The best months for Mardi Himal are October to November and March to May. Winter brings snow and cold, and the monsoon brings rain, leeches and cloud.
December to February
Cold, with snow on the upper ridge. Skies are often clear. Some lodges at High Camp close. Prepare for freezing nights and short days.
March and April
Spring brings rhododendrons and clear mornings. April is busy. Snow may remain at the top in March, so check conditions.
May
Warm and hazy with afternoon cloud. Leeches begin in the lower forest at the end of the month.
June to September
Monsoon with heavy rain and leeches. Views are rare. Not recommended, although late September improves.
Daily weather pattern
On most days mornings are clear and afternoons cloud over, especially in spring and monsoon. Start early to see the peaks. At High Camp, nights drop below freezing in winter and near freezing in spring and autumn. Pack a warm hat and down jacket.
Choosing your month
For clear views and moderate crowds, pick late October, late November or early March. For rhododendron colour, pick April. For solitude, pick February. Avoid July and August unless you accept cloud and leeches.
Cloud patterns
On the Mardi ridge, mornings are clear and clouds roll in from the valley by midday. During the monsoon, the cloud sits all day. In winter the cloud is lower, with beautiful inversions. If the view matters, aim for the early hours and be prepared to wait a day.
Rain and leeches
Between June and September, leeches are common on the forest section. Carry salt, wear long trousers and check your socks regularly. Heavy rain also makes the trail slippery, so poles and good boots help.
October and November
The prime season. Clear skies, dry trails and cool nights. October is busy. See the best time guide for a closer comparison.
Daylight and temperatures
Spring and autumn offer pleasant daytime temperatures, but nights at High Camp are cold. In winter, expect snow on the upper ridge and shorter days.
Snow on the upper ridge
In January and February the upper ridge can be snowy, and High Camp is cold. Spring brings rhododendron forest and mild weather. Autumn has the clearest views of Machhapuchhre.
