One of the blooming and newly introduced within the Annapurna region, the Mardi Himal Trek, has been gaining lots of fame, as it is short, budget-friendly, and can be easily accessed to the trekking trail itself. Even though the journey lasts for 5 to 10 days, it demonstrates the pristine beauty of the varied landscapes, woodlands, dotted with blooming rhododendrons, with surrounding mountains in their panoramic form, letting you get a taste of Himalayan adventure in a very short yet meaningful time.
Hence, if you are considering this trip, then the first and foremost thing that you must wonder is "how much does the Mardi Himal Trek cost?" Does it actually fit within my estimated budget, or do I need to take care of other extra personal expenses as well? With us at Destination Himalaya Treks and Expedition, the Mardi Himal Trek costs approximately $ 450 per person; however, the overall cost depends on various other factors as well, from transportation accessibility, route optimization, food, trekking guides, lodgings, and, above all, the number of pax that your group actually comprises. However, the other factor you must contemplate is the personal expenses (spending), which are not covered by the package itself.
In general, the Mardi Himal Trek package cost you will be paying to the travel company covers all the requirements, such as accommodations, permits, supporting crews like porters, and experienced guides, and standard meals, in which the costing usually ranges from $ 400 and goes up to $ 1000 per head, which highly varies depending on the starting point of the trip and overall duration of this trip. Unlike the Everest Base Camp Trek or Manaslu Trek, the cost doesn't exceed $1000 if it is not combined with other treks within the Annapurna region of Nepal and is done solely. If you opt for the private trip, then the cost will be on the higher side, where the lodging amenities, transportation, 1 guide, and a porter are only managed for one single solo person; on the other hand, if you get a good number of hikers in your group, then, the price can get minimized by 50%, considering the fact, that every gets shared, and divided into group.
Nonetheless, if you are in a complete dilemma regarding the Mardi Himal Trek cost and overall budget estimation, then you are in the right place. Here, we will take a deep dive into the factors that affect pricing and packages, including cost differences, and how the nationality of the trekkers directly influences the overall costing at the same time. This blog gives a total insight into how to plan ideally and budget the trip with transparency and clarity, breaking down every step-by-step cost for your 2025, 2026, and 2027 Himalayan adventure.
How does the Planning and Budgeting influence the Mardi Himal Trek cost management?
Reviewing the Mardi Himal Trek budget beforehand highly contributes to proceeding the journey with ease and affordability, without touching the sky rocket price, which usually happens due to unestimated personal expenses. The things that are too basic here, like bottled water and hot water, laundry services, and showering facilities, are a luxury when it comes to any kind of Himalayan adventure. Hence, planning personal spending before the trip starts and bringing the cash accordingly avoids the mental stress and frustrating situations, with an unexpected cost, especially when it is your first time and beginner to the Himalayas.
Mardi Himal View Point
Besides, perfectly planning the budget by knowing the cost variations helps you book online packages, avoiding scams, as you search on Wikipedia, the costing on the SERP features arrive, and the cheaper options are displayed. While clicking and going through the package details, you can see that most of the essentials are not included, where you must pay extra, which is basically done for CTR (Click Rate), and boost the rankings, scamming you indirectly. Usually, the basic trek to Mardi Himal costs, depending on several factors, such as trip duration, starting point, routes, trekking guides, porters, gears, and clothing. Whereas, other unexpected costs include, wifi charges, electric and internet usage, laundry, water usage, like bottled water, and hot water shower, tipping guides and porters, along with accommodations in the Kathmandu - capital city of Nepal, right after you land here with an international flight.
If you're already aware of the packaging cost and personal spending bearings, then you've aced the budgeting side and planning the overall trek with ease, avoiding the mentally frustrating situations, rather than worrying 24 hours, about personal expenses, on the following days. It also helps you in booking the packages intelligently, so you get to know what is included and excluded in the excursion deal, without falling for the scams, which is a major problem in the present internet world. So, planning and budgeting for the trip, before bookings and the trip begins, aids in 3 major things:
Opting for the reliable package that includes all the essentials, giving an insight into what must be included and excluded in a package, avoiding hidden costs and scams
Knowing about personal spending and estimating, and carrying the cash accordingly
Helps in differentiating between budget, standard, and luxury trips, and makes the bookings that suit you, not being influenced by others
Avoiding unnecessary expenses on the trailhead by spending smartly, without going over the estimated budget
Understand how much to tip the supporting crews: porters and guides
How Distance Influences the Cost of the Mardi Himal Trek?
