In this blog post, I’m excited to share one of the most incredible adventures a mountain lover can experience: trekking in the breathtaking Himalayas.
The Poon Hill and Mardi Base Camp trek wasn’t my first hiking journey in Nepal, and it might not be the obvious choice for someone visiting this magical country for the first time. But trust me—this trek is a hidden gem, especially if you’re new to multi-day hikes.
With a manageable route, comfortable teahouses, Wi-Fi available for most of the journey, and views that will leave you speechless, this trek has everything you need for an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a first-time trekker, the Poon Hill and Mardi Base Camp trek offers the perfect introduction to the wonders of Nepal’s Himalayan trails.
Tips for Visiting Nepal and Preparing for Your Hike
Most international flights arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), located in Kathmandu. This means Nepal’s capital city will likely be the starting point of your journey. While there might not be many direct flights to Kathmandu, major airlines like Qatar Airways offer routes with just one connection from almost anywhere in the world.
Before you land, it’s helpful to know a few things about navigating TIA. Due to its single runway, the airport can experience significant air traffic, so landing delays are fairly common. Once you’re on the ground, be prepared for a bit of a wait—going through customs and collecting your luggage can take time. The process is manageable, but patience is key. Plan for some extra time at the airport, and your adventure will begin on the right foot!
Getting a Nepalese visa is straightforward, as it’s available on arrival. To save time at customs, you can submit an online application in advance through the official website: Nepal Immigration.
It’s important to note that submitting the application online doesn’t grant you the visa itself. You’ll need to pay the required fee upon arrival at the airport. After payment, a customs officer will stamp your visa into your passport.
Visa Options and Fees:
- 15-day visa: $30 USD
- 30-day visa: $50 USD
- 90-day visa: $125 USD
If you overstay your visa, you can pay the overstay fee at the airport. The fee is $5 USD per day for stays of up to 150 days beyond your visa validity.
Plan ahead and choose the visa duration that best matches your travel plans to avoid unnecessary fees!
Packing for a trek in Nepal largely depends on the season and the specific trek you’ve chosen. You’ll want to pack light, even if you’re hiring a porter, but there are certain essentials you shouldn’t skip—especially for multi-day treks at high altitudes. Below is my tried-and-tested packing list for an 8-10 day trek.
I’ll also share links to some of the items I use, and I highly recommend checking out North Face (especially their Summit Series) and Mammut gear. In my experience, these brands offer the best price-to-quality balance for trekking essentials.
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Clothing Essentials
- Leggings or Hiking Pants
- 2 pairs of lightweight leggings.
- 1 pair of warmer hiking pants for higher altitudes.
- Base Layers
- 2 moisture-wicking t-shirts.
- 1 warmer base layer (no cotton; go for synthetic or quick-dry materials).
- Mid Layers
- Windproof and Waterproof Jacket A must-have for unpredictable mountain weather.
- Raincoat Essential for strong rains as even the best waterproof jackets have their limits.
- Slippers Perfect for changing into at teahouses or for showers (often outside your room).
- Socks 3-4 pairs of merino wool hiking socks for an 8-10 day trek.
- Puff Jacket For higher altitudes or colder seasons.
- Hiking Hat For sun protection
- Neck Gaiters For sun and wind protection
- Hat and Gloves Insulated gloves and a warm hat for high-altitude cold.
- Comfortable Clothes for Teahouses Lightweight, warm and comfy clothing for relaxing after a day of hiking.
Trekking Essentials
- Sleeping Bag A good sleeping bag is vital for altitudes above 4,000 meters, where teahouse blankets may lack hygiene or warmth.
- Good Hiking Shoes Sturdy, well-fitted shoes are essential. Test them thoroughly before your trek. My personal favorite is Salomon, but any brand that works for you is great.
- Backpack Choose a lightweight, comfortable pack. I use a Mammut women’s backpack—it’s light and fits well, though it lacks some compartments for quick access.
- Headlamp for hiking at night or in dark conditions
- Duffel Bag (Optional: Some trekking companies provide these for porters, so check ahead)
- Emergency & First Aid kit
Additional Gear
- Microfiber Towels Lightweight and fast-drying towels that take up minimal space.
