Side by side
| Mardi Himal Trek | Manaslu Circuit Trek | |
|---|---|---|
| Days | 6 | 16 |
| Highest point | 4,500 m | 5,106 m |
| Difficulty | Moderate | Challenging |
| Total distance | 55 km | 177 km |
| Best months | March to April and October to December | March to April and October to November |
| Typical cost | $400 to $700 | $1,400 to $2,800 |
| Starts from | Kande (1,750 m) or Forest Camp via taxi from Pokhara | Soti Khola (700 m) or Machha Khola |
| Permits | 2 | 3 |
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 Manaslu Circuit Trek if
The Manaslu Circuit is a 14 to 18 day restricted-area trek in the Gorkha District of western Nepal, circumnavigating Manaslu (8,163 m), the world's eighth highest mountain. The route crosses the Larkya La Pass at 5,106 m and offers a rawer, less-crowded alternative to the Annapurna Circuit with comparable cultural depth and mountain scale.
The route is long and the Larkya La crossing demands proper acclimatisation. The trail is well-worn but involves some exposed rocky sections and glacier moraines near the pass. A restricted area permit and mandatory guide are required.
