Mardi Himal Trek - 9 Days

Trip Overview

The Mardi Himal Trek is one of the interesting treks in the Annapurna region of Nepal full of natural and cultural beauty. It is not crowded like many other treks and offers a great hidden beauty from where one can trek to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m). This base camp is located at the foot of the great Mardi Himal and the sacred Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) Mountain. The trail passes through wonderful lush rhododendron and oak forests, alpine meadows, and rugged landscape, rewarding the trekkers with great panoramic views of snow-covered mountains such as Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre. The Mardi Himal Trek 9 Days is moderate in difficulty and quite peaceful, making it a perfect fit for trekkers who love adventure in the Himalayas and want to do it in a more peaceful environment.

The Mardi Himal Trek 9 Days is both a natural and cultural trek. It passes through Gurung and Magar villages, as they stand witness to Nepal’s warm and unique rural lifestyle characterized by hospitality, culture, and local flavors. Here you can find terraced farmlands, grazing yaks, and bright fluttering prayer flags against high mountains. Mardi Himal Trek offers you a link with nature as well as culture-the culture of the Himalayas. That indeed, is trekking in its completeness.

Preparation for Mardi Himal Trek 9 Days

Required Permits for Mardi Himal Trek

If you are ready to go to Mardi Himal Trek 9 Days, there are two major permits that you will require. They are: Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) card.

These permits can be obtained from Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu or Pokhara. You must submit the copies of your passport, visa, photographs, travel insurance, and permit fees to be eligible to gain these permits. You don’t have to worry about it as our guides will help you through the process.

Considering the cost, the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) has the price of NPR 3000 for international trekkers and NPR 1000 for trekkers from SAARC region. Similarly, Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) Card will cost you NPR 3000 per person.

Guides and Porters

One of the best things you can do to improve your experience on the Mardi Himal Trek 9 Days is to hire experienced guides and porters. Guides are knowledgeable about the routes of the region’s trails, local customs, and safety protocols. They make this journey not only enjoyable but secure. They also share priceless knowledge about the culture, flora, fauna, and history of areas crossed by each trail.

Porters help to relieve your burden by taking care of the more significant belongings during the walk so that you can enjoy the scenery much better. The porters carry around 20-25 kg per person and are accustomed to terrain. Hiring local guides and porters promotes local economies and is an ethical way to guarantee fair wages and working conditions. It is very important to be grateful and respectful for their hard work, as without them, your trek becomes unsuccessful.

Hiring a guide can cost you around USD 25 to 35 per person daily, while porters charge you around USD 20 to 30 per person.

Best Season for Mardi Himal Trek

The best time to do the Mardi Himal Trek 9 Days is from September to November and from March to May, when the weather is generally clear and dry. It is possible to do the trek at other times of the year, but the weather can be more unpredictable, and some trails may be inaccessible due to snow.

Communication and Internet during Mardi Himal Trek

Mardi Himal Trek is a trek with limited communication because of the high altitude, though the limitations might not reach the level of Annapurna Circuit or Sanctuary Trek. Mobile network providers such as Ncell and Nepal Telecom usually cover the lower areas of Pokhara and the nearby villages. But as you go up to High Camp or Mardi Himal Base Camp, the signal weakens a lot. Most teahouses on the way will have Wi-Fi, which is, however, offered at an extra cost and might be much slower or unreliable because of their remoteness.

For emergencies, some guides might be carrying satellite phones. Most trekking groups will announce to their communication channels if there is any change in plans. In this case, getting a local SIM with data or a global Internet roaming plan helps to a certain extent, but always expect some areas without network coverage.

Travel Insurance

Comprehensive travel insurance is necessary for Mardi Himal Trek. High-altitude trekking, medical emergencies, emergency evacuation, trip cancellations, or delays must all be included in the terms of this insurance. One thing to keep in mind is that altitude sickness doesn’t spare. When coverage for emergency evacuation is in place, though, help is not far away.

Make sure your coverage specifies trekking above 4,500 meters, as typical policies often rely on wording pertaining to “normal holidays.” Copy and carry the policy with you before you up-sticks and leave, as well as share the policy with your guide or trekking agency. With all incidents being rare, unpredictability with weather or health issues can take place, making it important to have insurance for trekking.

We highly recommend you buy your travel insurance from trusted companies like AXA Assistance and Travelex.

Food and Accommodation

Basic accommodation and food during the trek to Mardi Himal will be available. Teahouses, or small lodges along the way, give simple rooms like twin beds or shared bathrooms. Although some areas have offered only common sleeping areas, as you climb up the site, the facilities become limited.

Teahouse kitchens prepare meals; their menus have local Nepali items like dal bhat (rice, lentils, and vegetables). International cuisine options such as pasta, pancakes, and soups are only available at lodges in lower altitudes. Usually, fresh and nutrient-rich, this food supplies energy for trekking purposes.

There is boiled or bottled drinking water, although bringing a purification system is recommended to minimize plastics. Rooms might not be heated, so ensure that you take along a warm sleeping bag.

Major Packing List for Mardi Himal Trek 9 Days

• Hiking Boots: Comfortable, waterproof, and well-broken-in.
• Thermal Layers: Essential for warmth in cold nights and higher altitudes.
• Sleeping Bag: Rated for at least -10°C for chilly Himalayan nights.
• Down Jacket: Lightweight yet warm for evening use.
• Daypack: 20–30L capacity for carrying essentials.
• Trekking Poles: Reduce strain on knees and improve balance.
• Water Purification Tablets: For clean drinking water throughout the trek.
• Headlamp: Necessary for early starts and evening use.
• First Aid Kit: Include blister treatments and altitude sickness medication.
• Snacks: High-energy bars and electrolyte powders for a quick energy boost.

Conclusion

Mardi Himal Trek is an amazing journey that brings the silence of the remote trails, the sceneries of the towering peaks, and the amazing cultural landscapes of the Annapurna region. From the peaceful forests and alpine meadows to the breathtaking views at the Mardi Himal Base Camp, every step is a unique encounter with nature’s grandeur. Alongside this goes the generous and gracious hospitality of local communities whose cultures fill the trek – it leads to an unforgettable experience for the traveled and untraveled alike.

Whether you are looking for a quiet place, a pleasing view, or an experience of culture, the Mardi Himal Trek 9 Days has something for you: an experience of the Himalayan region that goes deep into the heart and soul.

Mountain Treks Nepal Pvt. Ltd. welcomes all of you with a thankful heart as we have created a systematic schedule for the Mardi Himal Trek. We have 9 Days Mardi Himal Trek Itinerary made ready for you. Moreover, we have similar treks in Nepal and as well as Annapurna Region, that might be quite strenuous but almost all activities would be similar to, Annapurna Circuit Trek, Nar Phu Valley Trek and Annapurna Base Camp Trek.