Mardi Himal Trek 7 days and 8 nights

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Located south of the very famous Annapurna Base Camp, the Mardi Himal trek is an adventurous short journey in the Annapurna region. Opened in 2012, the Mardi trek remains an untouched and less commercialized trekking option for foreigners.Nepali trekkers love this trek, and so do the foreigners who have done it also love it. The rich nature, limited tea houses, tranquil trails, and jaw-dropping views of Mt. Annapurna, Mt. Machhapuchhre, Mt. Nilgiri, and many others have made the Mardi Himal trek one of the best trekking destinations near Pokhara.

If you are looking for an authentic trek experience and a fresh destination, our Mardi Himal trek for 7 days will be a great option.

The Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500 m), or the Upper Viewpoint (4,250 m), is the highest point on this trek. To reach either of these points, you have to walk through dense and damp forests.

With the several ascents and descents throughout the trek, you will see diverse landscapes and vegetation. Imagine walking in the shadow of trees, enjoying the chirping of birds and the occasional gushing sounds of rivers and streams. Doesn’t this sound excellent?

On top of that, you will also be accompanied by the heavenly presence of giant mountains and memorable interactions with locals and fellow trekkers. Unlike the popular Ghorepani Poon Hill trek, the cultural experience is a little limited on the Mardi Himal trek.

Highlights:

An adventurous short journey in the Annapurna region
An untouched and less commercialized trekking option for foreigners
One of the best trekking destinations near Pokhara
Beginner-friendly, less crowded, and peaceful trails
Rich nature, limited tea houses, tranquil trails, and diverse vegetation
Witness jaw-dropping views of Mt. Annapurna, Mt. Machhapuchhre, Mt. Nilgiri, and many others
Walk through dense and damp forests of rhododendrons, pine, and fir
Offbeat, rugged terrain with several uphill and downhill trekking
Enjoy the chirping of birds and the occasional gushing sounds of rivers and streams while trekking
Witness a gorgeous sunrise and heavenly mountain panorama from Mardi Himal Base Camp
Memorable interactions with the locals and fellow trekkers
Explore the mountain lifestyle and culture in Siding village

Why should you do Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek?

The spectacular mountain views and short itinerary have made the Mardi Himal trek popular. It is especially loved by youngsters who love quick gateways and adventure. But there are also many other reasons that make the Mardi trek awesome like::

New trekking destination: Mardi Himal is a relatively new trekking destination in Nepal.
Short itinerary: You can complete the Mardi Himal trek in under 10 days, even if you start and end the journey in Kathmandu. Likewise, the Mardi Himal trek distance is also shorter than other treks- only around 45 kilometers.
Great mountain views: The Mardi Himal trail offers one of the best panoramas of the Annapurna range and Mt. Machhapuchhre.
Beginner-friendly: It is one of the most suitable adventurous treks for beginner trekkers. The trail is entry-level, offbeat, and follows rugged mountain terrain.
Less crowded and tranquil: Very few trekkers do the Mardi Himal trek, even during the peak trekking seasons. The trail is not totally empty, but also not crowded like ABC and Ghorepani. Trekkers looking for solitude and alone time in nature will find this trek fantastic.
Easily accessible from Pokhara: The starting point of the Mardi Himal trek is less than an hour's drive from Pokhara.

Why are there camps instead of villages on the Mardi Himal trek route? What does it mean? Are you staying in tents during the trek?

Unlike other treks in Nepal, the Mardi Himal trek route has camps instead of villages because there is no actual village on this trek route. When this trail was established, different camps were built to provide accommodation and meal service to the trekkers.

At first, there were only a few tea houses at every stop, but gradually, as the trek gained popularity, more tea houses opened. There is only one village on the Mardi Himal trek, which is Siding. You will reach here towards the end of the trek.

Please note that even though the night stops on the Mardi Himal trek are called camps, you will not spend nights in tents. There are tea houses along the trail where we will spend nights and have meals.

Mardi Himal trek fitness, preparation, and packing

The Mardi Himal hike is beginner-friendly but not easy. It is an adventure trek with high altitude, rugged terrain, and long uphill and downhill walking. The trek does not include technical climbs, but 6 to 7 hours of daily hiking make it demanding.

Therefore, trekkers with good fitness will mostly enjoy the trek. Any normal person can join the Mardi Himal trek, but make sure to exercise for a few weeks before the journey starts. It will make the trek less stressful and more enjoyable.

