Good to know

Hiring a Guide and Porter for Mardi Himal Trek

Although solo trekking in Mardi Himal is possible, if you hire a licensed guide or a porter then you will be quite on the safe side during the trek. You can hire a licensed guide for USD 20-25 dollars per day.

Guides are very helpful and help you communicate with the local people you meet on the trail. Plus, they will give you information about the typical culture, traditions, and religious practices of the patches of people on the trail.

They help you navigate the trail and describe the mountains, rivers, flowers, fauna, and vegetation you will see while walking. Plus, they are also helpful to help you pre-book the room and food during any season. They also help you guide while packing for the trek.

Whereas, hiring a porter costs you around USD 15-20 per day. POrters help you carry your backpacks and they will also help you navigate the trails. With porters on your side, you can walk freely carrying your daypack only. This way will feel less tired on the trekking trails.

If you are new to trekking, then better hire a licensed guide or porter for your safety as well as comfort while on the trek.

Permits for Mardi Himal Trek

For foreign nationals other than Nepalese, trekking in Nepal demands a valid trekking permit. If you are planning for the Mardi Himal trek, you will enter and walk through the Annapurna Conservation Area.

So, to trek in this region you need two different permits. They are TIMS Card: USD 20 per person if you are trekking independently. But you can get it at USD 10 per person if you are trekking in the group. Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit: USD 20 excluding VAT.

You can obtain these permits from the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu or Pokhara. Or, if you could not manage to buy them at Kathmandu or Pokhara, you can get them at the trailhead.

During the trek, you will come across several checkpoints where you need to show and verify your trekking permit. So, it is a good idea to keep them handy to easily take it out and pack at the various checkpoints. If you are found trekking without these permits, you will be punished as per the law and you have to buy them with the penalty. 

We will help you get the required permits for this trek. To help you, you have to supply us a copy of your valid passport and two passport-sized photographs.

At a Glance of Mardi Himal trek

• Enjoy the spectacular close-up views of Mardi Himal, Mt Annapurna, and the neighboring peaks in the Annapurna region.
• Enjoy the walks through the lush forests of rhododendron and magnolia
• Traverse several typical villages en route to the Mardi Base Camp
• Explore the diverse flora and fauna in the region
• Spend time with locals and enjoy the local delicacies during the trek
• Relax in the spa, pubs, and restaurants in Pokhara and Kathmandu
• Walkthrough the off-the-beaten pathways of the Annapurna region

Available trip options for Mardi Himal Trek

Though this package starts from Pokhara since this trek is normally chosen by someone who has already spent a few days in Pokhara and wants to start trekking from there, you can also start this trek from Kathmandu.  We have various options for transportation and accommodation, depending on your choice. To start this trip from Kathmandu, you have three transportation options:

1. The Tourist Bus from Kathmandu takes about 7-8 hours to reach Pokhara and costs you from 10 to 25 USD.
2. A private car or jeep from Kathmandu to Pokhara costs around 150 USD total with a maximum of 4 people.
3. A domestic flight will take you to Pokhara from Kathmandu in about 25 minutes and costs 125 USD per person.

Note:  In case you want to start this trip from Kathmandu, accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara can also be managed upon your request. Contact us to know about the price and any other info.

Optional Itinerary for Madi Himal Trek Starting from Kathmandu

You always have the option to start the trek from Kathmandu. If you choose to trek to Mardi Himal base camp from Kathmandu there is some additional price which needs to include airport pick and drove, accommodation in Kathmandu, and necessary transportation from Kathmandu to Pokhara. We can book your recommended hotel and provide you transportation with your preferences. The following will be your itinerary to start the trip from Kathmandu:-

Day 01: Arrive at the Kathmandu Airport

Day 02: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara, 6-7 Hours.

Day 03: Drive to Kande and trek to Forest Camp 7-8 hours

Day 04: Forest Camp to Low Camp, 5-6 Hours.

Day 05: Low Camp to High Camp, 3-4 Hours.

Day 06: High Camp to Upper Viewpoint and Return Back, 3 Hours.

Day 07: High Camp to Siding Village, 6-7 Hours

Day 08: Trek to Lumre, drive to Pokhara.

Day 09: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu

Day 10: Departure

Mardi Himal Trek 5 Days 

Mardi Himal Trek is a less touristic trek in the novice trails of the Annapurna region. This trek to Mardi Himal takes you to the base camp of Mardi Himal in the neighborhood of Mt. Machhapuchhre. The moderate Mardi Himal trek 5 days itinerary gives you a view of mount Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Fishtail with many different cultures and landscapes.

