Mardi Himal Trek

Mardi Himal Trek Cost

Mardi Himal Trek is one of the most affordable adventure holidays in the Himalayas of Nepal. The total cost of the 11-day standard package is USD 760 per person.

The standard package includes the essentials, including 3-star accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara, 6-night teahouse accommodation in the trek, transportation, permit fees, guide and porter costs, meals, etc. 

However, if you book the Mardi Himal Trek in a group, Nepal Gateway Trekking will offer a special discount of up to USD 120 per person, depending on your group size. Since there are no luxury lodges along the Mardi Himal route, there’s no option to upgrade the teahouse accommodation during the trek.

However, you can upgrade the transportation option (to and from Pokhara) from a luxury tourist coach to a private vehicle. Depending on the car, you may need to add an extra USD 200 to upgrade the road transportation. Moreover, if you want a more comfortable and time-saving option, you can upgrade the two-way transportation to commercial flights for an extra USD 200 to 250 per person.

Permits required for Mardi Himal Trekking

You need the two government trekking permits for the Mardi Himal Trekking. They are Trekkers’ Information Management Systems (TIMS) and the Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit (ACAP).

These permits will be checked and verified at the Tourist Checkpoint in Pothana.

• Trekkers’ Information Management Systems (TIMS) 

The TIMS Card is a mandatory trekking permit introduced in collaboration with the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and TAAN. This permit is meant to ensure the safety and security of the trekkers through registration checkpoints and manage their flow.

Moreover, the fees collected by TIMS Card go towards the insurance of local guides and porters.

Where can you get the Trekkers’ Information Management Systems (TIMS)?

You can get this permit from the NTB and TAAN offices in Kathmandu/Pokhara. The TIMS Card costs NPR 2,000 for foreigners and NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals.

• Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit (ACAP)

Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit (ACAP) is mandatory for all treks within the Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA). The permit is valid for a single entry and exists. The permit fee contributes to the ACA’s environmental preservation, tourism promotion, and social development.

Where can you get the Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit (ACAP)?

You can get this permit from the NTB office in Kathmandu/Pokhara or the park entry gate at Pothana. The ACAP permit costs NPR 3,000 for foreigners and NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals.

How difficult is Trek to Mardi Himal?

Trek to Mardi Himal View Point is a short and moderate trek in the high Himalayas of the Annapurna region. Although this trek does not involve direct climbing or mountain pass crossing, you must walk over rocky and steep terrains near High Camp and Upper Viewpoint.

Besides that, the Mardi Himal Trek involve 5 to 7 hours of slow walking with an average ascent of over 500 meters. The entire trek covers roughly 64 kilometres, with over 400 kilometres of bus travel from/to Kathmandu.

The most challenging section of the Mardi Himal Trek is a 3-hour hike from High Camp to Upper Viewpoint. Likewise, the downhill to Low Camp and Lwang village is also quite steep, often catching trekkers’ knees.

In the 11-day Mardi Himal Trek itinerary, you’ll spend only three nights above 3,000 meters. You spend two nights at Low Camp (3,050 meters) and one night at High Camp (3,580 meters). 

Moreover, you’ll spend less than an hour at 4,200 meters at Mardi Himal Upper Viewpoint. So, high-altitude sickness isn’t much of a concern in the Mardi Himal Trek. 

As a short and moderate trek, Mardi Himal is an excellent option for trekkers with little to zero trekking experience.

Training for Short Mardi Himal Trek

Although this trek is moderately challenging, a few arduous sections require a decent fitness level. You do not need to train like a professional athlete or bodybuilder. You must be comfortable to hike for 5 to 7 hours with a decent-size backpack on rugged terrains, steep sections, and adverse weather.

You should start training at least 4 to 6 weeks before heading to Mardi Himal. Here are a few training tips to improve your fitness level for this trek.

