- Total cost at a glance
- Full cost breakdown
- Permits
- Guide
- Porter
- Accommodation
- Food
- Transport
- What is included in a guided package
- Hidden costs and extras
- Tipping your guide and porter
- Do you need a guide? The 2026 rules
- How to save money on Mardi Himal
- Cost by season
- How much cash to carry
- How Mardi Himal compares to other treks
- Travel insurance
- Getting to the trailhead: transport costs
- Gear rental costs in Pokhara
- Frequently asked questions
Related Tour (toast): tour-mardi-himal-trek
Related Tours: tour-mardi-himal-trek, tour-ghorepani-poon-hill-trek, tour-annapurna-base-camp-trek
A fully guided Mardi Himal trek costs $550 to $750 per person for 7 to 11 days, covering permits, guide, porter, meals, accommodation, and local transport. Mountain Hawk Trek runs the 11-day package at $625 ($57 per day). Budget trekkers managing their own logistics spend $350 to $450. Add $100 to $150 for tips, hot showers, wifi, and other extras not included in any package.
A fully guided Mardi Himal trek costs $550 to $750 per person for 7 to 11 days, covering permits, guide, porter, meals, accommodation, and local transport. Mountain Hawk Trek runs the 11-day package at $625 ($57 per day). Budget trekkers managing their own logistics spend $350 to $450. Add $100 to $150 for tips, hot showers, wifi, and other extras not included in any package.
Total cost at a glance
Three budget tiers, each assuming a 7 to 11 day trek from Pokhara.
| Budget Tier | Daily Cost | Total Cost | What You Get |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget (independent) | $40 to $55/day | $350 to $450 | Permits, teahouse rooms, meals, local transport. No guide or porter. Gear rental separate. |
| Standard (guided) | $55 to $75/day | $550 to $750 | Everything above plus licensed guide, porter, airport transfers, all meals on trail. |
| Comfort (premium) | $80 to $110/day | $700 to $1,000 | Private guide, upgraded rooms where available, packed lunches, gear provided, flexible itinerary. |
These numbers cover the trek itself. They do not include international flights to Nepal, Kathmandu hotel nights, Kathmandu-to-Pokhara transport, travel insurance, or personal gear purchases. Those add $200 to $600 depending on where you fly from and what gear you already own.
Mountain Hawk Trek's Mardi Himal Trek package sits at $625 for 11 days. That works out to $57 per day, all-in: permits, guide, porter, three meals daily, teahouse accommodation, and Pokhara-to-trailhead transport.
Full cost breakdown
Here is every line item you will pay for on the Mardi Himal trek, whether you book a package or go independent.
Permits
Two permits are required for the Mardi Himal trek. Both are issued same-day at the permit counter in Pokhara. Your guide handles the paperwork if you have one.
| Permit | Foreign Trekker | SAARC National | Nepali |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area) | NPR 3,000 ($23) | NPR 200 | NPR 100 |
| TIMS card (Trekkers Information Management System) | NPR 2,000 ($15) | NPR 600 | Free |
| **Total permits** | **NPR 5,000 ($38)** | **NPR 800 ($6)** | **NPR 100 ($0.75)** |
Permits are included in most guided packages. If you trek independently, you pay these yourself at the counter. No advance application is needed. Bring your passport and two passport-size photos.
Guide
Nepal introduced a mandatory guide rule in April 2023 for foreign trekkers in national parks and conservation areas. The Annapurna Conservation Area falls under this rule. As of 2026, the regulation is unevenly enforced on the Mardi Himal route, but permit checkpoints do ask for guide documentation.
| Arrangement | Daily Cost | 11-Day Total |
|---|---|---|
| Licensed trekking guide | $25 to $40/day | $275 to $440 |
| Porter-guide (carries your bag + guides) | $20 to $30/day | $220 to $330 |
A licensed guide holds a government-issued trekking guide license and speaks English (or your language). A porter-guide carries up to 20kg of your gear and also navigates the route. For Mardi Himal, which has a straightforward trail, a porter-guide is the most common and cost-effective option.
In a guided package, the guide cost is bundled into the total price. You do not pay the guide directly. Tips are separate (covered below).
