Everything About Food and Accommodation on the Mardi Himal Trek

Types of Accommodation on the Mardi Himal Trek

The accommodations along the Mardi Himal Trek are basic and comfortable, designed to give trekkers a pleasant place to rest after a day of hiking. They may not be luxury hotels, but the warmth and hospitality shown from local hosts make every stay unforgettable. Most accommodations will be tea houses or lodges which will serve meals and offer simple rooms. Here are the best places to stay on Mardi Himal trek you will find on the trek along the Mardi Himal route.

Basic Tea House

These tea houses are the most popular type of accommodations on the trek. Most are small, family owned lodges constructed of wood or stone.Tea houses on Mardi Himal trek contain a few rooms with twin beds, blankets and pillows. Most have shared bathrooms located outside your room. There may be hot showers available; you may have to pay a little extra for them. Electricity and Wi-Fi access is often very limited at altitude and there is usually a small extra charge to charge your electronic devices. Even though they are simple, tea houses are comfortable, and provide an authentic experience, allowing trekkers to meet local families and learn about their way of life.

Standard Teahouse 

Lodges in villages such as Deurali, Forest Camp, Low Camp, and High Camp have somewhat better facilities; some rooms have attached bathrooms, and solar-heated showers are available in very limited accommodation, warm dining halls, heated by wood stoves are also available at lodges. More food options are offered at lodges which include Nepali and Western food items like pasta, pancakes, and soups too. Although prices are higher than regular tea houses, trekkers find the price worth the extra comfort and privacy after a long day on the trail.

Community Run Lodges

Community lodges can also be found in many little villages that are managed by local organizations. These Mardi Himal trek guesthouses are part of projects that help stimulate and improve the village economy by providing for the local residents the sharing of lodge-related income. The accommodations are simple (but clean) and the meals provided are typical homemade Nepali-style food made with fresh and local/product ingredients. Staying in these lodges allows the trekkers to have a closer insight into traditional Nepali life as well as directly supports the local community.

Amenities and Facilities in the Lodges on the Mardi Himal Trek

Internet and Network

You can find Wi-Fi in many tea houses at lower elevations, such as Deurali, Forest Camp, and Low Camp. The cost typically ranges from NPR 200 to NPR 500 per device. As you ascend to High Camp and Mardi Himal Base Camp, you will find connectivity weak or non-existent.

As for mobile networks, Ncell works only in the lower sections, and you will lose connection as you ascend. NTC works better overall but is still intermittent, especially in the higher segments of the trek.

Electricity and Charging

Most lodges have electricity, primarily provided by solar panels in areas above the tree line. In the lower villages, the power supply is more reliable. The lodges typically charge between NPR 200 to NPR 400 for charging phones, cameras, or power banks. Charging facilities are normally located in the dining area, and it is important to note that, during periods of cloudy weather, there may be limited electricity available for charging. It is advisable to bring a power bank.

Hot Showers

In most tea houses, hot showers are offered for a fee of NPR 300 to NPR 600. The showers in these lower regions are gas or solar heated, while at higher elevations you may have warm water but it won't be very hot depending on the weather. Therefore, many trekkers opt not to shower at High Camp due to cold temperatures.

Toilets and Bathroom

Lodges at lower altitudes usually have Western-style toilets, while higher camps predominantly feature squat toilets. All guests share these. Hygiene depends on the lodge's volume of guests. You will want to bring your own toilet paper, wet wipes, and sanitizer.

Blankets and Bedding

All the lodges supply pillows and blankets however, they do not heat the rooms. Nights do get extremely cold especially above Low Camp so bringing your own sleeping bag is highly recommended. The tea houses do try to keep the rooms clean and comfortable although the walls are thin, and the rooms are rarely insulated.

Dinning and Common Area

Every lodge will have a dining hall, which will be a warm atmosphere and social space. It is typically the case in the evenings that a wood stove or heater will be started when you are inside, which creates a homey setting. Meals are served here, and it is the best place to charge your devices, as well as to just rest. Some lodges charge additional fees for the heater, frequently NPR 200 per person.

