6 Days Mardi Himal Trek

Like any other incredible Himalayan trekking adventure, the Mardi Himal 6 Days Trek can be done all year round. However, the best recommended periods for the Mardi Himal Trek are autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May). Both of these seasons are categorized as the high season and have the most suitable setting for an unforgettable experience.

Autumn, the fall season, has the most stable climate conditions, and trekkers will be able to walk on the comfortable route during this season. Similarly, due to the clear days, the Himalayan vistas are magical and quite extensive during this season. As for the spring season, it is an ideal time to explore the natural wonders of the Himalayas.

This trek can also be done in the off-seasons like monsoon (June to August) and winter (December to February). However, the trails are generally challenging and slippery during the monsoon season due to the heavy rainfall. As for the winter season, its really cold at the spine zones, and the trails above the high camp are closed due to heavy snowfall.

High-altitude treks in the Himalayas are nothing like a walk in the park or a hike in the backyard. You will need to traverse across the rugged terrains of the mountain and ascend to high altitudes, which have their own set of potential risks. So, getting travel insurance is a wise move, no matter which part of the world you are exploring.

Travel insurance is a mandatory requirement for doing treks in Nepal. You will have to submit copies of your insurance to apply for the permits as well. You will be able to explore with peace of mind and financial security if you get insurance. The insurance package also takes care of emergency evacuation and medical expenses if you get sick or injured during your trek.

You will be able to get travel insurance with general coverage at just around US$ 30 to US$ 150. An insurance plan with coverage plan upto 3,000 meters will cost you about US$ 30 to US$ 50. For a more extensive package that covers up to 6,000 meters, it will cost you about US$ 100 to US$ 150.

Note: The travel insurance plans with helicopter coverage cost over US$ 1,000.

6 Days Mardi Himal Trek is on a relatively easier scale as this trek doesn’t take you to the challenging altitudes. You will start your trek from Kande (1,770 meters) and move along the high-altitude points of the region. The two major significant elevation parts of this trekking route are Mardi View Point Altitude (4,250 meters) and Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500 meters). Compared to other high-altitude passes and base camp adventures, the altitude gain in this Himalayan exploration is not that significant.

Still, you need to be careful about Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) and not underestimate it just because the elevations in this trek are not that major. The human body generally starts to show the symptoms of altitude sickness after crossing an altitude of 3,000 meters. So, you need to pay attention to the symptoms of altitude sickness, like headache, dizziness, loss of appetite, exhaustion, insomnia, etc., and follow the appropriate acclimatization process.

Mardi Himal Trek 6 Days Itinerary takes you to the remote part of the Himalayas across the less-developed region and different climatic zones (you will pass through five climatic zones in this trek). So, your packing will determine your overall comfort level during this trek and how much you will enjoy your Himalayan exploration.

The priority of your packing should be to include the right layers for the diverse climatic conditions in different zones. If you are doing your exploration in the warmer seasons like monsoon, spring, and autumn, you should include the light layers for the lower altitudes. But remember it is generally cold near the alpine zone and above, so you will also require a fair share of thick and warm layers.

As for the winter season, the temperatures are chilly even at the lower altitudes. So you can focus on warm layers like a thermal vest, sweater, insulated jacket and trousers, down jacket, etc. Similarly, the right gears will also make your experience more comfortable. Sleeping bag, trekking pole, duffle bag, headlamp, thermos, boots, first, etc., are some important gear you should consider for the trek.

A general set of gear will be sufficient for your trek in autumn and spring; however, for the low seasons like monsoon and winter, the gear list can be slightly extensive. For the monsoon season, you should get footwear with good traction, rainproof cover, a waterproof gaiter, waterproof outer layers, etc.

Similarly, for the winter season, you need to get insulated snow shoes and micro-spikes or crampons to move around easily. You also need to include other essentials to deal with the snowy climatic conditions, like snow gaiter, mittens, neck gaiter, insulated hats, snow goggles, ice axe, thermos, portable heater, etc.

Note: Don’t forget to pack necessary personal hygiene products and snacks. Make sure to buy them in city areas; the products you prefer may not be available in the mountains, and they are costlier at high altitudes.

Although this short trekking route is a newly opened trekking opportunity in the Annapurna region, the teahouses along the way are well-equipped to accommodate the needs of the trekkers. The food and accommodation services available on this trekking route may not be on par with the mainstream region, but you will still be able to enjoy a moderate level of service. Remember, this is a wilderness exploration where you are trying to connect with nature and explore the traditional settlements that are thriving on the laps of the Himalayas.

For accommodation, you will be able to rest at moderate-level teahouses, mostly run by the natives. The teahouses are well-furnished and warm; you will also be provided with a mattress, pillow, and blanket for a comfortable rest. Some teahouses along the route, especially in the lower regions, do have attached bathroom facilities; meanwhile, others have bathrooms outside.

As for the food, the teahouses have a long list of traditional menus including some other Asian country and continental dishes. The breakfast menus are nutritious and light in nature, like Gurung Bread, Tsampa Porridge, Chapati, Muesli, Eggs, etc. For dinner and lunch, traditional dishes like Dal Bhat, Dhindo, Gundruk, Chhoyela, Thukpa, etc are the top choices. You can also enjoy international dishes: Pizza, Pasta, Burger, Fries, Steak, etc with homely touches.

Note: For water, you can fill your bottles at the clean water stations or buy a filter water pot at the teahouses (the recommended hydration limit is 2 to 3 liters).

You may also like:

• Poon Hill Trek
• Ghorepani Poonhill Trek 
• 8 Days Annapurna Circuit Trek

6 Days Mardi Himal Trek is a moderate level of Himalayan trekking adventure in the north-central part of the country. Although it has been enlisted in the moderate-level category, this short trekking prospect is considered one of the relatively easier explorations. There aren’t any significant altitude points that possess a high risk of altitude sickness, nor are there any sections on the trail that demand technical skills.

So, pretty much anyone can take part in this exciting Himalayan endeavor. In fact, this trekking adventure has been recommended as one of the most thrilling and beginner-friendly trekking adventures in the Nepali Himalayas. You will be able to complete this Himalayan adventure without any worries if you have good health and basic level of fitness. As for the age regarding concerns, there isn’t any age restriction for this trek; this relatively easy trekking adventure is also the top choice for diverse age group exploration.

However, as this trek takes you to the high-altitude points and you will also trek a significant distance (approximately 41 km/ 25 miles), you shouldn’t underestimate the challenging aspects of the trip. You should consider making an adequate level of preparation to make your trek a comfortable journey. As this trek is a short endeavor, working on your stamina level will be enough for this trek. Cardiovascular/stamina enhances your overall physical aspects and extends your stamina reserve, so you will be able to move around more easily without exhausting yourself.

Note: Setting your training period for 2 to 3 weeks is an efficient way to prepare for the trek. You can also include stair climbing and practice hikes as part of your training, which will make overcoming the steep landscapes of the Himalayas much easier.