Himalayan Trek Budget: How Much It Really Costs to Trek in the Indian Himalayas

When you think of a Himalayan trek, a multi-day hiking journey through the high mountains of northern India, often involving altitude, remote villages, and rugged trails. Also known as mountain trekking in India, it’s not just about the views—it’s about planning for the real costs that come with altitude, logistics, and safety. A Himalayan trek isn’t a weekend hike. It’s a serious adventure that demands more than good shoes and a camera. You need to know what you’re paying for—permits, guides, food, gear, and transport—before you step onto the trail.

Most people assume Himalayan treks are expensive, but that’s not always true. You can do a basic trek in Uttarakhand or Himachal for under ₹15,000 if you go off-season, carry your own gear, and skip luxury lodges. On the other end, a full-service trek in Ladakh like Stok Kangri can hit ₹35,000 or more if you hire porters, buy rental gear, and stay in tea houses with hot showers. The difference? Control. The more you handle yourself—booking buses, packing food, finding local guides—the lower your budget. The Himalayan trek budget, the total amount a traveler spends on food, transport, permits, and equipment for a mountain trek in India isn’t fixed. It’s shaped by your choices.

Permits are a big part of the cost. In places like Himachal’s Pin Valley or Uttarakhand’s Valley of Flowers, you’ll pay ₹500–₹2,000 per person for entry. In Ladakh, you need an Inner Line Permit (ILP), which costs ₹400 and takes a day to get. Guides? You don’t always need one. On popular routes like Kedarkantha, you can follow marked trails with a map. But for high-altitude treks like Roopkund or Markha Valley, a local guide adds ₹1,500–₹2,500 per day—and that’s money well spent if you’re new to altitude. Gear is another surprise. A good pair of trekking boots? ₹5,000–₹8,000. If you’re renting, expect ₹300–₹500 per day. Many travelers buy cheap gear and end up with blisters or cold feet. Don’t skip this part.

Food and lodging vary wildly. In remote areas, a simple meal—dal, rice, chapati—costs ₹150–₹250. Tea and snacks? ₹50–₹100. Lodging ranges from ₹500 in a basic guesthouse to ₹2,500 in a cozy lodge with heating. Most trekkers spend ₹800–₹1,500 per day on food and stay. Transport is often the biggest hidden cost. Getting to the trailhead from Delhi or Mumbai can cost ₹3,000–₹6,000 one way, depending on whether you take a train, bus, or shared taxi. Factor in at least two days of travel just to reach the start.

What’s missing from most budget lists? Emergency funds. Altitude sickness, sudden rain, or a twisted ankle can change your plans fast. Set aside ₹5,000–₹10,000 just in case. You won’t need it every time—but when you do, you’ll be glad you had it.

Below, you’ll find real stories from trekkers who did the Himalayas on a tight budget. Some slept in tents, others hiked solo. Some spent under ₹10,000. Others saved by skipping flights. All of them made it back with stories—and no debt. This isn’t about luxury. It’s about knowing what matters, what you can cut, and how to walk the mountains without breaking your bank.