Mardi Himal Trek

Best time to do the Mardi Himal Trek

Picking the right time to go is important. The weather changes with each season. Some months are great for flowers. Others have snow. Some are quiet but harder. Let’s look at each season so you can choose what works best for you.

Spring (March to May)

If you love nature or taking pictures, spring is a great time to go.

This is when rhododendron flowers bloom in red, pink, and white. They make the forest look bright and colorful, especially between Forest Camp and Low Camp.

The sky is usually clear by mid-March. You’ll get good views of Machapuchare (Fishtail), Mardi Himal, and Annapurna South.

It’s not too hot or too cold. You don’t need heavy winter clothes, but you still need warm layers at night.

Spring temperatures:

• Forest Camp and Low Camp: 10°C to 20°C in the daytime
• High Camp (3,580m): 0°C to 10°C. Nights are cold

Spring feels full of life. Birds sing, local people are out working, and the air is fresh. If you like wildflowers and clear mountain views, spring is a good time.

Autumn (September to November)

Many trekkers say autumn is the best season. After the monsoon rains, the sky becomes very clear. The mountain views are sharp and beautiful.

The trail is dry, so it’s easier to walk. Big Nepali festivals like Dashain and Tihar happen in autumn too. Villages are colorful and full of life.

Autumn temperatures:

• Below 3,000m: 5°C to 15°C during the day
• Above 3,500m (like High Camp): Nights can be below 0°C

This is the busy season. The Mardi Himal Trek is still quieter than Everest or Annapurna Base Camp, but you’ll see more people — especially near High Camp.

Monsoon (June to August) and Winter (December to February)

These are quiet times. The weather is harder, but if you’re ready, it can be special.

Monsoon (June to August)

The forest is green and beautiful. There are fewer people. If you don’t mind mud or rain, and you enjoy quiet places, this season might work for you.

• But be careful — the rain is heavy. Trails can be slippery. There are leeches in the lower forest. Landslides can happen. And mountain views are rare because of clouds.
• Good things: No crowds, green forests, cheaper prices
• Hard things: Heavy rain, leeches, possible landslides, poor views

Wnter (December to February)

This is a great time for snow lovers. The trail gets snow, mostly above 3,000 meters. Some teahouses close at High Camp, so check before you go. Going with a guide helps.

• Winter is very quiet. The snowy views are beautiful. The air is clean and cold.
• Good things: Very few people, snowy peaks, clear skies
• Hard things: Cold nights (can be below -10°C), some trails may close, some teahouses may shut

Monthly weather chart

Need help picking the best season?

Each season is different. Some people like flowers. Some like snow. Some want no crowds. Not sure what fits you best? Ask for help. We can guide you and help plan your perfect trip.

Mardi Himal Trek Difficulty: Is It Right for You?

How Fit Do You Need to Be?

The Mardi Himal Trek doesn’t need ropes or climbing tools, but it does need strong legs and good fitness. Most days, you’ll walk for 5 to 6 hours. There will be a lot of uphill walking, especially near High Camp (3,580 meters) and Base Camp (4,500 meters).

What to expect:

• The first two days have easier forest trails that go uphill slowly.
• After Low Camp, the trail gets steeper and has more rocks.
• Near High Camp, the path is narrow, windy, and along a ridge (high ground with drops on both sides).

You sleep in teahouses, which are warm and comfortable, but during the day your legs will work hard. If you already jog, hike, or go to the gym regularly, you should be ready for it.

Helpful tip: Bring trekking poles. They help you balance and protect your knees, especially when walking downhill.

Staying Safe from Altitude Sickness

Altitude sickness can happen when you go too high, too fast. You start low on this trek, but by Day 4 or 5, you’ll be close to 4,500 meters. That’s high enough to cause headaches, nausea, or dizziness.

The good news: This trek goes up slowly, and you’re only at high altitude for a short time. But you still need to be careful.

Tips to stay safe:

• Walk slowly and drink plenty of water.
• Don’t drink alcohol or smoke.
• You can add a rest day at High Camp if you feel tired.
• Learn the signs of altitude sickness. If you feel worse, go down.
• Talk to a doctor about medicine like Diamox before your trip.
• Many guides are trained in first aid and can help if needed.

Most people are fine, but serious help (like oxygen or a helicopter) is available if needed.

• Highest Point: Mardi Himal Base Camp – 4,500 meters
• Nights above 3,500m: Usually 2 nights – at High Camp and one other spot

Is This Trek Good for Beginners?