• Engage in steady-state cardio and aerobic exercises such as jogging, running, swimming, rowing, and rope jumping. These exercises help improve your cardiovascular health, stamina, brain function, lung capacity, and overall immune system. Cardio workouts also help improve muscle strength around ankles, knees, and hips, ensuring better joint support and reducing the risk of injury.
• Add exercises that strengthen your core and upper body muscles in your training regimen. A strong core enhances balance, stability, posture, body alignment, and functional movement. Likewise, upper body exercises develop muscles in the shoulders, arms, back, and chest, allowing you to carry a backpack for a long period on uneven surfaces. Besides that, these exercises help you recover faster, support energy expenditure, and prevent injury during the trek.
• Add at least two days of leg-focused workouts each week. Leg workouts strengthen glutes, hamstrings, quads, and calve muscles, helping you overcome steep and uneven terrain. These exercises also improve your stability and balance, support joint health, enhance flexibility, and reduce post-trek soreness.
• Incorporate regular stretching into your workout routine to enhance the range of motion in your joints and muscles. Add a 30-minute stretching routine before your daily workout to improve blood circulation, boost mental endurance, maintain proper posture, reduce joint stiffness, and prevent injury.
• If there are hiking trails near your hometown, we recommend that you occasionally go for conditioning hikes. Start slowly with short-distance walks around the area. After a couple of weeks, gradually increase the distance, intensity, and duration. Wear your hiking boots and carry a weighted pack to replicate similar conditions if possible.

When is the Best Time for Trekking to Mardi Himal View Point?

There is no denying that the season directly affects weather conditions, trail conditions, crowds, and the overall trekking experience. While it is possible to trek to Mardi Himal View Point all year long, each season brings a few ups and downs.

Autumn (September to November)

Autumn brings the perfect weather for trekking to Mardi Himal. The weather mostly remains stable, with moderate temperatures, low precipitation, and gentle wind. 

As monsoon rain clears the sky of dust during this time of the year, the skies are bright and clear, with splendid views of mountains, landscapes, and nature. Likewise, the forest section in the lower reaches of the Mardi Himal Trek stays monsoon-like green and lush.

While the trek is relatively enjoyable, the only downside of trekking in autumn is the crowded trail. Note that Mardi Himal Trek has become quite popular among domestic tourists in the past few years. Most of them choose to travel during this time of the year, as it coincides with the holiday season in Nepal (Dashain and Tihar).

Spring (March to May)

After autumn, spring is the second best season to trek to Mardi Himal. This is the end of the harsh winter in Nepal. Hence, the temperature remains moderate and dry during this time of the year.

The sky, with unobstructed mountain views, is bright and clear in the mornings. The thick cloud cover and poor visibility prevail in the afternoon. However, the trails in the upper sections are snow-free, making the walk more comfortable and enjoyable.

In addition to mountain views, spring is the best time to admire this region’s greenery and blooming. The blooming rhododendrons and colorful wildflowers are remarkable to notice. The lower sections of the Mardi Himal Trek are covered in rich hues of rhododendrons, orchids, magnolias, and primroses.

Winter (December to February)

Winter is a less popular time to trek to Mardi Himal. It brings extreme cold and harsh weather, especially in the upper sections. On a sunny day, the daytime temperature in these regions is tolerable. The nights can often get extreme, with temperatures dropping as low as 0°C or even minus.

It is common to have snowfalls in the areas above Low Camp, covering the trails in thick snow. Moreover, the steep section from High Camp to Upper Viewpoint can be tricky during the winter. The snow makes the trail slippery and increases the risk of missteps.

Having said that, a handful of courageous trekkers favour winter over other seasons. Despite the cold, the snow-covered mountains and landscapes bring a different magic that excites a few trekkers. The trails are almost empty during this time of the year, bringing a sense of peace and solitude.

Monsoon (June to August)

Monsoon is the least favoured season for trekking to Mardi Himal. It brings heavy rainfall, resulting in wet, muddy, and slippery trails. Constant showers and thick fog can also affect visibility in the upper section of the trek. It will make the walk more challenging and difficult because of slippery.

During monsoon season, the lower regions of the Mardi Himal Trek are infested with leeches. Therefore, we recommend wearing long trousers, high socks, and high-neck shoes.

However, the valleys and forests breathe a different life during the monsoon season, with lush greenery and blooming wildflowers. Unlike peak trekking seasons, you can enjoy empty trails during this time of the year.