On the Mardi Himal trek, you will walk through the dispersed settlements of Gurungs and people of other mixed ethnicities. And moving further on the trail you will cross several rivers and walk through the suspension bridges. What an exhilarating moment you will have!

On this our 5 days Mardi Himal trek price we have well taken care of your meals, accommodation, transportation, guide, porters, and permits. During your tour, you do not have to worry about any necessary logistics.

The Mardi Himal trekking journey starts from Pokhara, where you will spend a day exploring Lake city. Then you will be driven to Kande from where your trekking officially starts. You will cross the rivers, deep and dark forests, and rocky trails full of beautiful sceneries at every step. You will stay at beautiful vantage points such as Forest Camp, Low Camp, and High Camp.

For the trek to Mardi Himal, you will follow the Mardi Himal Trek map that follows the trail from Kathmandu to Pokhara and then gradually to the base of Mardi Himal. To follow this map you will gain the highest altitude at the Mardi Himal trek at 4250 meters. Because of the altitude, many people may face the symptoms of altitude sickness. So, you must walk cautiously to prevent this problem.

You can do this trek in the Spring and Autumn season as they are the peak trekking season for the Mardi Himal trek. But if you want to do the trek in other seasons then you can opt for this trek but with extra preparation.

Plus, the remoteness of the trail may add difficulty to the Mardi Himal trek but with a proper packing list, you can walk slowly and withstand the challenges of the route. Also, do not forget to check the weather and temperature of the Mardi Himal trek before you start packing.

Mardi Himal trek is the off-the-beaten trek in the Annapurna region where you will get authentic views of the mountain peaks along with the astonishing people and the landscapes. This is a moderate trek, so anybody who is physically fit can join the trek.

Mardi Himal Trek Cost Details

The total cost of the Mardi Himal trek is USD 450 per person. This is the cost of the 5 day Mardi Himal trek. But we are happy to customize the itinerary as per your preference. With the change in the Mardi Himal Trek itinerary, your total cost of the trek also changes.

After paying this amount do not have to pay for the permits you will need for the trek. Plus, it also covers the cost of your food and accommodation during the trek. Also, with this cost, you do not have to worry about transportation for your tour. We will take care of every type of transportations for you.

But the cost does not cover the charge for the lunch you will have on the route. That is your additional cost in the trek along with the money you spend on tipping, paying for a hot shower, and donations of some type. Besides you also need to get travel insurance for this trek whose cost varies depending on the policy you choose.

By paying this cost, you will collect thousands of enchanting moments and memories on the lap of pristine nature. But remember, besides the money you pay for our Mardi Himal trek package, if you want to buy or spend money on the trail you should pay in Nepali currency. The local teahouses in the trekking trail normally do not accept foreign currencies. So, do not forget to carry along enough Nepali currency during the trek.

Best Time for Mardi Himal Trek

The months (March, April, May), Spring, and (September, October, November), Autumn offer moderate and bearable temperatures along with the most scenic views. So, these months are the peak time to trek to Mardi Himal.

Autumn days are neither cold nor too hot with the mild weather conditions. Plus the bluest skies with the sharp visibilities make the most scenic views of the surrounding landscapes and the Fishtail mountain along with Mardi Himal.

While Spring being the month of rhododendron has hot and humid weather with pleasant surrounding views. In this season, the visibility is the sharpest so it is the best time to capture the best shots of forests, villages, mountains, and the whole surrounding.

But the trek is also doable in winter(December, January, February) and Summer(June, July, August) as well. The weather condition and the temperatures may add a bit challenging to the trekking journey but that would not stop you from trekking if you really want o do it.

For trekking in these off-seasons, you must prepare extra and come physically as well as emotionally determined to fight back any hurdles and weather challenges that may come along. Thus, despite theSpring and Autumn being the best time for the Mardi Himal trek, the trek is doable all year round but, with extra preparations.

If you want to trek in the less crowded trails enjoying the solitary trails then you can opt for the trek in the off-season. But, if you want to interact with trekkers from around the world and get newer trekking experiences then you can opt for the trek in the peak seasons.

Weather and Temperature During Mardi Himal Trek

Spring

Spring is the month of flowers and dazzling vegetations in the Mardi region. On trekking in the Spring, you will be walking through the forests off rhododendrons and exploring the diverse vegetation that has woken up from the winter hibernation.

In spring you will find hot and humid surroundings with stable weather conditions. This dry weather has hot temperatures so you will feel quite hot in the lower regions of the trekking trails.

The temperature may reach as high as 20-degree Celsius in the lower region while it may drop to 17-degree Celsius in the daytime. While the nights are chilling cold where the temperature remains around freezing point.

