When it comes to hiking, Nepal never lets down its visitors by offering them a bunch of the world’s best treks. As a walker’s utopia with glaring mountains, surrounding fjords, deep gorges, and alpine meadows, it seizes nature’s finest sceneries to bewitch visitors. That’s probably for which trekkers flock to the home of the world’s tallest mountain and head to the Himalayas instantly.
Nepal has hikes of all levels but only a few to match the wild beauty and splendor of the Mardi Himal trek. With remote charm, scenic glacial lakes, verdant valleys, and unique wildlife, the hike is all an avid trekker can ask for. The views are spectacular here and so are the locals who welcome guests with awe.
Mardi Himal Trek may be underrated with only a few people daring to challenge the rugged trails of Mardi Himal. But, that doesn’t evince the hike is undoable or hard to beat. In fact, it’s the most achievable trek of all in the Annapurna region if only done at the right time. You must be wondering when is the best time to trek Mardi Himal right? Keep on reading we will give you all season guide.
It’s clear to see that the trails of Mardi Himal are incredibly easy to navigate during on-season. The paths are smooth during the time with a breathtaking surrounding view which keeps the trekker immersed all day long.
Many people are convinced that spring and autumn is the time to tackle the 30 miles long trail of Mardi Himal. The trek kicks off from Pothana after a half-day drive and paves its way through the densely forested area.
The entire walk from High Camp to Mardi Himal Base Camp takes 7-8 hours after driving from Pokhara. It has trekkers passing through Low Camp and High Camp to arrive at Mardi Himal Base Camp which offers astonishing views.
Guide to Mardi Himal
Mardi Himal is such a great host to hikers that it generously agrees to welcome them anytime. However, it’s great to traverse the camp at the ideal time to relish the magnificent view with warm weather.
Trekkers who prefer the best time to trek Mardi Himal can spend as much as two weeks in the region. The expedition starts with sightseeing in Kathmandu and progresses with the scenic drive to the beautiful city of Pokhara.
On the next, we’ll take a short drive of about 4-5 hours to Kande from where our trek officially begins. It kicks off with a gentle climb up the hills via Australian Base Camp to arrive at Pothana. Trekkers will spend a night here and move slowly through a dense forest full of rhododendron, pines, birch, and oak heading to Forest Camp.
From here, the trek makes its way on a stone-paved trail through alpine forests towards Hiunchuli. Walking along the way, we have an impressive view of snow-capped mountains and sweeping valleys to enjoy.
Following the track, we’ll head up the hills towards Annapurna South from where Modi Khola Valley is clearly spotted. For the further expedition, we’ll ascend a steep trail and up the grassy ridge, heading to High Camp.
Finally, on the next day, we’ll set off on a journey to Mardi Himal Base Camp which takes between 3 to 4 hours depending on the pace. At the campsite, we’ll be showered with a breathtaking view of MAnalytics
After spending quality time at the crest, we’ll descend the trail to Middle Camp and stay overnight in the hamlet. In the following days, we’ll gradually climb down the hill, moving to Lwang Village after crossing upper Modi Khola.
The trail will pass through many beautiful Tamang and Sherpa villages to arrive at Lwang. From here onward, we’ll take a short drive to Pokhara and then back to Kathmandu, ending the Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek.
Highlights of Mardi Himal Trek
- A pristine view of snow-capped mountains including Machhapuchre and Annapurna
- Invigorating sunset and sunrise view to gaze from the edge of the cliff
- Full-bloom rhododendron trees with intense green forests and wildlife to observe
- Witness beautiful valleys, sheer rock face, and towering cliffs throughout the trek
- Acquaint to rich Nepalese culture, unique art, and tradition
- Encounter Tibetan-inspired monasteries, chortens, and mani walls
Best time to trek Mardi Himal
Mardi Himal is one of the best trek destinations in Nepal where adventure meets awe-inspiring natural beauty and cultural domain. It has the most intoxicating path in the heart of nature which provides stunning views.
