Mardi Himal Trekking

March 7, 2019

Situated just east of Annapurna Base Camp, Mardi Himal trek is one of the most overwhelming and picturesque adventurous treks in the hidden gem of Nepal. This fascinating Mardi Himal trek route is filled with the spectacular Himalayas including Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchre, Annapurna south, Mardi Himal, Hunchuli, and other stunning associated peaks, enchanted rhododendron, magnolia-pines, and oak forests, rugged high mountains landscapes, green rolling hills, several simple guesthouses and home stays and many more. Mardi Himal trek is regarded as the lowest and least visited trekking trail in Nepal. Trekking through the pleasing high ridges, verdant forests, dazzling rivers, terraced farm with persistent grandeur views of stunning Dhaulagiri on the west with the towering south face of the Fishtail, Annapurna and Manaslu range in the east, is really awe-inspiring to trek in Annapurna Region of Nepal. During our trek to Mardi Himal, trekkers will get chances to encounter with the warmth and generosity of the mountain people and observe their unique cultures, traditions, lifestyles, and living pattern of mountain people. The magnificent views of the Mt. Annapurna Ranges, Mt. Hunchuli, Mt. Fishtail, Mt. Dhaulagiri and other stunning peaks will accompany you along the way to Mardi Himal trek.  Although the Mardi Himal Trek is less used, it also offers interesting and exotic trekking trail with the natural wonder through following the beautiful dense forests, alpine meadows, waterfalls, lush valleys, and numerous streams.

The Trekking trail of Mardi Himal:

This awe-inspiring trek to Mardi Himal begins with wonderful views of the local settlements, stunning green rolling hills and the white Himalayas on the way to naturally blessed city called Pokhara. Around 6 to 7 hours pleasing drive journey will take you to the amazing city Pokhara, where you can have stunning views of the mountains including Machhapuchhre, Himalchuli, Dhaulagiri and many other associated Himalayas. As you reach there, you can enjoy exciting boating around 2 hours after a few rests in the hotel. Strolling around and exploring the paradise on the earth (Pokhara) is really amazing things these legendary treks offer you. Next day, you will drive up to Phedi and begin official trekking from Phedi to Deurali by following greenery surrounding on the way onward. By the following day to day itinerary of Mardi Himal Trek, you will cross several local villages on the way and encounter with them and their unique cultural practices. During your trekking trail, you can find various guest houses and home stays along the entire route, which will add to makes your trekking worthwhile. The trail goes through following the beautiful forest blend with pine, juniper and rhododendron and along the striking rivers. The route takes us to steeply down to the upper Mardi Khola. Trekking in this undisturbed trail of the Mardi Himal is to experience the real wilderness zone of mountains. Mid Sept-October – November (Autumn Season) are the best seasons to visit this fascinating Mardi Himal trekking in Nepal.

The major highlights of the Mardi Himal Trek:

• Views of Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Fishtail, Dhaulagiri, Mardi Himal, and many associated peaks.
• Enjoy around 2 hours boating in the splendid Fewa Lake in Pokhara.
• Explore the Mardi Himal Base Camp and High Camp.
• Native home stay and local warm ethnic hospitality.
• Encounter with the local culture and traditions.
• Trekking through the most famous Annapurna region of Nepal.
• Impressive sunrise and sunset views from the famous vantage point.
• Trek through amazing landscapes, local settlements, rice terraces, farmlands, rivers, bridges, spectacular rolling green hills and Mountains.
• Splendid greenery forest of rhododendron, oak, pine, and bamboo.
• Floral and faunas diversities in the Annapurna Region.

Short Itinerary of Mardi Himal Trek:

Himalayan Holyland offers a short day to day itinerary for Mardi Himal trek in Nepal.

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu at Tribhuvan International Airport (1,350m/4,264ft)

Day 02: After breakfast, drive to Pokhara from KTM (827m/2,700ft): 6-7 hours

Day 03: Drive around 30 minutes and reach to Phedi and continue trek to Deurali (2100m/6,720ft): 30 minutes’ drive, 4-5 hours trek

Day 04: Trek from Deurali to Forest Camp (2,520m/8064ft): 6-7 hours

Day 05: Continue trek from Forest Camp to Low Camp (2970m/9504ft): 5-6 hours

Day 06: Begin trek from Low Camp to High Camp (3540m/11,328ft): 3-4 hours

Day 07: Hike from High Camp to Upper Viewpoint for amazing views of Himalayas(4250m/13600ft), return back to High Camp: 2-3 hours

Day 08: Trek High Camp to Sidhing Village (1700m/5440ft): 6-7 hours

Day 09: Trek to Lumle, drive back to Pokhara and take domestic flight for Kathmandu: 2-3 hours trek, 2 hours’ drive and 25 minutes flight to Kathmandu

