Yes. Adding extra days enhances acclimatization and gives you more time on key sections. We can customize additional nights at various points on the ABC & Mardi route.

Popular options include:

• Acclimatization and Exploration: Add a rest day in Chhomrong (ABC side) or High Camp/Badal Danda (Mardi ridge) to enjoy short hikes and viewpoints.
• Side Treks: Extra time at Jhinu Danda (hot springs) or Landruk for cultural immersion; additional viewpoints along the Mardi ridge.
• Rest and Recovery: Insert a buffer day in Pokhara at the end; consider a lighter day before ABC or before the MHBC sunrise hike.
• Kathmandu Exploration: Add a cultural day for UNESCO heritage sites, or a short day hike around the valley.

Transportation options to Pokhara, the gateway to the Annapurna region, are available by both road and air. The scenic drive takes 7–8 hours along the Prithvi Highway, while multiple daily flights (approx. 25–30 minutes) are operated by local airlines such as Buddha Air, Yeti Airlines, and Nepal Airlines.

Key points regarding transportation:

• Schedule: Tourist buses typically depart early morning from Kathmandu and take 7–8 hours to reach Pokhara. Flights operate throughout the day, with a flight time of ~25–30 minutes from Kathmandu to Pokhara.
• Scenic Route: The drive to Pokhara follows the Prithvi Highway along the Trishuli River, offering beautiful views of the Manaslu and Annapurna ranges. You'll pass through historic towns like Bandipur and see the sacred Manakamana Temple along the way.
• Reliability: Road transportation is generally reliable, though delays can occur due to traffic or road conditions. Flights are more weather-dependent but offer a much faster journey to Pokhara.

Yes, it is possible for children to participate in the ABC & Mardi Himal 13‑day trek with thoughtful planning. We customize pace, daily walking hours, and rest days to prioritize safety, acclimatization, and enjoyment for younger trekkers.

Consider the following:

• Experience and Stamina: The child should enjoy hiking and be capable of 4–6 hours of walking per day on steps and mixed terrain. Prior hiking experience helps.
• Acclimatization: We can shorten days or add buffer nights (e.g., Chhomrong or Badal Danda/High Camp area) to ensure gradual ascent and reduce AMS risk.
• Monitoring for AMS: Children may not clearly express symptoms. Parents and guides should watch for headaches, nausea, unusual fatigue, disturbed sleep, or loss of appetite and descend if needed.

The ideal time for the combined ABC & Mardi Himal 13‑day trek depends on your preference for weather, crowds, and flowers/snow. Two prime seasons stand out:

• Post‑Monsoon (Oct–Nov): Crystal‑clear skies, stable weather, and the most reliable mountain views across the Annapurna amphitheater and Mardi ridge. It's also the busiest.
• Pre‑Monsoon (Mar–May): Warmer temps and spectacular rhododendron blooms in lower elevations. Views are great in the mornings, with occasional afternoon haze.

For many first‑time trekkers, the combined ABC & Mardi Himal itinerary is a gentler introduction than Everest Base Camp, with lower maximum altitude, varied scenery, and flexible pacing. The choice still depends on your fitness and goals.

Here's a comparison:

• Altitude and Difficulty: ABC (4,130 m) and Mardi viewpoints (~4,200–4,500 m) are significantly lower than EBC (5,364 m) and Kala Patthar (5,545 m), reducing AMS risk and overall strain.
• Scenery and Terrain: ABC & Mardi combine terraced fields, rhododendron forests, Gurung villages, the dramatic Annapurna Sanctuary, and airy ridge walks on the Mardi side. EBC is higher, drier, and glacial with big‑mountain drama.
• Accessibility: ABC & Mardi start via Pokhara (road/flight) and offer many itinerary variants and exit points. EBC typically involves a flight to Lukla and fewer low‑altitude exit routes.

Prior high‑altitude trekking experience is not mandatory, but good fitness is essential. Expect 5–6 hours of walking most days (occasionally longer), with stairs, mixed terrain, and some steep sections—especially on the Mardi ridge and the final climb into the Annapurna Sanctuary.

We recommend a training regimen that includes:

• Cardiovascular Exercise: 3–4 times a week (hiking, running, cycling, or swimming) to build endurance.
• Strength Training: Emphasize legs and core to handle long ascents/descents and stair sections.
• Practice Hikes: Do several long day hikes in your actual boots and with a loaded pack.

A comprehensive packing list will be provided upon confirmation of your trip. However, essential items include layered clothing, a high-quality down jacket, a warm sleeping bag, and well-worn-in hiking boots.

Kathmandu's Thamel district is a one-stop shop for trekking gear. You can easily rent or purchase any equipment you need at reasonable prices.

• Renting: Items like down jackets, sleeping bags, and trekking poles are commonly rented. This is a cost-effective option, but be sure to inspect the quality and condition of the gear carefully.
• Buying: It is highly recommended to purchase personal items like hiking boots and base layers yourself to ensure a proper fit and hygiene. Breaking in your boots well before the trek is crucial to prevent blisters.

It is not safe to drink tap or stream water directly. We strongly advise against buying single-use plastic water bottles, as they are expensive and create a significant environmental problem in the fragile mountain ecosystem.

The best practices for staying hydrated are:

• Water Purification: Bring a reliable water purification method. Options include purification tablets or drops, a UV sterilizer like a SteriPen, or a water bottle with a built-in filter.
• Boiled Water: You can ask the teahouse and lodge owners to refill your bottle with boiled water, which is the safest option. They typically charge a small fee for this service, and the cost increases with altitude. Please note that the cost of drinking water is not included in the package.

Toilet facilities along the ABC & Mardi trails are basic but functional. In the lower elevations and larger settlements like Ghandruk, Chhomrong, or Siding, you may find Western-style flush toilets in your teahouse.

As you ascend, the facilities become more rustic. You can expect to encounter:

• Squat Toilets: These are common in the higher-altitude teahouses.
• Shared Facilities: Private, attached bathrooms are less common at higher elevations; toilets are typically shared and may be located in a separate outhouse.
• Bring Your Own Supplies: You should always carry your own toilet paper and hand sanitizer, as these are generally not provided.

Yes, showing respect for local Gurung and Magar communities is an important part of the ABC & Mardi experience. Here are some key guidelines:

• Modest Dress: Wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees, especially when walking through villages and visiting monasteries.
• Respectful Photography: Always ask for permission before taking photos of local people. Photography may be prohibited inside monasteries and religious sites.
• Trail Etiquette: When encountering pack animals like yaks or dzopkyos, always stand on the uphill side of the trail to avoid being knocked off.
• Religious Customs: Always pass mani (prayer) walls, stupas, and chortens on your left, walking in a clockwise direction. Use your right hand or both hands to give or receive items.
• Greetings: A friendly "Namaste" (I salute the divine in you) with hands pressed together is the traditional and respectful greeting.