Annapurna Region

Mardi Himal Trek - 8 Days

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Since 2018, HoneyGuide has worked with over 1000 independent/group trekkers, 200+ Lodges and 230+ Local Guides/Porters in the Everest Region.

As a concierge, HoneyGuide will:
  • Answer your queries and help you make an itinerary as per your budget, preference and time.
  • Recommend and help you book Flights, Guides/ Porter and Lodges in every night stop at best rates.
  • Full trail support- If any changes occur, we will change your scheduled bookings for free.
Duration8 Days


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HIGHLIGHTS

  • Majestic view of Mt. Machhapuchhre
  • Walk through the Rhododendron forest
  • Ridge Trekking

QUICK FACTS

  • Difficulty Level
    Moderate
  • Total Length
    50 km
  • Highest Altitude
    4,500 meters
  • Elevation Profile
  • Start location
    kande
  • Finish location
    Sidhing
  • Permits
    TIMS, ACAP
  • Best Season
    All time of the year

DAY TO DAY ITINERARY

DESCRIPTION

Lying east to the one of the iconic Annapurna Base Camp, Mardi Himal trek is a short trek that takes you to the base of Mardi Himal. Despite being a relatively new trekking trail, the popularity of this trail seems to have been increasing exponentially in the past few years. The trails guides you through the beautiful rhododendron forests giving you the impressive view of mountains like Mardi, Annapurna South, Hiuchuli and most prominently, the Machhapuchhre.

Getting there: Step 1 is to reach Pokhara. You can either take a bus, a jeep or a flight. Tourist buses can be boarded from Kantipath or Kalanki and ranges from Rs. 600 – 2500 which varies according to the level of services. It will take around 6-7 hours to reach Pokhara. Alternatively, You can take micro buses from old Buspark that depart regularly starting 5 am in the morning. Or, book a flight (prices will vary from USD 100 to USD 126). From Pokhara, it is an hour drive to Kande and your trek officially starts here!

Accommodation: Since this is relatively new trekking route, lodges and hotels were not established along the way until very recently. You get good facilities (wifi, hot shower, and food) upto forest camp but beyond that, the facilities are reduced to a minimum. Sharing bathrooms, sleeping on foam mattresses and learning to bathe on buckets of hot water (not running hot water) are some of the skills you will take back after doing this trek.

Trails and Risk: The trek is a moderate one with steep uphill climbs, narrow trails and long day walks. As you reach the altitude of 4500 meters in a short period of time, make sure you take precautions and go as per the itinerary as it has good pacing with distance and altitude. Watch out for the trails and follow the group as there is a possibility of losing trails at some points. And, carry water as you will not find many stops to fill water in between the trails.

Alternative Routes: While returning, you can exit through Lwang village. Or do the trek from reverse order too.

Read this blog on Mardi Himal trek for detailed information regarding cost, lodges phone numbers and more: https://honeyguideapps.com/blog/mardi-himal-trek-beyond-the-trails-in-annapurna-base-camp

Notes: If you wish to go on this trek, please fill the inquiry form and we will help you plan your trek according to your preference: https://honeyguideapps.com/onboarding-form

FAQS

Traveling to the mountains poses some inherent risks. As such, the best strategy is to prepare for the worst and then hope for the best.

PRE-EXISTING CONDITIONS

The first thing to keep in mind is to see if you have pre-existing conditions that could cause complications at high altitudes. Specifically, suppose you have sickle cell disease, pulmonary hypertension, obesity hypoventilation syndrome, or congenital heart problems. In that case, we highly recommend you consult with a qualified physician before planning a trip to the mountains. Read more.

ALTITUDE-ILLNESS

Given the low amount of oxygen at high altitudes, a sensible ascent is essential to give your body the time to acclimate to the thin air. Failure to do so can lead to your lungs or brain filling up with water leading to death in some cases. The key is not to climb more than 500 meters in one day once you pass the 2,500 meters mark. Read more.

ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS

Given the extreme weather in the high mountains, proper gear and regimen must have a safe and comfortable tour. The three most important things that you have to prepare for are cold, snow, and radiation. As such, invest in the right sunglasses, sunscreen, boots, and clothing. Read more.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

We highly recommend everyone get travel insurance covering high altitude evacuation before leaving on a trek to the high mountains. Global Rescue and World Nomads are both highly recommended. For Nepali travelers, please note that insurance that covers helicopter rescue is not available as of now. As such, please be careful while planning your tour and only work with companies that can provide timely evacuation service if needed.