Day 10: Final departure day to your next destination

The best seasons to trek Mardi Himal Trek:

Before starting Mardi Himal trek, the traveler should keep track of the weather and temperature of Mardi Himal Base Camp and the best season to trek in Annapurna region in Nepal. Although around the year is perfect to visit every corner of Nepal and explore the most exciting and interesting places in Nepal. Most of the trekkers prefer to trek Mardi Himal in the Autumn seasons which consist mid-September to November. Spring (March to May) and Autumn (Mid- September-November) season are regarded as the ideal season to explore the Mardi Himal in Nepal. After this March and May months are also known as second-best moths to visit Mardi Himal trek and explore around.  In these seasons the skies are clear to have a great view of the Himalayas and the surroundings. The weather and temperature are also fine to go for high altitude and explore surrounding of Annapurna region in these seasons.

The Cost of Mardi Himal Trek:

Many trekkers are always curious about the price of trekking in Nepal. As compared to another part of the world, the trekking cost in Nepal is much cheaper. Mardi Himal trek is one of them. The cost of Mardi Himal trek depends on several factors such as; How many days itinerary you choose to spend, the route you desire to trek, the mode of transport you choose to travel with, the season of the year that you are planning to trek on, the mode of accommodation you choose to stay during your trekking, list of items you desire to take during your trekking, and so on. Although the cost of trekking depends on the itinerary package, Mardi Himal trek is a short trek in Nepal, which cost around the US $ 550 to 700 per person for 10 days itinerary of Mardi Himal Trek. If you desire to customized the Mardi Himal itinerary, then we are always ready to customize according to your preferences. To make sure about the cost of Mardi Himal trek in Nepal, please contact us for more detail and memorable trip.

Note: Do please exchange Nepali currency before going for trekking. Most of the tea houses on the way will only accept Nepali Rupees.

The weather of Annapurna Region of Nepal:

Spring

Spring is the ideal season for trekking in Annapurna region of Nepal. In this season, trekkers will get chances to have clear views of the Himalayas and the surroundings. The forest is full of multi-colors flowers that blooming around. The temperature may go up to 20 degrees however, night and morning will be slightly cold and freezing, the day will be generally near 16-17 degrees. Most of the trekkers prefer to trek Mardi Himal trek in this season.

Monsoon

Trekking to Mardi Himal in the monsoon season is quite irritable for most of the trekkers. The summer season in Nepal is filled with a lot of humidity and occasional downpours. Immediately after summer monsoon gets in its way with muddy roads and scattered rain falls. During this monsoon seasons, trekkers may not get clear views of the Himalayas because dark cloud will cover the sky and heavy rainfalls will obstruct the mountains panorama. The temperature during monsoon season range between 10 to 23 degree in Annapurna Region of Nepal.

Autumn

Autumn Season for Mardi Himal trek is absolutely perfect to explore the rugged beauty of Annapurna region. In this season, the sky is clear with stunning sunrise and sunset. The atmosphere is also clear after the monsoon, where you can have alluring mountains views with their shining grace. In this season, the temperature is around 20 degree Celsius at day time while in the night it will be near 5 degrees.

Winter

Winter season which involves the month from December to February. In this season, the temperature is freezing cold and the weather is also dry. During this season, the Annapurna region will be filled with the white snow, where trekking trail and mountains will be covered with the piles of snow. The temperature will drop down around 5 degree Celsius with every 1000 meters ascent altitude. Trekking during day time in Mardi Himal is quite warm, the temperature will be around 9 to 12 degree. The temperature in the morning and evening will be freezing cold around 5 degree Celsius.

What Permits are required for Mardi Himal Trek:

Before going any corner of Nepal for trekking, the travelers should take trekking permits from the Government of Nepal and obtain specific permits for the specific destinations. Most of the places to trek in Nepal, you should obtain a TIMS card. For restricted regions,you need to take special permit.And for conservation regions, you need to take a conversation area trekking permits before going for trekking. Before going for Mardi Himal trekking in Nepal, you need to buy Permits and TIMS cards from Nepal Tourism Bard Office situated at Pardarsani Marg Kathmandu and also you should obtain the permit from Nepal Tourism Board Service Center in Damside at Pokhara. Not only that, but you should also buy TIMS Cards from the TAAN Lakeside office in Santi Patan, Pokhara. But do not worry about taking permits, Himalaya Holyland will buy permits and TIMS cards for you from the Nepal Tourism Board Office at Kathmandu and Tourism Board Service Center from Pokhara. And TIMS card from from the branch of Thamel, Kathmandu. For Mardi Himal trek, you will be required following permits:

• ACAP permit fee for international trekkers: 3,000 NPR (Approx. US $30).

