Mardi Himal Base Camp Short Trek: 5 Days

Trip Introduction: Mardi Himal Short Trekking

The Mardi Himal or Mardi Peak (5,587 m/18,328 ft) is located in the Annapurna region, which lies in the Kaski district of Nepal. The peak itself lies beneath the prominent Mt Machhapuchre (6,997 m/22,950 ft) which is also known as “Fish Tail” and the base camp is surrounded by Annapurna Himal and Machhapuchre.

The Mardi Himal Base camp puts up a close-up viewpoint of Annapurna, Machhapuchre, and the Mardi Peak. Due to the well-organized accommodation option, breathtaking scenery, comfortable trekking route, and shorter trekking days for completion, the Mardi Himal Base Camp trekking has become a popular choice among many national and international visitors.

Similarly, the Mardi Himal Base Camp is considered one of the best trekking destinations available in the Himalayan region of Nepal. The trek to Mardi Himal Base Camp followed by the return journey through low Camp to Pokhara is an evergreen, trending destination in Nepal, offering trekkers an adventure similar to mountaineering. Therefore, the journey commences and ends at Pokhara which is one of Nepal's vibrant cities and is regarded as the biggest tourist hub of Nepal.

The Mardi Himal trekking map lies on the outskirts of the Annapurna Base Camp route, thereby offering breathtaking scenery of mountain peaks and ranges.
Trekkers can see the views of mountains and peaks ranging from 5500 meters to the almighty 8000 meters during the Mardi Himal trek.

• Annapurna I (8091 m/26,545 ft), Annapurna II (7937 m/26040 ft), Annapurna III (7,855 m/25,771 ft), Annapurna IV (7,525 m/24,688 ft), and Dhaulagiri I (8,163 m/26,781 ft).
• Dhaulagiri II (7,751 m/25,429 ft), Gangapurna (7,483 m/24,550 ft), Varaha Shikhar (7,847 m/25,744 ft), and Annapurna South (7,819 m/25,652 ft).
• Lamjung Himal (6,931 m/22,739 ft), Machhapuchhre (6,991 m/22,936 ft), Nilgiri (6,940 m/22,769 ft), and Tukuche Peak (6,920 m/22,703 ft).
• Singu Chuli (6,500 m/21,325 ft),and Hiunchuli (6,441 m/21,131 ft).
• Mardi Himal (5,587 m/18,328 ft), Thapa Peak (6,015 m/19,734 ft), and Tharpu Chuli (5,663 m/18,579 ft).

The popularity of Mardi Himal is due to its less crowded trail, the easy trekking route, and suitability for all types of trekkers including beginners, adventure sports enthusiasts, nature lovers, and of course hardcore trekkers. Although spring which lasts from March to May and autumn which lasts from September to November are considered the best trekking season or months for Nepal, the Mardi Himal Base Camp trekking can be done all year-round including winter and summer.

Similarly, the 5-day Mardi Himal trek takes explorers visiting the place through the valleys located between the Modi River and Mardi River. Trekkers will have the opportunity to visit some of the picturesque villages of the Annapurna area including Pitamber, Deurali, and Badal Dadha which are popular for their astonishing hospitality and beauty.

Talking about the history, the Mardi Himal Base Camp Trekking Route was established in 2012 by the comprehensive assessment conducted by the Annapurna Conservation Area Project, the National Trust for Nature Conservation, and the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN).

Besides this, as Mardi Himal comes under the Annapurna Conservation Area Project and it is marked as a protected area various permits or documents are required to enter the protected Mardi area. The permits including Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit and Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) card are mandatory for both national and international tourists.

Why choose the Mardi Himal short Trek? Why is Mardi Himal Base Camp trekking so popular?

The short trek to Mardi Himal lasts for five days meaning trekkers can complete a round trip to Mardi Himal Base Camp in a mere five days. Due to this short time frame, the popularity of Mardi Himal has seemingly increased. Not only this but also the high number of snowcapped mountains that are seen from the base camp of Mardi attracts a huge number of tourists every year.