Trekkers will be wowed with sweeping landscapes, towering hills, green forests, and ravines when visited the camp at an ideal time. This draws the attention to when is the best time to trek Mardi Himal and catch a glimpse of the breathtaking mountain.
Often it’s the spring and autumn that promotes the Mardi Himal trek but you can also do it at other times of the year. However, trekkers need to be extremely cautious while climbing the trail during these seasons and also take the needed precautions.
Mardi Himal Trek in Spring
Spring is the best time for a weekend escape in Mardi Himal as it offers the most subtle weather with drop-dead views. Compared to other seasons, it endures lovely weather from dawn till dusk. The season starts from mid-march after months of summer heat and drizzles.
Temperatures at Mardi Himal during spring ranges from 17 to 20 Degree Celsius during the daytime. Meanwhile, the nights are slightly cold with temperatures dropping as low as 0 Degree Celsius, compelling trekkers to put on something warm.
With the advent of the spring equinox, days become longer from early April, giving more time for trekkers to stroll the path. Days are full of sunlight in spring, followed by a gentle breeze and clear sky which is pleasantly entertaining for outdoor activities.
The season unwraps the most impressive view for as long as the season continues. Hikers will get to witness the multi-colored flowers and rhododendron blooming throughout the hills. Thanks to the tender flower, the chirping of birds can be heard from miles afar in spring which keeps the traveler occupied.
Mardi Himal Trek in Autumn
Another season that has hikers all smile during the Mardi Himal trek is autumn. It’s a peak time for hiking the campsite, following better days, a colorful backdrop, fresh breeze, and radiant sunshine.
Like spring, it too stands warm weather all day long with an average temperature of 20 Degree Celsius. Nights and mornings generally deceive visitors by shrinking the temperature to 10 Degree Celsius.
Autumn is also a festive season with Nepalese great feasts falling in October and November. Those who trek in the month will be able to become a part of the local culture and get closer to the people here. They can also learn more
Hikers can find the delicate autumnal leaves scattering all over the trail during the month. Forests illuminating in different shades of color including tinted red and yellow will be windswept by the end of November.
As the winter makes its way in from early December, the weather changes dramatically. The insufficiency of wild animals in the woods is an indication that you must speed up otherwise trekkers will have to endure the blistering cold.
Mardi Himal Trek in Off-season
Although not the best of all season, trekkers can still navigate the trek route of Mardi Himal in winter and monsoon. They do it after months of preparation and extra caution so that the trip doesn’t get canceled out.
Winter in Nepal begins in December and lasts till February, resisting the bitter climate. The trails in highland are usually covered in snow which causes trekkers to slip over and over again.
The weather is pretty severe during the month as the temperature falls below -5 Degree Celsius at night. However, the days are pleasant to move on the trail with the average temperature ranging from 5-12 Degree Celsius.
Although it’s wintry outside with heavy snowfall, trekkers can still have a great time following mesmeric views. Sitting by the fireplace and enjoying warm authentic Nepalese food is the highlight of doing the Mardi Himal Trek in winter.
Monsoon and summer may not be considered as the best time to trek Mardi Himal due to its scorching hot weather and excessive rain. But with good preparation and cautiousness, the trek can be done without much trouble.
Temperatures during summer are usually around 25 Degree Centigrade which can make the trek on steep ascent extremely stressful and tiring. However, once you come across the heartwarming view of Mardi Himal and its sweeping landscapes, the expedition will be not boring.
Meanwhile, in monsoon, the trails are damp following a continuous downpour which makes the trek lethargic and difficult. But as it stops raining, the visibility gets sharper with a clear sky and dust-free environs. Trekkers climbing Mardi Himal Base Camp in monsoon can enjoy the view even better than earlier with an open-air and cool breeze.
