Budget-Friendly Short Treks in Nepal?
Trekking in Nepal can be expensive, especially for long treks with costs including permits, accommodation, food, and transportation. But, if you are an outdoor enthusiast seeking adventurous treks with short and affordable trekking options in Nepal, then you have come to the right place.
But, even if you opt for an easy trekking trail in Nepal, there are several factors you must consider to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. You must learn and know the main essential tips for trekking in Nepal before setting off for an adventure. You must know your ability and physical fitness, have a sound knowledge of altitude sickness, how to behave with local people and the important thing you must know is the list of what to pack for trekking in Nepal which depends upon the altitude and weather conditions.
Nepal offers plenty of trekking routes, ranging from short, affordable, and easy treks to long, challenging, expensive, and remote treks. 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. Don’t worry, Nepal offers many trekking options and routes that are not only short and budget-friendly but are rewarding.
I have compiled a list of short and affordable budget trekking in Nepal, perfect for exploring the Himalayan trails without spending a heavy price tag.
Note: The permit fees must be paid in Nepalese Currency even though they are mentioned in US dollars.
7 Best Short and Budget-Friendly Trekking in Nepal
1. Mardi Himal Trek
The Mardi Himal trek is one of the short-duration and less strenuous treks in Nepal. The trek offers spectacular views of the Mardi Himal (5,587 m / 18,330 ft) as well as other mountains like Annapurna I (8,091m/ 26538 ft), Annapurna South (7,219 m / 23,680 ft), Machhapuchre (6,997 meters / 22,950 ft), and Gangapurna Himal (7,454m / 24,450 ft).
Mardi Himal Trek is a 5-day trek and is considered a beginner-friendly trek and an ideal option for the first-time trek experience. This trek is a hidden gem in Nepal where trekkers can enjoy the majestic mountain views, encounter wildlife, and traverse through stunning landscapes.
Breakdown of Mardi Himal Trek Costs
Permits Cost
You need 2 different permits for the Mardi Himal Trek. These are:
ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit):
The cost of ACAP for SAARC citizens is NPR 1000 (USD 7) per person.
The cost of ACAP for foreign citizens is NPR 2000 (USD 15) per person.
The cost of ACAP for Nepali citizens is NPR 100 per person.
ACAP is free for children below 10 years as a child discount.
TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System):
The cost of a TIMS card for SAARC citizens is NPR 1000 (USD 7) per person.
The cost of a TIMS card for foreign nationals is NPR 2000 (USD 15) per person.
No TIMS card is required for the Nepali citizens.
Transportation Cost
Mardi Himal Trek starts from Pokhara city. The fare of a tourist bus from Kathmandu to Pokhara is approx NPR 1000 (USD 7) whereas, the local transportation (bus or Hiace) will cost you around NPR 800 (USD 6).
The flight from Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu to Pokhara costs approximately NPR 5,000 (USD 37) to NPR 7,000 (USD 52). The prices of flights fluctuate depending on the airlines you choose and the time of the year.
Drive from Pokhara to Kande by local bus takes around 2 hours and costs from NPR 250 - NPR 300 (USD 2 - USD 3). If you take a taxi it will cost you from NPR 2,000 - NPR 3,000 (USD 15 - USD 22). Your trek starts from Kande.
Food and Accommodation Cost
A teahouse throughout the Mardi Himal trek costs around NPR 600 / USD 5.26 per night. Talking about meals, it can be easily covered by NPR 3,000 / USD 22 for three meals a day.
Guide and Porter Cost
The Guides can charge you around NPR 3,000 - NPR 4,000 (USD 22 - USD 30) per day and the porters can charge you around NPR 2,900 - NPR 3,000 (USD 22 - USD 27). The cost includes food and accommodation through the trek.
2. Khopra Ridge Trek
Khopra Ridge Trek is another short budget-friendly trek in Nepal. The trek is a newly opened trekking route in the Annapurna region of Nepal. It is also called Khopra Trek or Khopra Danda Trek.