Similarly, the maximum altitude to reach during the trek is 4500 meters/14,760 feet which is the height of the base camp. Thus, at this elevation, the chances of acute mountain sickness or altitude sickness are lower. Also, Mardi Peak itself is marked as a “trekking peak” by the government of Nepal so the trekking trail in terms of difficulty is very low and can be completed by many making it suitable for beginners.

On the other hand, the Mardi Himal trekking map not only encompasses natural beauty but also enables visitors to get insights into the religious and cultural aspects of Nepalese. Trekkers get to spend quality time in both rural and urban areas of Nepal including the vibrant Pokhara and traditional villages including Samjay Deurali and Badal Dadha where visitors can get an opportunity to interact with the locals and understand their way of life.

Moreover, the Mardi Himal Trek is a gateway to other iconic routes including the Annapurna Base Camp and Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek. The standard route to Mardi Himal Base Camp includes Kande, Deurali, Badal Dadha, High Camp, Mardi Base Camp, and Low Camp. However, there can be various circuit treks, extensions, and add-ons in the trek while encompassing Mardi Himal. A popular add-on can be the Mardi Himal Trek and Annapurna Base Camp trek or Annapurna Circuit Trek.

Similarly, Trekking Planner Nepal Pvt. Ltd can prepare a customized itinerary according to personal demands or interests. Routes and destinations can be carefully planned with a tailored time frame depending on comfort and schedule. So, prepare to witness the rich tapestry of diverse terrains, landscapes, and cultural engagements against the mesmerizing backdrop of the Himalayas' beauty.

Where does the 5-Day Mardi Himal Short Trek start and end?

The Mardi Himal Short Trek begins from Pokhara where trekkers will first take a drive to Kande. The drive can be on a shared or private vehicle depending upon the price and desire of the individual. The drive to Kande from Pokhara will take about forty minutes depending upon the traffic and road conditions.

Upon reaching Kande the official trek to Mardi Himal Base Camp begins. The walk initiates from Kande to Deurali. With the overnight stop at Deurali, the trek continues towards Badal Dadha. Badal Dadha is a panoramic hill station that provides splendid mountain views at a distance with shrubby alpine vegetation present on the hill.

 After Badal Dadha trekkers will continue towards High Camp. High camp is a pasture land with three lodges for accommodation that provide splendid views of Machhapuchre, Annapurna, and Hiuchuli. After spending quality time in High Camp, the trek leads visitors toward the grand feet of Mardi Himal known as the Mardi Himal Base Camp. After the grandness of Mardi Himal Base Camp, the return journey begins.

Following the trail along the Mardi Himal Base Camp, the return journey leads trekkers to Low Camp for an overnight stay. After the stay in Low Camp trekkers drop down to Sidhing. Upon reaching Sidhing trekkers will take a drive back to Pokhara in a private or shared vehicle. As trekkers reach Pokhara the journey with Trekking Planner Nepal for the Mardi Himal Base Camp 5 Day trek will come to an end.

What is the best season for Mardi Himal Base Camp trekking?

The Mardi Himal base camp trekking can be done all year round. The best season for trekking in the Mardi region for Mardi base camp is spring and autumn. However, trekking to Mardi Himal can also be done in the summer and winter seasons.

Spring which lasts from March to May is one of the best seasons to visit in Nepal. Spring season in the Mardi region is marked by clear skies and comfortable weather conditions that enable a great atmosphere for trekking.

Temperature in March

• Day temperature: 5°C to 20°C

• Night temperature: 5°C to below 0°C

Temperature in April

• Day temperature: 10°C to 20°C
• Night temperature: 5°C to 0°C

Temperature in May

• Day temperature: 5°C to 20°C
• Night temperature: below 0°C to (-5) °C

The spring season during the Mardi Himal Trek consists of warm weather during the day and slightly cold weather during the morning and night. Similarly, the blooming rhododendron that paints the vegetation in pink and red is a mesmerizing sight to see. On the other hand, the clear skies provide an unobstructed view of the mountains which are the main highlights of the trek. Due to the comfortable condition, heavy packing is not necessary which lowers the weight load for the trek.