Related Trips:
- Annapurna Base Camp Trek 6 Days
- Muktinath Overland Tour 4 Days Itinerary
- Mera Peak Climbing 18 Days Itinerary
Mardi Himal Trek Itinerary:
Day 01: Drive to Kande and trek to Pothana
Maximum Altitude: 2,125 meters
Drive Distance: 30.1 km
Drive Duration: 2-3 hours
Trek Distance: 5.8 km
Trek Duration: 3-4 hours
Early in the morning, we’ll drive to Kande from Pokhara via Baglung Rajmarg. The expedition is to last around 3 hours, feeding us with some jaw-dropping views. The 18 miles course meanders through the west of Pokhara and passes a few more settlements before arriving at Kande.
At Kande, we’ll take a short lunch break and start ascending the trail upward. We’ll follow the lanes to Australian Base Camp climbing off the mountainside which offers a phenomenal view of Pokhara valley.
From here, the trail paves its way up to the mountain pass called Deurali and through the bushy forest full of rhododendron. At long last, we’ll take a short steep ascent up to Pothana and finally call it a day. Overnight stay in a tea house in the village.
Day 02: Trek to Low Camp
Maximum Altitude: 3,150 meters
Trek Distance: 7 km
Trek Duration: 6-7 hours
The trail from Pothana to Low Camp is long-winded and tedious therefore, we’ll start the trek early in the morning. Coming far out of the village, we’ll gently walk uphill to the ridge and pass the beautiful rhododendron forest. At this section of the trail, there are a couple of family-run tea houses where we’ll stop and have lunch.
After re-energizing ourselves, we’ll continue hiking foothill and to the south of the valley that comes with an eye-popping view. We can see the rolling hills, exquisite landscapes, and snow-capped mountains on our way to the village.
Along the way to the low camp, we’ll get to see unique flora and fauna. If fortunate, we might even get to peek at the Himalayan wildlife such as Musk deer, Tibetan wolf, snow leopard, and Himalayan. After scrambling the steep trail a good amount of time in the end, we’ll finally get to Low Camp and wrap up the trek.
Day 03: Trek to High Camp
Maximum Altitude: 3,580 meters
Trek Distance: 6.8 km
Trek Duration: 5-6 hours
After breakfast, we’ll head up to the trail that goes high up the mountain, offering a splendid view of Mt. Fishtail and Mardi Himal. Leaving the tree line at Badal Danda, we’ll continue scrambling the hills and through the deep sub-alpine forests.
Following the trail, we’ll walk off the edge of the hill, which bestows trekkers with a scenic view of Annapurna South, Mt. Machhapuchhre, and Hiunchuli. From the distance, we can see them rising up from the deep valley.
After climbing up the slope and passing the lush green pasture, we’ll end up at High Camp. Perched at 11,745 ft, High Camp is a small hamlet on the mountain ridge which stands a captivating scenery. We’ll stay the night at High Camp in a tea house.
Day 04: Hike to Mardi Base Camp and trek to Siding
Maximum Altitude: 4,500 meters
Trek Distance: 10 km
Trek Duration: 7-8 hours
Starting from High Camp, we’ll blaze the trail to Mardi Base Camp through the steep slopes which are awfully strenuous. From here on, the path is rugged and filled with boulders which makes the journey slightly harder.
Most of the day, we’ll be scrambling a steep rocky trail up to the acme of the ridge, popular as Mardi Base Camp. We’ll spend ample time at the hilltop and catch a glimpse of the staggering Mardi Himal along with Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, and Annapurna.
From the brim, we can also spot the shimmering glaciers, icefalls, and tranquil lakes. After the sightseeing is done, we’ll get back to the trail and descend to Siding. We’ll walk through the dense forest and above the jagged terrains to arrive at the village. Overnight stay in a tea house at Siding.
