Mardi Himal Trek

Our 12-day Mardi Himal Trek itinerary starts in Kathmandu, the capital city. On the first day, we will either fly or drive to Pokhara. From Pokhara, we will drive to Phedi to begin our trek. After arriving at Phedi, we will take a short tea break before starting our hike to the beautiful village of Pothana.

On our way to Pothan, we will walk through alpine meadows and enjoy the beautiful mountains. After spending the night in the village, we will continue our journey to Mardi Himal Base Camp (MBC). We will pass through Forest, Low, and High Camp before reaching MBC on the 8th day. After taking in the stunning views of Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, and Mardi Himal, we will begin our descent to Pokhara.

We will follow the same route back to the High Camp, passing the remote villages one last time before reaching Siding Village. From there, we will take a jeep to Pokhara and spend the night exploring the city. On the final day, we will take a bus one last time to end our journey in Kathmandu Valley.

Mardi Himal Trek is gaining popularity due to its breathtaking mountain views, remote villages, people, their culture, and some scenic stops. Some of the major attractions of the 12-day adventure towards Mardi Himal include:

Breathtaking Mountain Views

One of the major attractions of the Mardi Himal Trek is the chance to see stunning mountain views. This trek also offers the option to see beautiful mountains in the Annapurna region of Nepal. Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Hiunchuli, Fishtail, and Nilgiri are some of the hills you will see during the trek.

Remote Villages

The Mardi Himal route passes through different remote villages and settlements, different from a commercial trek like ABC or EBC. Another major attraction of the Mardi Himal Trek is the chance to see these villages, their culture, daily life, etc.

Unique Culture

During your Mardi Himal trek, you will reach different villages, like Khopra Ridge, which you can combine with the Khopra Ridge Trek, and Australian Camp, where you will be able to see new festivals, rituals, and a long-protected culture.

Mardi Himal Base Camp

Mardi Himal Base Camp is in the Annapurna region of Nepal. It offers one of the shortest treks in this area, reaching 4,500 meters above sea level. Mount Mardi Himal is a well-known virgin mountain in the Annapurna region that has not been explored much. Until recently, the trail was rarely used by trekkers because it is remote and wild and lacks proper paths and accommodation facilities. This part of the Annapurna region was unsettled and less developed.

To complete the total distance above 500 kilometers, we can complete the overall Mardi Himal Trek in about 12 days if you book this package with us. However, the duration of the trek is mainly affected by the itinerary you choose. We also offer you a 5-day to 7-day Mardi Himal Base Camp adventure. Aside from the itinerary, the starting point and ending point of the journey will also affect the number of days of your journey. If you are a little short of time, based on your convenience, we also offer a 3-day package for you.

For the best and most complete experience, we recommend you take the 7-day or even this 12-day package. You can trek and enjoy the route more deeply if you have enough time to explore the area’s beauty. Similarly, you will have enough time to acclimate as you move to higher elevations. But it ultimately boils down to your preference and your time duration. Contact us at Himalayan Leaders for any queries. We can also help customize your itinerary according to your needs. Explore our packages for the Mardi Himal Trek.

Early Morning

The Mardi Himal Trek usually starts about 6 a.m. to 7 a.m. After breakfast, we start our day adventure, which lasts 5 to 6 hours on average, with some days being shorter. The sunrise views over the beautiful landscapes and Himalayas can be a daily highlight. Throughout our trekking journey, we will have a chance to witness different mountain peaks, pass by many remote villages, interact with local people, and understand the culture.

Lunch

Between our journey from about 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., we will have lunch either in a teahouse or a peaceful place with nature. Apart from having lunch, this time is also for rest and acclimatization, which is needed in the high-altitude trek.

Midday

After lunch, we continue our trek during midday. Due to the humidity and fatigue, the pace slows down a bit. However, the pleasant atmosphere makes the trek enjoyable thoroughly, with frequent breaks for acclimatization. We will finally end our hiking adventure at about 4 p.m. on average. After 4 P.m., we start moving towards our new village, where we will stay overnight in the new teahouse.

Evening

We reach our new teahouse for the overnight stay around 4 to 5 PM. After reaching our destination, we will see our room with the help of our guide. We will then rest for a while before savoring dinner at 8 p.m. Afterward, we can relax, interact with fellow travelers, play music, or read a book before finally getting in bed around 9 p.m.

The trekkers love engaging with the culture and traditions of the areas they visit on the Mardi Himal trek. This journey is both physically satisfying and mentally stimulating. It offers cultural enrichment through stunning natural landscapes and vibrant local culture. Some of the cultural aspects that the trekkers will find during the Mardi HImal trek are Tamang, Magar, and Gurung cultures.

