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Mardi Himal Trek vs. Annapurna Base Camp: Which One Should You Choose in 2025?

The Himalayas are the place for trekking, with their breathtaking views and fresh mountain air, accompanied by a sense of adventure hard to beat. When it comes to choosing between two of the most popular treks, the Mardi Himal Trek vs Annapurna Base Camp Trek is one huge decision facing trekkers in 2025.

Mardi Himal Trek is a quieter and shorter trail that offers the chance for peaceful walks through lush forests, small villages, and stunning views of Mardi Himal and Machhapuchhre. This is the best trek for those seeking more relaxed moments without the chaos of too many trekkers. It also offers the chance to do yoga and meditation; thus, this is an adventurous and tranquil mix.

In contrast, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek is one of the most famous treks in Nepal, offering dramatic mountain views of the Annapurna range. The trek is a level higher in terms of difficulty and distance trekked each day, with higher altitude-a great fit for those seeking a more traditional and demanding Himalayan adventure.

Much as the Mardi Himal Trek and Annapurna Base Camp Treks have much to offer, the difficulties and adventures they hold differ. Which will be best for you in 2025? Let's make a comparison between them and find out which is the best!



Mardi Himal Trek

The Mardi Himal Trek is an adventure of 5-7 days through peaceful forests and small villages, offering nice mountain views. Starting from Phedi, 1,130 meters above sea level, up to the Mardi Himal High Camp, at an altitude of 4,500 meters above sea level.


It’s a moderate trek, meaning it’s not too difficult but still gives you a good challenge. One of the best parts of the Mardi Himal Trek is that it’s not crowded, so you can enjoy the quiet, calm atmosphere as you hike. Ideal for trekkers looking to have a serene and thrilling moment. Additionally, you can also join the Mardi Himal Yoga Trekking, which will include yoga and meditation for a perfect trip.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Annapurna Base Camp Trekking is a form of classic Himalayan trekking that usually takes 7-10 days. The trek starts from Birethanti at 1,025 meters and takes you up to Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 meters. It is more challenging compared to the Mardi Himal Trek, yet the reward is huge. 
Stunning views of the Annapurna range could be seen during the trek. 

It goes via some beautiful spots such as Ghorepani and Poon Hill. Apart from this, local culture, mainly in the villages of Gurung, is another added charm for tourists. If time is a problem, there is also the Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek, allowing you to experience the highlights of the trek in less time.

No doubt that the Mardi Himal Trek vs. Annapurna Base Camp Treks are both great experiences; however, it depends on what one is looking for. If you are looking for a quiet, not-so-pressing trek with great views, then the Mardi Himal Trek will be good.

On the other hand, the Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek will provide you with all the need of challenge and cultural exposure but this time with iconic mountain views.

Difficulty and Challenge

The Mardi Himal Trek is easier and more relaxed, making it a great option for beginners or those who want a slower, more peaceful trek. It’s not too hard and the days are shorter, so it’s perfect if you want to enjoy the beauty of the mountains without pushing yourself too much. This route is also quieter, with not so many people around you, which enables you to experience nature better.

The main opposition to Annapurna Base Camp Trek is that the trekking is more challenging, it contains longer days of trekking and high altitudes that are pretty tough for some, especially beginners. But if you’re looking for a real adventure and want to challenge yourself physically, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a great choice. It’s a bit more demanding but offers a rewarding experience for those up for the challenge.

Views and Scenery

The Mardi Himal Trek offers beautiful, unique views of Mardi Himal, Machhapuchhre, and Annapurna South. You’ll walk through peaceful forests and small villages and because the trail is less crowded, you can enjoy the quiet beauty around you. It’s perfect for those who want a more peaceful trek with stunning views without the crowds.

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek gives you panoramic views of some of the most famous mountains in the world like Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Machhapuchhre. From emerald forests to snow-capped peaks, the various landscapes are so diverse that the trek is truly classic for anyone wanting to see the full beauty of the Himalayas.

Trekking Duration

If you're short on time, then the Mardi Himal Trek is ideal since it takes 5-7 days, which, in simple terms, is short but sweet. Therefore, it will be quite a good option to see the mountains if one gets too little time to take off.

Contrarily, the Annapurna Base Camp takes 7-10 days. Hence, giving you more time to enjoy the surroundings. It’s a longer trek, but that means you get to experience more of the beauty and culture of the area.

Accommodation and Facilities

On the Mardi Himal Trek, the tea houses are simple and cozy, giving you a more authentic experience. They aren’t as commercialized, so you’ll feel closer to nature and get to know the local people better. The accommodations are basic, but they are comfortable enough for a peaceful trek.

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek has a mix of simple tea houses, but because it’s so popular, some parts of the trek can feel more commercialized. There are more people on the trail, so the tea houses can be a bit busier, but you’ll still get to experience the warmth of local hospitality.

When weighing up the Mardi Himal Trek vs the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, what one wants accounts for quite a lot. If you are going for a quiet, easy trek with brilliant views and an atmosphere of peace, then the Mardi Himal Trek will be ideal for you.

But if you’re ready for a challenge and want to spend more time in the mountains, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek is the better choice. Either way, you’ll be surrounded by the beauty of the Himalayas, and both treks offer unforgettable experiences.

Best Time to Trek

The best time to trek Mardi Himal or the Annapurna Base Camp Trek is during Autumn from September to November, and Spring: from March to May. In this period, these seasons are suitable for trekking in the Himalayas.

Weather is normally clear, dry, and sunny, making this a very perfect time for trekking. The skies are clear, offering you brilliant mountain views. For both treks, autumn is the peak season, meaning that you will find more trekkers on the trail, especially on the Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek, as it is super famous and therefore gets busier. But again, the views pay off, and the temperature is moderate to walk.

