Mardi Himal Trek is a beautiful hidden trek in the pristine Annapurna region. Only local shepherds had access to this recently opened off-beat trail until its official opening in 2012. The verdant landscapes of the trail and the snow-capped gigantic mountains in the backdrop are breathtaking.
Many trekkers think that trekking in February is not possible owing to cold weather. However, the Mardi Himal trek in February is absolutely doable. Moreover, the snow deposits on the mountains make the region look like a winter paradise. The pristine and untouched trails are less crowded with the fewer number of trekkers.
Moreover, you will get a clear blue sky along the trek. While the nighttime temperatures are quite cold, the daytime temperatures are ideal for a trekking experience. Besides that, the trekking and weather conditions improve quite a lot in late February. You can trek peacefully in a quaint trekking atmosphere.
Furthermore, you must pack all your trekking gear and warm clothes for the trek. Overall, the Mardi Himal trek in February is an incredible experience in solitude and tranquillity! So what are you waiting for? Book your trip now!
Significant Highlights of the Mardi Himal Trek In February
- Breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountains are Annapurna South, Mardi Himal, Machhapuchhare, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I, Himchhuli, Manaslu, and others
- Outstanding views of the sunrise overlooking the snow-capped mountains
- Observing the amazing winter wonderland
- Exploring the virgin landscapes of the region
- Opportunity to spot the rare flora and fauna of the region
- Exploring the culture and heritage of the Magar and Gurung community
- Incredible hospitality of the local people
- Bargain trek with a massive discount as it is the offseason
Mardi Himal Trek Route
The trek starts with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara. We then drive to Pothana via Phedi and start our trek towards the Forest Camp. The trails then lead us to the lush rhododendron forests till the elevation of 3200m. We then ascend towards the Base Camp. The trail then leads us to the rugged terrains as we arrive at the Base camp.
We can observe the magnificent views of the snow-capped mountains, including Mt. Annapurna, Mt. Machhapuchhre, and Mt. Hiunchuli. We will then trek back using the same route as earlier! This easy trek is ideal for first-time trekkers as well as veteran trekkers. The comfortable trails are smooth, and there are many accommodations along the trail as well.
How is the Weather Around the Region in February?
Mardi Himal Trek in February is on the colder side, but it gets warmer during late February. Trekkers need to carry proper trekking gear and equipment as you will trek in the winter.
In late February, the conditions improve, and you will get mild to warm temperatures in the region. There is less rainfall in the region in February. The temperatures range from 4°C-19°C in the valleys of the Kathmandu and Pokhara valley. In the lower trails, the temperature reaches around 9°C-12°C and upper trails range around 1°C-13°C.
Moreover, the temperatures drop significantly above the altitude of 4000 m and can reach the temperature of -5°C. The day is bright with perfect trekking conditions and clear and unobstructed views of the snow-capped mountains. Overall, the Mardi Himal trek in February is an excellent experience.
How Difficult is Mardi Himal Trek in February?
There are various difficulties that trekkers may face in the Mardi Himal Trek in February. Some of the difficulty factors are as follows:
Altitude sickness
The trails of this trek pass along the elevation of 4000 m and above. There are minimal oxygen levels and air pressure in the region, which causes significant problems during the trek.
Altitude sickness is a condition that occurs when there is less amount of oxygen in the air than required by our body. Trekkers should acclimatize properly with regular hydration to tackle altitude sickness. You should not trek more than 600m in a single trekking day.
Weather conditions
The environment remains cold and frigid in the morning and nights. The high altitude Annapurna region has some unpredictable weather in February. The temperatures drop to around -12 degrees Celsius in the nighttime and range about 5-8 degrees in the daytime. Hence, you should trek with proper clothing and gear in February.
Remote terrains
Trekkers trek for around 5-8 hours a day on an average. There are chances of snowfall in the early parts of February. Trekking uphill on rugged terrains is tough. You should carry a trekking pole along with you as the trails can get very slippery.
Moreover, the trails of this trek pass through the remote terrains. Hence, the off the beaten paths are quiet, and there are fewer accommodations along the trail. The solitary trails are challenging, and there is a chance getting lost along the trails.
Overall, Mardi Himal trek in February comes with its own sets of challenges, but with proper packing and preparation, it is doable.
