Mardi Himal Trek in December
Mardi Himal Trek in December - A Complete Guide to Winter Hiking
If you ask anyone about trekking in Nepal during December, you will get an answer like, Yes, it is possible, but cold. That is technically true, but in reality, it's not. After guiding groups on the Mardi Himal Trek through multiple December seasons, here is what it is actually like. December and winter offer one of the most beautiful weather, even more stunning than spring and autumn seasons.
The Mardi Himal Trek in December offers you one of the most beautiful winter trekking experiences you can have. During this time of the year, the trail, the temperatures, and the views are perfect and peaceful. The teahouses will be less crowded, and you can enjoy the serenity of the region beautifully.
The Mardi Himal Trail in December - what changes and what doesn't
The lower sections of the Mardi Himal trail will be more or less intact. Like from the village of Kande up through the rhododendron forest to Deurali and Forest Camp, December feels almost like Autumn. While we were doing the Mardi Himal Trek in December, the trails were quieter and drier and not at all cold while trekking during the day.
Trekking in winter was in some way like a reward, as some days we had the entire forest section completely to ourselves. However, once we went above Low Camp towards Bandal Danda, which is 3,300m, it took a different character in December.
What we witnessed was that the grasses were frost-tipped, ice on the shaded section of the trail, and bit chilly even during the day with the wind chill. The weather was crystal clear, and the sunset with the White Sea of Clouds in the valley was one of the most stunning views.
Snow begins blanketing High Camp, View Point, and Base Camp in December. The section from High Camp to Mardi Himal Base Camp, 4,500 m, requires microspikes or yak-tracks for safe footing. Nepal Pyramids provides yak-tracks for all trekkers and all our staff for safety purposes.
The ridge walk between High Camp and Upper Viewpoint at 4,200 m, and Mardi Base Camp at 4,500 m is where December does magic. This wintertime brings sharp visibility above High Camp, with the stunning view of the surrounding mountains, hills, and valleys.
The holy mountain of Machhapuchhre appears so close that anyone will be mesmerized by its presence. The mountains like Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Hiunchuli, Fishtail, Mardi Himal, and many more fills the skyline in a way that you feel like you are blessed.
Mardi Himal Temperature in December
When you ask about temperature during winter, most trekking sites give you temperature ranges and leave you to guess what they feel like. Here is how to interpret the numbers practically in December at Mardi Himal.
In December,
- Daytime temperatures at lower elevations run around 5°C to 12°C,
- Nighttime temperatures at higher camps dip to around -3°C to -6°C.
- At High Camp or above, the nighttime temperatures can drop to -15°C in the coldest conditions.
What this means in practice:
- Below Forest Camp (up to 2,550m): During the daytime in December, you will feel warm and pleasant. Evenings in the teahouse dining room are comfortable. However, mornings and nights are cold but manageable with a good sleeping bag like ours.
- Forest Camp to High Camp (2,550m to 3,550m): At these elevations, the days in December are noticeably colder but still comfortable while walking. The moment you stop for lunch or a rest, you will feel the temperature drop immediately. When the sun goes down, you will feel the drop in the temperature immediately, so be well-equipped.
- High Camp to Base Camp (3,550m to 4,500m): The settlements at this elevation are where December becomes genuinely demanding. Temperatures here will feel well below freezing point with the wind chill factor. Proper winter gear is highly recommended. But again, when the sun rises, even here, the temperature rises quickly.
The views in December at Mardi Trek
No one believes me when I tell them that December and the winter season offer the most spectacular view during the Mardi Himal Trek. This season delivers you a crystal clear view with zero hindrance. Anyone can enjoy the magical surrounding view every day until dusk.
As winter begins in Nepal, the landscape in the Himalayan regions transforms into a stunning scenery with fresh snow, bright blue skies, and incredible views.
One of the biggest highlights of the Mardi Himal Trek in December is the super clear visibility and the Cloud Sea that settles below the deep valley. The atmosphere becomes much cleaner, and the trekkers enjoy the most gorgeous sunrise and sunsetviews almost every day.
During December, the snowy peaks of Machhapuchhre, Mardi Himal, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli stand out beautifully against the deep blue sky.
All our trekkers who have done the Mardi Himal Trek during December say that it's indeed a very peaceful trekking experience. In December, the Mardi Himal trails remain calm and less crowded. They also mention that walking on the snow with yak-trax (microspikes) on the section between High Camp and Mardi Himal Base Camp was certainly amazing.