Porter
| Arrangement | Daily Cost | 11-Day Total |
|---|---|---|
| Porter (carries gear only) | $15 to $22/day | $165 to $242 |
| Porter-guide (carries + guides) | $20 to $30/day | $220 to $330 |
One porter typically carries bags for two trekkers (up to 25 to 30kg combined). If you are trekking as a couple or pair, you split the porter cost. Solo trekkers pay the full rate for one porter.
Most trekkers on Mardi Himal skip the separate porter and go with a porter-guide who does both jobs. This saves $15 to $20 per day compared to hiring a guide and porter separately.
Accommodation
Teahouse rooms on the Mardi Himal route range from basic wooden rooms at lower elevations to slightly more rustic lodges at High Camp (3,580m).
| Location | Room Cost Per Night | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Kande / Pothana | NPR 300 to 500 ($2 to $4) | Multiple lodges, good availability |
| Forest Camp (2,520m) | NPR 400 to 700 ($3 to $5) | Fewer lodges than lower stops |
| Low Camp (2,990m) | NPR 500 to 800 ($4 to $6) | Basic rooms, limited options |
| High Camp (3,580m) | NPR 500 to 1,000 ($4 to $8) | Most basic rooms on the route |
| Upper Viewpoint (4,500m) | NPR 500 to 800 ($4 to $6) | Seasonal, may be closed in winter |
Room costs are per room, not per person. If you are sharing with a trekking partner, the per-person cost halves.
Most teahouses operate on a "cheap room, expensive food" model. They keep room prices low and make their margin on meals. Some will offer free rooms if you commit to eating all meals at their lodge.
Total accommodation cost for a 7-day trek: NPR 2,800 to 5,000 ($21 to $38). For the full 11-day itinerary including Pokhara nights: $30 to $55.
Food
Food on the trail is more expensive than in Pokhara or Kathmandu, and prices rise with altitude. Here is what meals cost at different points on the route.
| Meal | Lower Trail (under 2,500m) | Upper Trail (above 2,500m) |
|---|---|---|
| Dal bhat (rice, lentils, vegetables) | NPR 500 to 700 ($4 to $5) | NPR 700 to 1,000 ($5 to $8) |
| Fried rice or noodles | NPR 400 to 600 ($3 to $5) | NPR 600 to 900 ($5 to $7) |
| Pasta / macaroni | NPR 400 to 600 ($3 to $5) | NPR 600 to 800 ($5 to $6) |
| Eggs (2, any style) | NPR 200 to 300 ($1.50 to $2.50) | NPR 300 to 500 ($2.50 to $4) |
| Tea / coffee | NPR 100 to 150 ($0.75 to $1.20) | NPR 150 to 250 ($1.20 to $2) |
| Bottled water (1L) | NPR 100 to 150 ($0.75 to $1.20) | NPR 200 to 350 ($1.50 to $2.70) |
The dal bhat strategy. Dal bhat is the cheapest filling meal on the trail, and most teahouses offer unlimited refills. Two dal bhats per day (lunch and dinner) plus eggs and tea for breakfast keeps your daily food bill around $12 to $16 at lower elevations and $15 to $22 at higher stops.
Budget for $15 to $20 per day on food if you are eating at teahouses independently. Over 7 trekking days, that is $105 to $140 total.
Guided packages include three meals per day on the trail. The food comes from the same teahouse kitchens, but you do not pay per meal. This removes the daily calculation and avoids the sticker shock of altitude pricing.
Transport
| Route | Mode | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Kathmandu to Pokhara | Tourist bus (6 to 7 hours) | NPR 1,200 to 2,000 ($9 to $15) |
| Kathmandu to Pokhara | Domestic flight (25 minutes) | $80 to $130 one way |
| Pokhara to Kande (trailhead) | Shared jeep / taxi | NPR 1,500 to 3,000 ($11 to $23) |
| Sidhing to Pokhara (return) | Shared jeep | NPR 1,000 to 2,000 ($8 to $15) |
Most guided packages include Pokhara-to-trailhead and trailhead-to-Pokhara transport but not the Kathmandu-to-Pokhara leg. Confirm what is included before booking.
The tourist bus from Kathmandu to Pokhara is the most popular option. It departs early morning from the tourist bus park in Kathmandu and arrives in Pokhara by early afternoon. Domestic flights are faster but more expensive and subject to cancellation in bad weather.
