A Day on a Hike
Each morning we'll wake up early, freshen up, get ready and pack our bags before having breakfast. After a hearty meal, we will be on the trails by 7 or 8 am which varies according to the nature of the trek. Around midday, we will be taking a lunch break and resting after walking for 2-3 hours. Then we’ll be walking towards our last destination of the day and reach our destination usually in the afternoon. For the rest of the afternoon, we will explore the village and nearby places.
At about 6 or 7 pm we’ll have dinner. Once we finished our supper we spent our evening interacting with others, playing games, watching videos, reading books, etc. Before going to sleep, the trek leader/guide will give us a briefing about the next day’s plan.
The difficulty, Physical Fitness, and Health
Mardi Himal is rated as a medium-difficult trek (moderate grade) by novice trekkers because of long tiring walks and steep uphill climbs. However, it is relatively easy as it is one of the shortest treks, has a very low risk of altitude sickness and the route doesn’t lead to arduous locations. Every single day you hike for about 5 to 6 hrs and take a rest between walks.
It would be an easy trek as you will be trekking more in lowlands and short distances in high elevations. The trekking route consists of straight paths, steep long ascends, and descends. Also, note that you do not need any experience or technical expertise for the Mardi Himal trek. Moreover, being physically fit and preparing for this journey enhance the stamina and strength of your body. In Order to achieve that you should regularly jog and exercise for 2 weeks before the trek.
It is advisable to carry a positive attitude and strong determination alongside being healthy with a fit body. Before booking this trek make sure to inform us if trekkers have pre-existing medical conditions related to heart, lungs, and blood diseases.
Accommodation Details
Our clients will be accommodated in 3-star hotels in Kathmandu (3nights) and Pokhara (2nights) where you will have a twin shared a room with an attached bathroom, free Wi-Fi, T.V, power, laundry facilities, and 24hrs hot shower as well.
During the trek you'll be accommodated in teahouses (also known as lodges) with a very basic facility as the trails of Mardi Himal is not often visited by tourist compared to other treks of Everest and Annapurna region. This trek package comprises six overnight stays from the lodge to lodge while trekking. Although single rooms are easily available in Kathmandu and Pokhara on request by our clients it might be very difficult to find them in trekking regions (except during off-seasons).
At the lower altitude, you may get better quality lodges with all the necessary facilities like in cities but as you reach higher altitudes the lodges are far more basic with bare necessities. Generally, you'll be staying in a twin sharing room at Low camp, High camp, and Forest camp.
Meals and Drinking Water During the trek
Despite being graded a moderate trip the trek to Mardi Himal could be taxing at some point, after all, trekkers are going to trek through the Himalayas of Nepal. Trekkers will require a lot of energy to climb steep uphill and downhill and long straight routes. There are nutritious and delicious foods served by the tea houses/lodges on trekking routes to keep refueling your body with all necessary nutrients. These lodges serve authentic Nepalese food as well as more common international cuisine (Continental, Italian, Tibetan, Indian, etc) but at high elevations, the menu options get shorter.
Here are some the of menu items served at tea houses/lodges:
Breakfast
Pancakes, Eggs, Corn Flakes, Tibetan bread or chapati, Oatmeal, French toast, Toast with peanut butter, butter, jam, honey, cheese, Muesli, Bread, Local Tsampa porridge, Vegetables, Fruits, Hot drinks (varieties of coffee, teas, hot chocolate, etc)
Lunch and Dinner
Steaks, Macaroni dishes, Momo (dumpling), Sandwiches, Dhal, bhat (rice)and Tarkari, Pasta, Sherpa stew, Tibetan bread, Variety of Soups, Thenthuk Spaghetti Noodle, Fried rice, Potatoes items, Thukpa, Vegetable curry, Snacks (Papad, Prawn), Desserts (Rice pudding, Apple pie, etc), pizza (Tomato, Mushroom, Mixed), Korean ramen, Hard drinks, egg/chicken/meat dishes, etc
All standard meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) during the trek are included in the package except the table drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages) and snacks are excluded from the package. Therefore, you have to pay for it.
