Major attractions of 3 days Mardi Himal Trek
Breathtaking views
The 3 days Mardi Himal Trek is a unique way to approach the beauty of Mardi Himal through a scenic route. The outstanding journey presents you with the mesmerizing beauty of lush forests, cascading waterfalls, lakes, and the aerial beauty of distinct settlements. With steps forward, the journey wil present you with the stunning beauty of the Annapurna range, Dhaulagiri, Mt. Fishtail, Hiunchuli, and Mardi Himal. The panoramic views of breathtaking Himalayan landscapes instill tranquility within, while you’ll be able to attain peace in the presence of nature itself.
Cultural immersion
The 3 days Mardi Himal Trek offers you a unique opportunity to explore the distinct settlements of the region and immerse yourself in distinct cultures. As you ascend towards the Mardi Himal Viewpoint, the journey will take you through numerous culturally rich places of the Magar and Gurung communities. You’ll pass through culturally rich villages like Dhampus, Pothana, and Sidhing and also catch the stunning beauty of Lwang, Chhomrong, and Ghandruk. You’ll meet locals of this region and they shall welcome you warm-heartedly. The magical journey also presents you with the opportunity to witness rituals, hear captivating folklore, and savor the delectable cuisines of the region.
Camps
This journey takes you through numerous camps along the way. Right after reaching Kande from Pokhara through the drive, you’ll start trekking and rach Dhampus village. From there, you’ll reach Australian Camps, and the route will present you with the beauty of the blooming rhododendrons. Wandering from there through the enchanting forests, you’ll reach forest camp, which will present you with stunning nature’s beauty.
The journey stretches to Low camp through rustling Oak and Pine forests, where you’ll be pleased by the beautiful melodies of songbirds. Then, the journey takes you to High Camp. Perched at the edge of the heavens, High Camp will provide you marvelouis beauty of the Himalayas. While the journey to the High is itself amusing and thrilling, upon reaching there, you’ll be rewarded with stunning Himalayan vistas, sunrise, sunsets, and local exploration.
Sidhing village
You’ll reach Sidhing village on the way of retracing. You’ll descend and reach Sidhing village to catch the drive to Pokhara. You’ll be astonished by the beauty of this region as it encompasses traditional architecture which you can visit. This village also provides you with the panoramic beauty of mountains and lets you immerse in the cultural practices of the region. This is the perfect farewell by Mardi Himal Trek, and by the time you catch the scenic drive through to Pokhara, you’ll be rewarded with personal reflection and a great sense of achievement.
Less crowded
The Mardi Himal Trek is less crowded compared to mainstream trekking sites like Everest Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Circuit Trek or Langtang Valley Trek. This creates an excellent opportunity for you to explore the region in peace. With the trails being less traveled by many trekkers' souls, you’ll be presented with the untouched beauty of the region. This also creates space for further local exploration and cultural immersion. You can delve into the beauty of the mountains in a serene and tranquil way. This will allow you to connect to nature deeply and enjoy the beauty of the pristine Himalayan landscapes. On top of that, the journey not being bustling alleviates the competition of acquiring top-notch facilities during your stay.
Who can do this trek?
The Mardi Himal Trek is a moderately challenging journey and can be done by both experienced trekkers and beginners. While the trek can be done at ease without much difficulty, the itinerary is customized and made to complete the entire journey within 3 days. Also, you’ll have to ascend in altitude to reach the Mardi Himal Viewpoint which lies at an altitude of 4200m, and it can be challenging to reach that altitude by navigating the challenging paths.
Taking into account its elevation, some steep pathways, and the presence of teahouses, this walk is entirely doable with the right direction and assistance. Although the tight paths leading from low camp to high camp can be difficult, our knowledgeable guides should be able to navigate the path with ease. While the journey is moderately difficult, it still demands strong physical strength, sheer determination, and mental resilience. You’ll have to undergo physical training exercises to hone your muscles and develop strength and endurance.
Considering lightweight exercises like squats, deadlifts, chin-ups, pull-ups, lateral raises, calf raises and others will help in tuning your muscles and developing sheer strength. Along with that, practicing cardiovascular exercises like running, jogging, swimming, walking, cycling, and others will help in building endurance, which will be helpful during the challenging journey to the lap of the Mardi Himal. Furthermore, stretching exercises and yoga can help in honing the flexibility of your body.
