Mardi Himal Trek Vs Khopra Danda Trek

Quick Facts about Mardi Himal Trek and Khopra Danda Trek

Mardi Himal Trek Vs Khopra Danda Trek is now a tough choice for beginners to make, as both of these treks are the best and least crowded treks in the Annapurna Region of Nepal.

Mardi Himal Trek in Brief

Trail sketch: Kande – Pothana/Deurali – Forest Camp – Low Camp – High Camp – Mardi Viewpoint
From the first forested steps, climb through rhododendron woods toward a narrow ridge. Then, as you approach High Camp, the horizon opens and Machhapuchhre stands right in front of you. At sunrise from the Mardi Viewpoint, the light catches Annapurna South and Hiunchuli, turning them gold. It takes around 4-5 days to complete without any difficulties.

Khopra Danda (Khopra Ridge) Trek in Brief

Khopra Danda Trek goes through classic Gurung villages, cedar and rhododendron forests, and finally reaches a high ridge that feels wonderfully airy. On a good day, you can see Dhaulagiri towering beyond the valleys, with the Annapurna range sweeping across. If you add Khayer Lake, you get a demanding but rewarding day in truly remarkable trekking experience.

Best short trek in Annapurna for beginners: Mardi Himal Trek Vs Khopra Danda Trek

The Mardi Himal Trek and Khopra Danda Trek are two of the best short treks in the Annapurna region for beginners. While the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek used to be the top short trek in Nepal for newcomers, these newly opened routes have attracted many trekkers.

However, due to the crowded trail of Poon Hill, trekkers are now opting for less busy routes, such as the Khopra Danda Trek and the Mardi Himal Trek. Both of these trails are relatively easy and can usually be completed in 5-7 days. Additionally, if you do the Mardi Himal Trek from Pokhara, you can complete it in 3-4 days, depending on your fitness level.

Is Khopra Danda harder than Mardi Himal?

Well, if you combine the Khopra Danda Trek with Khyare Lake, then yes, Khopra Danda is harder than the Mardi Himal Trek. When you add Khayer Lake on the Khopra Trek Itinerary the it reaches up to 4660 meters of elevation compared with Mardi Himal Base Camp at 4500 meters.

Likewise, the last sleeping point of the Mardi Himal trek is at 3800 meters in High Camp. Meanwhile, you will be sleeping at 3600 meters on Khopra Danda. The trail is not that difficult for either trek.

Mardi Himal vs Khopra Danda itinerary

Mardi Himal Trek from Pokhara 4 Days Itinerary

Day 1: Drive to Kande and Trek to Forest Camp

Day 2: Trek from Forest Camp to High Camp

Day 3: Hike to Mardi Himal Base Camp and Trek down to Bandal Danda

Day 4: Trek from Banda Danda to Sidhing and Drive Back to Pokhara.

If you need a more relaxed version, then check our 9 Day Mardi Himal Trekking.

10-Day Khopra Danda Trek with Poon Hill

Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara

Day 2: Drive from Pokhara to Birethanti and Trek to Ulleri

Day 3: Trek from Ulleri to Ghorepani

Day 4: Hike to Poon Hill and trek to Swanta

Day 5: Trek from Swanta to Khopra Danda

Day 6: Hike to Khayer Lake

Day 7: Trek from Khayer Lake to Bayeli

Day 08: Trek from Bayeli to Tadhapani

Day 09: Trek from Tadhapani to Ghandruk and drive back to Pokhara

Day 10: Drive back to Kathmandu

Do you know, you can also do the combined Mohare Danda Khopra Trek.

Accommodation, tea houses, Mardi vs Khopra

Accommodation or Teahouses in Mardi and Khopra Danda are almost similar. However, the Khopra Danda Trekking route has Homestays opened by the local community. Teahouses and Homestays are different. Along the Mardi Himal Trek, you will not find Homestays. You will rather spend the night in a basic lodge. These teahouses provide beds, blankets, and pillows to rest, along with a dining area to eat. However, along the Khopra Ridge Trek, you will share the kitchen with the local community and even engage with them in their daily activities.

