Trek booking opened for 2024/25 !  A notice for Lukla flight diversion through Manthali Airport from March, April and October and November 2024 !

Wondering how much the Mardi Himal Trek costs? Fret not. This article will break down all the costs and expenses of the trek so you can confidently plan your Mardi Himal Trek itinerary.Mardi Himal Trek is considered a relatively new trek in the Annapurna region. It is quieter and less crowded than the other commercialized routes in the region, like Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Circuit Trek, Australian Camp Trek, Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, etc. The trails go through dense subtropical forests of rhododendrons to highland meadows within the Annapurna Conservation Area. Similarly, you will travel past diverse landscapes, traditional Gurung settlements, age-old monasteries, and gompas along the trail. The Mardi Himal Trek is also an excellent opportunity to witness the mesmerizing mountain vistas of the Annapurna region.

Throughout the trek route, several vantage points along the route offer breathtaking Himalayan views of the Annapurna (I, II, III, IV, South), Dhaulagiri, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre, Lamjung Himal and many more. You can also see the Mardi Himal from close range. The Mardi Himal Trek is one of the most unique and extraordinary treks in the Annapurna. It is a true hidden gem of Annapurna. Route to Mardi Himal combines adventure, gorgeous views, and a rich cultural experience. Moreover, it is easily accessible and affordable. Since the budget is a crucial factor, you need to understand the cost of the trek. There are many factors you need to consider while calculating the trek costs. Let us dive further into the Mardi Himal Trek cost for 2024!

Cost of Trekking Permit and TIMS Card

You will need two permits for the Mardi Himal Trek, which include a TIMS card and an ACAP. The details are as follows: 

TIMS Card

A TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System) card is mandatory for trekking at any destination in Nepal. Hence, you will also need to obtain the card for the Mardi Himal Trek. The card records the vital information of the trekkers. You must provide personal information, a detailed itinerary of the Mardi Himal Trek, accommodations, and emergency contact numbers. It helps to track the trekkers and ensure their safety during the trek. Similarly, the information is vital to find their whereabouts during natural disasters.

The cost of the TIMS card is different for SAARC and non-SAARC nationals. Likewise, the cost also varies for group and individual trekkers. The costs are as follows:

  • SAARC national (Individual): NPR 600
  • SAARC national (Group): NPR 300
  • Non-SAARC national (Individual): NPR 1000
  • Non-SAARC national (Group): NPR 2000

ACAP

The Mardi Himal trails and Mardi Base Camp fall within the Annapurna Conservation Area. You will start trekking from Deurali. From here, you will trek to Forest Camp, Badal Danda, and then to Mardi Himal Base Camp (you will trek from low camp to high camp). It is a protected area which requires an entry permit for access. Hence, trekkers must obtain the Annapurna Conservation Area Entry Permit (ACAP) for the Mardi Himal Trek. The costs of the ACAP are as follows: 

  • SAARC national: NPR 1000
  • Non-SAARC national: NPR 3000

Trekking Guide and Porter Tips & Cost

As of April 2023, the new trekking rule has made it mandatory to hire a licensed guide for trekking in Nepal. Hence, a guide for the Mardi Himal is compulsory. You can hire one from a local registered trekking operator. Meanwhile, hiring a porter is a trekker’s choice.

View from Mardi Himal Trek
Mardi Base Camp

Guides play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of the trekkers. Similarly, governments plan to promote sustainability and ecotourism through them. Hiring a guide also makes the trek more comfortable and enriching. They are usually locals of the region and have local expertise. They offer valuable insights and fascinating information, which make the experience more immersive. The cost of hiring a licensed and experienced guide to trek to Mardi is around USD 25 to USD 30 per day. 

Porters play a crucial role in making the journey baggage-free. They help remove physical strain on trekkers and minimize the risk of injuries and overexertion. Porters can carry weights up to 20 kilograms. Hiring a porter costs around USD 22 to USD 27 per day.

These costs cover the salary, food, and accommodation of the guides and porters. Almost all travel agencies’ Mardi Himal Trek package covers guides and porter fees. So, check with your trek agencies while booking the package. 

