Mardi Himal Trek-10Days

Documents
Passport
Travel insurance
Air tickets
Few passport-sized photos
Map
Clothing and Accessories
Sunglasses
Hat
Scarf
Masks
Neck gaiter
Lightweight thermal gloves
Lightweight towel
Down Jacket
Windproof and waterproof jacket
Windproof and waterproof trousers
Thermals
Sleeping trousers
Shorts
T-Shirts (full/half sleeve)
Underwears
Footwear
Socks
Walking shoes or sandals
Hiking shoes
Sleeping bag
Food & water
Snacks ( Crackers, Chips, Biscuits, etc)
Protein bars
Chocolates
Candies
Dry fruits
Your favorite coffee or tea bags
Water bottle
Water purifier
Personal Hygiene and Toiletries
Hand sanitizer
Quick drying towel
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Multipurpose soap
Deodorant
Nail clipper
Face wash
Body wash
Baby Wipes
Sunscreen with maximum SPF
Moisturizer
Small mirror
Feminine hygiene (Sanitary pads)
Other Essentials
Sleeping bag
Duffel bag
Backpack (45-60 litre)
Swiss knife
Trekking Pole or Stick
Portable charger / power bank
Books
A notebook and a pen is always useful
Binoculars
Alarm clock
Torch/Flashlight/Headlamp
Lighter
Insect repellent
Earplugs
Locks
Sewing kit
Card games (Uno, Skip Bo)
Board games (Ludo, Chess)

Duration of Mardi Himal Trek

As a short trek in Nepal, the duration of the Mardi Himal trek ranges from 4 to 6 days depending on your starting point and itinerary. Many lengthened itineraries traverse to various villages. On that note, if you start from Kathmandu, your trip days will be increased by 2 more days for transportation. Sawasdee Nepal has the perfectly crafted 5-7 days Mardi Himal Trek starting from Kathmandu/ Pokhara. If you want to start from Kathmandu, we can make arrangements accordingly. Please inquire us with your requirements for further information.

Communication during the Trek

The trail to Mardi Himal Base Camp makes its way through the dense forests of ACAP. There are numerous tea houses built along the trail for accommodation facilities. The trail for the most part navigates through deep gorges and rocky ridges of high hills. Cellular facilities in these areas while available can be disturbed most of the time. While there might be voice call facilities, data connection can be an issue during the trek. Tea Houses in Mardi Himal Trek have wifi facilities available. However, you will have to pay extra ($2 per day) for access.

Difficulty Mardi Himal Trek

Mardi Himal Trek is relatively moderate compared to other Annapurna trekking in Nepal. The elevation range, availability of teahouses, technicality of the trail, and amount of crowd make this trek perfect for beginners as well as experienced trekkers. That being said, the trail after you cross Low Camp is arduous. The steep and narrow rocky paths begin after you traverse through Low Camp. The stretch from there to High Camp is risky and needs careful navigation. Also, as you hike from High Camp towards Mardi Base Camp, it is an AMS-prone zone with an elevation reaching 4500 meters. During the winter, this section is filled with snow making it difficult to traverse. In a nutshell, if done with a professional trekking agency, Mardi Himal Trek can be a comfortable and mesmerizing trekking experience for all kinds of trekkers.

Best Time for Mardi Himal Trek

Nepal boasts a diverse weather pattern throughout the year with 4 major ones: Spring(March), Autumn(September- December), Winter(December- February), and Summer(June-August). The Spring months bring out the best in Nepalese highlands. The temperature is mild with crystal clear weather which is perfect for trekking in Nepal. Another best time for a trek to Mardi is during the Autumn. With a similar pattern of weather and temperature range like Spring, Autumn months provide the best views of the Himalayas.

Cost  for mardi Himal Trek 

The Mardi Himal trek cost depends on the time of the year chosen for the trek. Autumn and Spring months being the best time, receives a huge number of trekkers from all over the world. Prices of lodging and transportation facilities skyrocket during these times. Make sure to book your seats in advance for a comfortable trekking experience. Summer months in Nepal are filled with heavy rainfalls all across. Winter months receive heavy snowfall which makes trekking to mountainous areas arduous. If you trek during Summer and Winter, the trail is less crowded with tea houses almost empty for most months.

