Mardi Himal Vs ABC

Which is better Mardi Himal or ABC trek? 

Mardi Himal Trek and Annapurna Base Camp Trek are two of the most striking trekking trips in Nepal in Annapurna region, each offering unique landscapes, challenges, and rewards. The Annapurna Base Camp trek, also famous as ABC, is a classic Himalayan journey that takes trekkers deep into the heart of the Annapurna Sanctuary, surrounded by towering peaks like Annapurna I (8,091m), Machapuchare (6,993m), and Hiunchuli (6,441m). The different landscapes comprise rhododendron forests, alpine meadows, glacial moraines, and more that make the ABC trek one of the best options to have a complete Annapurna trek with rich culture and nature.

Mardi Himal is a recently developed and less crowded route that offers a panoramic view of Machapuchare, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli. Mardi is a short trek that requires fewer days, and so it should be an excellent option if one is looking for quietness and wants to go off the beaten track for just few days near Pokhara. 

The Mardi Himal Base Camp trekking takes adventurers through beautiful, dense forests, picturesque villages, and high ridges to the breathtaking Mardi Himal Base Camp at 4,500 meters. Mardi Himal trekking is more isolated and solitary compared to ABC trekking, offering a sense of wilderness and solitude.

While the Annapurna Base Camp trek is best for trekkers who wish to experience adventure, culture, and varied landscapes, Mardi Himal Base Camp trek is great for trekkers in pursuit of a serene, picturesque track with a few people. In fact, both these treks give a glimpse into the majestic beauty of the Annapurna region, which no trekker would ever like to miss.

Both ABC and Mardi Himal are located in Annapurna Conservation Area. Both trekking routes offer breathtaking flora and fauna and unique culture of the local ethnic people in Annapurna Sanctuary. 

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Mardi Himal Trek Highlights and ABC Highlights: Compared 

Here is a comparison of the highlights of Mardi Himal Trek and Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek in five key aspects of each:

1. Elevation and Highest Point

Mardi Himal Trek: The highest point is Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m).

ABC Trek: The highest point is Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m).

→ Comparison: Mardi Himal Base Camp is slightly higher, but ABC has a more dramatic basin surrounded by towering peaks.

2. Mountain Views

Mardi Himal: Provides great close-up views of Machhapuchhre (6,993m), Annapurna South (7,219m), and Hiunchuli (6,441m).

ABC Trek: Surrounded by Annapurna I (8,091m), Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, Hiunchuli, and more.

 Comparison: Mardi Himal provides sharper, ridge-top views, while ABC offers a 360° amphitheater of peaks.

3. Trail Experience and Terrain

Mardi Himal: A quieter, off-the-beaten-path route through rhododendron forests, alpine meadows, and exposed ridges.

ABC Trek: This is a classical route with established tea houses, more organized facilities of meals and accommodation, which goes through terraced fields, forests, and valleys carved by glaciers.

→ Comparison: Mardi is for solitude, while ABC is for those who love landscapes and well-maintained trails.

4. Difficulty and Trek Duration

Mardi Himal: It's a moderate trek that takes around 5–7 days to complete, as there are steep ascents near the Mardi base camp.

ABC Trek: This is a moderate to challenging trek that takes 7–12 days to complete with gradual ascents.

→ Comparison: Mardi is shorter and steeper, but ABC requires endurance, with gain in altitude quite gradual.

5. Best Experiences in Cultural and Natural Features

Mardi Himal: encounters with Gurung villages, wilderness relatively untouched by tourists, few trekkers

ABC Trek: Very cultural in Ghandruk and Chhomrong hot springs at Jhinu Danda, floral and faunal diversity

Comparison: Serenity and raw natural environment on one side-Mardi, blending cultural features, nature, and comfortable walk on another-ABC.

While both Mardi Himal and ABC treks are brilliant trekking trips in Annapurna region, Mardi Himal is most suited for a more solitary and ridge-top trek, whereas ABC presents good, complete views for an immersive Himalayan experience.

Mardi Himal and ABC Starting Points: Compared 

Mardi Himal Trek and Annapurna Base Camp Trek start from different starting points, but both are based in the Annapurna region of Nepal. Both treks passes through beautiful Pokhar city, the city of caves, water falls and freshwater lakes.

The Mardi Himal Trek normally begins from Kande, a small settlement not far from Pokhara, at an altitude of 1,770 meters. In contrast, ABC starts from Jhino Danda after jeep or bus ride from Pokhara at an altitude of 1,780 meters. Both routes go on an attractive trail through the rhododendron forests, terraced fields, and traditional villages of Annapurna Conservation which is also known as Annapurna Sanctuary.

