Poon Hill and Mardi Trek

Duration: 12 Days
At a Glance
  • Duration 12 Days
  • Trip Grade Moderate
  • Destination Nepal
  • Start/End KTM/KTM
  • Group Size 1-12
  • Max. Altitude 4120

Highlights

  • Explore two famous trekking routes in the Annapurna region in one package.
  • Poon Hill and Mardi Himal Hike go through lush rhododendron forests, beautiful villages, and verdant valleys.
  • Meet with many Nepali ethnic groups and see their simple mountain lifestyle along the trail.
  • The trail is adventurous and goes via diverse climatic zones, offering a range of landscapes.
  • Enjoy offbeat trekking and tranquil surroundings.
  • Spend nights in famous villages like Ghorepani and Ghandruk.
  • Witness gorgeous sunrises from Poon Hill and Mardi Himal Base Camp.
  • You will see many Himalayan mountains, such as Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Fishtail, Nilgiri, Hiunchuli, Tukuche Peak, and Gangapurna.
  • A moderate trek perfect for beginner trekkers and to do with your family

Poon Hill and Mardi Trek Himal Trek: 12 Days

Poon Hill and Mardi Himal Trek combine two famous trekking routes in the Annapurna region and presents an adventurous journey. In less than two weeks, you will explore the wilderness and the beauty of the western Himalayan range in Nepal.

The Poon Hill and Mardi Himal trek is perfect for beginner trekkers. It is also an ideal trekking package for families with kids and seniors. Poon Hill and Mardi Himal Trek is one of the best beginner-friendly trekking packages in Nepal. We also have separate Poon Hill trek and Mardi Himal trek packages that you can check out.

Whether you are in search of adventure, beautiful mountain views, lovely village stays, or authentic Nepali cultural encounters, the Poon Hill and Mardi Himal Trip Adventure has all of it. The Poon Hill and Mardi Himal trek route is moderate and not that physically taxing, so all age groups can join it. The trip begins with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara.

On this trek, you will explore two big cities of Nepal: Kathmandu and Pokhara. From Pokhara, you will reach the trailhead within an hour's drive. While in Pokhara, explore the bustling Lakeside Market and Phewa Lake.

What to expect during the Poon Hill and Mardi Himal trek 12 days?

  • The Poon Hill and Mardi Himal trek takes you across the dense rhododendron forests and picturesque villages. You will traverse terraced fields and cross suspension bridges on gushing rivers and streams.
  • You see the lifestyle of the different ethnic groups in the mountains and enjoy their heartwarming hospitality on Poon Hill and Mardi Himal Hiking.
  • Starting the trek from subtropical forests, you will ascend to Poon Hill viewpoint, known for its gorgeous sunrise and stretching mountain panorama of the western Himalayan mountains.
  • You will explore the beautiful Ghorepani and Ghandruk villages and descend to Landruk, where the Mardi Himal trek route begins.
  • The entire Poon Hill and Mardi Himal trail is within the Annapurna Conservation Area, so you will come across diverse flora and fauna.
  • As the trail ascends and descends via different climatic zones, you will witness many birds, insects, and butterflies on the way. From Landruk, you will trek to Mardi Himal Base Camp.
  • The Mardi Himal terrain is on the offbeat side. Likewise, you will trek through dense jungle and gradually ascend above the treeline.
  • Enjoy one more heavenly sunrise from the Mardi Himal Base Camp and descend to Dhampus village, where the journey ends.

Major attractions of the Poon Hill and Mardi Himal trek

Explore Kathmandu and Pokhara

On this 12-day trip to Nepal, you will spend two nights in Kathmandu and two nights in Pokhara. Both cities are the biggest in Nepal, and international travelers love both cities. However, both cities present a contradictory vibe. In Kathmandu, you can explore centuries-old temples and palaces, whereas Pokhara is about lakes, waterfalls, and caves.

Traverse the famous Ghorepani Poon Hill trail.

The Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is one of the famous short treks in Nepal. It is also renowned for its moderate terrain, providing the best introduction to trekking in Nepal for novice trekkers.

The Poon Hill and Mardi Himal Trek route explores traditional villages and lush rhododendron forests. Trekkers get to enjoy nature and witness stunning mountain views and lovely sunrises and sunsets.

Enjoy entry-level offbeat trekking on the Mardi Himal trail.

Mardi Himal trail is another short/moderate trekking destination near Pokhara. This trekking route is less crowded than the Poon Hill, so travelers looking for a tranquil voyage would love it.

