The Mardi Himal trek is known as one of the best-hidden gems of Nepal, located in the routes of the Annapurna region. Yes, this particular track was only opened to the public back in 2011, which is the major reason why there are fewer travelers in this region, making it one of the least explored trails as well.
For anyone searching for less crowded areas in the lap of the Himalayas, the Mardi Himal trek is a great place. In fact, it is also perfect for a quick getaway away as you can complete this journey is just a few days.
On the same note, Mardi Himal trek is quite flexible in itself. Though it may consist of a few confusing trails in the middle, it can be easily accomplished as a solo trekker. Both trekking solo and in a group have their own perks during this journey, which adds beauty to it.
Mardi Himal – Solo Trekking Vs. Group Trekking
Well, the Mardi Himal trekkking is of moderate difficulty level and reaches a maximum altitude of approximately 4,500 meters. It is absolutely attainable as a solo trek as well without a guide.
While both solo and group Mardi Himal trek provide equally mesmerizing experiences, there will be a significant difference in the experience you will gain.
On one hand, traveling solo gives you immense freedom, and you will have better control over your itinerary plans. Not to mention, it also provides you an opportunity to dive deeper into the cultural and traditional aspects of the trek as per your wish.
On the other hand, traveling in a group connects with diversified people hence, making the whole trip cheerful and full of stories. Additionally, it also takes away your hassle to create a plan and you can enjoy the trek with an undivided attention.
Customized Travel Plans
Solo trekking in the routes of the Mardi Himal trek gives you unparalleled freedom and independence. It allows you to plan your travel schedule according to your preferred timeline. Hence, you can extend or shorten the trek whenever you want.
Likewise, it makes you independent as you will have to muster up the courage and confidence to talk with the locals to get close to their culture. Here, if you are lucky enough, you will also get to spend time with the local family in their houses.
As a solo traveler, you will be able to feel a unique connection with the trek as you will be able to create your own itinerary details according to your preference.
In the meantime, traveling in a group gives you a well-prepared plan right before and everything is booked and ready for you. You will not have to take a single hassle about interaction, highlights, and so on.
Safety And Support
Safety is a primary concern while traveling to a remote area. Hence, joining a group trek ensures your safety overall. Not to mention, a group always has an experienced guide with them who will assist your overall travel plan offering valuable knowledge and potential risks.
Furthermore, the group may carry the necessities that you may not have or might have forgotten. Overall, traveling in a group gives you support and safety that you will not have while traveling alone.
Especially among beginner travelers and trekkers, joining a group gives an added layer of security, which in turn oozes out as confidence. Moreover, if there are any unforeseen emergency situations, you will be able to get collective help and resources.
Altogether, we advise travelers to at least have a guide while accomplishing the Mardi Himal trek. In fact, the Government of Nepal enforced a new law in April 2023 stating that no travelers will be able to trek solo in and around national parks and conservatory areas. This decision also occurred due to the number of accidents among solo trekkers.
Difficulty Level
While the Mardi Himal trek is moderately difficult, it is not entirely an easy climb. The Mardi Himal trek has the highest elevation of 4,500 meters. While it may seem like a big ascend, some trekkers do suffer from Acute Motion Sickness (AMS) during the journey.
Yes, no matter how physically fit you are, you may fall victim to it. The symptoms of altitude sickness generally include shortness of breath, weakness, nausea, and so on. Usually, you might have a hard time understanding altitude sickness especially if you are a beginner trekker which means you may not be able to react quickly.
But if you travel in a group, the guides are taught by professionals to handle the situation. Also, if the situation worsens, you will have supporters to help you through and an emergency evacuation plan ready on the team.
During the Mardi Himal trek, it is important that you buy an insurance plan. As medical bills and emergency support might be expensive, having insurance will cover all those expenses and even send you a helicopter for evacuation during emergencies.
You can buy this insurance plan in Kathmandu or in Pokhara at Tourism Board Office.
Meeting People
Whether you travel solo or in a group, you will meet new people and have new interactions. However, there is a major difference.
