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Mardi Himal Trek via Poon Hill

5.0/5 from 622 reviews

From witnessing Picturesque Sunrise to walking through the Majestic Himalayas: Poon Hill via Mardi Himal Trek is just for you. Leave your footprints at the base of Mardi Himal and make memories with the Nepal Hiking Team.

  • Destination
    Nepal
  • Duration
    12 Days
  • Trip Difficulty
    Easy to Moderate
  • Activities
    Trekking
  • Accommodation
    Hotel/Guesthouse
  • Meals
    B.L.D
  • Group Size
    Min. 1 Pax
  • BEST TIME
    March-May and Sept-Dec.

The 12-day trek to Mardi Himal Trek via Poon Hill lies in the middle of the Himalayan, in the Annapurna Conservation Area. The trek offers a flexible trail for beginners without being too risky or time-consuming. It is famous not only among international visitors but also for the local Nepalese people.

Starting the Mardi Himal trek in Ghandruk after finishing the Poonhill Trek (3200m) offers a majestic view of Annapurna Mountain and a splendid sunrise and sunset. The best part of the journey is that even though it is one of the famous treks, it also takes you to remote areas. It gives you a taste of traditional cultures, biodiversity, and ethnic groups. The Upper viewpoint is breathtaking as you see Mount Machhapuchhre right before you.

Don't miss out! Book your Mardi Himal Trek through Poon Hill with us for an unforgettable adventure. Our skilled guides will ensure you enjoy exploring beautiful hills and snowy mountains.

Before we start, let's check out the trip overview.

Best Features

  • This trail is one of the popular ones. It allows you to enjoy the hike at your own pace and is suitable for beginners.
  • Experience the scenic drive to Pokhara, known as the “city of lakes,” and marvel at Nepal's countryside.
  • Discover Pokhara's crowding streets and take in the beauty of Phewa Lake.
  • Walk through a dense forest of oaks and rhododendrons and connect yourself to nature.
  • Witness the beauty of the Annapurna Conservation Area, the largest Conservation Area home to diverse flora and fauna.
  • Enjoy Charming sunrise and sunset views over the Mountains from Poon Hill (one of the vantage points of Nepal).
  • Interact with local groups, learning about their lifestyle, culture, and traditions.
  • Witness a captivating sunrise amidst the Himalayas from the upper viewpoint (4200m).
  • Relish the breathtaking vistas of Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, and Mardi Himal.
  • Taste delicious Nepali Cuisines (Dal Bhat, Momo, Thukpa, and others) while on the trek.

Routes Of The Mardi Himal Trek

Your excitement cracked in the air after you landed at the Tribhuvan International Airport. A representative of NHT will greet you and drive you to a hotel in Kathmandu, where you will have a brief meeting about your trip ahead.

The following day, you will drive smoothly to Pokhara by Tourist bus. You can enjoy the roaring mountains and hills and eat at local places. Arriving at Pokhara excites you as you see the mountains of the Annapurna Range in the distance. 

From Pokhara, you will take a drive to Birethanti through Nayapul, marking the official start of your Mardi Himal via Poon Hill trek. The crisp mountain air will refresh you when you start your journey to Ulleri.

Next comes the trek to Ghorepani. Ghore means “Horses,” and “Pani” means Water in Nepali. The hike to Poon Hill the following day will be one of the best highlights of this trip. Observing the view of sunrise/ sunset over the Mountains will leave you completely spellbound and out of words.

You will descend to Tadapani after the sunrise view and ascend to Landruk with a change of pace along with a charming village for another night. As you slowly ascent through dense forest to Forest Camp (Kokar), the views of Mountain peaks will become increasingly prominent. As you continue on the Mardi Himal ridge, you can see the beautiful rhododendron bushes and Danphe (Nepal's national bird, also called Monal).

We’ll continue on the Mardi Himal ridge and see the beautiful rhododendron bushes. We might also see the colorful Danphe along the trail.

Further, hiking up to the viewpoint, a sense of accomplishment will wash you over. After that, you’ll descend to Badal Danda. Trekking through the siding villages, you’ll finally drive to Pokhara. You’ll end your trip with a drive back to Kathmandu.

When Are the Best Times For The Trek?

Since spring and autumn mark the ideal time for trekking, you can book the Mardi Himal Trek anytime between March-May (spring) and September-October (fall). The weather during these months is perfect for hiking. With the clear skies, you’ll get glimpses of the snowcapped mountains as you walk further and further. The beautiful bloom of the rhododendron forest in spring and the cool breezy air in fall will add bliss to your hike.