 Meals while Trekking Mardi Himal

Nepalese tea houses serve a diverse range of cuisine options for trekkers. Meals during the Mardi Himal Trek range from several international dishes to the popular Nepalese dish “Daal Bhaat”. Daal Bhaat is a full-course meal preferred by most trekkers. It includes Rice, Lentil, Soup, Veg curry, and pickle which carries adequate nutrients and supplies for trekking days.

Alternatively, you can choose to savor other dishes like Noodles, Mashed Potatoes, French Fries, Pies, Pasta, Cutlets, and others. The tea houses along the trail also provide a range of beverages like juices, yak milk, curd, and other dairy items. If you have a special meal preference, we can arrange it if informed in advance. Our all-inclusive packages include 3 meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner as a standard practice.

Accommodation in Mardi Himal Trek

Mardi Himal Trek Accommodation is in rural houses that provide basic lodging facilities. These houses are called teahouses in Nepal, popularly known as mountain lodges in the Alps. Tea house accommodation includes wooden structured houses with small rooms with basic amenities. Our teahouses in Mardi Trek provide at least two twin beds per room. There are other types of rooms suited for group travelers. Usually, these rooms can accommodate up to 2,3 and 4 pax. Attached bathrooms are not available at every stop and are subject to availability. The beds have foam mattresses and you will be provided with a quilt and pillow. Sleeping bags are optional for you to carry

Teahouses are operated by the locals of the area and include a dining space and kitchen on the ground floor. The dining area has a central log-fire heating system. Power sockets are provided in the rooms in Pritam Deurali. However, as you trek above Pritam Deurali, power outlets are available in the dining area only. The only power source in these areas is a solar panel. This limits the power supply in the higher areas beyond Pritam Deurali. There are Wi-Fi facilities available but for extra charges $2 per day. Hot showers are available for extra costs too.

Permits for Mardi Himal Trek

Mardi Himal Trek along with all the stops in between the Pothana is encapsulated in the Annapurna Conservation Area Project(ACAP). This project is aimed at conserving the varied flora and fauna found in the region. You will need an ACAP permit for traversing in this area.

ACAP permit costs:

For foreigners: Nrs. 3000 (Approx. $30)

For SAARC Nationals: Nrs. 1000 (Approx.$10)

TIMS Card costs:

For foreigners: Nrs. 2000 (Approx. $20)

For SAARC Nationals: Nrs. 1000 (Approx.$10)

Apart from the ACAP permit, a TIMS card needs to be obtained for Mardi Himal Trekking. TIMS stands for Trekkers Information Management System. This card is vital to locate the trekkers during their travel. Security personnel will retrieve information from TIMS cards about your identity and whereabouts. Both of these permits can be obtained in Kathmandu or Pokhara. Your trekking agent can guide you in obtaining these permits.

Preparation and fitness for Trek to Mardi Himal

Mardi Himal Trek elevation ranges from 2000 meters and elevates up to 4500 meters at Mardi Himal Base Camp. The altitudinal variation of this trek makes it moderately challenging. One must be mentally and physically prepared to make this traverse. Our trek demands 5-7 hours of walking on a muddy and rocky terrain every day. Additionally, we will have to stay at the elevation mark beyond 3000 meters for 2 days.

It is recommended that you start your fitness training at least 1 month before the travel date. We suggest you focus on Cardio exercises: (Cycling, TreadMill, Jogging, Hiking) for boosting stamina and lung capacity. Furthermore, endurance training like weight lifting, sprinting, and others can help in muscle strengthening which is paramount for this traverse. The difficulty of Mardi Himal Trek is dependent on the fitness level of an individual. It could be arduous for a beginner trekker while an easygoing traverse for some with experience. It is always better to be in perfect shape for a comfortable trekking experience.

How do we get Pokhara from Kathmandu ?

There are 3 options to get Pokhara.

Tourist Bus: Tourist Bus leave every day from Kathmandu to Pokhara by 7:00 am in the morning from Sorhakhutte. It takes around 7 hours. The Tourist Bus leaves at 7:30 am from Pokhara. It cost US$10-15 per person for standard tourist bus and US$20 per person for Deluxe tourist bus.

Private Car :US$120/ Jeep US$150/ Van US$200: You can take private Car/ Jeep / Van depending on your group size. If you hire a private vehicle, it will be more flexible.