We highly advised you to eat fresh vegetables and drink a liquid (lemon tea, hot lemon, green tea, ginger tea, and garlic soup which is a must ) at high altitude. Although there are plenty of non-veg items in lodges, we don't recommend them for hygiene purposes. Also, avoid alcohol, dairy, cheese, hot chocolate, and caffeinated items.
Drinking water is available at lodges at a cost. Since plastic bottles are banned in the Annapurna region, you cannot buy or take bottled water (mineral water). Moreover, you can either buy and fill your water bottle with boiled water from lodges or filter it with water purifying pills or gadgets.
Best season to visit Mardi Himal
Weather is the key element in determining a favorable time to trek to Mardi Himal. Even though trekking to Mardi Himal is possible throughout the year, there are advantages and disadvantages to trekking in every season.
Trek to Mardi Himal is most suitable during the spring and autumn seasons because at this time the clear blue sky plays a great part in highlighting the amazing views. However, the treks become a little bit difficult in summer and winter. During winter it gets freezing cold and may receive snowfall, whereas the summer season clashes with monsoon season, which makes the trails wet and slippery to trek.
Spring season (March-May)
Weather is at its best during this season with a mild temperature and low rainfall creating a perfect trekking environment. After the month of March trekking season begins and various colors of rhododendron flowers bloom by April making the forest more vibrant. During these months you can enjoy the unhindered spectacular view of Mountain scenery as the sky is unclouded. From mid-March, up to mid-May, the temperature starts to rise.
Summer season (June-August)
Summer comes along with the monsoon due to which the trekking route becomes wet and slippery. The temperature will rise simultaneously making the Annapurna region very hot. Even though rain may hinder you, the trekking region will be full of various green vegetation at this time, adding greenery to the landscape. During the afternoon clouds gather up but disappear at night and mornings are usually clear.
Autumn season (September-November)
The best time of the year for Mardi Himal Trek is Autumn. In Nepal, it is one of the peak seasons for trekking as autumn provides the perfect conditions for trekking such as low perspiration, moderate temperature, and mild wind. Because of the summer rainfall, the skies become clear as Autumn is a post-monsoon period. You get to see a magnificent vista of mountains on a sunny day and enjoy amazing starry skies at night.
Winter season (December-February)
In the Annapurna region winter's trek is less popular among trekkers due to extreme cold yet some adventurous trekkers are thrilled to trek even in winter. Although being cold, winter usually offers quite clear skies with a spectacular view of snow-capped peaks of mountains. The winter treks are challenging because of snowfall. However, the trails are less crowded during winter. We don’t recommend the winter trek to beginner trekkers.
Travel Insurance for Mardi Himal Trek
Mardi Himal is a short, easy trek with very little chance of altitude sickness as Mardi Himal is not that high. Nonetheless, trekkers should take extra measures to be prepared because they may get injured, face sudden climate change, encounter unforeseen events, fall ill, natural disasters may occur such as landslide floods, etc therefore travel insurance is necessary. To back up yourself in case of emergency travel insurance is mandatory for every traveler.
Trekkers have to send a copy of their travel insurance policy certificate after booking the trek. Moreover, the insurance policy must cover helicopter rescue, evacuation expenses, and medical and emergency repatriation at high elevations.
Make sure to double-check the company policy whether they cover helicopter rescue and evacuation up to 5000m before buying the travel insurance.
Immunization Certificate/Vaccinations
Vaccination against malaria, cholera, yellow fever, tetanus, typhoid/paratyphoid, BCG tuberculosis, hepatitis, meningitis, rabies, dengue fever, giardia, and polio are recommended by us. However, the requirements for the vaccination keep changing depending upon the situation. In case of any current changes on vaccination requirements, you have to be up to date and check the situation of the place before traveling. Consult your doctor or GP at least 2 months before the trek about the immunization you require to travel safely.