Many residents of the Gurung ethnic group along the Mardi Himal trekking route showcase their culture. The trail goes through several Gurung villages. Travelers can experience the unique customs and traditions of the Gurung people. Visiting their traditional clothing, building styles, and daily activities gives insight into their rich heritage. Here are some cultural highlights that trekkers can experience during their trek.

• Experience the traditional lifestyle of Gurung communities as you pass through villages.
• Discover the serenity of Buddhist monasteries scattered along the trek.
• Explore vibrant Hindu temples in Pokhara and nearby areas.
• Immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere of local celebrations.
• Enjoy cultural evenings at the teahouse with traditional Nepali dances.

Mardi Himal Trek is one of the budget-friendly treks in Nepal. It is among the cheap trekking destinations where you will get even more discounts if you are trekking in a group. The trek package costs $1,255 per person.

Remember that the trekking cost can vary depending on the number of days. This trek can range from 4 days to 12 days, which causes the expense of the Mardi Himal Trek to fluctuate. Other factors that affect the trek cost include the trekking agency, season, areas, and remoteness.

The Mardi Himal trek offers a pleasant trekking experience with diverse weather patterns. It has four different seasons, with different temperatures and weather.

• Spring (March-May): This is the best time for Mardi trekking. The daytime temperature ranges from 15 to 20°C (59-68°F), while at night, it lowers to 0-5°F (32-41°F).
• Summer (June-August): Summer brings monsoon rains, resulting in cloudy skies and high humidity. Daytime temperature can range from 20-25°C.
• Autumn (September-November): Nepal’s most popular trekking season features clear skies, stable weather, and comfortable temperatures. The daytime temperature ranges between 15-20°C and can reach up to -5°C at night.
• Winter (December): Nepal’s coldest month also welcomes heavy snowfall. The daytime temperature is between 5-10°C, and it significantly drops to -15°C at night.

Spring

The spring season begins in March and ends in May, falling within the pre-monsoon period. The weather is warm and pleasant during this time, although mornings and nights can still be quite chilly, especially at higher elevations. Spring is the ideal season to experience the breathtaking beauty of the Mardi Himal Trek. During this season, the trekkers will have the chance to pass through blooming rhododendron trails and forests, creating an exciting atmosphere, especially for children and young adults. Additionally, the crisp and clear views of the valley, mountains, and skies make this season best for photographers looking to click some majestic photos. Since Spring is so famous, it is often crowded, so book early.

Autumn

Autumn is another best season for the Mardi Himal Trek. This season falls between September and November, the post-monsoon season in Nepal. Autumn has stable and favorable weather for trekking. The temperature is pleasant, and the weather is generally stable; however, it gets billy chilly in the evening. During Autumn, the atmosphere is clear with fresh air so that the trekkers can glimpse crisp views of mountains. This season is also the season of festivals, with two major ones, Dashain and Tihar, falling under Autumn. Like Spring, the crowds are high in numbers during Autumn, so book in advance.

Accommodation During the Trek

Accommodation is highly essential to remain safe during Mardi Himal Trek. These accommodations provide trekkers with a means to sleep, rest, and have breakfast and dinner. The accommodation options in Mardi Himal Trek vary depending on the route and the level of comfort you prefer. Here are some common choices:

Teahouses

Teahouses are the most common accommodation option. They offer basic accommodation with simple rooms or dormitories. These houses also provide meals, making them convenient for trekkers. You will have a shared bathroom and a communal dining area.

Guesthouse:

You may find guesthouses or small hotels offering more comfortable accommodations in more established towns. These options provide private rooms and bathrooms. These options are mainly available in Pokhara and are less common in the trekking route.

Camping:

Camping is an option for those seeking a more adventurous experience. You can bring your own gear or hire a trekking company to provide equipment and support staff. Camping allows flexibility in itinerary.

Meals During the Mardi Himal Trek

Food or Meals are as crucial as accommodation during the Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek. Since Mardi Himal is in a remote region of Nepal, the trekkers won’t find much variety in the food menu. During the trek days, they will eat three meals daily: breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Breakfast

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and the trekkers will have it before the start of the trek. Some breakfast menus include oatmeal, pancakes, eggs, toast and jam, porridge, chapatis, etc.

Lunch and Dinner

After the first trek session ends, the trekkers stop at restaurants or camp for lunch. They then reach the new village for dinner and get the facility in the teahouse. The lunch and dinner menus are similar, and the menu includes Local Nepali Dal Bhat, Momos, Pizzas, Burgers, Steaks, and Shrimp.

Poon Hill and Mardi Himal treks are popular in the Annapurna region. They are well-liked mainly because they take a short time to complete and can be done any time of the year. While both treks have similarities, they also have unique features. To help travelers decide which trek suits them best, let’s compare the Poon Hill Trek and the Mardi Himal Trek.