By Flight: There are many flights to Pokhara from Kathmandu every day. You may choose to take a flight to get there. It takes 25 minutes from Kathmandu. It is a more convenient way to get to Pokhara. It cost US$100 per person one way.

What Foods Can We Eat?

The Lodges have Menu; you will have your own choice. The foods are hygienic. But it is not like cities foods.

Breakfast: Simple Breakfast (Eggs any item, toast or Gurung or Tibetan Bread, Pancake, Muesli, Oat Porridge etc.)

Lunch: Nepali Thali (Plain Rice, Lentil soup, Potato Curry, Green Vegetable, Papadam,Tomato Hot spicy, Chicken curry optional), Macorani , Spaghetti, Potato item, Mo.Mo or dumpling, Pizza, Friend Rice, Fried Noodles, French fries etc.

Dinner: Nepali Thali (Plain Rice, Lentil soup, Potato Curry, Green Vegetable, Papadam,Tomato Hot spicy or pickle, Chicken curry optional), Macorani , Spaghetti, Potato item, Mo.Mo or dumpling, Pizza, Friend Rice, Fried Noodles, French fries etc.

Dessert: Fresh Fruit (Apple, orange, pomegranates, Banana with any seasonal fruit) serve as sweet dessert.

When Is The Best Time To Do This Trek?

We organize this trek every day in whole year. But if you are planning to do this trek at the best time. We recommend you following time.

Winter (December – February): This is coldest time of the year. It will be difficult to trek because of there will be heavy snow.

Spring (March – May): This is best time to trek on Mardi Himal. There will be little bit snow. You will have wonderful weather with warm temperature. You will also have chance to see the Rhododendron flowers.

Summer (June – August): This is monsoon in Nepal. There is chances of raining every day and it will be cloudy. The leeches will be there.

Autumn (September – November): This is another best time to do this trek. After the raining season. It will be fresh and clear weather will be appear. It will be warm temperature.

IMPORTANT NOTE !!!

Available of the trip

We organise small group private trip. If you are 2 or more people in your group, you may book any dates.

Travel Insurance

The travel insurance is need in case of any emergency. It is recommend to have.  If you are doing short  and low elevation trek, you can do normal insurance. But if you are doing high altitude or adventure trek, you should have emergency rescue.

Last Minute booking

Normally, trekkers plan the trip before 3-10 months.  Some trekkers decide the trip in last minutes. It is also possible to book your trek at last minutes. For the Last minutes booking, you need to make a full payment.

Tipping

Tipping is highly expected. Our staffs try their best during the trip. After the trip, Tipping is expected. It is not fixed amount or percentage. We recommend the tipping according to their services.

Safety

When you are travelling, the safety is most important. For the safety of our clients, we trained our guide and porters. They are all register trekking / Tour  / Climbing guide and experience porters.

Extra personal expenses

For the extra expenses, it is good to bring USD / Euro / Pound Sterling or ther currency. You may change to Nepali Rupees (NPR) at Tribhuwan International Airport or near your Hotel in Kathmandu. You will use only Nepali rupees during the trip.

Nepal visa

Accept few countries , you will get on arrival Nepal’s Visa at the Tribhuwan International Airport or Nepal board. we recommend to fill up Nepal Visa online form and bring it with you. It will be faster and easy for you and visa fee is recommended to bring cash US dollar. You can’t pay by using credit card.

Trip extension or Itinerary Disclaimer

We organize small group private trip. The trip extension is possible but you have to figure out when you booking the trip.

Group joing and Fixed departure

Most of the time, we have small group private trip. Group joining or fixed departure will be available only at the clients request.

Luggage store

You are not taking all the lugguage on the trek. You will take only necessary gears on the trek and rest of the gears, you will store at your Hotel in Kathmandu or Pokhara or in our office in Kathmandu. All the Hotels have free luggage store services. It is more convenient to store at your Hotel.

Responsible travel

Ask permission to photograph people.

Do not remove or purchase antiques, it is illegal.

Avoid wearing revealing clothes and avoid outward displays of physical affection.

Do not anything to disturb environment or wild animals.

Domestic flight

Normally, domestic flight is not on time. If you have international flight with domestic connection flight. It is always better to keep some gaps.

Trek Booking

For the Booking, we need passport copy, passport size photo by email or What’s App  and 30% deposit.

