Mardi Himal vs Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Comparison and Differences

Trip Overview

The Mardi Himal Trek and Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek are two popular trekking routes in Nepal. Both the Mardi Himal Trek and the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek are located in Nepal’s Annapurna region, offering stunning Himalayan scenery, diverse landscapes, and rich cultural experiences. However, they cater to different trekking preferences. Here’s a detailed comparison to help you decide:

1. Length and Duration

Mardi Himal Trek:
. Duration: Typically 5–7 days.
. Distance: Around 40–50 km.
. It is a relatively short trek, perfect for those with limited time but still looking for an adventurous experience.

Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek:
. Duration: 7–12 days (depending on the starting point and pace).
. Distance: Around 70–110 km (depending on the route taken).
. This trek takes longer, with more time spent trekking through diverse terrains and higher altitudes.

2. Difficulty Level

Mardi Himal Trek:
. Difficulty: Moderate.
. Altitude: The highest point is around 4,500 meters (Mardi Himal Base Camp).
. The trail is less technical, with fewer steep climbs compared to ABC, making it suitable for trekkers with moderate fitness levels.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek:
. Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous.
. Altitude: The highest point is ABC at 4,130 meters.
. The trail involves steeper ascents and descents, more challenging terrain, and longer trekking days.

3. Altitude and Acclimatization

Mardi Himal Trek:
. The trek reaches Mardi Himal Base Camp at around 4,500 meters. While this is slightly higher than Annapurna Base Camp, it does not require as much time for acclimatization due to the shorter duration of the trek.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek:
. The trek reaches Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 meters. Though slightly lower in altitude, the longer trek allows more time for acclimatization as trekkers ascend gradually through villages.

4. Scenery and Landscape

Mardi Himal Trek:
. Offers pristine views of the Mardi Himal, Machapuchare (Fishtail), Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli.
. The trek passes through dense rhododendron forests, alpine meadows, and ridge trails.
. Known for a quieter, less developed route, the trek provides a more peaceful, isolated experience with fewer trekkers.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek:
. The trek leads through lush bamboo and rhododendron forests, terraced fields, and high alpine landscapes.
. The route culminates at the Annapurna Sanctuary, a glacial amphitheater surrounded by towering peaks including Annapurna I, Annapurna South, and Machapuchare.
. This trek offers more variety in terms of landscapes, from subtropical forests to high-altitude terrain.

5. Popularity and Crowd

Mardi Himal Trek:
. Less crowded compared to ABC. This is a relatively new trekking route, meaning fewer trekkers and a more serene atmosphere.
. Ideal for those seeking solitude and off-the-beaten-path experiences.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek:
. One of the most popular trekking routes in Nepal, so it tends to be more crowded, especially in peak seasons (spring and autumn).
. You will encounter more trekkers, especially around popular villages like Ghandruk and Chomrong.

6. Cultural Experience

Mardi Himal Trek:
. Passes through smaller, less-touristed Gurung and Magar villages, giving a more intimate cultural experience.
. Trekking lodges (tea houses) are more basic but offer cozy accommodation in remote areas.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek:
. More opportunities to interact with local villagers in large settlements like Ghandruk, Chomrong, and Sinuwa.
. Trekkers can experience a richer cultural immersion due to the larger and more diverse communities along the way.

7. Trekking Infrastructure (Tea Houses, Lodges, and Facilities)

Mardi Himal Trek:
. Less developed compared to the ABC trek.
. The tea houses and lodges are more basic but sufficient for trekkers. Fewer options in terms of accommodation, especially at higher altitudes.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek:
. Well-established with a large number of tea houses, lodges, and even bakeries and hot springs (e.g., in Jhinu Danda).
. Offers better infrastructure, more comfortable accommodation options, and greater food variety.

8. Best Time to Trek

Mardi Himal Trek:
. Best during spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November). However, the route can also be trekked in winter due to its shorter duration and lower snowfall.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek:
. Similar peak seasons as Mardi Himal: spring and autumn are ideal. Winter can be very cold and snow-covered, making it more challenging.

9. Accessibility

Mardi Himal Trek:
. The trek usually starts from Kande or Phedi, which are about 1–2 hours’ drive from Pokhara.
. The trailhead is easily accessible by road, and no flights are required.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek:
. Starts from Nayapul, also around 1.5–2 hours’ drive from Pokhara.
. Like Mardi Himal, no flights are required to begin the trek, but the route is longer.

