Mardi Himal Trek

Useful Information

1. Itinerary Disclaimer:
   Incase of any unforeseen circumstances like weather, landslides, or any ill mannered group members changes will be made to ensure the safety and satisfaction of your trek. So we ask for your coordination and understanding of any unfortunate events which are outside our control.
   
   
2. Airport drop and pickup: 
   The Mountain Ram Adventures team will be picking and dropping  you to the Tribhuvan International Airport. Our representatives will make necessary arrangements which suit your flight arrival and departure time. Alongside your pickup and drop we will be assisting you with your luggage to ensure you have a comfortable commute. This service is complementary service included in our Mardi Himal Trek Itinerary 
   
   *Note: Anystops or requests outside of airport transfers for detours not included in the tour package will cost extra money.
   
   
3. Safety and Security:
   The travelers will be in good hands and do not need to worry about anything as your group will be led by experienced and skilled guides and a group leader to accommodate your needs. The trip is pre-planned according to the itinerary in which all the necessary arrangements for accommodation and meals are booked beforehand and which can be adjusted according to availability and your wants. With coordination and self-awareness from your side of the trek you can make your travel much more safe and comfortable. You will also be given a brief introduction and what to expect from the guide about the terrain before the trek for your comfort. Base knowledge of the trekking roué will provide you with reasonable expectations which avoid any conflict and satisfy your hunger for trekking. Keep a separate photocopy of essential documents just in case of any emergencies and share your emergency contacts with us, your friends and families.
   
   
4. Minimum age:
   As the Mardi Himal Trek is a relatively easy one the trek can be done by most of the age group. If any of the participants are below the age of 16 years(minor) old then an identified legal guardian should be present with them. If the age group people are confident enough to adapt to the fast change in environment and altitude then there will be no problem.
   
   
5. Solo Traveller:
   As independent solo travelers are not allowed in the Annapurna region we wholeheartedly welcome you to join us for an unforgettable 11 days trek to the Mardi Himal. As per your best interest you can join a fixed departure or trek privately with a guide and porter (if necessary). Likewise if you wish to join a group then you may make friends along the way which might last a lifetime. If you want to make new friends and are interested in meeting new people then this proposal might seem much more enjoyable to you.
   
   
6. Mardi Himal Trek cost:
   The rate for the Mardi Himal trek depends upon the size of the group. For an individual trekker it is  890 USD, for a group of 2-6 trekkers is 790 USD per person and lastly for a group of 7 and upwards the rate is 740 USD per person. The Mountain Ram Adventures team provides one of the most affordable rates for Mardi Himal Trekking. Check out our cost included and excluded section to find out what is included in your Mardi Himal Trek.
   
   
7. Accommodation on the Mardi Himal Trek:
   Accommodations available during the Mardi Himal trek are lodges and Tea houses. We provide you with the best possible room for a good night's rest. The relationship with the locals and past experiences of our team are able to provide you with excellent service. You will be provided with a Twin sharing room for your stay. If you want a single room then certain extra charges might be added. You are requested to pack your personal toiletries including a roll of toilet papers, soaps, brush and paste etc.
   
   
8. Meals during the Mardi Himal Trek:
   During your stay at Kathmandu and Pokhara you will have a wide choice of  cuisine and foods to try but in the mountains the option for food is limited but the food provided is healthy and highly nutritious which helps to rejuvenate your energy to continue with your adventure. The most prominent food option during the trek is Daal Bhat which is a full course meal which usually includes rice, Lentil soup, curries, Chutney( grinded Nepali pickles) and other items. You can enjoy noodle soup, french fries, pies, bread, and many more. Our tour package includes breakfast, Lunch and dinner during the trek (anything from the menu).
   
   
9. Permits required for Mardi Himal Trek:
   The permits required for Mardi Himal Trekking is the TIMS permit( Trekking Information Management System) and the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit. The charges of the permits are included in the itinerary, so no extra charges will be required. The Mountain Ram Adventures team collects your permit beforehand on your behalf to give you a hassle free travel experience.
   
   
   • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit:
     3000 NPR per person for Foreign Nations 
   •  2000 NPR per person for SAARC Nations
   • 100 NPR per person for Nepali citizens
     
     TIMS Permit
   • 1000 NPR per person for Foreign Nations 
   •  300 NPR per person for SAARC Nations
   • TIMS permit is not required for a Nepali citizen
     
     
10. Transportation:
    The itinerary of the Mardi Himal Trek includes all the necessary travel arrangements required for a smooth trekking experience. We will use a private four-wheeler vehicle from Pokhara to Kande (starting point) and from Sidhing (final point) to Pokhara. All the necessary travel arrangements which are mentioned in the itinerary will be provided
    
    *Note: Any detour or any additional travel outside the travel itinerary will cost an additional charge.
    
