Mohare Danda Trek vs Mardi Himal Trekking

12 Feb, 2024  |   By Trekking Trail Nepal

It is not easy to choose the best trek in Nepal to fit your needs. However, if you are searching for the best moderate, less crowded trekking max up to 5-6 days from Pokhara, Mardi Himal, and Mohare Danda Trek needs to be considered.

The Most Common Question: Mohare Danda Trek vs Mardi Himal Trekking

Dear Trekking Trail Nepal,

One thing's for sure: we'd love to go on a trekking with you and trekking Trail Nepal. However, we came across the Short Mardi Himal Trekking which you also seem to offer. Based on the information we found this trekking seems to offer more panoramic views than Mohara Danda Trek, is that correct?

Could you send us some information about this trekking as well, including some days and costs (departing from Pokhara)? And maybe reflect on the main differences between the two trekking?

Nepal has over 100s different trekking routes, it is a bit hard to find alternatives of your planned trek in Nepal. Mardi Himal Trek and Mohare Danda Trek seem similar but different. Trekkers get confused and it is normal. Here Trekking Trail Nepal  comes with the compression table for Mardi Himal Trek with Mohare Danda Trekking.

mohare danda trekking highights

What are the basic differences between the Mohare Trek and Mardi Himal Trek?

The Mohare Danda Trek and the Mardi Himal Trek are both popular trekking trails in Nepal, but they have some key differences.

Location and Region: The Mohare Trek is located just south of the Annapurna Conservation Area, close to Poon Hill.  On the other hand, the Mardi Himal Trek is located inside the Annapurna Conservation Area just south of the beautiful Pokhara City. To be precise just in front of the iconic mountain called Machhapuchhre aka Fishtail.

Trail Length and Duration: The Mohare Trek is flexible, typically taking around 4-7 days to complete. As it is located to many trails so as you need you can make longer or shorter of 3 days too.  While the Mardi Himal Trek takes around 4-7 days and it has no option to extend the trek on its own.

Altitude: The Mohare Trek takes place at a lower altitude, with the highest point of the trek being around 3,313m (10,870ft) at Mohare Danda. Similarly, the Mardi Himal Trek takes place at a higher altitude, with the highest point of the trek being around 4,500m (14,764ft) at the Mardi Himal Base Camp.

Popularity: The Mohare Trek is considered a less crowded and less developed trek compared to the Mardi Himal Trek.

Scenery and Landscape: The Mohare Trek offers great views of Annapurna South, Himchuli, Annapurna III, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, and many more neighbours peaks. In short, you will see over 32 mountain peaks from 3 Himalayas ranges Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Manaslu including 3 eight-thousands.   the Mardi Himal Trek offers great views of the Mardi Himal and Mount Fishtail aka Machhapuchhre, and other peaks in the Annapurna range.

Difficulty: The Mohare Trek is considered a moderate trek and the Mardi Himal trek is a bit strenuous if you decide to reach the base camp of Mardi Himal.

Permits: The Mohare Trek does not require any special permit, only a TIMS card is required, while the Mardi Himal Trek requires a TIMS card and the Annapurna Conservation Area Permits.

Accommodation: the Mohare trek is a Community Lodge and Home stay-based trek, and the Mardi Himal trek is a typical tea house trek in Nepal.

Both treks offer a chance to explore the remote area of the Annapurna region and experience the stunning mountain views and local culture. It depends on your preference and the time frame for which trek you choose.

Mohare Danda Trek Himalayas Views

The highest point of the Mohare Trek and Mardi Himal Trek.

The highest point of the Mohare Trek is around 3,313 meters about 10,870 feet at Mohare Danda. The trek is a moderate trek, which takes you through the beautiful rhododendron forests, terraced fields, and traditional villages, offering great views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Nilgiri, Manaslu, Annapurna III, and the surrounding peaks.

The highest point of the Mardi Himal Trekking is around 4,500 meters (14,764 ft) at the Mardi Himal Base Camp. The trek is considered a bit strenuous and takes you through remote forests with alpine meadows. However, it offers great views of the Machhapuchhre, Mardi Himal, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and other peaks in the Annapurna Himalayas range.

Check The Most Popular: 4 Days Short Mardi Himal Trek 

Nagi Community Lodge of Mohare Danda Trek

Trail Head of Mohare Trek and Mardi Himal Trek.

The trailhead for the Mohare Danda Trek is Beni located 92 Km (18 miles) west of Pokhara ahead of Bagalung. The trek starts with a drive from Pokhara to Bein, from where the trek officially begins. Trekkers will pass through traditional villages, lush forests, terraced fields, and grassland before reaching the summit of Mohare Danda.

Similarly, the trailhead for the Mardi Himal Trek is located in the village of Phedi, which is around 24km west of Pokhara. The trek starts with a drive from Pokhara to Phedi, from where the trek officially begins. Trekkers will pass through remote villages, forests, alpine meadows, and viewpoints before reaching the summit of the Mardi Himal Base Camp.

