In the Annapurna Conservation Area, Mardi Himal Trek is a relatively new trekking route. This trekking trail officially opened in 2012 but it attracted the attention of lots of hiking lovers within a short time.
The key factors are that it is comparatively shorter than other Annapurna trekking routes and everyone will encounter variety from forested areas to the Rocky Mountains within the short track. Mardi Himal Trek ascends to Mardi Himal’s base camp.
Mardi Himal is located directly below the impressive Mount Fishtail, known as Machhapuchhre, and the best time to trek Mardi Himal is around Autumn and Spring.
Mardi Himal Trek’s highlights are the stunning glacial valleys and Annapurna’s hidden scenery with views of Mt. Annapurna I (8090m), Annapurna South (7219m), Machhapuchhre-Fishtail (6993m), Hiuchuli (6444m), Baraha Shikhar (7647m), Gangapurna (7575m) and Mardi Himal (5553m), etc.
Other attractions of this hiking path are the picturesque terraced landscape and Rhododendron trees, spectacular Sunrise and Sunset View from the High Camp.
As with other Annapurna trekking routes, Mardi Himal Trek’s gateway town is also Pokhara. After a quick drive (half an hour) from Pokhara, you arrive at Phedi.
After arriving at Phedi, you continue trekking to Dhampus, then reach Pothana. Walking down the Rhododendron forest trail from Pothana is very exciting.
The forest track continues to approximately 3,300 m. When the path overlooks a rugged mountain setting with stunning views of Mardi Himal, Machhapuchhre and South Annapurna.
There is a low camp with potentially the best views of Machhapuchhre and sunrise and sunset views anywhere in Nepal.
There is a high camp above this at 3580 m which again provides stunning views overlooking the Annapurna Base Camp. Then you can enter Mardi Himal Basecamp itself with views overlooking the entire range of Annapurna.
Mardi Himal Base Camp does not have guesthouses. So, after walking from High Camp to Mardi Himal Base Camp, you’re back to High Camp again for a night halt.
Instead, you walk down to Sidhing and Lumre where you end up trekking. You’ll then travel back to Pokhara with Kathmandu’s following.
Highlights of Mardi Himal Trek
- Magnificent views of sunrise and sunset from several different points of view
- Beautiful scenery, small villages, fields, rice terraces, beautiful mountains and hills
- In the spring the aromatic and vivid Rhododendron forests
- Splendid views over Machhapuchhre Himal (6,993m), Mt. Hiunchuli (6,441m), and the south of Annapurna (7,010m).
- Lovely homes and warm hospitality of locals
- Mardi Himal Base Camp and High Camp on Mardi Himal
- A quick tour of the splendid and unspoiled Annapurna region
- The region’s floral and faunal diversity
- The Gurung and Magar ethnic groups have a socio-culture and lifestyle.
When is Best Time for Mardi Himal Trek?
Mardi Himal Trek, like the other areas in Nepal, faces four seasons, namely Autumn, Spring, Summer, and Winter. Both these seasons come under different months and have various climatic and environmental variations. Let’s debate what is the best time for Mardi Himal Trek.
Autumn Season
Fall is the best time for Mardi Himal trek. The fall of autumn is in September, October, and November. It is one of the highest trekking seasons in Nepal.
Autumn is the post-monsoon season, because of the summer rainfall, which makes the Annapurna region surrounding. So the visibility of the mountain ranges and the region’s scenic beauty seem incredible.
Weather and Temperature during Mardi Himal Trek in Autumn
During the Mardi Himal trek, the weather and temperature are about 20°C in the daytime and at night the region’s temperature may fall to 10°C.
During this season you can not expect rainfall, except for early September. So trails to the Mardi Himal during the autumn season may not be rainy and muddy which makes it the best time for Mardi Himal Trek.
Since the Annapurna region’s weather and temperature are good, you do not have to bring along a lot of warm clothes. A minimum amount of clothes would be enough.