    
11.  Best time to trek in Mardi Himal: 
    The best time to trek in the Mardi Himal is during the Autumn season and Spring season. Although the Autumn and Spring season are considered the best time to trek in Mardi the route is doable in all of the seasons but the possibility to see the mountains due to clouds and fog is really slim and the threat of sudden temperature drop can make it risky.
    • Mardi Himal Trek in Spring season:The spring season includes the months of March, April and May in the Himalayas. The temperature during this time is pleasant as the average temperature during the day time is 16-20 degrees centigrade whereas during the temperature it drops down to 4-7 degrees centigrade. The routes are filled with vibrant rhododendron forest making the route much more majestic and beautiful. The vibrant Rhododendron forest with the mighty Himalayas at the background marks an unforgettable experience for the trekker.You can also expect a fresh sheet of snow if the weather favors you.
    • Mardi Himal Trek in Summer/ Monsoon season: The Summer/ Monsoon season in the Himalayas consists of the months June, July and August. During the Monsoon season it is almost certain to rain everyday so carrying a raincoat and a pair of waterproof pants for the journey is a must. The temperature can reach up to 25 degrees centigrade during the day time whereas it drops to about 12 degrees centigrade during the night time. The routes are filled with leeches so do a thorough check regularly at stops and also carry a little bit of salt which helps to remove the leeches much easily. During the Summer season the weather will most probably clear during the morning time during which you can enjoy the lush green hills with beautiful mountains in the background.
    • Mardi Himal Trek in Autumn season: The months of September, October and November  during which you can experience the Autumn season is considered to be the best season to Trek in Nepal. The temperature during the day time is around 20 degrees centigrade whereas it drops to around 9 degrees centigrade during the nighttime. During the Autumn season the temperature can get low up to an average of -2 degrees centigrade at higher points. The weather is quite pleasant and the skies are crystal clear so the views will be excellent during this time. Pre Booking must be considered if you are planning to trek in the Mardi Himal as it might get crowded during this time.
    • Mardi Himal Trek in Winter Season:  The winter season in the Himalayas begins from the month of December and ends in February. During the winter season the Himalayas are covered with snow thoroughly due to which trekking during this time is tough. The temperature during the day time is around 5-9 degrees centigrade whereas during the nighttime the temperature drops below the freezing point reaching up to -7 degrees centigrade. During the winter season the Mardi Himal trek turns into a winter wonderland as the route and surroundings are covered in thick layers of snow. During the morning time the fresh sheet of snow with clear blue sky will leave an unforgettable imprint in your mind. 
      
      
12. Additional Mardi Himal Trek Tips.
    • Internet: The Internet is available throughout the route of the trek. The use of the internet will be around 1-3 USD per device which is charged by the lodges and Tea houses and will be counted as personal expenses. The use of cellular data can also be done as both the prominent network providers(NTC and Ncell) work just fine. The internet of cellular data might not be stable at the higher altitudes.
    • Hot shower: Hot showers are available at some places and can be considered as a luxury product and costs an additional charge which may range anywhere from 2-5 USD. Taking hot showers is not possible in the higher himalayas so we suggest you bring wet wipes and other personal toiletries with you from your sanitation during your trek.
    • Charging: Charging pots and stations are usually available in the dining or common area. The rate for charging your device ranges from 1-2 USD per hour/ per device as the electricity is limited in the high Himalayas and the source of energy is solar energy. For your personal use we suggest you pack a powerbank with you.
    • ATM: In the High Himalayas there are no ATMs. So, withdraw sufficient cash in Pokhara before you start your trek. You will need cash for any personal expenses and additional food and drinks as the options of payment portals and cards are not available and they usually only accept cash.
    • Luggage: The duffle bag weight limit is 10 KG per person as it will be carried by a porter. A porter is assigned with the duffle bags of 2 trekkers (20 KG) and the day bag pack limit is 5 KG per trekker. If you have any more backpacks we will make necessary arrangements to store your extra luggage in Pokhara for free.
      
      
13. Guides and Porters on the Mardi Himal Trek:
    The Guides and Porters assigned to any trekking group are the part of the Mountain Ram Adventures family. We ensure they have a safe and enjoyable work life balance. We provide them with insurance, equipment, and training to ensure that incase of any emergency they are well capable enough to take care of the problems. The guides and porters will assist you in your trek and make your journey enjoyable and comfortable. Incase of any discomfort please do talk to the guides and porters.
    • Guides:Our trekking guides are experienced, skilled and have a lot of knowledge about the terrain, climate, culture. They are also trained on first aid and altitude sickness prevention. They will guide you along the route providing you with necessary information about the area and excellent guidance along the way.
    • Porters: usually our porters are of the local residence who have a lot of knowledge about the terrain and the communities. They carry the load, gears, and other necessary supplies for the treks. Our porters are also experienced in carrying heavy loads. We also provide them with all the necessary equipment and clothes to ensure their safety and well being.
    • Tipping the guide and porters during the Mardi Himal Trek: Tipping the guides and the porter's is an essential way of showing appreciation and respect in Nepal. It is a norm to tip the guide and porter who assisted you throughout the route making your journey enjoyable and comfortable as possible. The amount of rate is usually based on the length of trekking days. The usual amount for porters is around 10% of total trekking cost whereas it may increase to 15% for the guides. The rate of tip also can also be affected by the service quality and satisfaction level.
      
