Both are ridge treks near Pokhara that avoid the busiest trails. Mardi Himal takes 5 to 7 days and climbs to a viewpoint at about 4,200 m, right under Machapuchare. Khopra Danda takes 7 to 9 days, stays at about 3,660 m and looks across to Dhaulagiri. Choose Mardi for a short, high trek; choose Khopra for a longer, quieter one.
Mardi Himal and Khopra Danda at a glance
- Days from Pokhara. Mardi Himal: 5 to 7. Khopra Danda: 7 to 9.
- Highest sleeping point. Mardi Himal: High Camp, 3,550 m. Khopra Danda: Khopra Ridge, 3,660 m.
- Highest point. Mardi Himal: viewpoint about 4,200 m; base camp about 4,500 m. Khopra Danda: Khayer Lake, about 4,600 m, optional.
- Main mountain. Mardi Himal: Machapuchare and Annapurna South, very close. Khopra Danda: Dhaulagiri and Annapurna South.
- Crowds. Mardi Himal: growing, still moderate. Khopra Danda: quiet.
- Lodges. Mardi Himal: simple but plentiful. Khopra Danda: few, community-run.
The two ridges
Mardi Himal climbs a single narrow ridge that runs straight towards Machapuchare. You walk through mossy forest for two days, break out above the trees at Low Camp and High Camp, and on the last morning follow the ridge crest to the viewpoint with the fishtail peak directly ahead. Khopra is a broader, more roundabout walk. It usually begins with Ghorepani and Poon Hill, then turns off through forest and pasture to a lodge on an open spur high above the Kali Gandaki.
Views
Mardi's view is close and vertical: Machapuchare, Mardi Himal, Annapurna South and Hiunchuli fill the sky. Khopra's is wide and deep, with Dhaulagiri, the seventh highest mountain in the world, across one of the deepest valleys on Earth, and sunrise lighting its whole east face.
Effort
Mardi is shorter but steeper, and the summit morning is a long climb in the cold and dark with some narrow sections. Khopra's days are moderate, with one optional very long day to Khayer Lake. Both are within reach of fit beginners. See the Mardi Himal guides and Khopra Ridge.
Season
October to November and March to May for both. In spring both ridges have rhododendron in flower. Snow lies on Mardi's upper ridge in winter and can make the viewpoint section slippery. In the monsoon cloud hides the views and leeches are common in the forest.
Lodges, food and water
Mardi's lodges are simple wooden buildings on the ridge, with water carried or piped from below, so showers are limited higher up. Khopra's community lodges are similar in standard, with a large dining hall at the ridge. On both, expect dal bhat, noodles, soup and tea, and bring your own water treatment.
Getting to the start
Mardi usually starts from Kande or Dhampus, under an hour from Pokhara, and ends at Siding, where a jeep meets you. Khopra normally starts from Nayapul or Ulleri and ends at Tatopani or Ghandruk. Both are easy to arrange from Pokhara in a morning.
Permits and guide
Both treks are inside the Annapurna Conservation Area and need its permit, and both are walked with a licensed guide. On these quieter ridges a guide also matters for route-finding in cloud, which can arrive quickly in the afternoon.
Which has better photography?
Mardi is best at sunrise from the upper ridge, when Machapuchare glows orange at close range. Khopra is strongest at both ends of the day, with Dhaulagiri lit at dawn and the valley filling with cloud below you in the evening.
Choose Mardi Himal if
- You have five or six days.
- You want to be very close to Machapuchare.
- You enjoy a steep, direct climb.
- You want to touch 4,000 m.
Choose Khopra Danda if
- You have a week or more.
- You want the quietest trail.
- You want Dhaulagiri and Poon Hill in the same trip.
- You like community lodges and village life.
Can you do both?
They are on opposite sides of the Modi Khola, so linking them takes about two weeks via Ghandruk and Landruk. Most people pick one.
Plan it
See Khopra Ridge vs Poon Hill vs Mardi Himal, or ask us for either itinerary.
Common questions
Which is harder, Mardi Himal or Khopra?
Mardi has the harder single day. Khopra is longer overall.
Which is less crowded?
Khopra Danda.
Which goes higher?
Mardi Himal, if you go to the viewpoint or base camp.
Which is better for a first trek?
Either. Mardi if time is short; Khopra if you want gentle days.
Heights, days, fees and rules are approximate and can change, so confirm the current details with us before you book.
