Mardi Himal Trek – All You Need to Know

The Mardi Himal trek is one of the short and easy hikes in the Nepal Himalayas. It takes place in the renowned high altitude adventure destination of the Annapurna region. Lately, the Mardi Himal trek has rapidly grown in popularity as a quick and accessible gateway to the mountains.

The Mardi Himal trek passes near the Annapurna Base Camp trails. However it has remained relatively hidden and less traveled. The off the beaten Mardi Himal trekking routes offer a remarkable experience of exploring the isolated and untouched parts of the Annapurna region. The journey takes you deep into the wilderness of the secluded Himalayan corners. Being far from the busy and crowded trails, you can enjoy a serene and immersive trekking experience.

The short Mardi Himal trek is the perfect adventure for trekkers wishing to experience breathtaking mountain altitudes and scenery in just a few days. Within just a week you will cover the diverse landscapes that shift from lush green bushes to steep and rugged alpine areas with sparse vegetation. Moreover, the never ending panorama of the mighty snow coated Himalayas provides a stunning backdrop that enhances your trekking experience by filling you with wonder.

Mardi Himal rises majestically at 5,587 meters/18,330 feet. It is next to the towering Mount Machapuchre. The 5 days Mardi Himal trek takes you all the way to the incredible base camp of this mountain. If you are on a limited time but want to embrace the beauty of the high Himalayas, the Mardi Himal trek is a fantastic choice. This journey is certain to satisfy you with magnificent scenery, rich cultural experiences and the peacefulness of the mountains.
 

Mardi Himal Trek Itinerary

The standard itinerary for the Mardi Himal trek typically lasts for 5 days. It is designed for a comfortable experience. However this trek is possible to complete in 4 days and even in 3 days.

The 3 days Mardi Himal itinerary is fast paced and there will be a rush to complete the journey within a short time frame. You will have to walk more than 8 hours every day to cover the distance of the whole trek. Nevertheless, the 4 day itinerary provides a much more manageable pace compared to the previous one. In any case, the 5 days itinerary is the best option. You will experience a relaxed trip and also get enough time to fully enjoy the key natural and cultural attractions along the way.

The 5 days Mardi Himal trekking journey starts from Pokhara (820 meters/ 2,723 feet) a beautiful city of lakes. Kande (1,770 meters/5,800 feet) is the common starting point of the trek. And to travel from Pokhara to Kande, you will drive alongside the Pokhara Baglung Highway. Hyangja, Phedi, etc are the major places that you will pass by during the exhilarating ride.

After reaching Kande by around 1.5 hours of scenic drive, you will begin on the trail and head towards Deurali (2,100 meters/6,890 feet). En route, you will pass through Australian Camp and a notable Pothana village.

You will continue on the journey following the scenic Mardi Himal trek route. The trail leads you from Deurali to Mardi Himal Low Camp by passing through the Forest Camp. The fresh air, lush green vegetation and possible rare glimpses of wildlife are the highlights of this part of the journey.

You will trek forward to the Mardi Himal High Camp (3,600 meters/ 11,811 feet) making your way through vibrant rhododendron forests and wide alpine meadows. Badal Danda (3,210 meters/10,531 feet) is a stunning vantage point along the route from where you can witness the captivating panorama of towering Annapurna, Macchapuchre (Fishtail) and other adjoining peaks. You can find the terrains changed to rocky and barren with scattered vegetation when you reach Mardi Himal High Camp.

From here, the paths are steep and narrow and gently ascend towards the Mardi Himal Upper Viewpoint (4,200 meters/13,780 feet). There will be a sweeping vista of the surrounding Himalayas on all sides of the trail. Continuing further you will finally reach the magnificent Base Camp (4,500 meters/14,764 feet) of Mardi Himal. After immersing in the surreal views of high peaks and deep valleys from the base camp, you will start to descend. Traversing the rock fields, grasslands, forests and small mountain villages, you will return to the Badal Danda.

Now you are on the final leg of the trek. Descending through the colorful terraced fields and enchanting forests, you will reach Siding (1,750 meters/ 5,741 feet). This tiny hamlet connects you to Pokhara via a roadway. A picturesque drive of around 1.5 hours will take you back to Pokhara.

Difficulty of Mardi Himal Trek

Mardi Himal is straightforward to trek. The trails are well marked and there are no technical sections that need specialized skills. So this short and easy Himalayan adventure is accessible for trekkers of all experience levels.

The difficulty level of the Mardi Himal Trek is classified as easy to moderate. Both novice and experienced trekkers with good health and basic fitness levels can complete this rewarding Himalayan adventure.

During the Mardi Himal Trek you will have to walk for an average of 5 to 6 hours each day to cover the total distance of the journey. While this trek is relatively easy for seasoned hikers beginners who are not in the habit of walking long hours on rugged terrain may find it somewhat challenging.

The Mardi trekking routes during the most part of the journey are well defined and easy. However, trails towards the high camp of the mountain involve steep inclines and long climbs. For this, your physical stamina, endurance, balance and stability are important.

On the other hand the uncertain mountain weather conditions and remoteness of the pace can add to the overall trek difficulty. For this, you need to be equipped with layered clothing and other essential amenities. It will help you stay safe and comfortable in case of weather or resource challenges.