Cost of Accommodation

In city areas like Kathmandu and Pokhara, there are various accommodation options. You can find luxurious five-star hotels, tourist guesthouses, and even budget-friendly hostels. When you go to these cities’ outskirts, the options become limited. You can still find hotels and lodges with proper facilities in lower regions. As you move to higher altitude regions, you will only find basic accommodations like teahouses, lodges, inns, and homestays. 

Five-star hotels usually charge USD 160 to USD 200 per night for bed and breakfast. Similarly, the cost per night in three-star hotels is usually around USD 70 to USD 140. Tourist hotels and lodges are the most affordable options. They provide bed and breakfast facilities from USD 30 to USD 50 per night. For more budget-friendly options, you can also find hostels that charge USD 4 to USD 6 per bed per night. 

As you move to higher elevations, the accommodations get cheaper, but the facilities are limited. The rooms are usually on a shared basis, and the bathrooms are communal. The teahouses charge USD 4 to USD 12 per night, while the homestays charge USD 6 to USD 16 per night during Mardi Trek. 

Travel insurance costs

Travel insurance is mandatory for the Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek as it is a high-altitude trek with some risks. You never know when you will encounter unforeseen events or get injured. The highest point of the Mardi trek is 4,500 meters above sea level. Hence, there is also a chance that trekkers will experience altitude-related sickness. At such times, travel insurance offers a safety net for trekkers and peace of mind during the journey.

The travel insurance for trekking to Mardi Himal Base Camp should cover high-altitude trekking and medical bills, including altitude sickness, helicopter rescue expenses, luggage loss, trip cancellation/ postponement, and emergency expenses. While buying the insurance, ensure you understand all the terms and policies. 

Usually, high-altitude travel insurance that covers altitudes up to 6,000 meters costs between USD 50 and USD 100 for one to two weeks. This insurance covers altitude sickness, helicopter rescue, and other trek-related risks. There is also comprehensive adventure insurance, which costs USD 100 to USD 150 for two weeks. This insurance covers high-altitude, helicopter rescue, trip cancellation/ postponement, baggage loss, medical bills, and other trek-related safety coverage.

Emergency Helicopter Rescue Cost 

Mardi Himal Trek is safe, and its trails are in good condition. However, unfortunate events can take place at any time. Despite proper precautions, trekkers can get injured or sick during the trek. Moreover, due to its remote locations, there are no proper hospitals or medical centers along the route. At such times, helicopter rescue is the only way to provide immediate assistance.

The cost of helicopter rescue for Mardi Himal can range from USD 3000 to USD 5000 for a single operation. It can vary depending on the location, distance, and altitude of the nearest medical center or hospital. Usually, the nearest hospital is either in Pokhara or in Kathmandu.

Travel insurance covers helicopter rescue operations during high-altitude trekking. If it does not or you do not have insurance, you must cover the cost upfront, or someone must pay on your behalf. Therefore, trekkers must check the policy and ensure the insurance covers helicopter rescue in high-altitude regions. 

Miscellaneous Mardi Himal Trek Cost

The accommodations along the Mardi Himal route provide internet and hot shower services. However, you must pay an extra charge for these services, which are separate from the trip package. Hence, it is the trekkers’ personal expense. 

Internet 

In urban city areas like Kathmandu and Pokhara, hotels and lodges offer free internet services. Similarly, the accommodations in lower regions also provide free internet. However, as you trek to higher elevations, the location becomes more remote, and facilities become basic. As a result, you will have to pay an additional charge of USD 1 to USD 1.5 for hourly internet services at higher elevations. The connection is usually very poor and unsuitable for heavy data-intensive work. 

Hot Shower

Like internet services, hot shower facilities are freely available at accommodations in city areas but are limited in higher regions. There is a lack of electricity in higher altitude areas, and solar power may not work properly either. Due to these reasons, the availability of hot showers is limited and, in some areas, non-existent. Therefore, accommodations can charge USD 2 to USD 3 for a single hot shower, depending on the region. 

Mardi Himal Trek Food and Drinks Cost

You can find various food options in the Mardi Himal Trek, including Nepali, Indian, Chinese, and other Western cuisines. The most affordable and filling meal is the staple Nepali dish, Dal Bhat. It comprises rice, lentil soup, curries, vegetables, and pickles. It is high in carbohydrates, making it a perfect meal to energize you during the trek. The other menus include momo (dumplings), chow mien, thukpa, soup, stew, salad, pasta, noodles, bread, roti, curries, french fries, sandwiches, etc.

