Mardi Himal Trek is an adventurous trek in the Annapurna region of Nepal. The exciting trek passes through alpine forests, serene waterfalls, and rugged hilly terrains. Trekkers will get to experience the natural and cultural landscapes of the region in a short time. It is essential to estimate the cost before starting on any trekking adventure.
Mardi Himal trek cost depends on various factors like meal and accommodation, time of the trek, duration, personal costs, and others. The travel or trekking company also provides packages that vary in facilities and costs. You can book with us for a hassle-free trekking, and travel experience.
Moreover, the virgin unspoiled trails of Mardi Himal foothills provide you with outstanding adventure. This trek is cheaper in comparison to other Base Camp treks like Annapurna Base Camp trek and Everest Base Camp trek. The Mardi Himal trek has an overall cost of around $500 to $700. You can enjoy this short but exciting trek on a limited budget.
Furthermore, this spectacular trek is ideal for those trekkers who have limited budget and time on their schedule. These outstanding packages include meals, transportation, accommodation, and other costs. We provide this trek at a reasonable cost and take care of all logistics so that you can enjoy your trek without any hassles.
Read further to know more about the Mardi Himal trek cost, estimation of costs, and other details.
Mardi Himal Trek Cost Estimation
Meal and Accommodations Cost
Mardi Himal trek cost also largely depends upon meal and accommodation costs which generally changes according to altitude. Food ingredients are not easily available in high-altitude conditions and need to get transported through a porter or yaks. Hence, the price is relatively higher in higher altitudes. The food prices gradually increase as trekkers rise in elevation.
The traditional Nepalese meal of “Dal Bhat” is quite common along the Mardi Himal trek. Trekkers can also get a small variety of western and Chinese cuisine including pizza, pasta, burgers, momos, and others. The meal cost in teahouses of region range around the US $3 to $7.
You also need to hydrate regularly as dehydration can cause altitude sickness among trekkers. You can get bottled water that costs around the US $1-$3 based on altitude conditions. Trekkers generally refill their water bottles in teahouses and then put water purifiers to save costs.
Hot tea, coffee in tea houses are also essential along the trek which costs around the US $1. However, trekkers can also carry tea bags, and coffee powder, and snacks like snickers, chocolate bars, protein bars, and others. This will save you costs in Mardi Himal trek costs.
Trekkers will stay in tea houses along trails that cost you anywhere between the US $5-7 depending upon the altitude and time of travel. There are two beds, a warm and fuzzy blanket, a pillow, and a clean sheet in these rooms in teahouses. Extra facilities like hot water, electronic charging, and wifi costs around the US $1- $2 in these teahouses.
Mardi Himal trek food and accommodation cost depends upon the time of the trek. Off-season treks also offer discounts and free accommodation if you have your meal in the same tea houses.
Transportation and Vehicle Cost
Mardi Himal trek itinerary starts from Kande where you can reach either by a local bus, a 4wd jeep, or a tourist coach. It is a short duration journey to arrive at Kande. A bus ride costs around the US $5- $10 from Kathmandu. Similarly, a tourist coach costs around the US $25 and provides you with incredible facilities.
Alternatively, you can also take a domestic flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara and take a bus drive to Kande. The short flight costs anywhere between the US $50-120 per person based on time of travel. The peak seasons’ flight costs are relatively higher than off-season flight costs. The Pokhara to Kande bus drive costs you around the US $2.
Trekking Gear and Equipment Cost
Trekking Gear and equipment are another important part of the Mardi Himal packing list. You should only pack essential items and not overpack so that you can save costs along the trail. You can find all necessary trekking gear and other equipment at a reasonable cost in shops around Kathmandu.
Trekkers can also hire them from second-hand shops if you intend to use it only once. Toiletries like quick-dry towel, toilet paper, toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, shampoo, sanitizers, and feminine products under the US $30 at shops around Kathmandu.