It is obligatory for the travelers to submit the ‘Fully Vaccinated Covid-19' immunization certificate.
Nepal Tourist Visa Info
All foreigners, excluding Indian nationals, will require a visa to enter Nepal. However, European countries can obtain visa-on-arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport, Ktm, Nepal.
Passport validity is required for at least 6 months and should be beyond the total duration of the trip. Also, require a passport size photo for visa application. The cost of a Nepal Tourist Visa differs according to the number of days it is issued for. The Nepal Tourist Visa fee is USD 30 for up to 15 days. For up to 30 days, the visa costs USD 50 whereas the visa fee for 90 days costs USD 125.
Citizens of SAARC and China will receive a free visa. Some countries' citizens may not receive an on-arrival visa and these countries are Ghana, Swaziland, Cameroon, Liberia, Ethiopia, Palestine, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Somalia, Afghanistan, and Iraq. Therefore, nationals from these countries can contact their local Nepalese embassy.
For more information related to visas search at https://www.immigration.gov.np/
Currency Exchange in Nepal
Nepali currency (Rupee) is a closed currency; therefore, you can only exchange your foreign currency upon arrival in Nepal. Since US dollars are widely accepted, we suggest traveling with US dollars. The majority of banks do not accept that foreign currency which is old, torn, or faded. It is advisable to carry new, clean and untorn notes to obtain the local currency ‘Nepali Rupees (NPR)’.
The foreign currency can be converted through local banks or a bank ATM and authorized ‘’Money Changers’’ or ‘’Foreign Exchangers (FOREX)’’ around Thamel in Kathmandu. Alternatively, you can exchange a small amount of cash at all the hotels in Kathmandu too. Every morning the money changers will post the ongoing rates on their board which is placed outside of the store. The rates don't vary that much from store to store.
Some of the ATMs are open 24 hrs a day and accepts international card; moreover, most ATMs will charge a usage fee on each transaction. Cash from ATMs is given out in Nepali currency (NPR) only. In Nepal, there is a limit on how much amount of cash you can withdraw per transaction. If you are using a foreign card, the maximum limit of withdrawal amount will be 35,000 for a 500 rupees processing fee. However, the withdrawal amount varies depending on the bank and the limits often range from 10,000 NPR to 30,000 NPR.
A service fee charge of 4% or more will be imposed depending upon the banks if you utilize the money exchange facility at financial institutions and banks.
On the trek, there are no money exchange services and banks. Furthermore, there are some ATMs available in Jomsom on the Annapurna circuit trek but are not reliable. So, we suggest you exchange your foreign currency in Kathmandu or Pokhara before you depart for the trek, as you will get a more favorable exchange rate. Plus, it is a far more convenient, easier, and safer option. Since the tea houses/lodges of trekking regions prefer local currency, we recommend you to take a sufficient amount of Nepali currency on the trek for personal expenses.
# We advised you to avoid the airports and hotels to make your currency exchanges, for the best rate.
Trekking in-group/singles
We handle all group sizes whether it be small (private trek) or large size trekking groups. Group discount is applicable when your group consists of more than 5 people and should have your own person (family, friends, or colleagues) in the team otherwise the price remains the same for private touring or group joining. If you are interested in joining the fixed group for this trip please keep checking the departure link when it's available we will send you complete info (date and price) related to the trek or you can book an entire private trip at a reasonable cost. Each and every group will be led by a team leader/ guide and one porter for two trekkers. In case your group exceeds more than 10 people we will provide an assistant guide.
Personal expenses on the trek
We request our clients to carry extra cash (Nepali currency) during the trek as the package won't cover some of the trip expenses including snacks, alcoholic/non-alcoholic beverages (table drinks), souvenirs, tips for guides, porters and drivers, hot shower, Wi-Fi, mineral/boil water for drinking, recharge, etc. Other additional personal expenses include international airfare, visa application, travel insurance policy purchase, extra accommodation, and food charges in Kathmandu.