Monsoon

Monsoon is the time of the rainfall with the hot weather. At this time, you will see the vegetations quite lustful after the rain washes them.

In this season, the weather is quite unstable so you may encounter clouds that may obstruct the vision. Despite that, after the rainfall, you will get the clearest views of the surroundings and mountains.

On average the daytime temperature remains around 10 - 23-degree Celsius whereas the nighttime temperature drops down to 5-10 degrees Celsius. Normally the weather is hot, but you may notice a drop in the temperature after rainfall.

With rain, the trail becomes slippery with leeches and earthworms. So, you must come prepared for such inconvenience.

Autumn

Autumn is the peak trekking season to the Mardi Himal with the daytime temperature around 20-degree Celsius whereas the night remains around 5-degree Celsius. In this season the moderate weather and stable climatic conditions. Plus this is the less humid month where you will get to see the sharpest mountain views under the deep blue sky.

This is the most pleasant time for trekking in the mountainous region of the Mardi region where you will get to walk in the dry and pleasant weather conditions with the least fear of rain or snow.

Winter

Winter is the coldest time in the Mardi Himal where you will witness the snowfall and the wind chills. During the winter the temperature in the daytime averages around 9-12 degrees Celsius whereas the nighttime temperature drops down to - 5-degree Celsius. This is the quite cold time of the year in the trek, so you must come fully prepared with the appropriate winter gear.

You may feel difficulty in walking the snow-covered trails in the winter plus the fluctuating mountain weather may add challenges. However, this is the best time to catch the scenic views of the whole surroundings veiled in the dense snow.

Mardi Himal Trek 5 Days Difficulty

Mardi Himal Trek is among the moderate treks in the Annapurna region where you will be walking for 7 days along the remote trekking trails. This is a novel trekking route so the routes are not well-maintained like other popular trekking trails in the Annapurna region.

On this trek you will begin walking through the dispersed villages of Gurungs and other mixed ethnic groups then you will gradually ascend through the forested trails. The lower regions of the trail are quite flat with no exhausting uphill ascends. But as you proceed further through the forest camp the route starts becoming challenging. The altitude also goes above 2000 meters and the route also starts with the steep ascends.

Plus, as you will be ascending to the height above 2000 meters many trekkers may face the symptoms of altitude sickness. So, on gaining heights you must walk cautiously and maintain your body hydration.

If you are trekking in winter or summer, you may have a difficult time while ascending from Low Camp to the high camp because the trail goes slippery due to rain and snow. In such a situation, the trekking poles and sturdy trekking boots come really helpful.

Whereas, if you are trekking in the peak season you may have to compete with your fellow trekkers for getting the best rooms. And, you may have to wait in the queue for the food due to the crowd of the trekkers. For such situations, you can pre-book for food and accommodation and remain aloof from competing with others.

If you are physically fit and emotionally ready with the appropriate backpack then you will be able to fight back the trek’s difficulty and gain adventures of a lifetime.

Mardi Himal Trek Elevation

The Mardi Himal Trek starts from Kathmandu at 1400 meters. Slowly and gradually on the seventh day of the trek, you will reach the highest point of the trek the Upper View Point at 4250 meters. On the whole trip, you will have an altitude variation of around 2850 meters.

On average, as you ascend the height above 2000 meters on the trek you will ascend to a maximum height of around 400 to 500 meters in a day. This is because of the altitude and the toughness of the road.

From Kathmandu, you go to Pokhara at 1300 meters, then drive to Phedi and reach the final spot at Deurali, 2100 meters. The next destination from Deurali will be Forest Camp in 2520 meters. Proceeding further you will reach the altitude of 2970 meters at Low Camp. Then you will ascend to High Camp at 3540 meters. And from High Camp, your last destination is at View Point. From the View Point, you will start descending through the Siddhing village.

With the increase in altitude from 2000 meters, many people start feeling the symptoms of altitude sickness. So, you must maintain your pace and walk gradually as you ascend higher.

Altitude Sickness During Mardi Himal Trek

On this trek, you walk to the maximum altitude at 4250 meters above the seas level at the high camp viewpoint. And, generally, when you ascend to a height above 2000 meters you may feel the symptoms of altitude sickness.

On walking along the trail you may notice various symptoms like a headache, nausea, vomiting, sleeplessness, shortness of breath, loss of appetite, and uneasiness in walking. If these symptoms keep on affecting you, then you must stop ascending further. And take proper rest plus drink enough water and soup.

And you have to rest properly until the symptoms disappear. If the symptom lasts longer you have to inform your guide and under his guidance either take doctor-prescribed medicine or call for a medical evacuation. The problem is very common for those who come from lower altitude regions and near sea levels.

