Packing List for Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek

It is obvious that there are conundrums regarding how to prepare a packing list for Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek. Your final decision of what to take and what not to take on the trip matters a lot, ensuring a successful and memorable journey.

You must be aware of the climatic conditions of the region you are travelling to in order to decide the type of clothes to pack. Sometimes, the wrong choice of trekking gear can cause problems, ruining the whole experience of the trip.

The packing list below is prepared with recommendations from experienced trekkers and our local experts, who will help you pick up the right items. However, it is merely the guidelines. You may have to adjust trekking gears depending on your needs, interests, and the season you are trekking.

All the necessary items can be bought or rented in Kathmandu or Pokhara. Some of the trekking gear, like the sleeping bag, trekking poles, etc. that you do not need frequently can also be hired for your trip. That may charge you on a daily basis.

Himalayan Masters operates the most popular Mardi Himal Trek in Nepal. It can be done in 7 days and offers great accommodation and food.

Essential Items for Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek

Clothes for Mardi Himal Trek

Thermal shirts and trousers: They should be thick enough to maintain heat, but make sure they are flexible for proper movement

Hiking pants: These pants contain extra side pockets, and they can also be folded into knee-length shorts

Waterproof trousers or a pair of yoga pants: It makes you more comfortable for a hike. Choose double layers that help you keep warm.

Shorts: Especially if you are trekking in the summer season, you can pack 3 to 4 pairs of shorts. Also, the lower region of Mardi Himal is warm enough during spring and autumn. So, it is better to pack a few shorts for the trek.

T-shirts: You need to pack a few T-shirts that are fast to absorb sweat, breathable, and comfortable.

Fleece jacket/down jacket: For mid-layer warmth

Wind and waterproof jacket: For outer-layer protection

Footwear

Hiking Boots: Besides trekking shoes, a pair of hiking boots with a strong grip and ankle support works best for trekking on the most difficult trail. But be sure, they are perfect in size and light enough to wear for long hours.

A pair of shoes: This trip is not a very difficult one, so any outdoor shoes work for you.

Socks: 4-6 pairs thick hiking socks

Rubber sandal: To wear in the teahouse

Undergarments

Underwear: 4-6 pairs, one for each day

Sports bra (for women): 4-6 bras that provide good support and are quick in wicking moisture

Inner: 4-5 inners for wicking sweat

Bags

Rucksack with a waterproof cover (30-35 liters capacity): The one you need at first for keeping other essentials.

Daypack: Keep all your go-to items for the day trek, as all your other items will be carried by the porter.

Accessories

Woollen cap or Balaclava: It is important to protect your face and neck from bitter cold

Inner and outer gloves

Headlamp: Sometimes, you need to trek early in the morning and late evening; for that, you will need a headlamp. Also, sometimes there might be an electricity outage in the teahouse, so it can be useful at that time.

Power bank/extra batteries: Teahouses might not have electricity facilities sometimes or charge high. So, including a power bank or extra batteries in your packing list for Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek could be a good idea.

Reusable water bottles and water purification tablets

Sleeping bag

Camera

Trekking pole: It might be useful for you on the slippery and complicated trail.

Personal Care Products

Sunglasses and sun hat: Essential for protecting your face and neck from direct sunlight

Sun protection cream

Lip balm

Wet wipes

Hand sanitizers

Towel

Toiletries

Miscellaneous

Enough cash for the trek: You rarely find ATMs on the trekking trail

Snacks

Chocolate bars

Energy bar

Electrolyte

Optional Items for Trekking

Toilet paper: Teahouses might not have a Western toilet, so you can pack some toilet paper or buy it on the way.

First-aid Kit: No bother for organized groups as your guide will carry it. Still, you are suggested to include some of the items like motion sickness pills, electronic thermometer, aspirin, iodine tablets, birth control, some oral rehydration packets and tiger balm, which is great for bites and stings.

Sleeping bag liner: For extra warmth

Wristwatch

Dust mask: Useful especially for dusty sections of the trail.

Money belt

Menstrual supplies for women

Favourite snacks/herbal teas

Games or books: Can be useful for ‘downtime’ and entertainment

Maps/language or guide books: Essential for independent trekkers but no bother for organized group

Essential Documents

Travel Insurance: It is a must to make the trek in the Himalayas. The insurance policy covers you for any unexpected accidents, emergencies, and helicopter evacuations.

Passport: You might need to show your passport at some checkpoints, so including a passport (original or a copy) in your packing list for the Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek is wise.

Nepal Visa: A visa is essential for most foreigners staying in Nepal. It can be acquired in Kathmandu or in advance at your nearest Nepali Embassy or consulate. Generally, the visa fee is $40 for one month.

Tickets

NOTE: We recommend you make at least three copies of all your documents. Take one with you, one at the house, and one with your travel partner that becomes helpful in times of emergency.

Aren’t You Overpacking?

Journal of the book: You might think this is a great time to read, but mostly, it is not practical. If you have to do it, you had better download it on your phone or carry a portable e-book.

Drone: It is amazing to capture stunning views using drones, but in most parts of Nepal, you are restricted to flying drones. It might only be extra weight for you.

Laptop: Most of the things you can do on your phone. It not only adds extra weight but also adds trouble in protecting it in the bag. It might get broken unless it is put in the bag safely.

Snacks: Munching on some snacks at the teahouse and on the trail might be more delicious.

Finally, the required Packing List for Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek mainly depends on your own choice/interest, season, and the length of your trip. So, make the decisions smartly about what to take and what not so that you will have a lifelong thrilling experience of the Himalayan trek.