What is included in a guided package
Not all packages cover the same things. Here is what a standard guided Mardi Himal trek package typically includes, and what it does not.
| Included | Not Included |
|---|---|
| ACAP and TIMS permits | International flights to Nepal |
| Licensed guide | Nepal visa ($30 for 15 days, $50 for 30 days) |
| Porter or porter-guide | Travel insurance |
| Three meals daily on trek | Kathmandu to Pokhara transport (some include it) |
| Teahouse accommodation on trek | Hotel in Kathmandu |
| Pokhara to trailhead transport | Hot showers on trail |
| Airport/hotel pickup in Pokhara | Wifi on trail |
| First aid kit | Phone charging on trail |
| Alcoholic drinks | |
| Tips for guide and porter | |
| Personal gear and clothing | |
| Snacks and extra bottled water |
When comparing package prices between agencies, check the "not included" list. A $400 package that excludes meals and permits is not cheaper than a $625 package that includes both. The total out-of-pocket cost ends up similar, but the $625 package removes the daily arithmetic.
Hidden costs and extras
These are the costs that do not appear in any package price but show up on the trail. Budget $100 to $150 total for a 7 to 11 day trek.
| Extra | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hot shower | NPR 300 to 700 ($2 to $5) per shower | Solar-heated at lower stops, gas-heated higher up. Not available at all lodges. |
| Wifi | NPR 200 to 500 ($1.50 to $4) per day | Speed varies. Often barely functional above Forest Camp. |
| Phone / device charging | NPR 100 to 400 ($0.75 to $3) per charge | Higher at altitude. Bring a power bank to avoid this. |
| Bottled water (1L) | NPR 100 to 350 ($0.75 to $2.70) | Costs rise steeply with altitude. Water purification tablets ($5 to $8 for 50 tablets) save money over a week. |
| Snacks (chocolate, biscuits) | NPR 150 to 400 ($1 to $3) per item | Prices double above Forest Camp. Stock up in Pokhara. |
| Beer or alcohol | NPR 500 to 900 ($4 to $7) per bottle | Available at most teahouses. Expensive at altitude. |
| Laundry | NPR 300 to 500 ($2 to $4) per kg | Not widely available. Most trekkers hand-wash. |
The power bank trick. A 20,000mAh power bank costs NPR 2,000 to 3,000 ($15 to $23) in Pokhara and provides 4 to 5 full phone charges. Over 7 days of trekking, that saves NPR 700 to 2,800 ($5 to $21) in charging fees. You break even on day 3.
Water purification over bottled water. A bottle of Aqua Tabs (50 tablets) costs $5 to $8 in Pokhara. Each tablet treats 1 liter. At altitude, bottled water costs NPR 250 to 350 per liter. The tabs pay for themselves after 3 liters, and you generate zero plastic waste.
Tipping your guide and porter
Tipping is not mandatory in Nepal, but it is expected and appreciated. Guides and porters earn modest base salaries. Tips make a real difference to their income.
| Role | Recommended Tip Per Day | 7-Day Trek Total | 11-Day Trek Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guide | $5 to $8/day | $35 to $56 | $55 to $88 |
| Porter | $4 to $6/day | $28 to $42 | $44 to $66 |
| Porter-guide | $7 to $10/day | $49 to $70 | $77 to $110 |
Tips are given in Nepali rupees at the end of the trek, usually on the last trekking day or back in Pokhara. Hand the tip directly to the person. If you had a guide and a porter, tip each individually.
For a solo trekker with a porter-guide on an 11-day trek, budget $77 to $110 for tips. For a couple sharing one porter-guide, each person tips $40 to $55.
If the service was average, tip at the lower end. If your guide went out of their way (route advice, cultural context, helped with altitude concerns), tip at the higher end. There is no formula. Tip what feels right to you.
Do you need a guide? The 2026 rules
Nepal's government introduced a mandatory guide rule in April 2023 for all foreign trekkers in national parks and conservation areas. The Mardi Himal trail falls within the Annapurna Conservation Area.
In practice, enforcement is inconsistent. Some permit checkpoints ask for guide documentation. Others wave you through. The rule does not apply to Nepali citizens or SAARC nationals.
What does this mean for costs? If you planned to trek independently to save money, the mandatory guide adds $25 to $40 per day to your budget. For a 7-day trek, that is $175 to $280 in guide fees alone.