Pros of Mardi Himal Trek in Autumn
- The region’s temperature is neither too hot nor too cold which is ideal for Mardi Himal Trek.
- Since autumn is the season after the monsoon, there is less chance of rainfall except in early September.
Cons of Mardi Himal Trek in Autumn
- For Mardi Himal Trek autumn is one of the peak times of the year. Throughout the autumn you can see many trekkers on the way to the Mardi Himal. So, this season may not be an option for those who love to go trekking in solitude.
Spring Season
Spring is the second-best time for Mardi Himal Trek. It occurs in March, April, and May. Various plants grow during spring, and flowers such as Rhododendron bloom. It is the time of year when the natural ecosystem is green and new.
As you trek to the Mardi Himal this month, you can smell the fragrance of different flowers. During this season the beauty of wild flora and fauna reaches its full height. It is the pre-monsoon time so in this season, the skies are usually clear which will give you a better view of the mountains.
In Spring you can find several tea houses and restaurants along the trails to the Mardi Himal. And if you are planning to go trekking to the Mardi Himal in Spring, you don’t have to think about your food and accommodation. You will be provided with adequate facilities by the tea houses.
Weather and Temperature during Spring
The Annapurna region’s daytime temperature may range from 17-20 degrees during the spring season. The temperature at night will vary from 0- 5 degrees.
You may also anticipate some moderate rainfall in late May. So check the weather forecast before setting off for trekking.
You will not have to wear very voluminous clothes because of the warm and humid weather conditions during this season.
Pros of Mardi Himal Trek in Spring
- Adequate teahouse and lodging facilities as you can find lots of lodges during this season.
- Perfect weather and temperature to make a trekking trip amazing.
Cons of Mardi Himal Trek in Spring
- Some rainfall in May.
- Tea houses and lodges may get packed, as spring is one of the peak trekking seasons. So, booking early is advisable.
Summer Season
In Nepal, the summer season occurs in June, July, and August. They are the hottest months in the Annapurna Region. This season can also be called the season of the monsoon because it rains almost daily.
The path to the Mardi Himal is normally muddy and slippery, due to the monsoon season. Due to the wet and slippery way you may have to face some difficulties getting to the Mardi Himal Base Camp.
While the trails get muddy, the Annapurna region’s natural beauty looks spectacular after the storm. You can catch some impressive views of the mountain ranges.
Summer is one of the year’s least preferred periods for Mardi Himal trekking. However, you will have pleasant trekking experience to the Mardi Himal with the correct trekking gear and rain equipment.
Weather and Temperature during Summer
The Annapurna Region’s weather and temperature vary from 10 degrees- 23 degrees during the daytime during the season.
It is very well suited to trekking. At night, the place temperature can vary from 10-15 degrees.
Nevertheless, the monsoon rain is the only challenge that you have to face. It’s one of the reasons people do not normally trek to Mardi Himal during the season.
Pros of Mardi Himal Trek in Summer
- A small number of people during the summer trekking to the Mardi Himal. So, you got a tranquil hike.
- As the lodges might not be packed, you don’t have to think about the teahouses and accommodation facilities.
Cons of Mardi Himal trek in Summer
- All because of the monsoon rain your trek can be disrupted.
- In the muddy and slippery trails, you might find it difficult to walk.
Winter Season
In Nepal, the winter season occurs in December, January, and February. This winter season is not the best time for Mardi Himal trek because most of the trails on the way to the Mardi Himal can be coated with snow.
During this season the surrounding area is getting very dry and cold. Despite this, most visitors don’t want to winter trek to the Mardi Himal. But the region’s scenic beauty and the Annapurna region’s snow-covered mountains look incredible.
In the Annapurna region, the teahouses and lodges can not be packed during the winter season. You may not have trouble finding the right hotel for you, because of this.
