Max Elevation
4200m
Group Size
Min.1 Pax
Duration
12 Days
Difficulty
Moderate-Difficult
Accomodation
Hotels/Lodges
Meals
L.D.B
Best Seasons
March-May & Sept-Nov
Transportation
Private vehicle and Bus
Region
Annapurna Region
Trekking to Mardi Himal via Ghorepani Poon Hill is a unique 12-day adventure through the heart of the Annapurna Conservation Area. This route combines the popular Poon Hill sunrise trek with the more secluded and serene Mardi Himal trail, offering trekkers a diverse and unforgettable Himalayan experience.
Ideal for nature lovers, photographers, and those seeking a less-crowded path, this trek features breathtaking mountain views, lush forests, and immersive cultural encounters with local communities.
The Mardi Himal Trek via Ghorepani Poon Hill offers a unique blend of classic Himalayan highlights and off-the-beaten-path tranquility. Ideal for beginners and seasoned trekkers alike, this 12-day adventure takes you through lush forests, traditional villages, and some of the most breathtaking viewpoints in Nepal. If you’re looking for a route that combines natural beauty, cultural richness, and moderate difficulty, this trek is the perfect choice.
This trek features gentle ascents, well-maintained trails, and manageable daily distances, making it accessible for first-time trekkers and families. With plenty of time to acclimatize and soak in the surroundings, it’s ideal for those who prefer a more relaxed pace without compromising on scenery or experience.
Your adventure begins with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara, offering views of rural Nepal, terraced hillsides, and river valleys. Pokhara, known as the City of Lakes, serves as the perfect pre-trek stop to unwind and gear up for the journey ahead.
Spend time strolling along the tranquil shores of Phewa Lake, visiting the World Peace Pagoda, or exploring the lively Lakeside district. Pokhara’s natural beauty and laid-back atmosphere make it one of Nepal’s most beloved travel destinations.
The trek leads you through dense forests filled with rhododendron, oak, and bamboo, home to colorful birds, langurs, and other Himalayan wildlife. You’ll be walking through the Annapurna Conservation Area, a biodiversity hotspot and Nepal’s largest protected area.
A pre-dawn hike takes you to Poon Hill (3,210m), one of the best viewpoints in Nepal. From here, you’ll witness an unforgettable sunrise over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, with glowing golden peaks stretching across the horizon.
Trekking through Gurung and Magar villages, you’ll have the opportunity to interact with locals, visit traditional homes, and experience daily Himalayan life. Cultural immersion is a key part of this trek, offering more than just mountain views.
As you ascend toward the Mardi Himal Base Camp and Upper Viewpoint (4,200m), the landscape opens up to reveal dramatic, close-up views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna South, and Mardi Himal. These ridgeline trails offer some of the most stunning panoramas in the region.
Throughout the trek, enjoy hearty and comforting meals at traditional teahouses, including favorites like Dal Bhat (lentil and rice), vegetable curry, Momos (dumplings), and Thukpa (noodle soup). Meals are not just nourishing—they’re a chance to experience the warmth of Nepali hospitality.
The best seasons for trekking to Mardi Himal are:
Spring (March to May): Pleasant weather and vibrant rhododendron blooms.
Autumn (September to October): Clear skies, stable conditions, and excellent mountain visibility.
Avoid the monsoon season (June to August) due to slippery trails and limited views.
If you’re short on time or seeking a less demanding adventure, there are excellent alternatives to the full 12-day Mardi Himal route. These shorter Annapurna treks still offer stunning scenery, cultural encounters, and unforgettable experiences—perfect for beginners, families, or travelers with limited schedules.
This popular short Annapurna trek is ideal for those wanting to experience the magic of the Himalayas in under a week.
Poon Hill Sunrise: Enjoy breathtaking sunrise views over Annapurna and Dhaulagiri from the iconic Poon Hill viewpoint (3,210m).
Ghandruk Village: Visit the traditional Gurung village of Ghandruk, known for its rich culture, stone-built homes, and views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail).
Lush Forest Trails: Walk through rhododendron-filled forests, vibrant during spring, and enjoy a peaceful, nature-rich trail.
