Mardi Himal Trek

Overview of Mardi Himal Trek

Mardi Himal Trek is a newly explored excursion in the Annapurna region, highlighting Nepal’s multifaceted beauty. The root takes you through charming rural communities, awe-inspiring terrains, majestic snow-covered mountains, and array of vibrant flora and fauna. The trek culminates Mardi Himal Base Camp (4500m) ensuring full of fun, remarkable and unforgettable adventure.

Since it is opened in 2012, the Mardi Himal Trek has emerged as a relatively new but popular trekking destination in Nepal. Nestled beneath the towering Machhapuchre peak in the Annapurna Himalayan Range, the trek is a hidden gem that offers breath taking natural view and a challenging terrain for adventure enthusiasts.

Compared to other popular trekking routs in the region, Mardi Himal Trek is less crowded, providing a sense of tranquility and solitude for trekkers to immerse themselves in the serene beauty of the Himalayan landscape. However, its obscurity does not mean it is any less beautiful or challenging, as it still draws the attention of both national and international climbers seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience.

The Mardi Himal Trek is captivating adventure that covers an altitude range of 3000m to 4500m and stretches across a distance of 41km (25 miles). The trail is slightly narrow, sloped and include steps due to land slope, but it should intimidate trekkers. The trek is considered easier than other popular trek in Annapurna region due to lesser crowd.

During the trek, you will be captivated by the stunning view of Annapurna Range, including the famous peaks of Annapurna South, Machhapuchre, and Mardi Himal etc. The trail takes you through beautiful oak, rhododendron and pine forest and past charming villages where you can experience the unique culture and hospitality of Nepalese people.

One of the best thing about the Mardi Himal trek is the availability of tea house or homestay along the way. This accommodation provides essential facilities, making the trek more comfortable and enjoy able you can rest assured that you will have access to hot meals, clean drinking water and comfortable bed.

Mardi Himal Trek is an ideal option for those who are short on time but still want to enjoy the thrill of trekking. Its short duration and moderate difficulty level make it perfect for families, friends and solo travellers who are looking for an adventure. However, it’s important to note that foreign nationals are not allowed to Trek Mardi Himal without any guide.

To ensure that your trekking experience is safe and enjoyable, we provide a team of experienced guides, assistant guides, and porters based on the number of trekkers. Our team will not only guide you through the beautiful landscapes of Mardi Himal Region but also provide valuable insights into the local culture and way of life. It’s worth nothing that our porters are allowed to carry a maximum weight of 20kg. They carry only essential to make trekking experience more comfortable and enjoyable.

The duration of Mardi Himal Trek is typically 10 days. Ours company’s itinerary begins in Kathmandu within that 10 day period, with side trip to explore the Kathmandu valley (a UNESCIO World Heritage site), and Pokhara (a beautiful city of with seven lakes). We provide comfortable accommodations in 3-star hotels for overnight stays in cities, while in the villages, we arranges homestays and teahouses. For those interested, we can also arrange a customized trek starting from Pokhara which take 5 days to complete the round trip. This option allows customers to tailor their itinerary to their specific preferences and desires.

Overall, our company strives to provide an enjoyable and memorable trekking experience while ensuring our customers’ comfort and satisfaction throughout the journey.

Graceful Adventure Travels Pvt. Ltd. is a registered adventure travel company based in Nepal Kathmandu and Pokhara. We offers trekking package to guests from all over the world who are interested in exploring the Mardi Himal trek. Our commitment to excellence and success in our work has won the heart of our guest. Our ultimate goal is to ensure that our guest have a safe and unforgettable adventure, which has become our signature. We invited to all around the world  our guest to join us on your expeditions. We are dedicated to providing the best facilities available, and we spare no effort in meeting the needs and expectations of our valued guests.

Mardi Himal Trekking Route

Our Mardi Himal Trek begins at Tribhuvan International Airport. Upon arrival, one of our company representative will meet you and take you to your hotel. The next day will explore the UNESCO Heritage site of Kathmandu valley, including Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath temple, Boudhanath temple, and Pashupatinath temple. After a day of sightseeing, we will travel to Pokhara and spend the night there. The following day, our trek will commence from Kande.

