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Pristine Nepal presents you with the best complete guide to Mardi Himal trek which is the popular trending off-the-beaten-path of Nepal in the Annapurna region.
Situated in west Nepal, Mardi Himal is one of the best alternative treks not only for the Annapurna Base Camp but also for the other crowded areas. With the max altitude of 4,500m, it is best & compatible for all age groups (10yrs – 60yrs). The trek will take you through the lush forest of Rhododendron on the foot of Mt. Fishtail.
Where is Mardi Himal Located?
Mardi Himal is located in Annapurna region of west Nepal, 161km (100 miles) far from Kathmandu and 31km (19.2 miles) far from Pokhara.
With a max altitude of 4,500m, Mardi Himal Base camp trek is considered as the shortest altitude trek of Nepal.
Moreover, Mardi Himal trek falls under the Annapurna conservation area and for those who are looking for a perfect alternative for Annapurna Base Camp, Mardi Himal is the one for you.
Mardi Himal Trek Highlights:
-Offers you the panorama view of Him Chuli, Annapurna South, Mardi Himal & Mt. Fishtail.
-Chance to see the magnificent view of sunrise & sunset.
-Unspoiled, short and relatively easy trek
Mardi Himal Trek Map:
This Mardi Himal trek route is designed according to the real map for easy reading. You can follow the trails and see how you will complete the trek day-to-day. By looking at the map you can customize the trip too if you want or let us customize for you.
How do I get from Kathmandu to Mardi Himal Base Camp?
To reach the starting point of Mardi Himal from Kathmandu, your journey will start with a scenic 6 hours’ drive to Pokhara. After an overnight stay in Pokhara, again it will be a short drive to Phedi which is the starting point of Mardi Himal trek. From here, you will have to trek to Pitam Durali through the lush forest’s areas and popular Dhampus village.
On the 6th day of Mardi Himal trek, you will trek to high camp-3,700m which offers the beautiful landscapes & snow-capped peaks. Similarly, you won’t miss the closer view of Mardi Himal, Mt. Fishtail & Him Chuli mountain on day to day walk. And on the 7th day, you will trek to Mardi Himal Base Camp-4,500m which offers the panorama 360° view of mountains.
Finally, after a wonderful trek to Mardi Himal, you will follow back to the same route to reach Kathmandu.
How Long is Mardi Himal Trek?
Mardi Himal trek is usually short around 11 days but can be customized too as per request.
Here is the best 11 days outline itinerary for Mardi Himal Trek:
- Day 01: Airport pick up & Transfer to Hotel
- Day 02: Drive on Tourist Bus to Pokhara
- Day 03: Drive to Phedi & Trek to Pitam Deurali-2,100m
- Day 04: Trek to Kokar Forest Camp-2.520m
- Day 05: Trek to Low Camp-2,970m
- Day 06: Trek to High Camp-3,700m
- Day 07: Trek to Base Camp-4,500m & Back to High Camp
- Day 08: Trek to Potana-1,800m via Landruk
- Day 09: Walk to Kande-1,700m via Australian Camp & Drive to Pokhara
- Day 10: Drive Back to Kathmandu by Tourist Bus & Transfer to Hotel
- Day 11: International Departure for Home Ward Bound.
What is the best time to trek in Mardi Himal Trek?
Truth be told, Mardi Himal trek is more compatible than other trekking destinations due to the low altitude level and can be done throughout the year. However, the best season for trekking in Mardi Himal is during the Spring & the Autumn season.
Similarly, here are the main four season that is good and bad for Mardi Himal trekking:
Mardi Himal Trek in Autumn Season (September to November):
The Autumn season is the best season for trekking not only in Mardi Himal but also in other trekking destination areas too. At the time of autumn, the temperature during the trek gets stable & warm with clear blue skies. The Autumn season is also called hiking season in Nepal because lots of trekkers come to trek in this season. Since it’s a less crowded area, you don’t have to face any problems.
Likewise, Sep-Nov falls under the Autumn season & between this season, the best month is October for trekking. However, I’m not saying that September & November are bad for Mardi Himal trek. At the time of early September, you can anticipate slight downpour/precipitation. As for late November, it is also best for Mardi Himal trek because you may anticipate slight snowfall which makes this trek even more beautiful.
