Mardi Himal Trek is a beautiful and challenging trek that takes you through some of the most stunning scenery in Nepal. The trailhead starts at Phedi, which is a short drive from Pokhara. The trail winds through forests, meadows, and glaciers, with stunning views of the Annapurna massif. The trek can be done in around ten days, though longer itineraries are also possible. In this article, we’ll break down the trek cost and give you a detailed breakdown of what you can expect to spend. We’ll also give you tips on saving money on your trek. So read on for all the information you need to budget for the Mardi Himal Trek!
As you climb higher, the views of the snow-capped mountains become more breathtaking. The trek’s highest point is Mardi Himal Base Camp, which is 5587 meters above sea level. Likewise, spots like Deurali, Siding, Low, and Middle Camp are the centre of attraction.
The Mardi Himal Trek is an excellent option if you are looking for a challenging trek with amazing scenery. It is doable in a relatively short amount of time, making it perfect for those with limited time in Nepal. Whether you tackle the entire trek or do a section, the Mardi Himal Trek will leave you with lasting memories.
The Mardi Himal Trek generally costs around $400-$600. If you’ve always wanted to trek the Mardi Himal, now’s your chance. But before you head out, there are a few things you need to know about budgeting for the trek.
Permits and Fees for the Mardi Himal Trek
You cannot just hike to the Mardi Himal trek like a resident—you will have to have several forms of permits to make your walk successful. You can go around the Mardi Himal Base Camp region with a license. The good thing is you can obtain it from the Tour agency or Nepal Tourism Board.
The permits and fees for the trek are as follows:
- TIMS card: Rs. 2000
- National Park Entry Fee: Rs. 2000
- Trekking Fee: Rs. 1000
Total: Rs. 5000
This expense is mandatory, and there is no way to get around it. Make sure you have the funds available before you begin your trek.
Transport Costs to and From the Trailhead
For the Mardi Himal Trek, when you land in Nepal, your first destination is Pokhara. You can choose either a flight or bus service to get there. It costs around NPR 3000 to 5000 if you go by vehicle. You can also hire private vehicles like taxis or hail vans, but the price might be slightly higher than you expected.
If you take a flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara, you must pay around NPR 3000 to 10,000 for a ticket, depending on the season you are travelling. Getting to Pokhara does not mean that your transportation costs will stop—your next stop is Kande or Phedi, so to reach there, you will have to go by bus or rented vehicle. You will have to allocate around NPR 3000 to 5000 for the transportation cost from Pokhara.
The average transportation to and from Mardi Himal will cost around $250, which comes to about 33000 NPR.
When you return from Mardi Himal Trek, you can find a direct jeep service from Siding, which costs around $9 to $10 per person.
Accommodation and Food Costs in Mardi Himal Trek
Trekking in the Himalayas is a costly endeavour. Here is a breakdown of your daily budget while on the trek.
Accommodations, food, and transportation will make up most of your expenses. The average cost for all three for a single person is about NPR 5,000 (or USD 50) per day, but this can vary depending on your choices and preferences.
If you’re looking to save a little money, you can choose to camp rather than stay in a teahouse. Camping will cost you NPR 2,000 (USD 20) daily, while tea houses will average NPR 3,000-4,000 (USD 30-40) daily. If you are looking forward to camping by yourself, you can save some money, but you will need to carry your tents and camping items like gas cylinders and utensils.
Homestays are a good option for you. Since the homestay services in Siding are cheaper than the tea houses, camping, or lodges in low-base camps, you don’t have to worry about excessive expenses. In the meantime, you can enjoy traditional Nepali foods like Dal-Bhaat and Dhindo and experience standard Nepali kitchen procedures.
Food is another area where you can save or splurge. On average, lunch and dinner will cost NPR 700-1,000 (USD 6-10), while breakfast is usually around NPR 300-500 (USD 2.5-5). But if you’re feeling like treating yourself, there are plenty of places where you can order dishes for well over NPR 1,000 (USD 8). Having around $50 per day is okay – if you are on a 10-day hike to Mardi Himal, make sure you have at least $500 allocated for food.
And finally, transportation costs vary depending on your mode of travel. While flying in and out of Pokhara will be the cheapest option, travelling by bus is the most affordable. However, buses tend to be more time-consuming and dangerous due to the high number of accidents on Nepalese roads.
Gear Cost Considerations for the Mardi Himal Trek
You might wonder what gear you need for the Mardi Himal Trek. Well, you’ll need a good pair of hiking boots, a warm sleeping bag, and a tent. But you may not realize that you can save much money by renting gear instead of buying it.
For example, you need a sleeping bag and an inflatable sleeping pad. A good-quality sleeping bag will cost around $100, and a decent inflatable sleeping pad will cost about $50. But if you rent gear from a company like OutdoorLink, you can get both items for just $25 per week.
If you’re planning to do the Mardi Himal Trek on a budget, consider renting your gear instead of buying it. It’ll save you a lot of money in the long run!
Cost of Meals and Snacks During the Trek
Meal times on the Mardi Himal Trek are flexible. You can trek for a few hours in the morning and then stop for lunch, or you can keep going and have a late lunch. The choice is yours!
Cost-wise, it depends on where you eat. If you eat at one of the tea houses along the trail, you can expect to pay anywhere from $3-5 per meal. Remember that prices will be higher the further you get from base camp, so it’s always good to have extra cash on hand.
And, of course, you’ll also need to budget for snacks. We recommend packing snacks from home, like granola bars or trail mix. But if you need to buy snacks along the way, expect to pay $1-2 per item.
Booking a Guide and Porter Services
It’s worth booking a guide and porter services for the Mardi Himal Trek. And my answer to that is: it depends.
If you’re comfortable trekking on your own, you can save money by not booking these services. But it might be worth the extra cost to book these services if you’re not confident in your navigational skills or want someone to help carry your things.
Guide and porter services typically cost around $25-$35 per day, not including tips. So, if you are looking forward to tipping your guide and porters, at least have around 50 dollars in your pocket. When you’re budgeting for the Mardi Himal Trek, make sure to factor in these potential costs.
All in all, the Mardi Himal Trek cost is relatively low compared to other treks and is a great way to see some of the best scenery Nepal has to offer without spending a fortune. If you’re looking for an affordable trek that doesn’t skimp on the amazing views, the Mardi Himal Trek is the perfect option!
