Mardi Himal vs Annapurna Base Camp Trek: Which One Should You Choose in 2026/ 2027?
Updated [July 21st, 2026]. Written and reviewed by Suman Shrestha, licensed guide (Nepal Government License No. 2212)
Both trails climb out of Pokhara into the same Annapurna massif, and both end with a wall of 7,000-plus-metre peaks close enough to feel personal. That is where the similarity ends. The Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek is a 7–12-day classic that funnels you into the Annapurna Sanctuary, a glacial amphitheatre ringed by giants. The Mardi Himal Trek is a shorter, steeper, far quieter ridge walk that most trekkers finish in 5–7 days. Increasingly, trekkers are not choosing one or the other — they are combining both into a single 13–15 day loop.
This guide compares both treks category by category — duration, difficulty, altitude, scenery, crowds, culture, cost, infrastructure, and accessibility — with a 2026 cost breakdown, a permit and packing checklist, a decision framework, a full combined-trek itinerary, and a trail story from Excellent Himalaya senior guide Subindra Adhikari, who led an ABC + Mardi Himal combined group in April 2026.
Quick Answer
Choose Mardi Himal if you have 5–7 days, want a quieter trail, and are comfortable with a steep final push to 4,500 m. Choose Annapurna Base Camp if you have 8–12 days, want the classic Sanctuary views, richer village culture, and a gentler acclimatization curve. If you have 13–15 days, combine both — it is the single best way to see the Annapurna region without repeating trail sections.
Mardi Himal vs Annapurna Base Camp: Hero Comparison Table
| Feature | Mardi Himal Trek | Annapurna Base Camp Trek |
| Duration | 5–7 days | 7–12 days |
| Trekking distance | ~40–50 km round trip | ~70–110 km round trip |
| Highest point | 4,500 m (Mardi Himal Base Camp / View Point) | 4,130 m (Annapurna Base Camp) |
| Difficulty | Moderate, with one steep summit push | Moderate, with more cumulative days at altitude |
| Daily walking | 3–6 hours (7–8 hrs on summit day) | 5–7 hours most days |
| Crowd level | Low — a newer, less-commercialized route | High in peak season (Mar–May, Sep–Nov) |
| Permits required | ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit) | ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit) |
| Guide requirement | Mandatory licensed guide (enforced since April 2023) | Mandatory licensed guide (enforced since April 2023) |
| Guided trek cost (per person) | Roughly $400–$900 | Roughly $600–$1,200 |
| Trailhead access | Kande or Phedi, 1–2 hrs from Pokhara | Nayapul, 1.5–2 hrs from Pokhara |
| Infrastructure | Basic teahouses, limited menu and charging options | Well-developed teahouses, hot showers, bakeries, hot springs at Jhinu |
| Best for | Solitude, ridge-line mountain views, short timeframes | Classic Sanctuary views, culture, first-time Himalaya trekkers |
Detailed Comparison
1. Length and Duration
Mardi Himal is the trek to pick when time is tight. Most itineraries run 5–7 days door-to-door from Kathmandu, covering roughly 40–50 km. ABC asks for a bigger commitment — typically 7–12 days and 70–110 km, depending on whether you exit via Jhinu Danda or add side trips like the Jhinu hot springs or Poon Hill. If your annual leave is the limiting factor, Mardi Himal wins outright; if you have the days, ABC’s extra length buys a much bigger cross-section of the Annapurna region.
2. Difficulty Level and Elevation Gain
Both treks are rated moderate, but the character of the difficulty differs. Mardi Himal’s toughest day is its last real push — a long, steep 7–8 hour climb from High Camp to the Mardi Himal View Point (around 4,200 m) and on to Base Camp (4,500 m), often on a narrow, exposed ridge. ABC spreads its difficulty out: five or six consecutive 5–7 hour days with repeated up-and-down through the Modi Khola gorge before the final approach to Base Camp. Trekkers with dodgy knees often find ABC’s terraced, gradual gain kinder than Mardi’s steep finish; trekkers short on time but reasonably fit often prefer getting the hard day over with quickly on Mardi.