You can still embark on this journey in winter (December-February) and monsoon (June-August). However, be aware of the slippery trails and unpredictable weather.

There may be a chance of mountains hiding behind the heavy clouds making the hike unworthy.

How Difficult is The Mardi Himal Trek?

This question may come to your mind after getting this far into the trip overview. Well, let’s talk about it in this section.

The Mardi Himal Trek via Poon Hill is graded as an easy to moderate trekking journey depending on your physical fitness. The plus point of this journey is that you do not need prior experience to do the adventure. The package is also carefully prepared with plenty of acclimatization time. Hence, you’ll get enough time to adjust your body to the changing altitudes. Further, although the trails are well maintained, you still need to be physically fit and healthy to embark on this journey.

Alternative Adventures

What are the alternative adventures compared with the Mardi Himal Trek? Read the following paragraphs to find out.

The Mardi Himal Trek is the first package you can look into. The 9-day trek skips the journey to Poon Hill and takes you to the base camp of the Mardi Himal. This trek takes you through charming villages, lush forests, and alpine landscapes, all while offering stunning views of the Himalayan mountains.

If you are short on time but still want to experience the beauty of the Mardi Himal region, the 8-Day Mardi Himal Trekking is a great alternative. The itinerary skips the visit to Poon Hill and stay at Pokhara. The journey takes you directly to the base Camp of the Mardi Himal.

No matter which trekking package you opt for, we guarantee an unforgettable holiday experience. Join us and embark on a journey to discover the breathtaking beauty of the Himalayas.

Regarding Driving to/from Kathmamdu

Lately, there has been extensive road construction (KATHMANDU TO POKHARA )on Prithvi Highway, causing traffic congestion and air pollution. The journey that used to take around 6-7 hours now takes roughly 8-9 hours. We appreciate your patience.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive in Kahtmandu

You can arrive at the Tribhuwan International Airport at any time. When you arrive, you will be welcomed by one of NHT’s airport representatives. He will help you get transferred to the Hotel. There are no planned activities today.

Day 02: Kathmandu to Pokhara (820m/2690ft) Duration: 6-7 Hours, Distance: 200 km

Drive to Pokhara gives you the chance to enjoy Nepal’s countryside life. Vast mustard and rice farms line the way. Pokhara is a great place to relax and enjoy the lake-side ambiance.

Views of the Annapurna massif from the city are also quite spectacular.

You can also enjoy an evening boat ride on Phewa Lake.

Overnight Stay at Hotel, Breakfast included.

Day 03: Pokhara to Ulleri (1960m/6400ft) Distance: 9 km, walking duration: 5 hours

After breakfast, you will have a drive to Birethanti, passing the village of Lumle and Nayapul. From here, the trekking path begins towards the Ulleri. As the village is left behind, the path converges through beautiful bamboo groves. The path then reaches Ranghia village, and from here, a gradual upward ascent leads to Tikhe Dhunga.

From Tikhe Dhunga, the path continues into a suspension bridge over the river. From there, it is time to climb the 3300 stone steps to the renowned Magar village of Ulleri. Although the climbing might seem daunting, it is quite pleasant, and all the while, caravans and mule carsts keep passing up and down the stairs.

Day 04: Trek to Ghorepani (2880M/9500FT) Distance: 8 Km, Duration: 4-5 Hours

From Ulleri, you will continue to Nangethanti and to Ghorepani. The views of mountain peaks from Ghorepani, like Hiunchuli, Tukuche Peak, Dhaulagiri, and the Annapurna peaks, are magnificent.

Overnight say at the guesthouse at Ghorepani, breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

Day 05: Morning Hike to PoonHill & trek to Tadapani (2630m) Distance: 9 km, Duration: 7-8 hrs

From Ghorepani, you will wake up early to trek to Poon Hill (3210m/10530ft), the most famous vantage point in the country. The sunrise view from the viewpoint amidst the mountain peaks is fantastic after taking in the gorgeous view of the peaks, like Mt. Dhaulagiri, Tukuche Peak, Nilgiri, Varaha Shikhar, Mt. Annapurnas, Machhapuchhare, and Lamjung Himal.

After the wonderful experience, you will return to Ghorepani. After breakfast, we continue towards Tadapani, passing along terrace farms and streams. The route starts quite steeply until you cross the Deurali.

Day 06: Trek to Landruk (1565m/5134ft) Distance: 7 Km, Walking Duration: 6-7 Hours

From Tadapani, the trekking trail zig-zags its way through thick rhododendron woodlands, oak, and maple trees and crosses Modi Khola. Here, the regular trekking trail is discarded; a less-trodden rail is taken up.

