Gear
Mardi Himal Trek Packing List
January 22, 2026 6 min readBy 6K Nepal Treks
Mardi Himal is short, but it climbs from warm forest to a cold, exposed ridge, so your kit needs to cover a wide temperature range. High Camp nights commonly drop to -5 to -10C even in the main seasons.
Here is what our guides actually recommend, organised so you can pack straight from the list.
Key takeaways
- Pack for a wide range: warm forest by day, freezing ridge at night.
- Down jackets and four-season sleeping bags rent in Pokhara for USD 35 each.
- Trekking poles and broken-in boots matter most on this route.
- A porter carries up to 12.5kg per pair of trekkers, so you only carry a daypack.
Clothing layers
- Two technical base-layer tops and one set of thermal leggings.
- A fleece or synthetic mid-layer for evenings.
- An insulated down jacket for High Camp (rentable in Pokhara).
- A windproof and waterproof shell jacket and overtrousers.
- Two pairs of hiking trousers and comfortable teahouse clothes.
Footwear and hands
- Mid-height, broken-in trekking boots with ankle support.
- Three to five pairs of hiking socks, plus liner socks if you blister.
- Liner gloves and warmer insulated gloves for the cold mornings.
- Sandals or light shoes for the teahouses.
Sleep and warmth
- A sleeping bag rated to at least -5C (rentable in Pokhara).
- A sleeping bag liner for extra warmth and hygiene.
- A warm hat and a buff or neck gaiter.
Essentials and extras
- A headlamp with spare batteries for the pre-dawn viewpoint push.
- SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm, and UV sunglasses for the high UV at altitude.
- Trekking poles, strongly recommended for the descent.
- A one-litre water bottle, plus personal medications and basic blister care.
- A power bank, as charging gets pricey and unreliable higher up.
What to leave behind
Skip heavy mountaineering gear, multiple changes of cotton clothing, and bulky valuables. Non-trekking luggage can be stored safely at your Pokhara hotel while you walk. We provide a free duffel bag at your briefing for the porter to carry.
Frequently asked questions
Can I rent gear for the Mardi Himal trek?
Yes. Down jackets and four-season sleeping bags rent in Pokhara for around USD 35 each, and poles and extra layers are available too. We can arrange rentals at your pre-trip briefing.
How cold does it get on Mardi Himal?
High Camp nights commonly fall to -5 to -10C in the spring and autumn seasons, and colder in winter, so a warm sleeping bag and down jacket are important even on a short trek.