3. Altitude and Acclimatization
Mardi Himal’s high point (4,500 m) is technically higher than ABC’s (4,130 m), which surprises a lot of first-time trekkers. What makes Mardi manageable is that trekkers typically only spend one or two nights above 3,600 m before descending, and the itinerary is built with a dedicated acclimatization day at High Camp. ABC gains its (lower) altitude more gradually across a longer trail, giving the body more days to adjust, but trekkers also sleep at higher average altitudes for more consecutive nights. Altitude sickness (AMS) is a real risk on both routes — not just the higher one — and the rule that matters most is ascent rate, not final elevation.
4. Scenery and Landscape
Mardi Himal is a ridge walk: after the rhododendron forest, the trail opens onto exposed alpine ridgeline with near-constant, close-up views of Machapuchare (Fishtail), Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli — the mountains feel enormous because you are looking at them from the side, not from below. ABC is a sanctuary walk: bamboo and rhododendron forest gives way to terraced fields, then to the Annapurna Sanctuary itself, a glacial amphitheatre where Annapurna I (8,091 m), Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machapuchare surround you on almost every side. Mardi delivers ridge-line drama in profile; ABC delivers a 360-degree amphitheatre. Neither is objectively better — they are different photographic experiences.
5. Popularity and Crowds
Mardi Himal is still a comparatively new route, opened to independent trekkers only in the 2010s, and it draws a fraction of ABC’s numbers. In peak season you might share a teahouse dining hall with a dozen trekkers rather than eighty. ABC is one of Nepal’s three or four most popular treks; during October–November and March–April, villages like Ghandruk, Chhomrong, and Dovan can be genuinely crowded, and pre-booking rooms matters. If solitude is part of what you are trekking for, Mardi is the clear winner; if you enjoy a social trail with other trekkers to compare notes with each evening, ABC delivers that in spades.
6. Cultural Experience
ABC passes through larger, more established Gurung villages — Ghandruk in particular is one of the best-preserved Gurung settlements in the Annapurna region, with a Gurung Museum and stone-paved lanes worth a half-day on their own. Mardi’s villages (Kande, Siding) are smaller and less geared toward tourism, which means a more low-key, unpolished cultural encounter, but also fewer opportunities to visit museums or larger community sites. Trekkers wanting deeper cultural immersion alongside their mountain views generally get more of it on ABC.
7. Trekking Infrastructure
ABC’s infrastructure is the most developed of any trek in the region outside Everest: hot showers, bakeries, Wi-Fi (patchy above Chhomrong), varied menus, and the well-known hot spring at Jhinu Danda. Mardi’s teahouses are simpler — expect basic dal bhat, limited Wi-Fi, and colder rooms at High Camp — which is part of its appeal for trekkers who want a rawer experience but a real consideration for those who value comfort.
8. Best Time to Trek
Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are the prime windows for both treks, offering the clearest mountain views and the most stable weather. Spring adds blooming rhododendron forests on both trails. Mardi Himal’s shorter duration and lower snow accumulation make it one of the more forgiving winter options (December–February) if you are trekking outside peak season, though High Camp gets cold. ABC is trekkable in winter too but with a higher chance of snow closing the final approach in heavy years.
9. Accessibility from Pokhara
Mardi Himal starts from Kande or Phedi, 1–2 hours by road from Pokhara — the shortest drive-to-trailhead of any major Annapurna trek. ABC starts from Nayapul, a similar 1.5–2 hour drive. Neither trek requires a domestic flight; both begin and end by road from Pokhara, which keeps logistics simple and weather-independent compared to fly-in treks like Everest Base Camp.
10. Wilderness Feel vs Commercial Comfort
This is the honest trade-off underneath every other comparison. Mardi Himal is quieter, simpler, and feels more remote — you are trading comfort for solitude. ABC is more developed and more social — you are trading solitude for comfort, culture, and one of the most photographed views in the Himalayas. Trekkers who have already done ABC (or a similarly developed trek) often choose Mardi specifically because it feels different; first-time Nepal trekkers more often choose ABC because it delivers the classic experience they came for.

