Best Time To Do The Trek
The best time for trekking to Mardi Himal varies from one trekker to another. Some prefer the Spring for a soothing hike while some prefer winter for a daring adventure. So, the best time for them can be any season of the year that they prefer. Nevertheless, in relation to the condition favorable for the climate and weather it is accepted only two seasons: Autumn or Spring. These seasons have their own characteristics that correspond to safe hiking in the Mardi Himal region.
Both these periods provide optimal weather conditions and a host of benefits for hikers.
Spring season is when numerous trekking packages are launched because of the stable weather conditions. There is minimal possibility of rainfall and snowfall in the Mardi region hence makes hiking more comfortable. The trail becomes dry and crumbly; in there, safe navigation is assured because the chances of encountering natural hazards such as landslides, floods, and avalanches are eliminated.
Similarly, Autumn is also regarded as one of the best seasons to trek in Mardi Himal. Just like Spring, Autumn season also comes with stable weather, mild temperature, and clear surroundings. which is ideal for sightseeing and adventures.
Off Season Treks
Monsoon Season (June-August):
A monsoon is a wet season that occurs during the rainy season, which often causes frequent heavy showers and flooding. This negatively affects your trip as it can cause roads and scenery to become slippery and inaccessible.
It is not the best time to take this trek, but if you have prepared adequately for the conditions in these seasons, you can try it. However, always remember that you need a seasoned guide who can teach you during the trip and make your journey effective and fun.
Winter Season (December-February):
In the winter season, when it drops below 0 Degrees Celsius, this may be a contributing cause of altitude sickness. And considering that Mardi Himal Trek takes place at high altitude, you may encounter some difficulties due to heavy snow and avalanches.
Like the Monsoon season, winter season should also be avoided for trekkers but one can attempt to walk with sufficient preparation and arrangements. For the cold extremities, you should also bring equipment and clothing appropriate for these temperatures.
Challenges of The Trek
Remote & Uneven Terrains
When you embark on the Mardi Himal Trek, you will be following the standard trail that starts from Kande and stretches to Pothana, Low Camp, and High Camp. For those who are beginners, Mardi Himal is quite rough and distant. It includes rugged terrains and landscapes, including high and low steep uprises of the surrounding, lows and straight paths. Trekkers may be physically exhausted as they walk through these uneven areas.
This will also cause trekkers to have altitude sickness and other diseases.
It is recommended that you gear yourself properly and use sturdy hiking boots and trekking poles during the Mardi Himal Trek. Also, stay hydrated and eat well before the trek to invigorate yourself.
Weather & Climate Conditions
One of major challenges in Mardi Himal Trek is weather and climate conditions. Most of the trekking is done in peak seasons such as Spring or Autumn. Nonetheless, sometimes the weather situations around the region are unpredictable which make trekkers difficult to navigate.
Mardi Himal sits in the northern Himalayan area of Mid-Western Nepal. In the alpine climatic conditions adjacent to it, the temperatures are cold with phenomena of sharp winds common.
If you undertake this journey during the winter, you must make sure to prepare yourself for windy conditions. The temperature is very low, sometimes even negative 0 degrees celsius. When trekking in high-altitude regions, individuals should pay special attention to thermal clothing, warm tents or shelters, sleeping bags and pads that provide good insulation.
On the same note, during monsoon, intense rainfall hits the location which makes it almost impossible for trekkers to hike along the remote path. Generally, the trails are wet and slippery and do not get a good hold on the ground. This can increase the chances of injury and falling. Along with that, natural events like landslides and floods happen in the monsoon season that can even call off the trek or delay it.
High Altitude
The highest altitude you will reach during the Mardi Himal Trek is more than 4500 meters above sea level. Altitude above 3000 meters is very prone to altitude-related ailments like AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness), HACE (High Altitude Cerebral Edema), and HAPE (High Altitude Pulmonary Edema).