Mardi Himal Trek and Ghorepani Poonhill Trek provide trekkers with unique experiences. The Ghorepani Poonhill route is short and less challenging than Mardi Himal. The highest elevation trekkers will reach during the Ghorepani Poonhill trek is 3,210 meters. You will reach the highest elevation during the Mardi Himal Trek at 4,500 meters. Likewise, the route is less crowded than the Ghorepani Poonhill Trek. Both treks provide some of the best scenery and mountain views. But the Mardi Himal Trek is the best if you are looking for adventure and a closer look at mountains like Annapurna, Mardi Himal, and Machhapuchhre.

The Mardi Himal Trek and the Ghorepani Poonhill Trek are two popular trekking routes in Nepal. Each offers unique experiences. Here are some factors that distinguish them.

If you prefer a shorter, less demanding trek with beautiful views, go for Ghorepani Poonhill. If you want a more adventurous experience with stunning mountain sights, choose Mardi Himal.

Communication is essential for high-altitude treks like the Mardi Himal, especially remote ones. The trekkers are usually far from their country, family, and friends, so they must communicate with them daily. Hence, the trekkers arriving in Nepal can buy mobile networks like NTC, Ncell, or Smart Network. 

At high elevations, the trekkers will use their mobile phones. The Himalayan Leaders office will contact all trek teams at least once daily through the trek leader. You might get some signal depending on your network, but it may not be very strong. If you prefer, you can buy a local SIM card in Kathmandu.

Trekking to Mardi Himal, you require two major permits: an Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit and a TIMS Card. You can obtain these permits from your respective trekking agent in Pokhara or Kathmandu.

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit

As Mardi Himal Trek falls within the Annapurna Conservation Area, it is mandatory to get this permit. You can obtain this permit from the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu or its office in Pokhara. You must show the permit at Pothana and trek to Mardi Himal Base Camp. It cost NPR 3000.

TIMS Card

In addition to the ACAP, trekkers embarking on the Mardi Himal Trek must get a TIMS Card. TIMS aids in tracking trekkers in the event of an emergency and offers significant details about their locations during the walk. To receive a TIMS Card, visit the Nepal Tourism Board Office in Kathmandu or the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN) office in Pokhara.

Mardi Himal Trek is a moderately challenging route of the Annapurna Region. The trail is also comparatively easy and less challenging. The trek requires 5 to 6 hours a day. It can be pretty exhausting and put a physical strain on trekkers. There are many resting places along the trail to ease your journey.

The Mardi Himal Base Camp is at an altitude of 4,500 meters. Trekkers can experience altitude sickness during the trek, so proper rest and acclimatization are essential. Besides high altitude, the terrain and trekking trails are also quite challenging after reaching a certain altitude. Trekkers looking to complete this trek easily will face one of the challenging surprises. Furthermore, the weather at a high altitude of over 4000m is always very dynamic. The constant changes from sunny days to blistering cold, rainfall, snowfall, and fast-paced winds will hamper the day-to-day planning of the trekkers or their guides.

Hence, it is necessary to be prepared for the trek and recognize the challenging factors that make the Mardi Himal Trek more difficult. Despite the difficulty, this trek is among the most accessible and easier than the Everest Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Base Camp Trek, and others. However, you must be prepared and physically fit for it without compromise.

Maintaining good health and fitness is crucial for a successful and enjoyable Mardi Himal Trek. If the trekkers are fit and healthy, they will comfortably scale the steep ups and downs and can also tackle the dynamic weather of the high altitude. So, trekkers must follow some health and fitness recommendations to be strong and healthy during the trek.

1. Make sure you are physically fit.
2. Engage in regular strength training and hiking to build endurance.
3. Listen to your body and pace yourself during your trek, taking frequent breaks.
4. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, even if you are not thirsty.
5. Adequate nutrition is necessary, so consume a balanced diet of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats to fuel your trekking efforts.
6. Acclimatization is essential, so ascend slowly and consider taking medication as a precaution to tackle altitude sickness.
7. Always consult your doctor before deciding to trek the tough Mardi Himal, especially if you have a previous medical condition.

While the Mardi Himal Trek is moderate, it offers challenges like steep ascent and potential weather conditions. Hiring guides and porters can enhance your experience and ensure a safe and enjoyable journey. Here are some reasons why hiring guides and porters is crucial during your Mardi Himal Trek.

Guides

• Guides are highly experienced trekkers knowledgeable about the area, which helps in navigation.
• They can provide valuable insight into the trails’ history, culture, and tradition.
• Guides are also experts in first aid and know a fair share about altitude sickness, which will help during the high-altitude trek.
• Guides can customize your itinerary based on your preferences. You can choose a relaxed pace or a more challenging adventure.