Cost Breakdown: Mardi Himal vs ABC (2026)
Prices vary by season, group size, and how much comfort you want, but the structure of the cost is the same on both treks: permits, a licensed guide (and optional porter), teahouse accommodation, food, and transport to/from the trailhead.
| Cost item | Mardi Himal | Annapurna Base Camp |
| ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit) | NPR 3,000 (~$25) | NPR 3,000 (~$25) |
| TIMS card | Not currently required for the Annapurna region | Not currently required for the Annapurna region |
| Licensed guide | Mandatory — roughly $25–$35/day | Mandatory — roughly $25–$35/day |
| Porter (optional) | Roughly $20–$25/day | Roughly $20–$25/day |
| Teahouse accommodation | $3–$8/night (basic rooms) | $5–$10/night (more amenities available) |
| Meals | $20–$30/day | $20–$35/day (more menu variety) |
| Typical guided package total | $400–$900 per person | $600–$1,200 per person |
The Nepal Tourism Board discontinued the mandatory TIMS card requirement for independently guided treks in the Annapurna and Khumbu regions; the ACAP permit remains mandatory and is the one checkpoint fee you should budget for on both routes. Since April 2023, all foreign trekkers in Nepal — including on Mardi Himal and ABC — must trek with a licensed guide; solo, unguided trekking is no longer permitted. Confirm current requirements with your operator before departure, as Nepal’s permit system continues to evolve.
Recent Trail Updates for the 2026/2027 Season
Both routes see meaningful year-over-year changes as infrastructure in the Annapurna region develops. Here’s what’s different heading into the 2026/2027 trekking seasons compared to a few years ago:
Digital permit tracking has replaced paper ACAP cards: Nepal has moved to a digital, QR-code-based permit system for the Annapurna Conservation Area. Your operator registers your details in advance and checkpoints at Birethanti, Chhomrong, and Jhinu Danda now scan digital permits rather than stamping paper cards, making it faster for authorities to know exactly who is on the trail in an emergency.
ACAP fee increase: The Annapurna Conservation Area Permit fee rose from NPR 2,000 to NPR 3,000 (roughly $25) in September 2024 and remains at that level through the 2026/2027 seasons.
Post-monsoon trail repair is faster and more visible: Local municipalities and conservation committees have stepped up post-monsoon repair work on both routes, with upgraded stone steps, better-drained sections, and clearer trail signage — particularly on the ABC route between Bamboo, Dovan, and Deurali, historically among the muddiest and most landslide-affected stretches.
The road-head keeps creeping closer on ABC: Ongoing road construction in the lower Annapurna region continues to shorten the walking distance from Pokhara before the trail proper begins. Some trekkers are now choosing scenic variant routes (via Ghorepani–Poon Hill or Landruk) specifically to avoid road sections and preserve the classic trekking feel.
More combined-route options on Mardi Himal: Beyond the ABC combination, operators are increasingly offering Mardi Himal linked with Poon Hill via Ghandruk and Tadapani for trekkers who want a third landscape (rhododendron ridgeline sunrise views) without the full ABC add-on.
Guide requirement remains strictly enforced: The April 2023 rule requiring all foreign trekkers to hire a licensed guide continues to be enforced on both routes through 2026/2027, with no signs of independent trekking being reinstated for either trail.
Trail conditions change with every monsoon season — confirm current status with your operator close to your departure date, particularly for the Bamboo–Deurali stretch on ABC and the High Camp approach on Mardi, both of which are the most weather-sensitive sections on their respective routes.

Packing List: Shared Essentials + Trek-Specific Additions
Both treks call for the same core layering system — the differences are mostly about how cold your coldest night will be.
- Sturdy, broken-in trekking boots with ankle support
- Moisture-wicking base layers (2–3 sets)
- Insulated down jacket rated for at least -10°C
- Waterproof, windproof outer shell (jacket and trousers)
- Trekking poles — especially valuable on Mardi’s steep summit push and ABC’s Bamboo-to-Sinuwa descent
- Headlamp with spare batteries
- Water purification tablets or a filter (bottled water is discouraged above Chhomrong and High Camp)
- Basic first-aid kit including Diamox (consult a doctor before your trip) and blister care
- Sun protection: high-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses rated for UV/snow glare, sun hat
Mardi Himal Additions
Mardi Himal: pack a warmer sleeping bag (rated to at least -15°C) since High Camp teahouses are simpler and less insulated than equivalent-altitude ABC lodges, and bring gloves and a buff for the exposed, windy ridge walk to the View Point.