- Soap Leaves Compact and convenient for hygiene on the go.
- Sea-to-Summit Drying Cord Essential for drying clothes or towels in teahouses with limited drying space.
- Dry Bags Keep wet or dirty clothes separate from clean ones.
- Body Wipes A lifesaver at high altitudes where showers may not be available.
- Power Bank Electricity is scarce or costly (200-300 NPR per charge) in higher-altitude teahouses.
- Sunscreen & Sunglasses Protect against snow blindness and UV exposure, especially in snowy areas.
- Basic Toiletries Travel-sized shampoo, toothpaste, and shower gel.
- Toilet Paper Always carry your own supply.
Key Tips
- Invest in Quality Gear: While hiking gear can be pricey, high-quality items are worth it. They’re durable, lightweight, quick-drying, and warm—features that make all the difference on a trek.
- Prepare for the Elements: Weather in the mountains changes quickly, so always carry layers and waterproof items.
- Pack Light but Smart: Every item in your pack should serve a purpose without overloading you or your porter.
What Trekking Company Should You Choose?
If you’re planning a multi-day trek in Nepal, hiring a guide—and perhaps a porter—is a great idea. The cost of hiring them is very reasonable, and having experienced support can make your trek much easier and more enjoyable. This becomes especially important in remote and challenging areas, like the Everest region, where flights to Lukla are frequently canceled due to weather. A knowledgeable local guide can be invaluable in managing unexpected situations or emergencies.
Choosing the right trekking company is crucial, as the quality of your guides can make or break your experience. I’ve trekked in Nepal twice, and I can’t recommend Hill Sherpa Trekking enough. While it’s a relatively new company, it boasts some of the most experienced and caring guides I’ve ever encountered.
A special shoutout to Pasang, the owner and my guide on both treks—his expertise and dedication are the reasons I’m already planning to return to Nepal. Whether you’re looking to trek, climb, or embark on a full expedition, Hill Sherpa Trekking offers reasonable prices and top-notch guidance.
What Trek to Choose in Nepal?
Nepal, home to eight of the world’s highest peaks over 8,000 meters, offers an incredible variety of hiking routes. From lush valleys to towering mountains, the country is breathtakingly beautiful, and each region boasts stunning trails. Deciding on your first trek can be overwhelming, but the right choice really depends on what you’re looking for—great accommodations, less crowded paths, popular Instagram-worthy spots, or a mix of everything.
If you’re new to multi-day trekking, I recommend starting with the Annapurna region. Consider these options:
- Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
- Mardi Himal Trek
- Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek
If you have the time, you can even combine these treks into one extended adventure. The Annapurna region is ideal for beginners because the trails are relatively manageable, and the main viewpoints offer some of the most stunning panoramas in the world. Additionally, the tea houses in this region are well-equipped with everything you’ll need, including hot showers and Wi-Fi, even at the higher camps. Bonus: it’s far less crowded compared to the popular Everest Base Camp (EBC) trek.
For first-time hikers, I suggest sticking to treks with a maximum altitude of around 5,500 meters. Trust me, no matter which route you choose, the Himalayas will blow your mind. It’s impossible not to fall in love with their beauty and gran
Travel Etiquette in Nepal: A Simple Guide to Being a Good Guest
Before diving into the details of the trek, I want to emphasize the importance of respecting Nepali people and the country as a whole. From the moment you arrive, you’ll notice how incredibly friendly and kind the locals are. Sadly, this kindness can sometimes be taken advantage of.
During my trek, I witnessed several instances where tourists from wealthier countries treated guides, porters, and other staff poorly, often justifying it by saying they were “bringing money to the country.” This type of behavior is unacceptable. Imagine treating service providers this way in a European country—it wouldn’t be tolerated.
Nepal is a land of rich culture, with traditions and customs that are older than most Western nations. It deserves your respect, as do the people who welcome you so warmly. Always remember to treat Nepali people with the kindness and dignity they show to you—it’s the least we can do as visitors to this incredible country.
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