Solo Mardi Himal trek will give you the independence to create new friends by yourself outside of interaction with the locals on the route. While traveling in the group have a readymade community among trekkers who will be sharing the joy of travel with the travelers alike.
In addition, traveling in a group helps to create a diverse bond. This is a unique experience in itself.
Trekking Season
The best season to trek the routes of Mardi Himal is during the Spring (March, April, and May) and Autumn (September, October, and November).
Here, if you are traveling solo, the peak season is the way to go, as the weather is moderate, which makes the journey easy. Not to mention, during these seasons, other travelers are embarking on this journey, which will give you the sensation of having a group.
However, during the Monsoon / Summer season (June, July, and August) and Winter (December, January, and February), the trails get difficult. It is heavily affected by unpredictable weather, and the trekking route is almost empty.
Things To Consider: Solo Mardi Himal Trek
Indeed, solo Mardi Himal trek is packed with thrill and adventure. However, before embarking on this journey, you should consider the journey.
- Even the places that may seem safe can be dangerous once you are traveling alone. Altitude sickness and unpredictable weather may pose as a major threat during this journey.
- While we deem the Mardi Himal trekking route moderately challenging and can be conquered by all age groups, it is still easy to get lost when you do not have any sense of direction.
- Solo treks do give you the freedom to plan your trip in all aspects. However, they also mean that you will have to manage the arrangements for food, routes, and accommodation independently.
Things To Consider: Group Mardi Himal Trek
Trekking in a group comes with a myriad of benefits as well as compromise. Hence, if you do not like to compromise on things, you should consider this travel option.
- Trekking in groups gives you a chance to meet a diverse range of people, but to enjoy the overall journey, it is crucial that you get along with your fellow travelers.
- The most important thing to understand while traveling in a group is that you will have limited flexibility due to a predetermined itinerary. Therefore, if you are more of a spontaneous person, it might not be the one for you.
Mardi Himal Trek Details
- Trekking Region:Annapurna
- Trekking Distance:64.30 kilometers
- Trekking Duration:4 to 6 days
- Starting Point: Kande
- Difficulty Level:Moderately Easy
- Maximum Elevation:4,500 meters at Mardi Himal Base Camp
- Best Seasons: Spring (March, April, May) and Autumn (September, October, and November)
Highlights Of The Trek
- Trek through the rhododendron forest during Spring
- Relaxing hot spring at Jhinu Danda
- Close-up experience of the authentic remote life
- Mesmerizing views of the Annapurna ranges, Mardi Himal, and Mount Fishtail
- Encounter the authentic Pun and Gurung tribal villages
- Enjoy the city of Lakes Pokhara
Packing List For Mardi Himal Trek
- Sun hat or scarf
- Torchlight with batteries
- Fur hat (in winter)
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Wet wipes and towels
- T-shirt and long sleeve shirts
- Fleece jacket (in winter)
- Down jacket
- Heavyweight winter gloves
- Cotton pants
- Sweater
- Thermals
- Waterproof socks
- Hooded rain jacket
- Hiking boots
- Thick wool socks (in winter)
- Sleeping bag
- Adjustable shock-absorbant trekking pole
- Water bottle
- Toothbrush
- Cell phone
- First aid kit
- Medicine (if any)
- Passports, permit cards, and other necessary documents
Conclusion
The route to the Mardi Himal trek is a perfect destination for anyone looking to reach the lap of the Himalayas but do not want to travel far. One can choose to travel alone or in a group, though traveling solo is not often recommended.
However, traveling alone or with a partner or in a group totally depends upon one’s preference. If you are up for wide social interaction and do not want to take upon the hassle of planning and managing all the trip necessities by yourself, it is best to embark on this journey with a guide or in a group.
However, if you want to feel independent and are only searching for peace and solitude with a little bit of time for yourself, traveling solo is the best option you can make.
But at the end of the day, any decision you make and choose to go on, Mardi Himal trek will surely not disappoint you. Therefore, before making a decision, you should consider and contemplate your personal preferences.