ABC Additions
ABC: pack swimwear or a quick-dry change of clothes for the Jhinu Danda hot springs, and a lightweight towel — one comfort ABC offers that Mardi does not.
Health & Safety: Altitude Sickness on Both Routes
Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) can occur on either trek — Mardi’s 4,500 m high point is actually higher than ABC’s 4,130 m, so treating Mardi as the “safe, low” option is a mistake. Common early symptoms include headache, nausea, dizziness, and disturbed sleep. The single most effective prevention is ascending slowly and following the “climb high, sleep low” principle wherever the itinerary allows it.
- Drink 3–4 litres of water daily and avoid alcohol above 3,000 m
- Report symptoms to your guide immediately — do not push through a worsening headache
- Never ascend further if symptoms worsen; the only reliable treatment for worsening AMS is descent
- Travel insurance with high-altitude trekking and helicopter evacuation cover is strongly recommended for both treks
- A licensed guide (mandatory on both routes since April 2023) is trained to recognize AMS early and coordinate evacuation if needed
Decision Framework: Which Trek Is Right for You?
Choose Mardi Himal if…
- You have 5–7 days available, not more
- You want a quieter trail with fewer other trekkers
- You are comfortable with one long, steep summit day
- You have trekked in Nepal before and want a different, less commercial experience
- Budget is a bigger constraint than comfort
Choose Annapurna Base Camp if…
- You have 8–12 days available
- This is your first Himalayan trek, and you want the classic Sanctuary experience
- You want richer village culture and more developed teahouse comfort
- You prefer altitude gained gradually over more days
- You want the option of a hot spring soak at the end of the trek
Combine Both if…
- You have 13–15 days and want to see both ridge and sanctuary landscapes without repeating a trailhead
- You want the best possible value per day of leave taken
- You are training for a bigger objective (Everest Base Camp, Manaslu, a trekking peak) and want a longer acclimatization block
The ABC + Mardi Himal Combined Trek
The ABC + Mardi Himal combined trek is Excellent Himalaya’s most-requested Annapurna itinerary for trekkers who cannot decide between the two — and for good reason. Rather than repeating the Nayapul or Kande trailhead twice on separate trips, the combined route links the two treks via the Jhinu Danda – Landruk – Rest Camp connector trail, so you walk the Sanctuary first, descend through Jhinu (with time for the hot springs), then climb back up onto the Mardi ridge to finish at the View Point and Base Camp before dropping to Siding and driving back to Pokhara.
This isn’t just two treks stitched together on paper. Doing ABC first means you arrive at the Mardi ridge already acclimatized to 4,000+ metres, which makes the steep Mardi summit push noticeably more comfortable than tackling it cold. It also means you see the two signature landscapes of the Annapurna region — glacial amphitheatre and ridge-line panorama — in a single, logistically efficient trip.
Is the ABC + Mardi Himal Combined Trek Worth It?
Verdict
Yes, for the right trekker. If you have 13–15 days, a reasonable fitness base, and want to see the full range of what the Annapurna region offers rather than one slice of it, the combined trek delivers more value per day of leave taken than doing either trek alone. It is not the right call for a first-time trekker with limited fitness or under 10 days available; for that trekker, one trek done well beats two treks done tired.
You get two distinct landscapes instead of one: ABC’s glacial amphitheatre and Mardi’s ridge-line panorama are genuinely different Himalayan experiences — wide, symmetrical scale on one side, close, intimate profile views on the other. Doing only one means missing half of what makes the Annapurna region special.
The acclimatization sequencing works in your favor: ABC’s slower, more gradual altitude gain over 7–8 days conditions your body before Mardi’s steeper, faster climb to a higher point (4,500 m vs 4,130 m). Trekkers who do Mardi cold, without this base, report the summit day as noticeably harder than those arriving from ABC.