Likewise, autumn in Nepal lasts from September to November which is another best season to visit in Nepal. The Autumn season in the Mardi region is marked by dry trails, beautiful mountain views with clear blue skies, temperature weather, and chilly mornings and nights.

Temperature in September

• Day temperature: 20°C
• Night temperature: 5°C

Temperature in October

• Day temperature: 10°C to 15°C
• Night temperature: around 0°C

Temperature in November

• Day temperature: 5°C and 15°C
• Night temperature: may fall below freezing point

Similarly, the chances of rainfall and snowfall are almost negligible during the autumn season. Another good thing about autumn is the resemblance of festival time during the period. Trekkers can get an opportunity to participate and get insights into the Nepalese culture and tradition.

Is the Mardi Himal Trekking Challenging? How to prepare for the Mardi Himal Base Camp trek?

The Mardi Himal Trekking is an easy trekking route. The suitability of Mardi Himal is best for beginner trekkers who want to start a short and easy trek. Saying that the Mardi Himal Base Camp can be completed by individuals with adequate physical fitness and a strong mentality.

Regarding the preparation for Mardi Himal Base Camp, people need to engage in physical or cardiovascular activities like hiking, running, swimming, and cycling one month before starting the trek. Besides that, individuals need to practice carrying at least ten kilograms of load every day which can later ease the experience in the trek.

 Also, trekkers or visitors who wish to travel to Mardi, need to do some research regarding the surroundings, weather conditions, and cultural practices of the area which will give them an idea of how the trekking will be carried out. Similarly, trekkers need to keep an open mind while trekking and not get irritated by small changes. Proper packing with all the essential gear and equipment can help to achieve the destination without much difficulty.

Another practice of acclimatization is to adapt the body to low oxygen levels can help to counter the effects of altitude sickness or acute mountain sickness (AMS). Drinking plenty of liquid and garlic soup with information from the Trekking Planner guide can help to control the symptoms of AMS in the high altitude of Mardi Himal.

Accommodation, Food, and Water During Mardi Himal Trekking

Accommodation

The Mardi Himal trek is considered a teahouse trekking trail which means that the options for accommodation are teahouses. The teahouses are the basic accommodation options that provide basic bed and blanket facilities for visitors. Similarly, the teahouses are available at every stop along the Mardi Himal for food and to spend the night. Although the teahouses sound basic, they are well equipped for electricity, bathroom and internet facilities. However, for those who seek luxury houses, the bad news is no such lodges exist in the remote region.

On the other hand, most of the teahouses have a shared bathroom facility and only a few with attached bathrooms. These teahouses also provide meals three times a day including breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a separate cost for food depending upon the menu. A single room in a teahouse consists of two single beds and a table for your accessories. However, in peak season booking the rooms in advance is a common practice done by Trekking Planner Nepal to provide guests with the best possible facility Mardi Himal can offer.

Food and Water

Food is the crucial and only source of energy in the Mardi Himal trek. Quality and delicious food are available at various stops on the trekking trail. Not only this, but varieties of food ranging from traditional Nepalese to Western dishes are available in the Mardi region. Similarly, there are various stops along the route where one can purchase some snacks, chocolates, and bottles of water. (Be sure to carry your waste back or properly dispose of the waste to lend a hand for environmental conservation.)

Similarly, the menu is prepared by the teahouses in the Mardi Himal Trekking Trail which are dedicated to both Nepali and international visitors. The common food and beverage options available on the trek during breakfast, lunch, and dinner are listed below:

Breakfast: The breakfast time in the teahouse usually starts around 7 am with food options including Plain Toast, French Toast, Cheese Toast, Plain Chapatti, Tibetan bread, Boiled eggs, scrambled eggs, plain or fried omelet, cheese or vegetable omelet, Tsampa porridge, apple porridge, honey porridge, oatmeal porridge, rice pudding, chocolate pudding, muesli, cornflakes, varieties of soup including mixed, vegetable, mushroom, tomato and garlic soup. Other options include plain pancakes, apple pancakes, chocolate pancakes, and pancakes with honey, butter, or jam.

