Annapurna Base Camp And Mardi Himal Trek - 12 Days

Best Time For Annapurna Base Camp with Mardi Himal Trek

The best time for the Annapurna Base Camp and Mardi Himal trek is during spring and autumn, which are considered the peak seasons for trekking in Nepal. Spring season runs from March to May and autumn from September to November. These seasons provide the most favourable period for high altitude trekking interms of weather, trails, scenery and accessibility. 

Spring season gives trekkers the experience of a warm and vibrant landscape. This is the season of blooming which covers the trails with dense red and pink rhododendrons and oak trees. During spring, weather is stable with moderate temperature ranging typically around 10°C to 20°C in lower and 0°C to 10°C in higher regions.

Autumn season has the best visibilty and stable weather. The days are bright, air and visibility is crisp following the exit of monsoon. Temperature can range from 10°C to 20°C in lower and 0°C to 5°C in the higher regions. You can see crystal-clear views of towering peaks of the Annapurna range during autumn.

Trekking to Annapurna base camp and Mardi Himal base camp is also possible during monsoon and winter. However, it is challenging as those seasons bring heavy rain and snowfall, slippery trails, leaches and reduced visibility. Some sections can get shut down temporarily due to heavy snow. It also brings an advantage of less crowd and cheaper logistics but comes with a more difficult approach than during the peak seasons.

Mardi Himal And Annapurna Base Camp Trek Difficulty

The Mardi Himal Trek with Annapurna Base Camp is rated as a moderately difficult trek. Annapurna Base Camp and Mardi Himal Trek difficulty is not strenuous as the Annapurna Circuit Trek in the Annapurna region which features technical sections and high altitude passes. Even trekkers without any prior experience of trekking in Nepal can do this ABC and Mardi Trek. With the right preparation starting from physical fitness, packing essentials and mental resilience, even first-time trekkers can do complete the trek. Hence why it is one of the beginner friendly treks in Annapurna region.

Annapurna Base Camp and Mardi Himal BaseCamp trekking trails are both safe. The difference is ABC trails are popular, crowded and well developed whereas Mardi Himal has off the beaten trails which are quiet, peaceful and less crowded. Difficulty in this trek can arise from fatigue from long hiking durations and altitude sickness. The trek reaches higher elevations which possess the risk of altitude related sickness such as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). The maximum altitude in this trek is 4,500 meters at Mardi Himal base camp and Annapurna base camp 4,139 meters. You are also exposed to higher elevation throughout several trekking days which can make it difficult. But proper pacing, gradual ascents, proper hydration and listening to the advice of our trekking guides, will keep you out of any problems and give you a seamless and smooth trekking experience.    

Permit Required for Annapurna Trek?

Annapurna Base Camp with Mardi Himal Trek permits are the two standard trekking permits of the Annapurna trekking region. You must obtain the following two permits for doing the Mardi Himal & Annapurna Base Camp combined trekking. They are:

1. TIMS Card: The TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) card costs NPR 2,000 per person. It is issued by the Tourism board of Nepal (NTB) and is used for safety purposes of the trekkers. 
2. ACAP: The ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit) costs NPR 3,000 for foreigners and a discounted NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals. This grants you entry into the Annapurna Conservation Area and directly supports the conservation and sustainable development of the protected region and its biodiversity.

 Mardi & ABC Food and Accomodation 

The ABC and Mardi Himal Trek accommodation will feature teahouse accommodation. On your first night in Kathmandu, you will stay in a 3 star hotel on Bed and Breakfast basis. The room, service, amenities and facilities will all be excellent along. After you reach Pokhara, you will stay in teahouse accommodation or local lodges throughout the trek. Living in small family run lodges and teahouses, lets you have authentic village life experience and cultural immersion. The teahouse are basic yet cozy, comfortable and homely. They have twin-sharing rooms with wooden beds. Some may have attached bathrooms but such room comes with an additional cost. In the lower areas, electricity, hot water and WI-FI may be available for free but as you climb higher, these facilities become less frequent and charge you extra.

In Kathmandu, your trek package only includes breakfast at your hotel accommodation. However, once you begin your trek from Pokhara your food during Annapurna Base camp and Mardi Himal trek will be provided to you on Full-board basis. You will be served three meals a day (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) along with tea and coffee. You will have freshly cooked and hearty teahouse food both local and internation cuisine including the Nepalese staple Daal, Bhat, Tarkari (cooked rice with lentils and veggies). You can have Momo, pizza, noodles, soup, bread, eggs, sandwiches, Tibetan noodles, and many more dishes during your ABC and Mardi trekking.

Possibility for Altitude Sickness In ABC And Mardi High Camp?

The risk of Altitude sickness during Annapurna base camp and Mardi himal trek is prominent. Thoughout the journey, the trek involves hiking in altitude higher than 3,000 meters for several days. That exposure to higher elevations, thin air and low oxygen levels combined with fatigue from trekking for days can make you suffer from altitude related sickness like AMS. The maximum altitude in both base camps are at 4,500m and 4,130m at Mardi Himal and ABC respectively. These elevations presents higher risk of AMS.

To ensure your body adapts to higher elevations avoiding any altitude related sickness, you must ascend gradually, pace yourself properly, be adequately hydrated and gain enough rest. The most important factor is listening to your body and the early signs like nausea, headache, fatigue, loss of appetite. You shouldn't push further in such case.

During the trek, our experienced and first-aid trained guides which check you for altitude related sickness and discomfort daily and provide immediate response and care in the worst case scenario.    

Annapurna Trekking Insurance

Having travel insurance for your Annapurna base camp trek with Mardi Himal is very important. You will be doing high altitude trekking with risk of medical emergencies as well as natural disasters. In case of trip cancellation due to natural calamities, medical emergency, helicopter rescue, your travel insurance covers it for you. Also when you have your travel insurance during trekking, you will feel much more secured and confident. In case of any unforeseen situations, your insurance prevents you from paying for any additional expenses out of your own wallet.

You will need to provide us a copy of your travel insurance document before doing this trek. Additionally, your insurance must have the policies of high altitude trekking and helicopter evacuation.

Annapurna Base Camp And Mardi Himal Gears And Equipment Needed

Head

• Hats and Beanie 
• Neck gaiter
• Headlamp
• SPF 50+ sunscreen
• Lip balm with SPF
• UV protection sunglasses

Torso

• Personal daypack
• Moisture-wicking tshirts (full and half sleeved)
• Thermal base layer
• Fleece or down jacket
• Hardshell water and windbreaker jacket
• Trekking pants (quick drying)
• Thermal trousers or pants
• Raincoat

Foot

• Thick woolen or moisture-wicking socks
• Broken-in and sturdy trekking boots (waterproof, ankle-support)
• Trekking poles
• A pair of slippers
• Leg gaiter

Toiletries

• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Tissue paper
• Wet wipes
• Biodegradable soap
• Small towel