Dal Bhat meals can cost anywhere from USD 3 to USD 8. Other meals range from USD 4 to USD 9. Likewise, bottled water costs around USD 2 in higher regions. The price for tea and coffee is around USD 1 to USD 3. You must remember that food and drinks are slightly more expensive in higher altitude regions than in lower altitude areas. 

Transportation Cost

Kathmandu to Pokhara 

You will start the Trek from Pokhara. It’s similar to that of the combined annapurna base camp & mardi himal trek. There are two ways to get to Pokhara from Kathmandu: roadway and airway. The airway is the fastest and most convinent method of traveling. However, it is also expensive. It takes 25 minutes of flight to travel from Kathmandu to Pokhara. You can either take a commercial flight or charter a helicopter. The commercial flight costs around USD 110 to USD 150 per person for one-way. Meanwhile, it costs around USD 2000 for one-way.

Taking a roadway is cheaper, but depending on the road conditions, it takes 7 to 9 hours to get from Kathmandu to Pokhara. There are several transportation methods for traveling via roadway. You can take local buses, tourist buses, private cars, or jeeps.

Hiking in Mardi Himal Trek

The local buses are the cheapest means of transportation and cost around USD 6 to USD 10 per person. However, they are usually crowded and uncomfortable and make frequent stops, which makes the journey longer. The tourist buses are luxurious and comfortable. They stop at designated places and include facilities like air conditioning and WiFi. The cost of a tourist bus ranges between USD 10 and USD 25 per person.

Private cars and jeeps are more convenient than buses. However, they accommodate only a few passengers and are ideal for smaller groups. It is faster and convinent, as you can make flexible stops during the drive. Hiring private cars and jeeps costs between USD 100 and USD 150 per person. You can choose the most suitable transportation method based on your budget and preference. 

Pokhara to Deurali

Deurali is the starting point for the trek in the Mardi Himal. It takes 3 to 4 hours of jeep ride from Pokhara to reach Deurali. You can take either a shared jeep or hire a private one. Sharing a jeep is suitable for smaller groups, costing around USD 6 to USD 10 per person. Meanwhile, it takes USD 50 to USD 70 for one way when you travel by private jeep. From Deurali, you will start trekking to Deurali.

Then, you will trek from Forest Camp to Badal Danda. From here, you will trek to Mardi Himal Lower Base Camp. Then, you will ascend from Mardi Himal High Camp to Mardi Himal Base Camp. Then, you will descend back to the high camp and trek to the low camp. 

Mardi Himal Trek Cost for Independent Trekkers

Mardi Himal Trek offers an affordable option for independent trekkers. It is a short trek that takes 5 to 9 days to complete. It is a great alternative to escape the busy trails of Everest Base Camp Trek and Annapurna Base Camp Trek. Depending on the itinerary and services, the trek costs USD 500 to USD 800. There are various trip packages with varying services that cater to independent trekkers. Before you jump to a conclusion, make sure you do research and look at tour packages, including all the included and excluded items. Also, check the itinerary to see whether it matches your preferences and budget.

Nepal Alternative Treks is one of the leading trekking agencies in Nepal, offering outstanding services at reasonable prices. Our 6 Days Mardi Himal Trek starts from USD 560 for independent trekkers. The package covers airport transfer, transportation, accommodation, and meals during the trek. It also includes a licensed and English-speaking guide, porter, permits, and maps. So, Mardi Himal Trek with us is both a budget-friendly and memorable experience.

How Much Does the Mardi Himal Trek Cost?

Mardi Himal Trek cost for Nepalese

The Mardi Himal Trek cost for Nepali is usually much lower than that of foreigners. Nepali trekkers do not require a TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) card to trek. They must acquire the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), which costs only NPR 100 per person. The transportation costs from Pokhara to Deurali by local jeep are between NPR 300 and NPR 500 per person. Meanwhile, hiring a private jeep can cost around NPR 2500 to NPR 4000 per person.

