Budget Trek Packages in Nepal, 5 Must do Treks for Budget Travelers

Trek into the Himalayas of Nepal on a Budget

Nepal, the land of the Himalayas, is a dream destination for trekking enthusiasts worldwide. Home to eight of the world's ten highest peaks, including the tallest, Mount Everest (8,848.86 m), Nepal offers breathtaking natural landscapes, a rich cultural heritage, and spiritual experiences. Nepal also provides some of the most affordable trekking options. Whether you're a backpacker or looking for budget-friendly travel, Nepal is an inexpensive destination. In this blog, we'll explore the top budget trek packages in Nepal, analyze their costs, and highlight the best times to choose packages that fit your preferences and budget.

Some of the best and popular treks in Nepal, like the EBC Trek, Annapurna Circuit Trek, Manaslu Circuit Trek, etc., require a healthy amount for the best trekking experience. However, you can also embark on these popular treks of Nepal in a budget-friendly way. Let’s explore the best budget trekking packages in Nepal.

Top Budget Trekking Packages in Nepal for Budget Travelers

Mardi Himal Trekking

Mardi Himal Trek is a hidden gem in the Annapurna region, offering spectacular views of Mountain peaks, including Machhapuchhre (6993m), Annapurna South (7219m), Mardi Himal (5587m), and Himchuli (6441m). This short trekking route in Nepal is ideal for those with limited time and budget. Relatively less crowded, Mardi Himal Trek offers affordable food and accommodations, making it the perfect destination for budget travellers.

The budget Mardi Himal Trek takes around 5-7 days, costing around $300 - $450, depending on the level of services and itinerary. This trek is perfect for all levels of tekkers, from beginners to experienced ones. It is one of the best budget trekking routes in Nepal that is relatively easy and can be done by any age group.

Budget Annapurna Circuit Trek

The Budget Annapurna Circuit Trek is the ideal trek for budget travelers, taking you to the world's highest pass, Thorong La, at 5,516 m. This popular route in the Annapurna region offers breathtaking mountain views, a rich cultural heritage, and varied landscapes.

Budget Annapurna Circuit Trek is the best scenic trek in Nepal for budget travelers, taking around 9 to 11 days and costing approximately $ 400 to $ 500, depending on the itinerary. This scenic trek offers breathtaking views of natural landscapes and mountain peaks such as Annapurna II (7937m), Annapurna III (7555m), Annapurna IV(7525m), Gangapurna(7455m), Tilicho Peak(7134m), Thorong La Peak(6144m), Dhaulagiri(8167m), Nilgiri(7061m), Annapurna South (7219m), and others.

This trek is unsuitable for beginners because of high-altitude trekking above 4,000 meters and crossing the Throng La Pass. It poses a significant risk of altitude sickness, so trekkers must be well-acclimated and prepared for these challenging conditions.

Budget Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Have you ever imagined exploring Nepal's most popular trekking destination on a budget? Discover the Budget Annapurna Base Camp Trek for around $400. The price may vary based on your chosen itinerary and the services you select.

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is probably the most popular trekking destination in Nepal. This classic trek reaches an altitude of 4130 meters, passing through traditional ethnic villages and rhododendron forests, offering stunning mountain views. Once at the base camp, it provides 360-degree views of the Annapurna range, including mountains such as Annapurna I (8,091 m), Hiunchuli (6,441 m), Annapurna South (7,219 m), and Machhapuchhre (6,993 m). Perhaps the best budget treks in Nepal that take you to the core of the Annapurna Himalayas.

Langtang Budget Trek

The Langtang Budget Trek is the most affordable and nearest trek from Kathmandu, offering spectacular mountain views, unique culture, diverse wildlife, and stunning natural scenery. Just a 6-7 hour drive from Kathmandu, this trek saves both time and transportation costs.

Alongside the Everest Base Camp Trek and Annapurna Base Camp Trek, the Langtang Valley Trek is one of the most popular treks in Nepal. It takes you through dense forests, alpine meadows, and ethnic villages to viewpoints such as Tserko Ri (5033m) and Kyanjin Ri (4773m), which offer stunning views of mountain peaks like Langtang Lirung (7227m), Langtang Ri (7205m), Yala Peak (5520m), Naya Khang (5844m), Shishapangma (8027m), and many more.

This trek typically takes 5-8 days to finish and costs between $350 and $500, depending on the selected itinerary and pace. It is not only budget-friendly but also suitable for all levels of travelers, from beginners to experienced ones.

Manaslu Circuit Budget Trek

The Manaslu Circuit Budget Trekking is an off-the-beaten-path trekking experience in the Manaslu Region of Nepal, offering an affordable exploration without spending a huge amount. This alternative trekking route for the renowned Annapurna Base Camp Trek and Everest Base Camp Trek circles Mt. Manaslu (8,163 m), the 8th highest mountain in the world.

Although the trek requires a special permit and takes around 12 days to complete, the Manaslu Circuit Trek remains more affordable than expected, especially for those seeking a remote and less crowded trekking route.

The views of majestic mountain peaks, diverse landscapes, and rich cultural heritage make this trek popular among trekkers from beginners to experienced ones. For the 12-day Manaslu Circuit Budget Trek, the cost is $699, which includes a professional trekking guide, required ground transportation, and all necessary permits.