      
14. Travel Insurance for the Mardi Himal Trek:
    The weather and other factors in the high Himalayas can easily change within mere seconds which are outside the control of the travelers. To tackle any uncertainty regarding this we recommend you to have travel insurance which will also make us take actions quickly without any hesitations if any complication arises.
    
    
15. Risks while trekking in Mardi Himal:
    Mardi Himal trek is a relatively safer trek in comparison to other trekking routes within the Annapurna Conservation Area. There are no landslide or avalanche zones as teahouses and lodges are scattered throughout the routes. We suggest you to stay near the guides and porters and not wander off alone which might hurt you.
    1. Indigestion and food poisoning: Indigestion and food poisoning might be a huge problem while traveling to high himalayas. Most of the products available in the routes are fresh and highly nutritious and if you have any allergies then inform us beforehand to prevent any problems. It is best if you prevent eating meat items in the high Himalayas as they are frozen meat which might cause indigestion and food poisoning. The fresh stream waters are available throughout the route which should not be consumed directly and only should be consumed after using a filter or filtration tablet.
    2. Altitude sickness: as we are trekking at a higher altitude the chance of becoming sick due to sudden gain in altitude can lead to severe consequences. Even though the risk of getting altitude sickness in Mardi Himal is slim the possibility is not zero so in order to avoid the chances you should,
    1. Do Not consume any alcohol or products which might dehydrate you and smoking also can increase the chance of getting sick.
    2. Stay hydrated by drinking enough water and always carry a water bottle with you.
    3. Be careful of what you decide to eat. Be reasonable and eat a healthy and nutritious diet.
    4. If you are feeling nauseous, have difficulty in breathing, or have a sudden headache then inform your guide and porters immediately.
    5. Maintain your speed balance and trek slowly while taking few stops to rest
    6. Have a proper rest during the nights if you are having problems sleeping at night (insomnia) inform the guide as well as it is also a sign for altitude sickness.
       
       
16. Personal expenses:
    All the expenses which are mentioned in the itinerary will be taken care of in which the basic fees such as accommodations, meals, permits, land transportation, guide and porters fees etc are taken care of. The personal expenses such as international flights, shopping, snacks, wifi, hot shower, tips, travel insurance etc are not included in the itinerary. We suggest you to have around 10-20 USD assigned per day for personal expenses.
    
    
17.  Arrival complications:
    If you are not able to make it to the agreed upon date please be sure to inform us so that necessary arrangements can be made. You can contact us on (+977 9851074270). Making necessary changes help us to postpone the plan to a further date of your travel which may incur in additional charges as we need to cancel all the reservations and booking made. If you are not able to find our team members at the Airport then contact them on the number which we will provide.
    
    
18.   Emergency Contact:
    Incase of any emergencies feel free to contact us on +977 9851072270 at any time. You can also find us on Whatsapp and Viber using the same number. +977 014701168 is our office number where you can reach us during office hours 10 AM to 6 PM and also you can contact us through mail at info@mountainramadventures.com for any information regarding your plan, itinerary and others.
    
    
19. Visa requirements:
    Getting a Visa for Nepal is not a hassle. Foreigners can get the visa from the Nepa     l Embassy or consultant office in their respective country. The provision of visa on arrival for citizens of some countries is also there in Tribhuvan international airport or any land entry points. You can check whether you are eligible for a visa on arrival on Nepal's immigration website. *Note: Mountain Ram Adventures is not responsible for your visa. If you are unable to obtain your visa then we cannot assist you with anything. Anyform of refund cannot be made if the trip is canceled at the last moment. You can check out the terms and conditions regarding the refund.
    
    Entry points of Nepal
    1. Tribhuvan International airport (Kathmandu)
    2. Birgunj, Parsa ( Central Nepal)
    3. Kakarvitta, Jhapa (Eastern Nepal)
    4. Kodari, Sindhupalchowk (Northern border of Nepal)
    5. Belhiya, Bhairahawa (Western Nepal)
    6. Jamuna, Nepalgunj (Mid-western Nepal)
    7. Mohana, Dhangadhi (Far western Nepal)
    8. Gaddachauki, Mahendranagar ( Far western Nepal)
       
       
20. Keep an emergency fund:
    Keep an emergency fund of around 100-200 USD with you just in case of emergencies or any unforeseen expenses which may incur during your stay. The emergency fund will create a safety net for you just in case you need it.
    
