Both treks start near Pokhara and finish with a close view of the Annapurna range, so the choice usually comes down to time, crowds and the kind of walking you enjoy. Neither is a technical climb, but both include long days with many steps.
Length and effort
Mardi Himal is the shorter of the two. Many groups complete it in about five to six days, while Annapurna Base Camp usually takes seven to ten days depending on the route taken and the pace. Mardi Himal follows a single ridge for much of the way, so the climb is steady and the views open early. Annapurna Base Camp goes deep into a river valley, with repeated descents and climbs on stone stairs before the final approach through a high basin.
Scenery
On Mardi Himal you walk through rhododendron forest, then above the tree line along an open ridge with Machhapuchhre close by. Annapurna Base Camp offers more variety: farming villages, dense forest, bamboo, waterfalls and finally a glacial amphitheatre ringed by high peaks. If you want a full-circle mountain panorama, the base camp trek is hard to beat. If you want a ridge-top walk with long views, Mardi Himal is a good fit.
Lodges and crowds
Both routes have teahouses, but the upper Mardi Himal ridge has fewer and simpler places to stay, so rooms can be tight in peak season. Annapurna Base Camp has more lodges overall and is generally busier.
Permits and rules
Both treks are on the list of routes where a licensed guide and an agency-issued TIMS card are required, and both lie inside the Annapurna Conservation Area, which has its own entry fee. See our permit guide for the current figures and confirm them before you book.
Quick rule of thumb
- Short on time: Mardi Himal.
- Want the most dramatic finish: Annapurna Base Camp.
- First Himalayan trek with moderate fitness: either works with good preparation, but allow extra days for Annapurna Base Camp.
- Prefer a quieter feel: Mardi Himal, although it is no longer a secret.
If you are unsure, tell us your dates and fitness level and we can suggest a plan.
Scenery and atmosphere
Mardi Himal follows a ridge for much of the route, and the mountain views are close and constant once the forest opens up. The trail is narrower and quieter, with simpler lodges and a more adventurous feel. Annapurna Base Camp passes through a deeper valley with a wide range of landscapes, ending in the huge amphitheatre of the Sanctuary. Both are beautiful, but they feel different, and you may prefer one over the other depending on your mood.
Who tends to choose which
People with a week or less often choose Mardi Himal, because it is shorter and offers a high viewpoint with relatively little effort. Those with more time and a desire to reach a classic Himalayan destination often choose Annapurna Base Camp. Families, groups of friends and first-time trekkers can do either, with attention to pace and fitness. If you hope to avoid crowds, Mardi Himal in a shoulder season may be more peaceful.
Combining the two
It is possible to combine parts of both treks, for example by walking up one ridge and descending via another valley. These variations need extra days and a flexible plan, and they depend on trail conditions. Ask your operator whether a combination is practical for your dates.
Practical checks
- Lodges on Mardi Himal are simpler, so manage expectations about food and facilities.
- Both treks need warm clothes at the highest points.
- Weather can change quickly, so keep a spare day if possible.
What our guests say
Excerpts from guest reviews of Himalayan Wonders, our parent company, on Tripadvisor.
“They took utmost care of our group of 5 friends from Kathmandu airport upto the completion of the trek”
