Mardi Himal Trek

Best time to go

The best time for the mardi himal trek is during the months from March to May and September to November. These months offer the best weather conditions favorable for trekking. The daytime temperature around mardi Himal region ranges from 15°C to 25°C, while nighttime temperatures can drop below 10°C. 

It is called the mardi himal trek best time because the skies are clear and there is less change of rainfall. However, Mardi Himal trekking cost is higher as the trekkers come to trek on a large scale. As an alternative, you can try during the winter seasons with proper gear and preparations. 

Difficulty level of the trek

The mardi himal trek is graded as moderately difficult. The highest elevation that you will reach is the height of Mardi Himal Base Camp, which is at 4500 m. The whole trekking journey spans 11 days in which you have to walk 6 days, with average walking hours ranging from 5-7 hours per day. 

The treks are suitable for beginners as the mardi himal trek altitude is not as high as compared to the Everest Base Camp trek. however, the trails can be rough and steep in some sections. So trekker’s should have a reasonable level of fitness. 

Permit required for the trek

The permits required for the trek are the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) Card. Both permits can be acquired at the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu or Pokhara. the expenses of the permits are included in the Mardi Himal Trek cost inclusions. 

The cost of an ACAP permit is NPR 3000 for foreign nationals and NPR 1000 for SAARC nationals. Besides it, the TIMS card costs NPR 2000 for individual foreign trekkers, NPR 1000 for group foreign trekkers, and NPR 300 for SAARC nationals. The documents like a valid passport, two passport-sized photographs, travel insurance details, fee, and Mardi Trek itinerary are needed during obtaining the permit. 

Accommodation options

There are several accommodation options in the cities, like Kathmandu and Pokhara. The accommodations are usually in star hotels that provide rooms with attached bathrooms and other facilities. While in the remote regions, the accommodation options and amenities decrease as you ascend to the higher altitudes. 

At lower regions like Pothana and Deurali, you can have rooms with attached bathrooms, hot showers, and free Wi-Fi. For this, the Mardi Trek cost will be a little bit higher. At higher altitudes, like forest camp and above, the room facilities become more basic, where you have to share bathrooms with other trekkers. The hot shower becomes less reliable, and you have to pay extra money for the amenities like Wi-Fi, a hot shower, and device charging. 

Food options 

You can have a variety of food options during the trek. While in cities like Pokhara and Kathmandu, you will get options ranging from Nepali to international cuisine. Some of the options include Dal Bhat Tarkari, Noodles, Rice Dishes, Momos, Tuna Tartare, Classic Caesar Salad (Grilled Chicken/Prawn), Seasonal Fresh Fruits Platter, Dosa (Plain/Aloo Masala), Masala Uttapam, Flourless Chocolate Hazelnut Cake, Freshly squeezed juices, and many more. 

However, in the remote mardi himal region, you may not be able to find the options like above. The meals are mostly Dal Bhat Tarkari, Chatamari, Momos, Salads, Pasta Dishes, Thukpa, Sel Roti, Tibetan bread, Spring Rolls, Samosas, etc. 

Weather and temperature

The weather and temperatures vary according to the altitude. Even though the mardi himal altitude is 5,587 meters, you only have to trek to 4500 meters, which is the base camp of mardi himal. For every 1000-meter ascent, the temperature typically drops by about 5 degrees Celsius. 

Some of the seasonal weather patterns of the Mardi himal region are:

• Spring season: the daytime temperatures range from 16°C to 22°C and drop to about 7°C to 12°C at night. The overall weather conditions are stable, and precipitation is also low. 
• Autumn season: the temperatures ranging from 17°C to 21°C during the day and dropping to about 6°C to 11°C at night. The overall weather condition is cooler with low chances of rainfall.
• Summer season: The average daytime temperature ranges from 18°C to 23°C and can drop to around 5°C to 10°C at night. The weather conditions are unstable, and heavy rainfall may occur anytime. 
• Winter season: The daytime temperatures can vary from about 4°C to 19°C, and nighttime temperatures may drop to as low as -5°C or lower. There is a chance of snowfall at higher altitudes and a rare chance of rainfall. 

Altitude sickness issues and acclimatization

The altitude sickness issues are not common in the mardi trek route. However, for some trekkers with preexisting health issues or lower fitness levels, At the elevation level up to 4500 meters, acute symptoms may be seen in some trekkers. 