Clothing like warm winter jackets, windcheaters, trekking pants, shorts, and footwear like trekking boots, crampons, sandals, cost a total of US $100-$200. The quality, brand value, and location you buy these items also change the total cost. Bargaining is quite common and you should bargain well to get a good price for trekking items.
Professional Guide and Porter cost
Mardi Himal trek is a short trek that provides you with incredible adventure passing through dense forests and rugged hilly terrains. Trekkers need a guide in this off-beaten trek as they might get lost in a less walked trail. It is thus essential to hire a professional guide who knows about trails and can lead you to your destination with ease and safety.
A professional guide costs you around the US $20 to $25 per day. The fee includes food, accommodation, and insurance of guides as well. Porters are relatively cheaper and cost around the US $15 – the US $20 per day and based on the luggage’s weight. Some guides work as porters which get known as porter-guides. They charge anywhere between US $15-US $20 in the region.
Visa Cost
Tourists can get a visa on arrival at the only international airport in Nepal that is Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA). The process is quite easy and quick. You can also get an online visa application in advance if you want to remain prepared. The visa costs for 15 days, 30 days, and 90 days are 30 USD, 50 USD, and 125 USD respectively.
Trekking Permits and Entry Fees
The Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit costs around NRs. 100 per person for Nepalese. SAARC nationals have fees of NRs. 1,000 per person. Foreign nationals on the other hand have a fee of NRs. 3,000 per person. Children under the age of 10 can enter this conservation area for free.
Similarly, Trekker’s Information Management System (TIMS) card fees are NRs. 2,000 per person for Free individual trekkers (FIT) and NRs. 1,000 per person for Group trekkers. SAARC nationals require a fee of NRs. 600 per person for FITs NRs. 300 for Group trekkers.
The Nepal Tourism Board’s office provides you with these permits including the TIMS card and Annapurna Conservation Area Project. If you book with a travel agency, you will not have to worry about these hassles as you will get them with ease.
Travel Insurance Cost
Travel insurance is an essential Mardi Himal trek. This incredible trek comes with various risks and challenges. Flight cancellations, medical emergencies, theft, robbery, lost baggage, evacuations and rescues, and others are some of the factors that excellent travel insurance will cover.
The travel insurance package should cover for the altitude of 4000 m and above as you will be mostly trekking in high altitude conditions. A 30 days travel insurance package cost starts from 150 USD and varies significantly according to your desire and requirements. Hence, these were various cost factors for Mardi Himal Trek.
Mardi Himal Trek Miscellaneous Costs
Tipping
Tipping is not a compulsory custom in Nepal. However, in high altitude treks, there is a custom to tip porters and guides. You can tip your guides and porters around 10% of your total trekking cost. However, it depends upon the individual trekker on how much he/she wants to tip porter and guides.
Electronic Charging
Electronic charging is another important aspect of these treks as you might need to contact your loved ones or take pictures during your trek. Electricity is scarce in high-altitude regions hence teahouses charge you for charging your mobiles, cameras, and other electronic gadgets. Charging these devices costs around the US $1 – $3 in these high altitude teahouses along trails.
Hot Showers
Hot showers are a great facility to have in extreme cold high altitude treks like Mardi Himal trek. The electricity is scarce, and thus manual heating of water is necessary for most tea houses. It costs around the US $1 – $3 to have hot showers along with teahouses in this trek. You can also use wet wipes to clean yourself if hot showers are not available.
Wifi and Mobile Connection
You can purchase a local SIM card of either NTC or Ncell for connectivity. You can get these SIM cards with mobile data for around the US $1- $2 initially and then you can recharge it. 4G internet services come at an extra cost.
Besides that, there is also Everest Link Wifi along the Everest region that costs around Rs 200 or the US $0.5 to the US $2 for a use of an hour. The data plan you choose also defines these connectivity costs. However, these facilities get gradually scarce as you move along the trail.
