Mardi Himal Trek

Major Attraction of Mardi Himal Trek

Mardi Himal Trek is a perfect package where pristine sights are offered along with culture and amazing views of the mountains. This is one of the quieter and less traveled trekking trails in the Annapurna region suited to those who want peace and solitude on their trek. Through dense forests, traditional settlement villages, and high alpine terrain, the place rewards efforts with stunning views of Machapuchare, Annapurna South, and Mardi Himal at close range. An opportunity to feast on Himalayan nature with little disturbance from the equally well-known trails. Just a few days yet truly rewarding for first-time and ardent trekkers’ entertainment.

Kathmandu City Tour

With a gentle blend of history, culture, and tradition, Kathmandu is the capital city of Nepal. The city contains many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, among them Swayambhunath (the Monkey Temple), Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, and Kathmandu Durbar Square. Walking through the narrow cobbled streets of Thamel, one can spot local shops, temples, and eateries. Old architecture, stone-paved roads, and heritage buildings are clear representations of the history that Nepal holds. Harmony is an acceptance of Nepal, with temples, stupas, and shrines speaking for both Hinduism and Buddhism. The tour of the city of Kathmandu is not only educational but also a spiritually enriching experience.

While observing rituals, ceremonies, and traditional music echoing from the ancient courtyards during the visit, you will see holy men, monks, and devotees offering their blessings and chants around the sacred temples. Arts and crafts are evident in every heritage site, from paintings to old sculpture and wood carvings, all telling stories of old kings and gods. Newari food such as yomari, bara, and chatamari accompany the cultural experience. The local guides will link each site to mythological tales and historical events. Before making your way towards the mountains, this city tour gives an insight into the deep spiritual connection and rich civilization of Nepal.

Pokhara valley lakeside

At the foot of the Annapurna Range lies the picturesque Pokhara Valley, which is known for its serenity and peace. The lakeside area of Pokhara offers a grand view of Machapuchare being serenely reflected on Phewa Lake and has become a favorite tourist spot. Tourists may enjoy boating, chilling in cafes, or taking quiet strolls along the banks. The valley provides many thrilling activities like paragliding, zip-lining, and cycling. Among some of the highlights are Davis Falls, Gupteshwor Cave, and the World Peace Pagoda. Pokhara offers both natural beauty and modern conveniences.

The cool breeze, clean air, and friendly locals make Pokhara a refreshing half-day stop before or after a trek. There exist many museums, such as the International Mountain Museum, which exhibits mountaineering history. Local restaurants featuring Nepali and international food make your meal an easy affair. Live music and cultural programs liven up the lakeside at night. The slow pace of life mingled with breathtaking views of the mountains turns Pokhara into a dreamland. Commonly termed adventure capital of Nepal, it holds the tranquil soul.

Mardi Base Camp

Mardi Himal Base Camp is the culmination of a trek that culminates into a scenic beauty of snow-covered peaks at the end. It views Machapuchare, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli close by. The trek brings the best/ultimate view of each step one has taken across the distance. Concomitantly, the ascent to the base camp is not very easy because of the high altitude but has something to be remembered to tell the grandchildren about. You get the picture-perfect lighting and skies early in the morning when you walk up to the base camp for an ideal mountain view. The open ground around the base camp is exciting and typically covered with snow in winter and early spring. Compared to the other’s more famous base camps, this one is a more serene and uncrowded place.

Mardi Base Camp, at 4,500 meters elevation, is easily one of the quietest and cosiest high-altitude viewing points in Nepal. The swish of the wind and the occasional call of an eagle are the only things that interrupt the stillness. The trekkers take a short rest here for calories and snacking along with the majestic views of Himalayas. The way back to Low Camp takes another look at the scene while you descend. Time spent here should be very limited, height and no proper covering considering. Yet, the memory is lifelong to be almost surrounded by the towering mountains.

Upper View point

The Upper View Point location on the Mardi Himal trek is arguably the best for witnessing the sun rise over the Himalayas. It’s just above the High Camp location and offers a sweeping view across the breadth of the Annapurna range, with Machapuchare, Annapurna I, and Gangapurna all visible. Most trekkers head for this point with their headlamps and arrive just before dawn. This is a daytime-viewing spot: when the bright sun comes up, the golden light falls on the snow-covered peaks and creates an inspiring view. The viewpoint also displays the deep valleys below and winding trails you already crossed. On clear days, filled with peaks and clouds, the horizon looks endless.

It is a steep and cold up to Upper View Point but the efforts taken to reach here are repaid instantly as golden rays of sunshine touch the mountains. One of the most tranquil moments of trekking, when everyone just stops to look and gaze in amazement. The ideal candidate for some serious photography and personal reflecting in the high Himalayas. This is something very connecting with the nature participants. After this, you could also go on to Mardi Base camp or go back to High Camp for breakfast. This might remain with you for a time after the trek, in case you remember it clearly.

