• The packing list for clothing and equipment depends on the season you are doing this Mardi Himal 5-day trek. The basic list should include the following:
• Hiking Boots (preferably worn in)
• Jacket (one windcheater and a nice fleece for the cold nights)
• Trekking pants and shorts
• Trekking shirt
• Trekking sandals (great for relaxing in the tea house)
• Sunglasses
• Wide-brimmed hat (great for protecting your head and face from the sun)
• Socks
• Toiletries (hand sanitizer, tissue paper, towel, toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, female hygiene products, sunscreen lotion, soap)
• Trekking poles (great for the descent and balance)
• A good sturdy backpack and a backpack cover

This list includes only the necessities. You are free to add or modify the list to suit your needs.

The best time to do the Mardi Himal Trek

• The Mardi Himal, a 5-day Trek, is one of the best short treks in Nepal. 
• The Mardi Himal 5-day trek is doable throughout the year. Yet, the following months give you the best visibility and weather conditions. September to December: Cool, dry, and stable weather conditions with amazing visibility.March to June: Colorful blossoms of flowers on the lower regions of the trail.

Permits:

You will need to have 2 different permits for your 5 days of Mardi Himal Trek. These are:

• ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Entry Permit): You will be trekking through the beautiful Annapurna Sanctuary. Some parts of this cost go to the conservation of the area.
• TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System): This is required by any foreign trekker wishing to trek in Nepal.

There are a few checkpoints along your 5-day Mardi Himal Trekking trails. You can get these from Kathmandu. You may have to show your permits in these places.

Physical fitness:

• The Mardi Himal 5-day trek is an easy to moderate level trek. You need a certain level of fitness to have a comfortable trekking experience. The final push from High Camp to Mardi Base Camp can be challenging.
• For the entire 5 days, Mardi Himal Trek covers 49 km. You will be walking for about 6/7 hours a day. You can try going for long walks, week-long treks, or hikes to your nearby hills to make it easier. You can also do cardio exercises like running, jogging, and cycling.
• Altitude and mountain sickness are not a problem on the 5-day Mardi Himal trek. You won’t be at a high altitude for very long.
• This trek is suitable for people from all walks of life, ages, and fitness levels.

Accommodation and Meals:

• The Mardi Himal is a tea house trek. You will get places to eat, rest, and sleep along the trails. Most of the tea houses provide basic facilities. You will have a plain bed with a mattress, sheet, and blanket.
• The basic menu for food includes simple and healthy local meals. This includes dal, bhat, tarkari (steamed rice, lentils, and seasonal vegetables), momos (steamed dumplings), and noodles.
• The choice of drinks will be tea, coffee, and hot and cold flavored drinks.

Extra Tips on your 5 Days Mardi Himal Trek:

• Carry enough cash to last you throughout the trek. This is a newly opened trail. You will hardly find any reliable ATMs or places that accept cards.
• Feel free to explore the beautiful and quaint little villages along the trails if time is not a factor. Let someone (your guide) know in advance for safety.
• This trek is flexible. You can add different routes, trekking destinations, and durations to your trek.
• Stick to your own pace. Do not rush.
• Always stay hydrated. While enjoying the beautiful energy of your trek, this can slip your mind.

Pokhara, Nepal