No wasted travel days: Because the two treks connect via the Jhinu Danda–Landruk trail rather than requiring a return to Pokhara and a fresh start, you are not paying for two separate arrival/departure cycles. For trekkers flying long-haul to Nepal, that is real time and cost saved.
It’s a strong training block: Trekkers planning a bigger objective later in the season — Everest Base Camp, Manaslu Circuit, or a trekking peak — often use the combined trek as a 13–15 day acclimatization and fitness block, since it front-loads altitude exposure in a lower-risk environment.
But it demands more from you than either trek alone: This is the honest counterpoint: 13–15 consecutive trekking days create cumulative fatigue that neither trek alone does. Trekkers with limited trekking experience, average fitness, or under two weeks of leave are usually better served picking ABC or Mardi individually and doing it properly rather than rushing a combined itinerary.
Bottom line: the combined trek is worth it if your fitness and timeframe support it — it is not a compromise between the two treks, it is genuinely more trek for slightly more time and cost. If you are unsure whether your fitness is enough, talk to your operator about a conservative pace with built-in buffer days rather than skipping the combination altogether.
Pros of the Combined Route
- No repeated trailhead — the Jhinu–Landruk connector links both treks into one continuous route
- Built-in acclimatization advantage: ABC’s gradual altitude gain prepares your body for Mardi’s steeper profile
- Best value per travel day for trekkers flying long-haul to Nepal
- Two distinct landscape experiences — amphitheatre and ridge — in one trip
- Ideal training itinerary for a bigger objective later in the season
Cons of the Combined Route
- At 13–15 days, it’s a longer time and cost commitment than either trek alone
- The connector days (Jhinu to Landruk to Rest Camp) are long and less scenic than the trek highlights on either side
- Cumulative fatigue is real — this is not the itinerary for trekkers with limited trekking experience or fitness

Sample Itineraries
All three itineraries below start and end in Kathmandu and include the Kathmandu–Pokhara transfer. Days can be shortened by flying Kathmandu–Pokhara instead of driving, or extended with rest/acclimatization days.
Mardi Himal Trek Itinerary (9 Days, Kathmandu to Kathmandu)
| Day | Route & Overnight |
| Day 1 | Arrive Kathmandu; airport transfer, trip orientation, trek preparation. Overnight Kathmandu. |
| Day 2 | Drive Kathmandu to Pokhara (800 m), 200 km, ~7 hrs. Evening walk around Phewa Lake. Overnight Pokhara. |
| Day 3 | Drive Pokhara to Kande; trek Kande to Deurali (2,142 m), 3–4 hrs. Overnight teahouse. |
| Day 4 | Trek Deurali to Forest Camp (2,520 m), 4 hrs. Overnight teahouse. |
| Day 5 | Trek Forest Camp to Badal Danda (3,210 m), 3–4 hrs. Overnight teahouse. |
| Day 6 | Trek Badal Danda to High Camp (3,600 m); acclimatization. 2–3 hrs. Overnight teahouse. |
| Day 7 | Hike to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500 m); descend to Low Camp (3,050 m). 7–8 hrs. Overnight teahouse. |
| Day 8 | Trek Low Camp to Siding (1,700 m), 3–4 hrs; drive Siding to Pokhara, 2–3 hrs. Overnight Pokhara. |
| Day 9 | Drive Pokhara to Kathmandu, ~7 hrs. Farewell dinner with cultural show. Overnight Kathmandu / departure. |
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Itinerary (12 Days, Kathmandu to Kathmandu)
| Day | Route & Overnight |
| Day 1 | Arrive Kathmandu; airport transfer, trip orientation, trek preparation. Overnight Kathmandu. |