Top Recommended Tea Houses and Lodges on the Mardi Himal Trek Route

On the Mardi Himal Trek, you will stay at various tea houses along the route. Here are some recommended lodges at each major stop:

Pitam Deurali (2,100m)

• Nice View Lodge and Restaurant | Phone: 9846059125
• Trekkers Inn Lodge | Phone: 9846045171

Forest Camp (2,500m)

• Hotel Forest Camp and Restaurant | Phone: 9846059125
• Hotel Mardi and Restaurant | Phone: 9846059125

Low Camp (3,150m)

• Hotel Machhapuchre Samjhana and Restaurant | Phone: 9846418575 / 9856031903 
• Hotel Laligurans Garden and Restaurant | Phone: 9846802007 / 9806635881

High Camp (3,600m)

• Hotel Trekker’s Paradise and Restaurant | Phone: 9856087625 / 9846087625
• Hotel High Camp and Restaurant | Phone: 9846284859 / 9866014558
• Hotel Fishtail and Restaurant | Phone: 9856014765 / 9869143940 

Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m)

• Hotel Rest Camp and Restaurant | Phone: 9816121776 / 98560114428 / 9806666036 

Note: Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak trekking seasons, to ensure availability and avoid inconvenience.

Typical Meal Options on the Mardi Himal Trek

The food available on Mardi Himal trek is generally the same, with similar options available across all teahouses. The menu is quite basic, consisting of a warm and filling meal, which is just what trekkers need. You can expect a mix of Nepali, Tibetan, and even basic western style meals which can be easily consumed after a long day of hiking.

Breakfast

The breakfast on the Mardi Himal Trek generally consists of eggs of any style, potatoes, bread, and tea or coffee. The Nepali breakfast options consist of potato curry, bread, and eggs. For a lighter option, there is muesli or oat porridge with milk or fruit. There are also bread and pancakes including chapati or Tibetan bread with jam or honey and banana, apple, cheese, or chocolate pancakes and toast and millet bread.

Lunch

Lunch or snacks often consisted of spring rolls with vegetables, cheese, eggs, tuna, or chicken. Pizza is also a popular option and diners could choose from tomato cheese, mixed vegetable, tuna, or chicken. Sandwiches, usually made with vegetables or chicken, are served with chips. There was also the option for a fresh vegetable salad and a fruit salad for lighter options.

Dinner

It is common to serve rice dishes widely as a dinner option. The most common rice dish is called Dal Bhat, which is a well known Nepali dish with rice, lentil soup, and vegetable curry, often with chicken. Other options included fried rice with vegetables, eggs, chicken, mixed fried rice, or tuna.

Availability of Drinking Water on the Mardi Himal Trek

At most tea houses on the Mardi Himal Trek, trekkers can buy boiled drinking water for an additional fee. A bottle of boiled drinking water costs around 1 USD, which is a fair price considering the altitude. Trekkers can refill their water bottles along the Mardi Himal trail at tea houses, but we suggest bringing a water purifier so that you can be confident that your water is safe to drink. Access to safe drinking water is an integral part of Mardi Himal trek food and accommodation so that you stay hydrated and to avoid the altitude sickness along the trek.

Cost of Food and Accommodation on the Mardi Himal Trek

On the Mardi Himal Trek, you can expect the cost of rooms at tea houses to begin around NPR 500 to NPR 800 per night at lower elevations such as Deurali and Forest Camp. Depending on the altitude, the price increases, with rooms in High Camp and Mardi Himal Base Camp priced from around NPR 1000 to NPR 1500 per night. Meals are also relatively inexpensive, with dal bhat costing from NPR 400 to NPR 600 and other items, such as noodles, soup and pancakes, falling into the NPR 300 to NPR 500 range. Hot drinks, such as tea or coffee, cost around NPR 200 to NPR 300. Overall, you can expect to pay about NPR 1000 to NPR 2000 per day, for both accommodation and food, on the Mardi Himal Trek, depending on location and choices made.

Tips for Choosing the Best Lodges and Meals During the Trek

Arrive early at popular stops such as Forest Camp, Low Camp, or High Camp to secure the best rooms with clean bedding and a good view. Do not wait until the last moment, as lodges can get fully booked and you might be stuck without a proper room.

