Mardi Himal Trek Cost

Mardi Himal Trek Cost

The Mardi Himal Trek is undoubtedly one of the best trekking packages in Nepal, offering top-notch natural and cultural immersion experiences. Since its popularity peaked, the Mardi Himal Trek Cost and logistics have also been discussed among trekkers. Among the various factors that can affect the journey, the cost is one of the most important. The Mardi Himal Trek Cost covers all expenses from the moment you leave your home until you arrive at the Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu.

The Mardi Himal Trek is an amazing journey into the heart of the Himalayas, where you can witness spectacular views of the Mardi Himal peak, glaciers, and different landscapes. In addition, getting involved in Nepali cultures, particularly those of the Sherpa people and Buddhism, is the most influential part of the trek. In addition, it is a journey of self-exploration that brings mental and physical growth through preparation and perseverance.

Trekkers to the Mardi Himal region are also treated to mesmerizing views of famous peaks such as Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and others. Besides, the remarkable view of the Annapurna Sanctuary and the surrounding scenery is amazing. Trekkers can also choose to do different side activities while trekking, such as visiting the traditional villages of Landruk or the ancient monasteries of Ghandruk.

Similarly, Mardi Himal is home to many species of flora and fauna, such as the brightly colored Danphe Monal (Himalayan Monal), the rare Snow Leopard, the Red Panda, the Musk Deer, and many others. Conservation in this area is essential in maintaining the unique biodiversity.

Mardi Himal Trek Cost

Transportation Cost for Mardi Himal Trek

Transportation is the first thing that contributes to the Mardi Himal Trek Cost. Travelers usually start their journey to Mardi Himal Trmek from Pokhara. The first step is getting to Pokhara, which can be done by flying or using road transportation.

Flight costs from Kathmandu to Pokhara are around USD 90 per passenger.

Alternatively, travelers can take public buses or hire a private jeep to get to Pokhara. A bus ride is usually priced at NPR 1000 to NPR 2000 per person. It is worth noting that buses leave from Kathmandu or other nearby towns, such as Nayapul. Regarding a private jeep, the price varies between USD 150 and 250.

Remember that when traveling in larger groups, the transportation expenses can be shared between more passengers, reducing the overall cost.

Accommodation Cost for Mardi Himal Trek

Accommodation is another aspect you must allocate to your Mardi Himal Trek cost. The trekkers will start the journey from Kathmandu, where they will go to the hotel and rest at night. The following day, they will leave for the Mardi Himal Trek.

The hotels provide a variety of amenities, from the simple to the more luxurious, such as a hot shower, AC, 24/7 electricity, and an internet connection. The price for a hotel room could be different, in general between $20 and $200 depending on the services and comfort level.

Trekkers will find tea houses in abundance while walking through the Mardi Himal region, which is a lodging facility at an affordable price. The average amount people pay to stay at a tea house is between USD 5 and USD 10 per night. Tea houses generally have shared bathrooms and bedrooms; some may include extras like hot showers, electricity, and internet connection.

Those who want high-end lodging can always check in at guest houses and hotels during the trek. Such services can cost between $10 and $25 per night. You must carefully plan your route from hotels or tea houses according to your interests and budget.

Food Cost for Mardi Himal Trek

When you allocate a budget for the Mardi Himal Trek, you must consider what you will have for food and what items you want to carry. These are the keys, as they can make your trip so much more expensive and cheap as well. You should also remember what food you will need during your hike.

Some food items are a must when hiking on the Mardi Himal Trek. Snacking is essential because it restores your energy if you get tired. Water is another thing you can’t do without since it prevents you from dehydrating. They are excellent because they are tasty, small, and give you a lot of energy.

The hotels on the Mardi Himal Trek will generally offer you food, so there is no need to worry about it. The money you pay for these meals can vary depending on where you are and what you eat. On average, it is about $5 to $10 a meal. Hence, you will be expected to spend around $15 to $20 on food if you eat twice daily. Breakfasts are very cheap, starting from $2 up to $5. The cost of snacks is also comparable.

However, if you aim to save some cash, you can bring your own food and avoid eating at hotels. This is particularly vital if you camp that you won’t be able to find a hotel for dining. Pack snacks, energy bars, water, and other food for your soothing hiking experience.

Packaging your food can cut costs and increase your independence while hiking. You won’t have to buy hotel meals; everything will be with you. Preparing in advance is advised so you do not run out of food on your trip.
In summary, food is crucial in hiking the Mardi Himal Trek. Packaging snacks and meals can save money and add more energy to your journey.

Equipment Cost: Mardi Himal Trek

The standard Mardi Himal Trek package does not cover the cost of gear and equipment. Trekkers need to have the necessary gear for this expedition. Adequate preparation with quality mountaineering equipment capable of withstanding the Himalayas’ extreme weather and climate conditions is strongly advised.

