The Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek and Mardi Himal Trek are two popular trekking trails in the southern Annapurna region of close by Pokhara. Both treks individually offers unique and breathtaking experiences, taking every hikers through diverse landscapes, traditional villages, green lush forests, closest encounters with majestic Himalayas mountains and more. Here Trekking Trail Nepal is trying to delve into the adventure of each trek.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek:
The Annapurna Base Camp Trekking widely know as ABC Trek is one of the most popular and rewarding yet short treks in Nepal. It takes you to the base camp of Mt. Annapurna 8091m, the tenth highest mountain in the world. Here Trekking Trail Nepal is summarising the what you can expect from this Annapurna Base Camp Trekking:
Scenic Beauty: The ABC trek offers stunning views of snow-capped peaks, including Annapurna First, Annapurna South (7,219m), Himchuli (6,441m), and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail, 6,993m). The route passes through lush rhododendron ridge forests, terraced fields in the lap of traditional villages and more. All the ABC trail route provides an opportunity to experience the unique culture, hospitality, welcoming Gurung and Magar communities including the the most beautiful city of Nepal; Pokhara.
Annapurna Base Camp: The climax Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m), a natural amphitheater surrounded by sky-high mountains. ABC itself is a breathtaking and humbling experience to be amidst such awe-inspiring peaks in a short trek.
Poon Hill: Before reaching the base camp, trekkers often take a side trip to Poon Hill (3,210m) via a longer route. However with ABC Mardi Himal Trek, we are not taking this route, But as it is a popular viewpoint for its stunning sunrise and sunset views over the Manaslu Annapurna. Dhaulagiri Range ranges. ( We can do Short Poon Hill Trekseparately or add to this itinerary).
Easy-Moderate Difficulty: The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is considered easy to moderately challenging, making it suitable for every trekkers. Everyone can complete this trek with a reasonable level of fitness. The itinerary typically takes around 5 to 10 days, depending on the starting and ending points choose. If you are pro-athelects, you can do 4 Days ABC Trek.
Mardi Himal Trek:
The Mardi Himal Trek is a relatively new, less crowded, ridge trail base off-the-beaten-path trek in the Annapurna region between Mt. Fishtail and Pokhara valley. It offers a unique opportunity to explore the hidden valley, hilly forest, grassland and unspoiled landscapes. Here are the highlights of this Mardi Himal Trek that makes different from ABC :
Less Crowded: Compared to popular treks like Manaslu Base Camp Trek and Everest Base Camp, the Mardi Himal Trek welcomes fewer trekkers. This making Mardi a peaceful and ideal choice for peace and nature lover. NOTE: As this trek is more popular in Nepalese hikers community, please make sure you are not in Nepalese Holidays especially in October and April.
Close Encounters: This Mardi Trek takes you close to Mt. Fishtail, while reach the base of Mardi Himal (5,587m), a forgotten jewels of the Annapurna area. The route provides stunning views of Mardi Himal, Fishtail aka Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Gandarva Chuli, Annapurna 3, and Hiunchul.
Forests and Wildlife: The trail passes through hilly lush forests of rhododendron, pine, and Oak and creates the home for various wildlife and bird species, that can encounter on our trek.
High Camp and Base Camp: The trek reaches Mardi Himal Base Camp elevated 4,500 meters high above sea level. It offering spectacular panoramic views and valleys that you can’t find with any other treks.
Easy to Moderate : The Mardi Himal Trek is considered easy to moderate difficulty. While challenging due to some steep ascents, rough trails during monsoon and winter. The trek typically takes around 4 to 6 days, depending on the itinerary you sign up for.
In short, both treks provide unique and unforgettable experiences. All in combining these into one trip as ABC Mardi Himal Trek offers you to explore the best of the Annapurna trekking region, including it’s diverse landscapes, nature, culture, mountain and more.
Highlight and benefits of mixing ABC Trek and Mardi Himal Trek
Combining the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek and Mardi Himal Trek into one itinerary offers a unique yet unmatchable experience. Talking about the highlights of of both treks and providing several benefits for you. Here are some of the highlights and benefits of Mardi ABC Trek.
Diverse Landscapes: The combination of ABC and Mardi Himal trek allows you to experience a wide range of landscapes. From lush forests, terraced fields, and traditional villages in the lower regions to alpine meadows, high-altitude grassland, and snow-capped mountains in the higher regions. You get to witness the diversity of the Annapurna region from ridge trail, to gorge route, rivers to waterfall and more.
Stunning Mountain Views: Both treks offer breathtaking views of some of the world's highest peaks, including Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Fishtail aka Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), and Mardi Himal. The combination allows you to see these majestic peaks from different altitude and angles, giving you a deeper appreciation of their magnificent.
Different Crowds: While the Annapurna Base Camp trek is popular and attracts a considerable number of trekkers, especially foreigners. On the other hand the Mardi Himal Trek is relatively less crowded and offers a more virgin experience. Mardi has many hotel and lodges while Annapurna Base Camp has limited.By combining the two treks, you can explore less-visited areas while still enjoying the iconic ABC trail.
Unique Cultural Encounters: The combine trek takes you through various ethnic villages like Gurung, Magar, and Chetteri. You can interact with the locals, learn about their culture, and witness their traditional lifestyle in normal.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experience: The Mardi Himal portion of the trek is relatively less explored and takes you off the beaten path ridge trail. This adds an element of adventure and novelty to the journey.
Varied Trekking Difficulty: While the ABC Trek involves more challenging sections, especially the night at Annapurna Base Camp at 4130 m, the Mardi Himal Trek offers a moderate level of difficulty. Combining these treks caters to a wider range of trekkers, making it suitable for those with different fitness levels. But it both treks has steep up-hill and down-hill section.
Rich Biodiversity: The region is abundant in diverse flora and fauna. From rhododendron forests to various bird species and occasionally spotting wildlife like Himalayan thars, black Himalayan bear, and langurs. The Mardi Annapurna Base Camp trek offers a chance to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the complete Annapurna Conservation Area.
Enhanced Adventure: Combining these treks results in an extended unique adventure trek as only few do this route. In the market you can experience this differently. You will have an opportunity to witness the sunrise from both Annapurna Base Camp and Mardi Himal Base Camp, creating lasting memories of the majestic Himalayan sunrise.
Sunrise and Sunset Views: Throughout the journey, weather on Annapurna Base Camp section or Mardi Himal Trek you will witness awe-inspiring sunrise and sunset views. Always over the snow-capped mountains peaks. These magical moments will leave lasting impressions on you as the biggest highlights of Annapurna Base Camp Mardi Himal Trek.
Well-Established Trail: Both the ABC and Mardi Himal treks have well-established routes with well-maintained lodges and tea houses, providing comfortable accommodation. meals and drinks during the trek.
Overall, the combination of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek and Mardi Himal Trek provides an enriching journey that showcases the best of the Annapurna region's natural beauty, cultural heritage, Adventure sprits, with awe-inspiring mountain vistas, making it a dream adventure for trekkers.
