Best Time for Mardi Himal Trek

Best Time for Mardi Himal Trek: Overview 

Mardi Himal Trek which is located in the Annapurna Region of Nepal is a famous off-beaten trek in Nepal. Recently getting popularity after Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit trek many people love this trek to avoid the crowd. 

Being the easiest and shortest trek, the Mardi Himal trek is suitable for beginners and mountain experts. Starting your trek from the beautiful city of Pokhara, this trek takes you to Dhampus, Forest Camp, High Camp, and the Mardi Himal Base Camp, which is at 4500 m. 

Another best part of this trek is that it takes you to the Annapurna Conservation Area where you can explore diverse flora and fauna. Also, you will get the opportunity to spot Danphe (Pheasant), Himalayan Thar, Mask deer, spotted Deer, Barking Dear, Snow leopard, and many other Himalayan wildlife during this trek.

This trek allows you to enjoy the pure beauty of nature, like amazing rivers, lakes, and waterfalls, in their untouched state. This serene and wild trekking trail passes through lush Rhododendron forests and a beautiful village. The Gurung community will amaze you with its typical traditions and culture. 

The main highlights of this trek are witnessing jaw-dropping views of  Annapurna I-III, Gangapurna, Mt. Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, Fang Peak, Him Chuli, Singu Chuli and many more.

When we understand the climatic conditions of that region then it helps us to prepare in advance. Therefore every trekker needs to know the weather conditions before embarking.

Let’s understand in detail about each season and what to expect so that you can know which season is best for you to trek for Mardi Himal Trek. 

Worth reading: Latest Trekking Rules For Nepal – 2024/2025

Spring Season (March-May)

Spring season which spans from March to May is one of the ideal times to trek for Mardi Himal. During this season the weather is mild and stable for most of the time. The clear view of the sky and the blooming of rhododendron flowers in the forest trail add to the beauty of this trek during spring.

With less chance of rainfall, the trail path is less muddy compared to the monsoon season, making the trekking experience more enjoyable. With crisp visibility of the mountain peaks and beautiful surrounding landscape will give you a feeling of walking in a whole different place. The diverse range of flora and be seen in the Annapurna conservation. 

The blossoming flowers everywhere and the lush greenery will help to heal the inner soul of your body. Overall, spring is the best time for Mardi Himal Trek due to favorable weather, temperature, and scenery.

Advantages of trekking Mardi Himal in the spring season:

• The average temperature during the daytime ranges from 15°C to 25°C, which makes the perfect conditions for trekking.
• Spring season is also called the season of flowers so you can expect the blossom of flowers and vibrant colorful in the forest trail during the trek adding color to the landscape.
• Due to the less chance of rainfall and clear view of the sky trekkers are treated with the perfect view of the Annapurna and Machapuchare mountain ranges.
• During spring the day sunlight hour starts to increase means you will have more time for trekking and exploration.
• Spring often coincides with various local festivals like Buddha Jayanti, Holi, and Basanta Panchami which allows trekkers to experience rich cultural events and local traditions.
• In spring you will also get the opportunity to spot the varied species of birds and animals.

Disadvantages of trekking Mardi Himal in the spring season:

• Due to the crowd, you can expect more number of trekkers on the trekking trail’s path.
• More number of visitors results in difficulty in securing accommodation.
• Prices for accommodation, food, and service are higher in the spring season.
• Even though the weather remains stable most of the time in spring still there is a chance of occasional rainfall.
• Blossoms of flowers can trigger allergy to some trekkers.

Autumn Season (September-November)

Autumn which spans from September to November, is another best time for Mardi Himal Trek. After the heavy rainfall in monsoon, you can get a refreshing view of the mountain peak. The rushing river and waterfalls will add beauty and adventure during the autumn season.

Another great reason to trek during the autumn season is Nepal’s famous festivals (Dashian and Tihar) lies in this season. You can enjoy not only the beautiful view of the mountains but also get the chance to immerse yourself in the cultural and religious traditions.

When we talk about the climate and temperature it is optimal for trekking and many people will love to trek during this season. You can expect many trekkers to head to witness the beauty of Mardi Himal on the trekking route. Compared to other seasons many people’s choice will be to trek during the month of autumn season.

Sometimes the trails are busy due to a high number of visitors which makes it challenging to get accommodation during the trek. So we suggest you book the trek in advance. 