Mardi Himal Trek Permit Cost

While each trekking destination in Nepal is unique and follows its own steps to prepare for the adventure, the process can be divided into a few standard steps, regardless of the destination. Whether you dream of getting to Everest Base Camp or Annapurna Base Camp, you must get special permits to visit these areas.

Most trekking localities are often situated within protected regions managed as National Parks and Conservation Areas. So it is very crucial to acquire such permits before entering these secluded regions.

For a 5-day Mardi Himal Trek package, trekkers must obtain two permits:

• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit
• TIMS card (Tourist Information Management System)

Obtaining these permits is the mandatory aspect of the trekking expedition; however, without them, the trekking is impossible. Hence, the trekking agency’s fees and logistical services should be part of the package cost to avoid permit fees being left out of the overall cost.

Annapurna Conservation Area Entry Permit

Mardi Himal lies within the Annapurna Conservation Area’s protected borders. Therefore, anyone who wishes to touch this area must obtain a special permit from the Nepalese government through the National Tourism Board.

To receive permission, trekkers must pay a certain amount, which may vary depending on some factors. The Annapurna Conservation Area Entry Permit Fee for foreign trekkers is NPR 3000 per person. In addition, trekkers from South Asian countries (SAARC nations) must pay NPR 1,000 per person for this permit. On a different note, Nepalese walkers can acquire a permit for NPR 100 per person.

TIMS (Trekker’s Information Management System) Card

The TIMS Card (Trekkers Information Management System) is a necessary permit for undertaking the Mardi Himal Trek. You can obtain the TIMS Card from the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu, which is priced at approximately NPR 2000 per person.

When applying for the Mardi Himal Trek permit, several documents are required, including copies of the passport, a valid visa, and passport-sized photos. Additionally, the necessary permit fees and health and travel insurance are essential. Obtaining clearance from trekking agencies is also an important part of the application process.

Guide Cost for Mardi Himal Trek

Guides, undoubtedly, make your Mardi Himal Trek a smooth and enjoyable experience. In Nepal, the government rules that a guide must be hired for each trek, mainly to increase safety in isolated places where hiking alone is prohibited.

This rule became effective on April 1, 2023, and its main task is to ensure the safety of hikers unfamiliar with the area in the woods. Before the Mardi Trek, trekkers must contract a licensed guide specializing in navigation along the hiking route.

In addition, guides help with trail navigation and cultural immersion engagement. With a complete understanding of the communities, landmarks, cultures, traditions, and historical values, they become the treasures of trekking by sharing valuable information on the Mardi region.

Typical guided services cost between $25 and $35 per day, though some guides charge more due to their experience level and the service they provide during the trek. Some guides charge $50 or more daily for their services.

Porter Cost

The porters are the backbone of the Mardi Trek, one of the major factors contributing to the Mardi Himal Trek. The fact that the gear and belongings for the whole duration of the trek need to be managed alone is already a challenge. Therefore, the porter who will help you carry the luggage and backpacks is very important.

Therefore, with a porter taking care of your loads, you will have enough time to thoroughly enjoy the beauty of the Mardi Region. This implies that you can attend cultural events, get involved in discussions with locals, and learn about their life and past.

Generally, porters charge between $20 and $30 per day, with the rates adjusted to the level of skill and weight of goods.

Looking to hire guide porters for Mardi Himal Trek? Blue Lake Travels and Tours offers you the best rate for hiring guides and porters. 

Charging Cost in Mardi Himal Trek

The Mardi Himal Trek, a rewarding journey for outdoor enthusiasts, allows witnessing the majestic Himalayan scenery. This is one of the best moments for photography and videography geeks. But in contrast to this, the charging facilities are necessary to help us stay connected and record the moments we will remember forever.

Teahouses and lodges along the way provide internet service at $1–3 per device. Although they seem small, it is wise to budget for them when you are trekking so that you can get uninterrupted access to electricity during your journey.

Insurance Cost

The Mardi Himal Trek Cost also incorporates insurance, which might cost around $100 to above in Nepal. Blue Lake Tours & Travels Pvt. Ltd. can help you acquire insurance for this trek.
You will need to provide specific details from your insurance policy during the permit application process with the insurance company so that it is evident that you are covered for the trip.

While choosing your insurance, be sure to prefer an organization that has organized outdoor activities before. Nepal, abounding in trekking sites, is the destination of many visitors annually. Mountaineering and trekking are accompanied by altitude-related risks; therefore, appropriate coverage is recommended.