Personal expenses
Personal expenses may include any gifts or souvenirs that you might want to purchase for your family back home. You might also want to taste delicious Yak products and other cuisine. You can also do some charitable activity in remote parts of the trail as well.
Solo Trekking Vs Group Trekking? – The Cheaper Option
Mardi Himal is an outstanding trek in the beautiful Himalayan foothills of the Annapurna region. The solo treks are especially cheaper in comparison than trekking with a group. The solo trek will save you money and also allows you to remain close to nature.
Backpackers generally tend to trek solo to save costs. However, it is always recommended to trek with a professional licensed guide. You can also hire a porter, or a porter-guide or choose to travel in a group assembled by travel agencies.
A comfortable, safe, and easier trek should always be your priority. You will get help in getting permits, the Mardi Himal trek itinerary and routes, accommodation and food, and acclimatization points. Also, group trekking is fun and you do not need to worry about your belongings.
Factors Affecting Mardi Himal Trek Costs
Mardi Himal trek costs factors are those that help you to customize and can reduce the overall cost by significantly.
Trekking Duration
The trekking duration of the Mardi Himal trek affects its cost as well. You can customize trekking duration based on your schedule and requirements. The cost of the foods and accommodations, guide, porter correlates to trekking duration. The longer you stay along the trail, the more are trekking costs. Hence, you need to choose an ideal duration for your trek.
Choice of Transportation
The Mardi Himal trek cost also depends upon transportation used to reach the starting point of the trek. You can either take a local bus to reach Kande from Kathmandu or take a domestic flight to Pokhara and then a drive to Kande. The local bus option is quite cheaper than the flight.
Trek Itinerary or Route
The Mardi Himal trek itinerary has various routes that provide you with an incredibly unique adventure. You can either take the direct route which is a short and cost-effective route or a longer more relaxed route. If you take the direct route, you will have less time for acclimatization and exploration.
The relaxed route on the other hand has an acclimatization filled longer duration route that will cost you extra. Hence, you can decide which route to take based on your schedule and requirements.
Time/season
The time of trek is also a great factor that changes the overall cost of the trek. The off-season Mardi Himal trek is ideal for a budget traveler since there are various discounts available. Autumn and Spring are the peak season for trekking and hence they are costlier in comparison.
The peak season treks are ideal for those who want to trek in a stable weather condition in the company of fellow trekkers. You can select the ideal time for the Mardi Himal trek based on your schedule and requirements.
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Mardi Himal Trek Itinerary
Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Kande
Drive duration: 5-6 hrs
After breakfast, our representative will pick you up from the hotel and take you on a scenic drive to Kande. This beautiful journey passes through incredible hilly landscapes and you can observe green hills, water streams, and terraced farmed hills.
After arriving at Kande, we will start your trek for 1 and a half hours to arrive at the Australian camp. The camp is one of the best viewpoints to observe the panoramic snow-capped mountains of the Himalayas. We will stay overnight at a teahouse in the region.
Day 2: Trek from Australian Camp (2100 m) to Forest Camp (2550 m)
Trek distance: 10km
Trek duration: 4-5 hrs
After having an early morning breakfast, we start our trek from the Australian camp to Forest camp observing incredible views of snow-capped mountains. We pass through Deurali and then leave the main Annapurna Sanctuary trail.
We then move towards an off the beaten trail on the right-hand side that is relatively quiet and passes through a dense forest of rhododendron, oak, hemlock, and maple trees. After a trek of around 4-5 hours, we will arrive at Forest Camp. We will spend the night at a teahouse in a forest camp.
Day 3: Trek from Forest Camp (2550 m) to High Camp (3580 m)
Trek distance: 7 km
Trek duration: 6 hrs
We have an early morning breakfast and start our trek from Forest camp to High camp. We will then ascend along trails with diverse vegetation as you move along trails as there are rhododendrons, moss, ferns, and lichen trees. We climb through the rhododendron forest to arrive at Badal Danda.
