ABC vs Mardi Himal Trek: Which one is right for you?

Overview of Annapurna Base Camp Trek

• Duration: 7-11 days
• Maximum Altitude: 4,130m
• Landscapes: Sub-tropical lowlands - Glacial Valleys - Broad Alpine Plateaus

Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a classic. We are talking about an iconic trail that has been welcoming trekkers for decades, leading you to 4,130m right into the heart of the Annapurna Sanctuary.

This trek generally takes 7-12 days, depending on your itinerary and pace. You will start from Tikhedhunga, pass through beautiful Gurung villages like Ghandruk and Chhomrong, climb through rhododendron forests, and eventually arrive at the high-altitude sanctuary surrounded by massive peaks. 

When you reach base camp, you are literally standing in a natural amphitheatre with Annapurna I (8,091m), Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Macchapuchhre (Fishtail). Now, can you imagine a sunrise here? Absolutely magical. 

The Annapurna Base Camp trek itinerary is well established, offering excellent teahouses, clear trails, and plenty of fellow trekkers along the way.

Overview of Mardi Himal Trek

• Duration: 5-7 days
• Maximum Altitude: 4,500m
• Landscapes: Woodlands - Alpine terrain - High Ridgelines 

Mardi Himal is a newer option in this comparison. Opened to trekkers in 2012, it still retains that off-the-beaten-path feel despite its growing popularity.

This short trek takes you to Mardi Himal Base Camp at 4,500m. This trail splits from the main Annapurna Base Camp route and continues east along a scenic ridge. The trail passes through quiet forests, isolated teahouses, and eventually leads you into high-alpine terrain with magnificent views of Machhapuchhre, Mardi Himal, and the Annapurna Range.

Mardi Himal Trek offers a more intimate mountain experience. You often spend more time in ridgelines than in villages, and the trail often feels like it's just you and the mountains.

ABC vs Mardi Himal Trek

Trek Difficulty: Which Trek is More Difficult?

When comparing the ABC and Mardi Himal Trek, difficulty depends on how your body handles effort, and let’s be honest, it matters for your preparation.

Annapurna Base Camp is classified as moderate. In reality, ABC Trek is not technically difficult, but it demands consistent endurance over many days. You will have long walking hours during the 7-11 day trek while you gain altitude gradually and steadily. When you reach Ulleri, the famous staircase with over 3,000 steps will test your legs early on, especially if you are not used to uphill climbing.

Altitude becomes a factor as you approach base camp, but the gradual ascents with our experienced guides help most trekkers acclimatize well. The trail itself is well-maintained and pretty straightforward to follow.

Mardi Himal Trek is shorter, but don’t let that fool you, as the trail gets really steep, especially when we move forward from Low Camp to High Camp. A common mistake we see on the Mardi Himal Trek is ascending too fast from High Camp without proper rest. With an elevation of 4,500m, higher than ABC, taking your time on the ascent helps minimize altitude-related risks.

The ridge section follows narrow paths with steep drops on both sides, though they are manageable with caution. What many people don’t realize is that a shorter trek does not always mean an easier one. In our experience, most of our clients tell us that the Mardi Himal Trek challenges their legs and lungs more intensely than ABC.

For both treks, you should be able to spend about 5 - 6 hours walking a day with a backpack. We also recommend incorporating some cardio training into your physical fitness routine before the trek to ensure your journey is enjoyable. 

If you are choosing a beginner-friendly trek in Nepal, ABC feels safer for first-time trekkers, while Mardi Himal suits beginners with basic fitness and limited time

Mountain Views and Overall Scenery

This is where both the treks absolutely shine, but in different ways.

Annapurna Base Camp Views

• From Base Camp, you will be looking at Annapurna I (8,091m), Annapurna South (7,219m), Hiunchuli (6,441m), Gangapurna (7,455m), and the iconic Macchapuchhre (6,993m)
• Most trekkers feel they are in a natural amphitheatre after experiencing 360-degree mountain walls at base camp
• You will get a chance to witness a dramatic sunrise in ABC as the peak turns golden-pink after the sunrays hit them one by one
• The journey will take you through terraced farmlands, traditional villages, thick rhododendron forests, and alpine terrain

Mardi Himal Views

• Mardi Himal Trek offers closer and almost intimidating views of Mt. Macchapucchre (6,993m)
• You will also see Mardi Himal (5,587m), Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli from a different angle that ABC doesn’t provide
• The sunrise from the viewpoint at 4,500m feels as impressive as ABC, but with the bonus of having it almost to yourself
• Trekkers find mountains rising on both sides as they walk along the narrow ridges

In simple words, ABC surrounds you with giants and gives you scale, while Mardi offers a more focused panorama and gives intimacy.

