Side by side
| Mardi Himal Trek | Upper Mustang Trek | |
|---|---|---|
| Days | 6 | 12 |
| Highest point | 4,500 m | 4,010 m |
| Difficulty | Moderate | Moderate |
| Total distance | 55 km | 155 km |
| Best months | March to April and October to December | March to October |
| Typical cost | $400 to $700 | $2,500 to $4,500 |
| Starts from | Kande (1,750 m) or Forest Camp via taxi from Pokhara | Jomsom (2,720 m) via flight from Pokhara or drive from Pokhara |
| 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 Upper Mustang Trek if
The Upper Mustang trek is a 10 to 14 day restricted-area trek through the former Kingdom of Lo, a culturally Tibetan enclave north of the Annapurna range. The arid, wind-sculpted landscape of red and white cliffs contains ancient cave monasteries and the walled city of Lo Manthang. Because it lies in the rain shadow north of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri, it is one of the few Nepal treks accessible during the monsoon season.
The altitude is not extreme by Himalayan standards. The terrain is mostly good trail with some exposed rocky sections. The challenge is the remoteness, wind, and the bureaucratic requirements.