The vegetation becomes very verdant, and the environment becomes peaceful and isolated. All the while, the Annapurna Mountains loom down against the skyline.

Eventually, you will reach Ghandruk. From here, another small village, Phedi, is passed, and after crossing the Modi River, the small village of Landruk is finally reached. You can enjoy spectacular views of Mt. Annapurna, Hinchuli, Machhapuchre, and the lifestyle of the Gurung people.

Day 07: Trek from Landruk to Forest Camp/Kokar (2600m/8530ft) Distance: 6 Km, Duration: 5-6 Hours

From Landruk, it is a steady ascent through hamlets of pine and juniper to Forest Camp. The views of the mountain peaks become more prominent along the journey.

Forest camp has sparse basic lodges and is very peaceful and isolated.

Overnight stay at the lodge at Forest Camp, breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

Day 08: Trek to High Camp (3,550m/11649 ft) Distance: 7 Km, Duration: 5-6 Hours

The trail continues from Forest Camp to High Camp through the dense forests. Ascending through the trails, we see rhododendrons and trees covered in moss and lichen.

We’ll have lunch at Low Camp and enjoy the view of Mt. Machhapuchhre. Ascending from the Low Camp, the trail takes us west towards the amazing views of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli Himal.

We gradually arrive at High camp, where we’ll see lodges bigger than Low camp.

Day 09: Hike to Upper Viewpoint (4200m), then to Badal Danda; Distance: 11-12km, Duration: 6-7 hrs

On this day, we’ll wake up early to indulge and appreciate the sunrise over the Himalayas. The moment itself is legendary.

Then we’ll have breakfast and climb the Mardi Himal View Point at 4200m/13780ft. This is one of the challenging days as we walk on the narrow and rocky trails. However, the view at the end of the trek makes all the hard work worth it.

Mardi Himal is a sacred Himalaya of Nepal. No one has ever climbed the summit because of its sacred value. To date, it remains unclimbed.

The major highlight of this day is watching Nepal’s national bird Lophophorus.

Day 10: Trek to Siding Village (1280m/4200ft) (12-13 km/Duration: 5 hrs) Then Drive to Pokhara -2 hrs

A steep descent from low camp following the same trail we went up. We then leave the trail and trek into the forest, heading to the Mardi Khola River.

We descend further to Siding and then drive back to Pokhara.

Day 11: Return from Pokhara to Kathmandu, Duration: 6-7 Hours

Now that your trek is complete, you’ll return from Pokhara to Kathmandu by tourist bus.

If you are tired of a long bus journey, you can fly to Kathmandu at an extra cost.

Pokhara to Kathmandu costs USD 90.00 per person for one way flight. The choice is yours. Nevertheless, it would incur an additional fee.

Day 12: Farewell/Depart Home

Approximately 3 hours before the scheduled flight, a representative from Nepal Hiking Team will take you to the airport from where you will depart.

Cost Includes

  • Airport pick up and drop off by private vehicle
  • Two nights accommodation with breakfast at a 3-star category hotel in Kathmandu, normally at Woodapple Hotel and Spa or Similar.
  • Two nights accommodation with breakfast at a 3-star category hotel in Pokhara
  • Surface transfer to and from Pokhara by tourist bus then by private car to and from Nayapul.
  • Full board meals with tea/coffee (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek
  • Best available twin sharing lodge to lodge accommodation during the trek
  • An experienced English-speaking (trekking guide), porter to carry luggage (2 trekkers: 1 porter) including their salary, insurance, equipment, meals etc.
  • Down jacket, four seasonal sleeping bag, duffel bag, t-shirt, and trekking map (down jacket and sleeping bag are to be returned after trip completion).
  • A comprehensive medical kit
  • All necessary paperwork and permits (ACAP and TIMS, please bring 3 passport size photographs)
  • All government and local taxes

Cost Excludes

  • Meals not specified in the 'Meal Inclusions' in the itinerary'
  • Travel insurance
  • International airfare
  • Nepal entry visa Fees: You can obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu. (A multiple-entry tourist visa good for 30 days can be obtained by paying the US $ 40 or equivalent foreign currency. Similarly, multiple-entry tourist visas for 90 days can be obtained by paying the US $ 100. Please bring 2 copies of passport-size photos.)
  • All kind of cold drinks including water, coke, Fanta, juice etc.
  • WI-Fi internet during the trek
  • Personal trekking equipment
  • Tips for airport representative, tour guide, trekking staff, driver etc.