Wi-Fi/Internet, Communication, and Electricity
Wi-Fi/Internet is available at lodges, however, you are required to pay an extra charge. There is also electricity available in lodges/tea houses as well, from there you can charge your devices by paying a certain amount. To communicate at high altitudes we use mobile phones for that you have to buy a local sim from Kathmandu before the trek. Although you will get a signal, it might not be strong enough. At least once a day Eternal Himalaya will contact a team leader to know about the whereabouts of the trek team and keep notifying us about the team.
Eternal Himalaya Hiking Team
Our expert guides will escort you throughout the trek with the aim of making your journey enjoyable and comfortable. Every single guide of our company is well experienced, trained, and licensed. They have been climbing and trekking by leading a group for many years.
All of our crew members have what it takes to lead a successful trek. We value our staff members and take good care of them. Each staff member is provided with good payment, insurance coverage, necessary equipment, gear, meals, transportation, and accommodation during the trek. Medical care is also provided by us in case of an injury and illness.
Our crew members' qualities are:
- Excellent interacting skills and fluent in English and other major languages)
- A certified Trekking Guide
- Knowledgeable about the facts and keep track of weather forecast
- Well trained in Rock climbing
- Undertook the Biodiversity and Conservation course
- Wilderness First Aid Training
Luggage
Weight allowance for Nepal’s internal flight is 15 kg as domestic airlines operate strict limits of a maximum of 10 kg for main luggage and 5 kg for a backpack. If your luggage exceeds 15 kg, you have to pay for the excess baggage weight which will cost USD 1 or more per kg depending on the region.
Normally, we assign one porter to carry the main luggage of two trekkers during the trek. The weight limit for the luggage is 9kg per trekker. As one porter will be carrying the weight of the two trekkers, the combined weight will be 18kg. We care for the porters and against exploitation, so we do not overload our porters. If you need an additional porter to carry your excess luggage, we can arrange the porter for an extra charge. Moreover, trekkers should carry their own small backpacks by themselves and their personal backpacks is packed with valuables, possessions, and important belongings needed during the day. It is advisable to carry the essential items only, as you can leave and store any excess luggage either at your hotel or at the Eternal Himalaya office's storage room for free. We will keep your baggage safely stored.
Before we begin our trek, we will recheck the equipment, luggage, etc in the course of briefing at our office.
Responsible Travel
Eternal Himalaya has been collaborating with Kathmandu Environmental Education Project (KEEP) to reduce the negative impacts associated with environmental degradation. We are eco-conscious about the growing environmental pollution of the Annapurna region. We organize safe and ecologically sustainable treks by providing education, and methods and raising awareness in order to protect the unique ecosystem of our country.
Safe Booking Payment Gateway
Eternal Himalaya Adventure Pvt. Ltd is a well-certified trek and tour company in Nepal also, a member of the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) and the Trekking Agency Association of Nepal (TAAN). Therefore, you can safely book and pay with us for your preferred trip package without any doubts.
To book a trip first and foremost you have to fill up a booking application form then while booking you are required to pay 20% (non-refundable) in advance for booking confirmation before the trip. Please note that you must send all necessary documents such as passport size photos, passport copy, travel insurance policy, and arrival and departure flight details within a week after booking.
The convenient and safe ways to pay are through bank transfer and online payment. The remaining cost of the trek can be paid in cash or by bank transfer before the beginning of the trek. Moreover, we will also forward the payment details to your email and vice versa. While filling out the booking application form, the clients must mention the details about modes of payment clearly and should provide all the required details about the credit card.
Last-minute booking
Advance booking is the best way to execute the whole trip without any hassle. However, Eternal Himalaya does provide last-minute booking facility for those who are unable to book in advance. For this clients are required to pay 100% of the trip cost within 24hrs before the trip departure.
