Mardi Himal & Khopra Danda Trek - 13 days

Discovery World Trekking provides complimentary Tribhuvan International Airport to hotel transfer during arrival and hotel to Tribhuvan International Airport transfer during departure. To use this service, you must share your flight details with us. When you arrive at the airport, you will find our company representative holding a pamphlet with your name on it. They will greet you, present you with a garland as a welcome gesture and then take you to your hotel in a private vehicle. We provide this service to ensure you do not feel lonely and helpless in a foreign country or face navigation problems. 

 

Journey start

You will arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport by 3 pm at least one day before the trek departure date for last-minute preparations. On the trek departure date, we will board you on a tourist bus to Pokhara. You will spend a night at Pokhara, and then the following morning, we will drive you to Dhampus. You will begin on the trails from Dhampus, reaching Deurali on the second day. 

 

Accommodations

You will spend two nights in Pokhara, the first one on the first day of your trek and the other on the last night of the hike. You will be staying at Silver Oaks Inna, a comfortable hotel. Your room comes with an attached bathroom, laundry services, hot/cold water, Wi-Fi, and 24-hour TV. We hand-select lodges/hotels in trek regions to provide you with the best accommodations. You will be spending 10 nights in trek regions. Among them, you will stay at rooms with attached bathrooms at Ghorepani and Deurali; and standard rooms at Forest Camp, High Camp, Low Camp, Landruk, Tadapani, Bayeli Kharka, Khopra Danda, and Swanta. 

You will need at least two-night stays in Kathmandu, one at the beginning of the trek and the other at the end. This package does not include accommodations and meals in Kathmandu. Kathmandu has a range of hotels to suit every taste and budget. We do not want to restrict your choices. 

 

Meals

Mardi Himal and Khopra Danda trek is a high-altitude trek that takes you deep inside the remote Himalayas. A long trek is an exhaustive physical activity that requires a lot of energy. Hence, you will need plenty of nutritious food. We will provide you with tasty, hygienic, and nutrient-rich food throughout the trek.

Most of the food items are traditional Nepali, Asian, or Western. However, as you get to the high elevations, your food choices get limited, and food gets expensive as well.

In this trek, we will provide you with 11 breakfasts, 11 lunches, and 10 dinners in trek regions. All meals in the trek regions are on a full-board basis (breakfast, lunch, and dinner / main course).
This package does not include lunch and dinner in Pokhara.

Here are your food options.

Breakfast: Oatmeal, Corn Flakes, Butter, Local Tsampa porridge, fruits, Vegetables, Cheese, Honey, Tibetan bread or Chapati, Eggs, Pancakes, Muesli Breads, French toast with Jam, Hot drinks (varieties of teas and coffees, hot chocolates, etc.)

Lunch: Thukpa, Pasta, Vegetable curry, Various Soups, Sherpa Stew, Steaks, Sandwiches, Momo (dumplings), Potatoes, Macaroni dishes, Tenduk, Spaghetti, Noodles, Dhal, Bhat, Tarkari, Tibetan Bread, Vegetables, Salad Pizza (Tomato, Mushroom, Mixed), Snacks (Papad, Prawn), Desserts, (Rice Pudding, Apple pie), etc

Dinner: Dhal, Bhat, Tarkari, Tibetan Bread, Pasta, Vegetable Curry, Potato items, Various Soups, Sandwiches, Momo (dumplings), Macaroni, Tenduk, Spaghetti, Noodles Thukpa, Sherpa Stew, Steaks, Vegetable and salad Pizza (Tomato, Mushroom, Mixed), Snacks (Papad, Prawn), Korean Ramen, Desserts items (Rice Pudding, Apple pie), Hard Drinks Steaks, etc

Though you will get plenty of non-veg items, we do not recommend them for meat hygiene concerns. Similarly, nutritionists encourage you to avoid caffeinated, dairy, chocolate, and alcoholic drinks during long treks.

For maximum health benefits, we encourage you to take a lot of liquids, such as lemon, green, and garlic tea. Garlic soup is a must. 