At high-altitude locations like Mardi Himal Base Camp, High Camp and Low Camp, the oxygen level is very low. Similarly, the pressure of the air is also high in these places making it hard to breathe. Altitude sickness is more likely to be active, especially when trekkers are physically exhausted.
If you see the symptoms of Altitude sickness such as feeling nauseous, vomiting, feverish, dizziness and fatigue, it is advised to seek immediate medical attention. Similarly, it is very important to adapt oneself during the trek. Trekkers should aim at climbing high and sleeping low. Moreover, the factors that affect altitude sickness include hydration, nutrition and adequate rest & sleep.
Required Permits and Licenses for The Trek
Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Permits
It is located in the buffer zone of the Annapurna Conservation Area. Therefore, to access the land of the Annapurna Conservation Area, trekkers are required to receive special permission issued by the Nepalese government under the National Tourism Board.
Trekkers must pay a specific fee that may differ under some conditions to get this permission. The cost of an Annapurna Conservation Area Entry permit goes at NRs. 3000 per head for the international trekkers. Likewise, hikers from SAARC Nations have to pay NRs. 1000 per person for obtaining this permit. The Nepalese Trekkers can procure this permit at the rate of only NRs. 100 per person.
TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) Card
Another mandatory permit for Mardi Himal trek is TIMS Card (Trekkers Information Management System). The TIMS Card can be obtained from Nepal Tourism Board, Kathmandu. And it costs around NRs. 2000 per person.
Documents To Acquire The Permits
- Copies of Passport.
- Copies of valid visa.
- Copies of Passport-sized photos.
- Permit Fees.
- Health & Travel Insurance.
- Clearance from Trekking Agencies.
Mardi Himal Trek Difficulty Level
When it comes to the difficulty level, the Mardi Himal Trek is rated moderate to difficult trek in Nepal. However, the experience level, preparation, and the time of year might highly influence the challenges throughout the trek.
Trekkers must have previous experience beforehand or should be highly prepared for the remote landscapes and high altitude. It is very crucial to be physically mindful since an average trek takes between 4–6 hours per day.
The trail is rather steep, rocky, and isolated so that one would need much physical strength. In the same way, trekking through these trails can be physically draining. Moreover, the high altitude destination during the trek reaches above 4500 meters sea level where the people are more vulnerable to altitude sickness and other related diseases.
This trek can also be undertaken by first-time trekkers but they must have to carry emergency preparedness plans and safety precautions.
How To Reach Mardi Himal And Base Camp?
The Mardi Himal trek starts from Pokhara, a city that has marvelous views of Machhapuchhre, Himchuli , Dhaulagiri and Annapurna. During the first day, you will find yourself spent 3 hours on a drive to Kande and continue trekking towards Pothana.
The next day, you will reach 3150 meters above sea level at Low Camp. It is a journey through Pitam Deurali, Tolka, and Landruk Gurung village with Tibetan Monastery. Climbing further uphill, you’ll arrive at Kokar Forest Camp, Rest Camp and finally at Low Camp where you sleep in a tea house.
From Low Camp to High Camp, the elevation gain is around 550 meters in vertical. And the High Camp is the next destination for trekkers who pursue the Mardi Himal Trek. On the way from Low Camp, you’ll pass through Deurali, Middle Camp, Nange Danda and Badal Danda to reach the High Camp. It takes about 8-9 hours of hiking and you stay in a tea house at the High Camp.
Now begins a difficult phase of approximately 8 to 9 hours of trek that leads to the Mardi Himal Base Camp. Here the trekkers will gain approximately 800 meters of altitude. This trek goes via Kali Danda, and along the way it has a stunning view of Himalayas and surrounding area.
Trekkers, after visiting the base camp, will descend through rhododendron and oak forests to arrive at Siding Village. A home stay in Siding provides night accommodations and traditional local food as well as seminars about the culture of this area.
Preparation Needed For The Trek
Mardi Himal Trek is a multi day package in which adequate preparation and proper planning strategies are necessary for making a trip whole. This trek may get hard to handle without proper preparations and plans.
