Head to head
Annapurna Base Camp Trek vs Mardi Himal Trek
Annapurna Base Camp Trek is the more approachable option (Moderate, max 4,130 m), while Mardi Himal Trek is the bigger undertaking (Moderate, max 4,500 m). Pick based on your experience, available days and how high you're comfortable sleeping.
Difficulty
Annapurna: Moderate
vs Mardi: Moderate
Max altitude
Annapurna: 4,130 m
vs Mardi: 4,500 m
Duration
Annapurna: 10 days
vs Mardi: 5 days
Choose
Annapurna Base Camp Trek
if you want…
- Lower max altitude (4,130 m) - gentler on acclimatization
- More time on the trail - 10 days to immerse
Choose
Mardi Himal Trek
if you want…
- Shorter trip - 5 days vs 10
- Higher summit point (4,500 m) for bigger mountain views
Full comparison
| Annapurna Base Camp Trek | Mardi Himal Trek | |
|---|---|---|
| Difficulty | Moderate | Moderate |
| Duration | 10 days | 5 days |
| Max altitude | 4,130 m | 4,500 m |
| Total distance | 110 km | 50 km |
| Elevation gain | 4,500 m | 3,300 m |
| Best season | Mar - May, Sep - Nov | Mar - May, Sep - Nov |
| Est. budget | USD 350-900 | USD 350-900 |
| Permits | Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), TIMS Card | Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), TIMS Card |
| Accommodation | Teahouses and local lodges | Teahouses and local lodges |
| Mobile network | Variable by village and carrier | Patchy in upper sections |
| Safety level | Medium | Medium |
Planning aid only. GPX and route pages are not live trail authority. Map packs need download on Wi‑Fi; weather and SMS need connectivity when used.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek vs Mardi Himal Trek: common questions
Which is harder, which goes higher, which costs more, and which one to do first - answered from the route data in the table above.
Which is harder, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek or the Mardi Himal Trek?
Mardi Himal Trek is the harder of the two: moderate versus moderate, topping out at 4,500 m against 4,130 m. Annapurna Base Camp Trek is the more approachable option (Moderate, max 4,130 m), while Mardi Himal Trek is the bigger undertaking (Moderate, max 4,500 m). Pick based on your experience, available days and how high you're comfortable sleeping.
Which goes higher, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek or the Mardi Himal Trek?
Mardi Himal Trek reaches 4,500 m, against 4,130 m on Annapurna Base Camp Trek - a difference of about 370 m. A higher maximum means a slower ascent profile and more exposure to acute mountain sickness.
Which takes longer, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek or the Mardi Himal Trek?
Annapurna Base Camp Trek takes 10 days against 5 for Mardi Himal Trek - 5 days more on the trail, plus buffer days for weather and flights.
Which is cheaper, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek or the Mardi Himal Trek?
Typical per-person budgets are USD 350-900 for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek and USD 350-900 for the Mardi Himal Trek, covering permits, lodging, food and local transport. Guides, porters, domestic flights and insurance are extra and usually dominate the difference.
Which should a first-time trekker choose, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek or the Mardi Himal Trek?
Annapurna Base Camp Trek is the safer first choice: moderate rating, a maximum of 4,130 m, and 10 days on the trail. Save Mardi Himal Trek for after you know how your body handles sleeping above 2,500 m.
When is the best time to do the Annapurna Base Camp Trek or the Mardi Himal Trek?
Both routes share the same window: Mar - May, Sep - Nov. Outside it you trade settled weather for monsoon cloud or winter snow on the high sections.
Still weighing it up? Build a side-by-side with any routes in our interactive tool.
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