Though Mardi Himal Base Camp & Khopra Danda Trek is possible, throughout the year, each season brings in a new experience. If you are looking for great views, clear skies, and good trail conditions, we advise you to trek during Spring (March, April, May) or Autumn (September, October, and November). The summer (June, July, August) coincides with the monsoon, bringing in heavy rain in the trekking season, and winter (December, January, February) at high elevations is cold with heavy snowfall. 

Here is a brief information about weather conditions at high trek elevations during different seasons.

Spring (March-May)
It is a very favorable trekking season for Mardi Himal Base Camp & Khopra Danda Trek. Due to stunning views of snow peaks, clear skies, and negligible chances of rain, Spring attracts a lot of trekkers on the Annapurna region trails. From March, the temperatures start to rise, and by April, the forests get adorned with white, red, and pink rhododendron flowers. The temperatures at high trek elevations range from 0 to 10°C. 

 

Summer (June - August)
The temperatures during summer at high trek elevations are cool and inviting, but the summer season coincides with the monsoon in Nepal, bringing in a lot of rain. The skies can get cloudy, blocking the views, and the trek trails can be wet and slippery. However, if you love water, this trekking season is for you. The waterfalls look lush and inviting, the rivers swell up, and the rain induces vegetation to add thick shoots. The day temperatures range from 10 to 23°C, and nights are around 5 to 10°C.

 

Autumn (September - November)
The summer gives way to Autumn as the temperature decreases and becomes mild enough for treks in high elevations. It brings in flocks of tourists to trek trails. The lush green summer vegetation gets a golden color. Autumn is also a harvest season that brings joy to the farmers. Most festivals, such as Dashain, Tihar, Chhat, and Indra Jatra, fall during this season, making the whole environment festive and joyful. The temperatures at high altitudes start to get mild at 20°C during the day and 5°C at night. 

 

Winter (December - February)
The low temperature and snowfalls make winter treks to Mardi Himal Base Camp & Khopra Danda less popular. Early December treks are quite popular, but from late December to early February, the temperatures are freezing. The day temperatures at high elevations can dip to -10°C before rising to -5°C after early February. If you do not mind the snow and want to see the snow peaks with fresh snow, this is the time to trek. Do not trek during winter if you are allergic to cold. 

Our company organizes group as well as single treks. If you have your group, you will be eligible for discounts. The bigger your group, the more discounts you will get. However, you will not get discounts for trek groups our company assembles. We can handle all group sizes and add an assistant guide for groups of 12 or more.  

 

Trip grade and fitness

Mardi Himal Base Camp and Khopra Danda Trek is a moderately challenging, yet very rewarding trek. The highest trek point is at Mardi Himal Base Camp at 4,500m. The trails include steep ups and downs and straightforward sections that can pass through rocky regions, dense forests, terraced fields, and alpine vegetation. You will be trekking from four to seven hours, depending on the path to cover and the nature of the route, with enough breaks to rest and enjoy the scenery. Previous trek experience can be useful but not required. A generally fit person can complete the trek successfully. However, the fitter you are, the more you will enjoy the hike. So, we recommend you participate in stamina-building exercises, such as jogging, swimming, or cycling few weeks before the trek departure date. If you suffer from heart, lung, or blood diseases, consult your doctor before booking the trek. 

 

Typical day

Each day of trekking brings new experiences as you hike, take pictures, interact with locals, try local dishes, and explore the nearby trek regions. The trek usually lasts 5 to 7 hours per day, depending on the length and nature of the trail.

In the morning, you will have breakfast at around 7 or 8 am. If the trek is a long one, it's best to start early. You will have lunch around noon, often midway between the next destination. After lunch, you will rest for about an hour before continuing on the trail for another 2-3 hours. When you reach your destination set for that day, you can snack on some extra dietary supplements. Then till evening, you are free to explore the area.

Dinner is served around 7 pm, after which your trek leader will brief you about the plan for the next day. You then can spend the rest of the evening as you wish, perhaps reading, playing cards, monopoly, or chess, or learning some fun Nepali words from our crew. When you feel sleepy, you can rest in anticipation of the next day's trek.

