26 Mar 2024 Himalaya Trip
Mardi Himal Trek Spring Season Overview
Mardi is a newly introduced trekking route that is slowly gaining popularity among trekkers. Mardi Himal Base Camp at 4,500m is the highest point in Mardi. It is nestled in Annapurna region’s Machhapuchhre Municipality. This trek is possible to do in all seasons but the Mardi Himal Spring Season trek is the best and recommended. Throughout the trek, trekkers can relish the phenomenal views of Annapurna massifs and Mt. Machhapuchhre. The trail is abundant with maple, birch, mountain oak, and hemlock trees. The flourishing colorful rhododendrons and other seasonal flowers decorate the whole trail as a set of canvas painted with vibrant colors. Trekking in such ambiance adoring the towering snow-capped peaks, traversing beautiful settlements, and experiencing the local food and warm hospitality of locals is captivating.
Since it is a newly opened trek, it is less crowded and peaceful to trek. A very suitable trekking option for nature and wildlife enthusiasts as well as travelers seeking peace, new experiences, and witnessing unspoiled nature. The trek generally starts from Kande passing through scenic landscapes and unspoiled nature. The entire trail is filled with the aroma of herbs, and wildflowers. Spring is the peak season and the diverse flora in the vicinity is enchanting. If lucky encounter some wild animals as this is the time they come out after hibernation. Cherish the fabulous views of Mardi, Machhapuchhre, Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Dhaulagiri, and other Himalayas. With blooming seasonal flowers throughout the trails, the Mardi Himal Spring Season trek is undeniably the perfect combo trek of rich cultural diversity and natural biodiversity.
Come and join us in this wonderful short-day trek and create the best memories within a short period in the mountains. During the Spring season, there is a chance of snow so, we recommend carrying spikes and trekking poles for a comfortable, safe trekking experience.
Best time to see rhododendron flowers
Rhododendron is the national flower of Nepal and to see its flourishing beauty one must visit Nepal during the Spring season as it covers the entire trails in the higher regions. The variety of red, pink, and white rhododendron flowers blossom during the Spring and their aroma makes the whole trekking experience magical. Trekking in the vicinity of rhododendrons and other seasonal flowers in the forested trail of oak, maple, birch, hemlock, etc. alleviates the mood. Hence, trek in the Spring season (Mar-May) as it is the best time to see rhododendron flowers.
Why is Mardi Himal Trek best in the Spring Season?
- Stable weather and moderate temperature
- Daytime temperature: 10°C to 20°C
- Nighttime temperature: 5°C to 0°C
- Clear skies, bright days, best views
- Blooming rhododendrons and seasonal flowers, maple, birch, mountain oak, hemlock trees
- Comfortable walking trails
- Trails covered with different colorful seasonal flowers
- Availability of teahouses
- No heavy precipitation, snowfall, landslides, and avalanches
Mardi Himal Trek in March
- Beginning of Spring season
- Warm and less sunny weather
- Less crowded and more peaceful
- Day temperature: 5°C to 20°C
- Night temperature: 5°C to below 0°C
- Season of blooming Rhododendron and other seasonal flowers
- Amazing views of snowy mountains
- Snowfall at Mardi Himal Base Camp
- Availability of teahouses
- Plan trekking in March if you prefer less crowd
- Use of spikes and trekking poles for comfort
Mardi Himal Trek in April
- Peak season for trekking
- Warm and bright sunny weather
- Crowded and lively
- Day temperature: 10°C to 20°C
- Night temperature: 5°C to 0°C
- Trails covered with blooming Rhododendron and other seasonal flowers
- Forested trail with diverse trees such as maple, juniper, hemlock, and oaks
- Clear skies and the best panoramic views of Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, and other peaks
- Scenic changing landscapes
- Snowfall at Mardi Himal Base Camp
- Availability of teahouses and must be shared
- Book in advance for trekking in April
- Use of spikes and trekking poles for comfort
Mardi Himal Trek in May
- Slowdown of season
- End of May marks the beginning of the monsoon
- Less Crowded and quiet environment
- Warm weather during the day
- Slightly cold weather during mornings and nights
- Very cold in higher regions at night
- Day temperature: 5°C to 20°C
- Night temperature: below 0°C to (-5)°C
- Fewer blooming Rhododendron and other seasonal flowers
- Clear skies with the best surrounding views
- Beautiful landscapes with greenery
- Snowfall at Mardi Himal Base Camp
- Availability of teahouses
- Use of spikes and trekking poles for comfort
- Carry a rain poncho or umbrella
- Pack appropriate clothes
Permits for Mardi Himal Trek
Trekkers’ Information Management Systems (TIMS) card, Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), and Machhapuchhre Municipality Permitare essential three permits for Mardi Himal Trek.
ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) costs:
For foreigners: NPR. 3000 (Approx. USD 30)
For SAARC Nationals: NPR. 1000 (Approx. USD 10)
TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System) costs:
For foreigners: NPR. 3000 (Approx. USD 20)
For SAARC Nationals: NPR. 1000 (Approx. USD 10)
Machhapuchhre Municipality Permit costs:
For foreigners: NPR. 500
Accommodation during the Spring Season
Teahouses made of wooden structured houses are the means of accommodation that provide basic lodging facilities. The teahouses consist of small rooms with at least two twin beds per room. It includes foam mattresses, a quilt, and a pillow. For group travelers, some rooms can accommodate up to 2, 3, and 4 pax and are suitable. Up to Pritam Deurali, there are power outlets available in the room but above Deurali power outlets are only available in the dining area. Solar panels are the only power source in these areas which restricts using more power supply, especially in the higher regions. Thus, for using Wi-Fi, hot showers, and charging devices extra charges apply.
Food during the Spring Season
Mardi Himal trek offers full 3 board meals i.e. Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner during the trek. Meal options include Nepali Dal Bhat, Noodles, Mashed Potatoes, French Fries, Pies, Pasta, Cutlets, and others that are healthy and hygienic. Beverages include tea, coffee, hot lemon, soft drinks, dairy items, bottled water, etc. The dining hall has a central log-fire heating system that provides warmth and coziness while having meals. Please inform us in advance if you have a special meal preference. Throughout the trek, we suggest keeping yourself hydrated and eating a balanced diet food. The meals cost between NPR 800 to NPR 1200 (approximately USD 8 to USD 12) per meal and in higher regions, the cost may be slightly higher.
Weather in Mardi Himal Spring Season Trek
- Mostly Warm and pleasant in lower regions
- Warm but slightly cold in higher regions
- Clear Skies and bright days
- Moderate Temperature
- Awesome clear views of Annapurna and Machhapuchhre throughout the trek
- Flourishing Rhododendron and other seasonal flowers
- Forested trails covered with maple, birch, mountain oak, and hemlock trees
Packing list for Mardi Himal Spring Season Trek
This is a short and medium-level trek in the Annapurna Region and requires spikes and trekking poles for a comfortable trekking experience.
- Sturdy Hiking shoes
- Trousers
- Socks
- Warm jacket
- T-shirts (two or three) and long-sleeved shirt
- Sunscreen (SPF 20+)
- Backpack around 35 liters
- Torch (flashlight)
- Camera, memory card, and battery charger (spare batteries)
- Toilet Paper
- Quick-drying towel
- Warm hat
- Gloves
- Thermal underwear
- Sunglass, Spikes, and Trekking Poles
- Sleeping bags (optional)
Mardi Himal Spring Season Trek FAQs
How do I train for the Mardi Himal trek?
The maximum elevation gain during the Mardi Himal Trek is 4,500m which means it is a moderate level trek. There is a chance of getting altitude sickness so we suggest participating in physical exercises (running, cardio, swimming, etc.), and short hikes for a month before starting the trek. Also, eat a healthy and balanced diet food and avoid alcohol and smoking.
Which is better Annapurna Base Camp Trek or Mardi Himal Trek?
Mardi Himal Trek is a shorter and newly popular trek offering good views throughout the trek while the Annapurna trek is a longer trek that offers good views but not throughout the trek.
What is the altitude of the Mardi Himal viewpoint?
The Mardi Himal Trek has two viewpoints, Lower View Point is 4000m and Upper View Point is 4200m.
What is the weather like in the Mardi Himal trek in April?
The day is generally warm but not very sunny and the mornings are slightly cold and nights are very cold, especially at the Mardi Base Camp.
What is the temperature in Mardi in March?
The day temperature ranges between 5°C to 20°C and during the night it ranges from 5°C to below 0°C in Mardi.
What is the weather like in Mardi Himal in May?
In May, the weather is warm during the day, and mornings and nights are slightly cold in Mardi Himal.