In case of last-minute booking, we cannot be responsible for the delays because of the events which are beyond our control, such as weather change, unavailability of lodges, and other unfavorable conditions which leads to trip delay and flight cancellation. Despite these unfavorable circumstances we do our best to manage a trek at any time.
For more information, call us at +977 9851254672 (Ram Sharan) or email us
Trip extension
Apart from the trek, our company organizes other trips within Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet. If you want to stay for extra more days after completion of your trek, we can arrange tours and other adventure activities and extend the trip for the clients. When the trek ends, you will have spare time and you may want to go for adventure activities such as river rafting, cycling, paragliding, zip flyer, bungee jumping, etc. You may as well explore exotic places around Kathmandu and many more.
Feedback
You may want to give us feedback about our services after completing your trek. Please feel free to react and comment whether it is a positive or negative response we will take it as constructive criticism. After completing your Annapurna Base Camp Trek, our company will organize a farewell dinner and present you with a trek achievement certificate.
Flexibility
The clients can customize the Mardi trek itinerary according to their liking, plus fixed departure dates can be modified or rescheduled to your convenience. We request our clients to review the departure dates. If dates do not fit your travel plans, contact us then we will rearrange the trip as you desire.
Please note that in case of unforeseen events such as bad weather or unavailability of lodges can lead to a change in the itinerary mentioned above. Furthermore, a new itinerary will be planned by the trek leader through group discussion.
Equipment list for Mardi Himal Trek
Here is the complete essential list of equipment for the Mardi Himal trek. The weight of your luggage is limited to up to 9 kg, so, therefore, we advise you to carry only essential items. In case you require to carry more than 9 kg, we can arrange porters.
Head Wear
- Warm insulated winter hat / Wooly hat
- Sun hat / Wide-brimmed hat
- Scarf
- Neck gaiter or Fleece Buff (Optional)
- Neoprene face mask (Optional)
- Balaclava / Bally ski mask / Monkey cap (Optional)
- LED Headlamp × 2 and spare batteries
Face/body care items
- Sunscreen with SPF above 50
- Sunglasses with UV protection × 2 pairs
- Face/body cleansing wipes (biodegradable wipes)
- Moisturizer lotion for face/body
- Lip balm
Hand Wear
Liner gloves × 2 pairs
- Fleece gloves × 2 pairs
Body Wear
- Hiking shirts × 2 pairs
- Full-sleeved thermal undershirts × 2 pairs
- Fleece jacket
- Waterproof and windproof hooded rain jacket
- Down jacket (thick down jacket for winter treks)
- Polypropylene underwear × 5-6 pairs
- Synthetic material hiking pants × 2 pairs
- Long johns × 2 pairs
- Sweater
- Waterproof jacket and pants
- Lightweight cotton pants
- T-shirt
Foot Wear
- Woolen socks × 6 pairs (thick light socks)
- Lightweight shoes/scandals
- Hiking Boots
Essential gear
- Backpack
- Day pack for basics
- Waterproof covers for your bags and packs
- Thermal water bottle (hydration bladder often freezes in winter)
- Sleeping bag (rated at least 0°C for summer and -15° for winter)
- Water purification tablets, drops or portable water purifier/filter bottle,s or, gadgets
- Trekking pole
- Crampons
- Large plastic bags and stuff sacks
Personal Toiletries
- Medium size towel
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Biodegradable bar soap
- Deodorant
- Nail clippers
- Small mirror
- Toilet papers
- Shampoo
Personal accessories
- Money
- Watch
- Cell phone
- Camera
- Lighter
- Pocket knife
Extra items / Travel gear
- First aid kit
- Extra passport photos and photocopies of passport Travel insurance documents
- Notebook and pen
- Books
- Personal entertainment
- Binoculars
- International electrical adapter
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