10. Trekking Experience (Wilderness vs. Commercial)

Mardi Himal Trek:
. A more wild and off-the-beaten-path experience with less commercialization.
. Fewer tourists and simpler lodges give it a remote, tranquil vibe.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek:
. More commercialized, with well-developed trekking infrastructure catering to a large number of trekkers.
. The trail has more tourists, but also more comforts and established services.

ITINERARY OF MARDI HIMAL 

Day 1: Arrival at Kathmandu International Airport. We welcome you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel by our car. Orientation of the trip. Preparation for the trek. Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu
Day 2: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (Alt 800m/2,624ft.) by Tourist Coach, 200 km west of Kathmandu. Driving 7 hours. Evening walk around Phewa Lake. Overnight at Hotel in Pokhara
Day 3: Drive from Pokhara to Kande. Driving 1 hour. Trek from Kande to Deurali (Alt. 2142m/ 7028ft). Walking 3-4 hours. Overnight at Tea House.
Day 4: Trek from Deurali to Forest Camp (Alt. 2,520m/8064ft). Walking 4 hours. Overnight at Tea House.
Day 5: Trek from Forest Camp to Badal Danda (3210m/10531ft). Walking 3 to 4 hours. Overnight at Tea House.
Day 6: Trek from Badal Danda to High camp (Alt 3600m/11810ft)) & Acclimatization.  Walking 2 to 3 hours. Overnight at Tea House.
Day 7: Hike to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m/14,760ft) and trek to Low Camp (3,050m/10,006ft. Walking 7/8 hours. Overnight at Tea House.
Day 8: Trek from Low Camp to Siding Village (Alt. 1700m/5440ft). Drive from Siding to Pokhara. Walking 3 to 4 hours. Drive 2-3 hours. Overnight at Hotel in Pokhara
Day 9: Drive back from Pokhara to Kathmandu by Tourist Coach. Driving 7 hours. Evening farewell dinner at a typical Nepali restaurant with cultural dances. Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu
Day 10: We drop you at Kathmandu International airport by our car for your flight to your country. Final Departure from Nepal.

ITINERARY OF ANNAPURNA BASE CAMP TREK 

Day 1: Arrival at Kathmandu International Airport. We welcome you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel by our car. Orientation of the trip. Preparation for the trek. Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu
Day 2: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (Alt 800m/2,624ft.) by Tourist Coach, 200 km west of Kathmandu. Driving 7 hours. Evening walk around Phewa Lake. Overnight at Hotel in Pokhara
Day 3: Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul. Driving 1 hour 30 min. Trek from Nayapul to Ghandruk (Alt. 1940 m/6,364 ft). Walking 5/6 hours. Overnightat at Tea House
Day 4: Trek from Ghandruk to Chhomrong (Alt. 2,170 m/7,118 ft). Walking 5/6 hours. Overnightat at Tea House
Day 5: Trek from Chhomrong to Dovan (Alt. 2600 m/ 8530 ft). Walking 6 hours. Overnightat at Tea House
Day 6: Trek from Dovan to Deurali (3230 m/10497 ft). Walking 4/5 hours. Overnightat at Tea House
Day 7: Trek from Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp (4130 m/13422 ft) via Machapuchchhre Base Camp (3700m/12025ft). Walking 5/6 hours. Overnightat at Tea House
Day 8: Trek back from Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo (2310 m/7507 ft). Walking 7 hours. Overnightat at Tea House
Day 9: Trek from Bamboo to Jhinu Danda (Alt. 1760 m/5773 ft). Walking 5/6 hours. Overnightat at Tea House
Day 10: Trek from Jhinu Danda to Nayapul (1070 m/3510 ft). Drive from Nayapul to Pokhara (800m/2,624ft). Walking 5/6 hours. Driving 1 hour 30 min. Overnight at Hotel in Pokhara
Day 11: Drive back from Pokhara to Kathmandu by Tourist Coach. Driving 7 hours. Evening farewell dinner at a typical Nepali restaurant with a cultural show. Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu
Day 12: We drop you at Kathmandu International Airport by our car for your flight to your country. Final Departure from Nepal.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek and Mardi Himal Trek can also do in one trip.