Moderate Difficulty: Suitable for beginners and families, with well-marked trails and comfortable teahouse stays.
This trek is a great introduction to Annapurna trekking, offering stunning mountain vistas, cultural insight, and natural beauty—all in just 5 days.
Whether it’s the full 12-Day Mardi Himal via Ghorepani Poon Hill or a shorter trek, we’ll help you make the most of your time in the Annapurna region. Explore stunning ridgelines, vibrant rhododendron forests, and unforgettable mountain views.
A representative from Save Mountain Treks will greet you at Tribhuvan International Airport and escort you to your hotel. In the evening, we’ll have a pre-trek briefing to review the itinerary and address any questions you may have.
The following morning, you’ll take a beautiful drive to Pokhara, a city famous for its serene lakes and stunning Annapurna range views. Once there, you’ll have plenty of time to wander around the lively lakeside area and get ready for the upcoming trek.
From Pokhara, we’ll embark on a scenic drive to Birethati , the gateway to our trek. On the first day, we’ll journey through lush green hills and terraced farmlands, gradually ascending to the charming village of Ulleri.
The trail to Ghorepani winds through dense forests of rhododendron and oak, offering occasional glimpses of the snow-capped peaks of the Annapurna range. Ghorepani, a picturesque village, is a popular stopover for trekkers, known for its charm and hospitality.
We’ll begin the day with an early hike up to Poon Hill, one of Nepal’s most renowned viewpoints. Here, you’ll be treated to a stunning sunrise over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. After taking in the views, we’ll continue our trek to Tadapani, where we’ll spend the night.
After a leisurely morning, we’ll descend through lush forests and charming villages on our way to Landruk. This village provides breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and offers a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture.
The trail gradually ascends as we trek through forests rich with oak, maple, and rhododendron trees. The serenity of the forest, combined with the ever-closer views of the mountains, makes this stretch of the trek particularly unforgettable.
As we progress along the Mardi Himal ridge, the scenery becomes increasingly dramatic, with the towering Annapurna and Machhapuchhre peaks dominating the skyline. We’ll arrive at High Camp, where the alpine landscape provides a distinctly different and exhilarating trekking experience.
The trek to the Upper Viewpoint at 4,200 meters, a highlight of the journey that offers panoramic views of the majestic Mardi Himal and Machhapuchhre peaks. This breathtaking vantage point allows you to feel as though you can almost reach out and touch these towering mountains. After taking in the stunning scenery, the trek continues as you descend to Badal Danda, making for a memorable and awe-inspiring experience.
Our descent takes us through the serene village of Siding, providing a window into the traditional rural life of the region. After exploring this peaceful village, we’ll drive back to Pokhara, where you can unwind and soak up the city’s lively atmosphere.
After breakfast, we’ll drive back to Kathmandu. This day is a perfect opportunity to reflect on the incredible journey you’ve just completed and savor the memories of your adventure.
Approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight, a representative from Save Mountain Treks & Expedition team will transfer you to the airport, ensuring a smooth departure and the chance to reflect on your remarkable trek.
The Mardi Himal Trek via Poon Hill is an extended version of the classic Mardi Himal Trek, combining the famous Poon Hill viewpoint with the more secluded Mardi Himal route. This combination offers trekkers the chance to experience both the cultural richness of the Ghorepani region and the off-the-beaten-path beauty of Mardi Himal.
The trek is considered moderate. While the trail includes both ascents and descents, particularly at Poon Hill and the Mardi Himal sections, it does not require technical climbing. A good level of fitness is recommended.
Poon Hill is at an altitude of 3,210 meters, while Mardi Himal Base Camp is at 4,500 meters. Altitude sickness can be a concern as you ascend beyond 3,000 meters, but the gradual ascent and acclimatization days reduce the risk. It’s important to stay hydrated, ascend slowly, and be aware of the symptoms of altitude sickness.
Poon Hill is at an altitude of 3,210 meters, while Mardi Himal Base Camp is at 4,500 meters. Altitude sickness can be a concern as you ascend beyond 3,000 meters, but the gradual ascent and acclimatization days reduce the risk. It’s important to stay hydrated, ascend slowly, and be aware of the symptoms of altitude sickness.
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