If you are looking for a Himalayan experience with a quieter trail, the Mardi Himal Trek in December can be the best option.
Mardi Himal Teahouses in December
Most teahouses along the Mardi Himal route remain open throughout the year. So, anyone trekking to Mardi Himal during December need not worry about accommodation. When many of the trekking regions in Nepal shut down in the winter, the Mardi Himal continues to welcome trekkers even in the peak monsoon and winter seasons.
However, during December or the winter season, trekkers need to be mentally prepared for reduced services. For example, meal choices can be limited, as well as the serving services. This is due to the limited supply during the winter and staff going home on winter vacation.
One of the biggest advantages of trekking with us is that we have experienced local guides who regularly trek the Mardi Himal route in winter. They give their best to request you for warm dining, extra blankets, and some cooking lessons along the way, where possible. Besides, they are very well with the trail where you can trust them fully along the snowy trail.
What to Expect at Teahouses in December
- Food: Dal bhat, noodle soup, fried rice, pasta, omelettes, and tea are available throughout the route.
- Heating: After Forest Camp, there is no chimney system, but a few lodges have gas heaters for which minimal charges may apply. Bedrooms are unheated.
- Hot showers: Available at most lodges for a small fee, they will either provide you with gas or bucket showers.
- Charging: Available in dining halls at most lodges. It is very wise to carry a power bank as a backup.
- WiFi: Available throughout the route, at High Camp, a minimal charge for WiFi is applied.
Who should trek Mardi Himal in December
December is a good month if you:
- cannot travel in October or April due to schedules.
- prefer privacy and quiet trails.
- know how your body responds to cold and are happy.
- are a trekker or a photographer who cares more about mountain visibility.
- are travelling as a couple or small group and want the trail to feel like your own
December is not a good month if you:
- have never trekked in cold conditions and have a doubt of cold temperatures.
- are trekking with children or elderly family members.
- want comfort and guaranteed warm teahouses.
- are expecting more trekkers and a busy trail
NOTE: Sometimes, December can bring heavy snow, which can block the trail above High Camp. Nepal Pyramids is well prepared for such scenarios. We monitor trail conditions during December and have contingency itineraries if we encounter any such situations. There have been cases where the Mardi Base Camp route was blocked, and we could get our group as far as the viewpoint at 4,200 m, which still delivered similar views. We are transparent about this risk, and we do not oversell guaranteed Base Camp access in winter.
What to pack for the December Mardi Himal Trek
The standard Mardi Himal packing list covers the basics. For December, add or upgrade these:
- Sleeping Bag: Nepal Pyramids provides high-quality sleeping bags designed for temperatures as low as -30°C.
- Down jacket: A proper 600/800 fill or higher down jacket.
- Neck gaiter: A neck gaiter is crucial to get away with the chilly wind on the open ridges.
- Goretex gloves with liner: Two-layer glove system.
- Yak-tracks or microspikes: Nepal Pyramids provides these.
- Hand warmers: Get hand warmers, which are genuinely useful at higher camps.
- Insulated water bottle or thermos: Water bottles freeze above High Camp, so carry a thermos, which will be very useful during ur excursions or while walking longer camps.
Mardi Himal in Spring vs Autumn vs December / Winter: Comparison
| Expectation | Spring | Autumn | December / Winter |
| Mountain View | Very Good | Excellent | Outstanding |
| Crowd on the Trail | High / Moderate | High | Very Low |
| Temperature | Comfortable | Comfortable | Cold (can be freezing cold) |
| Teahouse Availability | Full | Full | less (unless overcrowded by domestic tourists) |
| Rhododendron Forest | Full Bloom | No | No |
| Base Camp Access | Reliable | Reliable | Usually Accessible - Depends |
| Best For | Anyone | First-time trekkers, Families, Couples | Photographers, solitude seekers, repeated trekkers |
Final Thought
We know that trekking in the month of December has to endure coldness, but this month brings a special charm to the Mardi Himal Trek. What appeals to everyone is the peaceful trails, fresh winter landscapes, blue sky, starry night, and the most stunning Himalayan views.
December or winter treks certainly offer a truly unforgettable experience. All our trekkers say that during this time of year, they feel the mountains are more open, the serene surroundings, and every day seems like they own the mountain.
All these made the December Mardi Himal trek a special package and a unique Himalayan journey.
If you are planning to trek to Mardi Himal in December or winter, our team at Nepal Pyramids is always happy to help with all the necessary information.
Ready to trek Mardi Himal this December?
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