So, you must be careful before going for the treks like these in the high altitudes. In such a remote, trail if you fall sick, you will only get basic health care so you must be careful of your health. If you take care of your body, drink enough water, and ascend the heights with caution, then you can easily escape the problem of altitude sickness.

Packing List for Mardi Himal Trek

Mardi Himal trek is a remote area trekking where you will walk very near to the Himalayas in the Annapurna region. And the weather and temperature of the place normally remain cold with fluctuations. Also, with the change in season, the weather and climatic condition also change. So, you must be very careful while packing for the Mardi Himal Trek.

Although it is up to you what you want to pack inside your bag, you must pay attention to the geography, weather, and climate of the place before you start actual packing. Here’s a general packing list for your trek to Mardi Himal. But you can add or remove things as per your preference.

• Trekking Shoes with a strong grip
• Trekking Socks
• Hiking Trousers (waterproof/windproof)
• Hiking T-shirt
• Thermals
• Breathable underwears
• Fleece Jacket
• Down Jacket
• Muffler
• Hat, Cap, Beanie
• Sleeping Bags
• Trekking Poles
• Water Bottles and water purifying tablets
• First Aid Kit
• General medicines for a cough, cold, headache, muscle cramp, diarrhea, Altitude Sickness, etc
• Sunscreen, moisturizer, lip balm
• Hand Sanitizer
• Wet Wipes
• Toilet Paper
• Toothpaste and Tooth Brush

This is a common list for every season. But if you are trekking in winter you must focus on winter gear. While if you are trekking in summer/monsoon then you need to carry rain gear for your safety. Plus, the electronics you wish to pack are completely subjective. However, we suggest you pack lightly and must-have equipment only. Overpacking adds a burden while on the trek.

Tips for Mardi Himal Trek

• As you go higher the options for the availability of food and accommodation get limited. So, you must prepare yourself for these limited services and inconveniences that may happen during the trek.
• Whichever season you go for the trek, do not forget to pack the four-season sleeping bag. Although you get rooms and a cozy bed, you will feel much safe and warm inside your personal sleeping bags while on the trek.
• Take along the trekking poles for your trek. They come really handy whenever you have to ascend or descend on the trekking trails. Despite the wet or snow-covered trails, you can walk with much ease with the trekking poles in your hand.
• If you are a novice trekker in Nepal, then it is wise to hire a licensed guide or porter for this trek. Because you may have a problem walking alone in the remote and less-crowded trails.
• If you wish to trek in a more comfortable manner in pleasant weather conditions then opt for the trek in either Spring or Autumn.
• There are no ATMs along the trek route once you leave from Pokhara. So, it is wise to carry enough hand cash in Nepali Currency. The tea houses do not accept foreign currency.
• If you wish to minimize your trekking cost, you can bring snacks for the trek from Kathmandu or Pokhara. The cost of the food products increases as you go higher on the trekking trail.
• Hydration is a must while trekking so as to remain healthy. On walking, you will sweat a lot and feel lethargic. But this should not disturb your trek. So, you must drink as much as you can while on this trek to walk energetically and healthily.
• If you want to enjoy the trekking trails to the fullest without any disturbance and in the solitary trails, opt for off-seasons on this trek. At this time you will face less traffics on the trails.
• Unless you are sure of the trails and it's safety, do not follow the alternative routes alone. You may miss the trail in the middle of the jungle.

• Meals: 
  4 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners
• Accommodation: 
  Tea house accommodation along the way for 4 days
• Transportation:   
  All land transportation with pickups and drops
• Guides and Porters:
  One guide and assistant guide between 6 people 
  1 porter for two people (A porter can carry up to 30 kg)
• Entry Fees and Permits:
  Annapurna Conservation Area Entrance Fee
  TIMS Card
• Miscellaneous: 
  Down jacket, a Sleeping bag which should be refunded to the company after the trip
  Necessary paperwork with the government of Nepal and Tax department
  All the necessary insurance for the guides and porters
  First Aid service in case of minor injuries
  Salary, food, and accommodation for guides and porters

• Any meals other than breakfast in Kathmandu
• Rescue & travel insurance, trip cancellation costs, accident or health emergency, evacuation, loss, theft or damage to baggage and personal effects (We strongly advise you to take out personal travel insurance.)
• Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu due to any reason
• Personal expenses (phone calls, internet, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, cold drinks, bottled or boiled water, hot shower, etc.)
• All the alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks including mineral water
• Nepal entry visa fee
• Tipping for the Sublime crew