| Day 2 | Drive Kathmandu to Pokhara (800 m), ~7 hrs. Evening walk around Phewa Lake. Overnight Pokhara. |
| Day 3 | Drive Pokhara to Nayapul; trek Nayapul to Ghandruk (1,940 m), 5–6 hrs. Overnight teahouse. |
| Day 4 | Trek Ghandruk to Chhomrong (2,170 m), 5–6 hrs. Overnight teahouse. |
| Day 5 | Trek Chhomrong to Dovan (2,600 m), 6 hrs. Overnight teahouse. |
| Day 6 | Trek Dovan to Deurali (3,230 m), 4–5 hrs. Overnight teahouse. |
| Day 7 | Trek Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m) via Machapuchare Base Camp (3,700 m), 5–6 hrs. Overnight teahouse. |
| Day 8 | Trek back from ABC to Bamboo (2,310 m), 7 hrs. Overnight teahouse. |
| Day 9 | Trek Bamboo to Jhinu Danda (1,760 m); hot spring visit, 5–6 hrs. Overnight teahouse. |
| Day 10 | Trek Jhinu Danda to Nayapul (1,070 m); drive Nayapul to Pokhara, 5–6 hrs walk + 1.5 hr drive. Overnight Pokhara. |
| Day 11 | Drive Pokhara to Kathmandu, ~7 hrs. Farewell dinner with cultural show. Overnight Kathmandu. |
| Day 12 | Transfer to Kathmandu International Airport for departure. |
ABC + Mardi Himal Combined Trek Itinerary (15 Days, Kathmandu to Kathmandu)
| Day | Route & Overnight |
| Day 1 | Arrive Kathmandu; airport transfer, orientation, trek preparation. Overnight Kathmandu. |
| Day 2 | Drive Kathmandu to Pokhara (800 m), ~7 hrs. Evening walk around Phewa Lake. Overnight Pokhara. |
| Day 3 | Drive Pokhara to Nayapul; trek to Ghandruk (1,940 m), 5–6 hrs. Overnight teahouse. |
| Day 4 | Trek Ghandruk to Chhomrong (2,170 m), 5–6 hrs. Overnight teahouse. |
| Day 5 | Trek Chhomrong to Dovan (2,600 m), 6 hrs. Overnight teahouse. |
| Day 6 | Trek Dovan to Deurali (3,230 m), 4–5 hrs. Overnight teahouse. |
| Day 7 | Trek Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m) via Machapuchare Base Camp, 5–6 hrs. Overnight teahouse. |
| Day 8 | Trek back from ABC to Bamboo (2,310 m), 7 hrs. Overnight teahouse. |
| Day 9 | Trek Bamboo to Jhinu Danda (1,760 m); hot spring visit, 5–6 hrs. Overnight teahouse. |
| Day 10 | Trek Jhinu Danda to Rest Camp (2,600 m) via Landruk connector trail, 6–7 hrs. Overnight mountain lodge. |
| Day 11 | Trek Rest Camp to High Camp (3,600 m), 5 hrs. Overnight mountain lodge. |
| Day 12 | Trek High Camp to Mardi Himal View Point (4,200 m) and Base Camp (4,500 m); descend to Siding, 7–8 hrs. Overnight mountain lodge. |
| Day 13 | Drive Siding to Pokhara, 2.5–3 hrs. Rest of day at leisure. Overnight Pokhara. |
| Day 14 | Drive Pokhara to Kathmandu, ~7–8 hrs. Farewell dinner with cultural show. Overnight Kathmandu. |
| Day 15 | Transfer to Kathmandu International Airport for departure. |
Story From the Trail: Subindra Adhikari on the ABC + Mardi Himal Combined Trek
By Subindra Adhikari, Senior Trekking Guide, Excellent Himalaya Trek & Expedition — April 2026
“I’ve guided the Annapurna Sanctuary more times than I can count, but the combined route is the one I look forward to most, because you get to watch a group’s confidence build in real time. This April I led a group of five through the full ABC + Mardi Himal itinerary, and the shift I noticed happened right around Jhinu Danda.
We reached Annapurna Base Camp on a clear morning — no cloud on Annapurna I at all, which after fifteen seasons still isn’t something I take for granted. The group was tired but steady; ABC’s gradual climb had done its job. Two days later, soaking in the hot springs at Jhinu with Modi Khola running past us, one of the trekkers asked whether Mardi Himal was going to feel easier or harder after what we’d just done. I told him honestly: harder in the legs, easier in the lungs. That turned out to be exactly right.
