Nepal is a paradise for trekking in Nepal. There are many luxurious treks in the country that are quite expensive, but also a few amazing budget-friendly treks in Nepal. These treks provide fantastic adventure in the lap of the Himalayas.
Some of the most popular treks in Nepal are the Everest Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Base Camp Trek, and Langtang Trek, but they are also equally expensive. In order to look for budget-friendly treks in Nepal, it is wise to look for some hidden gems and underrated treks. There are many underrated treks in every popular region of Nepal. In this blog, we will be sharing 10 of the best budget friendly treks in Nepal.
10 Budget Friendly Treks in Nepal
1. Everest Panorama Trek
Everest Panorama Trek is one of the underrated treks in the Everest region. This short trek, as the name suggests, is mainly for the majestic panoramic views of the mountains of the Everest region. In this trek, the trekkers board the flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, start trekking to Phakding, and then continue their trek to Namche. Stay a day in the Namche for acclimatization, and then trekkers will move to small Sherpa villages like Thame Khumjung and finally reach Tengboche.
The trekkers then climb the Tengboche monastery, from where the majestic panoramic views of the mountains in Everest region like Mt Everest, Mt AmaDablam, Lhotse, Nuptse, Cho-Oyu, and others. Due to the short trek duration, the overall expedition’s price is lower than that of other trekking destinations in Nepal.
2. Langtang Valley Trek
Langtang Valley Trek is another excellent trekking destination and is incredibly budget-friendly. The average trek duration of the Langtang Valley Trek is about 10 to 12 days, but you can increase the duration by a few more days if you add the Gosaikunda Lake Trek. However, increasing the number of side treks will also increase the cost of the trek.
The major attractions of the Langtang Valley Treks are Langtang Village, Langtang National Park, Kyanjin Gompa, Kyanjin Ri, and Tserko Ri. The low trek duration makes the cost less expensive, and since the Trek is quite close to the capital, it lies in a developed area, which is why the services are also generally cheaper, making it one of the budget-friendly treks in Nepal.
3. Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is one of the most beautiful and budget-friendly treks in Nepal. Hence, this is also why this trek gets lots of attention from trekkers who like cheap treks but still enjoy quality experiences and stunning views. Some of the reasons for Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is budget-friendly because of the short duration, more accessible accessibility point from Pokhara, the developed region, low altitude trek, doesn’t require to pay for permits. Also, basic accommodations make the cost a little less expensive.
4. Pikey Peak Trek
Pikey Peak Trek is another underrated trek in Nepal that can be curated to become a budget-friendly trek. It is the new trekking route in the Khumbu region, has gotten tons of attention, and attracts trekkers to explore it. The trek takes everyone to the top of Pikey Peak, which is at an elevation of 4,065m. The average trek duration is about six to seven days, so the meals and accommodation costs are less than the regular trek in the Everest region.
So, if you want to explore the Khumbu region in a budget-friendly experience, then make sure you book the Pikey Peak Trek. In this trek, the trekkers don’t incur additional expenses like extra gear, equipment, porters, guides, and other costs.
5. Mardi Himal Trek
Mardi Himal Trek is also one of the new and mostly unexplored treks in the Annapurna region of Nepal. Several high-tier trekking destinations in the Annapurna region have longer duration but are more expensive. Still, if you are looking for a budget-friendly option, then Mardi Himal Trek is the trek. The average duration of this trek is about 6-7 days.
The basic accommodation facilities during the trek and the lower option of incurring extra expenses like guides, porters, etc., will make this trek a bit cheaper. For the Mardi Himal Trek, the trekkers have to pay for permits, meals, accommodation, transportation, and arrival visas. The Mardi Himal Trek is much cheaper than other trekking destinations in the Annapurna and Everest regions.
6. Khopra Danda Trek
The Khopra Ridge trek is a budget-friendly option in Nepal that can be completed in a week. It is suitable for beginners and does not require specific skills, only a good level of physical fitness. Trekkers can enjoy stunning views of Tukuche Peak, Nilgiri, Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Bara Shikhar, and Mt. Machhapuchre (Fishtail). The trek also includes visiting Khayer Lake, a holy site worshiped by the local community. Along the way, trekkers will pass through picturesque villages such as Ulleri, Bayeli Kharka, and Naya Pool, offering a glimpse into the region’s simple lifestyle and breathtaking landscapes.
For Khopra Ridge Trek, you must pay for the permits, which are ACAP and the TIMS card. This trek also has two most common expenses: meals and accommodation. To make your trek easier, you can hire guides and porters, for which you must pay a certain amount. Transportation costs should also be considered, such as a flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara or taking a car or jeep to reduce costs.
7. Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Several excellent trekking destinations in the Annapurna region, like the Annapurna Circuit Trek and Lower Mustang Trek. Still, you can curate the Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek for a friendly trek. This short trek of ABC can be completed in 5 to 6 days. Due to the low duration of the trek, the meals and accommodation costs will be less, and in this trek, the crew won’t hire guides and porters, which will save additional costs.