Lunch and Dinner: Lunch and Dinner can be of similar choice and mostly the same in all the trekking routes available in Nepal. The traditional Dal Bhat is the famous option for reenergizing after the long walk along the Mardi Himal or even the Annapurna Circuit trek and Everest Base Camp trek. Dal Bhat (rice, lentil soup, vegetables, and pickles with an option for meat), thus being the staple food of Nepal is readily available in all parts of Nepal.    

Other options for lunch and dinner are Pasta, Noodles, Mo: Mo (dumplings), Burger, Thukpa, Burgers, Spaghetti, Potato items, Egg items, and many others.

Similarly, those who are much into desserts after dinner get the option of Apple pie, Pancakes, Chocolate Pudding, Rice Pudding, Yogurts, and many more.

Beverages: All sorts of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are available all along the Mardi Himal Base Camp trekking route. Drinks including tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and lemon tea are a popular choice among the trekkers. Similarly soft drinks like Coco Cola, Sprite, Mountain Dew, and many more. Similarly, there are chances of getting energy drinks likely named Red Bull or Coco-Cola but are not original. So before consuming such drinks check with the guide to confirm the originality and quality of the product.

Note: Drink plenty of water as your body will be dehydrated during the walk. On the other hand, drinking coffee or any alcoholic drinks can cause dehydration in the body. Thus, it is better to omit alcohol and limit the intake of coffee during trekking.

Electricity, Communication, and Internet facilities in the Mardi Himal Trek

It is necessary to understand that Mardi Himal trekking takes place in the remote region of Nepal. So, trekkers who wish to visit such regions must be flexible regarding electricity, Communication, and Internet facilities.

Similarly, it doesn’t mean that the region is completely out of such amenities. There is a good facility for electricity, communication, and Wi-Fi all along the teahouses. However, due to the remoteness, high elevation, and ongoing construction work these facilities might not be as expected. The details are mentioned below:

Electricity: As Mardi Himal is a teahouse trekking, electricity is only available in the teahouses. However, there are times when the teahouses may need to face power cuts in bad weather conditions or high voltage. In such conditions, the teahouse organizes the secondary power source just for lighting.

For charging, trekkers can charge their electronic devices in the hall of the teahouse while paying an extra amount. Some teahouses have charging points inside the room however, such rooms do cost more with the added price of charging. So, those who want to complete the Budget Mardi Himal Trek can bring additional batteries and a strong power bank to save the cost of charging.

Communication: Communication is possible along the route even in the Mardi Himal View Point. However, the quality might be compromised if trekkers need to cross some mountain pass, go through forest trails or some area in the trek might not have achieved the network facility yet. But the communication facility is better at the Mardi Himal teahouses and the network won’t be an issue if not for the ongoing construction or bad weather conditions.

Internet: The Internet is the newly introduced facility in Mardi Nepal. Therefore, Wi-Fi may not be of top-notch condition and widely spread. There are some teahouses where Wi-Fi is available however, even if available they do cost extra. So Trekking Planner Nepal provides SIM cards for free where trekkers can connect the data and access the internet.

Shower and Bathroom Facilities during the Mardi Himal Trek

The shower and Bathroom are other essential amenities during the Mardi Himal Trek. The teahouses available in the Mardi region provide shower and bathroom facilities. While there is an option for both hot and cold showers. Hot showers can cost extra and may not be available in teahouses located at higher altitudes. On the other hand, showers are either bucket, solar, or geyser each having its own cost.

In terms of bathrooms, Indian-style bathrooms with few or no options for Western-style are mainly available and are mostly shared among individuals. Some bathrooms are present in the flat while most are located at a distance.

Also, during the trekking route, toilet breaks can be done at lunch places shops, or even some houses if asked for permission that is only in emergency cases. The open letter is strictly prohibited.

Culture and Religion of The Mardi Region

The Mardi region lying in the Annapurna region is popularly inhabited by the Gurung community who are known for their humble nature and warm hospitality. The hill tribe along the Annapurna range practices Buddhism religion with an ancient practice of pre-Buddhism known as Bon.

