If you are looking for a trek that offers high-altitude drama with a lower price tag and shorter time commitment, the Mardi Himal Trek is the ultimate choice for 2026 and 2027. Walking along a narrow ridge under the shadow of the "Holy Mountain" Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) is an experience that usually requires weeks of trekking - but on this trail, you can reach the base camp in just a few days.
At Best Heritage Tour, we understand that budget transparency is the first step to a great adventure. Whether you are a solo traveler or trekking with friends, here is the complete breakdown of the Mardi Himal Trek cost and our recommended 4-day rapid-ascent itinerary.
1. Quick Budget Summary for 2026/27
Planning a budget for the Himalayas involves five main pillars: permits, food/lodging, transport, guides, and porters. Below are the standard rates for the 2026 season.
|
Expense Category |
Daily Rate (USD) |
Total (4-Day Trek) |
|---|---|---|
|
Accommodation + Meals |
$30 - $40 /day |
$120 - $160 |
|
Licensed Guide |
$28 - $35 /day |
$112 - $140 |
|
Permits (ACAP & TIMS) |
$50 (Flat Fee) |
$50 |
|
Transport (Pokhara-Trail) |
$60 - $70 |
$60 |
|
Porter (Optional) |
$22 - $25 /day |
$88 - $100 |
Total Minimum Estimated Cost (Without Porter): 342 USD
Total Minimum Estimated Cost (With Porter): 450 USD
Note: Best Heritage Tour offers an inclusive Poon Hill Trek package at just USD 295* (without Porter and other)
2. Breaking Down the Costs
Permits
Every trekker in the Annapurna region needs two essential documents. These are checked at various points along the trail:
-
ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit): Funds local conservation and trail maintenance.
-
TIMS Card (Trekkers' Information Management System): A safety card that registers your location in the national database.
Food & Lodging
This "Full Board" budget covers three meals a day and a twin-sharing room in a teahouse.
-
The Meals: Expect high-energy staples like Dal Bhat, porridge, and noodles. As you climb higher to High Camp (3,580m), prices for food increase slightly due to the cost of manual portage.
-
The Stay: Mardi Himal is an "Eco-Trail," so lodges are cozy but basic. You’ll have a bed, a pillow, and a blanket, though we always recommend bringing your own sleeping bag for extra warmth.
Professional Support
-
Guide: In 2026, having a licensed guide is not just a safety recommendation; it is often a regulatory requirement. A guide ensures you stay on the narrow ridge path, especially if the clouds (the famous "Badal") roll in.
-
Porter: If you want to move quickly and save your knees for the steep descent from Base Camp, a porter is worth every penny.
3. The Mardi Himal Trek 4-Day Itinerary
This itinerary is specifically designed for fit trekkers who want to maximize their time. It skips the long forest walks and gets you to the high views fast.
Day 1: Drive from Pokhara to Dhampus (1,650m) & Trek to Forest Camp (2,520m)
We start with a scenic drive to the village of Dhampus. From here, the trek begins through lush forests. You’ll gain nearly 900 meters of elevation today, sleeping in the quiet, moss-covered surroundings of Forest Camp.
Day 2: Forest Camp (2,520m) to High Camp (3,580m)
As you climb, the trees begin to thin out. You’ll pass through Low Camp and Badal Danda (Cloud Hill). By the afternoon, you’ll be at High Camp, standing above the clouds with a clear view of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre.
Day 3: High Camp to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m) & Descend to Low Camp (3,050m)
The most exhilarating day. We hike the ridge to the Base Camp (4,500m) for a sunrise that will take your breath away. After standing at the foot of the mountains, we make a long descent back to the oxygen-rich air of Low Camp.
Day 4: Low Camp (3,050m) to Siding (1,750m) & Drive to Pokhara
A final steep descent through the jungle leads to the traditional village of Siding. A private jeep will meet us here for the 2-3 hour drive back to Pokhara, where a hot shower and a cold drink await.
Conclusion: Stand on the Ridge in 2026
The Mardi Himal Trek offers the best "view-per-dollar" ratio in all of Nepal. It is short, stunning, and, with the right planning, incredibly affordable.
At Best Heritage Tour, we are ready to help you navigate the 2026/27 trekking season with ease. Whether you need a full package or just a licensed guide and transport, we are your local experts in the Annapurna Sanctuary.
Let’s Plan Your Journey
Contact Best Heritage Tour to book your 2026/27 Mardi Himal adventure.
Phone / WhatsApp / Viber: +977-9851149197 / +977-9810043046
Email: info@bestheritagetour.com / bestheritagetour@gmail.com
Website: www.bestheritagetour.com
Office: Thamel Marg, Kathmandu, Nepal
Author: Best Heritage Tour
Date: 18th December, 2025