We will embark on a journey to Mardi Himal, beginning with a one-hour drive from Pokhara to Kande. Our first stop will be Australian Camp, which will take approximately an hour to reach as we ascend a steep path.

From there, we will descend slightly towards Pathana before ascending again to Deurali, which is situated at an altitude of 2100 meters above sea level. The Forest Camp, located deep in the jungle at an altitude of 2600 meters above sea level, will be our next destination, which will require us to hike up some steeper paths. Upon reaching the Forest Base Camp, we will have completed half of our journey.

We will then proceed towards Low Camp, which will take approximately 4 to 5 hours of walking. After that, we will head towards Badal Dada (Cloud Hill), located at an altitude of 3210 meters, and then proceed to High Camp, located at an altitude of 3580 meters on the same day. The next day, we will reach our viewpoint, Mardi Himal Base Camp, where we will explore our final destination. Finally, we will return to Sidhing and drive back to Pokhara to stay overnight. The following day, we will travel back to Kathmandu.

Best Time for Mardi Himal Trekking 

Trekking in Mardi Himal can be done throughout the year, but the best time to go depends on what region you plan to visit and your personal preferences.

Nepal is a country that is well known for its natural resources and varying weather and climate across its different region. The climate condition of Mardi himl also vary according to the season, with the temperature at the Mardi Base camp differing depending on both the season and altitude.
The best season for trekking in Mardi Himal is spring known as the “king of seasons”. During this season, a variety of flowers including rhododendrons and other plant will bloom, providing a refreshing and remarkable trekking experience. The weather during spring is also very favorable for trekking, with crystal clear and sunny weather providing breath-taking views of the Annapurna Himalayan range.

Autumn is also a great season for trekking for those interested in local culture and tradition. This season is full of different festivals in Nepal, including Dashain and Tihar, which hold great importance and religious beliefs among Nepalese people. This season, which marks the end of summer and the start of winter, has a lower chance of rain and humidity, resulting in clear skies that provide the perfect picture view of mountains and forests. The maximum temperature reaches up to 16°C and falls to 7°C during early morning and late night.

On the Spring season the colorful forests due to the blooming of rhododendrons and other flowers, combined with the melody of birds and the sounds of the river and leaves, provide a peaceful environment for refreshment. The temperature is also quite favorable during this season, with temperatures reaching up to 20°C during the day and falling to 10°C at night. The chance of rain is also very low, making the trek much easier.

Summer is the rainy season in Nepal, with temperatures slightly hotter than other seasons. The weather in the hilly and mountain regions of Nepal is often cloudy during this time. This season is the best for Nepalese farmers as they plant paddy, the major cash crop. The rainy season results in a green environment that is worth watching and is guaranteed to steal your heart.

Winter is the coldest season in Mardi Himal and Nepal. The temperature during the day can fall below 10°C and at night it can drop to -8°C, with the morning and evening times in Mardi Himal Base Camp almost freezing. Despite the cold, we can still see the snow-capped mountains in the Annapurna region. Winter is the time for snowfall in the higher hilly and mountain regions of Nepal, providing an opportunity to play in the snow and have new experiences.

Physical Fitness Requirement for Mardi Himal Trekking

This trek doesn´t require super fitness but however moderate level of fitness is necessary though there is no direct climbing involved. You will need to trek over some rocky section near high camp and base camp. Wilderness Excursion advises our clients going trekking to see a doctor before they go for a check-up and to talk about dealing with altitude sickness. For pure trekking along the Mardi Himal trek in Nepal you´ll need to consider the amount of day you´ll be out trekking to get an idea of how fit you should be. Most days include 4-7 hours of slow hiking. If you plan to do the trek in 4-5 days (which you can)

Acclimatization on Mardi Himal Trekking 

When people move to a new country with a different climate or cultural norms, they may need to acclimate to the new environment to feel comfortable and adapt to their surroundings. Nepal, specifically, is a popular destination for trekking and tours, but the country’s environment can be quite different from other places on Earth. Visitors from lower altitudes may face challenges when embarking on the Mardi Himal trek, which reaches an altitude of 4500m. While the view from above the tree line is breath-taking, altitude sickness is a common condition that can affect those who ascend too quickly without proper acclimatization.