The Mardi Himal trek route is wild, adventurous, and packed with breathtaking mountain panoramas.

Witness diverse landscapes and mountain vistas.

You will enjoy different shades of nature during the Poon Hill and Mardi Himal trek and see Mountains like Annapurna I (8,091 m/26,545 ft), Annapurna South (7,219 m/23,684 ft), Dhaulagiri (8,167 m/26,795 ft), Nilgiri (7,061 m/23,166 ft), Machhapuchhre (6,993 m/22,943 ft), Hiunchuli (6,441 m/21,132 ft), Gangapurna (7,455 m/24,459 ft), and many others along the trail. Likewise, the scenery is also remarkable on this trek route.

Come across many flora and fauna while trekking through dense forests.

As we mentioned earlier, the Poon Hill and Mardi Himal trek route is inside the Annapurna Conservation Area. It is one of the major protected areas in western Nepal that holds approximately 7,629 square kilometers.

The Poon Hill and Mardi Himal Trekking region is home to over 1,200 species of plants, 100 species of mammals, 478 species of birds, and numerous reptiles, amphibians, and insects. Therefore, you will see many flora and fauna along the trail.

Travel far from the bustle of the city and enjoy nature.

The Poon Hill and Mardi Himal trek takes you far away from cities and towns. You will travel amidst lush hills and verdant valleys. Enjoy nature at its best.

Explore rivers, waterfalls, and streams. Fresh air and the soothing scent of nature will rejuvenate you. You will get many peaceful times to unwind and relish nature.

It is a perfect trek to do with your family and friends.

If you are looking for a trek that every member of the family can enjoy, then Poon Hill and Mardi Himal trek is the right option for you. The not-so-not-so-difficult route with the right balance of adventure and cultural immersion makes the Poon Hill and Mardi Himal trek a fantastic trekking package in the Himalayas.

You will go over 4,000 meters and enjoy the wilderness and the beauty of the Himalayas.

Extend the trek to Khumai Danda, Khopra Danda, Mohare Danda, or Annapurna Base Camp

Khopra Danda and Annapurna Base Camp are other famous trekking destinations in the Annapurna region. If you want to extend your Poon Hill and Mardi Himal trek itinerary, then these are some of the top options for you.

All these trekking routes are similar, and you can easily switch the routes. Let us know if you want to extend your trek.

Poon Hill and Mardi Himal trek difficulty & altitude sickness

Poon Hill and Mardi Himal trek difficulty is moderate. Still, as this trek includes long walking, the journey can be difficult for those physically not fit trekkers.

So, as per the fitness of the participants, the Poon Hill and Mardi Himal trek difficulty may vary a little.

This trek has many ascends and descends. You will walk on rugged forested trails, so you have to be careful and maintain your balance. We recommend you use trekking poles for extra support.

Likewise, the Poon Hill and Mardi Himal trek gain elevation up to 4,500 meters.

You will spend many days at lower elevations, trek high, and sleep low before you exceed 4,000 meters. So, the altitude sickness risk is shallow during Poon Hill and Mardi Himal trek. Additionally, if you keep yourself hydrated and follow all the preventive measures, you can avoid altitude sickness.

Itinerary

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The team of Outfitter Himalaya will pick you up from the Tribhuvan International Airport on the day you land. They will welcome you in Nepali style and transfer you to the hotel in a private car.

Let them help you with the luggage. If you have any questions, feel free to ask them.

Settle in your hotel and freshen up. As per your landing time, you will get a few hours to rest before joining our trek briefing and welcome dinner.

Spend the evening preparing for the trek and exploring the bustling streets of Thamel.

  • Overnight: Hotel
  • Altitude: 1345m

    On this day, you will drive to Pokhara. The ride will be impressive as you follow a beautiful highway that winds along lush green hills and the Trishuli River.

    On the way, witness the stunning scenery of hills, waterfalls, rivers, and terraces. Likewise, towards the end of the ride, you will also see snow-capped mountains.

    Upon entering the city, the guide will drop you off at the hotel and help you check in. Spend the rest of the day enjoying the town's tranquil ambiance.

    Explore the vibrant Lakeside Market and enjoy the stunning sunset at Phewa Lake. The view of Mt. Fishtail looks surreal from the Shore of Phewa Lake. You can dine as you wish this evening.