The ending points for Mardi Himal Trek are generally Sidhing at 1,700m or Lumre at 1,100m, depending on the route taken. Meanwhile, ABC Trek often ends at Jhinu Danda, 1,780m, where trekkers can relax in natural hot springs located at the bank of Modi river just below Jhino village before returning to Pokhara.

In altitude, Mardi Himal Base Camp stands at 4,500m, whereas Annapurna Base Camp is at 4,130m. ABC trek goes via Machapuchare Base Camp, which is at 3,700m, while Mardi Himal follows a ridge route with stunning Himalayan views.

Which one is difficult: ABC or Mardi Himal? 

Mardi Himal Trek and ABC Trek are two famous treks grand Annapurna Region in Nepal, but the difference in elevation, distance, difficulties, and trail conditions is prominent.

The highest elevation of the Mardi Himal Trek is 4,500 meters (14,764 feet) at Mardi Himal Base Camp, while the ABC Trek reaches 4,130 meters (13,549 feet) at Annapurna Base Camp. 

Although Mardi Himal takes one higher, altitude sickness does not occur due to the less time spent in high altitudes. The distance covered for Mardi Himal is about 40–45 km (25–28 miles) whereas ABC will be about 70 km (43 miles) round trip, making ABC more of a challenging and longer trek.

Trekkers on both routes generally walk 5-7 hours per day, covering 8-12 km (5-7 miles) on average. However, the ascents and descents of ABC are more prolonged and take one through many stone steps, thus making it harder. The trails on Mardi Himal are steeper and narrower, especially in forested and ridge areas, while on ABC, it has well-structured routes with stone stairways and bridges.

Accommodation in tea-houses and food in both treks, but far more developed with better facilities and hot showers and more food options in ABC. Basic teahouses offering very limited service are found along parts of the Mardi Himal route.

Generally speaking, ABC is considered a moderately difficult trek because of the length and stair climbs involved in the trek, while Mardi Himal is shorter but steep-a little technical-and requires generally good physical fitness.

Which one one is unique , ABC or Mardi Himal?

In order to compare these two exciting treks in Annapurna region, ABC and Mardi Himal differ in experiences, varied charm, landscapes, and cultural encounters.

The ABC trek at 4,130m is known for its varied landscapes that take the trekkers through thick forests of rhododendrons, terracing farmlands, and traditional villages such as Ghandruk at 2,012m and Chhomrong at 2,170 meters inhabited by Gurungs and Magars. Rich bio-diversity of the region includes Himalayan monals, langurs, and thick forests of oak, bamboo, and rhododendron in Annapurna Conservation Area. 

ABC allows trekkers to be completely submerged in the culture for traditional lifestyles, festivals, and warm hospitality in teahouses. The ultimate reward is the arrival at the breathtaking Annapurna Sanctuary, surrounded by towering peaks: Annapurna I (8,091m), Machhapuchhre (6,993m), Annapurna South (7,219m), Hiunchuli (6,441m), and Baraha Shikhar (Fang) (7,647m), creating a dramatic amphitheater of snow-capped giants. Natural hot springs at Jhinu Danda (1,780m) further enhance the experience in ABC Trek.

Contrarily, the Mardi Himal trek is a quieter, off-the-beaten-path route to 4,500 meters, with a more pristine and rugged feel. The trail ascends upwards through dense forests of moss-covered trees, orchids, and rhododendrons, home to wildlife such as Himalayan thars and pheasants. Cultural interactions are less extensive than ABC, but trekkers pass through traditional villages like Kande (1,770m), Australian Camp (2,050m), and Siding (1,750m), experiencing rural Nepalese life.

 From High Camp (3,580m) and Marda Himal Base Camp (4,500m), it offers continual, unobstructed panorama views of Machhapuchhre (6,993m), Mardi Himal (5,587m), Annapurna South (7,219m), and Hiunchuli (6,441m). The rewarding ridge walk just above Low Camp (2,970m) and High Camp (3,580m) in Mardi Trek possesses a really thrilling sense of exposure and wilderness not often felt on more popular treks.

While both ABC and Mardi treks give the views which display the majesty of the Annapurna region, Annapurna Base Camp is rich in cultural experiences and dramatic landscape, while the Mardi Himal is a peaceful, less-frequented trail with incredible ridge walks and wilderness.