The fitter you are, the less demanding the Mardi Himal trek or any beginner-friendly trek will be for you in the Himalayas. To train for the trek, consider day hiking, cardio, and strength training. These services are great for improving your stamina, endurance, and strength.

Likewise, you will need the following things for the Mardi Himal trek:

Duffel bag
Daypack
Sleeping bag with liner (highly recommended)
One pair of trekking boots and casual shoes/crocs to wear in the teahouse
Trekking poles
Breathable undergarments, liner socks, fuzzy socks, touch-screen compatible liner gloves, thermal gloves, scarf, two beanies
Trekking t-shirts and pants, thermal layer, fleece layer, down jacket, windproof/waterproof jacket, and pants
UV Sunglasses, water bottles, water purification tablets, camera, Universal adapter, power bank, spare batteries, charger
First aid kit, any medication you need to eat daily, SPF, lip balm, wet wipes, toilet paper, moisturizer, body lotion, small mirror, comb, hand sanitizer, handwash, deodorant, shampoo, and other toiletries
Snacks, journal and pen, books, your choice of travel games
Passport with at least six months of validity, Nepal travel visa, travel insurance documents, passport-size photos, emergency contact, cash, debit/credit card.

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Still Confuse?

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Cost Details

Includes

Airport pick-ups and drop-offs by private four-wheeler.
Overnight stay in the 3-star hotel with breakfast in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Twin-sharing, basic guest house accommodation during trekking.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner, seasonal fruits, and a cup of tea or coffee during the trek each day.
Annapurna Conservation Area permit and TIMS Card.
Complimentary duffel bag, trekking pole, map, first-aid kit, pulse oximeter, and satellite phone.
Licensed Nepali guide and porter (one porter for two trekkers).
Accommodation, food, allowance, and high altitude insurance for the guide and porter.
Trip achievement certificate.
All government taxes and service charges

Excludes

International flight to/from Kathmandu
Travel Insurance ( must cover helicopter evacuations and medical bills)
Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu
Trekking clothes and gears
Shopping and souvenirs
Tips for drivers, porter, guides
Bar bills
Nepal Travel visa fee
Any expense not mentioned in our cost include section

Essential Information

Mardi Himal Trek Difficulty and Altitude sickness:

The Mardi HImal Trek difficulty is moderate, so it is suitable for beginners with decent fitness and hiking experiences. However, the trek route is a bit offbeat and includes ascending through dense forests. Trekkers must be reasonably fit and in good health to enjoy the trek.

Physically, you will not be challenged a lot on the Mardi Himal trek, but it is good to be prepared. So, exercise for a few weeks before the trek starts and improve your stamina. During the trek, you will walk 6 hours a day on average, so please also work on your walking habits.

The Mardi Himal trek is a high-altitude trek. You will touch 4,500 meters. The elevation rises every day, so it would be best if you had previous high-altitude experience. It will help you acclimate easily. Even if this is your first high-altitude trip, do not worry. We will make a perfect acclimatization strategy for you.

Best Time to do the Mardi Himal Trek

The best months for Mardi Himal trekking are March, April, May, late September, October, November, and early December. The weather and climate are perfect in these months for trekking to Mardi Himal Base Camp.

You will not feel too hot or too cold during trekking. Nights and mornings are a little bit colder, but not extreme like in the winter season. The mountain views are crystal clear. There can be some occasional rainfall.

From March to May, the Mardi Himal trail is bloomed with rhododendrons and other wildflowers. The scenery is heavenly. Early December is a great time to avoid crowds and enjoy the chilly weather. If you like snowfall and winter landscape, trek in January or February.

Accommodation in Kathmandu, Pokhara and during trekking

In Kathmandu and Pokhara you will be staying in three-star Hotels. These are tourist standard hotels. During trekking in the routes you will be staying at various tea houses. Tea houses are basic and simple accommodation.

Tea houses' rooms are small and twin-shared. Westerner style washrooms are usually available but you may have to use squat toilets in some locations.

Services like hot showers, Wifi, Hot water are available in almost every tea house but will cost you a little extra money. So, it is best if you carry some extra money for such personal expenses.

Food in Trekking Route:

In Kathmandu our package will only cover the cost of breakfast at the hotel, afterwards our package will provide you with three meals a day- breakfast, lunch and dinner throughout the trek.

You can choose to eat what you would like to eat according to the Menu. The menu is pretty much the same in teahouses, for breakfast you will be eating muesli, oats, omelets, toast, boiled eggs, soup, pancakes, Tibetan breads etc.