The price for accommodation for Nepali trekkers can range from NPR 300 to NPR 1000 per night, depending on the altitude. Likewise, the meal can cost around NPR 300 to NPR 600 per meal. Nepalese trekkers do not need to hire a licensed guide. However, if you want to hire one, it can cost anywhere from NPR 2000 to NPR 3000 per day. The porter fee is usually between NPR 1500 and NPR 2000 per day. 

Similarly, other costs, such as bottled water, are NPR 50 to 100, the internet is NPR 50 to 100 per hour, and a hot shower is NPR 200 to NPR 500, depending on the altitude. The Mardi Himal Trek usually costs around NPR 10,000 to NPR 15,000 per person, depending on the trek itinerary, duration, and services.

Mardi Himal Trek cost for foreigner

The Mardi Himal Trek cost for foreigners is higher than for Nepali. First, they will require travel insurance and a guide. Transportation is different for local buses and jeeps. It usually costs more to travel on a private jeep. They will also need a TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) card and an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). The TIMS card costs USD 30. Meanwhile, the ACAP cost differs for SAARC and non-SAARC nationals as well as for group and individual trekkers. 

Accommodation costs between USD 4 and USD 16 per night. You must pay additional hot water and internet charges, around USD 2. Hiring a guide costs around USD 25 to USD 30. Hiring a porter is optional but highly recommended. A single guide fee is aorund USD 22 to USD 27 per day. Meals during the trek cost USD 3 to USD 9. Bottled water prices are around USD 2, and tea/coffee prices range from USD 1 to USD 3.

Mardi Himal Trek is a relatively new trek destination. You will start the trek from Deurali. Within 5 to 9 days, you can complete the trek. From experience to beginners, anyone with reasonable health can complete this trek. The best time to do the Mardi Trek is during spring and autumn. But it is also the peak trek season, and trekking at these times is slightly more expensive. 

The hike to Mardi Himal Base Camp package for foreigners is usually between USD 560 and USD 900. Many trekking agencies offer group discounts. Note that the packages do not include personal expenses, such as visas, insurance, internet, hot showers, souvenir shopping, drinks other than those included in the meals, etc. So, read and understand what is included and excluded in the trip package before you book Mardi Himal Trek. 

FAQs

What is Mardi Himal famous for?

Mardi Himal is famous for its less crowded and adventurous trek, which is short but enriching. It is a relatively newer trek destination in the Annapurna region. Similarly, the trek offers spectacular views of stunning mountain panoramas. Its serene and off-beat trekking route is an incredible journey that offers a quick escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

How much is the Mardi Himal Trek?

The cost of the Mardi Himal Trek ranges from USD 560 to USD 900, depending on the services. The trek package cost is influenced by various factors, including trek duration, season, number of people in a group, and types of services. The trek package includes accommodation, meals, transportation, guides, and porter fees.

Is Mardi Himal Trek difficult?

Mardi Himal is a moderate trek that requires good health and fitness. The Mardi Himal trek route requires you to ascend and descend on varied terrains. Similarly, the average trekking hours per day is 7 to 8 hours. Mardi Himal is also a high-altitude trek. You must prepare to climb to an altitude of 4500 meters and take precautions to avoid altitude sickness. 

How much is the permit for Mardi Himal?

The Mardi Himal Trek requires two permits: a TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System) card and an ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit), the costs of which vary. The TIMS card costs USD 20 per person. Meanwhile, the ACAP costs USD 30 per person. You can only obtain the permits through a registered trekking agency in Nepal. 

Can you do Mardi Himal without a guide?

As of April 2023, the new trekking rule is that hiring a licensed guide is mandatory for trekking in Nepal. Therefore, you must hire a licensed guide via a registered trekking agency for the Mardi Himal Trek. Guides are crucial in making your trek journey safe, comfortable, and enriching. In addition to navigating trails, they offer local expertise and insights.

Tej Bahadur Gurung

With an experience of almost two decades, founder Mr. Tej Bahadur Gurung has established Nepal Alternative Treks as a widely recognized and reliable tourism operator. His degree in Tourism Studies and devotion to the sector has given him in-depth knowledge about trekking, climbing, cultural, and geological aspects of the country. He is a pioneer in introducing the concept of ‘off-beaten tracks’ and ‘alternative routes’ as well as treks and tour packages surrounding it.

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