Top 5 Budget-Friendly Treks in Nepal

Nepal is a tiny paradise hidden in the majestic Himalayas dotted with picturesque landscapes, vibrant culture, and mesmerizing nature. It is a hotspot for travelers looking for memorable experiences and an exploration of the magnificent mountains. 

But if you're on a tight budget, all of that might become a distant dream. Fear not, however! Nepal's size is deceptive, and it offers a myriad of trekking options and trails that are not only budget-friendly but just as rewarding. We've compiled a list of the 5 best budget-friendly treks in Nepal, perfect for exploring the great outdoors without spending a fortune.   

So, you've come to the right place if you're an outdoor enthusiast seeking adventure without a hefty price tag.

What are the 5 famous budget-friendly treks in Nepal?

1. Annapurna Base Camp trek

2. Mardi Himal trek

3. Khopra ridge trek

4. Langtang valley trek

5. Lower Mustang trek

There is more than one aspect leading to the different price ranges of any trek you pick. Some of the key factors that affect the total cost of a trek are the season of the trek, the route of the trek, the duration of the trek, and last but not the least the number of people n the trek.

1. Annapurna Base Camp trek:

Annapurna Base camp trek traverses through the Annapurna region of Nepal. It is approximately 10 days to 12 days long, and Throughout the trek, the majestic mountains, namely Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I, Annapurna II, Nilgiri, Machhapuchre, Manaslu, Gangapurna, Tilicho, Pisang, etc. are seen. The Anapurna Base camp trek offers a chance to experience the natural hot spring at Jhinu Danda. Along with the panoramic views and breathtaking mountains, it is an excellent trip to get face-to-face with Gurung and Magar people’s culture and practices and be pleased with their hospitality.

Break down of total cost for the Annapurna Base camp trek

Transportation

Nrs 1000 (USD 7.59) for a Tourist bus from Kathmandu to Pokhara, Nrs 800( USD 6.07) for the local bus to Pokhara, and the flight from Tribhuvan International Airport to Pokhara cost around Nrs 5000 (USD 37.93) to Nrs 7000 ( USD 53.11). The price of the flights fluctuates depending on the airline you pick and the time of the year. Followed by the drive to Siwai from Pokhara, which costs $6 to $9 if one takes the local bus and $120 for reserving a Jeep. From Siwai to Chhomromg to Hilamayas and to the Annapurna Base Camp is all trek by foot so no monetary expenses for transportation are needed.

Permits

There are two permits one needs to trek in the Annapurna region:- 

1. TIMS -The TIMS costs $10 in case it is done through a registered travel agency otherwise it costs $20 and for citizens of SAARC countries, it is $6 only.

2. ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit): This is a protected area which is why everyone including domestic and international trekkers needs the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit. It costs NPR 300 ( around $25 ) for foreign nationalities and for Nepalese and trekkers from SARCC nations the permit costs NPR 1000.

Food and accommodation

The price is affected by the place you pick to stay at. A normal teahouse charges around $5 - $10 per night around NPR 1000. The luxurious hotels and lodges cost around $30 to $40 in NPR 20000+. For food and beverages around $15 to $20 is more than enough per day.

Guides and porters

Prices for guides and porters vary depending on their work experiences and qualifications. Nevertheless, $20 to $25 per day is more than enough to cover all the porter and guide expenses including tips.

2. Mardi Himal trek

Mardi Himal (mountain) is located in the east of the Annapurna Base camp. It is approximately 12 km to 15 km / 7.5 miles to 9.3 miles ( depending upon the route ) away from the Annapurna Base camp. It is completed in 4 days to 5 days. The trek offers the mesmerizing mountainous view of Mount Machhapuchre, Annapurna South,  Mount Hiunchuli, Mardi Himal, etc. The Mardi Himal trek is off the beaten trek and is less crowded. Since it is not very difficult, it is a beginner-friendly trek and is an ideal option for the first trek. It is the absolute best trek for exploration of rare wildlife like the Himalayan wild Thar, Mask deer, Barking deer, Snow leopard, etc. 

Break down of the total cost of the Mardi Himal trek

Transportation 

From Kathmandu to Mardi Himal to certain places is covered by around  NPR 1500 - NPR 2000 / $10 - $15. Typically trekkers drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara followed by a drive to Deurali. (To save some money you can trek instead of driving to places)

Permit

For the Mardi Himal trek, one needs two permits:-             

1. TIMS (Trekker’s Information Management System)

2. ACAP( Annapurna Conservation Area Permit )

(These two permits are the same ones mentioned in the Annapurna base camp trek mentioned above)

Food and Accommodation

 A decent teahouse throughout the Mardi Himal trek costs around NPR 500 / $5 per night. Sharing a twin bedroom with a friend costs a little less, which is around NPR 900 / $7. ( Carrying around NPR 5000 / $35 for extra snacks on the way is enough). Talking about meals, three meals a day are easily covered by NPR 3000 / $22. 