Travellers‘ Reviews

Read our genuine feedback from past travelers with Nepal Hiking Team sourced from TripAdvisor, Google, Facebook, and Trustpilot.

  • Mardi Himal Trek - 9 days: Beyond Amazing

    This company is a 10/10. Our guide Raj was phenomenal, and our assistant Gokul, porters Tuk, Ram, and Gokul, were amazing. I just can't say enough good things about them.

    From the time we were picked up at the airport until we left. BEYOND helpful. They even kept one of our bags while we continued on to Bhutan and met us at the airport on the way back to retrieve it. They went above and beyond to help us.

    I would HIGHLY recommend this company. Professional, knowledgeable, and accommodating. And our team was the best of the best.

    Thank you for making our trip to Mardi Himal so amazing.

    E
    - Excellent

    Ms. ElizabethN

    6th Apr 2025

  • Mardi Himal Trek 9 days

    After a two-month journey across Asia with a friend, I landed in Kathmandu to meet my family for our Mardi Himal. From the airport pickup to our final drop-off, the Nepal Hiking Team delivered a flawless experience. 

    Our guides were exceptional—well-versed and well-organized, yet they allowed us the flexibility to enjoy a non-linear adventure. The trek itself was remarkable and remains a cherished memory.

    D
    - Excellent

    Mr. Daniel N

    30th Mar 2025

  • ABC and Mardi Himal customised family trek

    Nepal Hiking Team arranged a customized ABC and Mardi Himal trek for our family of three, and the pre-tour communication was great.

    Bhim was our guide, and his years of experience really showed. He made sure we stayed in the best places and easily adjusted our plans when needed.

    Our porters, Gakul and Govinda, were amazing—absolute heroes in the mountains!

    Bhim, Gakul, and Govinda were always checking in to see if we needed anything and were so helpful. They were awesome.

    Thanks, Nepal Hiking Team!

    Annapurna Base Camp Trek In December+
    ABC Trek Mardi Himal Customized+
    David Novak
    - Excellent

    Mr. David Novak

    5th Jan 2025

  • Mardi Himal Trek with Ghorepani Poon Hill

    A group of six of us from Australia have just completed the Mardi Himal Trek via Poon Hill, and we were pleased with the service Ganga and his team provided.

    Upon our arrival in Kathmandu, we were greeted by our guide at the airport and taken to the Woodapple Hotel and Spa for a pre-trek meeting with Ganga. 

    Our guide for the trek was Prakash Sapkota; he was exceptional—friendly, professional, and accommodating.

    His familiarity with the area was evident as he explained the Nepalese customs, mountains, and altitudes. The assistant guide Bipen and the three porters were all friendly and helpful. 

    Food While we realize the food depends on the trek and the availability of items, on our trek, the food was healthy and varied. 

    We were guided by Prakash on when to avoid meat due to the lack of refrigeration. Health and Wellbeing Prakash consistently checked on our well-being during the trek, which was crucial as one of our group developed a cold.

     Photos Prakash often took one of our cameras to capture authentic moments of our group during the trek. Feedback Upon our return, we met with Ganga for a post-trek meeting.

    He inquired about our experience, including any areas that could be improved. We were pleased to provide Ganga with positive feedback about the tea houses, the Woodapple Hotel and Spa, and his team. 

    I strongly recommend the Nepal Trekking team, whether it is your first trip to Nepal or a return trip. We found the whole experience to be professional, from our initial inquiries to being taken to the airport to fly home.

    Thank you, Nepal Hiking Team.

    Lina
    - Excellent

    Mrs. Lina

    21st Apr 2024

  • Best Trek in Mardi Himal with NHT

    Our 8-day trek through Mardi Himal Trek with the Nepal Hiking Team was unforgettable! His presence truly elevated the experience. Jubaraj, our guide - his infectious enthusiasm and genuine humor made every day a delight. He expertly wove cultural experiences into the adventure, giving us a deeper understanding of Nepal. From sharing local customs to impromptu dance lessons under the stars, Jubaraj crafted unforgettable moments that made this trip memorable.

    He seemed to anticipate our every need and went above and beyond to ensure comfort and enjoyment. A heartfelt thanks again to Jubaraj! We wholeheartedly recommend the Nepal Hiking Team, especially Jubaraj, as your guide. This trip has us dreaming of a return, and we can't wait to explore more of Nepal with Jubaraj leading the way.

    Thea V
    - Excellent

    Ms. Thea V

    4th Apr 2024
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US$ 950Per Person
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