Other than autumn, spring is another perfect time for trekking because of the great temperatures and crystal-clear skies. During the Mardi Himal Trek, it will be possible to witness the rhododendron trees in full bloom, bursting vibrancy along the way. 

However, toward the tail end of Spring, occasional rain can be expected, making the trails a bit muddy. During this spring season, this trek receives less crowd of trekkers, too.

No matter when you choose, the weather can change quickly at higher altitudes, so it's important to pack for cold mornings and evenings. While both Mardi Himal Trek and Annapurna Base Camp Trek are good in Autumn and Spring, if you like to walk on less crowded trails, then Spring will be the best time for the Mardi Himal Trek.

Cost and Logistics

When thinking about Mardi Himal Trek vs Annapurna Base Camp Trek, the cost is an important factor.

Mardi Himal Trek is pretty budget-friendly. Since this is a shorter trek, taking approximately 5-7 days, accommodation and food will result in lower costs. Moreover, the permit for Mardi Himal Trek is cheaper, making it exactly perfect for trekkers who want an amazing experience but don't want to spend too much. 

Accommodation, ranging from basic tea houses, is basic but comfortable and therefore has kept the overall cost low. If you're on a budget, this trek is a great, affordable way to enjoy the Himalayas.

On the other hand, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek is slightly costlier. It goes a bit longer, going from 7 to 10 days, and this again means more cost consumed by food and accommodation. The permits are costlier, and since the area is busier, the costs of accommodation can also be higher. Besides, you may have to pay for transportation to the start of the trek.

While still somewhat more affordable compared to other longer treks, the Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek does tend to be a bit pricier due to the extra cost of permits and transportation. The additional money for many trekkers is well worth it to see great views and rich cultural experiences en route, like in Ghorepani.

In short, the Mardi Himal Trek is excellent for those looking to have an inexpensive trek, but for anyone willing and able to invest a little more into the mountains, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek could be rewarding.

Crowds and Privacy

Another critical difference in comparison between the Mardi Himal Trek and versus Annapurna Base Camp Trek would have to be the crowd on the trail.

Whereas the number of trekkers along the Mardi Himal route is smaller, the latter is considerably quieter and tranquil. That grants you an excellent opportunity to stay in a peaceful environment without someone bothering you, it makes it one of the great opportunities for those in need of full solitude with nature, away from chaos and congestion. 

Mardi Himal Yoga Trek offers you much privacy and quietness, therefore enabling you to pay attention to yourself and your surroundings in peacefulness.

Contrarily, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek has been so famous and popular that during peak seasons, like in Autumn and Spring, it becomes too crowded. Since the Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek is also attached with breathtaking views and cultural experiences, many people head here, thus making more trekkers on the path. 

Busy trails sometimes are a bit less peaceful, especially around places like the ABC viewpoint, where many trekkers stop for views.

On the other hand, for some people, it's much more fun this way because it adds a very lively social element to your trek. If you like meeting new people, chatting with fellow trekkers, and being part of a bigger community, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek can be a lot of fun. It’s a great way to share stories and connect with other adventurers.

Ultimately, this becomes a matter of preference, whether one is wont to enjoy a rather quiet and solitary type of trekking in Mardi Himal or to enjoy the social buzz in the Annapurna Base Camp.

Cultural Experience

When it comes to Mardi Himal Trek vs Annapurna Base Camp Trek, the cultural experiences you will encounter are somewhat different.

The culture is more tranquil and genuine on the Mardi Himal Trek. Since fewer people hike this route, the Gurung villages you will visit on the way up are quieter; you can therefore get a personal touch with the locals. You’ll still get to see how the Gurung people live, but it feels more intimate and calmer. This trek also offers a chance to connect with nature and the local culture in a more relaxed way.

In comparison, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek gives you a chance to experience more cultural diversity. This trek offers the chance to be with people from various ethnicities, such as Gurung and Magar, among others. 

Being shorter, the Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek presents far more probability of encountering the lifestyle traits of the locals in villages like Ghorepani and Tadapani. It’s a great trek if you enjoy being surrounded by different cultures and meeting new people.

So, if you want a quieter, more personal cultural experience, the Mardi Himal Trek is a great choice. But if you’re interested in meeting lots of people and learning about different cultures, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek might be for you.

Which Trek is Right for You?

If you’re an adventurer looking for a challenge, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek (ABC) is perfect. It’s a bit tougher with higher altitudes, but it gives you amazing views of the Annapurna range and a chance to see many different landscapes.

If you prefer a peaceful trek with fewer people around, the Mardi Himal Trek would be a great choice. It’s quieter and offers a calmer atmosphere, so you can enjoy the beauty of the Himalayas without feeling rushed. The Mardi Himal Trek is also great if you want a peaceful experience with time for yoga and meditation.

If you’re short on time, the Mardi Himal Trek is a better option. It’s shorter, usually taking 5 to 7 days, so you can enjoy a fantastic trek without taking too much time off. This is great for people with a busy schedule.

If one is looking for variety and excitement, then the Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek is just perfect. It gives a variation in landscapes from forests to high mountain views, enabling one to view the majestic Annapurna range up close.

Mardi Himal is cheaper to undertake for budget travelers. This is cheap regarding permits and accommodation, therefore, being highly recommended if one intends to have some views of the Himalayas at a low cost.



Mardi Himal Trek and Annapurna Base Camp have their flair; it all depends on one's preference-whether one is looking forward to a difficult trek, a peaceful retreat, or something that could fit in a scheduled time or economic budget. Then, plan for 2025, whichever trek you choose without! It is going to offer breathtaking views of the Himalayas.

author

Chris Bates

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