Likewise for Lunch and dinner various food options are available like- dalbhat, fried rice, momo, thukpa, noodles, pasta, stew, chapati, porridge, soups etc. You will also have access to clean drinking water throughout the trek.

Mardi Himal Travel Insurance:

Travel insurance is a must when doing Mardi Himal Trek or any other Trek in Nepal. Your travel insurance must cover medical bills and Helicopter evacuation. Additionally you can also include trip cancellation, lost/theft of personal belongings, and other coverage in your travel insurance.

Make sure to purchase travel insurance that is okay for the Himalayas.

What is it like trekking with a guide and potter?

Trekking with a guide and porter makes your time in the Himalayas safe, comfortable, and fun. Our guide will make sure you get the best service in the tea houses.

Likewise, they will share information, myths, and legends about the Mardi Himal trek route, the locals who live here, and the mountains. The guide and porter also keep you entrained and bridge the communication gap between you and the locals. It will make your time in the Himalayas more memorable and enjoyable.

The porter's main job is to carry your duffel bag during trekking which will make your trek more easier. Our on-field team is experienced and well-trained. You can rely on them in the mountains. Tipping them according to your satisfaction level at the end of the trek is well appreciated.

Transportation during the trip

During the Mardi Himal trek, you will travel from Kathmandu to Pokhara in a tourist-standard bus or a comfortable private car. Likewise, from Pokhara to Kande and Siding to Pokhara, we will either use a local jeep or a private vehicle. We will also provide all airport pick-ups and drop-offs as per our Mardi Himal trek itinerary.

Mardi Himal Trek Permits

For the Mardi Himal trek, two permits are required. We will help you obtain both permits easily. The permit fees are included in our package cost.

Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit cost: USD 30 per person
TIMS Card cost: USD 20 per person

Nepal travel visa

You can obtain a Nepal travel visa upon landing at the Kathmandu Airport or from the Nepalese Embassy or Consulate Office in your country. Note that travelers from some countries are not eligible for on-arrival visas in Kathmandu, so make sure to check your country's visa status.

We do not take responsibility for travel visas. Trekkers must obtain them themselves. Likewise, the visa fee is not included in our package cost. You will need a valid passport, passport-size photos, and a visa fee.

How to book the Mardi Himal Trek?

You can use our website's payment gateway to book the Mardi Himal trek. Likewise, you can contact us and book through text/call. To confirm the trip, we need at least a 25% advance booking payment and your passport details.

FAQs

How difficult is the Mardi Himal Trek?

Mardi Himal Trek is considered a moderate trek suitable for beginners with a reasonable level of fitness. Daily walking hours range from 4 to 7 hours.

What is the maximum altitude of the Mardi Himal Trek?

The highest point of the trek is Mardi Himal View Point at approximately 4,500 meters (14,764 feet) above sea level.

Do I need prior trekking experience?

No prior trekking experience is required. However, regular exercise and basic fitness preparation are recommended.

How many hours do I walk each day?

You can expect to walk between 4 and 7 hours per day depending on the itinerary and trail conditions.

Is altitude sickness a concern on the Mardi Himal Trek?

Although the risk is lower compared to higher Himalayan treks, mild altitude symptoms can occur. Proper acclimatization and hydration help reduce the risk.

What permits are required for the Mardi Himal Trek?

You need an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and a TIMS card or any permit required by current government regulations.

Can beginners complete the Mardi Himal Trek?

Yes, Mardi Himal is one of Nepal's best beginner-friendly trekking routes and is suitable for first-time trekkers.

Are guides and porters necessary?

Guides are highly recommended for safety, local knowledge, and a better trekking experience. Porters can help carry your luggage and make the trek more comfortable. We will be providing our experienced guide and porter. One porter is shared between 2 trekkers

Is there mobile network and internet access on the trek?

Mobile network coverage is available in many sections of the trail. Wi-Fi may be available at some tea houses for an additional charge.

Can I customize the Mardi Himal Trek itinerary?

Yes, we offer customized itineraries based on your fitness level, schedule, and preferences but you should let us know about it when booking. Customization may cost extra money depending on the number of days and accommodations you choose from

Is travel insurance required?

Travel insurance is highly recommended and should cover high-altitude trekking and emergency helicopter evacuation.

Why choose the Mardi Himal Trek?

Mardi Himal Trek offers breathtaking Himalayan views, fewer crowds, beautiful forests, authentic villages, and an excellent trekking experience in a short timeframe.