• You should find a lodge that has some basic facilities such as blankets, hot water, charging points, and a dining area.
• On long days of trekking, it is important to keep your energy high, so you should eat fresh food like dal bhat, noodles, soups, and omelets.
• Drink boiled or treated water to help you avoid stomach issues on the trail.
• Use community-run lodges to experience local culture, eat fresh homemade meals, and return back some money to the local economy.
• Carry your own snacks, energy bars, and a water purifier to stay energized and hydrated between meals or when lodges are closed.
• Check the facilities and meals options in a lodge ahead of time, especially in higher altitude lodges, to have a comfortable and worry-free trekking experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do tea houses on the Mardi Himal Trek have hot showers and Wi-Fi?

Most tea houses along the Mardi Himal Trek provide hot showers, though it may come with a charge (approximately NPR 200–400). A few lodges at the key stops such as Deurali, Forest Camp and Low Camp, have Wi-Fi, but you may find it slow or unreliable at times.

Can I book tea houses in advance on the Mardi Himal Trek?

Tea houses are typically first come, first served, especially in the off season. During the busy trekkers' seasons (September–November and reasonably March–May), it is recommended to make reservations in Pokhara or the first major stop.

Is vegetarian or vegan food available on the trek?

Indeed, many tea houses (guest houses) provide vegetarian and vegan dishes, such as dal bhat, noodles, pancakes, fried rice, and soups. Chicken or egg dishes are offered as non-vegetarian options but may be limited in higher camps.

Are rooms heated in the tea houses along the Mardi Himal Trek?

Rooms are generally not heated, especially at higher altitude. Although some lodges have extra blankets, a warm sleeping bag is highly recommended for cold nights.

Can I charge my phone or camera during the Mardi Himal Trek?

Yes, most tea houses (guest houses) allow you to charge devices, typically using solar panels or generators. Adding a small fee (around NPR 100-200 per device) is common, so frequent visitors suggest a power bank as backup.

What is the quality of food on the Mardi Himal Trek?

Food quality is typically straightforward, fresh, and homemade. For lunch and dinner, dal bhat is offered in large portions, and other meals will include pasta, noodles, momos, and pancakes. If you stay at a high-altitude camp, the food supply may be limited.

Do lodges provide blankets or should I bring a sleeping bag?

The lodges have a limited supply of basic blankets, but they tend to be thin. Trekkers should bring a sleeping bag appropriate for cold temperatures, especially for High Camp and Base Camp nights.

Is drinking water available on the trail or should I bring purification tablets?

Water is offered at tea houses, but it is boiled or filtered. Many trekkers bring a water bottle attached with a purification filter or tablets to ensure safe water at higher altitudes.

Are there western-style toilets in tea houses on the Mardi Himal Trek?

The majority of tea-houses offer traditional squat toilets. Western-style toilets are uncommon, and only available in a few lodges at lower stops. Be sure to carry toilet paper and hand sanitizer.

Do tea houses accept digital payment or should I carry cash?

Most tea-houses will accept cash only (Nepalese Rupee). There are extremely few lodges that will accept digital payment methods (ie. eSewa or credit card). It is advisable to carry enough cash for your food, accommodation, and miscellaneous.

Conclusion

The Mardi Himal Trek provides an enjoyable trekking experience due to its simple but cozy tea houses and guesthouses. On the route, trekkers will find accommodation in Mardi Himal Trek with plenty of options from tea houses to community-run lodges, which all provide meals and clean rooms.

In terms of food on Mardi Himal Trek, you should expect traditional Nepali meals like dal bhat, as well as noodles, soups, pancakes, and omelets. You'll find that vegetarian and vegan options are available, plus you will be treated to hot drinks to warm you up after a long day.

Safe drinking water in Mardi Himal Trek is available at most tea houses, but carrying a water purifier with you is a good idea for convenience and safety. By planning ahead, you’ll be able to make the best choices for places to stay in Mardi Himal Trek and fresh meals along the way.

For any more information, or if you need assistance with your trek, contact us at Himalayan Recreation.