Mardi Himal Trek Itinerary and ABC Trek itinerary: Compared 

Mardi Himal Trek Itinerary

1.Day 1: Drive to Kande, trek to Forest Camp (2,550m) – Distance: 10 km, Duration: 5-6 hrs

Day 2: Trek to Low Camp (2,970m) – Distance: 6 km, Duration: 4-5 hrs

Day 3: Trek to High Camp (3,550m) – Distance: 5 km, Duration: 4-5 hrs

Day 4: Hike to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m) and back to High Camp – Distance: 8 km, Duration: 6-7 hrs

Day 5: Trek down to Siding Village (1,750m) – Distance: 10 km, Duration: 5-6 hrs

Day 6: Drive to Pokhara – Duration: 2-3 hrs

Total Distance: ~39 km

Total Trekking Duration: ~24-28 hrs

 Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek Itinerary 

Day 1: Drive to Jhinu Danda (1,780m), trek to Bamboo (2,310m) - Distance: 8 km, Duration: 4-5 hrs

Day 2: Trek to Deurali (3,200m) - Distance: 9 km, Duration: 5-6 hrs

Day 3: Trek to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m) via Machapuchare Base Camp (3,700m) - Distance: 7 km, Duration: 5-6 hrs

Day 4: Trek down to Bamboo (2,310m) - Distance: 14 km, Duration: 6-7 hrs

Day 5: Trek to Jhinu Danda (1,780m) – Distance: 8 km, Duration: 5-6 hrs

Day 6: Drive to Pokhara – Duration: 2-3 hrs

Total Distance: ~46 km

Total Trekking Duration: ~25-30 hrs

Both Annapurna Base Camp and Mardi Himal treks offer stunning views and unique experiences, with Mardi Himal being more off-the-beaten-path and ABC providing a classic Himalayan base camp experience.

Which one has beautiful mountain views, Mardi Himal or ABC? 

While Mardi Himal (5,587m) and Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m) are two great viewpoints, they offer a different perspective on the Himalayas.

Mardi Himal Trek takes one up to this incredible ridge above the clouds, offering close-up views of 6,993-meter Machhapuchhre, 7,219-meter Annapurna South, and 6,441-meter Hiunchuli. The walking on the ridge is highly spectacular, with thrilling feelings of exposure and huge panoramas down toward the Annapurna Range and valleys. The trek is rather more secluded, with less crowd and the feeling of an untouched wilderness.

While it does, Annapurna Base Camp Trek drops you right into the middle of the Annapurna Sanctuary, with towering peaks such as Annapurna I (8,091m), Annapurna South, and Machhapuchhre. You get to see an unobstructed 360-degree view of massive glaciers and snow-covered summits because of the amphitheater-like environment.

By scale and closeness to high peaks, ABC is good to go. If you like dramatic ridge line views with nobody around you, then Mardi Himal is your ticket for lifetime memories.

Which one is longer, Mardi Himal or ABC? 

Annapurna Base Camp trekking is longer compared to the Mardi Himal trek. Mardi Himal Trek covers about 40–50 km depending on the route, whereas ABC covers about 115–120 km.

The following are the day-wise distance approximations and working hours for the Mardi Himal trek: Day 1 - Pokhara to Pothana: 7 kms - 4 to 5 hours, Day 2 - Pothana to Forest Camp:10 km, 5-6 hours, Day 3 - Forest Camp to High Camp: 7 km, 5-6 hours, Day 4: High Camp to Mardi Himal Base Camp: 6 km, 4 -5 hours, and Day 5: Return to Pokhara.

ABC Trek is normally completed in 7 to 12 days. Day 1: Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul-1.5 hours Day 2: From Nayapul to Tikhedhunga, 8 km, 5-6 hours Day 3: From Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani, 12 km, 6-7 hours Day 4: From Ghorepani to ABC, 10–15 km, 6-8 hours Day 5: Back to Pokhara.

While ABC's elevation at its base camp is 4,130 meters (13,550 feet), that of Mardi Himal Base Camp is 4,500 meters or 14,764 feet.

Final Words 

While the Mardi Himal Trek and the Annapurna Base Camp Trek are unique in the Annapurna region, they differ in several key aspects. 

Trek to ABC  is more popular and classical, taking trekkers through lush forests and traditional villages to the stunning Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 meters. It offers dramatic views of the Annapurna Massif and surrounding peaks, making it ideal for those seeking iconic mountain scenery.

On the other hand,  Trekking to Mardi Himal is much less famous-a reason to make it far less crowded-pressing its destination to be the Mardi Himal Base Camp, which reaches up to 4,500 meters. Its brilliant views range between Mardi Himal, Machapuchare, and the Annapurna range but offer a peaceful walk without flocks of tourists. The trek is considered softer in comparison to the ABC but does require sufficient levels of physical preparation.

Moreover, the Annapurna Base Camp trek is notably easier compared to Mardi Himal trekking since the route has been well set and infrastructures are better, while in Mardi Himal, it consists of steeper and more remote pathways, thus making the adventure a bit challenging for those avoiding huge crowds.

Were it not for the moderately easier trek and great mountain views, Annapurna Base Camp Treks would have been recommended; for solitude, few trekkers, and panoramic views of both Annapurna and Mardi Himal peaks, Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek is a great option.