    • Overnight: Hotel
    • Meals: Breakfast
    • Distance: 200Km
    • Travel Time: 6-7 hours
    • Altitude: 830m

      Begin the day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast, we will leave the city and drive to Nayapul and Hile. The ride will be short and offer countryside views. From Hile, you will begin trekking to Ulleri village, following the Burundi Khola and rhododendron forests.

      You will stop at Tikhedunga for lunch and trek to Ulleri by climbing a series of stone staircases.

      • Overnight: Guest House
      • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
      • Distance: 40Km drive and 12Km walk
      • Travel Time: 2 hours drive and 5-6 hour walk
      • Altitude: 1960m

        After breakfast at the lodge, you will continue trekking via dense rhododendron forests to Ghorepani village. The mountain views are fantastic on the way and from Ghorepani village.

        • Overnight: Guest House
        • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
        • Walk Distance: 11Km
        • Travel Time: 4-5 hour
        • Altitude: 2860m

          We will wake up early in the morning to witness a sunrise from Poon Hill viewpoint. From Ghorepani village, you will hike via a rugged route inside beautiful rhododendron forests.

          If you trek in the spring, the entire trail will be blossomed with thousands of rhododendrons. Upon reaching Poon Hill, wait for the sun to rise and witness a jaw-dropping mountain panorama.

          You will have a view of many Himalayan mountains, such as Annapurna I, Annapurna II, Fishtail, Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, Tukuche Peak, and Dhampus Peak.

          After enjoying the views, hike back to Ghorepani village following the same route. After breakfast, you will start descending to Tadapani.

          The trail descends via a forest of oak and rhododendrons. From here, you will reach Deurali. This village connects Ghorepani with Tadapani.

          From here, you will descend to Banthanti and trek through lush forests, crossing a stream. After a couple of hours of walking, you will reach Tadapani.

          • Overnight: Guest House
          • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
          • Walk Distance: 13Km
          • Travel Time: 7-8 hour
          • Altitude: 3210m

            Leaving Tadapani, descend to Komrong Danda. The trail climbs through oak and rhododendron forests and takes you to Ghandruk, a famous Gurung village. Explore the town and continue trekking to Landruk.

            As you descend from Ghandruk, you will trek via a forested route and reach Modi Khola.

            Cross a suspension bridge over the river and walk to Landruk village. From here onwards, you will trek to Mardi Himal Base Camp.

            • Overnight: Guest House
            • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
            • Walk Distance: 11Km
            • Travel Time: 6-7 hour
            • Altitude: 1565m

              From Landruk to Forest Camp, it is a short trekking duration. So, you will have much time to enjoy the walk and nature.

              The trail from Landruk gradually ascends via lush forests of maple, oak, rhododendron, pine, etc. Today, it is all a jungle walk.

              After 3 to 4 hours of hiking, you will reach Forest Camp, Kokar, in Nepali. This place offers fantastic views of mountains like Nilgiri, Annapurna, Fishtail, Manaslu, and Hiunchuli.

              Spend the remaining day in Forest Camp, relaxing.

              • Overnight: Guest House
              • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
              • Walk Distance: 9Km
              • Travel Time: 6-7 hour
              • Altitude: 2600m

                From Forest Camp to High Camp, the trail passes through a dense forest of bamboo, rhododendron, and oka. Because of the forest's high density, this part of the trail is cold and damp.

                Today, we have a long uphill walk ahead of us. After a big breakfast, we will leave Forest Camp and continue trekking, following forests of rhododendrons. You can see the trees covered with lichen, moss, and ferns.

                Soon, Low Camp arrives, and we further ascend to Deurali.

                We will ascend to the High Camp via Middle Camp and Badal Danda.

                Badal Danda offers stunning views of mountains such as Gangapurna, Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, Mardi Himal, Fishtail, etc. Towards the end of the trail, the tree line thins out. Spend the night in High Camp.

                • Overnight: Guest House
                • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
                • Walk Distance: 12Km
                • Travel Time: 6-7 hour
                • Altitude: 3540m

                  On this day, you will touch the highest point of your trek, the Mardi Himal Base Camp. Follow the Mardi Himal ridge, which steeply ascends following a grassy trail.

                  You may see Dzokpo on the way. They are a crossbreed of cow and yak. Likewise, you may also see the national bird of Nepal, Danphe, on the way.

                  After about three hours of ascending, you will arrive at the Mardi Himal Base Camp. From here, witness a spectacular sunrise and mountain views of Hiunchuli, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Fishtail, Gangapurna, and many others.