The math changes when you factor in what the guide replaces. An independent trekker pays for meals ($15 to $20/day), rooms ($3 to $8/day), permits ($38), and transport ($20 to $40) individually. The daily cost comes to $40 to $55. A guided package that bundles all of that plus the guide runs $55 to $75 per day. The actual premium for having a guide is $15 to $20 per day, not $25 to $40, because the package gets wholesale rates on rooms and meals.
For a 7-day independent trek at $45/day ($315) plus guide ($210) = $525 total. A 7-day guided package at $65/day = $455 total. The package is actually cheaper because agencies negotiate teahouse rates that walk-in trekkers cannot access.
How to save money on Mardi Himal
Choose the right duration. The 5-day fast itinerary (Kande to High Camp and back) costs less than the 11-day itinerary simply because you spend fewer nights on the trail. But the per-day cost is higher because transport and permits are fixed costs spread over fewer days.
Trek in shoulder season. March, May, September, and early December see 10 to 20 percent lower prices on both teahouse rooms and guided packages compared to peak October and April. The weather is less predictable, but the savings are real.
Rent gear in Pokhara, not Kathmandu. Pokhara's Lakeside shops charge 20 to 30 percent less than Thamel for the same sleeping bags, down jackets, and trekking poles. Sleeping bag rental runs NPR 100 to 200 ($0.75 to $1.50) per day. Down jacket rental is NPR 100 to 150 per day. Over 7 days, renting both costs $10 to $20 total.
Eat dal bhat. It is the cheapest filling meal on every teahouse menu and comes with unlimited refills at most lodges. Two dal bhats per day keeps your food cost $3 to $5 lower than ordering fried rice, pasta, or Western dishes.
Carry a power bank and water purification. These two items together cost $20 to $30 upfront and save $10 to $40 over a week of trekking by eliminating charging fees and bottled water purchases.
Book with a local agency. International agencies mark up Nepal treks by 40 to 100 percent because they pay commission to booking platforms and maintain overseas offices. A Kathmandu or Pokhara-based agency gives you the same guide, same trail, same teahouses, and keeps the savings.
Trek as a pair or group. Guide and porter costs are shared between trekkers. A solo trekker pays $25 to $40 per day for a guide. Two trekkers pay $12 to $20 each. A group of four pays $6 to $10 each. The per-person savings compound over a week.
Cost by season
| Season | Guide/Porter Rate | Teahouse Room Rate | Package Pricing | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peak (Oct, Nov, Apr) | Standard | Standard to high | Full price | Best weather, busiest trail |
| Shoulder (Mar, May, Sep, early Dec) | 10 to 15% lower | 10 to 20% lower | 10 to 20% discount | Good weather with fewer trekkers |
| Off-season (late Dec, Jan, Feb) | 15 to 25% lower | 20 to 30% lower | 15 to 30% discount | Cold, clear, very quiet |
| Monsoon (Jun, Jul, Aug) | 20 to 30% lower | 30%+ lower | Largest discounts | Rain, leeches, limited views. Not recommended. |
The biggest seasonal swing is in teahouse room rates. A room that costs NPR 800 in October might go for NPR 300 in January. Food prices stay roughly constant year-round because ingredient costs do not change with trekker volume.
For the best balance of cost and conditions, March and early December are the sweet spots. You get shoulder-season pricing with acceptable weather.
How much cash to carry
There are no ATMs on the Mardi Himal trail. The last ATM is in Pokhara. Withdraw enough Nepali rupees to cover your entire trek before you leave town.
| Expense Category | Budget for 7 Days | Budget for 11 Days |
|---|---|---|
| Extras (showers, wifi, charging, snacks) | NPR 7,000 to 12,000 ($53 to $92) | NPR 10,000 to 18,000 ($77 to $138) |
| Tips (guide + porter) | NPR 9,000 to 15,000 ($69 to $115) | NPR 13,000 to 19,000 ($100 to $146) |
| Emergency buffer | NPR 5,000 ($38) | NPR 5,000 ($38) |
| **Total cash needed** | **NPR 21,000 to 32,000 ($160 to $245)** | **NPR 28,000 to 42,000 ($215 to $323)** |
If you are on a guided package, your trek costs (food, room, permits, transport) are already paid. The cash above covers only extras, tips, and emergencies.
If you are trekking independently, add your daily food and room budget (roughly NPR 2,500 to 3,500 per day) to the numbers above.