 

Water and Electricity during the trek

Electricity is available at the lodges where you will be staying, and you can use it to charge your electronic devices, such as phones or cameras. There may be a small fee for this service.

You can purchase bottled water at shops or hotels along the way, but be aware that some trekking regions may not allow plastic bottles. Instead, we recommend you bring a water bottle and purchase boiled water from hotels or lodges. We can also provide you with water purification tablets, should you ask.

The lodges in the trekking regions have internet access, and you can use Wi-Fi to stay connected with your friends and family. You can also purchase a local SIM card in Kathmandu, but keep in mind that mobile signals may not be strong enough at high altitudes, depending on your network. Our trekking teams stay in contact with our head office at least once a day, through the team leader. We have this policy in place to ensure trek safety, as well as trek progress.

 

Travel Insurance:

The Mardi Himal & Khopra Danda trek is a high-elevation trek that passes through some remote Himalayan regions. Hence it comes with the risks associated with high-altitude treks, including altitude sickness. Therefore, it is essential to have adequate travel insurance for this trek. Your insurance should cover the cost of helicopter evacuation up to the highest point of the trek (Mardi Himal Base Camp at 4,500 meters), plus the medical treatment costs.

If you need assistance choosing an insurance provider, we can recommend companies based on the experiences of our previous clients. However, we do not sell insurance.

Indian citizens do not need a visa to enter Nepal, and most other foreign nationals can obtain a visa upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport or at immigration checkpoints on the Nepal-India and Nepal-China borders.

To apply for a visa, you require a passport with at least six months of validity, a passport-size photo, and visa fees - depending on your length of stay. The current visa fee is $50 for a 30-day stay. Children under ten can get a free visa.

But, citizens of certain countries - Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Cameroon, Nigeria, Ghana, Somalia, Liberia, Ethiopia, Iraq, Palestine, and Afghanistan - may not be eligible for an on-arrival visa. If you are a citizen of one of these countries, you must contact your local Nepali embassy.

Citizens of SAARC countries (Bhutan, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Maldives, and Sri Lanka) and China can also obtain free visas. 

Please note that the Nepali government may change its visa rules without prior notice. For the latest information, visit https://www.immigration.gov.np.

 

 

Money Exchange

The official currency of Nepal is the Nepali Rupee (NRS/Rs). One US dollar is currently worth approximately Rs. 130.

While traveler's checks can be a secure option, we recommend bringing cash in major currencies to avoid the lengthy paperwork and high bank commissions that can come with cashing traveler's checks. Banks often charge 4% or more to cash traveler's checks. You can easily exchange your currency for Nepali Rupees at legal money exchange offices located throughout Thamel. These money exchanges display their current exchange rates publicly, and most hotels also offer currency exchange for small amounts.

If you have Indian Rupees, ensure that you have Indian Rupee notes of Rs. 2,000 and Rs. 100 only, as these are the only notes legal in Nepal.

Since the trekking regions only honor Nepali Rupees, it is best to exchange your foreign currency in Kathmandu based on your spending habits. You will probably need about $10 to $20 per trek day for miscellaneous spending, such as hot showers, Wi-Fi charges, alcohol, etc. 

You can also withdraw Nepali Rupees from ATMs all over Kathmandu, using your foreign card, but be aware that there is a fee of Rs. 500 for withdrawals of Rs. 35,000. Generally, these ATMs are open 24/7.

 

Luggage

For every two trekkers, we will assign a porter to carry luggage. However, there is a luggage weight limit of 9 kg per person, and we do not allow our porters to carry more than 18 kg of luggage. In addition, we expect you to bring a small backpack with your valuables and essential documents. During the trek briefing, we will also re-check all your luggage to ensure you have packed all the necessary items. If you have excess luggage, you can store it in the Discovery World Trekking store for free for the duration of your trek.

 

Extra personal expenses 

While this package covers most expenses during the trek, it does not cover all expenses. So, you have to bring spending money to cover additional costs such as beverages (including hot drinks, cold drinks, and alcoholic drinks), tips for the trek crew, snacks, visa fees, souvenirs, and hotel stays in Kathmandu. The amount of money you will need will depend on your spending habits.

