MARDI HIMAL TREK IN NEPAL

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MARDI HIMAL TREK IN NEPAL INTRODUCTION Mardi Himal trek is one of the remote and shortest treks in Nepal. This trek is likely being suitable to start from Pokhara. The trek is situated just east of one of the most popular treks (Annapurna Base Camp Trek) of Nepal. The trek is full of adventures and surprises for the trekkers. Before the trek was officially opened in 2012, the trek was accessed by a limited trekking group with tents and catering teams for a long time. Since the trek is visited by a very limited number of trekkers, the surrounding area of the trek is unspoiled and is still pristine.

The trek is the lowest visited trekking peak in Nepal. So, the trek is best for the trekker who enjoys the peace and challenges the unbeaten path. There are a few numbers of tea houses.

Beautiful Mardi Himal

HIGHLIGHTS OF MARDI HIMAL TREK 1. More challenging and less crowded trek in Nepal.

2. Astonishing views of many mountains such as Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, Manaslu, Mardi Himal etc.

3. Comfortable, peaceful, short and unspoiled trek.

4. Amazing views of forests, green hills and rocky landscapes which are really eyecatching.

5. Social life and customary helps the traditional way of life of the local people, their warm and comfortable hospitality and many cultures and arts.

6. Wonderful views of remote villages such as Siding and Liwang.

7. Varieties of flora and fauna such as rhododendron (Nepal’s National Flower), pine, oak along the trekking route.

BEST SEASONS OR MONTHS FOR MARDI HIMAL TREK The best months for trekking are April and May. In these two months, the weather for trekking is at best. As these two months are very much suitable for trekking, the trekking route gets crowded as many people trek in this period. It is also suitable for trekking in March and November. The weather is also suitable for trekking. In these two months, very few numbers of trekkers come to trek the Mardi Himal.

Sometimes, trekkers might get unlucky during these two months because of the sudden change in weather which makes it impossible for trekking. So, it is unpredictable in these two months.

The trek is not suitable during the monsoon season, which ranges from May to September. During this time period, the weather is very uncomfortable and hard for trekking. Continuous rainfall makes the route muddy and slippery which makes the trekking likely impossible. Trekking during this season might be dangerous which may even cost trekkers life.

Many trekkers also visit Mardi Himal, from December to February. Even though the weather in these two months is very cold, most of the trekkers find it suitable and challenging. Since it is challenging and hard, trekkers loving the adventure trek in these months. These months are off-season for trekking. Most of the places are closed which leads to difficulty in finding accommodation and food.

REQUIRED PERMITS FOR MARDI HIMAL TREK The trek lies inside the Annapurna Sanctuary Area. Since this trek lies in this area, trekkers need Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). Aside from ACAP trekker also need a Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) card.

Without these cards, trekkers are not allowed to enter the Sanctuary area. These cards and permits can only be used once for entry. Trekkers need another permit if he/she exits the area.

Mardi Himal View Trekkers can get both permits and a (TIMS) card at the Tourism Information Center either in Pokhara or in Kathmandu. The total amount for the entry is around USD 55. The permit and (TIMS) card both are very important. Trekker should not lose the permit and card as there are many control points throughout the trek until a trekker exits.

ROUTE FOR MARDI HIMAL TREK There are four different routes to get to the destination. Three of four different routes lead to the same place whereas one of four different routes leads to another place. Trekkers can choose any of these four routes they like. As each and every route are beautiful and amazing with unique features. Among them below mentioned two routes are widely popular.

FIRST ROUTE (ALSO A STANDARD ROUTE) The route starts from Kande. It is the standard route for trekking in Mardi Himal.

This route is the very famous route for people coming from Pokhara and Kathmandu. This route takes at least 3 days and a maximum of 4 days to reach the final destination Siding. At the final destination, people can enjoy a few more days as fishing is very popular in that place. After taking proper and good rest, trekkers can go back to Pokhara through Jeep which costs around $9.

SECOND ROUTE This route is widely popular for the trekkers who come from other trekking areas such as Annapurna Base Camp Trekking and many more. The starting point for this route is Ghandruk. This route is shorter than the first route. The final destination for this trek is also siding. After resting enough, trekkers can return to Pokhara through Jeep.

EQUIPMENT NECESSARY

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As the trek is in the most remote area, trekkers should equip them with proper clothes and necessities. This trek might take at a minimum of 4 days and a maximum of 8 days. So, trekkers should pack light materials which might not hinder in the trekking process. Some of the necessary clothes and equipment are mentioned below: A cap and sunlight protection glass is necessary for protection from sunlight and dust.

A headlamp is also another necessary material for the trek. Sometimes, it might get dark during trekking so to see at night headlamp is needed.

The backpack should be made light with the only important stuff. It might get in the way to trekkers if the backpack is too heavy and might be unable to continue the trek.

Sleeping bags are also another important item for sleeping. It gets really cold in the base camps.

Trekking pants and shirts are also other necessary clothes for keeping the body warm and comfortable. These clothes also help in trekking easier than other unusual clothes.

As the trek is in high altitude, the wind sometimes blows very hard to resist the wind blow and keep the body warm, and windproof jackets should be worn.

Trekking socks and shoes are also important footwear for trekking. Shoes that support ankle from serious injuries should be bought.

Last but most important thing for trekking is the first aid kit, so to treat small injuries and unpredicted wounds which might be grave if that is not treated in time.

COST FOR MARDI HIMAL TREK The cost for Mardi Himal Trek is comparatively low than other famous trekking areas. The price of accommodation frequently changes according to seasons. The cost becomes high when there are a lot of people visiting and become low when only a few trekkers are trekking. In off-seasons accommodation costs range from $ 2 to $ 3 whereas, in seasons, accommodation costs range from $ 4 to $ 5. The price

of accommodation is reasonable for the hospitality and place they give a trekker to live for one night.

Trekking in Mardi Himal The facilities provided in the area are also quite good. They provide basic and important facilities needed for trekkers in areas such as Poon Hill. Trekkers need to pay extra charges in the Mardi Himal trek area for hot shower or Wi-Fi. Food prices increase with an increase in altitude. Food prices at lower altitudes are low whereas food prices at high altitudes are high. So, to save more money, a trekker should buy as many as they can at a lower altitude. By doing this, a trekker will be able to save some money but not in huge amounts.

DIFFICULTY DURING THE TREK This trek ranges from moderate to difficult levels. It is not an easy trekking route like other trekking routes in Nepal. A trekker should always be cautious and careful during this trek. Trekker might get physical injuries such as sprains, ankle damage and so on, so proper preparation should be applied.

This trek is at high altitude, so most of the trekkers might feel altitude sickness.

People should bring medicine for altitude sickness. Weather is also another factor that makes it difficult during trekking as the weather in the Himalayas is unpredictable. Trekkers might have to face extreme weather conditions so they should be prepared both physically and mentally. Trekkers might need to walk 6 to 7 hours a day. So it would be better for physical preparation such as doing light

exercise and running. Since it would be tiresome and mentally hard, trekker should thoroughly make up their mind to endure the tiresomeness.

FITNESS REQUIRED FOR MARDI HIMAL TREK Since trekking not that dangerous and difficult, people with moderate health conditions can also trek in Mardi Himal. The trek is suitable for all levels of people. Even though a person is not experienced in trekking, this trekking is suitable. A good physique is not required for the trek but it will be easy and comfortable if a person has good experience and a good physique.

Aside from physical fitness, mental fitness is also important for trekking. So a person can endure tiresome walks.