Annapurna Base Camp vs Mardi Himal: Which Trek Is Better for 2026?

Both Annapurna Base Camp and Mardi Himal are solid trekking choices for 2026, but they don’t feel the same once you’re actually walking the trail.

Annapurna Base Camp is the classic route. It’s well developed, social, and busy in places. Mardi Himal is quieter, simpler, and feels more personal as you gain altitude. Neither is better for everyone. The right choice depends on what kind of days you want on the trail.

Let’s look at how they really compare.

Why People Often Get Stuck Choosing Between These Two

From a planning point of view, Annapurna Base Camp and Mardi Himal look almost identical. Both sit in the Annapurna region, both are beginner-friendly, and both promise big mountain views within a reasonable timeframe.

The confusion usually starts with advice. Friends talk about Annapurna Base Camp because it’s famous. Guides mention Mardi Himal as a quieter option. Online, both are often listed as “best treks for beginners” without much explanation beyond that.

What rarely gets explained clearly is that the difference isn’t about difficulty alone. It’s about atmosphere, pace, and how the trek feels day after day.

How These Two Treks Actually Feel on the Trail

The Annapurna Base Camp trail feels steady and active. Villages are lively, teahouses are well spaced, and you’re rarely walking alone. Many evenings end in warm dining halls filled with trekkers sharing stories, checking weather forecasts, and planning the next day.

Mardi Himal feels different, especially after the first couple of days. The trail narrows, the number of people drops, and the walk becomes quieter. Higher up, the ridge sections feel more exposed and calm. Some days are spent mostly with the mountains rather than other trekkers.

Annapurna Base Camp feels like a shared journey. Mardi Himal feels more inward and quiet. That difference matters more than most people expect.

Scenery and Trail Atmosphere

The scenery on the Annapurna Base Camp trek opens up gradually. You walk through valleys, alongside rivers, and eventually into a wide mountain bowl surrounded by peaks. The scale is impressive, and the sense of being deep in the Himalayas builds slowly.

Mardi Himal delivers its views in a more direct way. The trail follows ridges where the mountains suddenly appear close and sharp, often right in front of you. On clear days, the views feel dramatic without needing to walk far into a valley.

If you like wide landscapes and a sense of grandeur, Annapurna Base Camp stands out. If you enjoy close-up mountain views and quieter surroundings, Mardi Himal often feels more intense despite being shorter.

Comfort, Lodges, and Daily Life on the Trek

Annapurna Base Camp has one clear advantage: comfort. Teahouses are well established, food options are varied, and the routine of each day feels predictable. This makes it easier for first-time trekkers to relax and focus on the walk.

Mardi Himal is more basic. Lodges are simpler, especially higher up, and evenings are usually quiet. Facilities are sufficient, but there’s less variety and fewer choices. Some trekkers love this simplicity, while others miss the comfort found on the ABC route.

This difference alone often decides the trek for people who value comfort over solitude, or the other way around.

Difficulty: What Most First-Time Trekkers Notice

Neither trek is technically difficult, and both are manageable for beginners with reasonable fitness.

Annapurna Base Camp feels smoother underfoot. The trail is well built, climbs are gradual, and the walking rhythm stays consistent. This makes it forgiving for people still adjusting to trekking days.

Mardi Himal has a bit more up-and-down walking, especially near the ridge sections. Days are not necessarily longer, but they can feel steeper in places. Most people manage fine, but it can be slightly more tiring on the legs.

If you prefer predictability, ABC feels easier. If you don’t mind short, steeper sections, Mardi Himal is still very achievable.

Time and Budget: Where the Difference Shows

Annapurna Base Camp usually needs more days to do comfortably. More walking days mean higher overall costs, even though daily expenses are still reasonable.

Mardi Himal fits better into a shorter holiday. Fewer days on the trail and simpler lodges generally keep the budget lower, which matters for many trekkers planning their first trip to Nepal.

This is often where people make their final decision.

So, which one should you choose?

Choose Annapurna Base Camp if you like a social atmosphere, comfortable lodges, and a classic Himalayan trekking experience that feels well supported from start to finish.

Choose Mardi Himal if you prefer quieter trails, fewer people, and a simpler experience where the mountains feel closer and the pace feels calmer.

Both show different sides of the Annapurna region. Neither choice is wrong.

Final Thoughts for 2026

Annapurna Base Camp and Mardi Himal remain two of the most rewarding treks in Nepal, especially for first-time visitors. The better trek is not about which one is more famous, but which one matches how you want your days to feel on the trail.

If you choose with that in mind, you will likely enjoy either route far more than simply following what’s popular.