So you have two weeks in Nepal. You want to walk in the mountains. You’ve heard of Annapurna Base Camp. Then someone mentions Mardi Himal. And now you’re stuck.
I’ve walked both. Many trekkers ask this same question every week. Here’s the honest answer.
Quick Answer
If you have less time, want fewer people on the trail, and want to see Machapuchare up close — pick Mardi Himal.
If you have more time, want the famous trek everyone talks about, and want to walk into a giant mountain bowl — pick Annapurna Base Camp.
Both are amazing. You won’t regret either one.
At a Glance
- Days needed: 5 to 7
- Highest point: 4,500 m
- Crowds: Low
- Cost: Cheaper
- Best views: Machapuchare and Annapurna South
- Drive from Pokhara: Around 1 hour
- Teahouses: Simple and family-run
- Days needed: 7 to 12
- Highest point: 4,130 m
- Crowds: High
- Cost: Slightly more expensive
- Best views: Full Annapurna mountain circle
- Drive from Pokhara: Around 1.5 hours
- Teahouses: Bigger and busier
What is Mardi Himal Like?
Mardi Himal sits on a ridge above Pokhara. The trail starts from Kande. From there, you walk through rhododendron forests. During spring the flowers turn the hills red and pink. It feels unreal.
The trail is quiet. Sometimes you walk for hours with only birds and a few porters around you. That’s the magic of Mardi.
The teahouses are basic but warm and welcoming. A bed, blankets, simple food, and mountain views.
The highlight is the Upper Viewpoint at 4,500 metres. Machapuchare stands directly in front of you. Annapurna South rises beside it. The whole Himalayan skyline opens up around you.
The trek usually takes 5 to 7 days.
5-Day Mardi Himal Plan
Day 1
Drive from Pokhara to Kande. Trek to Forest Camp (2,520 m). Around 4 hours through forest trails.
Day 2
Forest Camp to Low Camp (2,970 m). Easier walking with opening mountain views.
Day 3
Low Camp to High Camp (3,580 m). Trees thin out and the mountain scenery becomes dramatic.
Day 4
Early morning hike to Upper Viewpoint (4,500 m) for sunrise. Descend to Sidhing village. Longest and hardest day.
Day 5
Walk to the roadhead and drive back to Pokhara.
What is Annapurna Base Camp Like?
Annapurna Base Camp is Nepal’s classic trek. People have been walking this route for decades.
You pass villages, terraced farms, forests, rivers, and suspension bridges. The lower trails are green and lively.
As you climb higher, the valley narrows and mountains rise around you.
Eventually you reach Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 metres. This is the unforgettable part. You’re standing inside a huge natural amphitheater surrounded by giant peaks.
Annapurna I towers above. Machapuchare, Hiunchuli, and Annapurna South surround the base camp from every direction.
Sunrise here is unforgettable.
The downside is the crowd. During peak season the trail can feel busy and teahouses fill up quickly.
7-Day ABC Plan
Day 1
Drive to Nayapul and trek to Tikhedhunga.
Day 2
Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani. Lots of stone stairs.
Day 3
Early morning hike to Poon Hill for sunrise. Continue to Tadapani.
Day 4
Tadapani to Chhomrong.
Day 5
Chhomrong to Dovan through bamboo forests and river valleys.
Day 6
Dovan to Machapuchare Base Camp, then onward to Annapurna Base Camp.
Day 7
Descend toward Bamboo or lower villages. Most trekkers need another 1 to 2 days to fully return.
What Does a Normal Day Feel Like?
Both treks follow a similar rhythm.
You wake up around 6 a.m., have breakfast, and start walking by 7:30 or 8.
You trek for a few hours, stop for lunch at a teahouse, then continue walking until afternoon.
Most trekkers reach the next teahouse by 3 or 4 p.m. Evenings are quiet. Tea, dinner, mountain views, and early sleep.
That becomes your routine for the whole trek.
About Altitude Sickness
Altitude sickness is the main risk on both treks.
It happens when you gain elevation too quickly and your body struggles with thinner air.
Common symptoms:
- Persistent headache
- Loss of appetite
- Trouble sleeping
- Extreme tiredness
- Chest heaviness
If symptoms appear, tell your guide immediately.
Basic prevention:
- Drink 3 to 4 litres of water daily
- Walk slowly
- Eat properly
- Avoid alcohol
- Rest when needed
Both treks go above 4,000 metres, so acclimatization matters.
Food and Water on the Trail
The most common trekking meal is dal bhat — rice, lentils, vegetables, and pickle. It gives steady energy and usually comes with free refills.
Other common foods:
- Fried rice
- Noodles
- Momos
- Pasta
- Pancakes
- Apple pie
Tea is available everywhere.
Never drink untreated water from taps or rivers. Use bottled water, filters, SteriPENs, or boiled water.
Money You’ll Need
There are no ATMs once the trek begins. Bring cash from Pokhara.
Daily extra spending usually ranges from 25 to 40 USD for:
- Charging phones
- Wifi
- Snacks
- Hot showers
- Soft drinks or beer
- Tips for guides and porters
Bring Nepali rupees in small notes.
How Much Do They Cost?
Both treks require the ACAP permit.
Since 2023, Nepal also requires trekkers to hire a guide.
Typical 2026 prices:
Mardi Himal
- Around 600 to 900 USD
Annapurna Base Camp
- Around 850 to 1,300 USD
These usually include:
- Guide
- Permits
- Accommodation
- Meals
Flights to Pokhara and tips are usually extra.
Which Trek Fits You Best?
First-time trekker
- Annapurna Base Camp
Only one week available
- Mardi Himal
Avoid crowds
- Mardi Himal
Want the iconic famous trek
- Annapurna Base Camp
Photography focus
- Mardi Himal
Family with older children
- Annapurna Base Camp
Older trekkers
- Annapurna Base Camp with a slower itinerary
Budget-conscious travelers
- Mardi Himal
Best Time to Go
Best seasons:
- October and November
- March and April
Avoid July and August because of monsoon rain and leeches.
December and January are colder but quieter.
May and September can be unpredictable.
Can You Do Both?
Yes, and many trekkers do exactly that.
A common plan is:
- Mardi Himal first
- Rest day in Pokhara
- Annapurna Base Camp second
Some trekking agencies also combine both routes into a single connected trek.
So Which Should You Pick?
If Mardi Himal sounds more peaceful and personal, choose that.
If Annapurna Base Camp sounds more dramatic and iconic, choose that.
Both are incredible Himalayan experiences.
Quick Questions People Ask
Is Mardi Himal harder than Annapurna Base Camp?
They are similar. Mardi is shorter but steeper. ABC is longer but more gradual.
Can beginners do Mardi Himal?
Yes. Average fitness and a steady pace are enough.
Can you trek without a guide in 2026?
No. Guides are still mandatory in Nepal.
Which trek has better views?
Mardi gives closer views of Machapuchare. ABC gives a full panoramic mountain amphitheater.
How fit do you need to be?
Being able to walk 4 to 6 hours daily is enough preparation.
Is wifi available?
Yes, in most teahouses, though it is slow and paid.
What happens if you get sick?
Guides handle most situations. Serious emergencies can involve helicopter evacuation, so travel insurance is important.
Can Mardi Himal be done in 4 days?
Possible, but rushed. 5 or 6 days is much better.
Do you need to book far in advance?
For October and November, booking 1 to 2 months ahead is recommended. Other seasons are more flexible.