Porters

• Porters are essential during high-altitude treks like the Mardi Himal trek because they carry heavy luggage. They can carry up to 20kg of bags and luggage, which is very efficient for trekkers.
•  If you pay a bit extra to porters, they can help with packing, unpacking, safety, and even camping in a tent during your trek. Sometimes, they also help in cooking or regular mundane work, which will help you focus on enjoying and clicking beautiful photos.
• Hiring porters helps raise their economic standards and the standards of the overall community.

Being prepared is necessary before your trek. You need two kinds of preparation: mental preparation and Physical preparation. It would help if you had a good fitness level. Thus, do regular preparation. Exercise cardiovascular exercises, planks, and squats to increase your stamina. Also, be mentally prepared, as the trekking involves much hardship and challenging trails. Here are some ways you can prepare for the Mardi Himal Trek.

Physical Preparation

One critical preparation needed for the Mardi Himal Trek is physical. Trekkers’ strength and cardio must be on a different level than regular trekkers as they must climb a peak of over 4500m. So, to raise their stamina and endurance, the trekkers need to focus on more exercises like jogging, running, swimming, or increasing their strength by carrying weights.

Mental Preparation

For the Mardi Himal trek or any other trek in Nepal, trekkers need physical and mental preparation. They must know that the trek is going to be complex and that it is not going to be easy every single day. Furthermore, difficulty breathing creates a challenging mental state at a high altitude, so learning to breathe in that condition is essential. Trekkers who engage in yoga or meditation might not face much difficulty breathing at higher altitudes.

Prepare Necessary Documents

Before being eligible for the Mardi Himal trek, trekkers must be wary of possessing the necessary documents. The trekkers must have the area permit and the TIMS card, which they can issue by providing documents like passport-size photos, passports, and trek itinerary packages from reputed trekking agencies. This is even beneficial if you are planning to trek in a restricted region.

Booking a Mardi Himal Trip with Himalayan Leaders has a few benefits. So, let’s get a look at them.

Highly Experienced

Himalayan Leaders has experienced guides with over 20 years of experience in Nepal’s mountain ranges. This expertise allows them to create safe and suitable itineraries for trekking in the Himalayas. They hire guides and porters based on the highest quality standards. They also have in-depth experience and a deep understanding of the culture, history, religion, and geography of the Mardi Himal trek.

Care for Guides and Porters

Himalayan Leaders distinguishes itself in Nepal’s trekking industry by offering fixed monthly salaries and fair wages for freelancers. They emphasize ongoing training, including English courses on nature and history, mountain guiding techniques, and safety. The company provides comprehensive medical insurance for injuries or illnesses and supports a pension fund for disabled employees.

Customizable Tours

Customizable tours are another reason for booking Mardi Himal Trek via Himalayan Leaders. At Himalayan Leaders, they use their unique technical know-how to organize a tour that meets your needs. Whether you are looking for a budget tour, a luxury tour, or adventurous trekking as a group or individual, they provide all the options.

Mardi Himal Trek is a low-altitude trek in Nepal, but that doesn’t mean you don’t need to bring essential items. You must pack carefully during this trek, as you don’t want to pack too heavy or too light. Moreover, you also don’t want to leave out the essential items of clothing, equipment, or gear. So, let’s check out which items you need to pack during your Mardi Himal Trek.

Clothing

1. Wool or technical fabric warm socks
2. Waterproof/windproof outer shell pantsScarf or neck gaiter
3. Knitted hat/Beanie
4. Hiking pants (2)
5. Casual shoes
6. Comfortable pants for inside the teahouses
7. Hiking shorts
8. Wool or technical fabric liner gloves
9. Technical fabric base layer
10. Waterproof, windproof shell
11. Hard-shell outer glovesHeadlamp
12. Gaiters
13. Liner socks
14. Trekking/hiking boots
15. Ice Cleats /Micro Spikes
16. Sun hat or cap
17. Hiking socks
18. Sunglasses
19. Technical fabric shirt
20. Long sleeve (2) shirts
21. Fleece jacket

Essential Items

1. Towel
2. Toilet paper
3. Waterproof/dry bags
4. High-protein snacks
5. Toiletry kits
6. Passport
7. Reusable water bottle
8. Water purification tablets or UV water purifiers
9. Hydration bladder
10. Extra copies of passport-sized photos
11. Pillowcase

First Aid or Medicinal Kits

1. Lip Balm
2. Medicines
3. Sprain Ointment
4. Sunscreen

Optional Items

1. Hydration bladder
2. Passport
3. Towel
4. Extra copies of passport-sized photos
5. Toilet paper (2 rolls)
6. Toiletry kits
7. Pillowcase
8. Reusable water bottle
9. Water purification tablets