13 pax group for ABC trek with Harka
Unforgettable and its a real adventure
our honeymoon trekking
I and my girlfriend took a ABC Trek
We met Harka in September 2010
Sharing his culture and exchanging thoughts life
Good, well organised and excellent value trip
I am more than happy to recommend Harka – he was very helpful and organised a good and professional trek (I did the Annapurna Base Camp trek with two friends). Our guide Shyam spoke good English and our two porters were a huge asset, carrying stuff we couldn’t have done ourselves. All for a very reasonable price.
UK, April 2019
amazing guide Nirmal and porter Anil
A wonderful 8 day trek, led by our amazing guide Nirmal and porter Anil. It was April, and this is a very busy month, so despite the company booking in advance, we struggled to find a room on several occasions – but the overall experience and mountain views surpassed all. Thank you, Nirmal and Anil, we’ll come again!!
USA, April 2019
Highly recommended, friendly family-run company.
We booked a 7 day Annapurna Base Camp trek with Himalaya Trip in Sep. Communication when booking was excellent and they were very accommodating to fit in with our dates and pick up/drop off locations. The manager, Harka, was very quick to respond and provided good information about what to take. On arrival, Harka met us at our hotel in Kathmandu and explained the full plan for the trip giving us all our tickets and trekking passes. He also met us in the morning to ensure we got on the correct bus to Pokhara where we would meet our guide.
The guide and porter were very good: both were very friendly and couldn’t do enough to make sure we were comfortable and safe at all times. We were particularly impressed when we asked to change the plan for the last day of the trek and he gave us a few options and rebooked our accommodation and transport plan to fit. Even though the porter spoke little English he was friendly and helpful throughout.
Himalaya Trip clearly a local, family-run business and I would highly recommend booking directly with them as it was better value for money than going through an agent in the UK and also supports their local community. We will certainly use them again for future trekking adventures in Nepal.
UK, September 2019
ABC Made Memorable by Harka Gurung and Himalaya Trip !
Our little group of three were introduced to Himalaya Trip and its Founder, Harka Gurung, from another Malaysian who had trekked in Nepal in 2018.
For our trek to ABC, I found Harka and his guide, Om and his two porters, Buddhi Man and Samsher, all Gurungs from their home state, to be exceptionally professional, courteous, friendly and accommodating at all times.
We quickly warmed to the Gurungs’ easygoing nature and friendly, no-nonsense dispositions, made all the more memorable by Samsher and Buddhi Man’s mountain songs and spontaneous dancing whilst on the trail!
I cannot therefore recommend Harka, Om, Samsher and Buddhi Man more highly for your next trip to this beautiful land as Nepal Hidden Treks will definitely be my first port of call when I next visit, hopefully with my children.
The defining feature of Harka and his men are that this is a family business for the Gurung tribe which places employment, professional standards and career opportunities on equal if not higher measure than commercial profit, which ultimately benefits the lucky client.
Malaysia, November 2019
Daenerys Had Fantastic ABC Trek
Harka responds quickly to every query, and the guide ( om gurung) and porters ( samsher and buddi man gurung) were so friendly and accommodating. We did the 7 day Annapurna base camp trek and we had a fantastic time. Highly recommended.
Malaysia, November 2019
Amazing 7 Days Trek
Our ABC trek was fantastic, with beautiful scenery! We had a great time with our very friendly guide Ramesh, who organized everything (food, drinks, teahouse rooms) very well, and made us feel safe all the way. We would definitely recommend to book with Himalaya Trip.
Netherlands, September 2022
Harka organised an amazing trip
Harka organised an amazing trip with a porter and guide for us to trek to and from Annapurna Base Camp over 7 days in September. The communication pre and post trip was excellent and our guide and porter during the trek provided an exceptional service. Couldn’t recommend this company highly enough.
UK, September 2022
Superb service
I did ABC trek 7 days with Surpa the guide, he took a very good care of me, checked if I am fine all along the way. Couldn’t ask for any better service. Before the trek Harka also briefed about the route I am going to do both email and in-person.
Thailand, October 2022
Excellent trip in Nepal
We had our trip to Annapurna base camp with Himalaya Trip in november and there were 9 hiking days. We really enjoyed the trip and organisation by the guide Surpa. Everything was thoroughly thought out, i.e accommodation, food, hiking distances etc. Surpa took a really great care of us and ensured us the safety of the trip and all the comforts. Supra is a very friendly, nice and helpful guide. We will definitely recommend Himalaya Trip and Surpa to our friends.
Estonia, November 2023
Authentic ABC Trek
It was a great experience of ABC Trek that the Himalaya  Trip company and the guide provided clear details and support for the trip, especially the trekking journey to ABC. I highly recommend this trek.