Exchange rates. Change money in Pokhara, not at the airport or in Kathmandu tourist areas. Lakeside money changers in Pokhara offer rates within 1 to 2 percent of the interbank rate. ATM withdrawals carry a NPR 500 fee per transaction, with a typical limit of NPR 35,000 per withdrawal.
Cards on the trail. No teahouse on the Mardi Himal route accepts credit or debit cards. Cash only. Some Pokhara agencies accept cards for package bookings (with a 3 to 4 percent surcharge).
How Mardi Himal compares to other treks
Mardi Himal is one of the cheapest guided treks in the Annapurna region. Here is how it stacks up against the alternatives.
| Trek | Duration | MHT Package Price | Per Day | Difficulty | Max Altitude |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mardi Himal | 11 days | $625 | $57 | Easy | 4,500m |
| Poon Hill (Ghorepani) | 10 days | $675 | $68 | Easy | 3,210m |
| Annapurna Base Camp | 16 days | $1,275 | $80 | Moderate | 4,130m |
| Langtang Valley | 11 days | $775 | $70 | Easy | 3,870m |
| Manaslu Circuit | 18 days | $1,575 | $88 | Moderate | 5,106m |
| Everest Base Camp | 14 days | $1,775 | $127 | Strenuous | 5,364m |
At $57 per day, Mardi Himal is the lowest per-day cost of any multi-day guided trek in Nepal. The Poon Hill trek is shorter but costs more per day because the fixed costs (permits, guide, transport) spread over fewer trekking days.
Is Mardi Himal cheaper than Annapurna Base Camp? Yes. The ABC trek costs roughly $650 more and takes 5 extra days. If your budget or time is limited, Mardi Himal gives you a 4,500m summit viewpoint, Annapurna and Machhapuchhre views, and a genuine mountain experience at 44 percent less than ABC.
For a detailed comparison of Annapurna region treks, see our Poon Hill vs Mardi Himal vs ABC comparison.
Travel insurance
Travel insurance that covers trekking up to 4,500m (Mardi Himal's upper viewpoint) costs $50 to $120 for a 2 to 3 week trip, depending on your home country and the provider.
What matters for Nepal trekking insurance:
| Coverage | Why It Matters | What to Check |
|---|---|---|
| Altitude limit | Must cover up to 4,500m for Mardi Himal | Some policies cap at 3,000m or 4,000m |
| Helicopter evacuation | Rescue helicopters cost $3,000 to $5,000 per flight | Confirm the policy covers helicopter rescue, not just ground ambulance |
| Trip cancellation | Lukla flights get cancelled, weather changes plans | Covers non-refundable costs if you cannot complete the trek |
| Medical treatment | Hospital care in Kathmandu | Verify coverage for Nepal specifically |
Do you need travel insurance for Mardi Himal? It is not legally required, but it would be reckless to trek without it. A helicopter evacuation from High Camp costs $3,000 to $5,000 out of pocket. Insurance that covers it costs $50 to $120.
Getting to the trailhead: transport costs
The Mardi Himal trek starts from Kande, a 45-minute drive from Pokhara's Lakeside tourist area. Most trekkers base themselves in Pokhara for a night before the trek.
From Kathmandu to Pokhara:
| Mode | Duration | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist bus | 6 to 7 hours | $9 to $15 | Departs 7:00 AM from tourist bus park |
| Micro bus | 6 to 7 hours | $6 to $10 | Cheaper, less comfortable |
| Domestic flight | 25 minutes | $80 to $130 | Yeti Airlines, Buddha Air. Weather dependent. |
| Private car | 6 to 7 hours | $100 to $150 | Door to door |
From Pokhara to Kande (trailhead):
| Mode | Duration | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared jeep | 45 to 60 minutes | $8 to $15 | Most common option |
| Private taxi | 45 minutes | $15 to $25 | Convenient for early starts |
Return from Sidhing to Pokhara: Shared jeep, $8 to $15. Your guide arranges pickup if you are on a package.
