Foods, Drinks & Accommodation Guide for Mardi Himal Trek

The Mardi Himal Trek has become one of Nepal’s most popular short treks, attracting both beginners and experienced trekkers who want a peaceful trail with spectacular Himalayan scenery. While the trek is relatively short compared to Everest or Annapurna circuits, trekkers still need proper guidance on food, drinks, and accommodation along the route. A well-planned trip helps ensure comfort, safe hydration, and the right nutrition for high-altitude walking.

This detailed guide - crafted for trekkers planning their adventure - covers what to eat, what to drink, where to stay, how to stay healthy, typical meal costs, accommodation conditions, and practical tips. Whether you’re a first-time trekker or a seasoned adventurer, here’s everything you need to know about foods, drinks, and accommodations on the Mardi Himal Trek.

Introduction to the Mardi Himal Trek

The Mardi Himal Trek lies on the eastern side of the Annapurna Sanctuary and is known for its quiet trails, dense forests, traditional villages, and mind-blowing views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli. Compared to the more commercial routes, Mardi Himal feels peaceful and raw - an authentic Himalayan trekking experience.

The trail usually takes 4-6 days, starting from Pokhara and gradually climbing through villages like Deurali, Forest Camp, Low Camp, High Camp, and the Mardi Base Camp viewpoint.

Even though the trek is short, trekkers often ask:

• What kind of food is available?

• Is drinking water safe?

• Are tea houses comfortable?

This guide answers all of that in detail.

1. Food on the Mardi Himal Trek

Tea houses along the Mardi Himal trail provide surprisingly good food considering their remote location. The menus are almost standardized across the Annapurna region, offering a mix of Nepali, Tibetan, Indian, and Western-style meals.

Below is what you can expect.

1.1 Typical Menu Items Available

Most tea houses follow this common trekking menu:

• Dal Bhat (rice, lentils, vegetables)

• Vegetable soups

• Fried rice / noodles

• Pasta & macaroni

• Momos (dumplings)

• Omelette & eggs

• Tibetan bread

• Pancakes & porridge

• Potato dishes

• Chowmein

• Thukpa (Tibetan noodle soup)

• Spring rolls

• Hot and cold beverages

Even though the kitchen is basic, the cooks are skilled in preparing filling meals to keep trekkers energized.

1.2 Breakfast Options on the Mardi Himal Trek

Breakfast is served early - usually between 6:30 AM to 8:00 AM - and includes:

Most Common Breakfast Items

• Tibetan bread (a local deep-fried or pan-fried bread served with honey or jam)

• Chapati with egg

• Oat porridge (plain, apple, chocolate, or honey)

• Pancakes (banana, chocolate, apple, cinnamon)

• Toast with jam, honey, or peanut butter

• Muesli with milk

• Boiled eggs / omelette

Breakfast Drinks

• Black tea

• Milk tea

• Coffee

• Hot lemon

• Hot chocolate

Tip: Breakfast on trekking days should be warm and energy-rich. Oat porridge + eggs + tea is a great combination for stamina.

1.3 Lunch & Dinner Items

Lunch is usually taken along the trail, while dinner is served at the tea house where you stay.

The Most Popular Trekking Meal: Dal Bhat

Dal Bhat is Nepal’s signature trekking meal. It includes:

• Steamed rice

• Lentil soup (dal)

• Seasonal vegetables

• Pickle

• Papad

• Optional: chicken curry or egg curry

Dal Bhat is the freshest and most nutritious option on the trek. The best part: You get free refills of rice, dal, and vegetables.

Other Meal Options

• Fried Rice (veg/egg/chicken)

• Veg or Egg Noodles

• Chowmein

• Thukpa

• Potato curry

• Aloo roti (potatoes with flatbread)

• Macaroni with cheese/tomato

• Spaghetti

• Pizza (available at lower camps)

1.4 Vegetarian & Vegan Options

Nepal is a very vegetarian-friendly country. Most tea houses can easily prepare:

• Veg dal bhat

• Veg fried noodles

• Veg soup

• Boiled vegetables

• Plain rice

• Veg curry

• Potato dishes

Vegan Options Are Also Easy

Just request:

• “No butter”

• “No egg”

• “No milk”

Most menus already contain many dairy-free options.

1.5 Gluten-Free Options

While gluten-free menus aren't officially listed, you can request:

• Rice

• Dal (lentil soup)

• Boiled potatoes

• Vegetable curry

• Egg dishes

• Vegetable soup

Avoid:

• Roti

• Tibetan bread

• Pasta

• Noodles

If you have a strict gluten allergy, consider carrying gluten-free snacks like energy bars.

1.6 Snacks Available Along the Trail

Tea houses and small shops sell:

• Snickers and Mars bars

• Pringles

• Cookies

• Biscuits

• Dry fruits

• Chocolates

• Instant noodles

• Chips

• Local pickles

Prices increase as you go higher.

1.7 Cost of Food on the Mardi Himal Trek

Food costs vary depending on altitude.

Expect to spend around NPR 2,500-3,500 per day on meals.

2. Drinks on the Mardi Himal Trek

Hydration is a major priority during high-altitude trekking. The trails offer plenty of drink options - both hot and cold.

2.1 Safe Drinking Water Options

You should avoid drinking tap or stream water without purification.

Safe options include:

1. Boiled water (widely available)

2. Water purification tablets (iodine/chlorine)

3. Water filters (LifeStraw, Sawyer filter)

4. Mineral water bottles (available only at lower camps; expensive)

Cost of Water

Boiled water is the safest and most environmentally friendly.