First of all, Mardi Himal Trek needs a high level of physical fitness. Trekkers will follow the 5 to 6 hours of daily trekking, which would require one to have a strong physical fitness. Similarly, the paths are away from mainstream and isolated, which can be physically challenging. As such, you can use the following pro tips to prepare yourself for your physical side.
Similarly, mental preparations are also required for the trek. The beginner trekkers are more likely to not complete the trek because of the weather conditions and physical exhaustion. However, with proper motivation and support, any trekkers can beat the challenges that come in front.
Here is how trekkers can prepare physically and mentally:
- Cardiovascular Fitness & Strength Training
- Hiking Practice
- Acclimatization [proper hydration, nutrition, and rest]
- Learn Basic Navigation
- Emergency Preparedness
Essential Gears and Equipment
The Mardi Himal is not a single day hike. It is a multi day trekking package that takes you through the remote and rugged landscapes of Nepal. And when you embark on over 5 to 6 hours of daily hike, physical exhaustion is a sure shot thing. And the challenges of weather, temperature, and altitude are addons.
So, to avoid all the challenges that come along with the Mardi Himal Trek, trekkers need to be very careful in planning and preparing. Packing up the right gears and equipment is very crucial for the preparation. Since Mardi Himal Trek is a remote trip, your gears also should be friendly with the remote landscapes and rugged terrains.
Here are some trekking gears and equipments that you need to pack for this trek:
- Layered Clothing.
- Waterproof Pants.
- Insulated Jacket.
- Insulated Pants.
- Thick Socks.
- Sturdy Boots.
- Thermal Underwear.
- Fleece or Softshell Jacket.
- Warm Hat.
- Gloves or Mittens.
- Backpack for carrying your gear.
- Trekking Poles.
- Navigation Tools like maps, compasses, and GPS devices.
- First-aid kit, fire-starting equipment, an emergency blanket, and a whistle for safety.
- Food and Water.
- Avalanche Safety Gear
- Mobile phones and satellite communication devices.
Renting Gears for This Trek
The choice between purchasing or renting trekking equipment in Kathmandu depends on your travel pattern. Taking outdoor gear is recommended for regular trekkers who are doing a long-term investment. On the other hand, infrequent travelers may consider it more effective to rent than buy. Options in rental can accommodate different budgets and quality preferences, ensuring flexibility.
Before any decisions are made in relation to equipment, thorough research is necessary. Quality must be the priority as days spent on this course are more, given you will be trekking for a long time. Do not fall into the trap of counterfeits as they may ruin your trip.
There are different vendors available in Kathmandu, ranging from small shops to major brands. They offer different products priced in three categories – high-end, moderate , and low-cost ones .
To conclude, your choice of gear should reflect your travel patterns; undertake meticulous research on product quality and seek alternatives in Kathmandu to make proper decisions.
Guided Trek & Requirements of Porters
Safety comes as the first priority when you embark on the adventurous trek to Mardi Himal. Characterized by rugged terrain, remoteness, and uphill stretches, this trek is considered moderate to challenging as we have already mentioned above. To navigate this, hiring a guide is strongly recommended, especially for first-time visitors.
The trek poses challenges such as rugged trails, altitude sickness, and weather conditions. Having experienced guides in your team will enrich your journey for sure as they help mitigate the risks of getting lost in the wilderness or going through any unwanted situations in the remote destinations.
Guides are the first hand safety tutors during the journey and they provide prompt medical attention during emergencies and injuries. Not only that, they act as a cultural bridge as they facilitate interactions with diverse ethnic groups in the Mardi Himal Region. In this way, trekkers can fully immerse into the culturally rich community and learn more insights about the people, lifestyle, and their culture.
Moreover, guides also handle permits and paperwork, preventing legal complications. Logistics facilities like accommodation, license, food, and others are also handled by the guides of your trekking team. Their local insight enhances the trek, providing historical context to several landmarks and cultural norms.
