Mardi Himal Trek- 9 Days

Mardi Himal is deeply rooted and connected to local culture and traditions. Here’s how the trek ties into the region’s rich heritage.

1. Origins and Significance of Trek

Although popular just recently, the Mardi Himal Trek has had an important relevance to the locals for a long period. The trails were conventionally used by herders and traders. Nowadays, it allows trekkers to experience a path less crowded and gives them a closer view of the traditional mountain life of its people.

2. Link to the Local Traditions

Along the way, trekkers will be passing through villages where Gurung and Magar people are dwelling and still maintain the local customs. Local habits of the people remain with their age-old traditions, and a lot of the people living here are virtually a mixture of Hinduism and Buddhism. 

3. Importance of Annapurna Region

The area of Annapurna is a very famous and popular destination for trekking, along with being culturally significant. To the locals, these mountains are sacred, and they also feature greatly in regional myths and religious beliefs. For many locals, these peaks are a lot more besides their physical existence, rather they believe that it holds spiritual meanings.

The best time to trek to Mardi Himal depends on the weather conditions and their characteristics, and your personal preference. Here are the ideal times:

Autumn (September to November):

As a general opinion, Autumn is considered to be the best time for trekking. You get clear skies, comfortable temperatures, and unobstructed views of the mountains. The weather conditions are pretty good, making it the ideal time for you to avoid extreme rainfall or snow. The trails are busier, but the beauty of the landscapes more than makes up for it.

Spring (March to May): 

This is again a very good time for trekking. You will feel much better temperatures and rhododendron forests painted all over. Generally, the weather is clear, with higher altitudes covered by clouds. The snow in this period starts to melt and the routes start becoming better.

Monsoon (June-August):

This is the most unfavorable time due to heavy rainfall and muddy trails. If you like being solitary and do not mind rain, then on the rain-shadow side, it is quite possible to trek.

Winter (December to February): 

If you don’t mind the cold, winters will have more tranquil trails, carrying a more somnolent quality. The cold may be extreme at certain parts, and high passes can shut due to the very heavy snowfall.

Necessary Documents: 

• Valid Passport
• Airline tickets & Trip blueprint
• Nepal Visa
• Passport size photos
• Travel Insurance
• Cash & Credit Cards

Equipment:

• Backpack (40-50L)
• Sleeping bag: Rated for cold weather (below -10°C).
• Trekking poles (optional)
• Water bottle

Gadgets and Electronics:

• Flashlights
• Power bank
• Camera/Phone

Toiletries:

• Toilet paper
• Biodegradable soap
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Wet wipes
  

First Aid Kit:

• Altitude sickness meds (in case)
• Antiseptic cream
• Blister plasters
  

Clothing:

Body Wears:

• T-shirts
• Warm/thermal tops
• Fleece
• Waterproof jacket and pants
• Scarf
• Warm hat

Footwears: 

• Trekking boots
• Slippers
• Trekking socks
• Cotton socks
• Normal shoes

Handwears:

• Gloves
• Full sleeves

Take It Slow

Try to ascend at a constant, regular pace, especially above 3,000 meters. The faster one ascends, the greater the risk. Let your body acclimatize with the high altitude’s thinning air.

Drink lots of water

Drink enough water, at least three to four liters a day. You can easily become dehydrated at higher elevation. So, make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Avoid alcohol because it acts to dehydrate and disrupts acclimatization.

Eat Healthy Food

Give special attention to foods high in energy, such as vegetables, pasta, and soups. You will need nutrition to be strong and healthy because your body uses more calories at high elevations.

Avoid alcohol and smoking

You must completely avoid the intake of alcohol and sedatives when climbing high. Similarly, at places with mountainous heights where the oxygen concentration in the environment is already low, smoking or sedatives artificially lowers the oxygen flow to the brain. Alcohol also renders your body without water; it dehydrates your body.

Dress warmly.

The mountain climate is windy and dry, which is why you must make sure that your clothes will not get wet because, when the sweat evaporates from the skin, it cools the body down very quickly and constricts the blood vessels, exacerbating altitude sickness.

Lush Rhododendron Forests

You pass through a trail full of thick woodlands of rhododendrons, which are especially colorful in springtime. These trees shine with red, pink, and white flowers. These trees burst with bright red, pink, and white flowers, adding color to the green landscape.

Oak And Pine Trees

While trekking higher up to the mountains, the route takes you through some of the ancient oak and pine forests dominating the landscape and providing shade while being peaceful during your climb.

Exotic Birds

Watch for the emergence of many species of birds. If lucky, you can get a chance to see the colorful Danphe, pheasants, eagles, and other high-altitude birds.

Mountain Fauna

Approaching High Camp, you may especially encounter Himalayan wildlife such as musk deer or even langur monkeys. They are shy; with a bit of luck, you could spot them along the trail.

Flowers And Alpine Shrubs

Closer to base camp, the alpine landscape on Mardi Himal greets with tough wild flowers and low-growing shrubs thriving well in cooler, rocky surroundings.

Now that the Mardi Himal Trek is over, it is a high time one rested and rejuvenated at Pokhara. The following are some good recommendations for recovery and enjoyment in this peaceful lakeside city:

1. Relaxing Massage: 

Get a massage to relieve yourself from soreness and tension from the trek. You can try a number of massage therapies available. Deep tissue and Ayurvedic massage are the best ones to relieve yourself from the post body ache. 

2. Yoga Session

The best way to open up those stiffened muscles and put your mind at rest after the trek is doing yoga. There are several yoga studios around Lakeside that embrace yogis of all levels with daily classes.

3. Boat Ride On Phewa Lake

Relaxed boat rides on Phewa Lake are one of the good ways to spend time. One can rent a paddleboat or hire a boatman who will take one across the lake. Floating peacefully while looking at the reflections of the Annapurna range upon the water is really an unforgettable experience.

4. Relax at lakeside cafes

There are a lot of small cafes around the Lakeside area in Pokhara. You can hop into one of them and sip coffee with a tranquil view of Phewa Lake. You can also try some local Nepali tea or a smoothie. Most of the cafes have outdoor seating areas where you can recall your trekking adventure.

Mardi Himal is an exciting trek, but it comes with its dangers. The trail goes straight upwards and really gets slippery at the onset of bad weather. One has to be alert lest there would be a fall or an injury due to missteps. 

Traveling, trekking and mountaineering by definition carries inherent risks of injury or even death. Carelessness can lead to accidents, and though extremely rare, serious injuries and loss of life have been recorded in the past. When you make a booking, you must accept these risks and commit to being accountable for your own actions and involvement.

1. Know the Risks

Injury may also be encountered along steep trails, slippery paths, and rocky terrain. The use of sturdy trekking boots with good grip will help in avoiding accidents. Always walk at a pace with which you are comfortable, and always watch your step as some paths might be uneven or icy.

2. Handle Altitude Sickness Properly

First of all, altitude sickness normally occurs over 2,500 meters. This can be partly combated by going up in altitude more gradually, and constantly drinking water. If you get headaches, nausea, or dizziness then immediately drop down to lower altitudes as soon as possible. 

3. Trek with Guide or in Group Only

Trekking with a guide or in a group provides an added layer of safety. Guides know the terrain and weather pattern. Guides can also be very useful during any emergencies. Besides, in the case of injury or sickness, one finds assistance in the company of others.