2.2 Tea, Coffee & Hot Drinks

Tea houses serve a wide selection of hot drinks.

Popular Choices

• Black tea

• Milk tea

• Masala tea

• Green tea

• Ginger lemon honey (great for altitude)

• Hot chocolate

• Coffee (instant or filtered)

Hot drinks are a good way to stay warm and hydrated.

2.3 Soft Drinks & Bottled Beverages

Available options:

• Coca-Cola

• Fanta

• Sprite

• Juice bottles

• Gatorade/Powerade (rare)

Prices increase with altitude.

2.4 Alcohol Consumption on Trek

Trekkers often ask if alcohol is available.

Yes, tea houses sell:

• Beer

• Local wine (Raksi or Chyang)

• Imported spirits

However, alcohol is NOT recommended at altitude.

It can:

• Dehydrate you

• Reduce oxygen levels

• Increase the risk of altitude sickness

Avoid alcohol until you return to lower altitude or finish your trek.

2.5 Hydration Tips for Mardi Himal

• Drink 3-4 liters of water daily.

• Avoid ice or untreated water.

• Add electrolytes (carry sachets).

• Ginger lemon honey is great for throat and hydration.

• Drink warm beverages in the evenings to stay warm.

3. Accommodation on the Mardi Himal Trek

Tea houses along the Mardi Himal trail are simple but comfortable. They provide basic lodging, meals, and a warm place to relax.

3.1 Tea House Standards

Accommodations range from:

• Basic wooden lodges (Forest Camp, High Camp)

• Standard tea houses (Low Camp, Deurali)

• Simple guesthouses with shared facilities

Do not expect luxury. Rooms are basic but clean and adequate for trekking.

3.2 Room Facilities

Most rooms include:

• Twin beds

• Foam mattresses

• Blankets

• Pillows

• Wooden walls

• Shared bathrooms

Higher altitude tea houses have more basic rooms.

3.3 Toilets & Bathrooms

You’ll find:

• Western-style toilets (lower altitudes)

• Squat toilets (higher altitudes)

• Shared bathrooms are common.

Hot showers are available, but:

• Heated by gas or solar

• Extra charge: NPR 200-500

3.4 Heating & Common Dining Areas

Rooms are NOT heated.

Heating is available only in the common dining room, usually using:

• Wood stoves

• Kerosene heaters

• Yak dung stoves (higher altitude)

Trekkers gather here in the evening to stay warm.

3.5 Electricity & Charging

Electricity is available, but not always stable.

Charging costs:

• NPR 100-300 per device

Carry a power bank (10,000-20,000 mAh recommended).

3.6 Wi-Fi Availability

Wi-Fi is limited and often slow.

• Lower camps: moderate Wi-Fi

• High Camp: very unstable

• Forest Camp: often no Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi requires extra payment:

• NPR 200-500 per login

Consider buying an NTC/Ncell SIM with a data plan in Pokhara before the trek.

3.7 Cost of Accommodation

Tea house accommodation is affordable.

Most tea houses offer cheap rooms, expecting trekkers to buy meals at the lodge.

What to Pack for Maximum Comfort

To make your food, drinking, and accommodation experience more comfortable, pack:

• Reusable water bottle

• Water purification tablets

• Headlamp

• Sleeping bag (good for -10°C)

• Wet wipes

• Extra power bank

• Trail snacks

• Thermos flask

• Tissue rolls

• Hand sanitizer

• Lip balm & moisturizers

• Lightweight slippers

Small things make a big difference in remote tea houses.

Altitude Sickness & Food Safety Tips

Altitude Sickness Prevention

• Ascend slowly

• Drink plenty of fluids

• Avoid alcohol

• Eat warm meals

• Sleep well

• If symptoms worsen, descend immediately

Food Safety Tips

• Always eat freshly cooked meals

• Avoid uncooked salads

• Choose boiled water

• Do not eat meat above Low Camp

• Wash hands frequently

Why Trekkers Love the Mardi Himal Trek

Trekkers consider Mardi Himal one of Nepal’s most beautiful short treks because:

• It offers 360° views of the Annapurna range.

• Trails are peaceful and less crowded.

• Tea houses provide homely hospitality.

• Food is simple but nourishing.

• The trek is manageable for beginners.

• The sunrises at High Camp are unforgettable.

If you want an authentic Himalayan experience without the crowds of Everest or Annapurna Base Camp, Mardi Himal is the perfect choice.

Conclusion

The Mardi Himal Trek offers a wonderful combination of breathtaking landscapes, peaceful trails, and warm local hospitality. While accommodations are simple, they provide all essential comfort. Food and drinks are readily available and prepared fresh, giving trekkers the energy they need to reach Mardi Viewpoint and enjoy the legendary views of Machhapuchhre and Annapurna South.

Whether you are a seasoned trekker or planning your first Himalayan adventure, knowing what to expect regarding foods, drinks, and accommodation helps ensure a safe, enjoyable, and well-planned journey.

Plan Your Mardi Himal Trek with Best Heritage Tour

If you’re ready to trek Mardi Himal with expert guidance, professional service, and trusted local support, Best Heritage Tour is here to help.

Phone / WhatsApp / Viber: +977-9851149197 / +977-9810043046

Email: info@bestheritagetour.com / bestheritagetour@gmail.com

Website: www.bestheritagetour.com

Office Address: Thamel Marg, Kathmandu, Nepal

Author: Best Heritage Tour

Date: 24th November, 2025