Fortunately, our experienced team is well-equipped to help trekker’s combat altitude sickness. We recommend drinking plenty of fluids, including water, hot soup, and tea, to help prevent altitude sickness. We also take a gradual approach to ascending to higher altitudes, allowing trekkers’ bodies’ ample time to acclimatize. It’s important to rest frequently and avoid overexertion during hikes or climbs to give the body time to adjust. Even physically fit individuals may be susceptible to altitude sickness, which is why we ascend slowly, typically 300 to 1000 meters per day, to ensure proper rest.
At our company, we prioritize providing the best service while taking care of our guests. For those who are unable to defend against altitude sickness, we offer arrangements for medication.

Trekking Difficulties of Mardi Himal Trekking 

Nepal’s geographical structure is unevenly distributed, with altitudes ranging from 60 to 8848 meters above sea level. This makes travel in the country challenging due to varying land structures, weather conditions, and season changes.

The Mardi Himal Trek, which begins at an altitude of 1000 meters and reaches a maximum altitude of 4500 meters, is one of the less challenging treks in Nepal. While the trail is somewhat steep and narrow in places, the altitude range is relatively small in comparison to other well-known treks. However, the weather can be unpredictable, with rain in the summer months, which can make the path slippery.

Despite these challenges, the Mardi Himal Trek is considered an easy to moderate level trek. The youth of the region are highly educated and socially active, and they regularly maintain the trail in good condition. As a result, the path is clean, and with fewer travellers, the trek is more comfortable.
Our team is well-trained and experienced, and they will guide you to your destination with proper advice and ideas, making your trip more comfortable and enjoyable. We take great care to ensure that our clients have a safe and enjoyable trek, and we are always available to answer any questions you may have along the way.

Typical Day in Mardi Himal Trekking Package

Our trekking day begins on a high note with breakfast served at 7 to 7:30 am. We will depart for our next destination at 8 am, and after a 4-hour walk, depending on our pace, we will pause for lunch around noon. We ensure that our guests have ample rest time during the 6 to 7 hours of daily trekking to avoid any kind of physical strain. Dinner will be served between 6 to 7 pm on trekking .

Mardi Himal Trekking Package  Cost

Our company is renowned for providing luxurious and exceptional services. We offer 3 to 5-star hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara for overnight stays, as well as tea houses, lodges, and home stays in village areas that provide essential facilities to make trekking more comfortable and enjoyable. You can rest assured that you will have access to hot meals, clean drinking water, and comfortable beds. Our prices are based on the luxurious services and facilities we provide, as well as our guests’ preferences, and we charge US$748 per person.

Guide and Porter Service for Mardi Himal Trekking 

The Mardi Himal Trek is an ideal choice for those who wish to immerse themselves in nature. This trek is suitable for various groups such as colleagues, friends, and families. While it is possible to trek independently, foreign tourists are required to have a guide and porter due to regulations.
We provide highly qualified and experienced guides and porters who are fluent in English and known for their politeness and friendliness. Our team will also introduce you to Nepalese culture and traditions. If needed, we can arrange for a translator according to your preferences.
Our trekking package is for 10 days and is best suited for group trekking. Since we need to carry warm clothing and personal belongings, we provide porters. However, each porter is allowed to carry only 20 to 25 kg, so it is important to pack efficiently.
The number of guides and porters we provide will depend on the size of the group, as follows:

• 1 guide and 1 porter for 1 or 2 trekkers
• 1 guide and 2 porters for 3, 4, or 5 trekkers
• 1 guide, 1 assistant guides, and 3 porters for 6 or 7 trekkers
• 1 guide, 1 assistant guides, and 4 porters for 8 trekkers.
• 1 guide 1 Assistance guides, and 4 porters for 9 trekkers
• 1 guide 2 Assistance guides, and 5 porters for 10 trekkers.

Similarly guide and porters services depends on numbers of trekkers.

Mardi Himal Trekking Permit

In Nepal, trekkers have the freedom to trek individually or in groups throughout the country. However, certain areas such as conservation areas, wildlife reserves, and the Himalayas are restricted. In order to trek in these restricted areas, trekkers must obtain permits from the Nepalese government and tourism board. To do so, interested trekkers should contact authorized trekking agencies, who can then apply for permits on their behalf at the tourism board of Nepal. It is important to note that permits cannot be obtained directly by trekkers themselves.