• For SAARC nationals, ACAP entry permit fee: US$3.
• TIMS card is required for trekkers: 1,000 NPR (Approx. US $10).

Food and Accommodation during Mardi Himal Trek:

Accommodation

Situated at the east of the Annapurna region, Mardi Himal Trekking route goes through the beautiful forested areas following the rocky mountain terrain and several base camps. Spectacular mountains including Annapurna, Machhapuchre (Fishtail) and Mardi Himal will always accompany you throughout your trekking trail to Mardi Himal. You have to pass several unique stone-built houses and get chances to accommodate over there. To be honest, Mardi Himal Trek is newly discovered trekking route in the Annapurna region of Nepal so during your trekking to Mardi Himal, you will get just basic accommodation facilities. We expect that it will improve very soon as the trek is gaining popularity. Before starting your official trek to Mardi Himal, you will be providing 3-star hotel at Kathmandu Thamel and at the paradise city called Pokhara. As you begin the trek to Mardi Himal, you will get mostly twin-shared accommodation with shared bathrooms. You can also book a single supplement but it may cost you extra charges. In the cold weather, you may not get hot water for bathing, but you will get buckets of hot water for bathing.

Food

During your trek to Mardi Himal trek, the guest will be provided authentic typical Nepali foods as well as more common international cuisine (Tibetan, Italian, Indian, Continental, and much more food). You have to spend around the US $25 to 30 for food and accommodation during your trail while the cost of accommodation at Kathmandu and Pokhara will be quite expensive than in the village of Annapurna region. You will get early breakfast, lunch, and dinner as a meal of the day.

The difficulty of Mardi Himal Trek:

This famous Mardi Himal Trek has gained popularity due to its immense natural beauty. Most of the trekkers regard Mardi Himal Trek relatively easy and short trekking destination in Nepal, where novice trekkers can easily trek on Mardi Himal High Camp and Mardi Himal Base Camp. Every day, trekkers have to trek around 5 to 6 hours in the several ascending and descending trekking trail of Mardi Himal. The highest point of the Mardi Himal trek is the 4500 meters, where you can enjoy the awesome vista of the Himalayas and spectacular landscapes.

Can I Choose Solo Trek to Mardi Himal:

Although trekking in a group brings lots of fun, enjoyment, and excitements to most of the trekkers, it may not be a preferable choice for some trekker. Some traveler love to travel alone and can enjoy alone, in such a case, he/she desire to hire an independent guide. Solo trek for Mardi Himal in Nepal is possible trekking package, that Himalayan Holyland offers to its customer according to their preference. The cost of solo Mardi Himal Trek is comparatively expensive than group trek. You can find several accommodations (tea houses) on the way, where it will be easy to find room for you too but sometimes it is difficult because of main season. However, sometimes solo trek for Mardi Himal may not be fruitful, If the trekker/traveler get sick or some kind of accident they meet on the way while trekking up to Mardi Himal. In such cases, being alone in the mountain will be too hard for a trekker. That is why you need to hire well experienced guide from agency.

Some Tips for Mardi Himal Trek:

The Himalayan Holyland will provide some essential tips for trekkers, which will be useful for the trekkers during their trekking to Mardi Himal trek in Nepal. Before going for Mardi Himal trek in Nepal, you should have appropriate clothing and equipment such as pair of hiking boots, windproof jacket, a pair of comfortable sandals, water bottles, route map, sunglasses, sun scream, waterproof socks, rain Jackets, boots with sturdy soles, trekking pants, warm trouser, trekking poles, hat, gloves, sleeping bag, comfortable rucksack, and many other essentials things that you required. You should also have professional licensed and well-experienced trekking guide for Mardi Himal trek. During the peak season, the Annapurna region will be more traffic. So, we would like to request you for pre-booking. If you have guide, I do booking for every day before few days. Trekkers have to trek around 5 to 6 hours in a day. Physical fitness is also very important thing that trekkers should have. Before going for Mardi Himal trek, The Himalayan Holyland will kindly request you to visit your medical adviser for a physical check-up and know about the symptoms of altitude sickness and its remedies.

Summing Up:

This fascinating Mardi Himal Trek is one of the most legendary trekking destinations in the rustic trails of Annapurna region of Nepal. You really get chance to collect different experiences. We will try to meet your dream in this life. Himalaya Holyland will offer you one of the most cost-effective and reasonable trekking packages in Nepal. So, do not be late to make a wonderful trip to Nepal. Please contact us for further detail information…We do not sell only packages-we share our most expensive experiences also…!!!