Mardi Himal Trek

Home  /  Trekking in Nepal  /  Annapurna Region Trekking  /  Mardi Himal Trek

Mardi Himal Trek

Mardi Himal Trek  is a tropical and fascinating trekking route in the western Annapurna region of Nepal and is located east of Modi Khola across the valley from Hiunchuli. The trip covers some of the breathtaking glacial valleys and the masked Landscape of the Annapurna region. The trek is also commonly known as an Eco Tourism trial that crosses through dense Rhododendron forests and varieties of Vegetation. The picturesque adventure to Mardi Himal will also be completely soaked with the views of snowcapped peaks. The trial was first discovered in 1961 through a route via the east flank and was officially opened in 2012 for trekking. Mardi Himal trek leads you off 'the beaten path' away from the busy and crowded trials of the Annapurna region. The trek offers glorious views of the world’s famous and giant mountains including Annapurna I (8,091m), Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Hiunchuli (6,441m), Annapurna II (7,937m), Annapurna III (7,555m), Annapurna South (7,219m), Machhapuchre Fishtail (6,993m). Mardi Himal trek is a unique experience for trekkers with the warm welcome and activities of the local folks who live by the trails as trekkers hike into the thick forests.

 

Trip Details

  • Itinerary
  • Detail Itinerary
  • Cost details
  • Equipment

Itinerary:

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu [1,338m] Transfer to the Hotel.
Day 02: Sightseeing tour of Bhaktapur, Pashupatinath and Boudhanath. "B".
Day 03: Drive to Pokhara [970 m]. "B". (Drive 05-07 Hours).
Day 04: Drive to Hyangja and trek to Dhampus [1,750 m]. "B,L,D". (Drive 30 Minute). Trek (06-07 Hrs).
Day 05: Trek to Forest Camp [2,550 m]. "B,L,D". Trek (05-06 Hrs).
Day 06: Trek to Badal Danda [3,200 m]. "B,L,D". Trek (04-05 Hrs).
Day 07: Trek to High Camp [4,100 m]. "B,L,D". Trek (02-03 Hrs).
Day 08: Excursion to Mardi Himal Base Camp [4,500 m]. "B,L,D". Trek (07-08 Hrs).
Day 09: Trek to Siding Village [1750 m] "B,L,D". Trek (06-07 Hrs).
Day 10: Trek to Lumre then drive to Pokhara [930 m]."B,L". (Trek 02-03 Hrs and drive 01-02 hours).
Day 11: Fly to Kathmandu [1,338m]. "B". (Car+Flight+Car).
Day 12: Trip ends! Fly back home, taking with you the memory of a life time. "B". (Car).

Details Itinerary:

Day 01: Arrival to Kathmandu [1,330 m]: A representative from Adventure Treks Nepal will be waiting outside the airport according to your flight schedule to transfer you to the hotel. A short briefing will be done about the trip once you have checked in. If you have any queries always feel free to ask us. Overnight stay at Hotel.

Day 02: Cultural Tour in Kathmandu [1,330 m] - (B): After Breakfast we Proceed for sightseeing tour of Bhaktapur city 15 km from Kathmandu, known as city of Devotees and center of medieval art and architecture founded by King Anand Dev in 889 AD, visit Nyatpola temple, the most beautiful temple of Nepal, the 15th century palace of 55 windows, Golden gate and other place of Interest. Lunch Time: 1300hrs-14:00hrs PM: Visit Pashupatinath temple one of the most sacred Hindu shrine in the World. The holy river Bagmati and the burning ghats and also visit one of the oldest and biggest stupa of Boudhanath. Overnight stay at Hotel.

Day 03: Drive To Pokhara [930 m] - (B): After breakfast at the Hotel we begin our drive towards Nepal’s lake city, Pokhara. The drive will take about 6-7 hours where we follow meandering road over the valley. We then drive along the Trishuli River followed by another river, MArshyangdi River after we cross the half way. Crossing many local settlements we reach Pokhara normally in the afternoon. The rest of the day is at leisure after you have checked in. Overnight stay at Hotel.

