Well, we are all familiar with how the Annapurna region of Nepal stands out to serve one of the diverse areas of the Himalayas, captivating the enthusiastic hikers across the globe. Due to the rapid flow of visitors, it has maintained its amenities at its finest, as it serve the trailhead to many other iconic destinations like Poon Hill, and Annapurna Base Camp trek.
Amongst all, Mardi Himal Trek is the newly introduced expedition within the Annapurna trekking trail, which is short in time and feasible for those starting from either Kathmandu or Pokhara. In short, the trek to Mardi Himal leads you on a fascinating adventure, and it was just a few years back opened, welcoming visitors worldwide. If you are thinking about opting for this trek, then you might wonder what kind of accommodations and lodging facilities to expect, and the variety of food range, if that suits your taste palette and preference or not!
To your answer! This short blog will give you a brief overview of what kind of foods and tea houses to expect during the Mardi Himal Trek from the beginning to the end point, so you can complete the hike with ease, being mindfully prepared and packing stuff that isn't available on the route.
Why is it important to know about foods and accommodations?
To venture out in any expeditions, whether it is a short hike, or short trek or even a long journey, the only thing that blows out in our mind is what kind of amenities are available in the trailhead, are they even well facilitated and maintained, well, that's the queries we often get. Just like that, knowing the meals and lodges along the Mardi Trek is crucial, but why? The answer is, it not only ensures your comfort and safety but also takes care of your health and hygiene. Knowing the type of lodge availability also helps you to make your budget planning accordingly, so you are aware of the pricing over the route, not only that, but also makes you pack lighter as you are fully mindful about the room conditions and the amenities the locals offer.
Whereas trekking in the Himalayas does demand long hours of expedition of at least 5-6 hours, the body acts accordingly, how well your nutritional level is met, as we surely cannot walk through rugged terrains with low-quality foods, right? Hence, the main motive of this blog is to make you conscious of meals and amenities to expect while trekking the route to Mardi Himal.
Accommodation Spots on the Mardi Himal Trek
The stopping point or resting section of the trek to Mardi Himal, or you can say any expedition, depends on how your itinerary is set. The trek simply begins from either Kathmandu or Pokhara, as they are the beginning points of this trailhead. Before your trip gets started, ofcourse! You will be facilitated with top-notch hotels from standard to luxury amenities, whereas after reaching the Annapurna region, the basic tea houses/lodges accommodation starts. As we have clearly stated that the lodging spots simply vary depending on the route you undertake. Let's take a brief overview of the popular spots that you will probably be settling in, if you opt for the classic and regular itinerary.
Mardi Himal High Camp Lodging
Forest Camp: Rhododendron Forest with Cozy Lodges
The first stop of this Mardi Trek is "Forest Camp". If you are taking a direct jeep to Pitam Deurali, well! The tea houses affiliated here are densely surrounded by the rhododendron forest and greenery. This is the place where you will probably encounter the first glimpse of Nepal's national flower rhododendron, and firsthand tea house experiences as well. The lodging here is simple yet cozy and comfortable; I would say it's one of the least facilitated areas, as it is in between the woodlands. The rooms are simple and don't have attached washrooms; however, the rooms demonstrate the 1st glimpse of mountains, especially Fish Tail, which seems simply outstanding!
Popular Lodges and Tea Houses Available
A One View Hotel and Restaurant
Hotel Green View Lodge and Restaurant
Expect to see the red blooming rhododendrons, and haha, the two dogs named Lucy and Brownie (a husky and a German Shepherd) that will keep you excited. Even though the rooms are less facilitated, you will enjoy the woodlands!
Rest Camp and Low Camp: Comfortable Stops and Mountain Views
From forest camp to rest camp or low camp, there are only a few km differences, which demands only 2-3 hours of hiking, however, it depends on your pace. Even though both the rest camp and the low camp are situated at higher elevations over 3000 meters, you can find better amenities such as a good network, comfortable washrooms, cozy bedrooms, Wi-Fi facility, and other services such as laundry service, hot showers, and others. Along with the facilities, the mountain views are worth gazing at, as they provide the front view of the Mt. Fishtail (Machhapuchhre), with the blooming rhododendrons as well.
Available Lodges:
Hotel Rest Camp and Restaurant (Personal Favourite)
Hotel Laligurans Garden and Restaurant
Hotel Macchapuchare Samjhana and Resturant
Wake up with the first encounter of Mardi Himal, enjoying the blooming rhododendrons, and mingling with other fellow hikers
High Camp: Simpler but Semi Panorama Mountain View
The last point before reaching the Mardi Himal Base Camp is the High Camp, where the elevation changes rapidly and insanely, where you can feel the rise in altitude. Standing at an elevation of 4500 meters, the tea house is simpler where the possibility of network is almost zero, but do not worry, as a wifi facility is available with other amenities. Even though the High Camp is located at such high altitudes, you will be amazed by the accessibility of basic amenities and warm hospitality. The morning shows the first unhindered and big towering view of Mt. Machhapuchhre, Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Mardi Himal, etc., rewarding you with the best view possible!
Recommended Tea houses: High Camp Guest House and Restaurant - offers the best dining experience with the mountain views
Gaze over the gigantic view of the Annapurna Range and Mardi Himal along the valleys dotted with alpine meadows
Other Main Stops In Between: Pitam Deurali, Badal Danda, and Middle Camp
If your itinerary is set at a low pace, then you might stop by en route tea houses and key stop sections such as Pitam Deurali (starting and ending point of the trek), which hosts a simple tea house, serving all the amenities required, but a basic one. Whereas, in Middle Camp in between High Camp and Low Camp, expect a bit less facilitated services in terms of room conditions; however, it varies depending on the tea house that you have booked for. Amongst all, Badal Danda hosts the room which is well equipped and also less crowded, as many trekkers directly ascend to the High Camp from Low Camp, but trust me, it is the best place to immerse yourself amid the clouds and the sunrise view over the mountains.
We at Destination Himalaya Treks and Expedition are fully determined to arrange all the best facilities, tea houses, or lodges available in the area, it is included in our package, hence you do not have to pay extra as we bear the cost of lodges and pre book it so you can have a hassle free journey!
Amenities and Facilities in Mardi Himal Trek Lodges
While you are accommodating at several tea houses, at stopping points where you stop by, you must have queries, what kind of facilities to expect and what amenities you will be served with, right? Every tea house simply delivers the same kind of facilities as it is just newly introduced, which is just a newbie do not expect the premium amenities you get at Poon Hill and Annapurna Base Camp Trek. You won't find any major differences unless it's about the hospitality of the locals and service providers. To simplify, here are the lodging facilities that you will get during the trek to Mardi Himal:
Room Types and Bed Configuration
The room types are the same, comprising of twin bedroom, a single bedroom, and a double-sized bedroom. The availability depends on a seasonal basis, for example, if you are trekking Mardi Himal during peak time, then you must share a room with your group as each tea house has 15-17 bedrooms, not more than that. However, if you are hiking solo, then if prebooked before time, you might get a chance of a double bedroom or at least two, otherwise it's nearly impossible. The rooms consist of only a bed and tables in some places, with a cozy mattress, comfortable beds, pillows, and blankets. To showcase, it more properly here is the outline of what bedrooms are like in the Mardi Himal Trekking Trail.
Bathrooms and Hot Shower Facilities
Washrooms aren't attached to the room, and only squat-style washrooms are available. For the toiletries, do not expect anything, as at such a high elevation, it's not possible. Bring toiletry items such as toilet paper, towels, soaps, and shampoo as your own. A hot shower is available in every tea house, with extra charges of USD 4-5, along with laundry services with almost USD 10, depending on the kgs.
Availability of WIFI and Electric Sockets
In every tea house, you will get good Wi-Fi connectivity, but after crossing Low Camp, the wifi access can only be connected in the dining area. To use wifi, you must pay an extra USD 3-4 per day! Even though you buy a data pack, it won't get connected after reaching High Camp, hence, wifi is the only option. Well, for the charging, it is available in the dining area only in many sections, where you must queue in line, and have patience to get your gadgets charged! Hence, carry a power bank (at least 2), so you can use it immediately!