Acclimatize and Safety for the Mardi Himal Trek Route

The highest elevation point of Mardi Himal Trek Route is 4,500 meters at Mardi Himal Upper Viewpoint. Although there is a risk of high-altitude sickness at such high elevation, you’ll only spend a short time at the Upper Viewpoint.

Therefore, acute mountain sickness (AMS) risk is significantly less in the Mardi Himal Trek. Regardless, you must not neglect the elevation and consider a few things to acclimatize naturally. These help to make your journey to Mardi Himal more comfortable.

Things You Should Do 

• Walk slowly and steadily to let your body acclimatize naturally in the thin air.
• Drink at least 3 to 5 litres daily to keep your body hydrated in the mountains.
• Avoid cigarettes, alcohol, and other stimulants that result in dehydration.
• Losing your appetite at high altitudes is common. You should eat a proper diet to replenish your body with essential nutrients and calories.
• If you experience any symptoms of high-altitude sickness, inform your trekking guide right away. He can assess your health condition and take the appropriate action.

Accommodation on Trek to Mardi Himal View Point

We’ll provide comfortable 3-star accommodation during your stay in Kathmandu. We provide tourist-standard hotels in Pokhara. These hotels offer high-class amenities, including comfortable bedding, en-suite bathrooms, and air conditioning in the room. They have an in-house restaurant and dining area, etc.

While on the trek, you’ll settle in local teahouses for overnight accommodation. The teahouses in Mardi Himal Trek are relatively basic since this trekking route officially opened for trekkers just over a decade ago.

The number of teahouses and lodges in the Mardi Himal route has increased significantly in the last few years. The newer teahouses are slightly better equipped than the older ones, but the upgrade is somewhat marginal.

The rooms in the teahouses are small and cozy. The rooms are with twin or multiple beds, warm blankets, comfortable pillows, and foam mattresses. They do not have in-room heating facilities. Almost all teahouses in Mardi Himal have a shared toilet and shower section. 

Note: All accommodations (in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and during the trek) are on a twin-shared basis. If you do not prefer to share the room, we can arrange a single supplement for an additional cost. However, this may not always be possible, especially in the upper part of the trek, due to the limited number of rooms.

Meals during the Mardi Himal Hike

Our standard package includes breakfast at hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Your three meals a day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek. Breakfast and dinner are usually served at the teahouses where you stay, and lunches are served en route.

Compared to other commercial treks in Nepal, the food options in the Mardi Himal Trek are limited. The menu combines typical Nepali foods with a few continental dishes. 

Dal Bhat is the staple, while momo and chowmein are the favourites. Other local delicacies include thukpa, fried rice, noodles, chapati, and Tibetan bread. Likewise, continental options include sandwiches, pancakes, and pasta.

The beverage options include milk tea, black tea, instant coffee, soft drinks, ginger tea, lemon tea, and hot juice.

Drinking Water Condition in Mardi Himal Hiking Route

Tap and boiled water are commonly available in the teahouses of Mardi Himal. Although the locals drink directly from the tap, you should always consider treating the water before drinking it. Untreated or unfiltered water is known to cause water-borne diseases, which can ultimately ruin your trek.

Invest in a decent water bottle with a straw filter to remove bacteria, protozoa, and microplastics from water. You should further use chlorine—or iodine-based water purifiers to ensure the water is safe to drink.

The teahouses also provide boiled water for a nominal fee of USD 2 to 4 per liter. Although boiled water is considered safe to drink, we suggest you use purification tablets or drops. 

Bottled water is also available in every lodge and teahouse of Mardi Himal. You can buy bottled water for USD 2 to 4 throughout the trek. However, we do not recommend buying bottled water as it is not sustainable or environmentally friendly.

Hot Shower Facilities en route to Mardi Himal

Hot showers are available in every teahouse en route to Mardi Himal. Until Forest Camp, the teahouses provide gas—or solar-powered hot showers. Once you go past Forest Camp, there is no running hot water for showers. If you want to go for a full wash during the trek, you must make do with a bucket bath.

Hot showers cost up to USD 4 in the lower reaches and up to USD 6 in the upper reaches.