    
21. Some common Nepali phrases and etiquette for your travel;
    1. Namaste: Hello ( Commonly used as a greetings)
    2. Dhanyabad - Thankyou
    3. Maaf Garnus - Sorry/ excuse me
    4. K cha?/ Sanchai hunu hunxa - how are you?
    5. Malai Nepali thaha chaena -  I don't know Nepali
    6. Kati ho? - How much does it cost?
    7. Timro Nam K ho? - What is your Name?
    8. Mero name ______ho. - My name is ______.
    9. Kripaya - Sorry
    10. Daal Bhat - Rice with lentil soup and curries. (The most popular and prominent Nepali food)
    11. Chyaa - Tea
    12. Dhanyabad hajur ko sahayog ko lagi - Thank you for helping me.
        
        
22. Some of the etiquette tips to respect the local culture and traditions in Nepal
    1. While meeting or introducing someone, always say Namaste with a slight bow and join the palms of your hands (prayer positions) with a smile.
    2. Remove your shoes before entering a temple, shrine, or anyone's house.
    3. Dress modestly. 
    4. Always ask for permission before taking the pictures.
    5. Avoid public display of affection. In the Nepalese culture it is considered a private matter.
    6. While visiting any temples, shrines and stupas always go  around the temple in a clockwise direction.
    7. Respect elders by using words such as “Dai” which means brother and “Didi” which means sister.
    8. Always use your right hand while receiving and giving anything.
    9. Do Not point anything with your feet as it is considered as the lowest part of your body.
    10. Do Not touch any religious objects or statues.
Packing tips: you will get a “to pack list” which will be provided by the Mountain Ram Adventures team as well as will be making sure you have the necessary essentials before starting the trek. You can purchase the necessary gears or even rent them from Thamel as it helps the local economy but also finds most of the items at a bargain for its price.
1. Essentials: Clothing (4-5 pairs of each item), dry tees, underwear, trekking shirt and pants, down jacket, fleece jacket, windbreaker, thermal wear, sun cap, scarf, gloves, woolen cap, hat, raincoat, rain pants, cotton socks, woolen socks, daypack and rain cover, backpack and rain cover, duffle bag (provided by the company), water bottle, water filter, sleeping bag & liner, trekking poles, stuff sack, hiking shoes or boots.
2. Personal items: sanitizers, wet wipes, toilet paper, soap, shampoo, comb, sunglasses, sunscreen,lip balm, toothbrush and toothpaste, handwash, face wash.
3. Personal Medical Kit: Band-aid, cotton, ORS or electoral powder, antiseptic cream, bandage and spray for sprained joint, paracetamol, Vomistop, antifungal cream, insect repellent, prescribed medications if any.
   Note: if there are any medical conditions please inform us beforehand for any emergencies.
4. Electronic Gadgets: Spare batteries, power bank, charger, camera head lamp/ LED touch.
5. Documents: Identity card, travel insurance document, permits, passport, visa, photo.
6. Money exchange: There are many money exchanges in Kathmandu and Pokhara where you can exchange money. Make sure to check the rate of exchange before exchanging your money. You can also exchange your money from the banks likewise, The ATM’s in Kathmandu and Pokhara can also be used to withdraw the money but extra charges at around 2-3% will be added by the banks.
7. Laundry service: Laundry services are a common service available in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Make sure you have enough fresh clothes for your journey and after completing your trek you can give your clothes for laundry service at the hotel or any independent service provider.
8. Experience local cuisine and authentic products: during your stay at Kathmandu we suggest you try the authentic Newari cuisine available around the city. The Newari cuisine is regarded as one of the best local cuisines found in the country. The authentic Newari products and services can be experienced around the Durbar Square areas. Newari cuisine includes various veg as well as non-veg items.
9. Commute: If you need to travel from one place to another within the city then you can inform the Mountain Ram Adventures team and we can make necessary arrangements for you or you can also download apps who provide transport services similar to Uber which are In-Drive and Pathao.  

   Why choose us?

1. We provide you with well experienced and skilled guides and porters who have a vast knowledge about the trekking routes, landscapes and weather conditions.
2. We provide you with a certificate for completing the mesmerizing trek with the Mountain Ram Adventures team.
3.  First aid kits with skilled guides who can assist you during any mishaps and emergencies.
4. Mountain Ram Adventures offers a service which satisfies your trekking wants and also provides a value for money service.
5. We provide a storage facility for extra luggages while you go on your beautiful journey through the Mardi Himal.