The starting point and the total distance coverage of the trip highly contribute to your overall cost to trek Mardi Himal. Some trekkers look forward to starting the journey straight from Kathmandu - the capital city, soon after landing here in Nepal, which takes approximately. 8 to 9 days, following the regular trailhead. Whereas others choose to explore Pokhara, on the first hand, and then start the trek right from Pokhara. Both options can be easily accessed; however, the distance varies, and the price depends on the starting point.
The standard itinerary starting from Kathmandu covers the transportation to reach Pokhara, and comfortable lodgings there, with an arrival and departure airport shuttle demanding an extra 2-3 days, which eventually influences the overall costing. The standard Mardi Himal Trek cost from Kathmandu starts from USD 450 to USD 799 per head, depending on the no. of pax that your group, which covers every highlighted corner of the trekking route. With this price, all the essentials such as lodges, meals, permits, transportation, along with guides and porters, with lodgings in Pokhara and Kathmandu get covered.
Meanwhile, if you are starting the trek to Mardi from Pokhara for 5 days, which is the main city to get access to the Annapurna region, then the price is generally on the lower side, as the trip begins with a jeep drive to reach the starting point of the trekking trail - Pothana or Kande. As it cuts off the distance coverage, accommodations in a hotel, and transportation costs to reach Pokhara, the price basically falls on the lower side. The Mardi Himal Trek from Pokhara cost ranges from USD 299 and might go up to USD 350 per person, which basically consists of all the essentials like food, lodges along the trekking route, entry permits, fees, and vehicle cost (jeep sharing) to reach the trail head. All the facilities remain the same, with all the essentials being covered; however, it cuts off 2-3 extra days, making the trek more on the cheaper side and budget-friendly.
Besides, if you are looking for a combined trip, within the Annapurna region, such as the Poon Hill Trek, or ABC Trek nearby, or any other side trips, then the cost can go beyond $ 1000 per head. Meanwhile, along with the distance of how long or short your trek stands for, other factors, like starting point, kind of vehicle used (private or shared ones), and the trip extension, highly influence the overall Mardi Himal Trek pricing. At the same time, it is also important to take note that, whether the required logistics are covered or not, by to thoroughly review the cost inclusion and exclusion to avoid overcharging.
Factors that affect the Mardi Himal Trek Cost: Detailed Breakdown
The overall cost of the Mardi Himal Trek varies depending on several factors, right from the very start, that you opt to pay the money for, even though the trip cost generally starts from USD 499 and goes up to USD 1000 per head, while you actually step in at the trailhead, the price tends to exceed more, than actually budgeted price. The personal spending, like wifi, charging, beverages, and visa cost, Nepal entry fees, if you are a foreigner, makes the overall costing basically on the higher side. So, you might wonder, what are the factors that highly influence the Mardi Himal Trek price and budget? Well, there are small to small day-to-day spending that determines the overall trip costing in general, even though reputed companies take care of all the costs, there are some things that increase the overall cost, exceeding the total estimated budget.
Trekking Permits Cost
To reach the Mardi Himal Trail, the first and foremost thing that is crucial to attain is the required permits, as they allow you to enter the protected area, legally, and also ensure your safety at the same time. Two permits are essential to hike along the Annapurna region, firstly, the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), and the other tends to be the TIMS Card, i.e., Trekkers Information Management System Card, where the cost is charged based on nationalities, if you are a SAARC nationality trekker or a Nepalese citizen, then, the permit cost is more on cheaper side, whereas, remain same for foreign trekkers.
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit cost: The cost for ACAP is basically charged approximately, $ 24 (NPR 3000) for SAARC nationals, the cost remains approximately. $ 8 (NPR 1100) per head, and for the Nepalese citizens, the cost is only USD 1, NPR 100, per trekker.
Trekkers Information Management System Card cost: For the TIMS Card, the fee approx. charged $ 18 (NPR 2000) and cost approx. $ 8 (NPR 1000) for SAARC citizens.