Day 04: Pokhara drive to Hyangja - Trek to Dhampus [1,750 m] - (B,L,D): This is the first day of our Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek. We will begin our day with a drive to Hyangja, from where we set on a trail towards Dhampus where we will be spending our first night in the mountain. Trekking on a gentle path we climb the ridge above the Yangri Khola valley and trek through fields and houses of local people which offers great trekking experiences. The glimpse of Annapurna Himalayan Range is just breathtaking from Dhampus. Overnight stay at Tea House.

Day 05: Trek To Forest Camp [2,550 m] - (B,L,D): Early in the morning the rising sun brings an extraordinary views of Snowcapped mountains. We can witness sunrise over Annapurna I, Machhapuchre (Fish Tail), Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and many more peaks. We then leave towards Forest Camp on comparatively less trekked trek leaving the crowd behind. The trail is one of the lately discovered trekking trail in the Nepal’s Himalayas which is still able to escape the crowd of trekkers. We trek through captivated forest od Rhododendron, maple, mountain oak and daphnia. We will have overnight stay in forest camp. Overnight stay at Tea House.

Day 06: Trek to Badal Danda [3,200 m] - (B,L,D): After your breakfast we will continue our trek towards Badal Danda. The trail today will be mostly inside the forest in the beginning and after we have our lunch in Low Camp the flora will change the more we climb higher and the rhododendron forests will now be less as mosses and lichen will take over the nature on today’s trail. The view of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli is just imposing. We will reach Low Camp in the afternoon where we will be spending the night. Overnight stay at Tea House.

Day 07: Trek to High Camp [3,550 m] - (B,L,D):  We wake up with an amazing view of Mt, Fishtail along with Annapurna South and Hiuchuli. Today is a short day and also a day for acclimatization. After breakfast we begin our climb towards High Camp. As we will be higher in altitude we will take it slow on this day. We will reach High camp for lunch. After lunch you can explore the high camp and catch an amazing sunset. Overnight stay at Tea House.

Day 08: Excursion to Mardi Himal Base Camp [4,500 m] - (B,L,D): Today is the highlight of the trek. We will wake early to catch the sunrise over the Himalayas which turn snow into gold with the first rays of the sun. After breakfast we will hike up to Mardi Himal Base Camp. The trail is mostly covered with grass where some of the parts are steep. We will pass numbers of herder’s herd on our way to Base Camp as during summer sheep and goats are brought up to graze from lower villages. After 2- 3 hours we will be at base Camp from where we will have panoramic view of Annapurna Himalaya range including the south face of mighty Annapurna. Return back to high Camp after spending sometime at the Mardi Base Camp. Overnight stay at Tea House.

(If weather conditions require it, we shall descend through High Camp to trek on down to a re-established Low Camp to spend the night there.)

Day 09: Trek to Siding Village [1750 m] - (B,L,D): After witnessing and capturing the amazing view and the breakfast we will leave for Sidding village. We will trek on the same trail we used to go up. We will have lunch at Badal Danda or Low Camp we continue our trek to Sidding village where we stay for the overnight. The trail mostly downhill through the dense forest up to Siding. Overnight stay at Tea House.

Day 10: Trek to Lumre then drive to Pokhara [930 m] - (B,L): Today is the last day of our trekking. After breakfast at sidding we start our trekking to Lumre from where we take a drive to Pokhara. Overnight stay at Hotel.

Day 11: Mountain Flight to Kathmandu [1,338m] - (B): After breakfast in Pokhara, we have a mountain flight to Kathmandu; it is a thrilling, exciting flight over forests, fields and villages with the Himalayas in the background. On arrival, we transfer to the hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Overnight stay at Hotel. (If you wish to drive please infrom).

Day 12: Fly back home - (B): You will be dropped to the Tribhuwan International airport by a representative from Adventure Treks Nepal according to your flight time. Fly back home with memories that last lifetime. 


Note: If the above itinerary does not meet your needs, we can design individualized travel plans based on your preferences.