Yes, beginners can do this trek! In fact, many people pick it as their first trek in Nepal. But it’s not “easy” for everyone.

You don’t need climbing gear or special skills, but you do need:

• Strong legs for many hours of walking
• Mental strength to handle steep climbs
• Warm clothes for cold weather at high altitudes

If this is your first big trek, try doing a few day hikes or weekend trips before you come. Walk with a backpack to get used to the weight.

How Hard Is Mardi Himal Compared to Other Treks?

Mardi Himal is shorter than most treks and has fewer people. It gives great views of the Fishtail Mountain and feels peaceful. It’s a good mix of adventure and comfort.

How to Get Ready: Packing, Training & Permits

Even though this trek is moderate, you still need to plan well. Having the right gear and building your strength will help you enjoy the journey more.

What to Pack (Based on Weather)

Weather in the mountains can change fast. One minute it’s sunny, and the next it’s cold or windy. That’s why you need to wear layers — clothes you can add or remove easily.

1. Footwear

• Hiking boots: Waterproof, with ankle support. Don’t wear brand-new ones — break them in first.
• Camp shoes: Sandals or slippers for relaxing at teahouses.
• Socks: 3–4 pairs of warm wool or quick-dry socks.

2. Clothes

• Base layer: Warm top and bottom (wool or quick-dry fabric)
• Middle layer: Fleece or thick jacket
• Outer layer: Windproof and waterproof jacket
• Down jacket: Light but warm (very important above 3,000m)
• Trekking pants and thermal leggings
• Gloves, wool hat, neck warmer, and sun hat

Season Tips:

• Spring (Mar–May): Cool mornings, warm days, flowers blooming.
• Autumn (Sep–Nov): Clear skies, chilly nights.
• Winter (Dec–Feb): Very cold and snowy. Bring extra warm clothes.

3. Gear

• Sleeping bag (for -20°C) – can rent in Pokhara or Kathmandu
• Trekking poles
• Headlamp and extra batteries
• Water bottle and water purifier (tablets or filter)
• Sunglasses, sunscreen (SPF 50+), and lip balm
• 30–40L backpack with rain cover
• Power bank (charging is limited at high places)

4. Optional but Useful

• Small towel
• Microspikes or crampons (for snow)
• Small first-aid kit with altitude medicine and band-aids
• Snacks or energy bars

6-Week Training Plan (for First-Time Trekkers)

You don’t need climbing skills, but this trek includes many days of uphill and downhill walking. Training will make the trek easier and more fun.

Weeks 1–2: Start Easy

• Walk fast or climb stairs for 30–40 minutes, 3 times a week
• Do bodyweight squats, lunges, planks (3 sets of 15)
• Weekend: Take a 5km walk with a light backpack

Weeks 3–4: Get Stronger

• Jog or climb stairs for 45 minutes
• Keep doing squats and lunges; add light weights
• Weekend: Go on 8–10km hikes with some hills

Weeks 5–6: Practice Trekking

• Go on longer hikes (10–15km) with a full backpack
• Use trekking poles and practice walking on rocky trails
• Try balance exercises — Himalayan trails are narrow and uneven

Extra Tip: Try to train with a friend or hiking group. It helps you get used to walking with others and staying in rhythm.

Permits for the Mardi Himal Trek: What Are TIMS and ACAP?

If you want to trek in Nepal’s Annapurna region, including the Mardi Himal trail, you need two important permits. This rule is the same no matter if you come from the U.S., Europe, Australia, or any other country.

1. TIMS Card (Trekkers’ Information Management System)

• Cost: NPR 2,000 (about USD $15)
• Needed for all trekkers, whether you go alone or in a group
• Helps officials keep track of trekkers and makes rescue operations easier in case of emergencies

2. ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit)

• Cost: NPR 3,000 (about USD $23)
• Supports the protection of the environment and local development in the Annapurna area
• Required to enter the protected areas on the Mardi Himal trail

Total Cost for Both Permits: NPR 5,000 (around USD $38 to $45, depending on the exchange rate)

Where Can You Get These Permits?

• In Pokhara: Tourist Information Center, Damside
• In Kathmandu: Nepal Tourism Board Office, Bhrikutimandap
• Through trekking agencies: Many local companies will arrange the permits for you if you give them:
  • 2 passport-size photos
  • A photocopy of your passport

Important Things to Remember:

• Permits cannot be shared or transferred to someone else
• You must carry your permits with you at all times during the trek
• There are several checkpoints on the trail where you have to show your permits
• If you get permits by yourself, it can take 1 to 2 hours to get them done

Trekking Agency, they usually take care of the permits before you start trekking. This makes things easier and saves your time.