Day 05: Drive back to Pokhara
Maximum Altitude: 1,400 meters
Drive Distance: 10 km
Drive Duration: 4-5 hours
After breakfast in Siding amidst the dazzling mountains and scenic valleys, we’ll leave for a drive to Pokhara. The trip is supposed to last around 5 hours during which we get to witness the picturesque terrace farm, small villages, and sweeping hills. After reaching Pokhara, we’ll transfer you to a hotel to get some rest following the long drive.
Difficulties during Mardi Himal Trek
It’s easy to see why people choose the best time to trek Mardi Himal as they strive to minimize the challenges as much as possible. But, Mardi Himal being a most savage mountain never falls back to throw difficulties on hikers. Despite picking the best time to trek Mardi Himal, there are plenty of concerns that hikers have to deal with. Some of them are.
1. Altitude Sickness
It’s relatively more common for trekkers to suffer from altitude sickness while climbing Mardi Himal Base Camp. The steep hills escalating high up to 4,500 meters from sea level have the hikers struggling from shortness of breath and trouble sleeping.
Minor symptoms like headache and dizziness are easily noticeable in beginners after going just above 2,500 meters. Therefore, trekkers need to be extremely careful when headed for the expedition. The early indication mustn’t be overlooked and must be cured right away otherwise, it’ll lead to an emergency.
Altitude acclimatization is the best way to prevent acute mountain sickness which is why hikers must get enough rest before climbing high. It can also be avoided by scrambling no more than 300 to 500 meters high and making sure to drink enough water.
2. Trek length
The length of the trail is a hurdle that keeps hikers distant from reaching the base camp of Mardi Himal. Stretching 41 km from Pothana, the track of Mardi Himal is everlasting with most of the section uphill and jagged. So, if the hikers want to beat the meandering trails of Mardi Himal, they need to come physically fit.
Without enough physical stamina and, it’s tough to beat the winding trails of Mardi Himal, especially the rocky ones. Hence, trekkers must keep themselves in good shape before getting to the trail. Exercise like cycling, running, and jogging will be of great help to stay physically fit and walk the trail without much difficulty.
3. Food and Accommodation
Food and Accommodation often lead to alarming situations when picked the best time to trek Mardi Himal. It happens as trekkers from all around the world fly to the region for a trip to the campsite at once. Accommodations including tea houses and lodges are crammed with people during the right time.
It’s due to which trekkers will have a hard time getting a room at the last minute. Henceforth, hikers must book the dwelling in advance to avoid such unfortunate circumstances. Meanwhile, foods are relatively pricier in the trekking season on the way to the camp, unlike any normal time. Therefore, if you want to save some money, make sure to bring snacks and water from the city.
4. Proper Training
Trekking Mardi Himal requires a lot of physical endurance, given the rugged and steep trails. It’s to be ensured that hikers come fully prepared in order to beat the challenges during the trek. They have to at least follow basic exercises like push-ups, lunges, and squats to improve balance and flexibility. They need to assess and improve their current fitness level in order to overcome trek difficulties.
Read more on: Training for Trekking in Nepal
Essential equipment required for the trek to Mardi Himal
It doesn’t matter whether you choose the best time to trek Mardi Himal or not, there are few things that trekkers can’t overlook during the excursion. Essentials gear is one of many items that hikers can’t miss while on a trek to Mardi Himal as it eases the journey. Having the right equipment at the right time during the trek will boost trekkers’ confidence as well as help them tackle the challenges. Some of the gears that you might need while on Mardi Himal Trek are as follows.
Clothing & Footwear
- A windproof jacket or lightweight down jacket to prevent bleak wind
- Lightweight trekking pants and fleece tracksuit pants
- Wool thermals to stay warm during winter
- Full-sleeve t-shirt to escape cold
- Sturdy hiking boots to withstand the rugged terrain of Mardi Himal
- Few pairs of woolen socks
Other Miscellaneous
- First-aid kit with prescribed medicines for altitude sickness
- Personal toiletries and hand sanitizer
- Water bottle and purification
- Camera with extra batteries and power bank to charge mobile
- Journals and pens
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