We certainly hope that our thorough analysis of the Mardi Himal Trek vs. Langtang Valley Trek will help you in picking the ideal trekking route.
ABOUT MARDI HIMAL TREK
Trekkers can take in a breathtaking view of the spectacular Annapurna massif, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, and Manaslu from the base camp of Mardi Himal, which is reached by the Mardi Himal trekking path at a height of 4500 meters. Additionally, it offers a stunning viewpoint of the Annapurna Sanctuary’s blue glaciers. In Nepal’s Annapurna area, the position is to the east of the Annapurna Base Camp. This off-the-beaten-path route leads hikers up to the base of Mardi Himal via unspoiled tiny Tamang and Gurung towns, a grove of rhododendron and juniper, and away from more congested trails.
ABOUT LANGTANG VALLEY TREK
With more than 70 glaciers of varying sizes, Himal mountain ranges, and high altitude lakes like Parvati Kund, Bhairavkunda, Dudhkunda, and even the most famous Gosainkunda with an area of 13,8 ha, surface elevation of 14,370 ft, and water volume of 1,472,000 m3, Langtang is a region in the Himalayas of Nepal that borders Tibet. The skills, attire, traditionally built stone home, and exquisitely carved wooden entryway of the local population demonstrate their rich Himalayan culture and heritage. The majority of the people in these communities are of Tibetan and Tamang ethnicity.
Chimse Danda, a steep mountain range to the south, is traversed by the passes of Ganja La (5,122 m), Jugal Himal, and Dorje Lakpa (6,989 m). The Langtang Khola (river) is fed by glaciers that formed on the slopes of Dorje Lakpa, Langtang Lirung, and other peaks. Before pouring in a ridiculing torrent into the Bhote Koshi River from a long, tight gorge at the western end of the valley, the Langtang River travels through the high, Langtang valley. The Langtang Khola, a major part of the Trisuli Ganga, runs east to west over the grain of the nation, while several large rivers originate in Tibet and travel south, slicing through the Himalayan mountain range.
LANGTANG TREK HIGHLIGHTS:
- Explore Langtang National Park, the first national park in the Himalayas, which was founded in 1976 and has a total land area of 1,710 km2.
- Witness snow-capped peaks like Yala Peak (5700m), Gang Chhenpo (6388m), Dorji Lhakpa (6966m), and Langtang Lirung (7245m).
- Discover more than 70 glaciers and the stunning lakes of the Langtang Valley, including Gosainkunda (4,380 m), Parvatikunda, Bhairavkunda, and Dudhkunda.
- An overview of the Tamang and Tibetan languages, together with the complex way of life of those who are still in growth, unquestionably establishes a hard and rigid touch throughout Langtang.
- Possibility of trekking to a number of stunning snowcapped mountains and valleys, including Ganesh Himal, Tsho Rolpa Lake Trek, Tashi Lapcha Pass Trek, Gosainkunda Lake Trek, Langtang Valley Trek, and Helambu Trek
MARDI HIMAL TREK HIGHLIGHTS
- Stunning dawn and sunset views from many different places
- Beautiful scenery, little villages, farms, rice terraces, breathtaking hills and mountains, and vibrant rhododendron woods in the spring
- Magnificent views of the Annapurna South (7,010 m), Mt. Hiunchuli (6,441 m), and Machhapuchhre Himal (6,993 m).
- Beautiful homestays and friendly local hospitality
- Possibility of visiting Mardi Himal High Camp and Mardi Himal Base Camp regional diversity in plants and animals
- The social culture and way of life of the Magar and Gurung ethnic groups
WHAT TO EXPECT ON THE TREK?
LANGTANG
Different kinds of Rhododendrons, an extensive Bamboo forest, stunning scenery, a range of snow-capped mountains, and a diversity of fauna, including Red Pandas, are all highlights of this region’s excursion. Following a local path upstream along the Bhote Koshi River, passing past ethnic Tamang settlements, a verdant forest, and the vast Langtang valley with magnificent mountain views on all sides. The route to the Shin Gompa can be taken again, leading to a high plateau near the revered Lake Gosaikunda. The region gives morning views across the many sparkling lakes of this holy site.
MARDI HIMAL
This location is regarded as one of the undiscovered Annapurna’s secret beauties, and the trekking trail is said to be an unbeatable route. It is ideal to experience the splendor of isolated, perpetually snow-capped peaks as well as the enormous possibility of amazing cultural exchange and the wonder of Machhapuchhare Base Camp. The colorful and intriguing path meanders through lush valleys, alpine meadows, lichen-covered forests, numerous streams, and waterfalls while offering breathtaking mountain vistas that reflect on the surrounding skyline.
TREKKING DIFFICULTY IN THIS REGION?