Crowd and Trail Experience

One of the biggest differences between the two treks is the trail atmosphere, and this is where the comparison gets really interesting.

Annapurna Base Camp is one of the most famous treks in Nepal. During peak seasons (March-May and September-November), you will be sharing the trail with lots of other trekkers. Teahouses will be filled quickly in popular spots like Chommrong and Deurali.

However, based on the feedback of our clients, most of them love this social atmosphere as they get to share stories over Dal Bhat and make friends from different countries.

The busier trail of ABC also means well-maintained trekking infrastructures throughout the journey, along with easy navigation.

Mardi Himal Trek is a peaceful trek that offers solitude. Even in peak season, you might only see a dozen other trekkers throughout the day. As you go higher, you will walk along long stretches without crowds, and most of our clients find it ideal for reflective and quiet trekking.

Based on our years of experience, people who enjoy shared stories and lively evenings love the ABC trek. Likewise, for someone seeking solitude, Mardi Himal is the clear choice.

Teahouse, Food, and Facilities

With decades of development, Annapurna Base Camp Trek offers teahouses that range from basic to highly comfortable. 

You can find:

• Wide varieties in food menu
• Hot showers available at most teahouses/lodges 
• Private rooms available (might cost extra in peak season)
• Charging station and Wifi facilities (usually with a fee)
• Well-stocked shops in case you need something
• Some lodges offer attached bathrooms in lower elevations

Mardi Himal Trek keeps things simple with basic teahouses and facilities, especially above Low Camp. 

You can find:

• Limited food menu at higher camps
• Mostly shared bathrooms
• Wifi is available, but could be slightly slow and unreliable
• Hot showers are less reliable and not available at higher camps
• You need to carry all the essential items from Pokhara
• Fewer teahouses could result in higher prices sometimes

These facilities clearly reflect that ABC is a comfortable classic while Mardi still maintains that rugged, adventurous feel.

Cost Comparison

Talking about the cost, both are budget-friendly treks compared to other Himalayan treks. Let's break down the costs for ABC Trek vs Mardi Himal Trek.

Permit Costs

Both of these treks require the same permit.

• ACAP Permit: NPR 3,000 per person

Guide and Porter Costs

• Licensed Guide: USD 25-30 per day
• Porter: USD 20-25 per day

These rates are similar for both treks and are standard across the Annapurna region.

Overall Budget Range

For Annapurna Base Camp Trek

• Budget Options (independent with basic rooms): USD 450-500
• Mid-range (guide, decent lodges, comfort): USD 600-750
• Comfortable (guide+porter, private rooms): USD 800-950

For Mardi Himal Trek

• Budget Option: USD 300-350
• Mid-range: USD 400-500
• Comfortable: USD 600-700

Mardi Himal costs slightly less, mainly because it's shorter, while ABC offers more affordable options for daily expenses due to competition among teahouses.

Keeping it simple, if you are tight on time and budget, Mardi Himal makes more sense for your Nepal trek.

We recommend hiring a guide for both treks. Even though you still have the option to complete the Mardi Himal Trek without a guide, hiring one always enhances your safety, provides cultural insights, and supports local communities.

Best Time to Trek ABC and Mardi Himal

Both treks are best done in Spring and Autumn, also with considerations for monsoon and winter.

Spring (March - May)

Spring is probably the best time to trek in Nepal. During this season, the weather is stable, temperatures are moderate, and rhododendrons are blooming along the route. March is cooler, especially at higher altitudes, while May is warmer and can feel hot at lower elevations.

Autumn (September - November)

Autumn trekking is the most popular trekking season in Nepal with crystal clear skies, stable weather conditions, comfortable temperatures and excellent views. After the monsoon, the air is clear with sharp mountain views. Expect more trekkers in Autumn trekking, particularly on the ABC route.