Gear rental costs in Pokhara
If you do not own trekking gear, renting in Pokhara is cheaper than buying. Lakeside has dozens of gear shops with rental options.
| Item | Rental Cost Per Day | 7-Day Total | Buy New (Pokhara) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sleeping bag (-10 to -15 degree C) | NPR 100 to 200 ($0.75 to $1.50) | $5 to $11 | $30 to $80 |
| Down jacket | NPR 100 to 150 ($0.75 to $1.15) | $5 to $8 | $25 to $60 |
| Trekking poles (pair) | NPR 50 to 100 ($0.40 to $0.75) | $3 to $5 | $10 to $25 |
| Trekking backpack (50L) | NPR 100 to 200 ($0.75 to $1.50) | $5 to $11 | $20 to $50 |
| Rain jacket | NPR 80 to 150 ($0.60 to $1.15) | $4 to $8 | $15 to $40 |
Total gear rental for a 7-day trek: $22 to $43. Compare that to buying everything new in Pokhara ($100 to $255) or bringing gear from home.
Is renting gear cheaper than buying? Almost always, unless you plan to trek again within the same trip. The Pokhara rental gear is functional if not pretty. Check zippers on sleeping bags and seams on jackets before you leave the shop.
A deposit of NPR 3,000 to 5,000 is standard. You get it back when you return the gear.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the Mardi Himal trek cost in total?
A guided trek costs $550 to $750 for 7 to 11 days, covering permits, guide, porter, meals, rooms, and local transport. Add $100 to $150 for tips and extras (hot showers, wifi, snacks). Total out-of-pocket: $650 to $900.
Is Mardi Himal a good budget trek?
It is the cheapest multi-day guided trek in the Annapurna region at $57 per day all-in. Poon Hill costs $68 per day. ABC costs $80 per day. For the views you get (Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, Hiunchuli from 4,500m), the value is difficult to match.
Can I trek Mardi Himal on a budget under $500?
If you go independent on a 5 to 7 day itinerary, spend conservatively on food, and skip hot showers and wifi, you can finish the trek for $350 to $450. This excludes tips and the mandatory guide fee. With a guide, $500 is tight but possible on a 5-day fast itinerary.
Is Mardi Himal cheaper than Annapurna Base Camp?
Yes. MHT's Mardi Himal package ($625 / 11 days) costs $650 less than the ABC package ($1,275 / 16 days). Per-day cost is $57 vs $80. Mardi Himal is shorter, lower altitude, and requires less gear.
How much should I tip my guide and porter?
Guide: $5 to $8 per day. Porter: $4 to $6 per day. Porter-guide: $7 to $10 per day. Give tips in Nepali rupees at the end of the trek. For an 11-day trek with a porter-guide, budget $77 to $110.
Do I need a guide for Mardi Himal?
Nepal's 2023 mandatory guide rule technically requires foreign trekkers to have a licensed guide in the Annapurna Conservation Area. Enforcement varies. Beyond the regulation, a guide provides route knowledge, handles permits, and negotiates teahouse rates. The cost premium over independent trekking is smaller than most people expect ($15 to $20 per day, not $25 to $40).
What is not included in a guided package?
Tips, hot showers ($2 to $5 each), wifi ($1.50 to $4 per day), phone charging ($0.75 to $3), bottled water, alcoholic drinks, personal gear, travel insurance, Nepal visa, and Kathmandu-to-Pokhara transport (unless specified). Budget $100 to $150 for these extras.
How much cash should I carry?
If you are on a guided package: NPR 21,000 to 42,000 ($160 to $323) for tips, extras, and emergencies. If trekking independently: add NPR 2,500 to 3,500 per day for food and rooms. There are no ATMs on the trail. Withdraw everything in Pokhara.
Is it cheaper to book with a local agency?
Yes. International agencies mark up Nepal treks by 40 to 100 percent. A local Kathmandu or Pokhara agency uses the same guides, same trail, same teahouses. The difference goes to booking platform commissions and overseas office costs.
What does dal bhat cost on the trail?
NPR 500 to 700 ($4 to $5) at lower elevations (under 2,500m), NPR 700 to 1,000 ($5 to $8) above that. Most teahouses offer unlimited refills with dal bhat. It is the cheapest way to eat well on the trail.
Is Mardi Himal worth the cost?
Mardi Himal puts you at 4,500m with views of Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), and Hiunchuli for less money and fewer days than any other trek that reaches similar altitude in the Annapurna region. The trail is quieter than Poon Hill or ABC. For the price, the mountain-to-dollar ratio is the best in Nepal.
For the complete trail breakdown, read our Mardi Himal trek complete guide. Comparing routes? Check our Poon Hill vs Mardi Himal vs ABC comparison, or see how other treks price out in our ABC cost guide, Poon Hill cost guide, and Langtang cost guide.