Food and Accommodation Along the Route
This off the beaten trek does not have many accommodation facilities along the trail. The trail remains quiet in February and you will not face crowdy trails in the region. You will find community-run tea houses and guesthouses along the path. The price is also reasonable and ideal for backpackers and budget travelers.
Moreover, the facilities are readily available, but you can book early to be safe from any hassles. You will get twin beds, a pillow, and a warm blanket in the teahouses. There are also additional facilities like hot water and Wi-Fi at an extra cost. The teahouses in the upper region have basic tea houses with no luxurious amenities.
Furthermore, you need to carry toiletries and sleeping bags along the trail. You will get the traditional Nepales meal of “Dal-Bhat.” It includes rice, dal (pulses), lentils, spinach, vegetables, gundruk, meat, and pickles. The balanced diet of “dal Bhat” gives you instant energy for the taxing trekking journey.
Similarly, there is a limited variety of western and international cuisine along the trail. You can also carry snacks like protein bars, chocolate bars, and others during the trek for instant energy. Overall, the food and accomodation is not fancy but its facilities are satisfactory nevertheless.
Why Go for the Mardi Himal Trek in February?
Quiet trek and accommodation
This stunning trek in the foothills of the Mardi Himal is an off-season trek. Thus, the trails of the trek are quiet, and you can enjoy the trek in a peaceful environment. You can observe the beautiful snow-capped mountains in all its glory.
Moreover, you can trek without any hassle as the accommodations are mostly empty. You will have the room all by yourself, including the bathroom.
Magnificent mountains views
The Mardi Himal trek in February is a scenic adventure with magnificent mountain views. You can observe the breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountains of the region.
February is the last month of winter, and thus the area looks like a winter wonderland. You will get some snowfall in the early parts of February, but the latter parts of the month have stable weather conditions. The snow adds to the incredible beauty of the region winters and looks like a winter wonderland.
Budget trek
This spectacular trek is ideal for budget travelers and backpackers. The trek and the facilities of accommodation, meals, and others are available at a reasonable price. The Mardi Himal Base Camp is an ideal experience in February.
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Outline Itinerary of the Mardi Himal Trek in February
Day 01: Kathmandu to Pokhara
Maximum altitude: 1350m
Drive duration: 7-8 hrs
Day 02: Pokhara to Pothana via Phedi
Maximum altitude: 1350m
Drive duration: 2-3 hrs
Trek duration: 3-4 hrs
Day 03: Pothana to Forest Camp
Maximum altitude: 2550m
Trek duration: 3-4 hrs
Day 04: Forest Camp to High Camp
Maximum altitude: 3550m
Trek duration: 5-6 hrs
Day 05: High Camp to Upper Viewpoint and back to High Camp
Maximum altitude: 3550m
Trek duration: 5-6 hrs
Day 06: High Camp to Kalimati Village
Maximum altitude: 3550m
Trek duration: 5-6 hrs
Day 07: Kalimati to Lumre and drive to Pokhara
Maximum altitude: 2550m
Trek duration: 2-3 hrs
Drive duration: 2-3 hrs
Day 08: Pokhara to Kathmandu
Maximum altitude: 1350m
Drive duration: 7-8 hrs
Mardi Himal Trek in February Cost
This stunning trek is a scenic remote adventure in Nepal. The rugged trails and the breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountains are the prime attraction of the trek. This trek is also available at a bargain price and is ideal for a budget traveler. The cost of the Mardi Himal trek is around the US $500-$700, excluding the international flight costs.
Moreover, the Mardi Himal trek cost is relatively less in comparison with other treks in the region. Besides that, you can reduce the cost of the trek by various measures. Overall, this short and scenic trek is ideal for budget travelers.
How to Train for the Mardi Himal Trek in February?
This trek requires a good training regime at least two weeks before the trek. These training regimes will help you gain stamina and endurance. You will also gain physical and mental strength. Ideally, you should start your training regime two-three months or at least two weeks before the trek.
Cardiovascular training
Cardiovascular training is another essential part of the training which includes activities like jogging, running, cycling, swimming, hiking, and other. These activities increase the supply of oxygen in your body. Moreover, you can also tackle altitude sickness with the help of these cardiovascular exercises.
Strength and endurance training
Strength and endurance training are essential parts of the training regime. You will also gain stamina and fitness through these training sessions. You can start by hike for 5-6 hours in hilly landscapes.
Moreover, these exercises also reduce muscle strain during the trek. Trekkers should eat a regular diet and hydrate regularly along with these training exercises. The meal should contain a high fiber and protein-rich diet. Overall, the strength and endurance training help you immensely in your trek.
