Nepal is well-known for its trekking destinations all around the world. The nation offers a variety of routes that cater to every individual. Mardi Himal trekking and Annapurna base camp trek are two of the most iconic trails gaining more popularity in recent years. Many trekkers from all over the world are drawn to these locations because of their beautiful scenery, rich biodiversity, and cultural legacy.
Both the Mardi Himal trekking and Annapurna base camp trek are beautiful routes that every trekker must trek once in their lifetime. Although these routes might have their fair share of differences the fact that they both take you through some scenic beauty remains unchanged. Both of these routes offer different levels of intensity but takes you through the same locations in some instances around the region.
The Mardi Himal trekking and Annapurna base camp trek also takes you through the Annapurna conservation area. The Annapurna conservation area is a protected area that is a habitat of many species of plants and animals. If you are lucky you may also get to observe the rare endangered animals on your journey. People undertake the Mardi Himal trekking for comfort and to enjoy the Himalayas in a short amount of time whereas the Annapurna base camp trek is undertaken for its challenge and thrill.
But both of the locations offer some of the most beautiful and an immersive experience throughout its route. As the trek takes through the rough and rugged routes trekkers will also make their journey through the local ethnic settlements where they can get a taste of the distinct customs, culture, and tradition of the region along with warm Nepalese hospitality.
Even while both trips provide breathtaking mountain views and unusual experiences, each trek has a certain allure. Hence choosing either route won’t be a disappointment because each route is serene and complete with various experiences that enhance the trekking adventure.
Mardi Himal
Comparison between mardi himal trek and Annapurna base camp trek
Selecting either of the routes is a hard choice because both routes leave a lasting impression on your heart. If you are having trouble choosing the routes. Here we list down some aspects of both iconic routes. So make sure you read until the end.
Scenery
Both of these locations offer a serene natural beauty of their own. Mardi Himal trekking takes you through various ascends and descends. The trekkers travel through various levels of altitude and different settings of environment. You will go through pasturelands, dense forests of vibrant rhododendrons, and to the base camp. The journey throughout the region is an adventurous yet soothing journey. As you make your journey you will be in the presence of various mountains like Annapurna, Macchapuchhre, Hiunchul, and Mardi Himal.
Similarly, the Annapurna base camp trek also takes you through the scenic beauty of the region. The journey to the Annapurna base camp takes you through diverse biodiversity, the scenic beauty of the mountains, and rich cultural legacy. As you make your journey you will pass through dense forest with ecological richness.
These locations are home to flora and fauna of every kind from common ones to rare and endangered species. Furthermore, the route offers various snow-capped Himalayas like the Annapurna range, Macchapurchre, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and many more peaks. The trek takes you through rough and rugged trails, suspension bridges, and vibrant landscapes and finally concludes its journey at the Annapurna base camp. The amazing sunrise between the snow-capped peaks on the Annapurna base camp is also the main highlight of the trek.
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Altitude
Mardi Himal trekking is not that difficult trek but the altitude of the region surely affects the trekker. The route takes you through ascends and descends to an altitude of approximately 5500 meters. Although the route offers you beautiful scenic beauties and immersive experiences it also comes with various kinds of difficulties along the way and altitude sickness is one of them. At this elevation altitude sickness is bound to happen. So one must be prepared for these circumstances because prolonged altitude sickness might also be fatal.
The Annapurna base camp is a difficult trek in itself. The difficulty of the trek increases more as you ascend to the higher altitudes of the region. It is even more dangerous than the other routes in terms of altitude sickness because the route takes you through a physically taxing journey. Although the journey takes you through a thrill and adventure along its rough and rugged terrains one must keep all the risk factors in mind. They must be aware of the acclimatization techniques, proper hydration, and other various aspects to save themselves from severe altitude sickness
location and trails
The Mardi Himal Trek boasts a quiet easy trail. This comparatively recent trail is a simple
path that offers you amazing sweeping vistas of the beautiful snow-capped mountains. As you make your journey through the trails you will also come across thick woods with a varied ecosystem and deep valleys with rich culture and tradition. The trek finally concludes at the Mardi himal base camp where you will be able to experience some beautiful Himalayas.
Although the Annapurna base camp trek is visited by a huge number of visitors every year we cannot deny the fact that the region offers a quite difficult trail. Even if the region tests the trekkers physically it doesn’t take away the serene beauty and a sense of fulfillment once you complete the trek. The trail Trek trail passes through a variety of ecosystems, providing a chance to observe Nepal’s abundant biodiversity. These forests are home to various endangered plants and animal species as well. Not only that but the route also takes you through ethnic local settlements. These settlements boast their own unique culture and tradition which adds flavor to your journey. And the trek concludes itself at the Annapurna base camp where one can be in the shadow of tall snow-capped Himalayas. Finally, visitors must be careful while trekking in these rough terrains These terrains pose quite a danger in monsoon season as the trail becomes quite slippery
Crowd
Mardi Himal trekking is a recently introduced and popularized trek. The path is quite simple and moderate compared to the Annapurna base camp trek. Since it is recently introduced it
stands out for having fewer people on it than other well-known treks in the area.
Hence it is a perfect trek for anyone looking for a peaceful and quiet trekking experience in the Himalayas of nepal. Because of the trail’s comparatively minimal traffic, you can fully appreciate the Himalayas’ unspoiled splendor. You can also build a closer relationship with nature and take it up as a challenge which will build you as a person. These less crowded routes also give trekkers a chance to introspect.
Although the Annapurna base camp route is difficult. The has more people than the Mardi Himal Trek. It is one of the most popular treks because most people undertake this trek to experince the thrill and adventure in the regions of Annapurna. Hence to trek in isolation or with other individuals comes down to a personal preference. For some, the companionship of traveling with a larger group can make the experience even better. You can make lifelong friends and exchange stories with other travelers from around the globe. These acts of camaraderie will further enhance your trekking journey.
Permits
Both of these treks lie in the Annapurna region of nepal. So you must acquire special permits to access the restricted areas of the region. Permits like the Annapurna Conservation Area permit (ACAP) and trekkers’ information management system (TIMS) are mandatory before undertaking these treks. These permits play a vital role in the conservation of restricted areas and also assist in the safety and protection the the trekkers.
These permits should be carried at all times as the checkpoints in the areas may demand these permits at any time. The TIMS assists the authorities in navigating the trekkers in case of any emergency which will make the rescue operation much more easier. Trekkers must also get travel insurance because travel insurance covers all the bills in case of emergencies and accidents in the isolated routes of the Himalayas.
The prices of these permits might vary for domestic tourists, SAARC tourists, and international tourists. You can obtain these permits from the National Tourism Board office in Kathmandu or Pokhara. Obtaining these permits through your reliable trusted touring agency is something you can look forward to.
Conclusion
Mardi Himal trekking and Annapurna trekking are some amazing treks in the Himalayas of nepal. These treks are somewhat similar but not fully identical as they have their differences. The Mardi Himal trekking is known for its moderate route and short trek whereas the Annapurna base camp trek is known for its difficulty and thrill. Hence these treks are amazing on their own and choosing one comes down to the personal preference of the trekker. So pack your bags and be prepared to venture into the beautiful regions of Mardi and Annapurna.