Heating and Hot Water Option
You might wonder whether you can get access to the heating option in the room, or not, then NO! As it is a newly established trail, the heating in the rooms is minimal, and you must rely on the thick blankets that the tea house provides. However, to keep you warm, it is highly suggested to dine yourself and spend some time in the dining area, enjoying the thriving, friendly kitchen, interacting with some fellow hikers. There's a huge wooden heater made with clay, mostly in every tea house, that warms up the whole dining area, and the most fascinating part is! Hot water is always heated up here, so you can get easily served without waiting for so long. Yes! You do have to pay extra dollars according to bottles, jars, and kettles.
Food options during the trek to Mardi Himal: What to expect?
There's no doubt that the Annapurna region tends to serve a wide range of options catering to the taste of every individual from indian, asian, continental, western, to Nepalese and local. Unlike the Kanchenjunga Circuit or Manaslu Circuit Trek, where only limited options are available due to the low number of tea houses, and are highly managed in a home-stay style. During the Mardi Trek, you can expect ample options in the menu for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner! To simplify and mention in detail, here is an overview of meals in depth, so you get to know what to expect specifically, when you are allergic to some kind of food items.
The kind of menu you will be given to choose
Popular Dishes and Local Cuisines served on the trail
Well, while embarking on any expeditions, the first thing that we set on our mind is to experience the authenticity, right? We do not want to try meals that are usually served in the city area. This Mardi Himal Trekking Trail serves diverse menu options, where you can see local meals that can only be found in the Himalayas, which are highly Tibetan-influenced influenced such as Tibetan Bread and Tibetan Tea, Momo (made out of flour and stuffings of minced vegetables and chickens), Dhido (made with millet and served with any side dishes), spanich momo and many others. Consider having "Dal Bhat" at least once, as it is the ultimate food for Nepalese that is said to give 24-hour power on the trailhead, which is often had by every trekker in the Himalayas, due to easy accessibility and refill availability at free cost.
Western and Other Popular Meals
It is understandable that we slightly want to avoid the same food constantly, local food tasting might sound like a unique but consuming the same meals every day is surely a boring thing, as no one wants to repeat the same food. As already mentioned, Mardi Trek simply serves many western cuisines, so you do not have to compromise your taste! From pizza, burgers, and sandwiches to spaghetti, pasta, this trailhead offers a wide range of food. When ordering the foods, just make sure that it is fulfilling and gives you all sorts of nutrients required that last for several hours, at least 3-4 hours!
For breakfast, you will be served with the famous peanut butter, toasted bread, omelette, eggs, mussels, granola, and any teas or black, milk coffee in the morning. Lunch and dinner will have the same menu, which will be served in the tea house.
Special Diet Option and Vegetarian Availability
While being along the trail, and being seated at the tea houses, make sure that you inform the lodges, or your trekking company,that you are allergic to some kind of food items, so it can be prepared accordingly. Also, mention your dietary preferences, so you will be accommodated at the tea houses that serve such meals. No matter whether you are a vegan, vegetarian, or non-vegetarian, the trailhead surely caters to the taste matching your preference.
Drinks and Beverages
For the drinks and hot-cold beverages, you will get ample options from serving juice (packed one), Coca-Cola, Diet Coke, Red Bull, and hot beverages such as tea, that too in a mug (cost depends on the mug), coffee, green tea, and many others. To sum up, everything is available in a packed version. For drinking water, you will be provided hot water, for warmth at high elevation, to tackle the cold.
Cost Expectation for the Foods and Accommodation along the Mardi Himal Trekking Trail
Well, the cost of Mardi Trek is high, and it is expected as it is quite difficult to supply foods, and they use himalayan mules to transfer the goods back and forth, while it might sound a bit disturbing to some of you, it is normal (unfortunately) at Himalayas, but surely they are taken good care of! The pricing is relatively lower than you expect at other rugged terrains like Manaslu Circuit Trek or Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek, but yes, it might be shocking to some who have never been on a long expedition hiking before.