To trek in Mardi Himal, it is mandatory for all trekkers to obtain a TIMS card (Trekkers Information Management System), which can be acquired from the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu. The process of obtaining the TIMS card takes approximately 20-30 minutes, during which the trekkers are required to fill out a form and pay a fee of 20 USD.

Furthermore, entry into the Annapurna Conservation Area is not permitted for trekkers who do not possess an Annapurna Conservation Area Entry Permit. The permit can be obtained from the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu or its office in Pokhara, and costs approximately 3000 NPR . It is important to note that a photograph is also required for the permit application.

To summarize, both the TIMS card and Annapurna Conservation Area Entry Permit are essential for anyone planning to trek in Mardi Himal. The TIMS card can be obtained from the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu, and the permit can be obtained from either the Nepal Tourism Board or its office in Pokhara.

Food and Accommodation on Mardi Himal Trek

Upon your arrival, we will provide you with a standard 3-star hotel in Kathmandu. Our journey will cover two major cities in Nepal as well as villages. In cities, we will provide 3-star hotels, while in villages, we will arrange for teahouses, homestays, or lodges that come equipped with essential facilities.

While facilities may vary between cities and villages, we will ensure that you receive compulsory meals, including Nepali food (typically Dal, Bhat, and Tarkari), as well as Indian and Tibetan cuisine. Our meals are prepared with utmost care to be healthy, hygienic, and nutritious, taking into account your dietary requirements.

In village areas, you will have the opportunity to experience local food and drinks, with great hospitality of local people as well as witness local songs and traditional dances. As a special treat, we will provide a farewell dinner upon the completion of the trek that includes some normal continental foods.

We take pride in offering you an unforgettable journey that blends cultural immersion with adventure, and we look forward to providing you with a safe and enjoyable experience.

Drinking Water Service on Mardi Himal Trekking 

Nepal is the second richest country in terms of water resources, with almost 95% of its water being drinkable. As we prioritize the health and safety of our guests during their trip, we take no risks when it comes to ensuring the purity of our drinking water. In urban areas, we provide well-distilled mineral water. However, please note that the use of mineral water is strictly prohibited in the Mardi Himal area, and the use of any polythene material is not allowed. Therefore, we provide well-filtered and properly boiled water during the trek to ensure that our guests have access to safe drinking water at all times.

Travel Insurance on Mardi Himal Trekking 

Trekking to places like Mardi Himal Base Camp carries a high risk of failure and mishaps due to the elevated altitudes. Therefore, it is essential to obtain travel insurance before embarking on such treks, which should be regarded as a compulsory requirement.

This insurance must cover essential medical check-ups, heli-rescue in case of any medical emergencies or calamities during the trek. Graceful Adventure does not sell insurance policies, and trekkers must obtain their insurance certificates from certified insurance companies. The certificate must be presented to Graceful Adventure before commencing the trek. Submitting this document ensures proper coordination in case of a rescue mission or any potential mishaps where full medical equipment may be required.

Since the future is unpredictable, risk minimization or prevention is necessary to reduce the likelihood of mishaps or minimize their impact. Therefore, obtaining travel insurance is crucial for treks such as Mardi Himal Trek.

We recommend the following insurance companies for travelers from different regions:

For travellers from the USA and Canada:

• Online Global Health Insurance,
•  Travelex,
• Insure My Trip.com (Online Insurance Aggregator)
• Mondial Assistance,
• Access America,
• HCC Medical Insurance Services,
• Good Neighbor Insurance (International Health),
• International Health,
• Insuremytrip dot com,
•  MultiNational Underwriters
• TIC Travel Insurance Coordinators Ltd,
• Travel Assist, and TraveLite.
• For travellers from England:
• Specialty Group (UK) Limited,
• First Assist Services Limited,
• Harrison Beaumont,
• Buy cheap travel insurance.

For travelers from Europe and Slovenia:

• Assistance CORIS.
• For travelers from Australia and New Zealand:
• Cover More Travel Insurance
• CGU Insurance Limited.
• For travelers from South Africa:
• Travel insurance Consultants Pty. Ltd.

Please note that these companies were recommended by previous travelers and are for recommendation purposes only.

