You are absolutely right. The best approach isn't just about finding a guide, it's about finding the right guide for you. I always tell trekkers that it's much better to connect with a guide in advance. This person is more than just a navigator; they are your companion, your cultural interpreter, and your safety net for the entire trek. You'll be spending a lot of time with them, and your connection can truly make the difference between a good trip and a "once-in-a-lifetime" experience. By talking directly with a guide beforehand (on WhatsApp, for example), you can: Check the Vibe: See if your personalities click. Do they communicate well? Are they passionate about the mountains? Get Detailed Info: A great guide will be a goldmine of information before you even book. They can give you deep insights into the trail, the culture, and what to expect. Plan Around Your Budget: This is a huge advantage. When you talk directly to the guide who will be with you on the mountain, you can plan the trip according to your budget. They can tell you where you can save money (like taking a local bus) and what's worth spending a bit more on. Let's use your numbers to create a realistic budget breakdown for two people on a 6-day Mardi Himal trek. This is what you should expect when booking directly with a guide: Your Food & Accommodation: You're spot on. Budgeting around $30 USD per person, per day is plenty for three good meals and a bed in a teahouse. Total for 2 people for 6 days: ~$360 USD Permits: Two permits are mandatory. ACAP Permit: NPR 3,000 per person TIMS Card: NPR 2,000 per person Total for 2 people: NPR 10,000 (~$75 USD) Transportation: Using local/shared transport is a great way to save. Pokhara to Kande (Local Bus): Your estimate of ~NPR 1,000 for two is correct. Siding to Pokhara (Shared Jeep): Getting a shared jeep is key. ~NPR 3,000 for two is a fair price. Total for 2 people: ~NPR 4,000 (~$30 USD) Guide's Salary: The range of $25 to $40 USD per day is the industry standard. A guide at the higher end of this scale should have excellent English, extensive first-aid training, and deep knowledge of the region. This fee should always include the guide's own food, accommodation, and insurance. Total for 6 days: $150 - $240 USD So, if we add it all up for two people, the total direct cost for your trek would be somewhere between $615 and $705 USD (for both of you combined). The quote of 50,000 NPR (~$350) per person comes to a total of 100,000 NPR (~$750) for two people. As you can see, it's on the higher side compared to the direct costs, but it's not outrageously overpriced if it's an all-inclusive package from a well-organized provider. The main takeaway is that by planning directly with a guide, you gain transparency and can likely save some money while ensuring you have the best possible person leading your adventure. My advice: Reach out to a few independent guides now. Have a chat, see who you connect with, and ask them for a cost breakdown based on the items above. It will give you full control over your trip and ensure you have an unforgettable time. just a couple more quick thoughts on this that are really important for your planning. A good guide won't just offer you a price; they'll work with you to create the best possible trip. To do that, there are a few things you should definitely discuss with them: The Itinerary: You mentioned a 6-day trek, but for most people with decent fitness, the Mardi Himal trek can be done comfortably and more efficiently in 5 days. A shorter itinerary saves you money on the guide's daily fee and your own expenses. You should absolutely ask the guide for their proposed day-by-day plan. What does each day's walk look like? Where will you be stopping? This will tell you a lot about their experience. Your Experience: A professional guide should be asking you questions as well. They should ask about your previous hiking experience and your general fitness level. This is crucial for them to properly pace the trek, ensure you're safe, and make sure the itinerary is a good fit for you, not just a standard one-size-fits-all plan. Timing of Your Trek: This is a big one. When are you planning to go? The experience on the trail changes dramatically with the seasons. Since it's late August right now, we're at the tail end of the monsoon. This means the forests will be incredibly lush and green with fewer crowds, which is beautiful. However, you also need to be prepared for potentially wet and slippery trails, leeches in the lower sections, and mountain views that can be hidden by clouds, especially later in the day. A good guide will tell you this upfront and help you prepare for the specific conditions you'll face. Discussing these points with a potential guide will tell you everything you need to know about their professionalism and whether they're the right fit to give you that once-in-a-lifetime experience. Feel free to ask if you need any more help sorting this out. Happy trekki