Altitude Sickness
Altitude Sickness is the major concern during any high-altitude trekking journey. Though this journey takes you to 4200m in altitude, which is relatively less compared to mainstream trekking journeys like Annapurna Circuit Trek and Everest Base Camp Trek, it still has risks of altitude sickness. Altitude Sickness is also known as acute mountain sickness, and this is caused by the inability of the body to adapt to the changing surroundings. As you ascend higher in altitude, you’ll begin to notice changes in atmospheric pressure and oxygen level. If the body can’t adapt to such changes in surroundings, it has a chance of catching altitude sickness.
The symptoms of altitude sickness can include vomiting, nausea, headache, insomnia, loss of appetite, and loss of coordination. The sickness can range from mild to extreme, and if the conditions reach extreme, it is known as high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE) and high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE). This is why it is important to be mindful of altitude sickness and take necessary precautions regarding it. It is important to stay hydrated during the journey and maintain a steady pace while ascending. Also, carrying diamox along with you is necessary in case you suffer from altitude sickness. If the case worsens, you can always seek emergency helicopter evacuation.
Packing
This is a 3-day trek and within 3 days, you’ll be back to Pokhara by successfully completing the journey and enjoying the magical beauty of Mardi Himal. Even though it is a short trek of about 3 days, it is important to be equipped with the necessary gear and essential clothing. The weather conditions in this region can fluctuate and it is important to pack your bags with both summer and winter clothes. The temperature can fluctuate, and to protect yourself from exposure to UV radiation and from extreme coldness, packing with necessary clothing and equipment is necessary. Here are some ideas on proper packing for the Mardi Himal Trek.
Travel Documents: Valid Visa, Travel Insurance, Passport, Passport sized photos
Upper wear: T-shirts, Full-sleeve t-shirts, fleece jackets, long-sleeve thermal tops, windproof jackets, raincoats, neck gaiter, etc.
Headwear: Hat, Cap, Sunglasses, headband, etc.
Lower wear: Hiking pants, trousers, thermal trousers, trekking shorts, thermal leggings, convertible pants, etc.
Inner wear: Consider bringing enough pairs of moisture-wicking underwear
Footwear: Hiking boots, gaiters, sandals, sports shoes, etc.
Toiletries: Toothbrush, Toothpaste, soap, shampoo, razor, shaving cream, sanitizer, sunscreen, deodorant, lip balm, towel, female hygiene products, face wash, body wash, nail clipper, lotion, mouth wash, etc.
First aid: Band-aids, antiseptic wipes, thermometer, diamox, antihistamines, ibuprofen, anti-diarrheal medication, tweezers, blister pads, medical glove, safety pins, insect repellant, etc.
Other essential items: Water bottle, snacks, camera, extra battery, power bank, mobile, compass, map, etc.
Accommodations and Food
The accommodations during the Mardi Himal Trek are mainly teahouses or lodges. The rooms of these teahouses will provide you with comfortable beds, blankets, and pillows. The rooms have immaculate, blanket-covered seats with an amazing view of the Himalayas. The restrooms and bedrooms are shared by the whole group. Since each room has two beds, you will either need to spend the night in a room with your companions or, if you are trekking alone during the peak season, in a room with a fellow hiker of the same gender.
The teahouses will provide you with safe drinking water and delectable cuisines. You’ll be presented with a menu that consists of varieties of dishes to choose from. The menu will consist of Sel roti, Puri tarkari, Daal Bhat, Soup, Gundruk, Anda Chana, Oats, Muesli, Bread, Butter, Jam, Omelette, Sandwich, Momo, Chowmein, Thukpa, Syabhale, and many more. Nevertheless, you won’t be compromised in providing delicious food and warm nights during your stay at Mardi Himal Trek. Though the region may be remote and the facilities may be basic, you’ll be taken good care of your accommodation and food.
Some Helpful Tips
- Maintain a steady pace and stay hydrated during the journey
- Do not head anywhere alone and seek guidance from a guide during challenging times
- Respect local cultures, traditions, and environmental concerns
- Be mindful of altitude sickness and take necessary preventive measures regarding it
- Carry a first aid box with you along with the necessary knowledge regarding it
- Prepare yourself physically by practicing lightweight exercises, cardiovascular exercises, and stretching exercises
- Carry cash with you as you won’t have access to ATMs in a remote region
- Be mindful of the weather conditions of the high Himalayan region and pack your bag accordingly
- Bring trekking poles and trekking boots
- Bring a water bottle and some snacks like dry fruits
- Hire a guide from a reputed and licensed trekking agent
- Have travel insurance before heading for the trek
- Follow eco-friendly practices
- Respect wildlife and do not approach wild species alone
- Check your equipment or gear before heading anywhere
- Do not drink water from taps, rivers, or wells instead, you can purchase mineral water or refill your water bottle in the teahouses
- Have a list of emergency contacts in case of any emergency
- Bring diamox and oral rehydration solution with you, and be mindful of maintaining a nutritious diet in the higher region
- The high altitude can pose UV radiation, and to protect yourself from that, bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat
- Navigate the path by using a compass and maps, and head for the journey by checking the weather forecast
- Trekking can be physically and mentally challenging; maintain positivity and keep maintaining your confidence.
FAQs
Do I need trekking experience for 3 days Mardi Himal Trek?
While the journey can be done by beginners without past trekking experiences as well, the moderately challenging journey demands necessary preparations before heading for the 3 days Mardi Himal Trek. As the trek is organized in a fast pace to complete within 3 days, physical fitness is the most important criteria. This trek demands of waking for about 5-6 hours per day and to smoothly accomplish that, you need to trained with lightweight, cardiovascular and stretching exercises.
How to go Mardi Himal from Kathmandu?
To reach Mardi Himal from Kathmandu, you’ll start your journey with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara. It takes around 7-8 hours to reach Pokhara from Kathmandu and after reaching there, you’ll catch another drive from Pokhara to Kande. You’ll begin your trekking journey through places like Dhampus, Australian Camp, Low Camp, Bada Danda and High Camp to reach Mardi Himal.
Do I need permits for the 3 Days Mardi Himal Trek?
Yes, you do need permits for the Mardi Himal Trekking. The required permits for the Mardi Himal Trekking are:
- Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit that costs around USD 30
- Trekkers Information Management System permit that costs around USD 10
You can issue these permits from Nepal Tourism Board at Kathmandu or Pokhara.
Do i need a guide for 3 days Mardi Himal Trekking?
While its not mandatory and the Mardi Himal Trekking can be done without guide as well, hiring guide for this trek will let you enjoy the trekking experience to the fullest. Sharpened skills of guide will come into role and will help you in navigating the path to Mardi Himal. Hirig guide will elevate your knowledge, provides you insights into the local culture and distinct lifestyle. Along with that, it creates indepth ambiance to explore Himalayan region, distinct settlements and varieties of Himalayan flora and fauna.
How safe is Mardi Himal Trek?
The Mardi Himal Trek is completely safe journey. There aren’t much risks of this trek compared to mainstream trekking routes. The journey will be carried smoothly without facing much difficulties along the way. There aren’t landslide and avalanche risks during this trek but as you ascend higher than High Camp, it can result into minor difficulties. Going past High Camp on a snow-covered route can be challenging and dangerous, but you'll be safer going alongside an experienced guide than going it alone.
What is the maximum altitude reached on the 3 Days Mardi Himal Trek?
The Mardi Himal Trek takes you to Mardi Himal Base Camp that lies at an altitude of 4500m above sea level. While the Mardi Himal Trek takes you to such altitude, due to organized itinerary of this trek to accomplish within 3 days, you’ll head to Mardi Himal Viewpoint that stands at an altitude of 4200m. This is considered by being mindful of the altitude sickness and well-planned pace of the 3 Days Mardi Himal Trek. Though the trek takes you to Mardi Himal Viewpoint, it is important to be mindful of altitude changing and maintain a steady pace by staying hydrated all the time.
Are there any side trips that can be done after the 3 days Mardi Himal Trek?
There are several side trips that can be done after the 3 days Mardi Himal Trek. The trek can be stretched to Ghandruk, Chhomrong, and many others. One of the most well-liked treks in the area, the Mardi Himal Trek, can be paired with a visit to the Annapurna Base Camp for those seeking a lengthier hike. Another popular side trips that can be paired with this trek is Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek that offers you with magical sunrise views.
