Mardi Himal Trek vs Annapurna Base Camp Trek: Which Trek should you choose?

Two of the most popular trekking routes of the Annapurna region of Nepal are the Mardi Himal Trek and the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. Therefore, people always ask the question “Mardi Himal Trek vs Annapurna Base Camp Trek: Which Trek should you choose?” and it is definitely a trending question. Today’s blog is to address this question and finding out the various reasons that you must consider before making decision.

Before delving deeper into the various factors to consider choosing between these two trekking trips, let’s know in brief about these treks.

Introduction of Mardi Himal Trek

The Mardi Himal Trek in Nepal is relatively new than the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. The journey of the Mardi Himal Trek is scenic and gorgeous. In addition, the trek offers great spectacle of green lush forests, cascading hills, and mountain ranges. Tranquility is the biggest X – factor of the Mardi Himal Trek route. The iconic places in this trekking trail are Badal Danda, High Camp, and Mardi Himal Upper View Point. The sunrise experience from Upper View Point is probably the most momentous one as it offers golden sunrise over the mountains of Machhapuchhre and Annapurna Himalayan range including the sights of hills below clouds.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek Information

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is one of the major commercial trekking routes of Nepal. Every year, thousands of trekkers trek in this trail that reaches the foothill of the world’s 10^th tallest mountain Mt. Annapurna (8091 m). The journey offers amazing adventures inside the green lush forests, river valleys, glaciers, moraines, and mountain vista.

The highest point in the Annapurna Base Camp Trek journey is 4130 m from sea level. Moreover, the journey of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek is definitely the Sanctuary trek in the lap of the Himalayas. Among several base camp treks like the Everest Base Camp Trek, Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek, and Manaslu Base Camp Trek, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek is at the top.

Mardi Himal Trek vs Annapurna Base Camp Trek: Which Trek should you choose?

Now, let’s focus on finding out various factors that help us to decide which trekking to choose. Before choosing which trek to do between these two trekking trips, you should know about various things. Itinerary, number of days, trekking difficulty, attractions, possible side trips, and budget are the major variables to consider before making decisions. The personal preferences play major role in deciding the trekking trip. Therefore, please read it with open mind on these factors. I have tried to briefly give you idea about these factors which are crucial for decision making.

Itinerary and Number of Days

Please note that it is possible to do the Annapurna Base Camp Trek in just 5 days from Pokhara. Similarly, the Mardi Himal Trek is also possible to do in less than 5 days. Therefore, you may not find differences in the number of days for the trek. However, if you are doing the classical Annapurna Base Camp Trek, then it takes about 10 to 12 days including the section of the Ghorepani Poon Hill. Therefore, you need to be open and clear about the number of days. Additionally, you need to make sure that how many days you are willing to spend in the trekking. The famous itinerary of the Mardi Himal Trek is 9 days itinerary whereas the famous Annapurna Base Camp Trek itinerary is of 12 days. The choice is yours!

Trekking Difficulty

Interestingly, in both the trekking trips the trail is mostly uphill. However, there are more uphill and downhill sections in the Annapurna Base Camp Trek route than the Mardi Himal Trek route. The total trekking distance between these two trekking routes is comparatively longer in the ABC Trek. The difficulty level of trekking is comparatively high during the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. Trekkers have to spend overnight in the place above 4000 m altitude in ABC Trek but in the Mardi Himal Trek the highest altitude to sleep overnight is about 3500 m from sea level. Therefore, it is comparatively easier than the Annapurna Base Camp Trek.

Attractions

Obviously, the chance to leave one’s footprints in the world’s 10^th tallest mountain tops. Therefore, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek can be better choice if you are looking for legends and records. The natural attractions like forests, gorges, valleys, glaciers, moraines, and mountain base camp give slight edge to the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. However, you can’t underestimate the Mardi Himal Trek route. It offers tranquil forest environment, traditional herder’s culture, and great scenery of mountains including the cascading hills below clouds. Cultural attractions are somewhat similar in both the trekking trips.

Possible Side Trips

There are more options in terms of possible side trips from both the trekking routes. In fact, it is possible to do either of these treks from either of these trekking routes. Therefore, you can’t tell clearly take possible side trip as the factor to make decision on Mardi Himal vs Annapurna Base Camp Trek: Which Trek should you choose? Major possible side trips from both of these trekking routes are Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, Ghandruk Landruk Trek, Khopra Ridge Trek, Mohare Danda Trek, etc.

Trekking Cost

The cost of the Mardi Himal Trek starts from 390 $ which is price of the 5 Days itinerary. You can get the trekking package of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek starting from 440 $ per person which is the cost of the 5 Days Annapurna Base Camp Trek. Make sure that you thoroughly read the terms and conditions before making decision. Budget plays vital role in the decision making.

Which Trek should you choose between Mardi Himal Trek and Annapurna Base Camp Trek?

This blogger highly recommends you to do both the treks in one single trekking itinerary. In fact, it is possible to do the Annapurna Base Camp and Mardi Himal Combined Trek in just 13 days including arrival and departure from Kathmandu. The price ranges around 1050 $ per person and it is the best way to experience wonders of both the trekking routes. Ultimately, the choice is yours!