The Ultimate Guide to Mardi Himal Trek.
Mardi Himal is among those few pearls of Nepal’s Annapurna region, promising great views and tranquil landscapes combined with a much quieter trek in comparison to the hustle and bustle that characterizes trails like the famous Annapurna Circuit or Poon Hill. This Trek is slowly gaining attention and has been attracting many trekkers who would want to avoid the crowds yet still be surrounded by the majesty of the Himalayas. This travel guide takes one through an elaborative approach to the preparations for the Mardi Himal Trek in detail.
Overview of Mardi Himal Trek
The Mardi Himal trek is a comparatively short trek and is said to be completed by those who have not got that much time in about 5 to 7 days. It will take one as high as 4,500 meters or 14,763 feet above sea level at Mardi Himal Base Camp. Unfolding surreal landscapes present some of the most iconic peaks in the Himalayas: the Mardi Himal, Machapuchare known as Fish Tail, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli.
Mardi Himal Trek Difficulty Grading:
Mardi Himal Trek is graded as a moderate trek that any average trekker who has basic fitness can handle, but it requires no technical climbing skills. But nevertheless, it could be exhausting with altitude and terrain factors at instances. Hence, proper preparation becomes very much essential for the steep ascend path, forest routes, rocky roads, or ridge walks on the trail.
Best Time to Trek Mardi Himal
The best time for trekking Mardi Himal is in the spring season-starting from March to May-and in autumn from September to November.
- During these months, the weather is clear and you will have a vivid view of the surrounding mountains. The temperatures are also moderate, thus making trekking comfortable.
- Winter falls in December to February and is very cold, especially at high altitude.
- Summer/monsoon falls in June to August and sees heavy rainfall, thereby making the trails slippery and hazardous to tread.
Trekking Itinerary:
A Day-to-Day Guide Given below is a typical 5-day itinerary for Mardi Himal Trek:
Day 1: Drive from Pokhara to Kande and Trek to Australian Camp.
This trek starts with a drive from Pokhara via a serpentine road to Kande, a small village, and from here it will take about 3-4 hours of trekking to reach Australian Camp with its great views of the Annapurna Range.
Day 2: Australian Camp to Forest Camp.
Australian Camp to Forest Camp is around 5-6-hour duration. This is a nice walk through the rhododendom forests upwards for beautiful views in tranquility. As it goes up higher, the scenery keeps getting more spectacular, and views start to appear: Mardi Himal and Machapuchare.
Day 3: Forest Camp to Low Camp
Duration is 4-5 hours of trekking from Forest Camp to Low Camp. Gradual progress could be made catching its way through thick forests until it reached Low Camp, from where openings of the landscape would portray spectacular views of the mountains.
Day 4: Low Camp to Mardi Himal Base Camp
As it is considered the highlight of the trek, today you will be going to Mardi Himal Base Camp. Additional Information The more rugged and rocky uphill trail to the base camp will be there; however, when you have towering peaks standing right in front of you, every step taken will be worth it.
Day 5: Trek Back to Sidding and Drive to Pokhara
The distance is 12 km, and trekking Duration is 6-7 hours. From Mardi Himal Base Camp, after viewing the spectacular view, you descend back to Sidding, from where, by vehicle, you drive back to Pokhara.
Cost of Mardi Himal Trek
The full cost of Mardi Himal Trek is determined by many factors that include the duration of trekking, transportation mode, kinds of accommodation, and guide or porter service.
- Budget Trek Budget In itself, the full cost for transportation, food, and accommodation on a budget trek would be averagely between $300 and $600 USD.
- Guides and porters are available and, if desired, not necessary; this will increase your cost further by an extra $20-30 per day for a guide and $15-$20 per day for a porter.
Mardi Himal Trek Packing List
- Clothing: To be worn in layers, such as moisturizing T-shirts, fleece jackets, water-repellent jackets, including hat headwear.
- Footwear: Trekking boots-waterproofing recommended; appropriate socks along with gaiters that will provide further protection against elements entering from underneath the shoes/boots.
- Accessories: Trekking pole, lightweight body bag/pack, packer bags lightweight HEALTH and SAFETY First Aid Box/kit, water-purifying tablets/aqua safe/equivalent, UV filter/pot/straws, sunscreen, lip balms, and hand sanitizers.
- Documents: Passport permits for trekking (TIMS and ACAP), and travel insurance.
Trekking Permits for Mardi Himal
You will have to get two permits for the Mardi Himal Trek:
- TIMS Card: The permit is mandatory for all the trekkers in Nepal, and it costs around NPR 2,000.
- ACAP: It is mandatory to go for trekking in the Annapurna region and costs around NPR 3,000.
You can get both the permits in both cities of Pokhara or Kathmandu.
Mardi Himal Trekking Tips
- Mardi Himal Trek doesn’t attain extreme altitudes, but acclimatization is crucial to avoid altitude sickness.
- Remember to stay hydrated during the trek with lots of water, especially at higher altitudes.
- Keep your backpack light, as you’ll be trekking for several days. Only pack essentials and avoid unnecessary items.
- Weather in the mountains could suddenly get different. Be ready to face cold mornings and evenings, and never without a rain jacket.
Conclusion
The Mardi Himal Trek is a beautiful landscape with diversified ecosystems, combined with peaceful trekking. Actually, this trek should be perfect for those who seek to absorb the beauty of the Annapurna region without meeting crowds. It is very well-prepared for the trek and surely makes your journey truly memorable, with lifelong unforgettable memories of the Himalayan wilderness.
It is hence time now for planning for one of the finest trekking routes to Nepal, contact us today at Happy Mountain Nepal, Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok.
FAQs
1. What is the best time for the Mardi Himal Trek?
Spring-March to May is considered one of the finest time seasons, along with autumn, happening from September to November
2. How difficult is the Mardi Himal Trek?
The experience level of the trek is moderated, and it does not require any particular climbing skills. The basic level of fitness and average climbing skills can enable trekkers, but it becomes challenging because of altitude and difficult ascents in certain areas of the route.
3. How long does the Mardi Himal Trek take?
It usually takes 5 to 7 days, as per the itinerary chosen and speed.
4. What is the highest altitude of the trek?
The highest point is Mardi Himal Base Camp, which is at an elevation of 4,500 meters (14,763 feet).
5. Do I need permits for the Mardi Himal Trek?
Yes, you need two permits i.e. TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) card and an ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit).
6. Is it necessary to hire a guide or porter?
No, it is not necessary to hire guide or porter but hiring can help you enhance your experience and make your journey easier.
7. What kind of accommodation is available on the trek?
Trek participants receive accommodation at basic teahouses which provide reasonably simple rooms accessible to all visitors sharing common areas. Apart from basic amenities comprising hot showers, guests must pay an extra fee for access to meals.
8. What should I pack for the Mardi Himal Trek?
It constitutes the major things like layered clothes, water-proof trekking boots, sleeping bag, trekking poles, first–aid kit, and permits. Pack lightly.
9. Are there any risks of altitude sickness?
Even though Mardi Himal is not that tall, altitude adjustment remains necessary. Drink plenty of water, go up slowly, and beware of signs and symptoms of altitude sickness, which include headaches and nausea.