Poon Hill Mardi Himal Trek
Duration: 12 Days
Destination: Nepal
Trip Grade: Moderate
Starts at: Kathmandu
Ends at: Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner During Trek
Accommodation: Tea House or Lodge During Trek
Max. Altitude: Mardi Base Camp (4500 Meters)
Activity: Trekking
Group Type: Any
Group Size: 1 to 10
Best Season: Spring and Autumn
The Poon Hill Mardi Himal Trek is one of the most sought-after trekking routes in the Annapurna region of Nepal. This trek offers a unique combination of cultural exploration and stunning views of the Himalayas, especially the Annapurna and Machapuchare (Fishtail) peaks. The trek is relatively short, making it perfect for those who want to experience the beauty of the Himalayas without committing to a long and strenuous journey.
Highlights of the Trek:
Poon Hill: The trek takes you to Poon Hill (3,210 meters), one of the most popular viewpoints in the Annapurna region. From here, you can enjoy a breathtaking sunrise view of the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machapuchare, and other surrounding peaks.
Mardi Himal: The Mardi Himal (5,587 meters) offers spectacular views and a sense of isolation, with fewer trekkers than some other popular trekking routes. The trek to Mardi Himal Base Camp takes you through alpine forests, ridges, and stunning landscapes.
Ghandruk Village: This trek also takes you through the beautiful Ghandruk village, an ethnic Gurung village, where you can experience the rich culture of the local communities. The friendly people, traditional houses, and beautiful surroundings make this an unforgettable experience.
Annapurna Range: Enjoy panoramic views of the Annapurna mountain range, including Annapurna South, Annapurna I, and Hiunchuli.
Mardi Himal Base Camp: This trek leads to the Mardi Himal Base Camp, where trekkers can enjoy the beauty of the Annapurna range up close. It’s a less crowded base camp, providing a peaceful and serene trekking experience.
| Group Size | Price per Person (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1 pax | $800 |
| 2 pax | $775 |
| 3 pax | $750 |
| 4 pax | $730 |
| 5 pax | $720 |
| 6 – 10 pax | $700 |
12 Days Poon Hill Mardi Himal Trek
The 12 Days Poon Hill Mardi Himal Trek combines two of the most beautiful and popular trekking routes in the Annapurna region of Nepal: Poon Hill and Mardi Himal. This trek is perfect for those who want to experience the best of Nepal’s natural beauty, culture, and mountains in a moderate and relatively short journey.
Highlights of the 12-Day Trek:
Poon Hill Sunrise: One of the most famous viewpoints in the Annapurna region, Poon Hill (3,210 meters) offers an incredible sunrise view of the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machapuchare, and other stunning peaks. The view is unparalleled and often regarded as one of the most breathtaking in the world.
Mardi Himal Base Camp: Trek to Mardi Himal Base Camp at 4,500 meters for magnificent close-up views of Annapurna and Machapuchare (Fishtail). Mardi Himal is one of the least crowded areas, making it perfect for those who seek a more peaceful, untouched experience in the Himalayas.
Cultural Experience: Visit traditional Gurung villages like Ghandruk, where you can witness the lifestyle of the ethnic people, enjoy their hospitality, and learn about their customs and culture.
Beautiful Landscapes: The trek offers a variety of landscapes, from subtropical forests to alpine meadows, rhododendron forests, and high-altitude views of the Annapurna mountain range.
Views of Annapurna Range: Apart from the iconic Poon Hill, the trek offers continuous views of the Annapurna South, Machapuchare, Hiunchuli, and Dhaulagiri peaks, which are some of the most beautiful mountains in the world.
Isolation and Peacefulness: Since the Mardi Himal Base Camp is less frequented by trekkers compared to other base camps, you’ll experience solitude and the untouched beauty of the region.
Itinerary for the 12 Days Poon Hill Mardi Himal Trek:
Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (6-7 hours by road, or 25 minutes by flight).
Day 2: Drive from Pokhara to Phedi, then trek to Ghandruk (2,000m).
Day 3: Trek from Ghandruk to Sinuwa (2,340m).
Day 4: Trek from Sinuwa to Deurali (3,130m).
Day 5: Trek from Deurali to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m).
Day 6: Trek back to Deurali.
Day 7: Trek from Deurali to Ghandruk.
Day 8: Trek from Ghandruk to Sinuwa.
Day 9: Trek from Sinuwa to Poon Hill (3,210m) for sunrise, then trek to Tadapani.