                  After enjoying the view, we will retrace the trail back to Low Camp for the night's stay.

                  • Overnight: Guest House
                  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
                  • Walk Distance: 11Km
                  • Travel Time: 6-7 hour
                  • Altitude: 4120m

                    After a warm breakfast, we will leave Low Camp and begin trekking towards Dhampus village. This small village is inhabited mainly by the Gurung community.

                    The locals are very welcoming and friendly. You can enjoy authentic Nepali dishes here. From here, you will drop on the jeep and drive back to Pokhara.

                    Upon reaching Pokhara, the guide will drop you at your hotel. The remaining day is free. Rest and explore.

                    • Overnight: Hotel
                    • Meals: Breakfast, and Lunch
                    • Walk Distance: 10Km
                    • Travel Time: 6-7 hour
                    • Altitude: 1650m

                      Today, you will travel back to Kathmandu, following the same highway you used at the trip's start. The ride will be scenic and comfortable.

                      Upon reaching Kathmandu, settle in your hotel. You have the rest of the day free. Explore local markets and buy souvenirs.

                      In the late evening, meet with the core team of Outfitter Himalaya for a farewell dinner.

                      • Overnight: Hotel
                      • Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
                      • Distance: 200Km
                      • Travel Time: 6-7 hour

                        Our team will drop you off at Tribhuvan International Airport on time for your international flight.

                        Be ready before leaving the hotel, and double-check your room.

                        • Meals: Breakfast

                          Is the offered itinerary not suitable for you?

                          Looking for a customized itinerary? Reach out to our experts.

                          Map & Altitude Graph

                          Poon Hill and Mardi Trek map

                          Inclusions

                          • Airport transfers on arrival and departure
                          • 2-night Accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
                          • 2-night hotel in Pokhara with breakfast
                          • 7-night accommodation in lodges/tea houses during the trek.
                          • Meals during the trek (11 breakfasts, eight lunches, and eight dinners)
                          • Annapurna conservation entry and TIMS permit
                          • Ground transportation from Kathmandu - Pokhara - Kathmandu by tourist bus
                          • An experienced local trekking
                          • Arrangement of emergency helicopter service (Travel insurance company)
                          • Sleeping bag, Duffle bag, and down jackets if necessary (returnable after the trek)
                          • Office expenses, Tax & VAT
                          • Serve fresh fruits after dinner as dessert
                          • T-shirt & trekking map
                          • A farewell dinner
                          • First Aid with an oximeter

                          Exclusions

                          • Nepal entry visa fee
                          • International flights to and from Nepal
                          • Travel insurance (compulsory)
                          • Food (lunch and dinner) while you are in Kathmandu & Pokhara
                          • Trekking porter
                          • Your personnel expenses/shopping
                          • All the alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
                          • Sweet things like chocolate bars and bar bills
                          • Hot shower, internet, telephone, and laundry
                          • Tips for the guide and staff
                          • Anything not mentioned in the included section

                          Add-Ons & Options

                          Skip the long drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara.

                          You can skip the long drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara by upgrading 30-minute flight at US $120.00

                          Skip a long drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu.

                          You can skip the long drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu by upgrading 30-minute flight at US $120.00

                          Add a trekking porter

                          A trekking porter carry about 22-22 Kg and we suggest to hire a porter for each 2 trekkers which cost US $200.00 for the trek.

                          FAQs

                          • Q1. How to prepare for the Poon Hill and Mardi Himal trek?

                            To prepare for the Poon Hill and Mardi Himal trek, you have to exercise. This trek includes 5 to 6 hours of daily walking, so your strength and stamina should improve. You can do weight training in the gym and get involved in cardio like hiking, cycling, swimming, running, etc.

                            Similarly, this trek requires you to spend many days in nature, where you may or may not get a network. The facilities will be different from those in the city. So, you have to prepare your mind for the journey, too. Research the trail and set the right expectations.

                          • We at Outfitter Himalaya believe in offering the best Himalayan experience at unbeatable prices. Our Nepal trips are curated to provide our guests with a life-changing experience. With numerous years of experience organizing treks and tours in Nepal, we excel in travel services.

                            You will get the best Poon Hill and Mardi Himal trek cost, along with top-notch service and full support during the trip. Our team will be with you to make the journey hassle-free and smooth.

                            We will handle all the logistics of the trek. You can also customize any itinerary with us.

                            Choose us as your travel partner for Nepal's best and safest trekking experience. You will not regret it!

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