LANGTANG TREK DIFFICULTY
It is regarded as a moderate trek that doesn’t require any prior experience, with a path that includes uphill and downhill approaches as well as some steep sections. The difficulty of the walk also depends on the time of year. Trekking in the area is most convenient in the spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) months. You can tackle the Langtang trek difficulties even though the trekking route has rough terrain and rocky pathways if you are mentally and physically prepared and have the right gear packed. And if you’re a beginner hiker, you can choose the finest hiking season to ease the difficulty of the hike.
MARDI HIMAL TREK DIFFICULTY
As it is a teahouse trek, this route is rather simple. The majority of trekkers have regarded it as an easy trek due to its short length and lack of tough terrain. However, because of the strenuous lengthy hikes and several steep climbs, novice hikers have also ranked it as a medium-difficult trip. On the Mardi Himal foothills, it takes around 5 to 6 hours of walking, with breaks for resting in between. Despite the trip being uphill, the altitude might not be too much of an issue. That’s because there have been rest times planned correctly.
HOW MUCH BUDGET IS NEEDED?
LANGTANG AND MARDI HIMAL TREK BUDGET
The estimated cost depends on the type of trek being undertaken and the spendthrift factor. But generally speaking, prices range from about US $500 to US $1500. It also depends on how much one wants to treat themselves to different extra indulgences.
ARE PERMITS REQUIRED FOR THIS TREK?
Both trekking regions need a permit. Before beginning a trek in the Langtang and Mardi trek areas, you must have a permit. You will need to show them at several checkpoints along the way. It is a good idea to get permission before the trip begins. In any case, you may get a trekking permit at the trailhead if you are unable to do so in Kathmandu.
LANGTANG REGION PERMITS:
- TIMS card Entry Permit
- Langtang National Park Entry Permit
MARDI TREK PERMIT:
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
- TIMS card
WHY ARE PERMITS REQUIRED?
The Langtang and Annapurna Region Trekking Permits are significant in their own right.
By preserving the trekker’s history inside the National Park, the permit contributes to the preservation of the trekkers’ safety and security. The information may then be gathered to assist the authorities in helping you in the event of any crises like earthquakes, landslides, etc. These permits assist in maintaining rules and regulations as well.
HOW MUCH GUIDE AND PORTER TIPPED IN NEPAL?
Tipping is anticipated because the guide or porter depends heavily on tips for income or savings. Tipping is depending on how well your hiking team performed. It all depends on how happy you were with the hospitality shown to you and the services that were rendered to you, so if you are, feel free to tip accordingly. Typically, 12–15% of the total trip cost is regarded as the optimum tip range. Depending on how satisfied you are with the guide and porter, you can divide the cost between them.
TREKKING ITINERARY
LANGTANG VALLEY TREKKING ITINERARY
Day 01: Drive to Syabrubesi from Kathmandu
Altitude: 1,420m/4,658ft | Drive: 8/9 hrs.
Day 02: Trek Syabrubesi to Lama Hotel
Altitude: 2340m/7,675ft. | Trek: 5-6 hrs.
Day 03: Lama Hotel to Langtang Village
Altitude: 3,480m/11,415ft. | Trek: 5-6 hrs.
Day 04: Langtang village to Kyanjing Gompa
Altitude: 3,870m/12,697ft. | Trek: 3-4 hrs.
Day 05: Exploring day at Kyanjin Gompa
Altitude: 3,870m/12,697ft. | Trek: 3-4 hrs.
Day 06: Kyanjin Gumpa to Lama Hotel
Altitude: 2340m/7,675ft. | Trek: 6-7 hrs.
Day 07: Lama Hotel to Thulo Syabru Village
Altitude: 1,900m/6,232ft. | Trek: 5-6 hrs.
Day 08: Thulo Syabru to Dhunche
Altitude: 1650m/5,412ft. | Trek: 4-5 hrs.
Day 09: Drive back to Kathmandu
Altitude: 1350/4428 ft.
MARDI HIMAL TREKKING ITINERARY
Day 01: Drive or Fly to Pokhara
Altitude: 850m | Drive: 6/7hrs | Flight: 25 Min
Day 02: Pokhara to Phedi drive and Trek to Pothana
Altitude: 1970m | Drive: 40min | Trek: 5 hours
Day 03: Pothana to Forest Camp
Altitude: 2550m | Trek: 7 hours
Day 04: Forest Camp to High Camp
Altitude: 3580 m | Trek: 6 hours
Day 05: High Camp to Mardi Himal Base Camp and back to High Camp
Altitude:4500 m | Trek: 6/7hrs
Day 06: High Camp to Siding Village
Altitude: 1850m | Trek: 7 hours
Day 07: Trek to Lumre and drive to Pokhara
Trek: 3 hours | Drive: 2 hours
Day 08: Drive or Fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu.