies and unobstructed views. The summer brings trekkers closer to nature through lush green high alpine forests, making it equally challenging for them as it also brings rain. Now, let us dive deep into various climatic conditions and the weather of Base Camp at Mardi in each season.

Mardi Himal Base Camp Weather in Spring 

Spring(March to May) at Mardi Himal Base Camp features pleasant weather with mild temperatures. The morning and evening temperatures can drop lower than during the day. The average daytime temperature of this season ranges between 10°C and 20°C. However, nighttime sees a drop in temperatures reaching 0°C and even below. The rain in these areas in spring is very minimal. The occasional rainfalls are light and brief in nature. The winds are generally calm in the morning but may pick up in the afternoon. 

Mardi Himal Base Camp Weather in Autumn  

Autumn season (September to November) offers the base camp’s most stable and clear weather, making it the best time to trek. The daytime temperature in Mardi Himal during this season reaches up to 16°C. The nighttime temperature, however, falls below -5°C. The Autumn nights in Mardi Himal are colder than Spring Nights. Autumn, being the post-monsoon month, doesn’t receive much rainfall. The winds in higher altitudes, such as Mardi Himal, are somewhat cold and have little variations throughout the day. 

Mardi Himal Base Camp Weather in Winter 

Like any other peak, Mardi Himal receives the heaviest winter snowfall (December to February). The day at the base camp in this season is colder than the day in spring or autumn. The temperature might fall to 0°C even during the daytime. However, the weather reports suggest that this season’s highest temperature is around 9°C. The nighttime in Mardi for trekkers, whether in the low camp, forest camp, or high camp, is an endurance exam because the temperature falls to -15°C.  The Himalayan region, including Mardi, receives regular snowfall from December to February. Winds at higher altitudes can be stronger, reaching up to 20km/h.

Mardi Himal Base Camp Weather in Summer/ Monsoon 

Summer in Nepal is the season of rain and sun. Base Camp at Mardi Himal receives a high amount of rainfall this season. With rainfall, the humidity of the region also increases. The daytime is warm, reaching a maximum temperature of 25°C. The typical afternoons are basically sunny days. Nighttime temperatures also tend to be relatively warmer, with nighttime temperatures ranging from 8°C to 15 °C. Thunderstorms are another anomaly that is common during the summer season in the Mardi Himal area. 

Mardi Himal Trek Weather Highlight

Here is a quick table to help you understand the weather situations you will encounter on your trek to Mardi Himal in different seasons.

Note: These data provided are based on previous weather data. We advise you to check the weather forecasts to know about the current weather and temperature of Mardi. 

Best Time for Mardi Himal Trek

Many consider spring and autumn the best time to trek in Nepal, including the Mardi Himal Base Camp trek. On the other hand, we believe this to be very subjective. Why subjective? Well, it entirely depends on your preferences, that’s why. If you enjoy challenges and wish to see lush green forests, summer may be the best time for you to trek. And, if you desire to enjoy the snowfall at higher heights in Mardi Halal, then why would you trek in summer? Right? We briefly broke down each season’s pros and cons so that you can determine Your best trekking season for the Mardi Himal Trek. 

Spring

• Why spring- Spectacular views of rhododendron forests, vibrant landscapes, mild temperature
• Why not spring–  might be crowded, weather can be unpredictable at times.

Autumn

• Why Autumn– Clear skies, stable weather, sunrise and sunset views, unobstructed views of the Annapurna range. 
• Why not Autumn– Crowded trails and tea houses, nights can be chilly

Winter

• Why winter– Peaceful trails, majestic view of snow-covered landscapes, unique and challenging experience, clear trails 
• Why not winter– Freezing nighttime and daytime temperatures at high altitudes, snow-blocked routes, limited facilities, slippery routes

Summer

• Why summer– Lush greenery, witness various flora and fauna, less crowded, longer days
• Why not summer– muddy and slippery trails, heavy rainfall, chilly nights, limited mountain views

Mardi Himal Trek Difficulty

The Mardi Himal Trek in Nepal is a short trek that takes 3-7 days, depending on your chosen route. Many consider it a moderate trek, while some consider it relatively easier. The following aspects define the Mardi Himal trek’s difficulty. 

• Weather—Spring and Autumn are the most favorable seasons for trekking to Mardi. Winter and Summer, or monsoon season, are the most challenging due to rainfall, snowfall, and muddy and slippery trails. 
• Altitude sickness—You will trek to a height of 4,500 m, and altitude sickness at this elevation is always a looming problem. 
• Longer Hours— You must hike at higher heights for 5 to 7 hours daily. This can be daunting, especially if you are not used to walking for longer hours. 
• Ascend and Descend in steep trails— Some areas can be steep and rugged. You will need to stop periodically to catch your breath while climbing. Additionally, your knees may take a hit during the descent.

Preparation for Mardi Himal Trek

Mardi Himal Trek is easier than other treks in Nepal but still requires preparation. Preparing for this trek involves focusing on two aspects: physical preparation and mental preparation. For physical preparation, you must focus on training your body, including cardiovascular and strength training. You must be ready for unforeseen challenges, such as Acute Mountain Sickness. So, it is necessary to be mentally prepared. You need to pack properly and research your route and challenges.

General Tips for Mardi Himal Trek

Here are the general tips that might be useful for your Mardi Himal Trek: 

• Research the climatic conditions of Mardi Himal during different seasons. 
• While planning, separate a day for acclimatization. 
• Pack light and carry essential items. 
• Stay Hydrated. 
• If you are trekking in the peak seasons book your accommodation like teahouses beforehand. 
• Hire a guide and porter, if necessary. 
• Decide where you want to reach: Your destination can be Mardi High Camp, Mardi Himal Low Camp, or Mardi Himal Camp at 4500 m. Decide it beforehand.

Conclusion

The weather at Mardi Himal Base Camp varies significantly by season. Summer and spring bring warmer temperatures in the daytime, while the nights can be chilly. During this period, the average daytime temperature is around 20 degrees Celsius. The nighttime temperature can reach below 0 degrees Celsius during spring. Summer sees warmer nights than any other month. Winter season temperatures can reach 9 degrees Celsius during the day but are very low in higher areas. The nighttime, however, is freezing during winter. Although autumn is the best time to trek, the nighttime temperature can fall to -5 degrees Celsius.