Why choose Budget Trekking in Nepal?

Affordability

Nepal is one of the most affordable trekking destinations in the world. With local tea houses, cheap transportation, and low permit fees, you can easily plan a trekking adventure on a limited budget. Usually, budget treks in Nepal don't require domestic flights, saving costly airfares for budget travellers. As most of the trekking routes pass through villages, food and accommodation are available at affordable prices.

Multiple options of routes

Nepal, a country in the Himalayas, offers diverse trekking routes that showcase incredible natural scenery and cultural richness. It provides routes suitable for every kind of traveller, from luxury to budget options. Mardi Himal Trek, Langtang Valley Trek, Poon Hill Trek, and others are some of the short and scenic trekking destinations for budget travellers.

Teahouse Trekking

The most popular treks in Nepal follow the teahouse trekking model, where you stay in locally run guesthouses that provide meals and accommodation at a minimal cost. These tea houses offer accommodation for $5–10 per night and meals for $5–10, depending on altitude and remoteness. Facilities like hot showers, Wifi, and charging is available in most of the tea houses in the trekking routes of Nepal.

Low-Cost Transportation Options

All budget trekking routes in Nepal can be reached easily by public bus or shared jeeps to the starting point. Generally, public bus fares are more affordable than those for private vehicles and flights. Typically, the fares for public buses in Nepal range from $10 to $15.

Great value for money

Even with a modest budget, you can enjoy the panoramic views of Mountain peaks, experience authentic culture, warm hospitality, and stunning natural scenery in Nepal. Spending just $30–40 per day, you can trek through some of the most iconic landscapes in the world, something rarely possible elsewhere.

What's Included in Budget Trekking Packages?

A typical budget trekking package in Nepal includes:

• Professional Government-licensed guide (porter is optional)
• Guide's salary, insurance, transportation cost, accommodation, and food
• Ground transportation, usually on shared jeeps and local buses
• Essential permits (TIMS, National Park, Conservation Area, Special Permits)
• Basic first aid

Not included:

• Accommodation and food
• International/domestic flights (except in premium packages)
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses (snacks, hot showers, Wi-Fi, charging)
• Tips and donations

Best Time for Budget Treks in Nepal

Autumn (September to November) and spring (March to April) are the ideal times for trekking the Annapurna Circuit on a budget. This period offers perfect weather conditions, with clear skies, allowing you to witness stunning views of mountain peaks and natural landscapes.

These seasons are peak trekking seasons in Nepal, as most popular trekking routes, such as the Annapurna Base Camp Trek and the Everest Base Camp Trek, are crowded. The budget trekking routes are also manageable during the off-season, i.e., winter (December to February) and the Monsoon (June to August). Although this time of year presents challenges such as snowfall, cold temperatures, rainfall, and slippery trails, it can be ideal for budget trekkers, as services are available at lower rates than during the peak season.

Essential Trekking Gear and Equipment for Budget Treks in Nepal

Packing the correct gear and equipment is crucial, whether you're planning a short or long trek, whether it's a luxury or budget trip. The appropriate gear boosts your confidence and enhances your experience. In either case, being well-prepared helps you maximize your budget trek in Nepal, whether it's a quick hike or an extended adventure.

Some of the must-have trekking gear for the budget-friendly Trek in Nepal are:

• Headgear: UV-protected sunglasses, round sun hat, fleece warm hat
• Upper Body Items: T-shirts, thermal wear, waterproof & windproof jacket, down jacket, gloves
• Lower Body Items: Sturdy trekking boots, Trekking pants, shorts, thermal pants, a pair of socks, and undergarments
• Other essential items: Trekking poles, electronic items, raincoat, water bottles, purification tablets, and personal care items.

FAQs

Is food included in budget trekking packages?

Usually, the food is not included in the trekking packages in Nepal.

How much should I tip my guide and porter?

For budget treks, it is customary to tip 10% of the total cost, approximately $5–10 per day for the guide and $4–6 for the porter.

Can I trek to Everest as a budget Traveler?

Yes, of course, you can trek to Everest as a budget traveler, hiring an experienced Sherpa Guide only.

Can you rent trekking gear in Nepal?

Yes, you can rent trekking gear in Kathmandu or Pokhara. You can rent gear such as sleeping bags, down jackets, and trekking poles, which cost around $2 to $3 per day.

Do I need travel insurance for budget treks?

Yes, getting travel insurance is essential while trekking in the Himalayas of Nepal.

Conclusion

Nepal, renowned for its stunning landscapes and famous Himalayan routes, provides exceptional trekking opportunities even for travellers with limited budgets. The diverse range of budget trekking packages in Nepal ensures that you don't need to compromise on adventure, scenery, or cultural richness, regardless of your financial limitations.

Trekking on a budget doesn't mean sacrificing quality; it's about thoughtful planning, sustainable choices, and authentic experiences. With proper preparation, local insights, and reliable operators, budget trekking in Nepal delivers unforgettable scenery, cultural richness, and memorable adventures. Overland Trek Nepal has been operating guided services and several Budget Trek Packages in Nepal for the last decade. Feel Free to contact us if you want to customize any budget treks in Nepal or a standard trekking package. Contact our travel planner on WhatsApp for a prompt response on +9779841920870.