Electricity and Communication on Mardi Himal Trekking 

In the cities, electricity and internet will be available 24/7. However, during trekking, there may be instances of power outages in some village areas. But don’t worry, we will provide you with power banks to recharge your gadgets such as mobile phones and cameras. Additionally, we will offer cellular data as an alternative to internet access.

ATM and Currency Exchange Service on Mardi Himal Trekking

Full facilities for ATM and money exchange are available in the cities of Nepal, particularly in the Kathmandu valley. However, there are no such facilities in the Mardi Himal trekking area villages. It is important to note that only Nepalese currency is accepted in the village areas. Therefore, to obtain local currency, you will need to exchange your foreign currency either in Kathmandu or Lakeside Pokhara.

Mardi Himal Trekking operation Team of Graceful Adventure 

Graceful Adventure Travels Pvt. Ltd. is a highly reputable, renowned and registered adventure travel company based in Nepal. We offer Mardi himal Trekking packages to guests from all over the world who are interested in exploring the vast Himalayas. Our commitment to excellence and success in our work has won the hearts of our guests. Our ultimate goal is to ensure that our guests have a safe and unforgettable adventure, which has become our signature.

To provide better service to our guests, we provide a team of experienced and hardworking guides, assistant guides and porters. We are known for our excellent service and facilities, which make our treks fun, adventurous and memorable. We spare no effort in meeting the needs and expectations of our valued guests.

Tipping System in Nepal 

Tipping is a discretionary way of showing gratitude for services provided. You may choose to tip for services you appreciate, or express your gratitude by saying “DHANYABAD,” a Nepalese term for thank you.

Typically, tipping is offered on the final day of the trip. However, trekkers may choose to tip hotel staff, lodge employees, or other individuals at any time during their trip. The amount of the tip is entirely at the discretion of the trekker and based on personal choice and perception.

Booking Process of Mardi Himal Trekking 

We offer a straightforward booking process for our Mardi Himal trekking package, which can be accessed through our company’s website. First, select the package and provide the necessary personal and group information, if applicable. Once submitted, our company representative will contact you shortly with our agreement, which you must sign and pay 20% of the total cost as an advance payment to confirm your booking. By accepting the terms and conditions outlined in the agreement and making the advance payment, your booking will be confirmed.

Physical Fitness Requirement for Mardi Himal Trekking

This trek doesn´t require super fitness but however moderate level of fitness is necessary though there is no direct climbing involved. You will need to trek over some rocky section near high camp and base camp. Wilderness Excursion advises our clients going trekking to see a doctor before they go for a check-up and to talk about dealing with altitude sickness. For pure trekking along the Mardi Himal trek in Nepal you´ll need to consider the amount of day you´ll be out trekking to get an idea of how fit you should be. Most days include 4-7 hours of slow hiking. If you plan to do the trek in 4-5 days (which you can)

Mardi Himal Trekking Itinerary

The package is designed to cover the entire trip from Kathmandu to Kathmandu. However, if clients wish to extend the package, we can make arrangements for additional trips or tours, such as the Chitwan National Park or Poon Hill Trek, based on their preferences.

Outline Itinerary of Mardi Himal Trekking from Kathmandu

Day 1: Arrival Nepal and our representative assist to you hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 2: Kathmandu Sightseeing and Trekking preparation day.
Day 3: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara. (Optional flight)
Day 4: Drive from Pokhara to Kande and trek to Deurali.
Day 5: Trek from Deurali to Low camp.
Day 6: Trek from Low camp to High camp.
Day 7: Early morning High camp to Mardi Base camp and Trek down to Low camp.
Day 8: Trek from Low camp to siddhing or Lumre and drive back to Pokhara.
Day 9: Drive from Pokhara to kathmandu (Optional Flight)
Day 10: Final Departure.

Outline itineray of Mardi Himal Trekking From Pokhara

Day 1: Drive from Pokhara to Kande and trek to Pitam Deurali (2100m)
Day 2: Trek from Pitam Deurali to Low Camp (2900m).
Day 3: Trek from Low Camp High Camp (3550m)
Day 4: Trek from High camp Mardi Himal Base Camp (4500m) and back to Low camp
Day 5: Trek down from Low Camp to siddhing or lumre and drive back to Pokhara