Khopra trek is a less crowded and off-the-beaten trek in the Annapurna region. The treks offer magnificent Himalaya views of Tukuche Peak, Nilgiri, Mt.Dhaulagiri, Mt.Bara Shikhar, Mt. Machhapuchre, etc.
Khopra Ridge trek takes you to a holy lake named Khayer Lake. On the bank of the beautiful Kahyer lake, there is a Khayer Barahi temple which is worshipped by the local Magar community and Hindu devotees.
Breakdown of Khopra Ridge Trek Costs
Permits Cost
Permit costs for TIMS and ACAP are the same as for Mardi Himal Trek.
Transportation Cost
Khopra Ridge Trek starts from beautiful Ghandruk Village. The bus fare from Pokhara to Ghandruk will cost you around NPR 600 (USD 5). You can hire a private Jeep from around NPR 4500 (USD 34). On a sharing basis, a jeep will charge you around NPR 450 to NPR 500 per person.
Food and Accommodation Cost
The trek costs you around NPR 1,200 (USD 9.02) for 3 times meals a day. A room in a normal teahouse costs NPR 350 - NPR 450 (USD 2.26 - UD 3.38) per night.
Guide and Porter Cost
The Guides cost from NPR 3,000 - NPR 4,000 (USD 22 - USD 30) per day and the Porters cost NPR 2,900 - NPR 3,000 (USD 22) per day. The cost includes food and accommodation through the trek.
3. Langtang Valley Trek
The Langtang Valley Trek is short and an extremely beautiful and fascinating trekking destination in Nepal. The trek can be completed in 5 days. If you are a little short on time and want to capture all the best of Himalayan trekking and fascinating culture then this trek is for you.
The trek helps you to discover the Langtang glacier, stunning landscapes, wild animals, renovated local villages, an old Buddhist monastery, a local cheese factory, and extraordinary scenarios with stunning Himalayan views.
Kyajin Ri is the highest viewpoint in the Langtang Valley Trek. From this viewpoint, you can see stunning mountain views of Langtang Lirung, Yubra, Naya Kanga, Yala Peak, Changbu, etc.
Breakdown of Langtang Valley Trek Costs
Permits Cost
TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System):
The TIMS for foreign nationals costs NPR 2,000 (USD 15).
TIMS for citizens of SAARC Countries costs NPR 1,000 (USD 7).
No TIMS cost for Nepali citizens.
Langtang National Park Entry Permit
The Langtang National Park Entry Permit is NRP 3,000 (USD 22.54) for foreign nationals.
For citizens of SAARC nationals, the permit cost is NPR 1,500 (USD 11.27).
For citizens of Nepal, the permit fee is NPR 100.
Children below the age of 10 years do not require a permit.
Transportation Cost
The trek starts from Syabrubesi. The tourist bus from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi costs you around NPR 1,500 - NPR 2,000 (USD 11 - USD 15).
If you reserve and take a private car/jeep, it will cost you around NPR 5,400 - NPR 6,700 (USD 40 - USD 50) per person from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi.
Food and Accommodation Cost
The accommodations will cost NPR.400 - NPR 800 (USD 4 - USD 6) per night throughout the trek.
In the lower regions, a normal meal will cost around NPR 400-NPR 500 (USD 3 - USD 4) per plate.
In the higher regions, the same meal will cost you around NPR 1,000- NPR 1,400 (USD 8 - USD 11) per plate.
Guides and Porters Cost
A Guide costs around the NPR 4,000 - NPR 6,500 (USD 30 - USD 50) per day. A Porter costs around the NPR 2,600 - NPR 3,327 (USD 20 - USD 25) per day.
4. Lower Mustang Trek
The Lower Mustang lies in the Gandaki province. The trek is 7 to 9 days long, the perfect short trek for beginners, and is budget-friendly.
The Trek takes place in the Mustang district within the classical Annapurna circuit Trek route. The altitudes on this trip are not too high. Muktinath is the highest point at 3,710 meters and most of the trek route is below 3000m, which makes it suitable for first-time trekkers or trekkers who do not want hard treks.
