Side by side
| Mardi Himal Trek | Tsum Valley Trek | |
|---|---|---|
| Days | 6 | 14 |
| Highest point | 4,500 m | 3,700 m |
| Difficulty | Moderate | |
| Total distance | 55 km | 100 km |
| Best months | March to April and October to December | March to May and September to November |
| Typical cost | $400 to $700 | $1,000 to $2,000 |
| Starts from | Kande (1,750 m) or Forest Camp via taxi from Pokhara | Soti Khola or Machha Khola |
| 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 Tsum Valley Trek if
The Tsum Valley Trek is a cultural journey into a hidden Himalayan valley near the Tibetan border. Known for its ancient Buddhist monasteries, traditional stone villages, and sweeping views of the Ganesh Himal, this restricted area offers a tranquil, deeply spiritual alternative to the busier Manaslu Circuit nearby.
Requires a good level of physical fitness.