Mardi Himal Trek in Winter Season (December to February):
Trekking to Mardi Himal in the winter season is a little bit challenging but worth it in my opinion. However, early December and mid-February are good for trekking in Mardi Himal. The daytime usually gets warm and freezing cold at night in Mardi Himal. You will face snowfall on most parts of the Mardi Himal too which can cover the path also. However, finding the route is easy while trekking in Mardi Himal and it’s not so dangerous in Mardi Himal trek due to low altitude too. With the right gears, warm clothes and little bit of experience of hiking, you can complete Mardi Himal trek in winter too.
Likewise, December to February falls under the winter season. Doing trekking at the time of mid-January should be avoided.
Note: Snow will make the route very beautiful and mystical in winter.
Mardi Himal Trek in Spring Season (March to May):
Spring season is another best season for trekking to Mardi Himal which falls under March to May. If you don’t love snow and want to enjoy the lush forests of nature with clear blue sky then it’s the best season for you. The daytime is warm & long whereas, the night is a little bit cold but can be adjusted. This season is also called a peak season of Nepal where you will have a stunning landscape view. Likewise, you can trek to Mardi Himal in early March too. At the time of the early march, you may anticipate slight snowfall/fog which makes this trek even cooler.
Mardi Himal Trek in Summer Season (June to August):
Summer season is the hottest season as well as the monsoon season of Nepal. During the summer season, you will also face frequent rainfall. Due to frequent rainfall on this season, the paths get slippery & muddy which makes it harder to trek. However, this season is best for Nepalese because farming & planting are done in this season. All the areas are carpeted by greenery forests which makes it more beautiful. In my opinion, trekking in early June and late August is best for trekking in Mardi Himal.
Permits for Mardi Himal Trek:
Permits are the most necessary documents you need to have when trekking in Nepal. With different regions, there are different types of permits you will need for passing the areas. As for the Mardi Himal trek permits, you will need an ACAP permit and TIMS card.
Here are the permits name & cost for Mardi Himal Trek:
TIMS CARD (Trekkers Information Management System):
- Individual Trekker: NRS 2000/$20
- Organized Group/TIMS: NRS 1000/$10
- SAARC Nationals: NRS 600/$6
ACAP Permit (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit):
- ACAP fee for Foreigners: NRS 3,000/$30
- ACAP fee for SAARC Nationals: NRS 200
Where to get the Mardi Himal Trekking Permit?
Trekking permits are available in Nepal Tourism Board Office on Pradarshani Marg, Kathmandu or in Pokhara at the Nepal Tourism Board Service Centre. However, trekking solo in this off-the-beaten-trail can be a little bit harder. Therefore, have a guide or porter with you when trekking to Mardi Himal Base Camp.
Accommodations in Mardi Himal Trail:
Being the off-beaten-trail of Nepal, you don’t have to worry about accommodation facilities in the Mardi Himal trail. However, there are only limited tea houses/hotels in the Mardi Himal area. And all the hotels/lodges available here gives you clean rooms with cozy beds on the basis of twins sharing.
Moreover, you can get electricity in every hotel/lodges where you can charge your devices. Some areas also give WIFI on their hotels/lodges but you have to pay a certain amount. Likewise, you can get enough hot water from them too as well as the foods served in this place are also good. Some places even have shops where you can buy snacks for your trip also. Just remember, getting a nice bed to rest after a long day walk is awesome.
Better to book a room early during peak season:
Even though there are lesser trekkers in this off the beaten place of Nepal, you will never know how many people will come here. Slowly-slowly, Mardi Himal trek is also picking its name all around the world so it’s better to be ahead. Providing us a date makes it easier to plan before trekking here. Likewise, the guide will be there to secure your room & safety too.
Which is the best method to do Mardi Himal Trek?
Mardi Himal trek is one of the easiest & low altitude treks in Nepal but there can be some risks too. Being a hidden valley of Nepal, taking a map only will not help you. Either, you should be a professional map reader or you should take a guide with you for this trek. That is why we highly recommend you book with agencies to be safe.
However, here is the reason why you should book with agency:
Why book with a trekking/travel agency?
