Best Time To Visit Mardi Himal

Best Time To Visit Mardi Himal

We all know how adventurous trekking in Nepal is. If you are looking for short and easy treks in Nepal, the Mardi Himal Trek is something you should consider.

It can be completed in 3-5 days and yet provides stunning visuals of the mountain ranges, including the Mardi Himal.

The best seasons of trekking in Nepal bring the best experience of trekking to Mardi Himal. So, what is the best time to visit Mardi Himal?

As autumn and spring are the best seasons to go trekking in Nepal, it is important to consider the perks you can get from visiting during these seasons.

Let’s deep dive into trekking in different seasons in Nepal and find out why autumn and spring are the best seasons to have trekking in the Mardi Himal.

About Mardi Himal Trek

Mardi Himal Trek is a relatively less-traveled and popular trekking route in Nepal in the Annapurna Region.

Though it is not as popular as trekking to Everest Base Camp or Annapurna Base Camp, it is slowly gaining popularity amongst trekkers.

It is one of the easiest and shortest treks, as it can be completed within 3-5 days of starting from Pokhara city.

Other than the Mardi Himal Trek, there are several other short treks from Pokhara you can consider trekking to.

With the Mardi Himal Trek, you can experience the stunning views of the Annapurna Himalayas, including Macchapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna South, and Hinchuli.

Trekking through the lush forest, alpine meadows and alongside the water streams, this trek eventually takes you to the Mardi Himal Base Camp, which is the highest point of this trek at an elevation of 4,500m.

Best Time to Visit Mardi Himal

As with every other trek, Mardi Himal Trek faces all four seasons too, i.e., spring, summer, autumn, and winter.

The temperature and weather are different with the variation of the seasons. Also, there are months of variation according to the seasons, so you are likely to face different experiences in each season.

Let’s dive into finding out the best seasons for trekking to Mardi Himal and the perks or

Spring Season (March – May)

Spring is one of the best trekking seasons in Nepal and is known for its stable weather, clear skies, and stunning views of the different mountain ranges.

It is one of the busiest trekking seasons in Nepal because it provides the best hiking conditions and the best time to experience the local culture.

Moreover, the rhododendron forest is well-known in the springtime. During the spring, the lush rhododendron forest in the Annapurna region adds vibrant red, pink, and yellow colors.

As spring comes after the winter season, the land is dry and warm, making it perfect for outdoor adventure activities, including trekking. And the likelihood of rain is at its lowest during this season.

Whether it is trekking to the Everest region, Annapurna region or any region of Nepal, spring offers the best experience of trekking on the landscapes of Nepal.

Highlights of Trekking to Mardi Himal in Spring

• There is beautiful scenery in the Annapurna region, including views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna South, and Mardi Himal.
• The rhododendron blooming season and wildflower-filled meadows add to the beauty of the surroundings.
• Less crowded, offering you more space to enjoy the scenery, trails and accommodation.
• Enjoy viewing various wildlife, including the snow leopard, Himalayan Tahr, and red panda.
• Learning about the culture and way of life of various traditional Gurung and Magar villages.

Autumn Season (September – November)

Autumn is another best season to do a Mardi Himal Trek, as it offers stunning visuals of the mountain ranges and the best trekking conditions with clear weather.

The autumn season comes after the monsoon so you can expect lush green forests and picturesque villages. The days are warm and sunny, which makes it ideal for hiking outdoors.

The clear and blue skies offer a spectacular mountain range view, which is one of the best highlights of trekking in the autumn season.

Additionally, this is a season when fewer people are around, making it more pleasant to hike on the trails and providing better lodging options.

Highlights of Mardi Himal Trek in Autumn

• Breathtaking scenery of the Annapurna region, including views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna South, and Mardi Himal
• The change in color of the leaves with the leaves on the ground offers a beautiful landscape view.
• Stable weather conditions with clear skies and mild temperatures. Also, rainfall is minimal, reducing the risk of landslides and trail disruptions.
• Pleasant daytime temperature, making it comfortable for trekking
• Tea houses, lodges, and trekking infrastructures are well-prepared and well-staffed during this season, ensuring that you have access to comfortable accommodations and meals along the trekking route.

Additional Seasons to Consider

While autumn and spring are considered the best times to visit Mardi Himal Trek, you can also consider additional seasons, i.e., winter and summer, for the trek.

Trekking to Mardi Himal in winter and summer presents different challenges and experiences due to the distinct weather conditions.

Winter in the Annapurna region, including the Mardi Himal, can be extremely cold, especially at higher elevations. The daytime can be chilly, and nights are often well below freezing.