Their familiarity with remote trails and terrains is invaluable in critical situations. Overall, having a guide enhances safety, cultural understanding, and the overall experience of the Mardi Himal Trek.
Porters
Porters, on the other hand, are very crucial during the trek. While we already suggested you pack the right trekking gears and equipment for this trek, there is a need of hiring a porter to carry them all.
One thing is sure, the physical burden during the trek will all be avoided with porter’s help. They carry the maximum weight of 25 kg, so if your backpacks are not too heavy, one porter can be shared by two trekkers or more.
This will help you have an enjoyable trekking experience and be more active in other activities.
Logistics & Facilities During Mardi Himal Trek
Accommodation
During your journey on the Mardi Himal Trek, you will have three options of accommodation. You can choose any form of accommodation for staying overnight to rest and sleep. Three forms of accommodations are Tea Houses, Hotel, and Camping.
Tea houses are the most common form of accommodation in Mardi Himal Trek. They come with basic amenities like shared dormitory like bedroom, shared bathroom, and some with hot showers. Tea houses serve the basic Nepali cuisine like Dal, Bhaat, and Tarkari.
Some tea houses offer 24/7 electricity services but they are not in the expected list of the trekkers. Trekkers might need to pay extra cost for charging their electronic devices and others.
Hotels are only found at the lower altitude. While you start your trek from Kande to Pothana, you might stay overnight with amenities like a personal bedroom with an attached bathroom, electricity, and WIFI connections. However, the cost of staying at a hotel might be relatively higher than a tea house.
Another option for accommodating is camping, where trekkers must set their own tents for staying. Also, they need to prepare their own food and risk the safety of staying outside in the wilderness. Some trekking agencies offer the camping facilities while some do not. So you might need to pay an extra cost for camping facilities during the Mardi Himal Trek.
Food
During the trek to Mardi Himal, trekkers are likely to taste the traditional Nepali Cuisine. You will be experiencing the spicy taste of the lentils, curry, and rice all over the place you stay. Nepalese cuisine including Dal, bhaat, and tarkari are famous amongst the global visitors, so you will not regret having experienced it.
At lower altitude hotels, you can also find several other dishes including momos (dumplings), chowmeins (noodles), and western food like pizza and burgers. These food comes with higher cost of around $10 t0 $15 per meal, which is quite expensive than the traditional Nepali Cuisine of around $5 to $7 per meal.
Internet Facilities
To be able to enjoy internet services in the Mardi Trek, one must accept that some things could turn out very differently from what one would expect. Therefore, do not hope for the best but the moment you trek will be one of your most memorable life moments.
Most tea houses along the route have electricity access and also internet facilities. So remembering good internet connection on the place will not be a big deal. To connect your technology gear and gadgets you will need to pay some specific amount of money the hotel staff will make available portable sockets for you.
But do not solely depend on the hotel’s internet facilities since numerous people will be using a single service, and connections can be slow, with poor speeds and unsteady connection.
Although you are on your trek, the high altitude may cause a connection issue. However, due to the absence of ISP server sites from those heights, connectivity online may be difficult when you are a travel vlogger.
Some tea houses at that site have WiFi which can allow you to connect online. Despite the fact that you might have poor internet connection, you will still be able to use your mails and send text messages online except for downloading/uploading your content.
Toilets & Hot Showers
Personal hygiene comes in the first place when you embark on a remote trek and the same goes with the Mardi Himal Trek. If you talk about the toilets and latrines, you can find very basic ones on the tea houses. You will mostly find squat toilets and cold water taps on which you can use for handwashing in most places.
The squat toilets are characterized by hand flushing and traditional squats. They are found in almost all tea houses that come with flush as well as the hot-water showers. What hikers should know first before trekking into any region of the mountains is that there are available restrooms and shower rooms there.
In some places, there are higher quality bathrooms that have hot water and Western-style toilets. But these are exceptional, therefore get ready for the basics if you take this hike.
