Head to head
Mardi Himal Trek vs Upper Dolpo Trek
Mardi Himal Trek is the more approachable option (Moderate, max 4,500 m), while Upper Dolpo Trek is the bigger undertaking (Strenuous, max 5,190 m). Pick based on your experience, available days and how high you're comfortable sleeping.
Difficulty
Mardi: Moderate
vs Upper: Strenuous
Max altitude
Mardi: 4,500 m
vs Upper: 5,190 m
Duration
Mardi: 5 days
vs Upper: 20 days
Choose
Mardi Himal Trek
if you want…
- Less demanding - Moderate vs Strenuous
- Shorter trip - 5 days vs 20
- Lower max altitude (4,500 m) - gentler on acclimatization
- More popular and better supported with teahouses
Choose
Upper Dolpo Trek
if you want…
- Higher summit point (5,190 m) for bigger mountain views
- More time on the trail - 20 days to immerse
- Quieter, more remote region
- Explores the Dolpo region
Full comparison
| Mardi Himal Trek | Upper Dolpo Trek | |
|---|---|---|
| Difficulty | Moderate | Strenuous |
| Duration | 5 days | 20 days |
| Max altitude | 4,500 m | 5,190 m |
| Total distance | 50 km | 180 km |
| Elevation gain | 3,300 m | 9,000 m |
| Best season | Mar - May, Sep - Nov | May - Oct |
| Est. budget | USD 350-900 | USD 900-2,200 |
| Permits | Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), TIMS Card | Upper Dolpo Restricted Area Permit, Shey Phoksundo National Park Entry Permit |
| Accommodation | Teahouses and local lodges | Teahouses and local lodges |
| 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 Upper Dolpo 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 Upper Dolpo Trek?
Upper Dolpo Trek is the harder of the two: strenuous versus moderate, topping out at 5,190 m against 4,500 m. Mardi Himal Trek is the more approachable option (Moderate, max 4,500 m), while Upper Dolpo Trek is the bigger undertaking (Strenuous, max 5,190 m). Pick based on your experience, available days and how high you're comfortable sleeping.
Which goes higher, the Mardi Himal Trek or the Upper Dolpo Trek?
Upper Dolpo Trek reaches 5,190 m, against 4,500 m on Mardi Himal Trek - a difference of about 690 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 Upper Dolpo Trek?
Upper Dolpo Trek takes 20 days against 5 for Mardi Himal Trek - 15 days more on the trail, plus buffer days for weather and flights.
Which is cheaper, the Mardi Himal Trek or the Upper Dolpo Trek?
Typical per-person budgets are USD 350-900 for the Mardi Himal Trek and USD 900-2,200 for the Upper Dolpo 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 Upper Dolpo Trek?
Mardi Himal Trek is the safer first choice: moderate rating, a maximum of 4,500 m, and 5 days on the trail. Save Upper Dolpo 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 Upper Dolpo Trek?
Mardi Himal Trek is best in Mar - May, Sep - Nov; Upper Dolpo Trek is best in May - Oct. 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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