For breakfast, you can get it from prices ranging from USD 5 to USD 10, and sometimes, it might exceed, depending highly on the early morning meal that you choose. But please remember, if you ask for extra tea or coffee, then it costs approximately USD 5 to USD 8-9 somewhere in between. The lunch and dinner are basically on the higher side, costing from USD 7 to USD 15, but well if you go for Dal Bhat, then the price is relatively low. To make it clear here is the outline of the menu cost on the Mardi Himal Trek to expect:
Pricing of beaverages from forest campBreakfast Menu
What kind of dining area can you expect on the route?
The foods are served in the dining area, with a cozy environment, accompanied by other fellow hikers. You can even have meals in the room, but there are several benefits to dining in the kitchen area. The dining area is huge, cozy, and warm, and stays warm 24 hours, as there is a heated room due to ancient-style clay cooking in the kitchen hall.
Besides, it is comfortable, and your food will be served instantly, while having food in the room, it might be quite cold to get settled in, as it's not heated. Also, the best part about dining in the Mardi Trek is that you get to interact with locals and get to know about their culture in depth. The food court section is always thriving in the evening, where other hikers are dancing to the Nepali songs, singing Nepali folk, and even playing cards (UNO), hence, that enriches the trip even more!
How do Pre-Booking and Instant Booking affect the accommodation availability along the trail?
Well! If you are thinking about opting Mardi Himal Trekking, then, first thing that you should ever think of doing is prebook the lodges before the trip. But please take a note that, mostly, tea houses take pre-booking if it is reserved by the local registered trekking operator, as they can be easily trusted and do frequent bookings in season and off season. So, make sure that you are hiking through the company, as it might be a hassle for sure in season to find lodging along the trail.
Whereas, instant booking while trekking on the route is quite risky, and you might not find lodges immediately, as they have already been booked by others. Even if you find one, you will be settled in at the dining area, rather than the bedroom, so it's a no-no situation! Hence, pre-book the lodges, or just hike with assistance of local operator like Destination Himalaya Treks and Expedition.
Pro Tips for the Foods and Accommodations for the Mardi Himal Trek
Check the menu list, that are mentioned above, and try to bring snacks accordingly, to match your nutritional level, such as quick snacks like granola bars, Snickers, to munch in between the route, as tea houses in some sections are not available.
Make sure to inform the guide, or us, if you are allergic to some foods or have dietary restrictions, as foods are cooked with specific Nepali herbs which might not suit you. Informing the guide ensures that the meals are cooked accordingly, excluding the foods that don't fit you.
Lodges are simple, which is unfamiliar from the city area, so expect the unexpected as it lies in a remote section, hence make your mental preparation accordingly.
Even though electric sockets are available in every tea house, it is only accessible in the kitchen area, that too you have to wait in line just to charge your gadgets. Hence, carry a power bank at least 2 if possible, you can get quick access.
Carry water purification tablets to cleanse the water, just to assure that you are hydrated with clean water, however, tea houses serve safe water.
If you are a pure vegetarian, then consider informing the tea house while preparing the food, and inform the guide to track how the meals are prepared. It is highly suggested as some people are quite allergic and become hazardous, consuming non-veg in trail, if they are veg by birth.
Carry toiletries such as toilet paper, soaps, brushes, towels, and other essentials, and for females, please bring your sanitary pad if you are in month as it isn't available in route.
Final words: Conclusion
Foods and accommodations, during the Mardi Himal Trek, have a big effect on planning your expedition, especially when you are opting for this trek in the peak season. It is surely a matter of ease, comfort, and your mental state. If there are proper lodging facilities, then you surely become satisfied and even look forward about what next, what kind of tea house and experience to encounter in another sitting area.
Unlike restricted area expeditions like Kanchenjunga, Manaslu, and Upper Mustang Trek, you can get a wide variety of foods and lodges, but you must pre-book so it won't be a fuss to manage it on the route. Lodges aren't just about comfort but also about getting the best views by settling at lodges that are near the mountains, near the Annapurna range and Fish Tail, while on the Mardi Trek. If you want to venture out on this expedition, then we are all ready to assist you in managing all the basic to standard logistics for your trip. To know more, WhatsApp us at +977 9851016814 or just give us a call, or you can even email at info@destinationhimalayatreks.com. Contact us anytime!