Day 10: Trek from Tadapani to Ghorepani (2,850m).
Day 11: Trek from Ghorepani to Phedi, and drive back to Pokhara.
Day 12: Drive or fly back to Kathmandu.
Poonhill Mardi Himal Trek Distance, Duration, and Altitude

Best Time to Trek:
Autumn (September to November): This is the most popular season for trekking in Nepal, with clear skies, great visibility, and comfortable temperatures.
Spring (March to May): The season is equally popular for its blooming rhododendron forests, making the trek especially scenic.
Difficulty Level:
The 12 Days Poon Hill Mardi Himal Trek is a moderate trek suitable for people with basic fitness levels and prior trekking experience. You’ll be trekking at moderate altitudes, and although it’s not a strenuous journey, it requires stamina and a good attitude.
Designed for both nature lovers and cultural explorers, this journey includes acclimatization days in Namche and Dingboche to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. You’ll stand at the historic Everest Base Camp (5,364m) and witness an unforgettable sunrise from Kala Patthar (5,545m) — the best viewpoint of Everest. With cozy teahouse stays, expert guides, and a rich cultural backdrop, this trek is a perfect balance of challenge and reward.
Duration: 12 Days
Destination: Nepal
Trip Grade: Moderate
Starts at: Kathmandu
Ends at: Kathmandu
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner During Trek
Accommodation:Tea House or Lodge During Trek
Max. Altitude:Mardi Base Camp (4500 Meters)
Activity: Trekking
Group Type: Any
Group Size: 1 to 10
Best Season: Spring and Autumn
Highlights
Enjoy your free time by seeing some incredible Pokhara attractions, including the World Peace Pagoda, David Falls, Phewa Lake, and the International Mountaineering Museum.
Discover beautiful landscapes, rhododendron woods, wildlife, terraced fields, and the modest communities of the Gurung people in the Annapurna region.
Enjoy stunning views of Annapurna South and Fishtail while hiking along the Poon Hill Mardi Himal Trek Route, and spend the night in comfortable teahouses.
Experience breathtaking sunrises over the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges from the Poon Hill viewpoint.
Enjoy wonderful hospitality from the locals, helping you forget your tiredness from walking.
Trek to Mardi Himal’s base to experience the mesmerizing view of the snow-covered Himalayan Mountains.
Enjoy fantastic views of Mount Dhaulagiri, Mount Annapurna (II, III, IV, and South), Mount Hiunchuli, Mount Machhapuchhre, and more.
Visit the community of Siding to learn about the local way of life, culture, and customs.
Combine a trip to Mardi Himal Base Camp and Ghorepani Poon Hill.
The Mardi Himal Trek via Poon Hill is the perfect choice if you’re looking for an easy to moderate difficulty trek in the Annapurna region of Nepal. Two key locations, Poon Hill and Mardi Base Camp, offer the best opportunities to see the snow-capped mountain peaks. This trip serves as an excellent alternative to the crowded Annapurna Base Camp trek, offering breathtaking Himalayan vistas in a short time.
Spectacular views of some of the world’s highest mountains, including Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, Himalchuli, and others, can be enjoyed from Ghorepani Poon Hill on the Mardi Himal Trek. The route also passes through scenic villages with friendly locals. This hike combines elements of two treks: the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek and the Mardi Himal Trek. The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is one of the most well-known treks in the Annapurna region, whereas Mardi Trek is a more recently launched trek, located off the beaten path.
After taking a tourist bus from Kathmandu to Pokhara, the Mardi Himal Trek via Poon Hill begins. You will arrive in Birethanti, the starting point of the major trek, after traveling for around an hour and fifteen minutes from Pokhara. The journey begins by passing terraced farms full of paddy and mustard. Ulleri is reached after passing through the Magar and Gurung settlements of Hile and Tikhedhunga. The next day, you will trek through a rhododendron forest and the picturesque village of Banthanti to reach Ghorepani. From Ghorepani, you will leave early in the morning to go to Poon Hill and watch the stunning sunrise over Machhapuchhre and the adjacent mountain ranges. After the breathtaking sunrise at Poon Hill, you’ll descend to Ghorepani for breakfast.