Nepal Country Visa and Entry Procedure

Here are two ways to obtain a Nepalese visa. The first one is via the Nepalese Diplomatic Missions stationed in your country. As of the second way, you can easily obtain an On-Arrival visa at the entry/exit points stationed across the country. You can fill out an application form and provide the necessary documents to receive an On-Arrival Visa. Travellers can choose different visa types according to the length of their stay in Nepal.

The visa for 15 days costs USD 30, USD 50 for 30 days, and USD 125 for 90 days. Also if your visa is about to expire but you are not yet done exploring the country, you can get your visa extended for USD 3 per day and if your visa has already expired, it costs USD 5 per day. This information regarding updated Visa Fees is available at the official website of the Department of Immigration at http://www.nepalimmigration.gov.np/post/notice-regarding-visa-fee-updates.

You can also head to the following link for more information regarding Tourist visas in Nepal. http://www.nepalimmigration.gov.np/page/tourist-visa

How to reach Nepal?

International flights are only available through the only International airport i.e. the Tribhuvan International Airport. If you are planning on travelling to Nepal by air then TIA is your only option. Flights can be boarded from India, Dubai, Hong Kong, Bangkok, and Kuala Lumpur among many other destinations.

Travelling by land you have two options, via India and China. There is also a direct railway line connecting India and Nepal along with several bus facilities for travelling across the border from India.

Travelling by road through India is the most easily accessible. You can travel to Nepal through Sunauli- Bhairahawa, Raxaul – Birgunj, Siliguri- Kakarbhitta, Banbasa – Mahendranagar, or Bahraich- Nepalgunj. Kodari and Kerung are two entry/exit points stationed at the Nepal-Tibet border.

Popular Destinations to Visit

There are numerous travel destinations in Nepal; each with a unique identity and story of its own. Kathmandu is one of such destination, with dozens of sightseeing to do, eateries to try out, and handicrafts to shop. Next up is Pokhara which enchants its visitors with its serene lakes and the enthralling views of the Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Fishtail ranges. Similarly, Lumbini, Chitwan, Bandipur, and Palpa are a few other destinations which are ripe for tours and leisurely vacations. Chitwan National Park and Bardia National Park are two of the most popular destinations for jungle safari and wildlife exploration.

As for adventure sports, Kathmandu and Pokhara offer plenty of choices including rafting, bungee jumping, zip-lining, and paragliding. Likewise, the Everest, Annapurna, and Langtang regions stand out as prominent destinations for treks, peak climbing trips, and expeditions.

Things to do in Nepal

The nation is considered to be a paradise for trekkers and grants an exciting number of choices. On these treks, you will witness the grand views of the Himalayas and the cultural prosperity of the ethnic communities along the trails. Everest Base Camp Trek and Annapurna Base Camp Trek are two of the most popular treks in Nepal.

For those who are not satisfied with just gazing up at the mountains, you can go for a mountaineering expedition and peak climbing. While expeditions take you to mountains above the height of 6,500 meters, the destinations of peak climbing trips are low-lying peaks which can be summited even by amateurs. Everest (8848m), Annapurna (8091m), and Ama Dablam (6856m) are popular expedition sites whereas Island Peak (6189m), Mera Peak (6476m), and Pisang Peak (6091m) are the notable peak climbing destinations.

Short tours and sightseeing in Nepal are also quite popular among travellers in Nepal. Likewise, adventure sports like rafting, bungee jumping, paragliding, canyoning, rock climbing, zip-lining, and mountain biking are also among the things that can be done in Nepal.

Trekking Seasons in Nepal

The country lies in the temperate zone and has four distinct climates: spring, summer (with monsoon), autumn, and winter. Normally, the best time to trek in Nepal is in March-May (spring) when the skies are clear, trails are filled with blooming flora, and the temperature is just right.

Another appropriate season is mid-September to November (autumn), during which the temperature is moderate, skies are clear, and mountain views are stunning. The summer season (June – August) is occupied by heavy rainfall increasing the chances of landslides in the hills, while the winter season brings in harsh weather conditions and extreme cold. However, there are treks which can be done during winter and monsoon as well.

Upper Dolpo and Upper Mustang regions lie in the rain-shadow area so, they are ideal trek destinations during monsoon. Likewise, easy and low-altitude treks like Ghorepani Poonhill and Tamang Heritage Trek are perfect during the winter season.

