Mardi Himal Trek is an exceptional trekking experience in life. Just at an elevation of 4,200 m, Mardi offers you the cultural and natural wonders of the Annapurna region. The majestic view of Annapurna South (7,219 m), Fishtail(6,993 m), Mardi (5,587 m), and other surrounding peaks is an amazing discovery. This blog explains the accommodation facilities, trail conditions, and many more.
Teahouses are generally family-operated. They provide a family-like environment with a pleasant environment. It's generally quiet and peaceful except for the peak season of the trek. The higher you climb, the accommodation facility decreases. They provide you with basic facilities, and costs may go higher.
Pothana is an entry checkpoint to the Mardi Himal Trek. It is not a popular night stay for trekkers. However, it provides a few good teahouses with good facilities and service for trekkers. Situated in the village, it gives you a pleasant environment with the opportunity to interact with local people. ( Wifi , Hot shower + private bathroom available )
Deurali is a popular overnight stay from Pokhara in the Mardi Himal Trek offers a great view of Annapurna South and Himchuli. Also, can see the other side Annapurna Base Camp Trek route and Chhomrong village. It provides good accommodation facilities for the travellers. You can find private rooms as well as shared rooms with an attached bathroom. The price differs by the comfort you choose. The atmosphere is lively, surrounded by lush green forest. ( Wifi, Hot shower + private bathroom available )
Accommodation at Forest Camp (Kokar Forest) provides basic facilities for trekkers. Teahouses are built close together. Located inside the lush green forest of Mardi, it provides a comfortable space for travellers. Built with local materials and a traditional design roof topped by steel, they give you lively vibes. Night can be cold at Forest Camp and above. During the days of winter, it is well equipped to keep you warm. (Wifi+ Hot bucket shower, shared bathroom)
Low Camp offers you a friendlier environment at the teahouse. Offer a great view of Machhapuchhre. Built with locally sourced materials, they give you the vibe of traditional houses with a mix of modern amenities like wifi and a hot shower. Located in the subtropical forest, the view of the red Rhododendron and Fishtail Peak is charming. (Wifi+ Hot bucket shower, shared bathroom)
High Camp provides basic accommodation with shared and private rooms for the trekkers. Teahouses are family-run and designed like teahouses at Low Camp. generally, they are built on top of hills, providing you with an exquisite view of Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, and other surrounding peaks. Oxygen concentration is low as you climb higher. Night can get extremely cold during the winter season. (Wifi + Hot bucket shower, shared bathroom)
Upper View Point and MBC have no accommodation due to low oxygen concentration and extreme cold. However, you might get small tea and coffee shops at Upper Viewpoint.
Daal (Lentil Soup), cooked rice, and mixed vegetables with pickle are the main specialties of the Mardi trek. It is the traditional food of Nepal. Warm Tea/Coffee and Tibetan bread are served for breakfast. Apart from a traditional plate, you will get Noodle soup, Momos, Chowmin, Gurung bread, mixed fried rice, Thuppa, pizza, and more.
The most important thing is that you eat organic foods grown in the nearby village, like Kalimati and Siding. Vegetables and fruits are grown using compost manure.
Since these teahouses are near Pokhara city, we can also get packaged foods like chocolates and chips. But it's always recommended to go for local food. One important thing to remember is that the cost of food increases with an increase in elevation. There are no roads. People and animals like donkeys carry the loads in the mountains.
Natural streams, groundwater, Glacier water, and snow are the major sources of drinking water in Mardi. Most of the sources originate from the mountains and glaciers. These sources are a pure and clean form of drinking water. However, sources might get contaminated with dirt and bacteria. It is advised to carry purification tablets while trekking. You might opt for boiled water, which is the highest form of purification method.
Mardi trek above the elevation of 3,000 m might lack sources of drinking water. Sometimes sources even dry during summer. Water from the tap freezes at Badal Danda and beyond in winter. Carrying extra liters of water is helpful. You can also buy water at Teahouses.
Major teahouses and lodges in the lower region of Mardi hike provide you with charging facilities and WiFi connectivity. They may charge you a few bucks for charging your mobile phone and wifi for internet surfing. The upper region of the Mardi Himal trek may not be connected to electricity. Teahouses are powered by solar.
Internet connectivity is not very reliable above 3,000 meters at Mardi. You can carry your data plan for better internet. Similarly, carrying a power bank is very helpful, especially where there is no access to electricity for charging a phone or a camera.
Mardi Himal Trek provides bathroom and shower facilities at every stop of the hike. Bathrooms are generally Asian style (squat) in the major teahouses. You might find a western-style bathroom in a few places along the trek. Most bathrooms are common. Accommodation with an attached bathroom costs a high price.