After breakfast, your adventure continues through Tadapani, Ghandruk, and Landruk, before beginning the second part of your trek, the Mardi Himal Trek, from Landruk. From Landruk, proceed toward Low Camp, passing through Forest Camp and a beautiful rhododendron, pine, and oak forest. The following morning, after spending the night at Low Camp, you’ll leave for High Camp. The next day, you will leave High Camp and head to Mardi Base Camp without your backpack. After reaching Mardi Himal Base Camp, you’ll descend to Badal Danda and eventually reach Siding. From Siding, you’ll take a shared vehicle to return to Pokhara. The opportunity to boat on Phewa Lake will allow you to explore some of Pokhara’s most beautiful areas. Finally, your 12 Days Mardi Himal Poon Hill Trek concludes as you travel back to Kathmandu by tourist bus.
Benefits of Booking Poon Hill Mardi Himal Trek with Us
Free International Airport Pickup and Drop Services
Free Poon Hill Mardi Himal Trek Map
Medical Kits – Which May Be Necessary in Certain Cases
Oximeter to Check Oxygen Levels at High Altitude
Free Excess Luggage Storing During the Trek
Sleeping Bags and Down Jackets Provided if Required

What You Can Expect From Poon Hill Mardi Himal Trek
Most hiking days offer continuous vistas of the snow-capped mountain range while traveling through charming hill communities. The Poon and Magar hill tribes, who practice both Buddhism and Hinduism, inhabit the mountains around Ghorepani. The Gurung, one of the principal hill tribes of the Annapurna Himalayas, occupies the majority of the settlements after Ghorepani village, with influences from Buddhism and the Bon religious sects.
Simple and basic lodges with shared bathrooms and showers can be found near Mardi Himal. However, tasty meals according to the menu are provided in pleasant, spacious, warm dining rooms in clean and comfortable accommodations. To reach the magnificent thick rhododendron and pine forests with stunning mountain vistas, you will need to walk from the settlements.
Along with the stunning vistas of the Annapurna region’s mountains, the Mardi Himal Trek via Poon Hill also takes you through rhododendron-filled deep woods, spectacular high meadows, small towns, and tranquil waterfalls. From the Mardi Himal Viewpoint, you can get breathtaking views of Mt. Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, and Himchuli. If the weather is clear, you might even visit Mardi Base Camp to discover additional alpine beauty. Poon Hill and Mardi Himal Base Camp both provide excellent vantage points to capture the mysterious mountain scenery of the Annapurna area.
Throughout the walk, you’ll enjoy stunning views of Machhapuchhre, the Annapurna Massif, Hiuchuli, Lamjung Himal, Dhaulagiri, Ganesh Himal, and Manaslu.
Is Poon Hill Mardi Himal Trek Suitable for You?
This journey is ideal if you’re searching for a short, scenic trek in Nepal that is slightly off the beaten path, offers views of the majestic Himalayas, and takes you through lush forests. This trek is perfect if you want to witness breathtaking Himalayan vistas while also experiencing historic villages and learning about the culture of various ethnic groups, including Gurung, Magar, Brahmin, Chhetri, and Dalits.
The Mardi Himal Trek with Poon Hill, offering breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountains and an introduction to the region’s ethnic diversity, is perfect for people of all ages, as the routes are well-maintained and simple to navigate. Mardi Himal Poon Hill Trek features a mix of ethnic cultures, with outgoing, tolerant residents. You’ll have the opportunity to interact with locals and learn about their way of life and customs. If you enjoy meeting new people, this vacation is among the best.
This trail can be completed by those in good physical and mental condition, capable of walking 5 to 6 hours each day with a backpack, navigating challenging terrain with ascents and descents.
Preparation for Mardi Himal Trek via Poon Hill
Trekking up Mardi Himal is not as easy as the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek. To reach one of Nepal’s most stunning trekking locations, you need to practice, plan, and dedicate yourself. While anyone can participate in the Ghorepani Poon Hill with Mardi Himal Trek, it’s essential to be in good physical condition, physically fit, and motivated. Before trekking in Nepal, it’s advisable to go on a few short trips and practice walking uphill and downhill for 5 to 6 hours a day. You can also build stamina by doing aerobic exercises such as running, swimming, and cycling. Yoga poses can improve breathing, and staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water will also be essential.