These required permits can be obtained from either Kathmandu at the Nepal Tourism Board or Pokhara at the Police checkpoint, or at the entry gateway of the conservation, in Pothana, whichever is suitable for you. To grab the permits, you must submit a photocopy of your passport and fill out the submission form, paying NPR (Nepalese currency) for the permits. Also, take note that if you are hiking with the assistance of the trekking agency, then it will be managed, so you do not have to bother yourself with getting the permits.
Accommodation Cost
Throughout the Mardi Himal Trek route, you will basically get well-facilitated tea houses and lodges. Without any doubt, even though the trail is newly introduced, it comes with a perk, of the accommodations, being well-maintained and hygienically looked after. The tea houses are literally same category; the only difference you'll come across is the bedding configuration, as the cost varies for single beds, twin beds, and standard ones, or on a sharing basis that can hold up to 5 to 6 trekkers.
Accommodation in the lower areas, like Pothana, Forest Camp, or Siding, affordable options are costing around USD 8 to USD 10 per head, whereas at the major tourism hub, like Dhampus, Ghandruk, the room price range starts from $ 12 to $ 15, with private washrooms. Moving to the higher elevation, from Badal Danda, Low Camp, High Camp, before attaining the final pinnacle point of the Mardi Himal Base Camp, the tea houses are more on the expensive side, and are limited as well, hence pre-bookings must be done if hiking independently.
On the other hand, some tea houses also offer a package on a night basis; for instance, if you make the booking for a 1-night stay package, for $ 25 to $ 30, then it covers your room and standard meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner at the same time. The rooms that you will basically find in the lower region are well equipped with charging accessibility within rooms and single bedrooms as well; however, ascending to the upper region, it is hard to find single bedrooms for 1 single person, but can be managed for female trekkers for safety and comfort purposes.
The rooms are managed by locals, as their home with warm hospitality and cozy, neat, and comfortable beddings to get rest at, an additional cost is charged for wifi, charging, hot water, shower, and laundry facilities.
Meals and Beverages Cost
The food and drink costs on the Mardi Himal Trek and the menu options are somewhat similar to the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, as approved by the Mardi Trek Tourism Management and Merchant Committee. The cost of the meals, basically, depends on the tea house that you are staying at, and on the elevation variations at the same time, which means in the lower region, you will find more affordable and more options, costing approximately. $ 4 to $ 6 per meal, before reaching Forest Camp (2530 m). Whereas, from Badal Danda over 3000 meters, via Low Camp, the cost is more on the higher side, pricing approx. $ 6 to $ 10 per meal.
Western Meal Cost
The price usually ranges from $ 2 to $ 10; however, it depends on the variety of food that you choose. To make you understand more clearly, the Western meal options are more on the expensive side, because the food ingredients must be transported from the city areas, through the Himalayan mountains, so it is quite understandable.
For breakfast, you can find a variety of options, such as cereal, oatmeal, porridge, toasted bread with jam and butter, museli, granola, egg variations (omelette, boiled, poached, etc), and apple puddings, costing somewhere between $ 5 - $ 7 per breakfast meal. Whereas for lunch and dinner, option, you will find, pizza, spring rolls, sandwiches, pizza, dumplings, spaghetti, etc., costing approximately. $ 6 to $ 10.
Local Meal Cost
Comparatively, the local meals are more on the cheaper side, costing around $ 4 to $ 6 per meal, with a variety of options. For breakfast, you will typically find Tibetan bread served with curry and egg, chapati and veg curry, bread with chana (multi-grain curry), etc, whereas, for lunch and dinner, famous options stand out to be the ultimate dal bhat, which comes with side dishes like lentil soup, veg/no-veg curry, rice, pickle, which can be refillef time to time.
Approximately, the meal cost for the Mardi Himal Trek, prices ranges between USD 5 to USD 10 per head; hence, the spending for standard meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner stands out to be approximately. $ 18 to $ 20 per day.
Beverages and Drinking Water Cost
From cold beverages like Diet Coke, Fanta, energy drinks, Sprite, lemon soda, to hot drinks such as any kind of soup items like garlic, ginger, tomato soups, veg-non veg soups, tea, milk, coffee, every option is available, costing from $ 1 to $ 3 each. Whereas bottled water costs around 0.53, and the tea or coffee served on a kettle basis costs approximately USD 4 to USD 8.
Pro Tip: To save extra money, it is highly suggested to use reusable, bottled water, where the water can be refilled time to time, and use water purification tablets to purify the drinking water, for safety purposes.
