Mardi Himal Base Camp Short Trek-5 Days

Accommodation, Food, and Water During Mardi Himal Trekking

Accommodation

The Mardi Himal trek is considered a teahouse trekking trail which means that the options for accommodation are teahouses. The teahouses are the basic accommodation options that provide basic bed and blanket facilities for visitors. Similarly, the teahouses are available at every stop along the Mardi Himal for food and to spend the night. Although the teahouses sound basic, they are well equipped for electricity, bathroom and internet facilities. However, for those who seek luxury houses, the bad news is no such lodges exist in the remote region.

On the other hand, most of the teahouses have a shared bathroom facility and only a few with attached bathrooms. These teahouses also provide meals three times a day including breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a separate cost for food depending upon the menu. A single room in a teahouse consists of two single beds and a table for your accessories. However, in peak season booking the rooms in advance is a common practice done by Trekking Planner Nepal to provide guests with the best possible facility Mardi Himal can offer.

Food and Water

Food is the crucial and only source of energy in the Mardi Himal trek. Quality and delicious food are available at various stops on the trekking trail. Not only this, but varieties of food ranging from traditional Nepalese to Western dishes are available in the Mardi region. Similarly, there are various stops along the route where one can purchase some snacks, chocolates, and bottles of water. (Be sure to carry your waste back or properly dispose of the waste to lend a hand for environmental conservation.)

Similarly, the menu is prepared by the teahouses in the Mardi Himal Trekking Trail which are dedicated to both Nepali and international visitors. The common food and beverage options available on the trek during breakfast, lunch, and dinner are listed below:

Breakfast: The breakfast time in the teahouse usually starts around 7 am with food options including Plain Toast, French Toast, Cheese Toast, Plain Chapatti, Tibetan bread, Boiled eggs, scrambled eggs, plain or fried omelet, cheese or vegetable omelet, Tsampa porridge, apple porridge, honey porridge, oatmeal porridge, rice pudding, chocolate pudding, muesli, cornflakes, varieties of soup including mixed, vegetable, mushroom, tomato and garlic soup. Other options include plain pancakes, apple pancakes, chocolate pancakes, and pancakes with honey, butter, or jam.

Lunch and Dinner: Lunch and Dinner can be of similar choice and mostly the same in all the trekking routes available in Nepal. The traditional Dal Bhat is the famous option for reenergizing after the long walk along the Mardi Himal or even the Annapurna Circuit trek and Everest Base Camp trek. Dal Bhat (rice, lentil soup, vegetables, and pickles with an option for meat), thus being the staple food of Nepal is readily available in all parts of Nepal.    

Other options for lunch and dinner are Pasta, Noodles, Mo: Mo (dumplings), Burger, Thukpa, Burgers, Spaghetti, Potato items, Egg items, and many others.

Similarly, those who are much into desserts after dinner get the option of Apple pie, Pancakes, Chocolate Pudding, Rice Pudding, Yogurts, and many more.

Beverages: All sorts of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are available all along the Mardi Himal Base Camp trekking route. Drinks including tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and lemon tea are a popular choice among the trekkers. Similarly soft drinks like Coco Cola, Sprite, Mountain Dew, and many more. Similarly, there are chances of getting energy drinks likely named Red Bull or Coco-Cola but are not original. So before consuming such drinks check with the guide to confirm the originality and quality of the product.

Note: Drink plenty of water as your body will be dehydrated during the walk. On the other hand, drinking coffee or any alcoholic drinks can cause dehydration in the body. Thus, it is better to omit alcohol and limit the intake of coffee during trekking.

Electricity, Communication, and Internet facilities in the Mardi Himal Trek

It is necessary to understand that Mardi Himal trekking takes place in the remote region of Nepal. So, trekkers who wish to visit such regions must be flexible regarding electricity, Communication, and Internet facilities.

Similarly, it doesn’t mean that the region is completely out of such amenities. There is a good facility for electricity, communication, and Wi-Fi all along the teahouses. However, due to the remoteness, high elevation, and ongoing construction work these facilities might not be as expected. The details are mentioned below:

Electricity: As Mardi Himal is a teahouse trekking, electricity is only available in the teahouses. However, there are times when the teahouses may need to face power cuts in bad weather conditions or high voltage. In such conditions, the teahouse organizes the secondary power source just for lighting.

For charging, trekkers can charge their electronic devices in the hall of the teahouse while paying an extra amount. Some teahouses have charging points inside the room however, such rooms do cost more with the added price of charging. So, those who want to complete the Budget Mardi Himal Trek can bring additional batteries and a strong power bank to save the cost of charging.

Communication: Communication is possible along the route even in the Mardi Himal View Point. However, the quality might be compromised if trekkers need to cross some mountain pass, go through forest trails or some area in the trek might not have achieved the network facility yet. But the communication facility is better at the Mardi Himal teahouses and the network won’t be an issue if not for the ongoing construction or bad weather conditions.