The trailhead of both the treks are located in the proximity of Pokhara which is known as the gateway to the Annapurna Trekking region, and it's well connected by road as well as air transport

Mohare Danda is a Community Trek but not Mardi Himal

  • Community trek, also known as an advanced mode of “homestay trek”,  and "village trek”. In short, it is some special management guest houses, routes, and facilities are used. In the community type of trekking, trekkers stay in local homes or community-run lodges, rather than in commercial teahouses, privately owned hotels, or camping.
  • The main focus of community trek is to provide an authentic cultural experience, allowing trekkers to learn about the local way of life, customs, and traditions, and to support local communities by staying in their homes and supporting their local economy.
  • Community treks are often organized by local organizations and NGOs, and the money paid for accommodation and meals goes directly to the local community, which helps to improve their living standard. These treks are usually off the beaten path, and they offer a chance to explore the remote and less visited areas of Nepal and other countries.
  • Community trekking is often considered a sustainable travel option, as it supports local economies and minimizes the negative impacts of tourism on the environment and local culture.

It is important to note that, the Mohare Danda Community Trek does not have the same level of comfort, amenities, and facilities as commercial teahouse treks like Short ABC Trek and may require more flexibility and adaptability. In short, you will be completely in Nature rather than the artificial luxury.

Mohare Danda Trekking 2024

Both treks are fit for first-timers.

As the height of Mardi Himal Trek reaches up to 4500m, We have to be careful about altitude sickness, but not serious like other big treks like Everest Base Camp Trek.

NOTE: This calculation of Climbing and Depending each day for the Mardi Himal Trek is based on the Altitude of the Camps. Not Covering Others's ups and downs of the trekking trail.

We can organize the Mardi Himal Trek for 6 days which helps to equally distribute the uphill and downhill altitude as our wish.

Panoramic views and close view Of the Mountains

Both panoramic views and close-up views can be good for trekking, depending on your preferences and the specific trek you choose.

Panoramic Views are often found on high-altitude treks, such as those that reach mountain passes or summits. Both Mardi and Mohare Danda Treks offer the opportunity to see a wide range of peaks, villages, forests, and landscapes all at once, which can be a truly breathtaking trekking experience in Nepal. As this is a community-based trek, you can experience the local culture and way of life. They can be a great option for trekkers who enjoy the challenge of high altitude and want to experience the majestic beauty of the Himalayas.

Mohare Danda Trek offers wider Panoramic views while Mardi Himal Trek offers the closest views of 1 Mountain called Mt. Fishtail 6779m.

mardi himal trekking guest

Close-up Views, on the other hand, Mardi Himal Trek takes you through forests, villages, and cultural sites. Mardi Himal offers the opportunity to see the smaller details of the landscapes and ecosystems. This can be a great option for trekkers who enjoy learning about local cultures and getting close to nature.

In conclusion, it depends so on your preference. If you are interested in a moderate trek with a circuit trail, and more with panoramic views Mohare Danda Trekking is the best. It also complies with the effects of community and local culture on nature. However, if you are interested in getting closer to specific mountains, ridges, and hills with dense forests with steep ups and downs Mardi Himal Trek is the best. No doubt both the treks in Nepal will quench your adventure dream.

Here are the Differences and Highlights:

Topic

Mohare Danda Trek

Mardi Himal Trek

Trail Type

Circuit Trekking Trail

Same Trail Up and Down, ( Just 1 Day is Different )

Highest Point

3313m

4500m

Highest overnight point

3313m

3550m

Near By View Point

Poon Hill 3210m

Not available

Visible Mountain Range

Dhaulagiri Mountain Range
Manaslu Mountain Range
Annapurna Mountain Range

Annapurna Mountain Range

8000ers Mountains

Dhaulagiri 8167m,
Manaslu 1863m,
Annapurna 8091m

Annapurna 8091m

Visible No of Mountains

Over 33 Mountains

Over 12 Mountains

Short Trek

4 Days

4 Days

Optimum Point

You will be at the Viewpoint of the Mountain.

You will be at the base of the mountain.

Crowd Level

4/10

8/10

Accommodation Type

Community Lodge + Home Stay

Private Trekking Hotel
( Tea House )

Sunrise / Sunset

Sunrise and  Sunset  both

Sunrise only

Low Light

 

More Crowd. (Especially with Nepalese Family Groups ).

Trail Feature

Mixed:

Ups, Down, Flat, Inclined.

Same

Mostly Ups and Downs.
( Very Little Flat and Inclined ).

Majority Trekkers

European

Nepalese

My Experience as a Guide

8/10

6/10

view from mardi himal trek

Above all, Mohare Danda Trek is community-based and the money you spend on the trail goes to the whole community. But in Mardi Himal, it increases the wealth of a few business people. Trekking Trail Nepal hopes this blog Mohare Danda Trek vs Mardi Himal Trekking helps you to choose the best interest and experience you want to have with trekking in Nepal. 

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