Lower Mustang Trek offers a glimpse of Tibetan culture. This trek offers beautiful sceneries of Dhaulagiri icefall, pristine Titi Lake, Nilgiri mountain, and the Thak Khola valley.
Breakdown of Lower Mustang Trek Costs
Permits Cost
You need 2 different permits for the Lower Mustang Trek. These are:
ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit):
ACAP for foreign nationals costs NPR 2,000 (USD 15) per person.
ACAP for SAARC nationals costs NPR 1,000 (USD 7) per person.
Nepali Rupees 100 for Nepali citizens.
TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System):
The TIMS for foreign nationals costs NPR 2,000 (USD 15) per person.
TIMS for citizens of SAARC Countries costs NPR 1,000 (USD 7) per person.
No TIMS cost for Nepali citizens.
Transportation Cost
For the lower Mustang Trek, you need to travel to Pokhara City. From Pokhara to need to get to Jomsom, from where the trek starts.
Cost of Flight from Pokhara to Jomsom:
The flight costs around NPR 3,015 for Nepalese citizens per person for one-way.
Flight fare for Indian citizens costs around INR 5,500 Per Person for one-way.
For Foreign citizens, flight tickets cost around USD 125 per person for one-way.
Cost of Transportation from Pokhara to Jomsom by Bus:
Bus tickets from Pokhara to Jomsom start from NPR 1,280 - NPR 1,500 (USD 10 - USD 12).
Food and Accommodation Cost
A basic meal can cost around NPR 400 - NPR 665 (USD 3 - USD 5). If choosing from the fancier menu, you may have to pay extra.
The cost of rooms will be around NPR 400 - NPR 800 (USD 3 - USD 6) per night for a single sharing room.
Guide and Porter Cost
A Guide costs around the NPR 4,000 - NPR 6,500 (USD 30 - USD 50) per day.
A Porter costs around the NPR 2,600 - NPR 3,327 (USD 20 - USD 25) per day.
6. Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is one of the popular short trekking routes in Nepal located in the Annapurna region. It is one of the easiest trek routes perfect for inexperienced trekkers. The trek is suitable for all age groups of travelers.
The highlight of reaching the Poon Hill Viewpoint is to witness a sunrise. You can witness stunning mountain views like Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, Hiuchuli, Annapurna IV, Annapurna II, Dhampus, Manaslu ranges, Tukuche peak, Lamjung Himal and Gangapurna.
Breakdown of Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Costs
Permits Cost
You need 2 different permits for the Lower Mustang Trek. These are:
ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit):
ACAP for foreign nationals costs NPR 2,000 (USD 15) per person.
ACAP for SAARC nationals costs NPR 1,000 (USD 7)per person.
Nepali Rupees 100 for Nepali citizens.
TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System):
The TIMS for foreign nationals costs NPR 2,000 (USD 15) per person.
TIMS for citizens of SAARC Countries costs NPR 1,000 (USD 7) per person.
No TIMS cost for Nepali citizens.
Transportation Cost
The trek starts from Nayapul. You have to reach Pokhara city first to reach Nayapul (the starting point of your trek).
The local bus fare from Pokhara to Nayapul will charge you around NPR 150 (USD 2). The prices are not fixed and can vary by USD 1 to USD 2 depending on the buses themselves. Taking a Taxi will charge you around NPR 2,500 (USD 19).
Food and Accommodation Cost
The cost of the food during this trek usually ranges from NPR 400 - NPR 665 (USD 2 - USD 5) depending on where and what you eat.
The accommodation cost of most of the tea houses in the trail is around NPR 400 - NPR 665 (USD 3 - USD 5) per night depending on where you are staying.
Guide and Porter Cost
The cost of guides can range from NPR 4,000 - NPR 5,400 (USD 30 - USD 40) per day.
The cost of hiring a porter can range from NPR 2,662 - NPR 3,300 (USD 20 - USD 25) per day.
6. Panch Pokhari Trek
Panch Pokhari Trek is a relatively new and less explored trekking in Nepal. Trekkers can reach the starting point of the in around 5 to 6 hours drive from Kathmandu.