Trip Cost Includes:

  • Arrival and Departure Transport.
  • Standard Accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara with breakfast.
  • Duffel Bag using for Trekking.
  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner during the Trekking.
  • Accommodation in Tea house during the trekking.
  • Kathmandu Pokhara Transport.
  • Pokhara Hyangja Transport.
  • Lumre Pokhara Transport.
  • Pokhara - Kathmandu flights with airport Tax. 
  • Trekking Porter with Insurance. (We Provide 01 Porter for 02 Pax).
  • Trekking Guide with insurance.
  • Trekking guide and porters food and accommodation, wages etc.
  • First Aid kit.
  • Mardi Himal Base Camp Trekking Region map.
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) entry permit fee.
  • Trekker’s Information Management system (TIMS).
  • All Government taxes.
  • Office service charge.

Trip Cost Excludes:

  • International Airfare.
  • Your travel insurance of any kind
  • Nepal entry Visa fee (US$ 30 for 15 days you should get visa open your arrival)
  • Drinks, Dessert, Juice, Mineral Water, Heater charge, Hot Shower during the Trekking and main meals in cities.
  • Tips for Guide, Porter and driver.

 

Weather information

We offer trekking in Nepal from mid-September to May. However within this period there are clear seasons in the weather. From early September the monsoon rains decrease. By mid-October through to December the weather is usually stable with mild to warm days, cold nights and clear views. Daytime temperatures can reach 25-30 deg C at low altitude in October and nights can drop to below 0 deg C at higher altitudes.

Winter trekking, from December to February, offers cool to mild and clear days with often very cold nights. Daytime temperatures at low altitudes will be mild, around 20 deg C and at night may drop to 0 or as low as -10 deg C at the higher points. Occasionally winter storms can bring snow as low as 2500m.

In March the cold, dry winter season begins to give way to warmer, wetter spring conditions. Mornings are usually clear with cloud build-up occasionally bringing afternoon rainstorms. Daytime temperatures increase quickly in March, with temperatures of up to 30 deg C and mild nights at low altitudes. The increase in rainfall in the hills is more than compensated for by the spectacular displays of rhododendrons and other wildflowers at this time of year. Late spring conditions, as in April and May, are generally hot at low elevations and as the clouds build up to the next monsoon, daily afternoon rainstorms are common. This is a period that generally has clear weather at the higher altitudes and is traditionally a time when mountaineering expeditions commence their ascents.

The monsoon creates a rainy season in Nepal, which lasts from mid-June to mid-September. During this time the Nepal Himalaya is unsuitable for trekking, with the exception of a few remote valleys. We offer treks during this period in Low altitude Treks in the Nepal Himalaya, Tibet & India (Kulu, Ladakh).

The post-monsoon period: From early September the monsoon rain starts to decrease. By mid-October through to mid-December the weather is usually stable with mild to warm days, cold nights and clear views. Daytime temperatures can reach 25-30 degrees Celsius at lower altitudes and decrease as you gain height. Over 3000 meters the daytime temperatures can vary as much as 10 to 20 degrees Celsius, and may be hotter or colder, depending on whether it is sunny or windy etc. At night at lower altitudes, temperatures do not normally drop much, although as you approach November it does get colder and the days shorter. Up high it can drop sharply at night, from 0 to minus 10 or 15 and more when camped on the ice or snow.

The pre-monsoon period:In March the cold, dry winter season begins to give way to warmer, wetter spring conditions. Mornings are usually clear with cloud build-up bringing occasional afternoon rainstorms. Views of the mountains in the middle of the day and afternoon may often be obscured. Daytime temperatures increase quickly in March with temperatures of up to 30 degrees Celsius and mild nights. At higher altitudes it is similar to the conditions of the post-monsoon period, however there is usually more snow, which has accumulated over the winter period. There are spectacular displays of rhododendrons and wildflowers at this time of year. Late spring conditions ie April and May, are generally hot at low elevations and as the clouds build up to the next monsoon, daily afternoon rainstorms are common.

