Mardi Himal Trek

• The Mardi Himal trek offers stunning views of Machhapuchre, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli.
• Trails are peaceful and less crowded.
• Best opportunity to be able to view the horizon during sunrise and sunset at High Camp and Base Camp.
• Experience the warm hospitality of the Gurung and Magar people.
• Trek through beautiful forests, fields and ancient villages.
• Enjoy trekking to Mardi Himal Base Camp at an elevation of 4500 meters.
• Easy to Moderate trekking intensity that is suitable for all trekkers including those who are beginners.
• Teahouses on the trail offera  comfortable place to rest.

Price includes

• Airport pick up and drop off by private tourist vehicle
• 2 nights accommodation in Kathmandu at 3-star Nepalese standard hotel.
• 2 nights accommodation in Pokhara at 3-star Nepalese standard hotel.
• Private Coach to and from Arughat
• Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) card
• Tsum Valley Special Trekking Permit
• Full board meal (veg. / non veg.) prepared by our expert cook.
• All accommodations in tents and suitable Guest Houses during the treks
• All necessary paper works and permits
• 1 experienced and license holder trekking guide and his daily meal, wage & accommodation
• Required porters/carrier for a group of 2 person ( carry 20-25kg) and his daily meal, wage & accommodation
• All Government Taxes  value added tax

Trip Essential Information

Mardi Himal Trek Altitude 

Mardi Himal Trek can take you up to an altitude of 4500 meters at the base camp. The trekking begins from a height of 800-1000 meters near the city of Pokhara and gradually rises.

These consist of a low camp at 2,970 meters, a high camp at 3,580 meters, and a base camp. Gradual ascent is maintained, minimizing the risk of high-altitude illness.

Acclimatization is significant as you rise even higher in the trail. Use a drinking water bottle, take short breaks, and keep walking steadily.

Trekking at this altitude offers beautiful sightseeing of the Mardi Himal, Machhapuchhre and Annapurna mountains. The higher you go, the more glamorous and delightful the views of the environment turn out to be!

Mardi Himal Trek Cost

The cost of Mardi Himal Trek varies depending on the duration and services offered. But Himalayan Trekking and Tours arrange the Mardi Himal trek cost USD 750 per person.  These include permit fees, guide and porter fees, teahouses and meals. Snacks, water, and a tip for the porters should be considered by oneself.

Mardi Himal Trek Cost Cor Indian

Mardi Himal Trek costs are low, depending on the raw material and service quality for Indian tourists, ranging between INR 25000 and INR 50000. These include permits, teahouse accommodation, meals, guide or porter fees. However, it is worth noticing that the expenses can be decreased even more when travelling in groups.

The trekking service costs less, but you are responsible for your own transport and accommodation. We learned that probable costs such as snacks, water, and tips should be included in the budget.

It may be cheaper or more expensive depending on the time and the type of service you want. When prepared well, trekkers from India do not have to spend much to have a great time at the Mardi Himal Trek.

Altitude Sickness 

Altitude sickness is an inevitable side effect of high-altitude trekking, especially the Mardi Himal Trek. It occurs during a rapid ascent before the body sufficiently adapts to the altitude.

The highest point of the Mardi Himal is 4,500 m. The higher you go, the more chances one has of altitude sickness. Symptoms include headache, dizziness, nausea, and shortness of breath.

Altitude sickness can be prevented by slow walking, avoiding alcohol and proper hydration, allow time for acclimatization. Take more time, especially at the lower part of the trek, to allow the body to fully acclimatize before going higher.

It may be necessary for your body to change in various ways, so you should drink a lot of water avoid alcohol, and consume healthy meals. If the symptoms of high-altitude sickness become more severe, one must go descend immediately.

One way of minimizing the risk that the Mardi Himal Trek has is through the gradual ascent of the trek. However, it is necessary to remember to listen to our body and rest in case it is needed. Local porters and guides are well informed and can assist if there’s altitude sickness to make the trek safe.

Food During Mardi Himal Trek

About the food on the Mardi Himal Trek, it is basic but very satisfying. En route, the teahouses offer different meals to travellers. Expect the usual Nepali and international cuisines. For breakfast, you can order porridge, toast, eggs and pancakes. You can also have hot drinks like tea, lemon tea or coffee.

For lunch and dinner, there is a typical Nepali dish called dal bhat, which is rice served with lentils, momos, noodle dishes, and fried rice. The most popular foods, such as pasta, pizza, and sandwiches, as foreign cuisine are also present.

As the altitude increases, the type of food may reduce, but the staple meals will always be possible. The food is made to fresh and the portions are generous.

On the whole, food during the Mardi Himal Trek is yummy and fulfilling, which provides energy throughout the day. The simple and nutritious meal keeps you fueled throughout the day

Accommodation in Mardi Himal Trek

Most night stays are kept in the available teahouses along the trail in the Mardi Himal Trek. Here you can find simple rooms that contain a bed and a blanket to make a client comfortably spend a night. The rooms are also small, but they can comfortably let you have a night’s sleep. 