SIM Card and WiFi Cost

Ncell:

When beginning your journey to the Mardi Himal Trek, you can acquire two types of SIM cards: Ncell and NTC. They are also a contributing factor to the Mardi Himal Trek cost. Let’s break them down:

For Ncell, you can go with Ncell’s Wire-Free Plus and access their services. This SIM card provides essential connectivity to Ncell’s mobile network, enabling you to make calls, send texts, and access mobile data.

You can buy the SIM card easily in the city, so you can buy the SIM card in Kathmandu or Pokhara. Its cost depends on Internet data, but it is around $5–$1.

The SIM card offers seamless connectivity to Ncell’s mobile network. It provides the option to choose from a variety of prepaid or postpaid plans, along with access to exclusive offers and promotions.

In addition to the SIM card, Ncell also offers a variety of broadband and Wi-Fi solutions. The cost of Wi-Fi services may vary based on the type of plan and data allocation you choose, providing seamless connectivity for your internet needs.

Ncell’s Wi-Fi services include broadband plans for home or office use, portable Wi-Fi hotspot devices for on-the-go connectivity, and flexible data plans to suit your internet requirements.

NTC

Nepal Telecom (NTC) offers competitive GSM prepaid SIM cards, available at varying initial purchase prices that may be influenced by ongoing promotions or bundled packages. These prepaid SIM cards can be obtained from authorized retail outlets or customer service centers by presenting the required identification documents for activation.

Additionally, the SIM card cost may include an allocated amount of initial credit or data, depending on the specific prepaid plan the user chooses.

NTC provides WiFi services with a diverse range of access plans tailored to the specific needs of its clientele, including daily, weekly, or monthly subscriptions. Customers can access the WiFi services by purchasing vouchers or subscribing to dedicated WiFi packages available through the telecom provider’s official channels.

Notably, the cost of NTC’s WiFi spans various tiers based on factors such as duration of usage, internet speed, and potential inclusion of supplementary features within the subscription plan, offering customers elevated levels of internet connectivity through NTC’s WiFi services.

Mardi Himal Trek Cost-Cutting Tips

Organize for Tea Houses or Campsites

Choosing tea houses or campsites as your lodgings for your trekking can lower your Mardi Himal Trek cost and save you a lot of money. Tea houses provide shared lodging accommodations at low costs, many low-cost dining options, and logistical support. Tea houses are indeed the best way to lower your budget and save money on your trip.

Travel During Off-Peak Seasons

The peak season is undoubtedly spring and autumn in Nepal. The time you spend on a trip will cost you a lot, as everything is in short supply and there is a great demand for it. So, you may opt for off-season trekking for a budget-friendly Mardi Himal Trek cost.

Remember that you may see nature less beautiful than in other seasons, such as landslides and floods during monsoons or excessively heavy snow during winter. Proper gear preparations are important for trekking during off-seasons.

Choose a travel agency wisely.

When we choose a travel agency to make the Mardi Himal Trek safe and cost-efficient, the budget is the priority. Blue Lake Tours and Travels Pvt. Ltd. is the best travel agency in Nepal and can provide reasonably priced deals on stays and trekking packages while ensuring logistical and safety precautions during the trek. You can also take advantage of discounts and offers while booking your trekking through travel agencies to save on your trekking budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I acquire the trekking permit necessary for the Mardi Himal Trek?

You can acquire a trekking permit from the Nepal Tourism Board in Kamaladi, Kathmandu, or Pokhara.

How does the difficulty level of the Mardi Himal Trek compare to other treks in Nepal?

The Mardi Himal Trek is classified as moderately challenging, but it’s notably easier compared to treks like the Everest Base Camp Trek and the Manaslu Circuit Trek.

Are there tea houses or lodges available along the Mardi Himal Trek?

Yes, tea houses and lodges are along the Mardi Himal Trek route. However, their availability is limited, so it is advisable to make reservations in advance to secure accommodation.

What altitude-related risks should I know while trekking the Mardi Himal route?

Altitude-related risks are a concern on the Mardi Himal trek, given that it traverses altitudes exceeding 4500 meters above sea level. Trekkers are therefore constantly at risk of altitude sickness.

Can I undertake the Mardi Himal Trek independently, or is joining a group tour necessary?

While independent trekking was previously permitted, government regulations now require a certified and experienced guide. This ensures safety, especially in the remote sections of the Mardi Himal region.

Are there any cultural protocols I should observe while trekking in the Mardi Himal area?

Respecting local culture and customs is paramount. This includes dressing modestly, seeking permission before photographing locals, and being mindful of and respectful of local traditions.

Is extending the Mardi Himal Trek to include nearby treks or destinations feasible?

Extending the trek to incorporate nearby destinations like Annapurna Base Camp, Ghandruk, or the Annapurna Circuit is possible. Customized itineraries can be arranged through Blue Lake Tours & Travels Pvt. Ltd. to accommodate such extensions.