Permit Required for Mardi Himal Trekking

You need two different permits to embark on the Mardi Himal trekking adventure. Those essential permits are:

• Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Permit
• Trekker’s Information Management System (TIMS) Card

During the Mardi Himal trek, you will walk through the biodiverse zone of the Annapurna Conservation Area. Hence, the ACAP permit is required to access this conserved region for trekking purposes. The cost of ACAP is Rupee 3,000.

Likewise, you need a TIMS card for safety and security reasons. It tracks the whereabouts of each trekker in the trekking destination and provides immediate help in needed cases. The TIMS card will cost you Rupee 2,000.

Your trekking agency will help you get both the Mardi Himal trekking permits on your behalf. However, to go through the official processes and complete the paperwork, they usually need your documents. And for this, you have to provide a copy of your visa and passport along with two passport size photos. Obtaining permits beforehand for the journey will ensure hassle free travel.

Mardi Himal Trek Package Cost

The package cost of the Mardi Himal trek varies depending on factors like trek duration, season, inclusions and level/quality of service. Generally, the comprehensive 5 days Mardi Himal trek package starts from around USD 400 to USD 500 per person. Likewise, some trekking companies also offer discounts based on the size of the group. Here is a general Mardi Himal trek cost for different group sizes.

Besides package costs, there are several other expenses incurred during the journey. For your day to day expenses (snacks, laundry, etc), tips for guides and porters and other personal expenditures (shopping, souvenirs, hot showers, WiFi and charging etc), you have to carry adequate cash.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is a vital requirement for your mountain adventure. You will be at possible risk of minor illness and injuries during a Himalayan journey. The common trek injuries involve sprains, blisters, cuts, strains, cramps and sunburn. Likewise, you may experience altitude sickness, dehydration, heat exhaustion and other health issues.

With travel insurance, you can expect quick medical access and treatment in case of accidents or sickness during the journey. While receiving prompt health services and facilities, you should not have to bear the financial losses incurred. Your travel insurance will handle everything from hospital transfers to medicine bills, doctor visits and hospital stays.

The advantage of having travel insurance is beyond medical support. It provides financial protection against several unforeseen happenings during your trek. Travel insurance handles everything from trip delays and cancellations to lost/stolen/delayed luggage and evacuation.

To sum up travel insurance allows you to trek stress freely. You will have peace of mind knowing you are protected in case any unpredictable circumstances arise.

Hiring Guide for Mardi Himal Trek

Hiring a guide is essential for any remote and high altitude mountain adventure, including the Mardi Himal trek. On the other hand, it is compulsory by the rule of the Nepal Tourism Board to hire a licensed guide for trekking and mountaineering in Nepal.

Guides are important to experience a safe, smooth and easy journey in the mountains. Likewise, they help make your trek insightful, immersive and enjoyable. Experienced and professional guides will raise the level of safety and enjoyment of the journey. They will lead you through easy routes as well as assist in navigating complex terrain sections.

Likewise, traveling with knowledgeable local guides is a plus point. They know better about the history, geography and natural and cultural highlights of the region. As local guides also know the regional languages, they can facilitate meaningful interaction with the native people. They will remove the language barrier by acting as a translator between you and the locale.

More importantly, guides can tailor the experience to your interests and preferences. They are also a source of encouragement and motivation in tough situations during the trek.

Trekking companies usually focus on providing experienced and fluent English speaking guides for your mountain adventure. In unexpected situations experienced guides can address them quickly and effectively. Likewise, clear communication allow for proper connection between a guide and trekkers. This will help to lower the chance of misunderstandings and promote a more engaging and enjoyable journey.

Mardi Himal Trek Best Time

Spring and autumn are the top picks of trekkers traveling into the high Himalayan regions. And, the best time to trek Mardi Himal is undoubtedly these two peak trekking seasons. Spring lasts from March to May and autumn or fall starts from September and ends in November.

Spring is a pre monsoon phase with blooming flora and a lively environment. Likewise, autumn comes right after the monsoon rain calms down and presents the visual splendor of stunning fall foliage.

Spring and autumn offer optimum climatic conditions for outdoor trekking activities. These seasons present stable weather and moderate temperatures. The sky is less cloudy and clear, treating you to the unobstructed views of the towering peaks. Likewise, the sun is bright and the atmosphere is clean (dust free, hazeless), which adds to the overall visibility in the surroundings.

You will experience the gentle warmth of the sun in spring and autumn, which will not make you sweat extremely or freeze with cold. The air humidity level is low and precipitation is rare at this time. On very little chance of snowfall, downpours, fogs or high winds, you can focus on your adventure without worrying about weather related disruption.

You can enjoy clear views of scenic landscapes while having a safe and immersive exploration in spring and autumn. On the other hand, the ideal climatic states of this period provide an excellent opportunity for photography and wildlife observation.

You can skip muddy, slippery and snow layered trails during the spring and autumn trek of Mardi Himal. The dry routes will allow for easy, smooth and comfortable walks. Moreover, the days are long and sunlight for extended periods will allow you to enjoy a slow and relaxed journey. Nonetheless, you can get the opportunity to partake in the celebrations of vibrant cultural festivals.

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