Advantages of trekking Mardi Himal in the Autumn season:

• The Autumn season is popular for stable weather conditions and breathtaking views of the Annapurna range
• Daytime and nighttime temperatures remain moderate so more people love to trek in autumn than in the spring season.
• The chances of rainfall are very low in the autumn season
• After the monsoon ends the fresh environment and the changing landscape make perfect scenery for the visitors.
• During autumn trekkers can enjoy the Dasahin and Tihar festivals with local people which will give a unique experience to understand the Nepal festival.

Disadvantages of trekking Mardi Himal in the spring season:

• Autumn is a festival month, so many people travel to their homes, which creates difficulties in finding tickets for flights and road transportation.
• Flight prices, including the cost of road transportation, remain highest during this season.
• Due to more number of visitors, trekkers can hardly get a discount on the trekking package.
• The accommodation remains packed so we advise you to book in advance.

Summer Season (June-August)

Summer is the hottest season of the year and it is difficult to predict the weather pattern during this season. The sunny weather can suddenly turn into dark clouds forming and rain. Due to rainfall, poor visibility obstructs the view of the surrounding landscape and mountain peaks.

During the daytime, due to sunlight, it makes you uncomfortable to walk in the high altitude. Also, there is a high risk of injury from slipping and trekkers need to be aware all the time if they are trekking in the summer seasons. Also, leeches and mosquitoes can be troublesome while walking in the greenery and forest area.

Many trekkers avoid this season due to the high chance of flight cancellations, and the significant risk of floods and landslides. But if you’re among the people who love trekking in the rain and enjoying rainfall from the top of the mountain hill then it might be best for you. Also during summer, you can get a heavy discount on packages from the trekking agency.

If you trek in the summer season don’t forget to pack the rainproof items with you. Also while walking on the trail path you need to be extremely careful.

Advantages of trekking Mardi Himal in the Summer season:

• During the summer you can expect greenery everywhere which is astonishing to watch the greenery landscape, especially at the lower altitude.
• In summer due to the off-season, you can get a heavy discount in the Mardi Himal Trek package
• You can enjoy the waterfall and view of the rushing river
• The extended daylight hours give you enough time to enjoy and immerse in the natural beauty
• If you are a rain lover then this time is perfect for you for trekking.
• Due to rainfall, the air pollution remains very low at this time.

Disadvantages of trekking Mardi Himal in the Winter season:

• Heavy rainfall can disrupt road conditions, leading to issues such as mudslides, floods, landslides, and road damage.
• The trekking path will be slippery and muddy.
• Due to hot temperature, it can cause trouble for trekking
• Sudden changes in weather can affect your health conditions
• If you need emergency medical or helicopter rescue operations due to bad weather, there may be delays.

Winter Season (December-February)

Winter is the coldest season of the year, spanning from December to February. The extremely cold temperature at the high altitude and the chances of heavy snowfall is high during winter. 

The air is chilly, but the scenery is breathtaking with everything covered in snow.

Since fewer people are trekking during winter, it feels more peaceful and quiet. The views of the mountains, like Machhapuchhre and Annapurna, are crystal clear against the blue sky.

Although it’s cold, the winter landscape is stunning. You’ll see frozen streams, icicles hanging from trees, and maybe even some special animals like Himalayan Thar and snow leopards.

Winter is also a great time for taking photos because of the soft, magical light. Just make sure to bundle up warmly and you’ll have an amazing adventure trekking in Mardi Himal during winter!

Check also: Guide and Porter Hiring For Trekking Inside Nepal

Advantages of trekking Mardi Himal in the Winter season:

• Winter is off-season for the Mardi Himal trek so you can expect few crowds on the trekking trail.
• Due to less number of visitors, you will have better opportunities to connect with local culture and residents.
• In winter if you are lucky you might spot the elusive snow leopard.
• The cold and the fresh air will make your trekking more refreshing.
• The snow-covered mountain and landscape is perfect to watch and for the photography.
• Playing with snow is fun in this season.

Disadvantages of trekking Mardi Himal in the Winter season:

• You will have short daylight for trekking.
• Some of the tea houses might close due to off-season
• Due to heavy snowfall, the trail path becomes slippery and icy which makes difficult for walking.
• In winter the temperature goes below the freezing point and can trigger altitude sickness
• If the weather remains bad the perfect view will be missed.

If you want to trek in summer, we recommend you to check our monsoon trek package: Best Monsoon Trek Package 

Eco Nepal Trekkers’ Recommendation for the Best Time to Trek Mardi Himal

For the finest experience, Eco Nepal Trekkers strongly advise doing the Mardi Himal Trek in the spring (March to May) or fall (September to November). Trekkers may look forward to the bright sky, comfortable temperatures, and colorful rhododendron flowers in the spring, and stable weather, cold temperatures, and little rain in the fall, which makes for ideal trekking conditions and stunning views. An excellent combination of pleasant weather, breathtaking scenery, and cozy trekking conditions may be found in both seasons.

