The Mardi Himal Trek in the Annapurna region of Nepal is a relatively new trek that opened in 2012. It is one of the less popular treks in the country compared to some popular treks like Annapurna Circuit Trek or Everest Base Camp Trek. Nevertheless, a small group of trekkers favors it due to its stunning landscapes, vibrant rhododendrons, and cultural experiences. This moderately challenging trek becomes a journey to savor, especially in May when nature is at its finest. But what is so special about the Mardi Himal Trek in May?
Mardi Himal Trek in May falls during the spring season in Nepal. In addition to the Autumn Season (September to November), Spring (March to May) is the best time for the Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek. From the preferable and predictable weather conditions to the diverse landscapes with blooming rhododendrons and towering peaks, these factors contribute to the best time to trek the Mardi Himal in May.
Mardi Himal Trek offers a stunningly diverse landscape in May. As you progress on your trekking route, you will encounter subtropical zones in the lower elevations with settlements with terraced farms and woodlands. The forests in these regions are alive with greenery, thanks to the pre-monsoon warmth.
Even though May is the last month of the spring, the fragments of rhododendrons are still present. As you get closer to the base camp, the rocky hills open up to breathtaking views of snow-covered peaks like Machapuchare and Annapurna. May is a bright and colorful time to enjoy the trek’s natural beauty. The changing landscapes in May make the trek look very different and exciting, even within a small area.
Many things have to fall in the right place for a comfortable trekking experience. One such thing is the preferable weather conditions. And what are those? It’s a mild temperature, minimal rainfall, and clear visibility to observe the natural beauty of flora, fauna, and mountains. May offers such weather for trekkers on the Mardi Himal Trek in Nepal.
The average daytime temperature at lower elevations, like Forest Camp or Low Camp, ranges from 10 to 20 degrees Celsius. This range is neither too hot nor too cold to hike. Even the temperature in higher regions like High Camp doesn’t fall below 8 to 10 degrees Celsius. However, the late evenings, nights, and mornings can be chilly. Additionally, the rainfall is minimal, and the views are apparent in the mornings, with a slight possibility of haziness in the afternoons.
Nepal sees a higher flow of tourism during the autumn and spring, as do the trekking routes like Annapurna Circuit Trek and Everest Base Camp. However, unlike other popular treks, the Mardi Himal Base Camp trek sees fewer crowds even in the peak periods from March to May.
It also benefits from being a relatively new route, opening in 2012 A.D. With fewer crowds on the trail, you can use your time to trek and immerse yourself in the stunning views of Mardi in the Annapurna Region. This makes it an excellent choice for trekkers seeking solitude and a peaceful connection with nature. And they don’t have to worry about the scarcity of lodges and teahouses.
Spring is the season of new growth and blooming flowers. Summer, on the other hand, is the season of dense foliage. May is the last month of spring and also the transition month to summer. So, the flora in Mardi Himal Trek at this time of the year has unique characteristics that possess both floral beauty and lush greenery. Early May brings the vibrancy of the Blooming rhododendron forest, and later May brings verdant terraced fields and woods, along with kaleidoscopic wildflowers.
Trekkers call the Mardi Himal Trek in May a multicolored trek because of the Vibrant Rhododendron Forest. The forested section of the trek is exquisite, with red, pink, and white Rhododendron blossoms lining the trails. Spoiled fragments of purple, yellow, and white, along with greens in the meadows, enrich the views of the Mardi Himal region. Also, the trails of the Mardi Himal bring forth multiple flora and fauna in May.
No matter the season, trekkers come here for the amazing views of the snow-covered mountains. So, not seeing one can be discouraging. That would not be the case along the Mardi Himal trek, especially in May. Throughout the trek, you will encounter towering peaks from various locations. And the sight is to behold in the eyes; a huge thanks to the clear skies. The early morning and sunset views from the viewpoint are astonishing. A quick note to remember is that the surroundings might get slightly hazy in the afternoons. Here is the list of some of the mountains you will see during your trek as you reach Mardi Himal Base Camp;
Mardi Himal Trek offers a photogenic backdrop for trekkers and photography enthusiasts in May. The mountains are partially covered in snow and rocky terrain. With the afternoon sun shining at its peak, the mountains are ready to surrender to your camera. The meadows, farmlands, and forests are colorful, with green, red, white, and pink colors. The varied landscapes along the Mardi Himal Base Camp trail offer stunning views that are perfect for photos.
While trekking, a thing that has to be constantly in your mind is reaching the next tea house where you will spend your night. The average length of the day and sunshine hours pose challenges if the trek is lengthy. Fortunately, both are not the case for Mardi Himal Trek in May. Most of the day in the Mardi Himal trek in May is sunny, with an average of 11.7 hours of sunshine. So trekkers don’t have to worry about reaching their destination late. They can rest, click photos, and talk with other trekkers on the way without worrying about the time.
Mardi Himal weather in May can be tricky. In Nepal, May is when the season transitions to monsoon or summer from spring. The weather in May can be slightly different from that at the beginning of spring. Late May marks the monsoon’s onset, bringing more rainfall than the first week of May. So, the days are more humid, with average relative humidity at around 53% in the later days. Mardi Himal receives about 17 days of rainfall in May, averaging 84mm.
Monsoon clouds start to form during this period, so visibility might be an issue in the afternoons. However, the morning sky is clear, providing the best views of the Machhapuchhre Himal and Annapurna range. The wind speed is also mild in lower regions. The wind speed might be slightly more substantial with the rise in elevation around the High Camp and ridges.