Internet: The Internet is the newly introduced facility in Mardi Nepal. Therefore, Wi-Fi may not be of top-notch condition and widely spread. There are some teahouses where Wi-Fi is available however, even if available they do cost extra. So Trekking Planner Nepal provides SIM cards for free where trekkers can connect the data and access the internet.

Shower and Bathroom Facilities during the Mardi Himal Trek

The shower and Bathroom are other essential amenities during the Mardi Himal Trek. The teahouses available in the Mardi region provide shower and bathroom facilities. While there is an option for both hot and cold showers. Hot showers can cost extra and may not be available in teahouses located at higher altitudes. On the other hand, showers are either bucket, solar, or geyser each having its own cost.

In terms of bathrooms, Indian-style bathrooms with few or no options for Western-style are mainly available and are mostly shared among individuals. Some bathrooms are present in the flat while most are located at a distance.

Also, during the trekking route, toilet breaks can be done at lunch places shops, or even some houses if asked for permission that is only in emergency cases. The open letter is strictly prohibited.

Culture and Religion of The Mardi Region

The Mardi region lying in the Annapurna region is popularly inhabited by the Gurung community who are known for their humble nature and warm hospitality. The hill tribe along the Annapurna range practices Buddhism religion with an ancient practice of pre-Buddhism known as Bon.

The Bon religion is characterized by the worship of natural and environmental elements like rivers, forests, mountains, and many more. So, trekkers need to understand the importance of all these elements for the locals and omit any activities that clash with them don’t in their religion.

Along the trekking trail of Mardi Himal Base Camp monks dressed in various shades of yellow, orange, and saffron are seen. It is better to pay respect to such individuals who would likely bless all the trekkers walking on the Mardi Himal trekking path.

Similarly, the lower region has a mix of individuals with various communities that live in harmony The Hindu castes like Chettries, Brahmins, Tamang, Magar, Thakali, and Gurungs are found in such areas.

Permits and documents required for Mardi Himal Trekking

Mardi Himal which lies in the Annapurna region is marked as a protected area by the government of Nepal. So, permits and various documents are required to enter such protected regions. The permits and documents for the Mardi Himal Trekking in Nepal are listed below:

Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) Card: The TIMS card aims to ensure the safety and security of individuals during trekking in the Himalayan region of Nepal. The cost of a TIMS card is as follows:

For individuals within the SAARC country: NRs 1,000

For individuals outside SAARC nationals: NRs 2,000

Children below ten years do not require a permit.

 Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit: ACAP is a national park permit for the Annapurna Conservation Area. The cost of an ACAP permit is as follows:

For Foreigners: NRs: 3,000 only

For SAARC nationals: NRs 1,000 only

For Nepalese: NRs 100 only

Children below ten years do not require a permit.

Other documents: Documents including passport-size photographs, Personal Details.

Note: The TIMS card and ACAP are mandatory documents for the Mardi Himal Trek. There are check posts in various sections of the trekking route where these documents are thoroughly checked. The absence of the document will not allow the individual to enter further. Similarly, verified trekking agencies like Trekking Planner Nepal will apply for the documents from Kathmandu that will give trekkers under Nepal Trekking Planner a hassle-free experience.

Chances of Altitude sickness symptoms, prevention, and complications during Mardi Himal Trekking

Altitude sickness can affect anyone despite age. Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) or altitude sickness is mainly caused due to the decrease in the atmospheric pressure that leads to difficulty in breathing due to low oxygen levels at high altitudes. The symptoms of AMS are visible above 3300 meters which are as follows:

• Headache/Dizziness.
• Nausea/vomiting.
• Tiredness/fatigue.
• Sleepy but can’t sleep.
• Loss of appetite.

Prevention of Acute Mountain Sickness

• Ascend gradually
• Drink plenty of Fluids
• Acclimatization
• Avoid overexertion and limit the physical activity
• Eat plenty while maintaining a balanced diet
• Recognize the symptoms and communicate with the guide
• Be sure to rest and cover up the daily sleep routine

Complications of Altitude Sickness

Although very rare in occurrence, one should have a good understanding of the complications of altitude sickness. If altitude sickness goes bad, the following complications are seen which require immediate attention.

• High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE): This condition affects the lungs causing them to fill with fluid which can be fatal. So immediate attention to medical care is required.
• High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE): This is regarded as the most severe form of altitude sickness. HACE causes the brain to swell and is life-threatening. So immediate attention to medical care is required.

Is travel insurance required for the Mardi Himal Trek?

Travel insurance is necessary for the Mardi Himal Trek. While Trekking Planner Nepal doesn’t provide the insurance facility visitors should purchase the insurance from a reliable insurance company. Similarly, the insurance company offers various policies so it is recommended that travelers purchase the ones which cover the following:

• Emergency evacuation
• Trip cancellation or interruption
• Loss of baggage or goods
• Illness, injury, and medical cost

Thus, purchasing travel insurance will help to safeguard against various such conditions and compensate for any unforeseen circumstances. Although not mandatory, purchasing travel insurance has many perks so we at Trekking Planner Nepal Pvt. Ltd recommends every individual purchase insurance just to ensure the trekking experience.