The Bon religion is characterized by the worship of natural and environmental elements like rivers, forests, mountains, and many more. So, trekkers need to understand the importance of all these elements for the locals and omit any activities that clash with them don’t in their religion.

Along the trekking trail of Mardi Himal Base Camp monks dressed in various shades of yellow, orange, and saffron are seen. It is better to pay respect to such individuals who would likely bless all the trekkers walking on the Mardi Himal trekking path.

Similarly, the lower region has a mix of individuals with various communities that live in harmony The Hindu castes like Chettries, Brahmins, Tamang, Magar, Thakali, and Gurungs are found in such areas.

Permits and documents required for Mardi Himal Trekking

Mardi Himal which lies in the Annapurna region is marked as a protected area by the government of Nepal. So, permits and various documents are required to enter such protected regions. The permits and documents for the Mardi Himal Trekking in Nepal are listed below:

Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) Card: The TIMS card aims to ensure the safety and security of individuals during trekking in the Himalayan region of Nepal. The cost of a TIMS card is as follows:

 Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit: ACAP is a national park permit for the Annapurna Conservation Area. The cost of an ACAP permit is as follows:

Other documents: Documents including Passport Size Photographs, Personal Details.

Note: The TIMS card and ACAP are mandatory documents for the Mardi Himal Trek. There are check posts in various sections of the trekking route where these documents are thoroughly checked. The absence of the document will not allow the individual to enter further. Similarly, verified trekking agencies like Trekking Planner Nepal will apply for the documents from Kathmandu that will give trekkers under Nepal Trekking Planner a hassle-free experience.

Chances of Altitude sickness symptoms, prevention, and complications during Mardi Himal Trekking

Altitude sickness can affect anyone despite age. Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) or altitude sickness is mainly caused due to the decrease in the atmospheric pressure that leads to difficulty in breathing due to low oxygen levels at high altitudes. The symptoms of AMS are visible above 3300 meters which are as follows:

• Headache/Dizziness.
• Nausea/vomiting.
• Tiredness/fatigue.
• Sleepy but can’t sleep.
• Loss of appetite.

Prevention of Acute Mountain Sickness

• Ascend gradually
• Drink plenty of Fluids
• Acclimatization
• Avoid overexertion and limit the physical activity
• Eat plenty while maintaining a balanced diet
• Recognize the symptoms and communicate with the guide
• Be sure to rest and cover up the daily sleep routine

Complications of Altitude Sickness

Although very rare in occurrence, one should have a good understanding of the complications of altitude sickness. If altitude sickness goes bad, the following complications are seen which require immediate attention.

• High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE): This condition affects the lungs causing them to fill with fluid which can be fatal. So immediate attention to medical care is required.
• High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE): This is regarded as the most severe form of altitude sickness. HACE causes the brain to swell and is life-threatening. So immediate attention to medical care is required.

Is travel insurance required for the Mardi Himal Trek?

Travel insurance is necessary for the Mardi Himal Trek. While Trekking Planner Nepal doesn’t provide the insurance facility visitors should purchase the insurance from a reliable insurance company. Similarly, the insurance company offers various policies so it is recommended that travelers purchase the ones which cover the following:

• Emergency evacuation
• Trip cancellation or interruption
• Loss of baggage or goods
• Illness, injury, and medical cost

Thus, purchasing travel insurance will help to safeguard against various such conditions and compensate for any unforeseen circumstances. Although not mandatory, purchasing travel insurance has many perks so we at Trekking Planner Nepal Pvt. Ltd recommends every individual purchase insurance just to ensure the trekking experience.

Outline Itinerary

Day 1: Drive to Kande, then Trek to Samjay Deurali 1 hr drive and 4 - 5 hr trek

Day 2: Trek to Badal Danda (3,210m/11,528ft.) 6-7 hrs

Day 3: Trek to High Camp (3,600m/11,810ft.) and Acclimatization 2-3 hours trek

Day 4: Hike to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m/14,760ft.) and trek to Low Camp (3,050m/10,006ft.) 7-8 hrs trek

Day 5: Trek to Sidhing and drive to Pokhara (800m/2,624ft.) 3 hours trek and 3 hours’ drive