Some Important Notice:
Permits: You need Annapurna Conservation Area Project permits and a TIMS permit, including trekking insurance for your trekking crews.
Walking Trails in Mardi Himal Annapurna Base Camp Trek: The trail often goes through the beautiful forest, ancient typical cultures villages, waterfalls, staircases, wilderness pastureland, alpine contour ridges, and several viewpoints, crosses several suspension bridges, wild bees, natural hot springs, zig-zags up and down, passes several river streams, and mighty glaciers.
Walking hours per day: Normally, walking hours will be 4-6 hours per day, but our itinerary is always flexible according to your space. Every day, the trek starts after breakfast. Go slower, take your time, and enjoy your holidays.
Landscape & temperature in the Annapurna Base Camp route: There are amazing landscapes, and the temperature depends on the season. We follow the Madi River gorge, a green forested trail for the beginning, and enter the alpine contour sector near the Massive Himalayas at Annapurna's legendary Sanctuary. Horizontal meadows and wide valleys with panoramic views. A wide spellbound of Glacier with tremendously high mountain walls around at ABC.
Accommodations and Food: We can find very neat and clean local lodges and hotels with the best food items. Select the food according to our choices on the Menu. The hotel accommodations on the ABC side are normal but very clean. Hot showers and bathrooms are outside in the comfort area, mostly based on sharing. Accommodations before Bamboo are more comfortable with a wide, clean, and warm dining room. There is no heating system in the dining room at the ABC site.
Maximum altitude in Mardi Himal and ABC Trek: 4500 Meters at Mardi Base Camp
Drinking water: Everywhere you can get fresh running water, but we recommend using some purifier tablets or filtered water for drinking, or you can buy mineral water or filtered water.
Symptoms of Altitude Sickness & Prevention
The maximum altitude reached at Mardi Base Camp is 4500 Meters. While not as high as some other Himalayan treks, altitude sickness is still a concern. Here are crucial prevention tips:
- Ascend Gradually: Do not rush your ascent. Stick to a well-planned itinerary that allows for gradual altitude gain
- Acclimatization Days: Although the Mardi Himal and ABC trek itinerary often doesn't have dedicated "rest days" like some other treks, try to incorporate slower days or make short acclimatization hikes (climb high, sleep low) at points like Himalaya or Deurali.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink 3-4 liters of water daily. Avoid alcohol and excessive caffeine, as they can dehydrate you.
- Eat energetic organic meals: Your body needs more energy at higher altitudes. Focus on carbohydrate-rich foods.
- Listen to Your Body: Pay close attention to any symptoms (headache, nausea, dizziness, fatigue). If symptoms persist or worsen, descend to a lower altitude immediately.
- Consider Preventive Medication: Consult your doctor about taking Acetazolamide (Diamox) as a preventive measure, especially if you have a history of altitude sickness or are concerned about the altitude.
- Proper Breathing Techniques: Practice deep breathing to improve oxygen intake.
- Layer Clothing: Dress in layers to adapt to temperature fluctuations and stay warm
- Avoid rapid altitude gain: drink enough water or fluid, acclimate to adjust the body to higher altitudes, avoid alcohol, eat regular meals, get higher and sleep at lower altitudes, and avoid high altitudes if you have heart and lung disease. The main treatment for acute mountain sickness is to stop climbing to higher altitudes and descend to a lower altitude if the symptoms occur
Clothing:
- Layered clothing: Moisture-wicking base layers (short and long-sleeved), fleece jacket/pullover, waterproof and windproof outer shell jacket.
- Warm down jacket: Essential for higher altitudes, especially during evenings and mornings.
- Trekking pants/trousers: Comfortable and quick-drying.
- Warm pants for evenings: Fleece-lined track pants.
- Underwear and sports bras.
- Warm hat, buff/neck gaiter, and gloves.
- Sun hat or cap.
Footwear:
- Worn-in hiking boots: Waterproof and ankle-supportive.
- Trekking socks: Several pairs (wool or synthetic).
- Comfortable shoes/sandals: For evenings at teahouses.
Gear and Accessories:
- Daypack: For carrying daily essentials.
- Duffel bag: For your main luggage, carried by a porter.
- Sleeping bag: (Optional, but recommended for warmth, especially in colder months)
- Trekking poles: Highly recommended for stability and reducing strain on knees.
- Headlamp with extra batteries.
- Water bottle or hydration bladder: At least 2-3 liters capacity. Consider a water filter or purification tablets.
- Sunglasses (UV protected).
- Sunscreen and lip balm with high SPF.
- Basic first-aid kit: Including pain relievers, blister treatment, antiseptic wipes, bandages, and any personal medications.
- Toiletries: Quick-drying towel, toothbrush, toothpaste, biodegradable soap, hand sanitizer, toilet paper.
- Snacks: Energy bars, nuts, dried fruit (options can be limited on the trail).
- Camera and extra batteries/power bank.
- Travel adapter.
- Book, cards, or other entertainment for evenings.
- Passport photos and Nepalese rupees in cash for the Trek expenses.