From where you can observe Mardi Himal, Hiuchuli, Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, Gangapurna, and others. An hour after trekking above the tree line we trek along Mardi Himal ridge as there are rhododendron bushes along the trail. We will spend the night at a teahouse in High Camp.
Day 4: Trek from High Camp to Low Camp (2990 m) via Mardi Himal Base Camp.
Trek distance: 5 km
Trek duration: 6 hrs
After breakfast, we continue our trek from High camp to Low camp passing through stunning Mardi Himal Base Camp. We also wake up early for an incredible sunrise view. There is a grass trail with steeper sections in a relatively easy path. There are Dzokpos grazing which are hybrids of cows and yaks.
You will also pass through herder’s huts including sheep and goats. You will reach Mardi Himal base camp (4500m) after a trek of three hours and you can observe the panoramic view of Mt. Annapurna South and other peaks of Annapurna Sanctuary including Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail). We will then retrace back to Low Camp following a trail we took earlier in our trek. We will spend the night at a teahouse in Low camp.
Day 5: Trek from Low Camp to Pokhara (850m)
Trek distance: 7.5 km
Trek duration: 6 hrs
We have our breakfast early in the morning and then we continue our trek to Kande. We will trek for around 6/7 hours retracing earlier trails to arrive at Kande from where we drive to Pokhara. We will stay overnight at a hotel in Pokhara as our Mardi Himal trek itinerary comes to end.
Day 6: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu
Drive duration: 6 hrs
We will take a scenic bus drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu. It will take around 6-7 hours to arrive at Kathmandu along serpentine roads. Our representative will pick you up and transfer you to your hotel or desired destination.
How to Reduce the Mardi Himal Trek Cost?
Some of the tips to reduce Mardi Himal Trek cost are as follows:
- Travel in a group is cheaper and cost-effective, and there are also chances of getting discounts on meals and accommodations.
- Pack only that stuff that is essential for a trip to save costs and also reduce your luggage weight.
- Bargaining is quite common along trails and a great way to reduce costs.
- Always carry tea bags and coffee powders so that you can reduce costs on hot beverages like tea and coffee along trails.
- The water purifying tablets are a great alternative to bottled water. You can refill water bottles at teahouses and put these water purifying tablets to make it safe for drinking purposes.
- Eating at the same tea houses where you stay is cost-effective as there are several discounts provided by these teahouses. Some tea houses also offer free accommodation for those trekkers who eat their meals in the same teahouse
- You can carry a portable power bank to reduce charging costs for your electronic gadgets along trails.
- You can also rent trekking gears and equipment that cost around the US $1 – $10 per item in shops around Kathmandu.
Important Tips for Mardi Himal Trek
- Consult a medical professional to tackle altitude sickness.
- Hydration along with proper acclimatization is essential in high-altitude conditions along trails.
- Travel insurance coverage that covers all factors like flight cancellations, medical emergencies, theft, robbery, evacuations, and rescues is also necessary.
- Carry cash along trails in Nepalese Rupees (NRs) as there are no ATMs along remote Mardi Himal trek.
- The trekking route map is a must-have item while trekking.
- Booking is also necessary as teahouses get shocked especially in peak seasons.
- You should also hire a professional guide and a porter.
- Make sure there are feminine hygiene products like sanitary pads, and tampons in huge amounts as they are not available along trails.
- Carrying snacks including chocolate bars, protein bars, granola bars, help you during your cravings along the trek.
The Final Say
The Mardi Himal trek is a great short and exciting trek in the Annapurna region in Nepal. This incredible provides you with an outstanding experience. It costs you around the US $500-$700 on average. Mardi Himal trek cost for Indian nationals is around INR 35000-50000.
The Mardi Himal trek cost is one of the best alternatives to Poon Hill and Annapurna circuit trek. Trekkers can reduce the costs by various means like reducing duration, off-season treks, and others. This trek is ideal for those who trek on a budget and do not have much time on their schedule.
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