(NOTE: This is an average cost, if you choose to eat not-so-fancy meals then the prices fall significantly).

Guides and Porters

Guides and Porters cost from $20 to $25 / NPR 1500 to NPR 2500 per day including their food and accommodation in the Mardi Himal trek.

3. Khopra Ridge trek

Another budget-friendly trek to opt for is the Khopra Ridge trek. This trek is completed within a week. It is a less explored trek of Nepal. Khopra Ridge Trek is beginner-friendly and does not require any particular skills, just being in good physical shape is sufficient. Trekkers behold the sight of Tukuche peak, Nilgiri, Mt.Dhaulagiri, Mt.Bara Shikhar, Mt. Machhapuchre (fishtail), etc. Khopra Ridge trek takes one to Khayer Lake. It is a holy lake that is worshipped by the locals. On the bank of the beautiful Kahyer lake, there is a Khayer Barahi temple where the local Magar community and Hindu devotees visit to seek blessing. Trek passes through beautiful villages like Ulleri, Bayeli Kharka, Naya Pool, etc. These villages show a simple lifestyle and terrific landscapes with picturesque views.

Break down of the total cost of the Khopra Ridge trek

• The same two permits are required that are mentioned above in the Mardi Himal trek and Annapurna Base camp trek: TIMS and ACAP.

•  A typical meal 3 times a day costs around NPR 1200 / $14.49. A shared room in a normal teahouse costs NPR 350 to NPR 450 / around $5 per night.

• Guides and porters take around NPR 2000 for / $ 20. You can tip 10% - 15% if you are impressed by their service.

• While on the Khopra ridge trek, transportation is used from Kathmandu to Pokhara, Pokhara to Naya pool. Using a public vehicle to travel to these destinations costs approximately $15 / NPR 1500.

• Accommodation in a teahouse, on average, ranges from $7 to $10.

4. Langtang valley trek

Trekking through the Langtang region of Nepal means passing one of the best visuals in Nepal. Surrounded by giant mountains, wildflowers, and small villages is what this trek is all about. It is the best trek for some alone time as there is not a heavy flow of trekkers like in other well-known treks of Nepal.  Langtang Valley Trek is known for the Kyajin Ri viewpoint. From the viewpoint, one watches  Langtang Lirung, Yubra, Naya Kanga, Yala Peak, Changbu, etc. One gets to visit the Kyajin Gompa, which is a small village that reflects the beauty of Buddhism. You get to live the typical and peculiar lifestyle of the locals of the Langtang region namely Sherpa, Bhote, and Tamang.

Break down of the total cost of the Langtang Valley trek

• Trekking permits required for the Langtang trek are TIMS and the Langtang National Park entry permit ( required to trek through the Langtang National Park. The TIMS is $20, for a group of trekkers through the agency it is $10, and for SAARC nationalities, it is $6. Langtang National Park entry permit is $33.9 ( including the VAT of 13 %), 16.95 for trekkers from SAARC nations (including VAT).

• If you choose the route through the Shivapuri National Park. It costs $5.65 /NPR 748 to walk through the Shivapuri National Park.

• $3 / NPR 395 per meal is a typical cost. Therefore $15 / NPR 1985 max is enough for a day’s complete meal. 

• Trekking by the classic route means you drive from Kathmandu to Syabru Besi and Syabru Besi to Kathmandu while returning back. The public vehicle costs around $10 / NPR 1300 to $15 / NPR 1986.

• Guide/ Porter:- $20 / NPR 2600 to $25 / NPR 3000 (excluding the tip).

5. Lower Mustang trek

Mustang is the most famous destination in Nepal worldwide. Lower Mustang is in Northern Nepal’s Gandaki province. It is 7 days to 9 days long, perfect for beginners, and is budget-friendly. The highlight of the Lower Mustang trek is the Muktinath temple. It is a god Narayana ( Vishnu ) temple which is a sacred place for Hindus and Buddhists. The 108 taps in the temple are believed to wash off all your sins if you pass through each one of them. One passes through colorful villages of Nepal like Lupra, Charming and beautiful places, namely Kagbeni, Jomsom, etc. The breathtaking view of Mt. Annapurna and Mt. Dhaulagiri is one of the best in the Lower Mustang trek.

Break down of the total cost of the Lower Mustang trek

• TIMS and ACAP are the two permits required ( costs are mentioned above)

• A basic meal costs around $8/ NPR 1060 here. So, around $20 / NPR 2600 covers expenses for three meals a day.

•  Transportation: Generally, people drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara in the Lower Mustang trek. The bus fare ranges from NPR 1200 to NPR 1500 depending upon the facilities the bus has.  

• Guides and porters' charge varies from $20 / NPR 2600 to $25 / NPR 3000 per day. 

NOTE: The cost of accommodation, public transportation, and the charge of guides and porters are higher during the peak season. The 2023 Feb rate is used to convert the NPR to $ so, check the rate during your trip to be sure.