Permits required:

• ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit): NPR 3,000 (USD 25). Click here
• TIMS ( Trekkers Information Management System): NPR 2,000 ($17 USD ).Click here

Can be obtained in Kathmandu or Pokhara.

Packing list:

Clothing.

• Base layer. (Thermal top and bottom).
• Mid-layer fleece or light down jacket.
• Waterproof shell, jacket and pants.
• Trekking pants and T-shirts.
• Woollen cap, sun hat, gloves, buff.
• Warm socks, and comfortable hiking boots.
• Sleeping bags (0°C to -10°C recommended).

Gear :

• Trekking poles.
• Headlamp with extra batteries.
• Sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm.
• Reusable water bottles/hydration packs.
• Water purification tablets and filters.
• Sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm
• Quick dry towel, toiletries and first aid kit.

Best season to visit

Spring (March to May)

• Rhododendron blooms, moderate weather.
• Clear mountain views.

Autumn (September to November)

• Stable weather, crystal clear skies.
• Peak season, more trekkers

Avoid: monsoon in June to August And winter from December to February. Unless well prepared.

Trekking guide and safety

Do you need a guide?

• Not mandatory but recommended especially for solo trekkers.
• Local guides offer routes, safety, cultural insights and emergency help.

Safety tips.

• Acclimatised well, don't rush to base camp.
• Stay hydrated and eat properly.
• Avoid alcohol at altitude.
• Always check weather conditions.
• Carry a basic first aid kit.
• Inform someone of your route if you're going without a guide.

Passport & visa requirements Safety tips.

As for the passport and visa, you can get an on-arrival visa at the TIA, and for Indian nationals, they do not require any sort of visa or a valid identification document to get to Nepal.

As for the nationals who need a visa, a visa application is needed with at least six months of validity, a passport-size photo, and visa charges. Citizens of SAARC nations will be granted free visas. Since it is a government-based regulatory work, the policy might change even without advanced notice.

Travel insurance

All travellers must have travel insurance as situations like natural causes such as landslides, avalanches, altitude sickness, and many other unforeseen events might strike out of the blue.

In case of emergencies, an airlift might be needed, which will be covered by your insurance and should be enough to do so.

• A valid passport with at least six months of validity.
• A visa is required for Nepal entry. (can be obtained on arrival or online).
• A passport-sized photo for a visa application.

Travel insurance is highly recommended and in many cases also mandatory for undertaking the Mardi Himal trek. The trek is considered moderate and non-technical It still takes you to an altitude above 4500 metres where risks such as altitude sickness, accidents and unexpected weather changes become real possibilities. Additionally, parts of the trail pass through remote and forested terrain where access to medical facilities is minimal or non-existent.

A good travel insurance policy for this trek should explicitly cover trading activities up to at least 5000 metres and include the following features:

Emergency medical evacuation (via helicopter if necessary).

• High altitude coverage. (confirm the altitude limit; many general policies only cover up to 3000 metres)
• Trip cancellation and interruption.
• Lost or delayed baggage.
• Personal liability and accidental injury.
• COVID-19 coverage (optional but helpful post-2020. )

While you may not need to present proof of insurance during permit cheques, many Nepali trekking agencies and guides will require it before taking you on the trail, especially if they arrange helicopter evacuation in emergencies.

Altitude sickness

Also known as acute mountain sickness (AMS) is a sly monster that attacks out of the blue despite the signs and symptoms being observable at the time. It’s a medical condition that occurs when travellers don’t properly acclimatize, leading to impacts in organs like the lungs and brain to be filled with filled causing respiratory failure, sometimes if worsened, leading to coma and even death. In high-elevation treks like the Annapurna circuit with the Narphu Valley trek, you’ll need to undertake extra caution to be safe and alert at all times.

Your guide will be an experienced one who will be pre-equipped with the necessary steps and ideas to tackle if possible if not to deal with aftermath conditions.

signs/symptoms of altitude sickness

• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Blurred vision
• Disorientation
• Vomiting
• Palpitations
• Rapid breathing

prevention/ measures

• Upon observing the mentioned symptoms immediately inform your guide, in case if you are travelling alone do not ascend further.
• It is recommended you consult your doctor and tour operator about the possibilities/ guide in advance so that you can prepare with pace.
• Upon descending get sheltered somewhere and try making yourself warm and consuming warm fluids.
• If the situation worsens get medical assistance as soon as possible.
• If the situation needs emergency attention then you’ll be offered Heli rescue.