Mardi Himal Trek is newly discovered trail located in the eastern part of Annapurna region. It is “officially” opened in 2012 and has yet to command large crowds like treks in the region.
Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek takes you deep into amazing forested areas through the rocky mountain terrain and several camps which may have snow depending on the time of year you visit.
It is very important to acquire knowledge about the trek before heading for the journey. Here are some of the difficulties of Mardi Himal Trek, you should know for comfortable and safe journey:
Remoteness:
Remoteness might not be suitable for every trekkers. Since it is very less-trodden, tourism infrastructures are very less in the region. Don’t expect highly luxurious teahouse along the Mardi Himal trekking route. Teahouse will offer you the basic facilities (but in state of improvement). You will be provided with warm blanket instead of heater. Better to bring sleeping bag with liner for extra comfort.
Rooms are available on sharing basis and you have to use common toilet (to be shared among other rooms). Hot shower is not available but you will be provided with hot bucket water. Also don’t expect variety of Menu choices but common international food like Noodle Soup, Sandwich, Momo etc. are available. Daal Bhaat & Tarkari is a main course which we recommend you to eat. It is filling and provides you sufficient calories to fuel you up along the trek.
Challenging:
As the trail is remote, the trekking route is challenging and trekkers need to physically fit to accomplish the trek successfully. Trekkers have to walk on rugged mountain terrain for several days at least 6 – 7 hours a day. Though technical skills and experience are not required, one must be physically active for the trek.
Altitude Sickness
If this is your first high altitude trek, you will feel difference in air whenever we were at 2,500m elevation. As we rise upwards to the 3,580m of High Camp, the air felt like it was evading the lungs. Though trekking in Mardi Himal has very low risk of altitude sickness, we suggest you to walk slow, hydrate properly and acclimatize well. Don’t race and gain height instantly; follow the lead of your guide for successful trek.
Martin Wynn