Mental preparation
Mental preparation will make you ready for all the tough challenges of the trek in advance. You can take one-day hikes that will help you during the trek. Hence, you should also prepare mentally for the Mardi Himal trek in February.
Essential Tips for Mardi Himal Trek in February
Regular acclimatization and hydration
This excellent high altitude trek lies in the western region of Nepal. The trails of this spectacular trek movie above the altitude of 4000m at all times, and there are minimal levels of oxygen levels and air pressure.
Moreover, this increases the risk of altitude sickness among trekkers. Therefore, you need to acclimatize and hydrate to tackle altitude sickness. Acclimatization does not mean resting at all times. You will be trekking small distances and exploring around the place even in the acclimatization period.
Furthermore, acclimatization is essential for all trekkers. You will get to relax and go on a scenic tour of the region as well. Besides that, you should also hydrate regularly during the trek. Walking gradually at a slow pace also increases the oxygen levels in your body.
Prepare and pack properly
You should pack adequately for the trek in February which includes trekking gears and warm clothing. Trekkers should dress in layers that show that you can either add or remove layers based on the weather conditions. You should also carry down jackets and sleeping bags as the trails get freezing in the winter.
Moreover, the nighttime and early morning temperatures are extremely cold. A trekking pole is essential as the trails might get slippery due to heavy snowfall. Trekking shoes, warm clothes, thermals, accessories, first-aid are quite crucial as well.
Always hire a guide/porter
The off the beaten trek in the Mardi Himal region. You should hire a guide and a porter as the trails of this trek passes through the restricted area. You can also hire a professional trekking guide and a porter from a trekking agency. A guide will also help you learn more about the local culture and tradition of the region.
Furthermore, the occasional snowfall may cover the trail, and you might find it hard to locate the right path. They will also help you in case of any medical emergencies while trekking. A porter will help you immensely during the trek by carrying the heavy luggage. You can hire a porter if your luggage is massive, and you cannot take it on your own.
Begin your trek early
You should start the trekking adventure early to arrive at the destination early. The trek requires 7-8 hours of walking in a day, hence trekking early is essential to complete the trek in time. There might be other distractions along the trail, including snowfalls, and rainfall. You might need to stop in the middle of the trek. Therefore you should trek early.
Train well for the trek
A good training routine is essential for the trek in the foothills of the Mardi Himal. You will gain proper physical fitness through proper training for the trek. You also need a properly balanced diet along with increased water intake to complete the trek with ease.
Moreover, the training regime should include cardiovascular activities like hiking, jogging, cycling, swimming, and others. These activities will increase your stamina and endurance for the trek.
Get a proper Travel insurance package
You should also get proper travel insurance during the trek. The trek passes along the rugged terrains, and there are chances of accidents in the region. Hence, you should get yourself a proper travel insurance that covers injuries, flight cancellations, and even helicopter evaluation.
Moreover, the helicopter evacuation in the area might cost around $5000 to $10000. One thing you must remember is that the insurance package must cover the altitude of 4000m and above as the trek is a high altitude trek.
Mardi Himal Trek – Packing List
Clothing
- Short-sleeved trekking shirts
- Waterproof trekking pants/trousers
- Thermals
- Fleece sweaters
- Windproof/waterproof Outer-layer jacket and pants
- Liner socks
- Woolen trekking socks
- Down jacket
- Ski goggles
- Warm woolen cap
- Trekking boots
- Woolen gloves
- Umbrella/raincoat
Toiletries
- Shampoo
- Soap
- Toilet paper
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Quick-dry towel
- Sanitizer
First Aid
- Water purifier
- Anti-nauseant medication
- Sunscreen
- Rehydration salts
- Diamox tablets
- Mosquito and insect repellent
Accessories
- Moisturizer
- Journal
- Solar Chargers
- Power Banks
- Extra Batteries
- Mardi Himal Trek Maps
- Books
- Kindle
Important documents
- Passport
- Travel permits
The Final Say
Mardi Himal trek in February comes with its own sets of challenges, but it is doable. The weather conditions remain perfect for trekking, especially in late February, as the weather transitions from winter to spring.
Furthermore, the weather remains colder in early February. You should carry warm clothing and trekking gear for the trek. Overall, the Mardi Himal trek is a scenic adventure in February.
