Mardi Himal Trek 8 Days

Trek Difficulty Mardi Himal Trek

The Mardi Himal Trek 8 Days remains a moderated trek, making it ideal for trekkers who have average physical fitness and some hiking experience. The trail offers moderately steep, defined paths for hikers through alpine forests and ridge-line steep inclines, however, hikers will experience some moderate steep inclines near the viewpoint and High Camp.

The trek might not offer technical difficulties, but the advanced altitude on the exuberance will thin the air and make the trek more challenging. Trekking at a steady pace and frequent hydration, along with short resting periods will help trekkers manage the difficulty of the trek.

Best time trek for Mardi Himal Base Camp

The ideal months for completing the trekking to Mardi Himal are ideally performed in spring (March-May) and autumn (Sep-Nov) seasons. For these months, trekkers will experience the best and most stable weather along with warm temperatures and clear/blue skies, which is ideal for trekking/photography.

The spring season offers blooming forests with blooming rhododendrons and green foliage however, the autumn seasons brings in the most ideal weather to hike throughout the trails and rejoice in the beauty of the mountains after the monsoon season.

Winter trekking along with monsoon adventure is okay, but it is not ideal considering the heavy snow and rain systems that can roll in and make the trek quite dangerous and lessen the vision and trail safety.

Is It Suitable for beginners?

Absolutely, 8 days Mardi Himal trek is perfect for beginners. It is considered the easiest trek in the entire Annapurna region. The trails are also very well kept, but some small preparations need to be done in advance. New trekkers to the region need to complete some light training in the few weeks leading up to departure to prepare for the trek. This can include activities like walking, stair climbing, and other forms of cardiovascular training. It’s also helpful to have support from a guide as this trek is very doable, even for new trekkers, as long as proper acclimatization measures are taken.

What About Altitude Sickness?

Altitude sickness can occur on any trek, and the Mardi Himal 8 Days is no exception. Around 3,500 meters above sea level, on the approach to High Camp and then to Mardi Himal Base Camp, is where the symptoms of altitude sickness begin to show. Headaches, dizziness, loss of appetite, and different forms of fatigue are commonly experienced.

It is very important to be aware of a few symptoms of AMS to lessen the risks during this trek. The best way to lessen the risks is to ascend the mountain very slowly, hydrate, and avoid any forms of alcohol. The best way to deal with altitude sickness is to descend to a lower altitude if symptoms worsen, but don’t worry: the guides have the entire group’s health and well being in mind at all times.

Accommodation, Food, and Drink

Accommodation on the Mardi Himal Trek 8 Days is traditionally done in guesthouses and mountain lodges which provide basic and comfortable sleeping arrangements. Most mountain lodges have shared bathrooms, wood burning stoves in the dining area, and communal dining. Food is cooked fresh and is primarily Nepali food like dal bhat, noodles, soups, pasta, fried rice, fried momos, and pancakes. Tea, coffee, and hot ginger lemon honey tea are common. All trekkers have the option to take purified water to lessen single-use plastic waste.

Transportation for Mardi Himal Trek

Transportation to the Mardi Himal Trek 8 Days starts in Pokhara. From Pokhara, travelers rent a private jeep or take a bus to Kande, Phedi, or Dhampus, all of which are direct trek starting points. The drive is a short, picturesque ride that showcases hilly agriculture and small villages. Most itineraries for the trek finish at Siding Village which serves as a hub for a jeep ride back to Pokhara. From Pokhara, many like to take the time to relax and celebrate the finish of the trek.

Permit for Mardi Himal trek

Mardi Himal Trek 8 Days, as with most treks, requires two permits, the ACAP Permit (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) and the Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Card. These permits may be needed for environmental protection, conservation and safety record purposes in the area. You can arrange to get these permits in Kathmandu or Pokhara. However, the trekking company usually arranges these permits for you before the trek starts.

Fitness and Preparation

Mardi Himal Trek 8 Days requires a certain level of comfort to ensure people do not struggle with the trek, thus, there is the need for training. People should start training at least 3-4 weeks before the trip with an emphasis on leg strength, endurance, and cardio. Some useful activities include stair climbing and hiking. Further, people should prepare the necessary trekking equipment needed, which includes a pair of warm trekking boots, gloves, a sleeping bag, warm clothing, as well as trekking poles. Lastly, people should be aware and mentally prepare for the weather and the nature of the terrain on the trek.

