Mardi Himal in late Nov/early Dec — solo first-timer advice?
Hey guys!
I’m arriving in Nepal on Nov 26 and have about 13 days. I’m planning to do the Mardi Himal trek, but I’m trying to figure out the best timing.
Would you recommend going to Pokhara almost immediately and starting the trek around Nov 28–29, or waiting until around Dec 5–6? How noticeable is the difference in weather/snow/cold and mountain views between those dates?
I’m also travelling fully solo and it’ll be my first proper high-altitude trek. I’ve already been given a few contacts for local guides — would you recommend taking a private guide, or going to somewhere like Kiwi Backpackers in Pokhara and joining a group trek to meet other travellers?
For context, I’m 29, pretty skinny/not super fit right now, and I smoke quite a bit 😅. I’ve just started training again — incline treadmill + gym 3x/week and gradually increasing my walking/endurance. I have ~7–8 weeks to prepare.
Any advice on timing, guide vs group, and how realistic Mardi is for a first-timer would be massively appreciated!