Highlights of the Adventure
- Interaction with the Gurung and Magar communities and know their culture
- Breathtaking views of Annapurna South (7,219m), Hiunchuli (6,441m), Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), and Mardi Himal (5,587m)
- Stop at Australian Camp for an early mountain viewpoint.
- Eye-catching view of rhododendron and oak forests at lower elevations
- Direct sunrise views from the lodges
Best time to enjoy the trek
Usually, there are two times a year that are the best seasons to trek. One is the spring season that falls during March to May. And the other is the autumn season, which falls from September to November. The main reason why these seasons are considered best for trekking is the proper and consistent weather conditions at that time. The beautiful weather at that point lets visitors view the fascinating scenes of the mountains.
Spring (March to May)
It is the best season among all other seasons. The most significant part of this time is the breathtaking scenery of glowing Rhododendron forests. Trekkers can get pleasant time in this season and stay calm and relaxed as the weather is dry and pleasant. A huge number of people, both tourists and locals, are seen in this season.
Autumn (September to November)
The autumn season is the most chill season. Likewise, the weather in this season brings a lot of freshness to the air. Trekkers can explore the beauty of the mountains with a clear and sharp view. The month of October seems to be considered the most likable one.
How Difficult is the Mardi Himal Trek?
Mardi Himal Trek is one of the popular trekking destinations for trek lovers. Regarding the difficulty, I can say that it is usually easy to moderate. It is not considered a difficult one by experienced trekkers.
Key Difficulty Factors to Consider
- Daily walks last 4-8 hours over 5-12 days, covering 30-50 km total with gradual elevation gain to 4,500m at Base Camp—far less strenuous than Everest or Annapurna Base Camp treks. Steep ascents above 3,000m on rocky, narrow ridges demand steady pacing, but trails are well-marked with no technical climbing or ice axes needed.
- Walk daily for 4-8 hours for 5-12 days, which covers 30-5 km total, with steadily increasing your altitude gain to 4,500m at Base Camp, which can be quite hard for beginners.
- Trekkers are advised to have a good and consistent pace due to the difficult upward slope just above 3000m on rocky terrain.
Accommodation & Food
The accommodation facilities available in Mardi Himal are very simple and cozy. You will find many normal teahouses that also have a facility to let people stay. These are basically lodges that are owned by families there. Rooms are simple Nepali design houses that can be shared among 5 to 8 people. Trekkers will be provided with a comfortable bed and blankets. The washrooms in the lodge are shared among visitors.
Food Options
- Rice, Lentil soup, Vegetable Curry, and Pickle
- Porridge, Eggs, Tibetan Bread, Pancakes
- Fried rice, Noodles, Pasta, Momos
Culture and People
The Ethnic Groups of people are mostly dominated by Gurung and Magar. Having their living in himalayan region, the people in Mardi Himal are heartily welcoming to new trekkers. They offer splendid hospitality with well-equipped homestays along with tea, coffee, and snacks.
People follow the religions of Hinduism and Buddhism, and their respective cultures and festivals as well. You will find them celebrating festivals like Dashain, Tihar, Loshar, and others. One of the most important things to remember is that they are highly skilled in wood carving and weaving work.
Pre- Preparation and Packing Advice
- Trekkers are advised to make proper planning for trekking by being physically fit. We recommend doing activities like hiking, stair climbing. Gym workouts for 1 to 2 months prior can help in walking uphill and downhill for 4-6 hours. Stay hydrated and healthy.
- Get travel insurance coverage
- Obtain Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and TIMS card through a registered agency
- Hire a licensed guide
Why is the Mardi Himal Trek recommended for beginners?
Mardi Himal is generally considered the most beginner-friendly and comfortable trekking spot. It is less crowded than Annapurna Base Camp or the Everest routes. It offers peaceful immersion in nature. Trekkers are required to walk for 4-6 hours with a maximum elevation of 4,500m at Base Camp, allowing for a gradual altitude gain and a low risk of altitude sickness. The trekking on Mardi Himal is completed in 5-7 days from Pokhara with easy access through a 1.5-hour drive to Kande. Hence, Mardi Himal is highly suited for trekking beginners.