Winter (December - February)

Winter trekking in Nepal offers clear skies and solitude but brings serious cold, especially at higher elevations. During winter, temperatures in ABC and Mardi Himal Base Camp can drop to -15°C or lower at night. Winter treks are best for experienced trekkers with the right preparation.

Monsoon (June - August)

During the monsoon, the heavy rain makes trails slippery and muddy, with clouds often obstructing the views. But we’ve had groups do the Mardi Himal trek in early June or late August with decent weather. However, ABC during the monsoon can be tricky due to the potential landslide risk.

Unique Insights on ABC vs Mardi Himal Trek

After guiding trekkers on both routes for years, we have noticed that most people don’t regret the trek itself; they regret the choice they made without fully understanding the trail. Here is what actually happens on the ground.

Common Mistakes on ABC Trek

• Many trekkers assume ABC would be easy because the trail is well-developed. In reality, the endless stone steps around Ulleri are what break people mentally, not the altitude.
• Most of our trekkers tell us they were surprised by how busy ABC feels during peak season. What people don’t realize is that this is one of the most popular treks in Nepal, not a quiet wilderness route.
• A common mistake we see is squeezing the Annapurna Base Camp itinerary into fewer days. We’ve noticed that this increases fatigue and altitude stress, especially for first-time trekkers
• Because teahouses are comfortable, most trekkers don’t need half of the gear they carry.

Common Mistakes on Mardi Himal Trek

• Most trekkers think fewer days means less difficulty. In reality, Mardi Himal has steeper climbs and quicker altitude gain, which catches people off guard.
• We’ve guided trekkers who feel uncomfortable around the part of the trail that is narrow with steep drops, despite being physically fit.
• Many first-time trekkers regret knowing that teahouses become basic above High Camp. Limited food, shared rooms, and colder nights surprise those expecting comfort.
• Most trekkers underestimate how cold and windy it gets higher up in the Mardi Himal trail. We’ve seen this mistake lead to uncomfortable nights.

What First-Time Trekkers Regret After Choosing the Wrong Trek

Choosing ABC when they wanted peace

Most trekkers later admit they loved the scenery but wished for fewer people and quieter evenings.

Choosing Mardi Himal when they wanted comfort

We’ve guided first timers who enjoyed the views but struggled with basic facilities. In reality, Mardi Himal rewards adventure lovers more than comfort seekers.

Not being honest about their fitness level

Most people often overestimate their readiness. Those who pick Mardi Himal without prior trekking experience often say they wish they had chosen a more gradual route like ABC.

Choosing based on social media, not reality

What travellers don’t realize is that photos don’t show cold nights, steep climbs, or long walking hours. Most regrets come from expectations not matching reality.

Which Trek Should You Choose?

Here is our practical breakdown for both treks if you are still confused about which trek to choose in Nepal.

Choose the Annapurna Base Camp Trek if:

• You want the classic Himalayan Trekking experience
• You prefer well-established trekking infrastructures
• You are looking for a beginner-friendly trek in Nepal
• You enjoy social trekking
• You have 7-11 days for trekking
• You prefer comfortable accommodations with a wide food variety
• You prefer gradual altitude gain

Choose the Mardi Himal Trek if:

• You want a more rugged and less commercialized trek
• You prefer a more adventurous route over a well-established path
• You are comfortable with basic accommodation facilities 
• You want to reach a higher altitude (4,500m)
• You prefer to escape the crowd and seek solitude
• You have limited time 
• You are comfortable with steeper ascents

Now, if you are someone seeking the ultimate Annapurna Adventure, we have had clients do both the treks back to back. If you have the time and energy, we will customize your itinerary for a perfect experience of a lifetime in the Annapurna region.

Final Verdict

Based on the feedback of our clients, we can assure you that both the Annapurna Base Camp Trek and the Mardi Himal Trek offer unforgettable mountain memories, cultural encounters and that unique Annapurna experience. Honestly, there is no wrong answer in the ABC vs Mardi Himal trek debate; they are just different.

Your choice comes down to what matters the most: time, budget, fitness and the experience you want. And, with years of experience in guiding hundreds of travellers through both treks, we can guarantee that whatever you choose, the Annapurna region won’t disappoint. 

Contact us and secure your spot for a memorable adventure in Nepal. We have guided both treks countless times and can help you choose the perfect route, customize your itinerary and ensure you have the experience of a lifetime in the Himalayas.