Worth reading: Popular Tea House Trek in Nepal

How to Book the Mardi Himal Trek?

Booking is an easy process with Eco Nepal Trekkers. First, read thoroughly all the details of the package. If you prefer to plan your itinerary, We can assist you based on what you like and what you want to do.

If you need any assistance then you can mail us or WhatsApp.

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: +977-9813322433

Itinerary That You Can Expect During Mardi Himal Trek

Below here is the outline itinerary for the Mardi Himal Trek. You can even customize the itinerary and make it short and add side trips to Ghorepani Phoon Hill, Annapurna Base Camp, or Annapurna Circuit Trek.

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350 m/4,429 ft)

Day 02: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (827 m/2,713 ft), 6-7 hrs

Day 03: Drive to Phedi and Trek to Pothana (1,950 m/6,397 ft), 4-5 hrs

Day 04: Trek from Pothana to Forest Camp (2,520 m/8,268 ft), 5 hrs

Day 05: Trek from Forest Camp to Low Camp (2,970 m/9,744 ft), 5 hrs

Day 06: Trek from Low Camp to High Camp (3,540 m/11,614 ft), 4 hrs

Day 07: Trek from High Camp to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,120 m/13,517 ft) and Descend to Low Camp (2,970 m/9,744 ft), 6 hrs

Day 08: Trek from Low Camp to Siding Village (1,700 m/5,577 ft), 7 hrs

Day 09: Drive back to Pokhara (827 m/2,713 ft), 1-2 hrs

Day 10: Drive back to Kathmandu (1,350 m/4,429 ft), 6-7 hrs

Day 11: Sightseeing in Kathmandu

Day 12: Final Departure

Check also: Top Short Treks in Nepal

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

When is the best time for Mardi Himal Trek?

Autumn and spring are the best times for Mardi Himal Trek because we can predict the weather conditions better compared to winter and monsoon seasons. The chances of rainfall are less and moderate temperature conditions make it favorable for trekkers to reach the destination easily and comfortably.

How hard is the Mardi Himal Trek?

Even though it is graded as moderately difficult, the Mardi Himal Trek is suitable for both beginners and mountain experts alike. With its short duration and manageable difficulty level, this trek requires minimal planning and preparation, making it an excellent choice for those seeking stunning views of mountain peaks and breathtaking landscapes.

What are the Permits required for the Mardi Himal Trek?

Yes, permits are mandatory for trekking in the mountain region of Nepal and trekking solo is banned in Nepal. Therefore you need to hire the licensed Guide with you for the Mardi Himal Trek. Here are the two permits required for this trek

1. Annapurna Conservation Area Permit 
2. TIMS Card 

Where is Mardi Himal located?

Mardi Himal is located in the Annapurna region of Nepal, within the Himalayas. It is situated to the east of the well-known Annapurna Base Camp trekking route.

How much does it cost to trek Mardi Himal?

The overall cost of the Mardi Himal depends upon several factors such as itinerary days, trekking route, transportation you choose, food and accommodation, etc. Before you book any package, it’s important to know what’s included in the package and what’s not, so you can manage your budget wisely. On average it will cost you 300-900$ per person.

Which month is the best for the Mardi Himal Trek?

Among all the seasons travelling in the month of Autumn is considered as the best time for the Mardi Himal trek as after the rainfall stops you can see the fresh view of the Mardi Himal. Also autumn is a season of festivals so you can know how local people celebrate Nepal’s biggest festivals Dashian and Tihar. If you are traveling in the Autumn season we suggest you travel so that the festive lies in the period so you can enjoy it, local people.

Conclusion

Without a doubt, Mardi Himal promises to deliver an unforgettable adventure filled with breathtaking views and unique experiences. If you want to avoid crowds during the peak season of the Everest base camp and Annapurna base camp trek then this trek might be a great alternative for you.

Recently getting popular this trek has been on the bucket list for both local and international travellers. Also, being one of the easiest and shortest treks in the Annapurna region, you can witness the unmatched beauty of the Himalayas on the Mardi Himal trek.

Your safety while trekking is our top priority. If you’re planning to book the Mardi Himal trek, choosing Eco Nepal Trekkers will be the best option for you. With experienced licensed guides, we offer you the package at the best price possible without compromising quality and safety.