Guide and Porter Cost
The cost for the license trekking guide highly depends on how experienced the guides are, and their proficiency in speaking different languages, especially English, which caters to the language worldwide. In the current days, the guides are well-trained, where they can even understand and speak Korean, Japanese, Spanish, French, and Dutch, including English. Their salary usually ranges from $ 35 to $ 40 per day, which includes all their requirements such as food, transportation, gear, accommodations, and entry fees.
For the more budget-friendly option, you can choose, normal English-speaking guide, which costs approximately. $ 30 per day, including all his/her necessities. Hiring a guide leads you through safe route navigation, experience the rich culture with locals, explore every highlighted corner, like historical sites, iconic viewpoints, and get an in-depth knowledge of the overall trek. If you are hiking with the assistance of a local trekking guide agency, then you do not have to bear their salary, as it is included in the package, whereas tipping is required and suggested.
On the other hand, the cost for a porter ranges from $ 18 to $22 per day, who can carry 22 kgs of backpack and can be shared between 2 trekkers. For instance, if you are 1 porter, then 2 hikers can share 1 porter, dividing the weight 12 to 12 kgs.
Note: These costs are priced on a quoted salary on a daily basis, without including tips for the guides and porters.
Gears and Equipment: Renting Vs Buying Cost
The cost of the gears and equipment for the Mardi Himal highly depends on what kind of gears you are looking to opt for; however, as the Mardi Himal Trail itself is a short trek, you do not have to spend hundreds of dollars on basic clothing and equipment. Technical gears aren't required; you can just wear basic clothing, according to the seasonal variations. Ensure to pack in the simple yet required clothes like moisture-wicking t-shirts and lightweight hiking pants, with warm jackets and other equipment, along with a day bagpack. Comfortable clothing and essentials are required for a safe Himalayan adventure, to ascend in ease and a smooth way, where the pricing depends on the renting and buying basis.
If you are looking forward to buying clothing items, basic ones, such as dry-fit t-shirts, light pants, and shorts, windproof jackets, then it can cost somewhere between USD 10 to USD 12 per item, whereas renting the same clothing will only be priced around $ 10 to $ 15 in total. Equipment like trekking poles (stretchable ones) costs approximately. USD 3 to 5, and renting a sleeping bag costs approximately. USD 5 to USD 6 per day, whereas insulin down jackets remain $ 3 to $ 4 on a rental basis.
For buying the gears and equipment, the cost depends on the brand or local ones, whereas for renting ones, you will find great options within USD 20 that can be used throughout the journey. To buy or rent gears, you will find many stores in Thamel - Kathmandu and Pokhara - lake sides, gear shops at good prices; however, if you are an adventure seeker, then it is better to buy new gears, rather than renting ones.
We at Destination Himalaya Treks offer many gears as a complimentary, such as a duffle bag, sleeping bag, hiking t-shirt, and a cap, to minimize your overall cost of the trip, whereas the guide and porter are included in every package that you choose.
Personal Expenses: What's not included in the standard package?
While the Mardi Himal Trek package cost covers all the requirements, from vehicle cost, transportation (vehicle cost), standard meals, trekking cost, entry fees, lodges (accommodations), with experienced guides and porters.
Other additional costs highly influence the trek to Mardi Himal cost, which includes wifi, electric chargings (sockets), laundry services, hot water shower, drinking beverages, and tipping guides and porters (supporting crews). However, other additional expenses, such as the Nepal entry visa and international flight cost, along with the domestic airplane cost. Here is a brief overview of the personal expenses during the Mardi Himal Trek, expected along the trekking trail, influencing the overall trekking cost:
Internet and Communication Cost
Throughout the trekking trail, access to communication is easily available. At every tea house, you will basically settle in, there is wifi usage access, and a connection to a telephone in the dining area at the same time. Internet access is only available in the dining area and costs extra at the higher elevations, with prices ranging from $ 2 to $ 3 per night. Whereas for the telephone costs, it depends on the time duration, as expected costing from $ 2 to $ 3 minute to minute.
Pro Tip: It is highly suggested to buy an NTC SIM card, either in Pokhara or Kathmandu, for immediate communication, to buy data packs, and make calls in case of an emergency.
