Mardi Himal Trek is one of the most popular trekking destinations inside the Annapurna Conservation Area and I found so many changes in the Mardi Himal Trek route between 2019 and 2022. This trek is first discovered in 2012 and become the most famous travel destination for Nepali travelers. Nowadays this trek is also getting well known for international travelers too because of the magnificent mountain views and surrounding views. This trek is the best alternative trek for the well-established Annapurna Base Camp Trek.
My first visit to Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek was in December 2019. At that time I was with a trekking group of the JRN Treks and leading that group to the base camp of the Mardi Himal Peak. And my second visit was in April 2022 and during that trip, I found a huge difference. Because there are so many things that have changed between 2019 to 2022. Those changes are going to mention hereby one by one.
1 Walking trail – the biggest changes in the Mardi Himal Trekking route
When I was doing Mardi Himal Trek in 2019 the walking trail was not so good. Just a normal walking trail and in some parts that trails look very dangerous too. And also the walking trails are confusing from one place to another. Walking inside the jungle was very tough at that time because there are many trails used to walk Yaks and other wild animals.
But in 2022 those walking trails are well paved and well-marked because of that easy to walk. In every village, there are trail markers and hotel information boards. Even there are maps to find out what is next and what can explore in the surroundings.
2 built a lot of hotels and guest houses
Accommodation is one of the most essential things during the trek and hotel accommodation is the better option than camping. When I was on the Mardi Himal route in 2019 there were not many guest houses and hotels in every place. In most places, there are shortage of accommodations for the hikers. And trekkers and guide porters have to sleep in Dining rooms too.
But now thing is very different, there are a lot of hotels, guest houses, and lunch spots along the way. In the forest camp, there are more than 12 lodges, in the low camp there is more than 10 lodge in Badal Danda there are 5/6 guest houses and in High Camp, there are more than 15 lodges. This is the biggest infrastructural change in the Mardi Himal Trekking route.
Because of the increasing number of hotel and guest houses, there are a bit easier to spend a night for the hikers.
3 Change people’s nature – Most needed changes in the Mardi Himal Trekking route
Well because of the increasing number of hotels, the competition between the hotels changed the people’s nature. The owners of the hotels are used to be very rude and unhelpful. But now they are very polite and helpful to each tourist, guide, and porter.
In 2019 the hotels are even not provide a cup of black tea for guides and porters but now they offer free tea and coffee for guides and porters. I found this is the big humanitarian change in the Mardi Himal Trek
4 Different scenarios in a different season
In 2019 I traveled during the winter season in December and at that time the Mountain View was amazing. But there was a bit of snow to go in the Mardi Himal Base Camp and we were unable to go there. Everything was frozen and icy trail during the winter season.
Now also the mountain scenery was the same but the added beauty was the rhododendron flowers everywhere. So the scenery between winter and spring is a bit different because of more and less snow and rhododendron flower.
5 Built resting places/shelters
When there was no good trekking trail there were no resting places and shelters too, when there was no resting place and shelter; that time no resting places for trekkers, guides, and porters. But now there are many resting shelters and that is very good for the porters and trekkers to take rest while climbing up and down. This is very good for the guides, porters, and trekkers.
Mardi Himal Trek Itinerary
| Day 1 | Kathmandu to Pokhara drive or flight |
| Day 2 | Pokhara to Kande drive and trek to Australian Camp |
| Day 3 | Australian Camp to Forest Camp |
| Day 4 | Forest Camp to High Camp |
| Day 5 | High Camp to Mardi Himal Base Camp and back to Badal Danda |
| Day 6 | Badal Danda to Sidding |
| Day 7 | Sidding to Pokhara drive |
| Day 8 | Drive or flight to Pokhara |
This itinerary is based on how I did Mardi Himal Trek and this itinerary can change as your wish and as your time. On the other hand, this trek can start in several places such as Phedi, Landruk, or Dhampus. And ends in the same places too. Also, Mardi Himal Trek can combine with other treks such as Annapurna Base Camp, Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, Khopra Danda Trek, etc.
If you are looking for a great Mardi Himal Trekking experience then you need to choose the best time. To have the details about the best season for this trek please click here. You the hiker and have done this trek and seen some things more changes please comment down below where I can add those changes too.
