Head to head
Mardi Himal Trek vs Everest Three Passes Trek
Mardi Himal Trek is the more approachable option (Moderate, max 4,500 m), while Everest Three Passes Trek is the bigger undertaking (Strenuous, max 5,545 m). Pick based on your experience, available days and how high you're comfortable sleeping.
Difficulty
Mardi: Moderate
vs Everest: Strenuous
Max altitude
Mardi: 4,500 m
vs Everest: 5,545 m
Duration
Mardi: 5 days
vs Everest: 19 days
Choose
Mardi Himal Trek
if you want…
- Less demanding - Moderate vs Strenuous
- Shorter trip - 5 days vs 19
- Lower max altitude (4,500 m) - gentler on acclimatization
- Explores the Annapurna region
Choose
Everest Three Passes Trek
if you want…
- Higher summit point (5,545 m) for bigger mountain views
- More time on the trail - 19 days to immerse
- Explores the Everest region
Full comparison
| Mardi Himal Trek | Everest Three Passes Trek | |
|---|---|---|
| Difficulty | Moderate | Strenuous |
| Duration | 5 days | 19 days |
| Max altitude | 4,500 m | 5,545 m |
| Total distance | 50 km | 170 km |
| Elevation gain | 3,300 m | 9,800 m |
| Best season | Mar - May, Sep - Nov | Mar - May, Oct - Nov |
| Est. budget | USD 350-900 | USD 900-2,200 |
| Permits | Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), TIMS Card | Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit, Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit |
| Accommodation | Teahouses and local lodges | Teahouses, lodges, and camping where required |
| Mobile network | Patchy in upper sections | Patchy in upper sections |
| Safety level | Medium | High |
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.
Mardi Himal Trek vs Everest Three Passes 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 Mardi Himal Trek or the Everest Three Passes Trek?
Everest Three Passes Trek is the harder of the two: strenuous versus moderate, topping out at 5,545 m against 4,500 m. Mardi Himal Trek is the more approachable option (Moderate, max 4,500 m), while Everest Three Passes Trek is the bigger undertaking (Strenuous, max 5,545 m). Pick based on your experience, available days and how high you're comfortable sleeping.
Which goes higher, the Mardi Himal Trek or the Everest Three Passes Trek?
Everest Three Passes Trek reaches 5,545 m, against 4,500 m on Mardi Himal Trek - a difference of about 1,045 m. A higher maximum means a slower ascent profile and more exposure to acute mountain sickness.
Which takes longer, the Mardi Himal Trek or the Everest Three Passes Trek?
Everest Three Passes Trek takes 19 days against 5 for Mardi Himal Trek - 14 days more on the trail, plus buffer days for weather and flights.
Which is cheaper, the Mardi Himal Trek or the Everest Three Passes Trek?
Typical per-person budgets are USD 350-900 for the Mardi Himal Trek and USD 900-2,200 for the Everest Three Passes 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 Mardi Himal Trek or the Everest Three Passes Trek?
Mardi Himal Trek is the safer first choice: moderate rating, a maximum of 4,500 m, and 5 days on the trail. Save Everest Three Passes Trek for after you know how your body handles sleeping above 2,500 m.
When is the best time to do the Mardi Himal Trek or the Everest Three Passes Trek?
Mardi Himal Trek is best in Mar - May, Sep - Nov; Everest Three Passes Trek is best in Mar - May, Oct - Nov. If your dates are fixed, let the season pick the route rather than forcing a route into the wrong season.
Still weighing it up? Build a side-by-side with any routes in our interactive tool.
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