Mardi and Annapurna both Himalayan ranges are wonderful and offer adventurous treks. You can have a combined trek of Mardi and Annapurna as well. In this article, We are writing about the comparison between Mardi Himal and Annapurna Base Camp so that you can know about both the Annapurna base camp and Mardi Himal trek at once.
Before going for a trek it is essential to know about the place where you are going and how is it. The answers to your queries are as follows:
Where is Mardi Himal?
Mardi Himal Trek (4500m) is located in the Annapurna region of Nepal. According to Boundless Himalaya trekking and expedition, Mardi Himal is 5200m far from the Annapurna range and lies near to most famous peak Mt. Machhapuchre. The travel guide at Wikivoyage provides information that Basil Goodfellow successfully reaches the summit of Mardi Himal in 1951 AD.
Where is Annapurna Base Camp?
Annapurna base camp is obviously in the Annapurna region. Annapurna region is 40km far from Pokhara towards the north. The region not only consists of one range, but there are also groups of mountains. H. Adams Carter (1985) in The American Alpine Journal entitled Classification of the Himalayas mentions that the Annapurna region has one peak over 8000m (26,000 ft) thirteen peaks over 7000 meters (23000 ft) and sixteen more over 6000 meters.
Major Attractions Of Mardi Himal
Mardi Himal, the name itself attracts and visualizes the white Himalaya standing on 5587m. It is part of Hindukush Himalaya with high biodiversity holding microclimatic variation. A trail on the rhododendron forest, enjoying the ethnic diversity of Gurung culture along with waterways, and suspension bridges are the major attractions of Mardi Himal. View of the 10th Highest mountain in the world Mt.Annapurna (8,091 m)/26546 ft, Macchpuchre( Fishtail) 6,993 m/22942ft, Himchuli (6,441m/21131.89ft), Gangpurna (7,455/24459ft), Annapurna South (7,219/23685ft), Mardi himal (5,587m/18331ft) many more at once is beyond imagination.
Major Attractions of Annapurna Base Camp
The challenging altitude to be on the foot of numerous peaks above 6000 meters is the destination of the Annapurna base camp trek. The land is surrounded by white Himalyas with cool air from the peak of the 10th Highest mountain in the world Mt. Annapurna (8,091m) along with Macchpuchre( Fishtail) 6,993 m/22942ft, Himchuli (6,441m/21131.89ft), Gangpurna (7,455/24459ft), Annapurna South (7,219/23685ft), Mardi himal (5,587m/18331ft) gives amazing experience. The diversity of flora and fauna scattering on the way, blooming rhododendrons, chirping of birds, flowing rivers, suspension bridges, Gurung culture, and hospitality are the major attractions of the Annapurna range.
Mardi Himal Trek Difficulty
Generally, the Mardi Himal trek is the easiest trial but with increasing altitude one may face altitude sickness. During the trek in monsoon season, you may suffer from a parasite called leech. Sucking blood by a leech on the skin may cause irritation and swelling.
Well, preparation for the trek and proper hydration are solutions for altitude sickness and not exposing the skin of your hands and legs carefulness will protect you from leech.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Difficulty
As same in Mardi Himal, Altitude sickness with increasing elevation is the major difficulty of the Annapurna base camp trek. Difficulties in the digestion of food due to low atmospheric pressure, rainfall, and the slippery way during monsoon are hardest part of the Annapurna base camp trek.
Enough hydration, healthy feeding habits, good preparation for the trek, and avoiding trekking on rainy days are the solutions to difficulties.
Mardi Himal Trek Permit Cost
Permit of Mardi Himal trek is ACAP and TIMS permit.One should pay $28 (Nrs 3000) per person for ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit) cost. ACAP is collected for the conservation and management of the Annapurna conservation area and nearby villages. Permit for SAARC nationals is Nrs200. ACAP is available in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Another permit for the Mardi Himal trek is TIMS which stands for Trekkers Information Management System. You should pay $20 for TIMS. This permit cost is for keeping records of trekkers and unfortunately, if trekkers get lost then TIMS will search them.
Cost of Mardi Himal Trek:- 600 – 750 USD per person
Note:-The cost depends upon the company through which you are traveling and its service. The above cost is the normal budget cost per person
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Permit Cost
Permit for Annapurna base camp is 28$ (NRS 3000) per person which is for ACAP and 20$ for TIMS. If you do Annapurna base camp and Mardi Himal combine trekking then the same permit of ACAP and TIMS will work. You need not to pay two times separately.
Cost of Annapurna base camp trek:- 650 – 799$ per person.
Note:-The cost depends upon the company through which you are traveling and its service. The above cost is the normal budget cost per person.
Time duration
The distance from Pokhara to Mardi Himal and Annapurna base camp is almost the same. It takes 5-7 days for Mardi Himal Trek from Pokhara whereas it takes 6-7 days for the Annapurna base camp trek. It takes 10 days for trekking to Annapurna base camp if you have a Poon Hill trek as well.
Food and Teahouse
Food is one of the basic needs of human beings. Wherever you go, good food is essential for your good health. Since the Mardi and Annapurna base camp trek lies in the same region food such as Dalbhat, momo, chowmin, dhindo and many more are common for both trek.
Basic Tea houses providing food, and single rooms are available in both Mardi Himal and Annapurna base camp trek. Tea House will provide free wifi and the facility for charging your electric appliances but you should pay an extra charge for it. You may not get attached bathrooms in all tea houses. Toilets will be outside the room.
Best Time To Visit
Trekking in the good season would make your trip wonderful. However, if you do not choose the right time you may not enjoy it properly. You can have Both Mardi Himal and Annapurna base camp trek in any season of the year. Even though Autumn and Spring are the best season for the trek. Because during the Spring and autumn season, the weather remains pleasant, the blooming of flowers, greenery, and freshness of the environment gives additional satisfaction during the trek.
In summer and winter, the weather remains extreme. So, the path may become slippery and you may not trek regularly due to bad weather. It elongates the duration of the trek and increases expenses as well.
Comparison Mardi Himal Trek Vs. Annapurna Base Camp
For easiness, we are going to make a table and make you more clear about Mardi Himal Trek Vs. Annapurna Base Camp. Here is the table
| Particular | ABC Trek | Mardi Himal Trek |
| Days | 6 to 7 | 5 to 6 |
| Difficulty | 3 on 5 | 2 on 5 |
| Altitude | 4130 m. | 4500 m. |
| Location | Annapurna Region | Annapurna Region |
| Best Time | Spring & Autumn | Spring & Autumn |
| Permit | Tims & ACAP | Tims & ACAP |
| Accommodation | Basic Tea House | Basic Tea Hosue |
Here we mention ABC and its full form is Annapurna Base Camp
Conclusion
Mardi Himal Trek and Annapurna base camp both are amazing trekking destinations. Somewhere there are similarities and differences as well. Choosing the place is your own decision. If you like both treks then you can have Mardi Himal and Annapurna base camp combined trek as well. Mission summit treks and expedition provides you with a special package for all these treks. No matter which trek you choose you will have a lifetime experience and a wonderful journey in Nepal.