Hongkong, November 2023The budgeted ABC Trek can cost as cheap as $449 for two people, and as you increase the number of trekkers, they will get the group discount in the trek package. The only required cost that the trekkers have to incur is the regular transportation cost.
8. Hotel Everest View Trek
If you can’t afford the Everest Base Camp trek, the next best alternative and budget-friendly trek is the Hotel Everest View Trek. On this trek, you will visit the amazing Hotel Everest View, where you can enjoy delicious breakfast, lunch, or dinner and see the fantastic mountains’ amazing views. In this trek, the trekkers will board a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla and then make their way to Namche. On the final day of the trek, they visit the Hotel Everest View, return to Lukla, and finally to Kathmandu.
Since this trek the trekkers will only visit up to Namche Bazaar, the trek cost is much cheaper than all the other treks that take the trekkers to the Everest Base Camp and back. The only factor that increases the cost of this trek is the Lukla flight, which is expensive, but if the trekkers want to make it even more budget-friendly, they can use the alternative mode of cars or jeeps.
9. Gosaikunda Trek
Gosakikunda Lake Trek is another budget-friendly trek located in the Langtang region of Nepal. This trek takes you through the different villages of the Langtang region, but its significant destination is the beautiful Gosaikunda Valley and Lakes. The average trek duration of the Gosaikunda Trek if you don’t include the side trekking area. For the Gosaikunda trek, you have to be careful if you want to trek on a budget.
For this trek, you can trek solo without the help of a trekking agency to save some money, but the wise choice is to hire guides by researching different trekking agencies. The duration of the Gosaikunda trek ranges from 10 to 14 days, so meals and accommodation can cost more. However, there is an alternative to the camping trek where you don’t pay for the hotels, lodges, or teahouses.
10. Tamang Heritage Trail Trek
Tamang Heritage Trails is among the best budget treks available in the Langtang region. In this trek, the trekkers trek to different villages of the Langtang region, inhabited by the people following Tamang culture and traditions. The villages that the trekkers will visit are Syabrubesi, Gatlang, Tatopani, Briddhim, Thuman, Lama Hotel and others. To save on the expenses of this trek, the trekkers can stay in the cheap teahouses rather than the expensive Lama Hotel. In this trek, trekkers can also stay in the camp in the wide fields instead of in hotels or lodges. The average seven-day trek duration also reduces the trek’s entire cost compared to other trekkers.
Things to Consider for Budget Trek in Nepal
Many trekkers who visit Nepal are looking to experience adventure in the Himalayas. Some trekkers are here to experience the luxury atmosphere, whereas some want to save money for the budget-friendly experience. A few things to consider before looking out for budget treks in Nepal.
Trekking Season
The trekking season is the primary factor that the trekkers consider if they want to save money during their trek. Trekking in the off-season is the best way of saving money as the trekking agency offers various discounts since there is the least demand for the trek. During the peak season, accommodation services and meals become expensive due to the oversurge of crowds.
Trek Duration
Another factor to consider for a budget-friendly trek is the duration. The longer the trek duration in any region, the more the costs will increase. Shorter treks have fewer transportation, food, and accommodation costs, which means you will save significantly extra, which is why these treks are budget-friendly. In Nepal, several less-duration treks are equally fun.
Foods and Accommodation
Food and Accommodation are the significant factors affecting every trek’s budget. If you want to save money, paying attention to the offers and prices of the services of hotels, lodges, or teahouses is essential. However, if you are trekking in ideal conditions like Spring, you can also stay in tents or camps, saving you money for accommodation.
Guides and Porters
The guides and porters also affect the cost of the trek. Hiring guides and porters to make your trek easy; however, they also incur extra costs like permit fees, direct fees, and additional tips. Any expenses the trekkers will incur for themselves will also be incurred if they hire a guide and porters, making the trek less budget-friendly. However, hiring guides and porters will also save you additional costs in case of emergencies, so the decision is entirely based on the trekkers.
Emergency Funds
Sometimes, even during budget-friendly treks, the trekkers might incur emergency expenses. Hence, saving some emergency funds for the known and unknown conditions of the trek is crucial. During the trek, the trekkers can suffer from injuries, altitude sickness, illness, loss, property damage, etc. Sometimes, due to the weather conditions, your trekking trails can be blocked due to intense snow, so you may have to stay an extra day in the hotels, which is an emergency expense.
Conclusion
Hence, these are some of Nepal’s best and most popular budget trekking packages. The main attraction of these treks is that they are low-cost adventure treks that will scratch the itch of adventure lovers.
So, if you are planning to trek in Nepal but are concerned about the expenses, looking for a budget-friendly trek with less trek duration is wise. We hope our list provides you with the best budget-friendly trekking options and makes your Nepal trek cheaper but more effective.