Typical village

Through the Mardi Himal trail, you come to typical Gurung villages, which give you a good exposure to learn what the life of the mountains is about. There are such small tea houses that remain open at Deurali, Forest Camp, or Low Camp and are run by cheerful locals. They provide warm hospitality, simple food, and a more in-depth understanding of Nepali customs and lifestyle. Stone and wood houses decorated with prayer flags and surrounded by terraced fields make up the place. Smiling at the inhabitants of the valley, the villagers always welcome trekkers to come into their homes, often offering local tea or snacks. These villages add a culture around trekking beauty.

In the evenings, you may hear local songs or watch women weaving or men working in the fields. The simplicity of life in these villages is humbling, yet inspiring. Meals usually include dal bhat, home-grown vegetables, and local drinks like millet beer. Some families may invite you to sit by the fire and share stories about their lives in the mountains. These villages offer comfort and connection that no luxury hotel can match. The experience teaches you how people thrive happily even in tough and remote environments.

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.

Spring Season

The best season for trekking to 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 Season

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.

Summer Season

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 Season

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.

 Difficulties of Mardi Himal Trek

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 travelers, 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 Trek

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$780- $1150 per person.

Guide and Porter Service for Mardi Himal Trek

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

Note: company will provide the Number of guide and porter depends of group size.

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 Service on Mardi Himal Trek

Mardi Himal Trek has an excellent gastronomic display providing a simple hint of warmth to local culture. Nourishing meals are imperative for refueling energy for working along this peaceful path. Tea houses and lodges have local nonprofessionals serving food with natural ingredients along the trail. Some common items include rice with lentils, vegetable curry, chapatis, and momos. The meals have carbohydrates and protein-rich foods necessary to fulfill the huge physical effort in the trek. The fresh vegetables, grains, and dairy products make the food healthy and hearty.

The food on the Mardi Himal Trek also reflects the life of the local Gurung and Magar communities. Simple, regional favorites like gundruk soup or yak cheese are always there! These meals are not only a way to add energy stock to a tired body; they bring about a regional feel too. Most travelers cherish the memory of being in warm local tea houses, having a meal beside the fire in silence, with mountains looking on.

Accommodation Services for Mardi Himal Trek

Accommodation along the trail is simple but full of character and charm in the Mardi Himal Trek. While journeying into the region, one may find ending points such as Pokhara and Kathmandu with four-star hotels, the actual trekking is characterized by tea houses and lodges. Such shelter offers trekkers a nice clean bed, a warm meal, and a soothing place to rest before the next journey. Some tea houses at low altitudes may have an attached bathroom, but as you proceed with the trek, sharing facilities is common. Rooms tend to be modest and basic in size and usually with little to no heating; trekkers should, therefore, bring their sleeping bags during the winter months.

Yet this basic setup is well worth it for the ambiance and warmth offered by the local people. Most tea houses are run by local families who take special pride in welcoming their guests with genuine warmth. Electricity is sometimes available but is mostly solar- or generator-powered due to frequent outages. The quaint setting with a view of majestic mountains from the window provides for a tranquil and authentic Himalayan experience. Staying here would link the trekkers with the lifestyle and pace of life in that area, thus providing more substance to the journey.

Transportation Services

Transportation for the Mardi Himal Trek in Nepal is cast great and structured to make the transition between city life and the trail as seamless as possible. Travelers generally start their great adventure either from Kathmandu or Pokhara; they then take a private vehicle or catch the tourist bus to reach the point where the trek begins. Usually private jeep for smaller groups is used, while larger groups normally share a mixed transport, such as minibus, to minimise costs. Most of the trekkers on the Mardi route drive from Pokhara to Kande, about 1.5-2 hours, and not forgetting the beautiful pasturing landscapes and terraced farmland all along. From Kande, the actual trek begins, and from there, walking is the only way out, taking the traveler deep into jungly hills and ridgelines.

Not a single place on the trek has a road for vehicles, so one is completely cut off from the day-to-day noise and disturbance but not from mother nature herself. The trails themselves are quiet and uncrowded and take you through huge rhododendron forests, past tiny villages, and to viewpoints that have stunning mountain views. Once this trek finishes in Sidhing or Lumre, a vehicle picks you up and returns you to Pokhara. This is a combination of both road and foot travel, very comfortable and enjoys an adventure helping trekkers transition from the comforts of the city to barren wilderness and back in no time. It is an experience well coordinated for simplicity to a truly wild and memorable adventure.

Drinking Water Service on Mardi Himal Trek

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 Trek

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 travelers 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.

Graceful Adventure Travel Operational Team of Mardi Himal Trek 

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 for Mardi Himal Trek

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.

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)

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.