What to Expect: Food, Teahouses & Life on the Trail

The Mardi Himal trek offers more than just beautiful views. It shows you the special way people live in the mountains. From the start of your trek to your return to Pokhara, you will experience the kindness of Nepalese people, enjoy staying in warm teahouses, and see the simple daily life of mountain trekkers.

Meals on the Trail: What Will You Eat?

When you trek the Mardi Himal trail, expect to eat filling foods full of carbohydrates to keep your energy up as you climb higher. Most teahouses follow a set menu made by local groups to keep prices fair and support the community.

Typical Meals Include:

• Breakfast: Pancakes, porridge, chapati with jam or honey, boiled eggs, and tea or coffee.
• Lunch & Dinner:
  • Dal Bhat (rice, lentil soup, vegetables) — this is a favorite local meal that you can eat as much as you want and it is full of nutrition.
  • Noodles and pasta dishes — usually cooked with vegetables or eggs.
  • Fried rice, soups, and momos (dumplings) — great for cold nights.

You can also buy snacks like chocolate bars, biscuits, and instant noodles in most teahouses. But remember, prices go up the higher you go because porters have to carry everything there.

Tip: Avoid eating meat after Forest Camp or Low Camp because keeping meat cold is hard. It’s safer to eat vegetarian food so you don’t get stomach problems.

Drinking Water: Is It Safe?

You won’t always find bottled water on the trail. When it is available, it costs more and is bad for the environment. Instead:

• Bring water purification tablets, a UV filter like SteriPEN, or a Lifestraw bottle.
• Most teahouses boil water for a small fee — this is a good option if you don’t have a filter.
• Drink lots of water — try to drink 3 to 4 liters a day, especially as you climb higher.

Teahouse Accommodation: Simple but Cozy

The teahouses on the Mardi Himal Trek are small mountain lodges run by local families. They offer basic but friendly places to stay and eat.

What to Expect in a Room:

• Two beds with foam mattresses, pillows, and blankets.
• No heating in the rooms, so bring a sleeping bag rated for -20°C to stay warm.
• Shared bathrooms — some have western-style toilets, some have squat toilets.
• Hot showers (usually solar or gas heated) are available but cost extra ($2–$4).

Electricity and Charging:

• Electricity is usually available in dining areas.
• Charging your phone or camera costs about NPR 200–500 depending on altitude.
• Bring a power bank or solar charger to save money.

Note: The higher you go, the simpler the teahouses get. High Camp has the fewest rooms, so book ahead during busy seasons.

Daily Trekking Routine: Life on the Trail

A normal day on the trail starts early and ends early. Here is a typical schedule:

• 6:00–7:30 AM — Wake up, get ready, and have breakfast.
• 8:00 AM–1:00 PM — Trekking time with short breaks and photo stops.
• 1:00–2:00 PM — Lunch break, usually where you will stay overnight.
• Afternoon — Go on short hikes to get used to the altitude, write in your journal, read, or talk with other trekkers.
• 5:00–7:00 PM — Dinner in the teahouse dining room, warmed by a wood stove.
• Evening — Go to bed early, most trekkers sleep by 8:00–9:00 PM.

Trail Culture Tips:

• Take off your boots before entering teahouse rooms.
• Greet locals with “Namaste” and buy local products to help the community.
• Keep noise down; the mountains are a quiet, peaceful place.

Social Life & Cultural Interaction

One special part of the Mardi Himal Trek is meeting other trekkers and local people. Teahouse dining rooms often fill with laughter, card games, and storytelling after the day’s walk.

You will also meet Gurung and Magar communities in the lower villages and learn about their traditions, kindness, and way of living.

Tip: Ask your guide to translate if you want to know more about local culture. They love to share stories about festivals, farming, and beliefs.

Trail Etiquette & Sustainable Trekking Practices

As more people visit Mardi Himal, it is important to trek responsibly to keep the area beautiful.

Do’s:

• Carry reusable water bottles and purification tools.
• Use biodegradable soap and never wash in streams.
• Take all your trash with you, especially plastic.
• Tip your guides and porters fairly (about 10–15% of your total trip cost).

Don’ts:

• Don’t give sweets or money to children — it can cause problems for them.
• Don’t go off the trail — it can be unsafe and hurts plants.
• Avoid loud drones or music — many people come for peace, and the mountains deserve respect.