ITINERARY OF ANNAPURNA BASE CAMP + MARDI HIMAL TREK

Day 1: Arrival at Kathmandu International Airport. We welcome you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel in our car. Orientation of the trip. Preparation for the trek. Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 2: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (Alt 800m/2,624ft.) by Tourist Coach, 200 km west of Kathmandu. Driving 7 hours. Evening walks around Phewa Lake. Overnight at Hotel in Pokhara.
Day 3: Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul. Driving 1 hour 30 min. Trek from Nayapul to Ghandruk (Alt. 1940 m/6,364 ft). Average walking 5/6 hours. Overnight at Tea House.
Day 4: Trek from Ghandruk to Chhomrong (Alt. 2,170 m/7,118 ft). Average walking 5/6 hours. Overnight at Tea House.
Day 5: Trek from Chhomrong to Dovan (Alt. 2600 m/ 8530 ft). Average walking 6 hours. Overnight at Tea House.
Day 6: Trek from Dovan to Deurali (3230 m/10497 ft). Average walking 4/5 hours. Overnight at Tea House.
Day 7: Trek from Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp (4130 m/13422 ft) via Machapuchchhre Base Camp (3700m/12025ft). Average walking 5/6 hours. Overnight at Tea House.
Day 8: Trek back from Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo (2310 m/7507 ft). Average walking 7 hours. Overnight at Tea House.
Day 9: Trek from Bamboo to Jhinu Danda (Alt. 1760 m/5773 ft). Average walking 5/6 hours. Overnight at Tea House.
Day 10: Trek from Jhinu Danda to Rest Camp (Altitude 2600 meters). Walking 6/ 7 hours. Overnight at Mountain Lodge.
Day 11: Trek from Rest Camp High Camp (Altitude 3600 meters). Walking 5 hours.  Overnight at Mountain Lodge.
Day 12: Trek from High Camp to View Point (Altitude 4200 meters) – Mardi Himal Base Camp (4500 meters) to Sidding. Walking for 7 to 8 hours. Overnight at Mountain Lodge.
Day 13: After breakfast drive from Sidding to Pokhara. 2:30 to 3 hours of drive. Rest of the day at leisure in Pokhara. Overnight at Hotel in Pokhara.
Day 14: Drive back from Pokhara to Kathmandu by Tourist Coach. Driving 7/8 hours. In the evening complimentary farewell dinner at an authentic Nepalese Restaurant in Kathmandu with cultural dances of different communities of Nepal. Overnight Hotel in Kathmandu
Day 15: We drop you at Kathmandu International Airport by car for your flight to your country. Final Departure from Nepal.

Please contact us by email at [email protected] or WhatsApp at +977 9851203181 for any further information about Annapurna Base Camp and Mardi Himal Trek and their cost. Once we receive your message, we get back to you within 24 hours.

Excellent Himalaya Trek and Expedition: Recommended trekking operator for ABC Trek and Mardi Himal Trek?

Excellent Himalaya Trek and Expedition Pvt Ltd is the leading trekking and tour company authorized by the Nepal Government Tourism Ministry based in Kathmandu Nepal. We are managed by Nepalese tourism experts, local guides, and Sherpa. Our team has been engaged in the Nepalese tourism industry since 2002. 

The salient features of Excellent Himalaya Trek and Expedition by which people around the world trust us as the authentic organizer of Annapurna Base Camp Mardi Himal Trek:

Team of Local Experts and Guides: As this company is managed and run by well-trained, experienced & competent local experts, and guides, we know well about the mountain trail, ecology, culture, etc. of the trekking routes. We know the best way of trekking and also we get you the same way.

Trustworthy: Trust is something that comes from commitment. Hence, being a legally registered company, we commit to providing the best, most satisfactory trekking, tours, and expeditions. We are operating all trekking, and climbing tours in Nepal based on reality, integrity, and honesty.

Focus on your needs: We highly value all our clients. We always move according to your interests and requirements. Because your satisfaction is our goal. Thus, all our trekking, tour, and mountaineering packages are customizable.

Fair Price: As we are a direct operator, not an agent, our price is always competitive and does not have any middle and hidden fees. We provide the value of what you are buying from our services at least equal to the amount you are paying.

Safety: Your safety is our priority. Trekking to the Himalayas is both exciting and adventurous. So we provide you with all the safety materials needed, along with motivational counseling.

Friendly, and Professional Staff: We have highly friendly, helpful, and professional staff. Our staff looks after you right from the moment of your arrival to the time of your departure. They can cope with most emergencies including those requiring evacuation and hospitalization.

Real Cared Services: Our one travel consultant or our local trekking guide keeps in touch with our clients every time. We make sure their protection is guaranteed so that they will have peace of mind while trekking with us.

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