Permit requirements for Mardi Himal and Khopra Danda

Both the Mardi Himal Trek and Khopra Trek require two permit cards: the Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit and the Trekkers Information Management System Permit card. Though you shouldn’t obtain two different permit cards if you want to do it together. But you have to issue the permit separately if you want to do them one after another.

Note: When you book one of these treks with Mountain Eco Trails, we handle the permit cards ourselves.

Best season for Mardi Himal and Khopra Danda

The best seasons to trek to Mardi Himal and Khopra Danda (Ridge) are similar: Autumn and Spring seasons. During the Autumn Season, the weather is clear with stunning views of the mountains. Moreover, the weather and temperature are in favour of the trekkers. It is warm during the day and chilly at night.

Likewise, in the Spring season, the trekking routes in Nepal are covered with colourful rhododendron forests, including Mardi Himal and Khopra Danda. The views of the mountains are equally rewarding under the blue skies. Moreover, the temperature during the day is warmer than the Autumn, but the weather is crystal clear.

Mardi Himal vs Khopra Danda cost

The costs for the Mardi Himal Trek and the Khopra Danda Trek are quite similar. However, the price varies depending on the itinerary, group size, and level of service. The 5-day Short Mardi Himal Trek starts at USD 599 per person, while the 4-day Mardi Himal Trek from Pokhara begins at USD 399 per person. Similarly, the 7-day Mardi Himal Trek from Kathmandu costs from USD 649 per person.

For the Khopra Danda Trek, if combined with Poon Hill, it starts from USD 849 per person. Alternatively, the Mohare Danda Khopra Trek costs USD 950 per person.

FAQs

Which is easier: Mardi Himal or Khopra Danda?

Mardi Himal is slightly easier and shorter, with steeper but compact days. Khopra Danda is moderate, spread over more stages, and can feel tougher if you add the Khayer Lake side trip.

Which trek has fewer crowds, Mardi or Khopra Danda?

Khopra Danda. It’s an offbeat ridge with community lodges, so you’ll meet fewer groups than on the popular Mardi Himal trail.

How many days do I need for each trek?

It takes around 4-5 days to complete the Mardi Himal Trek from Pokhara, mean while for Khopra Danda, 6–8 days, or 7–9 if you include Khayer Lake or a Ghorepani/Poon Hill combo.

What permits do I need for Mardi and Khopra?

Both the Mardi Himal Trek and the Khopra Danda Trek require an ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit) and a TIMS.

Can I add Khayer Lake to the Khopra itinerary?

Yes. It’s a full, high-altitude day (up to 4,660 m). Start early, carry enough water, and only attempt in stable weather.

Are the views better on Mardi Himal or Khopra Ridge?

Mardi gives face-to-face Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) and Annapurna South. Khopra offers a sweeping panorama of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna, set against layered valleys.

Is Mardi Himal suitable for beginners?

Yes—if you’re reasonably fit. The days are short but steep. Use trekking poles, pace well, and plan for cold, windy mornings at High Camp/Viewpoint.

Mardi Himal Trek vs Khopra Danda Trek: Which Short Annapurna Trek Should You Choose?

Well, it depends on your duration and what kind of trek you prefer. If you are short of time and relatively fit, then choose the Mardi Himal Trek to get close views of Annapurna and Mt. Fishtail. However, if you have at least 8-10 days and want to explore the views of the Annapurna Range, Dhaulagiri Range, and Mt. Fishtail from a distance, then Khopra Danda is an ideal option for you. Remember, both treks demand excellent physical fitness and good health conditions.

If you are planning either of these treks, then Mountain Eco Trails speacialise in arranging several trekking packages in Annapurna, including Mardi Himal Trek and Khopra Danda Trek. Feel free to contact us via email or WhatsApp at +9779849790153 for more information