First of all, booking with a trekking agency is always the best method to do trekking in Nepal to be safe & successful. From agencies, “You get what you paid” + extra more. You don’t have to worry about permits, security, accommodations, foods, etc. when you book with agencies. Moreover, you will get an experienced guide & porter with you. A guide will provide you all the details of your trip whereas porter will carry your baggage to make your trip ease.
Likewise, an emergency evacuation can be done easily if you book with trekking/travel agencies. You only have to do is sign travel insurance.
Is Solo Trekking in Mardi Himal Base Camp best?
We know, some of you love doing solo traveling in this beautiful place being undisturbed by others. You like to spend more days in some of the places. And you may think that Mardi Himal is the best place to do solo traveling.
However, I will not say that it is impossible to do solo trekking in Mardi Himal Base Camp. You can always choose to do solo traveling in Mardi Himal Base Camp. But there are some demerits & merits when choosing to do solo.
First of all, if this is your first-time doing trekking in Nepal then avoid doing solo because you don’t know how hard it is to do trekking in Nepal.
As for other experience solo traveler, Mardi Himal is a hidden valley which is untouched and virgin. The roads are not like other destinations like Annapurna Base Camp, Everest Base Camp, etc. In the worst scenario, you may get lost here & you won’t find any people to ask for help.
Likewise, finding accommodations, permits, foods, etc. can be a little hard too. There will be too many expenses when trekking solo too.
But there is the best way to do solo trekking in Mardi Himal Base Camp. First of all, you have to do this Mardi Himal trek in a group and remember the routes. You should get the knowledge of how much money you will be wasting here. After all those experiences, you can then do solo trekking in Mardi Himal Base Camp next time.
What to pack for Mardi Himal Base Camp trek?
Tools & Gears are fundamental needs when it comes to trekking. With proper packing, you will reduce the wastages & burden for your shoulder. Similarly, every trekker should have knowledge of what to pack for their trip. As a matter of fact, there are some gears which should be bought & which can be rented too that can help you reduce expenses.
Here is the packing list for Mardi Himal Base Camp trek which should be bought & can be rented:
- One Down Jacket (can be rented)
- Two Thermal Tops & Jumper
- Two pairs of trekking pants & one trouser
- One Woolen hat & Buff
- One pair of woolen gloves
- Two pairs of underwear & socks
- One pair of waterproof trekking boots
- One pair of sandal or Shoe
- Sunscreen & sunglass
- Water purification tablets or sterilizer
- Sleeping Bags (can be rented)
- Trekking Poles
- Portable Charger
- Basic first aid kit
- Other personal essentials
Where to buy the trekking gears?
Either you can buy the trekking gear in your country or you can buy in Nepal. However, if you don’t want to bring big loads of bags from your country & don’t know experience then you can buy in Nepal. Almost everything you need for trekking is available in Nepal. Similarly, you can go shopping with our professional members for shopping too.
Most important FAQ questions about Mardi Himal Trek:
Which is best? Annapurna Base Camp or Mardi Himal trek?
Both destination area is the best for trekking in Nepal. Either you do ABC trek or Mardi Himal trek, you will be in the Annapurna region. The only thing that matters is Annapurna Base Camp gets very crowded during peak season. Whereas, Mardi Himal trek is known as off the beaten track and gets less crowded during peak season. So, both are best but if you don’t want to face rush hour then go for Mardi Himal Base Camp.
Drinking water in Mardi Himal:
Each & every hotel/lodges available in the Mardi Himal trail provides you clean water as well as hot water. However, you can take water steripen with you to make water germs free too. Moreover, don’t use plastic water bottles during your trek.
Is it safe for Solo female trekkers in Mardi Himal Base Camp?
It is not recommended for solo female trekkers to trek in Mardi Himal Base Camp in-case you are in a group. Due to a less crowded area, it is little risk for solo females because you have to pass from the forest alone. Sometimes, due to unstable weather, finding routes can be even harder too.
What happens if I get sick or injured during Mardi Himal Trek?
In every worst situation during your trek, your agencies come in handy. Your guide will provide you all the basic treatment but if it is a serious problem then you will be evacuated soon.
Is Mardi Himal Base Camp a budget trek?
Yes, Mardi Himal Base Camp is the budget trek from Pristine Nepal Treks & Expedition and it can be customized as per your needs too.