The weather and temperature during Winter
In the winter season, the Annapurna region’s weather and temperature become chilly. The region’s average daytime temperature varies in Winter from 9-12°C.
And the temperature may also fall to -5 degrees at night. Much of the Annapurna region’s places are snow-covered. And because of that, when walking in the area covered with snow, you can face some difficulties.
Pros of Mardi Himal trek in Winter
- Winter trekking to the Mardi Himal is peaceful as there is a limited number of trekkers to the Mardi Himal.
- During winter the skies are almost dark during the months. So, you can take breathtaking pictures of the region’s scenic beauty.
- A lot of tea houses and lodges options.
Cons of Mardi Himal Trek in Winter
- For Mardi Himal trek in Winter, you have to bring lightweight trekking clothing.
- When walking at a cold temperature you may have some trouble.
Weather and Temperature around Mardi Himal
The Mardi Himal weather and temperature are variable all year round. In the four individual seasons temperatures and conditions are distinct. Summer / Rainy, Winter, Spring, and Autumn.
If we talk about Mardi Himal’s environment and temperature, we say the environment and temperatures at Mardi Himal Base Camp.
The environment for the trek is fine around Spring. The sky is bright and gray. The mountain views come unimpeded. Rhododendron woods are full of vivid blossoms.
The average temperature can be as high as 20 degrees. The daytime temperature is usually close to 17 degrees though. It’s colder at nights and early mornings but not freezing.
In the Mardi Himal June brings water. The season continues through to August. Nepal summer combines strong downpours with irregular monsoon rains.
The views can not be obvious at monsoon. Dark clouds can overtake the sky and heavy rainfall can block the panorama of the mountains. But if you’re lucky, after the heavy downpours, you’ll catch fewer and more stunning scenic views from the ground.
The maximum monsoon temperature ranges from 10 to 23 degrees Celsius. Throughout the nights and evenings, after rainfall temperature decreases from 5-10 degrees Celsius.
Mardi Himal’s autumn means a spectacular sunrise and sunset on a clear sky. Monsoon lights up the atmosphere. With grace, you shall see the mountains shine. The weather has remained clear and healthy.
Rainfall is least likely. But there are chances that during trekking in early September you will see little rainfall.
The temperature is about 20 degrees centigrade during the daytime. The temperature at night is similar to 5 degrees.
In the Himalayas, winter means freezing cold. December-February at Mardi Himal is winter. The weather is getting warm. The mountains and the trails are covered with snow piles.
In winter, the temperature decreases by 5 degrees Celsius (approx) for every 1000 meters of altitude ascent. During the daytime walking under the sun is dry.
The temperature is expected to be around 9 to 12 degrees. Freezing mornings and evenings. Temperature crosses around-Celsius 5 degrees.
Itinerary of Mardi Himal Trekking
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1300m)
Day 02: Drive to Pokhara (800m).
Day 03: Drive to Phedi and trek to Pothana. (1925m, about 4 hours trek)
Day 04: Pothana to Forest Camp at Kokar (2,600m)- 4 hours walking.
Day 05: Forest Camp to Low Camp (3,150m)- 5 hours trekking.
Day 06: Low Camp to High Camp (3,700m)- 4 hours trekking.
Day 07: Day excursion to Mardi Himal Base Camp and back to High camp/ (4,500m)- 4 hours Trekking.
Day 08: high camp to Siding village (1,750m) -6 hours walking.
Conclusion
Anyone can do Mardi Himal Trek; from beginner to seasoned hiker. You do not have to face difficulties while trekking to the Mardi Himal, as the paths are very clear. No ice picks and ropes are needed in this trek.
If you’re someone who’s used to traveling 5-6 hours a day, you can easily complete this trek. You can choose your best time for Mardi Himal Trek from the weather and temperature of the various reasons given above.
Radiant Treks is fitted with the correct members who will come to receive you from Tribhuvan International Airport and also drop you off for your final departure. If you have any questions about this trip then please contact us.
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