Charging Cost
The electric sockets aren't available or attached within the room, so you must head to the dining area to get your gadgets recharged. For the charging, it costs approximately. USD 4 to USD 5, depending on the hourly basis. However, during the peak seasons, the multi-plugs must be fully packed, to avoid the queue, and communicate with your loved ones, it is highly suggested to bring an extra power bank along with you.
Hot Shower and Laundry Services
Extra personal charging for a hot water shower is expected, where the costs are basically charged, based on water usage from bucket to bucket, or you can say, liter to liter, costing approximately. between USD 2 to USD 6 per bucket, depending on the lodges that you are staying in. The laundry services are done by a hand-washing service, where your clothes are washed and charged, on a material basis, for instance, the hard materials like down jackets, hiking boots, laundry costs, charge you more than USD 5, whereas, for lighter clothing, washes, it can charge you on a per kg basis, costing approx. USD 5 to 7.
Travel Insurance Cost
Travel Insurance is one of the most essential factors that must be included in every Himalayan adventure that you undertake, as it is the only means of accessibility to get direct assistance from medical services, which also has a high influence on the Mardi Himal Trekking cost. While grabbing the policy, ensure that it covers minor to serious medical injuries, trip delays, or cancellation of the trip, theft, and so on. The insurance cost ranges from USD 500 to USD 1000, depending on what kind of policy you are opting for, along with your nationality at the same time. While the European countries' insurance might touch the rocket cost approximately, USD 1200, whereas for the Asian countries, the cost is approximately. USD 400 and goes up to USD 600. Just take a note while opting for an insurance policy, take a detailed overview, whether the services are worth the cost or not.
Tipping Guides and Porters
Tipping a guide and porter, or any supporting crew, is expected; it is an essential cultural practice to provide gratitude as a thanksgiving to the helpers, who made our trip a successful Himalayan adventure. Please take note that the only income source for these kind-hearted local folks is assisting adventure seekers like you to the mountains; hence, tipping is a way to respect their hard work and a contribution to their daily lives. It is expected to tip at least 10 to 15 % of the guide and porter's salary, which has been quoted.
Mardi Himal Trek Cost Based on Packages: Short, Standard, and Combined Itineraries
The Mardi Himal cost varies significantly depending on the type of package you are looking for. Unlike other Annapurna region treks, such as the Annapurna Circuit Trek, you won't find luxury amenities along the trail. However, the packages that you will basically find are based on duration, starting point, transportation accessibility, and the route you are taking, opting for, that highly influence the overall trip costing.
Let's take a deep dive into the Mardi Himal Trek packages cost, based on duration, and other added amenities, along with transportation accessibility as well.
Short Package Cost: Budget Friendly
The budget-friendly short trip packages are highly crafted for those who are bound in time and, at the same time, are highly budget-conscious, focusing only on the essential aspect rather than luxury and high comfort. The Short Mardi Himal Trek cost starts from USD 330 and goes up to USD 450 per head, which stands out as be 5-day adventure, starting from Pokhara; however, it covers every necessary aspect. With this price range, the standard meals, jeep sharing transportation accessibility cost to reach the trailhead, and return vehicle cost, along with permits, trekking guide, and accommodations, are covered, with the best managed service and safety assurance at the same time.
Standard Package Cost: Regular Itinerary
The standard package starts from Kathmandu, soon after you arrive in Nepal, covering the airport shuttle - pick up and drop off, accommodation in Kathmandu, flight cost, or vehicle, to reach Pokhara according to your choice, and lodging at Pokhara as well. The journey usually lasts for 7 to 9 days, the typical cost of a package on Mardi Himal starts from USD 600 to USD 800 per head, which covers comfortable tea house lodgings, standard meals, breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a cup of coffee or tea, trekking permits, private jeeps to reach the trekking trailhead, licensed guide and a porter. Along with a guided trip, with the assistance of a trekking guide and porters included to carry your backpack, with this package, you can enjoy the comfort, privacy, and elusive luxury journey with a medically equipped guide, highly experienced, enriching the overall cultural experience.
Combined Package Cost
As the Annapurna region is one of the most popular iconic trekking regions, it serves as a route to many famous Himalayan adventures, where one can combine any collide the treks that fall under this territorial conservation area. For the combined trip, such as Ghorepani Poon Hill with Mardi Himal, the price ranges from USD 565 and goes up to USD 735, which covers all the requirements essential for the trek, visiting both iconic viewpoints, of Poon Hill View Point and Mardi Himal Base Camp, following the drive route to Birethanti from Pokhara, and covers the 1st half trail of poon hill, and then, proceeds the hike further to Mardi Himal.