Alternative Options

Depending on one’s interests and preferred difficulty level, the Mardi Himal Trek 8 Days has got many different options for the routes. One classic route goes from Kande to the Forest Camp to Low Camp and then to High Camp, and then finally to the Mardi Himal Base Camp.

Those who want to experience the culture often choose to descend via Siding Village as it is an authentic route that is peaceful. Other trekkers decide to combine this trek with nearby attractions like the Australian Camp and Dhampus, or some join people from the Annapurna Base Camp trail for longer treks.

Costs and Budget

Depending on the services provided, the number of people in the group, and the time of season, the Mardi Himal Trek 8 Days can cost anywhere between 450 to 900 american dollars. The necessary expenses are usually covered in this, along with the payment for a licensed guide and a porter, places to stay, food on the trek, necessary permits, and necessary travel expenses.

Extra costs can be incurred for hot showers, Wi-Fi, and the purchase of electricity in order to charge devices. Trekkers on a budget can choose to lower their expenses by buying less to keep the costs cheaper on the trek.

Charges Gadgets and Internet

At most teahouses during the Mardi Himal Trek 8 Days, you can access electricity; however, during the trek, charging phones, cameras, and power banks may cost extra, especially at high altitudes. As the power at these teahouses is solar, their charging capabilities can vary with the weather. Internet access is better at the lower altitude and mid lower altitude lodges, but even they have sporadic access as you get closer to High Camp. For better access to the internet during the trek, many people buy a local SIM card at Pokhara (NTC or Ncell).

Extra expenses for the Mardi Himal Trek

During the trek, be advised that throughout the Mardi Himal Trek 8 Days, extra expenses can be incurred, such as accessing hot showers, Wi-Fi, charging electronics, purchase snacks or bottled drinks, and tipping your guides or porters. Also, extra meals in Pokhara, the purchase of souvenirs, and other unpredictable personal needs can be part of the added expenses. In total, it is estimated that trekkers will incur extra expenses in the range of 150 to 250 U. S. dollars, in addition to the cost of the trek Adventure exceeds.

What to Expect During the Mardi Himal Trek 8 Days

Mardi Himal Trek 8 Days with the wide variety of beautiful scenery, including rhododendron forests along the trail to the high alps of Machapuchare, Annapurna South, and Mardi Himal, trekkers have high chances of witnessing wonderful natural scenery. It is also ignored by most trekkers so people can enjoy the trail and get the real feel of it.

A very popular attraction is the Hike Camp’s morning rise glow scenario, where the sun rises and the mountains glow. There are also unique traditional teahouses where they experience warm local hospitality. 8

Travel Insurance

Mardi Himal Trek 8 Days requires an Insurance policy to be valid and active. It is best to get insurance before moving to high altitudes, as they may need to be covered up to 4500m. Good plans will have coverage for emergency medical treatment, helicopter rescue, postponed or canceled trips, lost luggage, and equipment. The trek is remote and will have variable weather so we have good plans for the insurance to be reliable and available as we will carry peace of mind along the travels.

What Other Treks are Suitable After the Mardi Himal Trek

Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Annapurna Base Camp Trek is an excellent trek to follow the Mardi Himal Trek 9 Days since it offers even greater immersion into the Annapurna region. This trek takes you into the heart of the Annapurna Sanctuary, an impressive natural amphitheater housing spectacular high-altitude peaks that tower above the glacier basin.

Trekkers do the base camp of Annapurna, and enjoy diverse landscapes along the way, including terraced farmlands and high-altitude snowfields. The 4,130-meter milestone offers landmark scenery beyond imagination and the camps of Annapurna I, Machapuchare, Hiunchuli, and Gangapurna to the north. The base camp trek is moderately difficult to complete in 7-12 days, a reasonable progression for adventurers moving deeper into the Himalayas after enjoying Mardi Himal.

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek offers trekkers beautiful views of the Himalayas with none of the difficulty that comes with the longer or higher-altitude treks. It features a blend of stunning scenery, rich culture, and history that can all be completed in three to five days. The Gurung and Magar villages, terraced farmlands, and dense forests form the backdrop of the trekking experience.