We recommend you bring cash (in a major currency) and exchange it for Nepali Rupees. Please note that trek regions do not honor foreign currency, and there are no cash exchange facilities in trek regions. 

 

Trek safety

At Discovery World Trekking, we prioritize client safety, security, and satisfaction of all of our clients. If any member of the trek group falls ill, based on the situation, our trek leader will decide whether to resume the trek or descend immediately. We are equipped with standard safety gear, first-aid kits, and oximeters to handle any situation that may arise. Our trek leaders are intensively trained in first aid and in case of emergencies, we will use your insurance to deploy a helicopter for the rescue. Additionally, you will be trekking with a group, providing an additional layer of safety.

 

Discovery World Trekking crew

Our crew members come from the high Himalayas and are acclimated to high altitudes. During the trek, you will be accompanied by a licensed and experienced Sherpa/guide who will provide information about the places you visit and porters who will carry your luggage. We prioritize the well-being and happiness of our employees and pay them well, provide them with food, accommodations, insurance, and gear for the trek, and offer medical care when needed. 

Our trek leaders have undergone intensive wilderness first aid training, are fluent in English and other languages, have completed biodiversity and conservation training, and have experience with rock climbing.

 

Responsible travel

At Discovery World Trekking, we recognize the impact that tourism can have on the places we visit and the importance of preserving these destinations for future visitors. We strive to minimize our impact by leaving only footprints behind and properly disposing of any waste. Additionally, we partner with the Kathmandu Environmental Education Project (KEEP) to offer environmentally friendly trips. By taking responsibility for our actions, we can ensure the sustainability of the local economy and the tourism industry as a whole.

 

Booking and Payment

Discovery World Trekking is a trusted and established company, that has been providing trek and tour services for over a decade. We are registered with the government and are members of the Trekking Agency Association of Nepal (TAAN) and the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA). Hence, you can book your trek with confidence through our company.

To confirm your booking, we require a deposit of 10% of the trip cost in advance. You can pay through bank transfer, Wise, or online through our website. The remaining balance is due upon your arrival in Kathmandu and can be paid in cash, bank transfer, or Wise. We will also email you payment details and available options. Please email us a copy of your passport, travel insurance certificate, and arrival and departure flight details within a week of booking the trek. We will use these documents to complete official paperwork and other trek preparations. 

 

Tipping

In Nepal, tipping is expected as a way to show gratitude for good service. We advise you to tip at the trek end and to do so collectively. It is important to remember that the amount you choose to tip should reflect the quality of the service you received. Overall, the decision to tip and the tip amount should reflect your satisfaction with the service you received.

 

Last-minute booking

If you are unable to book in advance, Discovery World Trekking offers last-minute booking options. In case of last-minute booking, you must complete the full trip payment 24 hours before the trek departure date. Please note that while we will do our best to accommodate last-minute bookings, you cannot hold us responsible for any delays due to circumstances beyond our control, such as adverse weather conditions or limited lodge availability. For more information, contact (Call/Viber/WhatsApp) at 977-9840055491 or email [email protected].

 

Trip extensions

After completing Mardi Himal Base Camp & Khopra Danda Trek, if you have a few days extra to spend in Nepal, we can organize various activities that you can participate in. These activities may include sightseeing in and around Kathmandu, a jungle safari in Chitwan, or water sports such as canoeing and rafting. Alternatively, you may choose to go on another trek.

 

Feedback

Upon the conclusion of your trek, Discovery World Trekking will host a farewell dinner in Kathmandu. After dinner, we will also present you with a certificate acknowledging your trek achievement that you can show your friends and families. It is also a great time to provide trek feedback. We welcome and value your feedback, as it helps us to improve our services in the future.

 

Useful Info

Please note that the trek has fixed departure dates from Kathmandu and Pokhara, but we can be flexible and organize the trip at a time that suits you. We can also tailor the trek to meet your specific needs and interests.

While the itinerary provided above is a general guideline, there may be rare occasions when we need to modify the route due to safety concerns, such as bad weather, floods, or landslides. In these cases, the trek leader will decide on the best course of action, taking into account the interests of the group and after consulting with the Discovery World Trekking office.