Another popular combined package stands out to be the Annapurna Base Camp and Mardi Himal, where the cost starts from USD 680 to USD 1095, which takes you to the lap of the world's tenth-highest peak, Mt Annapurna, one of the best treks in the Himalayas, and then covers the Mardi trailhead. With this costing, all essentials required for the trek will be covered.
Mardi Himal Trek Cost for Nepalese
The cost of the Mardi Himal Trek for Nepalese trekkers is generally low and budget-friendly because you do not have to bear extra expenses, such as the Nepal arrival visa fee, a stay visa cost, international flight tickets, and a lower permit cost, which saves lots of money, making it a budget-friendly trip. However, it significantly depends on how trekkers are willing to spend their money on accommodations, food, beverages, and transportation to reach Pokhara and to the trekking trail - the starting point of the trip.
Nonetheless, the Mardi Himal Trek cost for Nepali citizens tends to be lower than for others, as the ACAP permit cost only NPR 100 (USD 0.89) for locals, and free for TIMS Card, and at the same time, locals can use 2-tier vehicle (scooter, bike), or 4 tier private vehicle, without hiring one and lastly, due to the personal link with the lodges, one can settle in at the tea house, at lower price or even free, that highly minimize the overall trip cost.
Nepalese hikers all set to ascend Mardi Himal Base Camp
On the other hand, the local foods are 50% cheaper than the western ones, costing around USD 3 to USD 5 (NPR 350 to 670) per meal, and at the same time, the preference remains the ultimate Dal Bhat, which costs only USD 3 to USD 4, and keeps you energized throughout the journey as it consist of all the nutritions, and can be refilled as well. Comparatively, the Nepali trekkers can complete the trip on a short basis, without the assistance of a guide, and opt for friend group treks, which they can share accommodation, vehicle, which contributes highly to making the trek budget-friendly for Nepalese folks.
Considering all the aspects, the overall cost of the Mardi Himal Trek for Nepalese trekkers can be completed with a price range starting from NPR 20,000 to NPR 25,0000, estimating the price for 4 to 5 days from Pokhara. Whereas, the price on a daily basis is expected to be NPR 2000 to 2500, depending on the service that you are rooting to spend on.
Mardi Himal Trek Cost for Indians
The cost of the Mardi Himal Trekking for Indian citizens, or you can say SAARC citizens, is comprehensively outlined on the lower side, rather than for other foreign trekkers, as it minimizes the cost in international flights and permits as well. Several reasons make the expedition less expensive to the indian nationalities, firstly, the permit cost, as the ACAP permit and TIMS card cost in total approx. INR 650 in total, the second major factor tends to be the transportation cost, where the international flight cost is close to Nepal-India, costing INR 15000 to 22000 per seat, whereas, you can minimize the cost by using the train means as well from Mumbai to Kathmandu, Nepal, costing less than INR 3000 per seat.
On the other hand, another factor that highly influences the trekking cost tends to be the reduction of food cost, as the indian citizens share the same taste, just like locals, which costs approximately. USD 5 to USD 6 per meal. However, the Mardi Himal Trek cost for Indians starts from INR 20,000 to INR 25,000 per head for 5 to 6 days, which highly varies depending on the services, amenities, and transportation accessibility as well.
Peak Season Vs Off-Season Trekking Cost
The Mardi Himal cost highly depends on which season you are trekking in, due to the accommodation availability, vehicle cost, trekking guide salary cost, and so on. The peak seasons here in Nepal, for Himalayan adventure or any other expeditions, stand out to be Spring and Autumn, and are considered monsoon and winter as an off-seasonal time, which highly contributes to the overall trip cost. Due to the peak busy seasons, the cost is generally higher than the standard rate, due to the high flow of tourism and the limited number of tea houses and amenities along the route. At the same time, the availability of the trekking guide is also low, due to the packed seasonal time, as they have to assist many trekkers along the route, which increases the standard rate.
Meanwhile, if you are opting for this Mardi Himal Trek during off-season, then the cost will be more on the affordable side than the standard package of regular seasonal time (peak seasons), as the trekking agencies offer, discounted rate of 10 to 15% of the total trip cost.