Compared to the Mardi Himal trek that comes before it, this trek offers a gentler trekking experience. The most memorable features of this trek will be the sunrise at Poon Hill (3200m), one of the most renowned in the country, and famous for its multi-coloured rays that dance across the Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Nilgiri. This trek is perfect for people who want a short trek, but still feel the satisfaction that the trek was worth the effort in contrast to the more longer and demanding treks of the Himalayas.

Annapurna Circuit Trek

Trekkers seeking a longer and more challenging adventure after the Mardi Himal Trek should look no further than this legendary Himalayan journey. Spanning 12-18 days, this trek circumnavigates the entire Annapurna massif and crosses the renowned Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters. Over the course, trekkers will witness and experience dramatic shifts in geography and landscapes, including subtropical valleys, waterfalls, and high altitudinal deserts that will remind you of the ones in Tibet.

Along the trek, there will be opportunities for cultural immersion, engagement and encounter with various ethnic and cultural groups, with their respective communities, monastic settlements and religions. It’s an ideal journey for veteran trekkers, and for the less experienced, a perfect opportunity to hone trekking skills and advance to the next level.

Khopra Ridge Trek

The Khopra Ridge trek is a scenic and peaceful ridge line trek with limited crowds in comparison to the more popular Annapurna trails. Spanning 6-9 days, this trek gives trekkers views of the ranges of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Nilgiri and Fang. Set high above the main trekking routes, Khopra Ridge offers an atmosphere of seclusion and isolation that is reminiscent of the Mardi Himal experience.

A main feature of this trek is the optional excursion to Khayer Lake, a high altitude lake at which local people hold a sacred reverence. This trek is moderately difficult and is very suitable for those in search of solitude and quiet, unsullied wilderness, and views that take your breath away.

Annapurna Panorama & Australian Camp Trek

After completing the Mardi Himal Trek 9 Days, the Australian Camp Trek is the next step for trekkers who want a shorter, more relaxing trek. The trek takes 2-3 days, and consists of cozy villages, gentle trail, and peaceful forest. The viewpoint of Annapurna South, Machapuchare, and the Hiunchuli range can also be seen while at Australian Camp.

The trek is also great for families, beginners, and trekkers who want to relax and enjoy the Himalayan scenery. In the larger scope of things, the trek works great for a warm-up or cool-down trek for longer journeys.

Mohare Danda Community Trek

The Mohare Danda trek is a great trek that offers a fully immersive cultural experience and some lovely mountain views. This trek is designed as a communit based trek, so, through eco-friendly lodges and home-stay style accommodations, the local villagers are supported and benefited on this trek. The trek takes 5-7 days, and because this route is more quite than the Poon Hill trail, it offers even more stunning views of sunrises from Mohare Danda.

This trek also takes you through traditional villages of the Magar and Gurung people, and also large stretches of stunning rhododendron forests. For trekkers who enjoyed the sense of solitude that comes from the Mardi Himal, Mohare Danda is the perfect trek to follow.

Langtang Valley Trek

For trekkers seeking an altogether new region of Nepal after the Mardi Himal Trek 9 Days, the Langtang Valley Trek makes an excellent alternative. Langtang region, which is located north of Kathmandu, is famous for its extreme alpine scenery, yak pastures, and glaciers, as well as the Tibetan culture of the region.

This easy 6 to 8-day trek culminates in Kyanjin Gompa during which trekkers have the option of hiking to Kyanjin Ri for breathtaking views of the mountains. Unlike its commercialized counterparts, the Annapurna and Everest regions, Langtang offers an untouched tranquility and unique topography, making it perfect for a certain kind of trekker.

Everest View Trek

For those who wish to have a taste of the Everest region, picture of one of the most famous and highest peaks in the world is enough to make a trek exciting. Everest View Trek is a short, 5-7 day trek that takes you to Namche Bazaar, Khumjung village and the famous Everest View hotel, all while giving close access to the peaks of Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse and Thamserku.

If done after the Mardi Himal Trek, it will provide an added valuable experience, which will be well earned after the Sherpa culture and monastery steeped landscapes of the Everest region.