Mardi and Annapurna both Himalayan ranges are wonderful and offers adventurous trek. You can have combine trek of Mardi and Annapurna as well. In this article I am writing about comparison between Mardi Himal and Annapurna Base camp so that you can know about both 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. Answers to your queries are as follows:
Contents
Where is Mardi Himal?
Mardi Himal (5587m) is located in Annapurna region of Nepal. According to Boundless Himalaya trekking and expedition, Mardi Himal is 5200m far from Annapurna range and lies near to most famous peak Mt. Machhapuchre. Travel guide at Wikivoyage provide information that Basil Goodfellow successfully reach on the summit of Mardi Himal in 1951AD.
Where is Annapurna Base Camp?
Annapurna base camp is obviously in the Annapurna region. Annapurna region is 40km far from Pokhara towards north. The region not only consist of one range, there are groups of mountain. Â H. Adams Carter (1985) in The American alpine journal entitled Classification of the Himalayas mention that Annapurna region has one peak over 8000m (26,000 ft) thirteen peaks over 7000 meters (23000 ft) and sixteen more over 6000 meters.
What are the major attractions of Mardi Himal?
Mardi Himal, the name itself attracts and visualise the white Himalaya standing on 5587m. It is the part of Hindukush Himalaya with high biodiversity holding micro climatic variation. Trail on The rhododendron forest, enjoying with ethnic diversity of gurung culture along with water ways, suspension bridge are the major attractions of Mardi Himal. View of the 8th 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.
What are the major attractions of Annapurna base camp?
The challenging altitude to be on the foot of numerous peaks above 6000 meters is the destination of Annapurna base camp trek. The land surrounded with white Himalyas with cool air from the peak of 8th Highest mountain of 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 scaterring on the way, blooming rhododendrons, criping of birds, flowing rivers, suspension bridges, gurung culture and hospitality are the major attractions of Annpurna range.
What are the difficulties of Mardi Himal trek?
Generally, Mardi Himal trek is easiest trial but with increasing altitude one may face altitude sickness. During the trek in monsoon season you may suffer from parasite called leech. Sucking blood by leech on skin may cause irritation and swelling.
Well preparation for trek and proper hydration are solution for altitude sickness and not exposing skin of hand and legs carefulness will protect you from leech.
What are the difficulties of Annapurna base camp trek?
As same in Mardi Himal, Altitude sickness with increasing elevation is the major difficulties of Annapurna base camp trek. Difficulties in digestion of food due to low atmospheric pressure, rainfall and slippery way during monsoon are hardest part of Annapurna base camp trek.
Enough hydration, healthy feeding habit, good preparation for trek and avoiding trek on rainy days are the solutions of difficulties.
What is the permit and cost of Mardi Himal trek?
Permit of Mardi Himal trek is ACAP and TIMS permit.One should pay $28 (Nrs3000) per person for ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit cost). ACAP is collected for the conservation and management of Annapurna conservation area and nearby villages. Permit for SAARC nationals is Nrs200. ACAP is available in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Other permit for Mardi Himal trek is TIMS which stands for Trekkers Information Management System. You should pay $20 for TIMS. This permit cost is for keeping record of trekkers and unfortunately if trekkers get lost then TIMS will search them.
Cost of Mardi Himal Trek:- 600 – 750$ per person.
Note:-The cost depends upon company through which you are travelling and its service. Above cost is normal budgative cost per person
 What are the permits and cost of Annapurna base camp trek?
Permit of Annapurna base camp is 28$ (Nrs3000) per person which is for ACAP and 20$ for TIMS.
If you do Annapurna base camp and Mardi Himal combine trekking then same permit of ACAP and TIMS will work. You need not to pay two times saperately.
Cost of Annapurna base camp trek :- 650 – 799$ per person.
Note:-The cost depends upon company through which you are travelling and its service. Above cost is normal budgative cost per person.
Time duration
The distance from Pokhara to Mardi Himal and Annapurna base camp is almost same. It takes 5-7 days for Mardi Himal Trek from Pokhara whereas it takes 6-7 days for Annapurna base camp trek. It takes 10 days for trekking to Annapurna base camp if you have poonhill trek as well.
Food and teahouse
Food is one of the basic need of human beings. Wherever you go, good food is essential for your good health. Since the Mardi and Annapurna base camp trek lies in same region food such as Dalbhat, momo, chowmin, dhindo and many more are common for both trek.
Basic tea house providing food, single rooms are available in both Mardi Himal and Annapurna base camp trek. Tea house will provide free wifi and facility of charging your electric appliances but you should pay extra charge for it. You may not get attached bathrooms in all tea house. Toilets will be outside the room.
Best time to visit
Trekking in good season would make your trip wonderful. However if you do not choose right time you may not enjoy properly. You can have Both Mardi Himal and Annapurna base camp trek in any season of the year. Even though Autumn and the Spring are the best season for the trek. Because during the Spring and autumn season weather remains pleasant and blooming of flowers, greenery, freshness of the environment gives additional satisfaction during the trek.
In summer and winter the weather remains extreme. So,path may become slippery and you may not trek regularly due to bad weather. It elongates duration of trek and increases expences as well.
Conclusion
Mardi Himal Trek and Annapurna base camp both are amazing trekking destinations. Some where there are similarities and differences as well. Choosing the place is on your own decision. If you like both trek then you can have Mardi Himal and Annapurna base camp combine trek aswell. Mission summit treks and expedition provides you special package for all these treks. No matter which trek you choose you will have life time experience and wonderful journey in Nepal.