Some of the acute symptoms are headaches, nausea and vomiting, fatigue, dizziness, and so on. There are some of the things that are risk factors for the mardi trekking, like rapid ascent, longer duration of the trek, unpredictable weather patterns, etc. 

There are some ways to prevent those issues. It includes Gradual Ascent, Hydration, Listen to Your Body, Rest Days, Nutrition, and more. If any symptoms persist, then it is important to descend immediately and seek medical assistance. 

Transportation options and luggage limits

As soon as you land at the Tribhuvan airport, our representative will pick you up and take you to the hotel via private bus or taxi. Then, the journey continues via public bus, car, or jeep from Kathmandu to Pokhara. 
The journey from Pokhara to Kande will be on private jeeps or taxis. Then, after the trek ends, you will be travelling via Jeep from Siding to Pokhara and then via Bus to Kathmandu. 

There is a luggage limit of 23 kg during your international flight. When you are traveling via domestic flight, the weight limit of baggage is 20 kg. 

Toilet and shower facility

The toilet and shower facility may vary based on the altitude and specific teahouse. At the lower altitudes up to 2500 meters, in most of the teahouses, you can find the western-style toilets. While in the mid-range altitudes and higher altitudes, the toilets are mostly squat style. 

In the case of shower facilities, hot showers are available with small fees in lower altitudes. At mid-range altitudes, hot showers are less reliable. However, at higher altitudes, shower facilities become very limited. As an alternative, you can carry wet wipes or dry shampoo. 

Telephone, Internet and electricity

At the lower regions, you can make calls and use the internet from data. However, as you move to the higher elevations, the networks become less reliable or none. In case of electricity, most of the teahouses offer the electricity or solar power for charging devices with extra charges. 

As the Mardi trekking itinerary is of 11 days, it is advisable to carry a power bank to charge your devices, as solar power is also unreliable sometimes. In addition, Wi-Fi is available in most of the teahouses with small charges and varying speeds. 

Gears and equipment

Even though mardi trekking is a beginner's trekking, proper selection and packing of gear, equipment, and essentials is still important. Some of the recommended gear and equipment are given below. 

Clothing like Trekking Boots, Hiking Pants, T-shirts, Long-Sleeve Shirts, Fleece/Insulated Jacket, Waterproof/Windproof Jacket, Thermal Layers, Warm Hats and Gloves, Socks, Sun Hats/Sunglasses, and more.
Equipment like a 30-45-liter backpack, sleeping bag, trekking poles, headlamp/flashlight, water bottle/hydration system, etc. 

Toiletries and personal items like toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, sunscreen and lip balm, insect repellent, personal medications, hand sanitizer/wet wipes, toilet paper, and so on.
Miscellaneous items like cash in local currency, a camera/smartphone with extra batteries, snacks/energy bars, a mardi himal trek map/guidebook, and more. 

Customized itinerary and trip extensions

We customize itineraries for hikers who want to trek in their free time. We organize trips according to your schedule and can extend your trip by adding other adventures. Some of the customized itineraries are:

• Mardi himal trek 3 days
• Mardi himal trek 5 days

In addition to Mardi Himal Trek, we can organize trips to Langtang, Everest, Ghorepani Poon Hill, Manaslu, Mustang Trekking, Mountain Flight, Water Rafting, Jungle Safari, City Tour (Kathmandu, Pokhara, or Lumbini), Homestay Tour, Nepal Cultural Tour, Tibet Tour, Bhutan Tour, or India Tour Extension as per your time limit. 

Tips to make the journey smooth

• Choose the best time to trek based on your preferences and preparation level. 
• Consider training yourself physically and mentally before the trek
• Pack all the essential gear and equipment
• Drink plenty of water throughout the trek
• Keep your energy levels up with nutritious snacks like nuts and energy bars
• Take time to acclimatize by ascending gradually
• Obtain necessary permits prior of your trek
• Hire a licensed trekking guide and porter
• Have travel insurance that covers trekking activities in Nepal, including emergency evacuation if necessary
• Engage with local communities along the trail to gain cultural insights
• Respect the local culture and take permission before taking photographs of any person or objects
• Carry a powerbank and extra camera batteries with you