Side by side
| Mardi Himal Trek | Makalu Base Camp Trek | |
|---|---|---|
| Days | 6 | 18 |
| Highest point | 4,500 m | 4,870 m |
| Difficulty | Moderate | Strenuous |
| Total distance | 55 km | 145 km |
| Best months | March to April and October to December | March to May and October to November |
| Typical cost | $400 to $700 | $1,450 to $2,200 |
| Starts from | Kande (1,750 m) or Forest Camp via taxi from Pokhara | Num (via Tumlingtar flight and jeep) |
| Permits | 2 | 2 |
Choose the Mardi Himal Trek if
The Mardi Himal trek is a 5 to 7 day moderate trek in the Annapurna Conservation Area that follows a ridge high above the Modi Khola valley to a high camp at 4,500 m with extraordinary close-range views of Machhapuchhre (the Fishtail) and Mardi Himal. Opened to trekkers in 2012, it remains significantly less crowded than the nearby Annapurna Base Camp and Poon Hill routes.
The High Camp altitude of 4,500 m requires good acclimatisation and cold-weather preparation. The trails are well-marked but steeper than Poon Hill.
Choose the Makalu Base Camp Trek if
The Makalu Base Camp trek is an 18 day wilderness route in eastern Nepal leading into Makalu Barun National Park to the base of Mount Makalu at 4,870 m. Trekkers journey from subtropical cloud forests over rugged Shipton La pass into the dramatic sheer granite amphitheatre of Barun Valley.
Demanding high-altitude crossing of Shipton La at 4,210 m with steep climbs and descents. The upper Barun valley is remote with simple teahouses and unpredictable mountain weather.