List of Clothing Equipments & Personal Effects

  • Lightweight Trekking (walking) (Waterproof) boots and spare laces. If new one is being bought, “walk then in” to avoid blisters. Also bring spare laces.
  • A pair of track shoes for evening and walk around campsite.
  • Warm Jackets (Fiber fill or down) down should be adequate.
  • A rainproof jacket with hood or ponchos (Get guaranteed Waterproof)
  • Woolen shirts and thick sweaters.
  • A pair of lightweight/heavyweight trousers. Jeans are unsuitable to wear on treks.
  • Thermal underwear.
  • A tracksuit.
  • 2 pair of loose fitting long shorts/skirts.
  • Few pairs of cotton T-shirts.
  • At least 1 lightweight long sleeved shirt is particularly to avoid sun born.
  • A woolen hat for morning and evening and Sun cap (Hat) during the day and ensure it has a wide brim to cover the face and neck..
  • A pair of gloves.
  • A pair of sandals to shower and campsite.
  • Few pair of thin and thick woolen socks.
  • Underwear: normal quantity and swimming costume.
  • Sleeping bags for night. (At least -20 Celsius)

Equipment and Accessories

  • Duffle bag or kit bag to carry gears while trekking. (We provide)
  • Daypack to carry personal day requirements. (25-30 Ltr) This is a small rucksack to carry personal requirement for the day
  • Water bottle.
  • Snow glasses and sunglasses.
  • 2-5 large plastic bags to separate clean and dirty clothes. Some small plastic bags for garbage.
  • Toiletries with large and small towels. Toilet paper can be by in Kathmandu and some villages in the mountains.
  • Wallet or money belt with compartment for coins.
  • Headlamp or torch light with spare batteries and bulbs.Candles or lighter to burn toilet paper and to lit on.
  • Snow gaiters essential during winter and High Altitude trekking.
  • Walking poles. (If you like to have).
  • Camera with spare batteries and films
  • Reading materials, game items (optional), note book, rubber band, pen and pencil, envelopes, a diary, a calendar, a pocket knife, binoculars (optional), a small pillow or headrest (optional). Thermoses (optional)- an inflatable sleeping mat, trekking map, adequate quantities of
  • passport photograph
  • First aid kit with enough Personal medicine.

Physically prepare yourself: It is important that your body is adequately prepared for the physical challenges of trekking. It is thus important that you assess your own condition and train accordingly. In general, the fitter you are, the easier it will be for you to handle the rigors of the trek. A well-rounded training program would include strength training, aerobic cross training, and hiking (ideally at high altitude but not necessary).

Mentally prepare yourself: Mental preparation is often overlooked. You should always keep a positive state of mind, but not ignore the signals your body sends you. Your mental stamina will, without a doubt, make the most difficult parts of the trekachievable.

We will keep the packing list update asnew equipment becomes available. If you have reviews or suggestions please send us an email.

Trekking in Nepal need not be considered risky affair as far as your health is concerned. Nevertheless, preventive measures such as a through medical checkup and inoculations before you start trekking can save you from unexpected hazards. Since the remote places of Nepal are not supplied with necessities that are essential for modern medical facilities and as the rescue and evacuation are measured in days, it is imperative to make a comprehensive first aid box consisting of basic drugs and accessories as part of the paraphernalia for trekking. Modern dentistry is unknown in the hill of Nepal so it is advised to have a checkup before departure from home. Tooth fillings; sometimes loosen in cold temperatures and high altitudes, so it is recommended to have them checked. Travelers are requested to bring medicine prescribed by their doctor at home. Common medicine for stomach problems, headache, and malaria is available in Kathmandu. Medicine is usually not available in remote areas. So necessary medicine is advisable to carry with you. Before going to Nepal, it is advised to get injections against typhoid, meningitis and hepatitis.