Also, there are chances of snowfall, which can make the trails difficult to pass. However, if you are experienced and well-equipped, it is possible to trek the Mardi Himal in winter.

In addition to the challenges, the daytime during the winter is short. Due to this, you have to start the trek early in the morning and finish it early in the afternoon.

Summer, on the other hand, is also called monsoon season in Nepal. Trekking in Nepal during the monsoon season is not advised because this season receives unexpected and heavy rainfalls throughout the season.

The trails can be muddy and slippery, and there is a high risk of landslides and avalanches. In addition to the monsoon rains, this time of year is also hot, making it difficult to go on long hikes.

The challenges don’t just end there, as this season has very high humidity, which makes it difficult to breathe and can lead to dehydration.

However, if you are determined to trek in monsoon season, make sure you check out the weather and choose the trails carefully.

Mardi Himal Trek Itinerary Overview

Day 01 | Drive to Kande from Pokhara and trek to forest camp (7-8 hours)

• Average duration: 7-8 hours
• Trek starting point: Kande
• Highest altitude: 2,600m
• Highlights: Dense forest of oak and rhododendron, different species of birds, and snow-capped mountain peaks

Day 02 | Trek from forest camp (2,600m) to high camp (6-7 hours)

• Average duration: 6-7 hours
• Maximum altitude: 3,580m
• Accommodation available: Teahouse/Lodge
• Starting point: Forest Base Camp
• Major highlights: Low camp and Badal Danda view, blooming rhododendron flowers, himalayan herbs, and early morning sunrise view

Day 03 | Early morning trek to Mardi Himal Base Camp and trek back to Siding; drive to Pokhara city from Siding

• Average duration: 7-8 hours
• Maximum altitude: 4,500m (Mardi Himal Base Camp)
• Accommodation option: Hotel
• Starting point: Mardi Himal Base Camp
• Major highlights: Early morning sunrise view from Mardi Himal Base Camp; spectacular Annapurna range view, including Annapurna South and Mardi Himal

Packing List for Mardi Himal Trek (Autumn/Spring)

Having a better packing list is important if you are trekking to Mardi Himal, irrespective of the time you trek. If you are prepared with proper gear and have an ideal packing list, you can withstand any difficulties on the trails.

Here are some packing lists for the Mardi Himal Trek for the autumn/spring season:

Clothing

• Hiking boots or shoes
• Hiking pants
• Trekking shorts
• T-shirts
• Long-sleeve shirts
• Fleece jacket
• Down jacket
• Hat
• Thermal underwear
• Sunglasses
• Gloves
• Beanie

Equipment

• Backpack (30-45 liters)
• Sleeping bag (rated for 0-5 degree Celsius)
• Trekking poles
• Headlamp or flashlight
• Sunscreen
• Water bottle or hydration system
• Insect repellent
• First-aid kit
• Map and compass
• Camera

Toiletries

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Soap and body wash
• Towel
• Toilet paper

Other Items

• Money
• Passport
• Visa
• Travel Insurance
• Snacks
• Universal adapter
• Power banks

7 Best Tips for Trekking to Mardi Himal

• Pack light so that you can have an enjoyable trek. Bring what you need or consider hiring a local porter.
• Trek during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons, as they offer mild and sunny weather with clear skies and good visibility.
• The trek can go up to moderate difficulty even during the best time so always be prepared for the challenging trek.
• Enjoy the views from the viewpoint by taking enough time. This allows you to rest on the trail too.
• Drink plenty of fluids to keep your body hydrated.
• Plan the trek ahead, including the cost, days you will spend, and the itineraries. Want a hassle-free trek to Mardi Himal? Get the Mardi Himal Trek 3 day package with Blue Lake Adventure today.
• Lastly, don’t forget sunscreen, sunhat, sunglasses, and insect repellent.

Lastly, is the Mardi Himal Trek worth it?

Mardi Himal is one of the best and shortest trekking routes in Nepal and takes you through stunning visuals of the mountain ranges, lush rhododendron and picturesque villages.

During the best seasons, i.e., autumn and spring, the trek offers the best experience. With the captivating views of the Mardi Himal and Annapurna ranges from the Mardi Himal Base Camp, yes, the Mardi Himal Trek is worth it.

Getting to experience the natural beauty of the Annapurna region, the climate and the atmosphere within a 3-5 day trek is just an amazing moment.

In conclusion, the best time to visit Mardi Himal is in the autumn and spring, offering you the best trekking experience, stunning views of the mountain ranges, lush rhododendron forests, and captivating traditional villages.