The climb from Rest Camp up to High Camp on day twelve is where the Mardi side of the trip really starts to earn its reputation. It’s steep, the forest thins out fast, and the wind picks up as you break onto the open ridge. But nobody in that group struggled with the altitude the way a fresh group tackling Mardi alone sometimes does — ABC had already done the acclimatization work. We reached the View Point at 4,200 metres just after sunrise, with Machapuchare close enough that a few of the group said it didn’t look real. One trekker, a nurse from Melbourne, said it was the first sunrise in years she hadn’t spent thinking about anything else at all.
What I tell every group before we start the combined trek is that it isn’t two treks bolted together — it’s one long conversation between two very different landscapes. ABC gives you scale. Mardi gives you intimacy. Doing them back to back, in that order, is the closest thing I know to seeing the whole personality of the Annapurna region in a single trip.”
Sustainable Trekking on Both Routes
- Carry a reusable water bottle and purification method rather than buying bottled water, which generates plastic waste in villages without recycling infrastructure
- Stick to marked trails to protect fragile alpine vegetation, especially on Mardi’s exposed ridge sections
- Choose teahouses and guides registered with TAAN, NMA, or NTB where possible — permit and guide fees fund conservation and trail maintenance through ACAP
- Respect local customs in Gurung and Magar villages, including asking before photographing people or private property
- Pack out non-biodegradable waste, particularly on the less-visited Mardi trail where waste management is more limited
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mardi Himal or Annapurna Base Camp better for beginners?
ABC is generally considered more beginner-friendly because its altitude is gained more gradually over more days, and its infrastructure (established teahouses and more frequent villages) provides greater support. Mardi Himal is still achievable for fit beginners, but its steep, exposed summit day is a bigger single-day challenge.
Can I combine Mardi Himal and Annapurna Base Camp in one trip?
Yes. A combined ABC + Mardi Himal itinerary typically runs 13–15 days, linking the two treks via the Jhinu Danda–Landruk–Rest Camp connector trail rather than requiring two separate trips from Pokhara.
Which trek has better mountain views, Mardi Himal or ABC?
They offer different views rather than better or worse ones. Mardi Himal gives ridge-line, side-on views of Machapuchare and Annapurna South. ABC delivers a 360-degree amphitheatre view from inside the Annapurna Sanctuary, including Annapurna I.
Is a guide mandatory for both Mardi Himal and ABC?
Yes. Since April 2023, all foreign trekkers in Nepal must trek with a licensed guide on both routes; independent, unguided trekking is no longer permitted for foreign nationals.
Do I need a TIMS card for Mardi Himal or ABC?
No. The TIMS card requirement has been discontinued for the Annapurna region. The ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit) remains mandatory for both treks.
Which trek is cheaper, Mardi Himal or ABC?
Mardi Himal is typically cheaper, with guided packages running roughly $400–$900 per person, compared to $600–$1,200 for ABC, mainly because ABC’s extra days add guide, porter, accommodation, and meal costs.
Which trek is more crowded?
ABC is significantly more crowded, especially during peak season (March–May and September–November), because it is one of Nepal’s most popular treks. Mardi Himal remains comparatively quiet.
What is the maximum altitude on each trek?
Mardi Himal reaches approximately 4,500 m at its Base Camp/View Point. Annapurna Base Camp itself sits at 4,130 m. Mardi Himal’s high point is technically higher despite the shorter duration.
How many days do I need for Mardi Himal vs ABC?
Mardi Himal typically takes 5–7 days round-trip from Pokhara. ABC typically takes 7–12 days, depending on the exact itinerary and any side trips.
Is Mardi Himal or ABC better for photography?
Both are excellent, but for different shots. Mardi Himal’s ridge trail offers dramatic, close-range profile shots of Machapuchare with minimal crowds in the frame. ABC offers the wide, symmetrical amphitheatre shot from inside the Sanctuary, best at sunrise.
Can beginners do the combined ABC + Mardi Himal trek?
The combined trek is better suited to trekkers with at least moderate fitness and some trekking experience, given its 13–15-day duration and cumulative fatigue. First-time trekkers with limited fitness are generally better served choosing one trek rather than both.