The temperatures are mild and pleasant, with gradually warming as April approaches. Daytime and nighttime temperatures can increase significantly in the later days of May, even at higher elevations. With the data from the study of the temperature of Kaski District, the minimum temperature is around 16 degrees Celsius, and the maximum is around 26 degrees Celsius, with an average of around 21 degrees Celsius. This data holds for the lower elevation of the Mardi Himal Trek. The upper regions, as usual, are colder than the lower regions, with the probability of temperature falling to 0 degrees Celsius.
Here is the temperature table to help you understand the border sense of weather in different places during the May trek to Mardi Himal.
| Location | Elevation (m) | Daytime Temperature (°C) | Nighttime Temperature (°C) |
| Pokhara (Starting Point) | 827 m | 25°C to 30°C | 15°C to 20°C |
| Pitam Deurali | 2,100 m | 16°C to 25°C | 10°C to 15°C |
| Forest Camp | 3,050 m | 15°C to 20°C | 5°C to 10°C |
| Low Camp | 3,350 m | 10°C to 15°C | 2°C to 7°C |
| High Camp | 3,900 m | 5°C to 10°C | 2°C to 5°C |
| Mardi Himal Base Camp | 4,500 m | 3°C to 5°C | -5°C to 2°C |
Note: The temperature data in the above table is an approximate average value and is not accurate. Please consider checking the live updates that match your plan for the precise temperature.
While May is one of the best times to visit Mardi Himal Base Camp, it comes with challenges. Despite being mild, the weather can be unpredictable in late May, and the nights are also colder in the upper elevations. Let us look at those challenges of the trek;
It is a no-brainer that as we gain altitude, the temperature decreases. The approaching summer season might shield the daytime temperature, but the night gets colder in regions like High Camp. It is the coldest, especially when the sun is about to rise. So, the day you have to trek early for base camp for early return can be challenging.
The nighttime temperature at High Camp can fall up to 2°C, making it harder for you to adjust to the colder nights. The low temperature also makes it harder for the body to heal fully the next day, and chances are you cannot sleep peacefully. So, warm your body with warm water, fire, and soups. Sleeping bags can come in handy in this kind of situation.
The onset of the monsoon season in Nepal occurs around June 13, but this date can shift backward in some years. Thus, May is closer to the onset of the monsoon season, and the weather during this period poses challenges to trekkers. The weather in late May can be unpredictable, with sudden changes in the surroundings, from a sunny afternoon to a showering dark day.
The light rain can be annoying, especially if you haven’t brought the right clothes. The precipitation makes the path wet and slippery. The clear mornings with the best views of Mardi Himal can be covered by the overcast in the afternoon.
The Mardi Himal Trek is moderately complex and should pose no challenge of altitude sickness to experienced trekkers. However, the risk is evident for absolute beginners, as you have to trek up to an elevation of 4,500m. So, you should be extremely careful on this matter. You can either plan an itinerary based on your waking habits and capacity. Or, you can separate a day for acclimatization to adjust your body to the surrounding temperature.
One of the best aspects of trekking to Mardi Himal in May is that the temperature will be favorable, reducing the risk of altitude sickness compared to winter. But that doesn’t mean you can be ignorant.
Walking is the best part of trekking. But it can be daunting if you do it for hours and hours, especially in rugged terrain and steep, narrow trails. Walking continuously for long hours can take a toll on the body, especially on the sunny days of May. The Mardi Himal trek is flexible and can be completed in 6 to 11 days. Your itinerary defines your walking hours. We suggest an 11-day itinerary.
The 11-day itinerary that we have prepared is suitable for all levels. Most days involve walking for 5-6 hours, except for the 7th day, which requires a longer hike of 7-9 hours. The remaining time each day allows you to explore the region and acclimatize to your surroundings. However, the itinerary is customizable; you can change it according to your preference.
Here is a table comparing the Mardi Himal Trek in May with the Everest Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Base Camp Trek, and Manaslu Circuit Tek.
| Criteria | Mardi Himal Trek | Everest Base Camp (EBC) | Manaslu Circuit Trek |
| Walking Hours (per day) | 5–7 hours | 6–8 hours | 6–9 hours |
| Crowd (in May) | Low to moderate | High | Low to moderate |
| Difficulty Level | Moderate | Challenging | Challenging |
| Highest Elevation | 4,500 m (Mardi Base Camp) | 5,364 m (EBC) | 5,160 m (Larke Pass) |
| Lowest Temperature | -5°C | -10°C | -8°C |
| Risk of Altitude Sickness | Low to moderate | High | Moderate to high |
| Cost (approx) | USD 1,025 | USD 1,799 | USD 1,610 |
In conclusion, Mardi Himal Trek in May offers an exceptional blend of natural beauty and a comfortable adventure. The pleasant weather conditions make it easier to navigate the terrain, as the trails are also safe. The blooming rhododendrons and majestic Himalayas add to the beauty of nature, providing a perfect backdrop for a “profile picture” worthy photo. The trails are relatively less crowded, allowing you to immerse outside nature and within yourself. However, the trek comes with its challenges, such as the unpredictability of rainfalls, altitude sickness, and colder nights. But this difficulty won’t be a problem if you are prepared.
Contact us to book your slot for the Mardi Himal trek in May if you are ready to experience the end of the spring and the arrival of monsoon amidst the diverse trail that provides the adventure of a lifetime.
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