Panch Pokhara stands at an elevation of 4,100 m above sea level. This is a famous Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage site in Nepal. The trek route goes through lush rhododendron forests and alongside green rolling hills. You will see fewer teahouses and lodges throughout the trail.
Breakdown of Panch Pokhari Trek Costs
Permits Cost
TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System):
The TIMS for foreign nationals costs NPR 2,000 (USD 15).
TIMS for citizens of SAARC Countries costs NPR 1,000 (USD 7).
No TIMS cost for Nepali citizens.
Langtang National Park Entry Permit:
The Langtang National Park Entry Permit is NRP 3,000 (USD 22) for foreign nationals.
For citizens of SAARC nationals, the permit cost is NPR 1,500 (USD 11).
For citizens of Nepal, the permit fee is NPR 100.
Children below 10 years do not require a permit to trek.
Transportation Cost
The Panch Pokhari Trek starts from Chhimti.
Kathmandu - Chhimti
The bus fare from Kathmandu to Chhimti will cost you around NPR 500 - NPR 600 (USD 4 - USD 5) for one way. Chhimti is the final station from where you will start the trek.
Food and Accommodation Cost
The foods usually cost around NPR 400 - NPR 600 (USD 3 - USD 5) at lower altitudes. At Panch Pokhari the cost of food and accommodation can range from NRP 700 - NPR 800 (USD 5 - USD 6).
Guides and Porters Cost
The cost of guides can range from NPR 4,000 - NPR 5,400 (USD 30 - USD 40) per day.
The cost of hiring a porter can range from NPR 2,662 - NPR 3,300 (USD 20 - USD 25) per day.
7. Ghandruk Trek
Ghandruk is a beautiful village located in western Nepal inhabited by the Gurung community. Ghandruk trek takes you to one of the popular destinations in the Annapurna region, Ghandruk village.
A spectacular panoramic Himalayan view in the Annapurans can be spotted from Ghandruk such as Annapurna South, Gangapurna, Annapurna III, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre. The Ghandruk trek is one of the shortest and most budget-friendly trekking options in Nepal. The trek can typically completed in 3 or 4 days.
The trek is suitable for anyone who is looking into shorter hikes with easy trekking trails.
Breakdown of Ghandruk Trek Costs
Permits Cost
You need 2 different permits for the Ghandruk Trek. These are:
ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit):
ACAP for foreign nationals costs NPR 2,000 (USD 15) per person.
ACAP for SAARC nationals costs NPR 1000 (USD 7) per person.
Nepali Rupees 100 for Nepali citizens.
TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System):
The TIMS for foreign nationals costs NPR 2000 (USD 15) per person.
TIMS for citizens of SAARC Countries costs NPR 1000 (USD 7) per person.
No TIMS cost for Nepali citizens.
Transportation Cost
Ghandruk village trek starts from Phedi.
You can get the bus to Phedi from Baglung bus park, Zero Kilometer, and Hari Chowk.
The bus from Hari Chowk (Pokhara) to Phedi costs around NPR 60 (around USD 1).
You can get a taxi from Pokhara to Phedi which costs around NPR 1000 (USD 7).
From Pokhara to Nayapul, if you take the local bus it will charge around NPR 150 ($1), and taking a Taxi will charge will cost you around NPR 2500 (USD 19). You will start your hiking from Nayapul to Ghandruk.
Guide and Porter Cost
The cost of guides can range from NPR 3,329 - NPR 3,994 (USD 25 - USD 30) per day.
The cost of hiring a porter can range from NPR 2,662 - NPR 3,300 (USD 20 - USD 25) per day.
Conclusion
Among many exciting and adventurous activities in Nepal, trekking in the Himalayas is one of the best activities travelers love to do.
However, if you are short of time and looking to trek with a limited budget, I have listed 7 best budget trekking in Nepal. The above-mentioned trekking routes can be typically completed within 5 days and trust me it won’t cost you a hefty price tag.