Teahouses offer cold and hot showers for the trekkers. Hot showers are powered by electricity or gas. Therefore, it costs you a price for a hot shower. Taking showers with cold water above 3,000 meters can cause you health issues. It is advised to carry clean towels for body wiping.
The flow of tourists in the Mardi Himal Trek is directly affected by the seasons. Like all the trekking destinations in Nepal, Spring and Fall/Autumn receive the highest flow of trekkers on the trail. These two seasons provide trekkers trekker-friendly environment. Mild climate, picturesque landscapes, and the movement of locals add a lively ambience.
Winter and Summer seasons are considered a low season for traveling in Nepal. Cold in winter and rain in summer make it difficult to trek for normal people. Saying that, the Winter season is heaven for expeditions. Summer/Monsoon is paradise for researchers and nature enthusiasts.
The concentration of oxygen decreases as you ascend the altitude of the Mardi trek. This increases the risk of suffering from Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) or Altitude sickness above 3,000 meters. However, following a certain altitude altitude adaptation strategies may decrease the risk.
Do not hurry while trekking. Trek slowly with a gradual climb. The most important thing is to stick to the itinerary. Itineraries are designed to analyze the fitness level of the trekkers. Slow your trek as you start gaining altitude. Trek to a lower region in case of extreme conditions.
Acclimatization is crucial while trekking in the mountains of Nepal. Acclimatization helps you to adapt to the climate and environment. It reduces the risk of getting altitude sickness.
Involve in physical activity such as stretching, running, and strength training. Such exercises help to increase the capacity of the lungs and hearts.
Drink enough water while trekking in Mardi Himal. Drink 4 – 5 liters of water daily to prevent dehydration. Drinking water keeps you hydrated and adjusts your body's physiological at high elevation.
Listen your Guide. Guides are professional and trained for high-altitude mountains. They have strong knowledge about the terrain of Mardi Himal.
In case of emergency, consult the doctor and the trekking company. Trekking agency and insurance provider agency will coordinate for an immediate Helicopter rescue.
Mardi Himal Trek is a moderate trek with a few sections posing a challenge. Especially in the higher elevations of the trek. Sections in the lower region like Dhampus, Pothana, Pitam Deurali, and Forest Camp pose no risk or less. Trek challenges of Low Camp, High Camp, Upper Viewpoint, and Mardi Base Camp are discussed below.
Located at an elevation of 2,950 meters, it poses less risk. The trail passes through a thick forest of Rhododendron, transitioning to the alpine zone of Mardi. Air becomes thin, posing the risk of Altitude Sickness.
The trail is stone-paved and rugged in a few sections. You walk on the ridge with grassy, steep hills below. You have to watch your steps carefully and trek slowly. Oxygen level decreases as you climb further.
Upper Viewpoint and Mardi Base Camp trail sections are the most challenging route in the entire Mardi trek. The trail goes above the ridges and grassy, steep hills. As you climb higher, it gets winder and oxygen concentration decreases. These two sections pose a high risk, equally with the most beautiful view of Fishtail Peak, Annapurna South, Himchuli, and Gangapurna Himal.
Mardi trek gives you exposure to the local culture and traditions of the Gurung and Magar. Homestays in Lwang and Ghalel welcome you with the traditional dance and music of the native community. Slight descent to Siding offers you a village with a mix of races living in peace and harmony. Interactions with villagers help you to learn a few local dialects and understand them more deeply. Mardi is one of the best places to exchange each other's culture and traditions.
Mardi Himal Trek gives you the opportunity of wildlife encounters, like mammals, birds, and reptiles. Similarly, the landscapes of Mardi are full of photogenic terrains. Below you can find the names of wildlife and places of photography.
There is the possibility of witnessing wildlife at different sections of the Mardi trek. Himalayan Thar and Red Fox can be spotted on the steep hills of High Camp and Mardi Base Camp. Similarly, Musk Deer, Monkey, Pheasants, and Himalayan Black Bear can be spotted near Forest Camp and Low Camp.
Upper Viewpoint and Mardi Base Camp are the best destinations for photography. Capture the images of sparkling snowy peaks of Fishtail, Annapurna South, Himchuli, and other peaks from close. Witness the most beautiful scene where the sky and the earth meet the horizon. Bada Danda and High Camp allow you to capture a magical sunrise and sunset. Exotic landscapes, terraced farming, and traditional villages are the sights you can capture. Make sure you get consent before capturing the portraits of locals.
Book your Mardi Trek at [email protected]. There is no other trek like Mardi where you can view a majestic view of Fishtail Peak, Annapurna South, Mardi Peak, Himchuli, and Gangapurna Peak by just trekking at an elevation of 4,200 m. Mardi trek offers you good accommodation, organic Nepali traditional foods, and above all, the majestic view of snowy peaks.
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