Day to Day Itinerary
Day 1:Arrival in Kathmandu (1400m)
Day 2:Drive from Kathmandu (1400m) to Pokhara (822m)
Day 3:Drive from Pokhara (822m) to Birethanti (1263m) then
trek to Ulleri (1960m)
Day 4:Trek from Ulleri (1960m) to Ghorepani (2880m)
Day 5:Trek from Ghorepani (2880m) to Poon Hill (3210m) then
Tadapani (2630m)
Day 6:Trek from Tadapani (2630m) to Landruk (1565m) via
Ghandruk (1940m)
Day 7:Trek from Landruk (1565m) to Low Camp (3050m)
Day 8:Trek from Low Camp (3050m) to High Camp (3600m)
Day 9:Trek from High Camp (3600m) to Mardi Base Camp
(4500m) then return to Badal Danda (3250m)
Day 10:Trek from Badal Danda (3250m) to Siding (1700m)
then Drive to Pokhara (822m)
Day 11:Drive from Pokhara (822m) to Kathmandu (1400m)
Day 12:Final Departure
Cost Includes
Pickup from Kathmandu International Airport based on your arrival date
and time.
2 nights accommodation in Kathmandu on BB plan (one night before the
start of the trek and one night after the trek)
2 Nights accommodation Pokhara on BB Plan (one night before starting
the trek and one night after the trek)
Tourist bus ticket to Pokhara from Kathmandu
Taxi to Birethanti (trek start point) from Pokhara
Three times meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) during the trek
8 nights accommodation during the trek (tea house)
All necessary permits for Poon Hill Mardi Himal Trek
An experienced and qualified English-speaking guide including his
expenses for food, lodge, transportation, salary, insurance, equipment, etc.
Sharing JEEP to Pokhara from Siding village (trek endpoint)
Government VAT and official expenses
Purified drinking water (Ef-Chlor – water purification tablet)
Certificate of achievement (If needed)
Farewell dinner in Nepali restaurant in Thamel before you depart from
Nepal
Free luggage stored During the Trek
An airport transfer service for your final departure
Cost Excludes
International airfare, Nepal visa fee and any kind of insurance
Lunch, Dinner and extra night accommodation in Kathmandu
Porter to carry your luggage during the trek (if you worlid like to take a
porter to carry your stuff it will cost you USD 220 each porter, who can
carry maximum 25 KG)
expenses during the trekking such as hot shower, all kind of drinks, extra
meals, Wi-Fi or data, battery charging, upgraded accommodation etc..
Tips for Staffs (it is expected)
Useful Info
Poon Hill Mardi Himal Trek Best Time, Season, Months
Spring Season (Months of March, April, and May)
The best season of the year for Mardi Himal Poon Hill Trek is spring. March, April,
and May are the months in which it occurs. Various plants sprout and bloom in
the spring, including rhododendrons. It’s that time of year when everything
outside turns green and rejuvenated. During this month, you may experience the
aroma of many flowers as you hike to the Mardi Himal. This time of year is when
the splendor of the natural flora and animals is at its height. Because it is the premonsoon season, the sky is often clear, giving you a clearer perspective of the
mountains.
Autumn Season (Months of September, October, and November)
For the Poon Hill and Mardi Himal Trek, autumn is also the ideal season.
September, October, and November are the months that comprise autumn. One of
the busiest times of year for trekking in Nepal. The Annapurna region’s
surroundings grow clearer in the post-monsoon season of autumn because of the
summer’s rainy weather. The region’s picturesque splendor and visibility of the
mountain ranges appear to be superb.
Food or Meal Availability on Poon Hill Mardi Himal Trek
Breakfast
Breakfast is the first meal you eat after the long fast from the previous night. To
build up a lot of endurance for walking for a long time on the route, the first meal
must be nutritious and pleasant. You will be given a variety of meals for breakfast,
including bread and chapati, eggs, porridge, soup, pancakes, and more.
Lunch
In Nepal, the lunchtime meal is regarded as the main course. Therefore, Dal-Bhat
is prepared in all teahouses as the main dish along with many other kinds. In
recent years, a significant portion of foreign trekkers has also started to favor dalbhat as their lunch option. Rice, noodles, pasta, pizza, hamburgers, dumplings,
desserts, and a variety of other foods are typically available at teahouses for
lunch.
Dinner
Dinner is a tasty meal after a strenuous day of walking. Similar types of lunch and
evening meals are available at the teahouses along the trail. The majority of
Nepalese enjoy eating dal baht for lunch and supper, although foreign visitors
prefer to select different dishes. The teahouses make a variety of hot and cold
refreshments available in addition to serving breakfast, lunch, and supper.

Accommodation Facility on Poon Hill Mardi Himal Trek
As you move from a metropolitan region to a secluded spot on this Poon Hill Trek,
your accommodations will range from the elegant to the basic. Your choice of
lodging will be entirely based on your preferred style and price range. The more
secluded the location during these trips, the more basic the lodging will be.