RESCUE AND EMERGENCY

As health facilities are limited in the mountains, a helicopter's evacuation is usually the only option during an emergency. As such, the right insurance provider is essential. If you are not buying insurance for some reason, please ensure that there is someone in Kathmandu who can coordinate payments for a helicopter rescue. Here are some other contacts that might come in handy during an emergency. If you still have questions, please feel free to call / whatsapp us at +977-9801916215 or email Ashish at nectar@honeyguideapps.com

HOW DO I MAKE A PAYMENT?

To confirm your tour, you will have to make complete payment either through one of your integrated payment gateways or transfer the funds to the following bank accounts:

For Nepali citizens:
Account Name:: HoneyGuide Pvt. Ltd. Beneficiary Bank: Himalayan Bank, Patan Branch Account Number: 00606903770018
For Indian Citizens:
For USD transfers
Account Name: HoneyGuide Apps, Inc. Bank Name: Silicon Valley Bank Account Number: 3302225311 Swift Code: SVBKUS6S ABA Routing Number: 121140399

BOOKING A TOUR

Deposit Required for Reservation: 50 percent of total tour cost Deadline for Full Payment: 2 weeks before the tour begins

CHANGING A TOUR

Two weeks before tour date: No extra charge 1 to 2 weeks before tour date: 10% additional charge Two days to 1 week between tour date: 20% additional charge Within two days of tour date: Above 30% (variable)

CANCELLING A TOUR

Two weeks before tour date: No charge (transaction charges may apply) One to two weeks before tour date: 20% Cancellation Charge Two days to one week between tour date: 50% Cancellation Charge Within two days of tour date: No Refund.

DELAYS AND CHANGES DURING THE TOUR

In case of flight delays/cancellations due to bad weather or unforeseen circumstances, HoneyGuide will change the dates at no additional costs. However, any extra cost incurred, including but not limited to accommodation and food, will be the responsibility of the traveler.
In case of changes due to the trekker's health issues, HoneyGuide will make all the changes without any additional cost. However, any extra charge because of the changes will be the responsibility of the traveler.

While Nepal's mountains see six seasons, the best period to go to the mountains is from March-May and September-December. However, every season has its quirk, just like people. So keep reading to find your match.
For those going to Everest Region, do check out the Best time to go to Everest post.

January/February (Winter)

January/February is a good time for trekkers willing to brave the cold and snow for empty trails, fantastic mountain views, and wildlife sightings.

March/April (Spring)

This is a period that offers a little bit of everything: a little bit of mountain view, a little bit of warm weather, a little bit of flowers, a little bit of crowd, and a whole lot of fun.

May/June (Summer)

This is the best time for those into nature. The flowers are quite something this time of the year, and the bird activity is fantastic. The monsoon hasn't started, and as such, mornings are still clear with beautiful mountain views.

July/August (Monsoon)

Only for hardcore trekkers who are willing to put up with the elements for an authentic cultural experience and high altitude flowers. Also, flight disruptions are very likely, and chances of mountain views are close to zero.

September/October (Fall)

This period is everyone's darling, and the trails are as crowded as they can be. The mountain views are something to write home about, and the temperature is just perfect.

November/December (Pre-Winter)

Another popular period among trekkers and the driest two months in the calendar. Indeed it has gotten a bit nippy during the mornings and evenings, but it is still manageable. Count on a lot of sunshine and crystal clear mountain views.

The difficult thing with gear is to make sure you have enough without carrying too much. Whether you are walking or taking the helicopter, the most important thing is to layer up. As such inner thermals, shirts, fleece, a down jacket, and trousers are essential. A warm hat and a buff are beneficial. As for shoes, feel free to make your pick depending on the weather and altitude. Given the amount of UV up there, good sunscreen and sunglasses are also essential. Read more.

Reviews

    We are featured by

    Going to the mountains
    is going home.’
    - John Muir
    Great things are done when
    men and mountains meet.’
    - William Blake
    There is no such thing as bad weather,
    only inappropriate clothing.’
    - Sir Ranulph Fiennes
    Going to the mountains
    is going home.’
    - John Muir
    Great things are done when
    men and mountains meet.’
    - William Blake
    There is no such thing as bad weather,
    only inappropriate clothing.’
    - Sir Ranulph Fiennes