Altitude Sickness

While trekking in Nepal is extremely satisfying, altitude sickness might get a better hold of you at times. The air pressure and oxygen concentration decrease the higher you travel.

As such, altitude sickness is an illness that the human body suffers from due to these reasons. The symptoms of the sickness include lack of appetite, nausea, weakness, lightheartedness, sleep disturbance, tiredness, and headache. These symptoms generally appear when moving upwards of the height of 2,400 meters from sea level.

You can adopt different measures to avoid altitude sickness like a walk at a slow and steady pace, avoiding smoking, and stopping at different stations to acclimatize. Before beginning your trek, make sure you have a first aid kit with ibuprofen or paracetamol and Diamox. If anyone falls victim to altitude sickness, it is necessary to inform the trip leader and descend to a lower altitude. In extreme cases, it might also be necessary to perform Heli rescue and emergency evacuations.

Travel Insurance

Accidents can happen anywhere so, it is recommended for all tourists to get travel insurance before visiting Nepal. Depending upon the insurance policy and the company, the insurance will look after tragic like theft, loss or accidental damage of gears and other belongings, baggage, and medical emergencies. Likewise, the insurance should also include helicopter evacuation and any kinds of mishaps that might occur during adventure sporting like bungee jumping, rafting, and zip-lining. No one is capable of foreseeing accidents, but each individual can buy an insurance policy to lessen the effects of the accident.

Banking, ATMs, and Money in Nepal

Nepalese Rupees is the official currency of Nepal. The banknotes of  5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, and 1000 whereas coins of 1 and 2 are available in Nepal.

While travelling to Nepal, banking and money exchange are not a huge deal in big cities like Pokhara and Kathmandu. When you head to rural areas, the availability of banks, ATMs, and money exchange booths becomes fairly scarce. So, it is best to withdraw enough cash and exchange the currency in major cities. You can also exchange foreign currencies for Nepali Rupees at the Tribhuvan International Airport. You need to be updated about the exchange rates which are available at the official website of Neal Rastra Bank at https://www.nrb.org.np/fxmexchangerate.php.

Internet and Communication

It is quite easy to access the Internet in Nepal. Using Wi-Fi is a widely used way to communicate and use the Internet. Wi-Fi is easily available in major cities and even in some remote destinations. When trekking to remote locations, Wi-Fi might not always be available; so, using cellular data is the best way to communicate over the Internet. You can buy a Sim-card in Nepal at a reasonable price which allows you to make an international call. Also, you can use mobile data while you are in the areas without Wi-Fi.  Telephone, Fax, and newspapers are a few other forms of communication in Nepal.

Internal Flight Delays

Due to the geographical diversity and unpredictable climate in the Himalayas, internal flights are often delayed or cancelled. Weather conditions like heavy rainfall, storms, or fog can disrupt flights. So, it is wise to spare an extra day or two as buffer days, in case of flight delays and cancellations. Likewise, it is also necessary to note that the weather conditions are great during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. If you have enough time, you can also choose road transportation in such cases.

Health and Safety Including Traveling alone in Country

The country is very safe for all tourists and travellers. The country is not experiencing any armed conflicts, religious wars, or grave crimes. Travelling alone is also perfectly sage and you will find willing Nepalese to help you with your travel issues. We also advise solo travellers to inform their loved ones and authorities like local police about their travel destination and itinerary to remain on the safe side. However, there are many issues that you need to consider to trek alone. So, you should have ample knowledge and idea before going on a solo trek.

Likewise, there is a Tourist Police department in Nepal which looks after the welfare and safety of the travellers. You can learn more about them at the official website of the Nepal Tourism Board at https://www.welcomenepal.com/plan-your-trip/tourist-police.html.

In case of medical emergencies during your trek, you can visit the nearest health post which provides basic medical services. If the medical complication persists, you’ll have to head to the hospitals in towns and cities. Similarly, it is also necessary to follow a healthy and hygienic lifestyle when travelling in Nepal to stay fit and healthy.

Why Sawasdee Nepal  ?

24 hrs response

Small group private trek

Safety is top priority

Recommended on TripAdvisor

Tailor made itinerary

Seasonal package

100 plus  trekkers take service every year

50-60% repeated customer

Useful Nepali Phrases