Mardi Himal Trekking in March
The March-May Spring season is the best time to trek to Mardi Himal. The trek is a relatively lesser-known trek in the Annapurna region of Nepal. It’s known for its stunning views, peaceful atmosphere, and diverse landscapes, from subtropical forests to high alpine terrain. If you plan to trek Mardi Himal in March, here's an in-depth guide covering everything you need to know before trekking to Mardi Base Camp at 4100 meters. The weather in March, permit, transportation, overviews, highlights, trekking package cost, trek guide, and porter daily wages, condition of the lodge for night sleep, food, and more details in below.
Mardi Himal Trek Overview:
The Mardi Himal Trek takes you to the base of Mardi Himal, a peak that lies south of the Annapurna massif. The trek is known for its scenic beauty, with views of Annapurna, Machapuchare (Fishtail), and Hiunchuli. The trek is considered moderate in difficulty, and suitable for trekkers with a basic level of fitness.
Highlights of the Mardi Himal Trek:
- Diverse Landscapes: The trek passes through lush forests, terraced fields, and alpine meadows.
- Stunning Mountain Views: You’ll get magnificent views of Annapurna, Machapuchare, Dhaulagiri, and other peaks.
- Peaceful Environment: Compared to other Annapurna treks like Ghorepani or Annapurna Base Camp, Mardi Himal sees fewer trekkers, so it offers a more tranquil experience.
- Cultural Experience: You’ll experience the culture of the indigenous Gurung and Magar people.
March Weather on the Mardi Himal Trek:
March marks the beginning of the spring season in Nepal, and the weather is generally favorable for trekking you can enjoy your trip with the local community with excellent mountain views. Normally the weather conditions will be such as:
- Temperature: Daytime temperatures range from 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F) at lower altitudes, but it can drop to -5°C to -10°C (23°F to 14°F) at higher altitudes.
- Weather: Expect clear skies with mild daytime temperatures. Nights at higher altitudes can be cold and may have frost.
- Snow: Snow can still be present at higher altitudes, especially in the mornings. However, it’s usually manageable.
Transport to the Trek Starting Point:
Transportation is one of the most important factors of The Mardi Himal Trek, which typically starts from Phedi or Kande, which are accessible from Pokhara. Here's how you can get there:
From Kathmandu to Pokhara
Tourist Bus: The tourist bus is a reasonable transport way to get to Pokhara and starts from Kathmandu tourist bus station Sorakhutte at 7: AM in the morning 7-8 hours, costs $10 per traveler.
By Flight: The flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara to Kathmandu is quick travel, it takes approximately 25-30 minutes and costs $100 per person for each way flight journey.
From Pokhara to Kande/Phedi: Private or Local Bus: 30-45 minutes.
Private Jeep: A faster, more comfortable option if you have a group.
Accommodations & Food:
Teahouses: The Mardi Himal Trek has teahouses along the route offering basic yet comfortable accommodation and meals. Expect simple but hearty food like dalbhat (lentil soup), momo (dumplings), and potatoes, as well as pasta, rice, and noodles.
Facilities: Wi-Fi, charging, and hot showers are available in some places but are limited and can be expensive.
Trek Cost:
The cost of the Mardi Himal Trek can vary depending on several factors, such as whether you're trekking independently or with a guide/porter. Here's an estimate:
1. Independent Trekker:
Permits: TIMS (Trekking Information Management System) card: USD 20; ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit): USD 30.
Accommodation: Basic teahouse accommodation ranges from NPR 300 to 800 per night.
Meals: The average cost per meal is around NPR 500-900
Total: Approximately from USD 500–600 for a 5-7 day trek.
2. Trekking with a Guide/Porter:
Trek guide Cost: A guide costs around USD 25–30 per day including his daily wages.
Trek Porter: USD 15–20 per day including his daily wages.
Full Board Package Trek: The total cost could range from USD 700–900 for a complete trek.
Trek Permits
There are two main permits you will need for the Mardi Himal Trek: TIMS (Trekking Information Management System) Card: This is required for all trekkers and can be obtained in Pokhara or Kathmandu for about USD 20. ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit): This permit allows access to the Annapurna region and costs about USD 30.
Mardi Himal Trek Itinerary (5-7 Days)
Here’s a typical 5-7 day itinerary for the Mardi Himal Trek starting from Pokhara:
Day 1: Drive from Pokhara to Kande – Trek to Australian Camp
Drive: 30 minutes from Pokhara to Kande.
Trek: 1.5 to 2 hours to Australian Camp (2,060 m), a beautiful viewpoint.
Day 2: Trek to Forest Camp
Trek: 5-6 hours, ascending through forests to Forest Camp (2,500 m).
Views: Great views of Machapuchare and other peaks.
Day 3: Trek to Low Camp
Trek: 4-5 hours to Low Camp (3,150 m), crossing bamboo and rhododendron forests.
Day 4: Trek to High Camp
Trek: 4-5 hours to High Camp (3,700 m), with stunning mountain vistas.
Day 5: Mardi Himal Base Camp and Return to High Camp
Trek: Early morning hike to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500 m) for panoramic views.
Return: Hike back down to High Camp for the night.
Day 6: Trek to Forest Camp
Return to Forest Camp (3,000 m) from High Camp, approximately 5-6 hours.
Day 7: Trek to Australian Camp and Drive Back to Pokhara
Trek: 5-6 hours to Australian Camp, then drive back to Pokhara.
What to Bring
Clothing: Layered clothing for various temperatures, including a good down jacket, thermal wear, and a rain jacket.
Footwear: Sturdy trekking boots with good ankle support.
Sleeping Bag: Rated for cold temperatures if trekking at higher altitudes.
Water Purification: Water purification tablets or a filter.
Snacks: Energy bars and nuts for quick snacks during the trek.
Personal Medications: First aid kit and any personal medications you may need.
Other Tips
Altitude Sickness: While Mardi Himal isn’t extremely high, altitude sickness can still be a concern at higher altitudes (above 3,500 m). Take it slow, stay hydrated, and acclimatize properly.
Guide and Porter: Hiring a guide is optional, but it can help make the experience more enjoyable, especially if you want to learn about the region and its culture.
Booking: You can arrange a trek with a local agency or book a guide/porter booking in advance is always healthy for your Mardi trek with Nepal Spirit Adventure. In the main trekking season trek guide and porter will be busy and must work for them. A trekking job depends on a seasonal basis.
If you have any more specific questions or need further details, feel free to ask at the Nepal base trek operator