Mobile Network and Internet Connectivity

Mobile network coverage is available for NTC and Ncell along the Mardi Himal route. Signal strength is decent in the lower reaches of the trek until Forest Camp. Once you walk past Forest Camp, it becomes weak, irregular, and nonexistent at times.

You can expect 3G data coverage in sections with decent signal strength. However, it can be unreliable and spotty in higher altitudes as the mobile network depends highly on weather conditions.

All teahouses and lodges in Mardi Himal offer Wi-Fi services for a nominal fee of USD 2 to 5 per device. However, the signal can often be poor and infrequent due to the remoteness and weather conditions of the region.

Electricity

Electricity is accessible along the entire route of Mardi Himal. The teahouses until Forest Camp are powered by hydroelectricity. So, charging your mobile phones and other devices is not a problem in the lower section.

After Forest Camp, the teahouses rely on solar-powered electricity. In bad weather, the electricity may not be available in the upper section. So, carrying a high-capacity power bank to charge your devices is advisable.

The rooms in the teahouses do not have charging sockets, so charging your devices in the room is not possible. Instead, the teahouses have a common charging station in the dining room, where everyone plugs their devices.

There is a nominal fee of USD 2 to 5 to charge your mobile phone and other devices.

ATMs and Money Exchange

Since most lodges and teahouses in the Mardi Himal only accept local currency, i.e., Nepalese Rupee (NPR), you must carry extra cash for personal expenses during the trek.

Note that there are no money exchange centers or ATMs on the route to Mardi Himal. Hence, you must exchange foreign currency or withdraw cash before heading to the mountains.

There are plenty of money exchange centers and ATMs in the touristy areas of Kathmandu and Pokhara. If you plan to exchange foreign currency, we recommend doing so in Kathmandu for a better exchange rate.

Travel Insurance

Mardi Himal is a moderately demanding trek with minimal risk of acute mountain sickness. However, it involves walking on high-altitude, rough terrain for almost a week.

During the trek, you may encounter several unforeseen events, such as accidents, illness, physical injuries, etc. Therefore, it is mandatory to have a travel insurance policy when signing up with Nepal Gateway Trekking.

Here are a few things your travel insurance must cover:

• The cost of emergency medical transport, i.e., helicopter or ambulance.
• Medical coverage for general illness, physical injuries, and acute mountain sickness.
• Reimbursement on prepaid expenses and flight change/cancellation fees.
• The cost of stolen or lost items during the trek.
• Elevation coverage for trekking up to 4,500 meters.

Guide and Porter Information

Nepal Gateway Trekking takes pride in providing highly skilled guides and porters in all our treks and expeditions. Our guide and porters have extensive knowledge of the region. They have over a decade of experience leading trips in the high Himalayas of Nepal.

For the Mardi Himal Trek, we’ll provide a professional, English-speaking guide who can help you navigate the region. He also shares valuable insights on its history, culture, and geography.

Besides, all our guides are well-trained and certified to handle emergencies. They all can handle high-altitude sickness, accidents, minor injuries, illness, etc.

We consider our guides and porters as an integral part of our team. Therefore, we ensure they’re treated fairly and receive much-needed support at every step. We pay our guides and porters above industry standards and provide high-end gear for all our treks.

Gratitude to the Trekking Crew

There is no doubt that the trekking guide and support crew are the unsung heroes who effortlessly contribute to making the Mardi Himal Trek successful. You can make several small gestures to show gratitude and acknowledge the team’s hard work and dedication.

• Although tipping is not mandatory in Nepal, it is highly appreciated. It is a great way to express your gratitude and support their livelihood.
• To show appreciation to the crew members, you can buy or donate items like warm jackets, boots, trekking accessories, etc. 
• Write positive reviews about the crew members on online platforms like TripAdvisor and Google Reviews. You can add their names and contact details so they can attract more clients in the future. 
• If your family or friends plan to trek in the Himalayas of Nepal, make a small effort to recommend your trekking crew and help them secure more work.
• On your last day in Pokhara or Kathmandu, invite them to lunch or dinner and express your gratitude in person.