Mardi Himal Solo Trek Cost Vs Group Cost
The Mardi Himal solo trek cost starts from USD 400 to USD 570 per head, which includes all the requirements such as standard 3 times meals, accommodations (with single bedding configuration), trekking permit, experienced guide, and a porter. With this costing, the private jeep cost to reach the trailhead from Pokhara will be covered, and the vehicle cost to reach Pokhara from Kathmandu, which is why the cost tends to be on the higher side. Along with that, 1 licensed trekking guide will be provided for 1 hiker, along with 1 porter, due to which the pricing is quoted on a single pax. Solo Trekking allows you to enjoy the hike in a free mind, feeling the serenity, with more comfort, of hiking at your own pace and choices, without worrying about matching other hikers' pace. However, if you are looking for a budget-friendly option, and considering a solo trip at the same time, then you can cut off the private vehicle option and opt for a shared basis along with 5 other passengers to reach the trailhead.
Meanwhile, if you are venturing out to Mardi Himal on a group basis, then the cost is more on the affordable side, ranging from USD 300 to USD 350 per head, as the accommodation, vehicle are included on a sharing basis, which minimizes the overall cost, making it a budget-friendly trek.
Budgeting Tips for Mardi Himal Trek: How to reduce cost?
To reduce your overall Mardi Himal Trek cost, you can minimize the inclusive expenses by cutting off and packing gear costs, booking early, selecting ideal seasons, and spending smartly on personal expenses, so you can trek at a budget-friendly price. Here are some of the tips that you can follow, along the route to budget-hike the expedition without exceeding the estimated budget.
Ensure to pre-book the trip, as the trekking agencies offer early bird discounts of 10 to 15 % off if booked earlier, prior to 2-3 months, before the trek starts.
As the trek is a beginner to moderate journey, you can buy basic gear and essentials, without going overboard, whereas, to save more cost, one can rent gear and equipment either in Pokhara and Kathmandu with a cost of USD 10 to USD 15, and a sleeping bag (USD 5 per day).
To save the extra unnecessary expenses, consider packing smartly, with basic clothing items, snacks, like granola bars, dry fruit, nuts, or reusable water bottles, so you can have them as a lunch along the trekking route, saving USD 5 to USD 8 per day.
If you opt for this trek during off-season time, which tends to be the monsoon and winter seasons, then the cost tends to be on the lower side.
If you have a partner, like friends, a family group, or any hikers with a keen mind like you, then opt for the trek on a group basis, as it minimizes accommodation cost, transportation cost, and overall trekking price.
Opt for a registered trekking agency, as they are the ones who can make the trip with a great budget plan that fits within your estimated cost, and also make sure that you are on the same page, and provide the best services regarding lodging, along with the pro expert guidance.
Conclusion: Final Words
The standard Mardi Himal Trek costs range from $ 400 to $ 1000 per head, starting straight from Kathmandu, covering every highlighted aspect, whereas the budget and short price starts from USD 350 to USD 499, per head, starting from Pokhara. On the other hand, combined treks, luxury ones, the price usually starts from USD 800 to USD 1200, which covers every essential like standard meals, accommodations, trekking permits, vehicles, along with a licensed guide and a porter.
The cost is generally on the lower side compared to the Everest Base Camp Trek, or any other Himalayan expeditions, due to the easy trailhead accessibility, short trip lasting for 3 to 5 days, and affordable cost at the same time, making it a budget-friendly journey. However, if you are looking for a solo budget trek, then the cost can be minimized to approximately USD 300, whereas the guided trip is more on the expensive side, touching the cost of $ 900 per head. Hence, to venture out on this journey efficiently and in a cost-friendly way, it is essential to get the full cost breakdown of the Mardi Himal Trek, which is why I personally crafted this blog with a detailed breakdown.
However, to experience the best of the highland and be showered with the rich cultural encounters, with great safety guided by the professional trekking guides, opt to book through the local reputable operator that values your money and offers safety as well.
We at Destination Himalaya Treks and Expedition are fully committed to making your Himalayan journey a hassle-free adventure by crafting your packages that match your time and budget. Feel free to contact us anytime for further queries, via WhatsApp +977 9851016814 or email at info@destinationhimalayatreks.com.