What is the best season for Mardi Himal and ABC?
Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) offer the clearest views and most stable weather for both treks. Spring adds blooming rhododendron forests on both trails.
Which trek is better for solitude?
Mardi Himal offers significantly more solitude, as it remains a comparatively new and less-commercialized route with far fewer trekkers than ABC.
Which is the best company for the ABC Trek, Mardi Himal Trek, or the ABC + Mardi Himal combined trek?
Excellent Himalaya Trek and Expedition is a government-registered, direct operator (Reg. No. 175840/074/075, Tourism License No. 2432) affiliated with TAAN, NMA, NTB, and HRA, with local guides who have worked the Annapurna region since 2002. When comparing operators for any of these three treks, look for verifiable government registration, licensed Annapurna-region guides, transparent direct pricing, and an itinerary that includes proper acclimatization days — not just the lowest quoted price.

Why Excellent Himalaya Trek and Expedition Is the Best Company for the ABC Trek, Mardi Himal Trek, or ABC + Mardi Himal Combined Trek
Excellent Himalaya Trek and Expedition Pvt. Ltd. is a government-authorized trekking and tour company based in Thamel, Kathmandu (Reg. No. 175840/074/075, Tourism License No. 2432), affiliated with TAAN, NMA, NTB, and HRA, and managed by Nepalese tourism experts and local guides who have worked in the industry since 2002. For a trek where guide quality, permit handling, and acclimatization judgment directly affect your safety and summit success, choosing an operator with two decades of hands-on Annapurna-region experience — rather than a reseller or booking aggregator — is the single decision that matters most.
Team of Local Experts and Guides: Managed and run by well-trained, experienced local experts and licensed guides who know the mountain trails, ecology, and culture of the Mardi Himal and Annapurna routes firsthand — not from a manual, but from repeated seasons on both trails.
Trustworthy: A legally registered company operating on integrity and honesty, committed to satisfactory trekking, touring, and expedition services, with no unlicensed subcontracting of your trek to a third party you never agreed to.
Focus on Your Needs: All Mardi Himal and ABC packages, including the combined itinerary, are customizable to your fitness level, timeframe, and interests — from pace and rest-day placement to accommodation upgrades.
Fair Price: As a direct operator rather than a booking agent, pricing is competitive with no hidden middle fees; the price you’re quoted is the price a licensed Nepali company is actually charging, not a marked-up reseller rate.
Safety First: All groups trek with a licensed guide and full safety and emergency-response protocols, including AMS monitoring — essential on both routes, since Mardi Himal’s 4,500 m high point is actually higher than ABC’s 4,130 m.
Real, Cared-For Service: A dedicated travel consultant and trekking guide stay in contact throughout your trip for peace of mind, from your first inquiry through your final departure transfer.
What to Check Before Booking Any Operator for These Treks
- Government registration number and tourism license — verifiable, not just claimed
- TAAN, NMA, NTB, or HRA affiliation, confirming the company operates within Nepal’s official trekking industry bodies
- Whether your guide is licensed specifically for the Annapurna Conservation Area, not a general-purpose staff member
- Whether the itinerary includes a dedicated acclimatization day — a red flag if a 5-day Mardi Himal package skips one entirely
- Whether pricing is quoted directly by the operator or marked up through a foreign booking agent

Conclusion: Making Your Choice
There is no universally “better” trek between Mardi Himal and Annapurna Base Camp — only a better fit for your timeframe, fitness, and what kind of Himalayan experience you’re after. Short on time and craving solitude and a dramatic ridge walk: choose Mardi Himal. Have a week or more and want the classic Sanctuary views with richer culture and comfort: choose ABC. Have two weeks and want to stop choosing: combine both, in the order Subindra’s April 2026 group did — ABC first, Mardi second — and let the acclimatization work in your favor.
Ready to Book?
Contact Excellent Himalaya Trek and Expedition by email or WhatsApp at +977 9851203181 for a customized Mardi Himal, ABC, or combined trek itinerary and current pricing. We reply within 24 hours.