OVERCOMING ALTITUDE PROBLEM: This is often known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), which is particularly a matter of important medical consideration while trekking in the Himalayas. Altitude Sickness means the effect of altitude on those who ascend too rapidly to elevations above 3000 meters. Early mountain sickness will manifest itself in headache, nausea, shortness of breath, fatigue; etc can be encountered as initials of the sickness. The major information source on prevention and treatment of the sickness is Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA) and Adventure Treks Nepal (P). Ltd. is the confide life member of it. We assure every trekker that all our guides have followed the training conducted by HRA with the understated information.

CAUSE/FACTOR OF ALTITUDE SICKNESS
1. Less Oxygen
2. Low Pressure i.e. Barometric Pressure
3. Rapid Ascent
4. Possible Dehydration
5. Hypothermia TYPE OF ALTITUDE SICKNESS

  TYPES ALTITUDE SICKNESS
1. AMS - Acute Mountain Sickness
2. HAPE - High Altitude Pulmonary Edema
3. Hace - High Altitude Cerebral Edema

SYMPTOMS
1. (AMS) ACUTE MOUNTAIN SICKNESS
Mild symptom feels like hangover/not feeling good
a. Headache
b. Fatigue/Tiredness
c. Nausea
d. Shortness of breath
e. Loss of appetite
f. Sleep disturbance
g. Dizziness

2. (HAPE) HIGH ALTITUDE PULMONARY EDEMA (Water in lungs)
a. Increasing shortness of breath even at rest
b. Severe cough-dry/Productive
c. Very tired-Unusual fatigue while walking
d. High Pulse rate i.e. 110
e. Blueness of face, lips, finger nails that means inability to transport Oxygen into the blood

3. (HACE) HIGH ALTITUDE CEREBRAL EDEMA (Water in the head)
Severe symptoms of altitude sickness
a. Severe Headache
b. Vomiting
c. Walking like a drunk (Ataxia)
d. Mental confusion/Altered mental status
e. Irritable-Does not want to be bothered by other people
f. Unconsciousness or Coma
TEST - Tandem walking test, Heel to toe step fall off from the line.

DECISION MAKING
1. Find out the main problem i.e. at altitude. Assume all problems are Altitude Sickness unless proven otherwise.
2. If it is an altitude problem with mild symptoms, stay at the same altitude until the symptoms are completely gone. Take an Aspirin tablet, try to go up but listen to your body. If symptoms are worsening, go down.

PREVENTION
1. Acclimatization: - After a 1000m. Ascent, stay one more night for acclimatization.
2. Do not make RAPID ASCENT; don't go too fast too high.
3. No alcohol, sleeping pills and smoking.
4. Drink more fluid 3-4ltrs a day… clean, boiled or treated water/tea/coffee/soup/juice etc.
5. Do not carry heavy packs.
6. Climb higher sleep lower.
7. Do not travel alone.

TREATMENT
1. DESCENT is the best medicine; do not wait for the Helicopter.
2. Medicine:
a. Oxygen.
b. Diamox…for AMS 125mg. Before dinner, for sleeping problem if feeling suffocated.
c. Nafedipine for HAPE
d. Steroids/Dexamethasone for HACE
3. Hyperbolic Bag - Gammow Bag
4. Golden Rules
a. Awareness of ALTITUDE SICKNESS
b. If you have mild symptoms, do not go higher. Take Aspirin.
c. If you have worsening symptoms, go down.
d. Do not leave your team member behind unattended, either trekker or porter.
5. IMPORTANT
a. Go up slowly.
b. Drink plenty of fluids (at least 3 liters per day)
c. Get all information about Altitude Sickness before your trekking tour that will make you confident to make your tour successful.

Our advice: Drink 3-4ltr of water minimum a day, don't exhaust yourself so much and breathe deep and take rest more than usual.
Book This Trip   Inquiry

 

AT A GLANCE

  • Trip Duration: 12 Days
  • Difficulty Grade: Moderate+
  • Max Altitude: 4,500m
  • Meals: B, L, D on Trek
  • Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge
  • Best Season: Oct-May
  • Views: Annapurna, Machhapuchhre & more.

Annapurna Trekking


Trekking in Nepal