Fortunately, the majority of teahouses along the Poon Hill to Mardi Himal
Trek offer comfortable lodgings. Twin beds are found in the majority of rooms,
and a few also feature attached bathrooms. But generally, sharing restrooms is
expected. The teahouse where you spend the night must be the same place
where you have supper. Both hikers and teahouse owners benefit from this since
it lowers accommodation costs.
Poon Hill Mardi Himal Trek Difficulty Level
One of the most underappreciated hikes in Nepal is the Mardi Himal

Trek via
Poon Hill. A lot of hikers are unaware of this lovely trail. This journey has a
moderate difficulty rating from novice hikers, however, it is easy in comparison to
other hikes like the Everest Base Camp and Manaslu Trek. The lengthy hikes
uphill are sometimes a little challenging for beginners. But rest stops along the
route make the trip enjoyable. High-end hiking equipment, like ropes and ice
picks, is not necessary. Reaching Base Camp from High Camp is the most
difficult portion. This section of the trek is difficult because of the steep, rocky
slopes. The routes along this trek’s itinerary are rugged and unpaved. When it
rains, it might be a little more challenging since the track becomes slippery.
Forests also get slick in the rain. However, getting enough rest and drinking
enough water will ensure a successful and enjoyable walk.
Poon Hill Mardi Himal Trek Travel Insurance
The danger of altitude sickness is quite minimal on the Ghorepani Poon Hill with
Mardi Himal Trek, which is rated as mild. However, the trip may encounter
unanticipated or unplanned occurrences including accidents, illnesses, floods,
landslides, or abrupt climatic changes. Therefore, Mardi Himal Trek with Poon Hill
requires travel insurance. Medical and emergency extradition, as well as highaltitude helicopter rescue and evacuation costs, must be covered by insurance
coverage. Based on the experiences of our clients, we can suggest insurance
providers to you, but we don’t really offer insurance. After making your trek
reservation, we kindly ask that you provide us a comprehensive insurance
paperwork. In an emergency, we will quickly rescue you by using your insurance.
Altitude Sickness and Remedies during Poon Hill Mardi Himal
Trek

In Nepal, altitude illness is sometimes referred to as acute mountain sickness
(AMS) or altitude sickness. Altitude sickness symptoms often appear in Nepal at
altitudes more than 3,000 meters. Due to the elevation of Mardi Base Camp (4500
meters), Acute Mountain Sickness might be a risk on Mardi Himal Trek via Poon
Hill. Altitude sickness symptoms include headaches, exhaustion and laziness, a
dislike of food, nausea, and vomiting, body tingling, dizziness, shortness of
breath, and nasal bleeding. Stop ascending to higher elevations as soon as you
begin to experience AMS symptoms and take some time to relax. Trek to a lower
elevation if your condition does not improve. To keep your body hydrated,
remember to consume lots of water and other drinks. Acetaminophen like Tylenol
or another pain reliever like Ibuprofen 500 mg should be taken if you are
experiencing extreme pain. Two times daily, take 250 mg of the altitude sickness
drug acetazolamide.
Poon Hill Mardi Himal Trek Packing List, Gears, Equipment
Your hiking clothing and equipment are one of the most crucial and significant
things. The right tools

include a sleeping bag, a set of High Mountain walking
boots, poles, a duffel bag, necessary warm and comfortable hiking clothing, warm
socks, gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen, and so on. Another important
consideration is that the finest gear for hiking in the high mountains should be
light, breathable, and comfortable. Ensure that you have all of Mardi Himal Poon
Hill Trek’s required paperwork, records, and knowledge for restricted and nonrestricted items. Here are some more items to consider adding to your packing
list: Recommended Packing List for Nepal Trekking
Poon Hill Mardi Himal Trek Guide and Safety Major
Our client’s safety and security are guaranteed, and we are ready for everything.
The following safety precautions are taken by company:
Trek leaders and guides have years of expertise leading treks, so they can
guarantee your comfort, safety, and security.
We provide intensive wilderness first aid training to all of our guides.
As you progress through the walk, our guide will inspire and motivate you.
In hiking areas, we inspect the sanitation of the meals and lodging.
We have all the tools, equipment, and first aid supplies we require.
Our trek leaders have the right to cancel or continue a tour if someone
becomes ill.
We will send out a chopper to evacuate people in case of crises (covered
by insurance)