Teahouses also provide meals like dal bhat, noodles and momos, and other available meals. Things become scarce as you ascend, and the variety may be limited, but you never run out of things to eat. In terms of facilities, the bathrooms are mostly shared.

Even though the accommodation in Mardi Trek is fundamental, the teahouses are a fantastic way to meet other trekkers and like-minded people with a place to rest. 

A Typical Day in Mardi Himal Trek

The Mardi Himal trek doesn’t require any technical skills, but while planning the typical day’s trek, it begins with a light breakfast.

After taking meals, your journey starts through forests, villages, and various terraced fields. The trail gradually becomes steeper, and it’s full of wonderful views of the mountains and the landscapes around.

Around noon, you take a rest and consider eating at a teahouse. They are basic, power-packed meals, commonly Dal Bhat, Noodles or fried rice. In the afternoon, the trekking goes on but the elevation starts to steepen up after lunch. You may go through the rhododendron forests, ridges, and rough and rocky terrains.

In the evening most trekkers arrive at their day’s destination, which can be a teahouse. It offers a place to rest, have a cup of tea, and watch the mountains. The trekkers can also chat often after dinner mostly regarding the trek with fellow trekkers.

The night is very calm, and one can relax in bed knowing that the following day, you will continue with the journey.

Throughout the day, the landscape, fresh air, and friendliness of teahouses thrill you as you witness the changes that come with the day.

Permits for Mardi Himal Trek

To trek in the Mardi Himal region of Nepal, you need two permits: 

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): 

ACAP costs NPR 3,000 for foreigners and NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals. You can apply for this permit at the Nepal Tourism Board office or through a registered trekking agency. You’ll need to provide: A photocopy of your passport and Two passport-sized photos.

Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) card: 

Tims card Costs NPR 2,000 for foreigners and NPR 400 for Indian nationals. 

You can obtain both permits in Pokhara or Kathmandu from your trekking agent. You may need to show your permits at checkpoints along the trails.  

Travel Insurance

Many instances require travellers to take travel insurance when going for the Mardi Himal Trek. It shields you from further costs in the event of an accident, disease or any type of medical complication. The trekking takes you to 4500m up, so insurance must include high-altitude trekking.

Ensure that your insurance covers some of the emergency evacuations, such as those by helicopters. It is required if you need a rescue for altitude sickness or if you are injured in sketchy areas. It should also comprise medical costs, cancellation of trips, and delay costs.

When choosing a policy to buy, remember to look at the small details and confirm whether the policy is valid in Nepal or not. Many companies offer insurance for trekking which is perfect for this tour. You should have a copy of your insurance policy when on the trek. You should probably share all these details with your guide or the agency you are trekking with for security reasons.

Travel insurance relieves stress and makes a trek stress-free. It covers a small portion of the cost and assures your safety and security at all times. However, to get full coverage, you must always go to the best provider.

 Mardi Himal Trek Best Season

The best time to do the Mardi Himal Trek is during the months of March to May and September to November. These months have no rainfall, the weather is stable, and the mountains are visible. In spring, the trail is also full of Rhododendrons giving it a beautiful array of flowers. The climate is mild, with excellent vistas of the Annapurna mountains.

Autumn is also best time for Mardi Himal Trek. The sky is clear after the monsoon, and the views of Mardi Himal, Machhapuchhre, and other high peaks are fantastic. The weather is not very hot and it’s not very cold either, perfect for trekking.

The rainy season stretches from June to September, while the cold season, which is also ideal to visit, is December to February, though it’s very cold, especially in higher regions. It may have parts with snow, which makes the trail a little harder.

Tourism is least during monsoon (June to August) as it hampers mobility, visibility is low, and many trails are slippery. But it is less crowded with less hikers and trekkers when compared to the beginning of the month. The Mardi Himal trek should be done in Spring or Autumn because the time is right, and the views of the landscape are wonderful.

Drinking Water

Drinking water is available at many places while on the Mardi Himal Trek, however, one will have to be careful.

A number of shops and teahouses along the trekking route sell the mineral water, the price rises as you ascend. To avoid high costs and environmental pollution through the use of plastics, trekkers mostly carry their bottles and use other methods.

It is easy to fill your bottle from taps, streams or even teahouses. But the water is not suitable for drinking directly. The water must always be treated with water purification tablets, filtered or treated with UV sterilizer. For the entire trek, it is recommended that the trekkers drink a lot of water to avoid altitude sickness.

Mardi Himal Trek Review

The Mardi Himal Trek is referred to as a hidden gem of the Annapurna region by many and provides peaceful, less trafficked trails compared to well-known routes such as the Annapurna Base Camp Trek.

Trekkers are captivated by the stunning close-up views of Mardi Himal, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) and the Annapurna massif. The trek’s diversity stands out, with trails starting in lush rhododendron forests and transitioning to alpine terrain.

Spring brings colourful, blooming flowers, while autumn offers clear skies for breathtaking views.