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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 115.00 per person for one way flight. The choice is yours. Nevertheless, it would incur an additional fee.
Approximately 3 hours before the scheduled flight, a representative from Nepal Hiking Team will take you to the airport from where you will depart.
Read our genuine feedback from past travelers with Nepal Hiking Team sourced from TripAdvisor, Google, Facebook, and Trustpilot.
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.
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.
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!
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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.
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.
Nepal Hiking Team provides a comprehensive, stress-free experience with a strong focus on personalized service. From the moment you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, you are greeted by a representative and transferred to your hotel. The package includes experienced, English-speaking guides, porters (with a 2:1 trekkers-to-porter ratio for your luggage), and a pre-trek meeting to discuss all the details. Past travelers consistently praise the company's professionalism, knowledgeable guides like Raj, Prakash Sapkota, and Jubaraj, and the team's ability to handle logistics, such as storing luggage during onward travel.
Your trekking guide is experienced and English-speaking, with deep familiarity of the Annapurna region. The porters are part of the Nepal Hiking Team family, and their salary, insurance, equipment, and meals are all included in your package. The company ensures that the team works together to support your journey, with guides like Bhim using their years of experience to choose the best lodges and adjust plans as needed, while porters like Gakul and Govinda are praised for their helpfulness.
Your support begins before the trip with easy communication to customize plans. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you'll have a pre-trek meeting with a representative like Ganga to go over the itinerary. Throughout the trek, your guide monitors your well-being. After the trek, a post-trek meeting is held to gather feedback. The company also provides airport transfers for both arrival and departure, ensuring a seamless start and finish to your adventure.
You can easily obtain a tourist visa upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. A multiple-entry tourist visa valid for 30 days costs USD $40 (or equivalent foreign currency). For a 90-day multiple-entry visa, the fee is USD $100. You will need to bring two copies of passport-size photos for the visa process. This is not included in the package cost.
Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport at any time, a representative from Nepal Hiking Team will be there to greet you. They will assist you with your transfer to the hotel in Kathmandu. There are no planned activities on this first day, allowing you to rest and settle in. A pre-trek meeting will be scheduled with the team to discuss your upcoming adventure.
Yes, the package includes all necessary paperwork and permits (ACAP and TIMS). However, you are required to bring three (3) passport-size photographs. These photos are used for the trekking permits, so be sure to have them with you upon arrival.
You can book directly through the Nepal Hiking Team website. The package has scheduled departure dates listed, which indicate your arrival in Nepal. If the listed dates don't work for you, you can contact the team to arrange alternative start dates. A video guide is also available on the page to assist with the booking process.
Yes, this trek is available for solo travelers. The group size is listed as "Min. 1 Pax," meaning you can join as a single participant. The package includes a porter for every two trekkers, so for solo travelers, a porter will be arranged to carry your luggage.
While the page does not specify exact deposit amounts, it outlines what is included in the total cost. For any questions about deposit amounts, payment schedules, or accepted methods, it is recommended to contact Nepal Hiking Team directly via their website. The cost covers nearly all in-country expenses, including permits, accommodation, and staff.
All surface transfers are included. You will travel from Kathmandu to Pokhara (200 km) by tourist bus, which takes approximately 6-7 hours, though recent road construction can extend this to 8-9 hours. The same tourist bus returns you from Pokhara to Kathmandu on Day 11. The drive itself is scenic, offering views of Nepal's countryside.
From Pokhara, you will be transferred by private car to Nayapul and then to Birethanti, where the trek officially begins. After the trek, on Day 10, you will drive from Siding Village back to Pokhara, a journey of about 2 hours.
Yes, on Day 11, if you prefer to avoid the long bus journey from Pokhara to Kathmandu, you can take a one-way flight. The cost for this flight is USD $115.00 per person and is not included in the package price. This is an optional, additional expense you can arrange.
This trek is graded as "Easy to Moderate." It is designed to be accessible, especially for beginners, without being too risky or time-consuming. The 12-day itinerary includes plenty of acclimatization time, allowing your body to adjust to the changing altitudes gradually.
No, prior trekking experience is not necessary to embark on this adventure. The package is carefully prepared for beginners. However, you are expected to be physically fit and healthy, as you will be walking for 4-8 hours per day on varied terrain, including the famous 3,300 stone steps to Ulleri.
The highest point on this trek is the Upper Viewpoint at 4,200 meters (13,780 ft) on Day 9. You will also hike to Poon Hill at 3,210 meters (10,530 ft) and stay at High Camp (3,550 m). The itinerary includes gradual ascents and descents to help with acclimatization.
The trek is structured with a mix of ascent and descent days, allowing your body time to adapt. For instance, after the steep climb to Ulleri, the pace is steady. The days are well-paced, with a maximum altitude gain spread across several days, and the highest point is reached on Day 9, after a week of gradual elevation increase.
Your guide carries a comprehensive medical kit to handle minor ailments and injuries. Your guide also consistently checks on your well-being, as noted in traveler reviews, ensuring any issues like a cold are addressed early. The team's knowledge of the area means they can adjust the itinerary if needed. You are also required to have your own travel insurance for emergencies.
The best times are spring (March-May) for clear skies and blooming rhododendrons, and autumn (September-December) for cool, breezy air with stable weather. Trekking in winter (December-February) is possible but trails can be slippery and cold. Monsoon (June-August) brings unpredictable weather, heavy clouds that may obscure mountain views, and slippery trails, making the hike less ideal.
Nepal Hiking Team provides a down jacket, a four-season sleeping bag, a duffel bag, a t-shirt, and a trekking map. The down jacket and sleeping bag are high-quality items that are to be returned after you complete the trek. This reduces the need for you to purchase expensive cold-weather gear.
You should bring your own personal trekking equipment, such as sturdy hiking boots, comfortable clothing for layering, a warm hat, gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a water bottle. The provided down jacket and sleeping bag will cover the major insulation needs, but you should pack personal items for comfort and hygiene. Personal trekking equipment is listed in the cost excludes, so you are responsible for bringing your own.
The package includes a porter who will carry your luggage. There is one porter allocated for every two trekkers. Your main gear will be placed in the provided duffel bag, which the porter carries. This allows you to trek with only a small daypack for your camera, water, and personal items.
Your package includes two nights of accommodation with breakfast at a 3-star category hotel in Kathmandu (typically Woodapple Hotel and Spa or similar) and two nights in Pokhara. These are comfortable hotel stays before and after your trek.
During the trek, you will stay in "best available twin-sharing lodge to lodge accommodation." These are basic but comfortable guesthouses, such as those at Forest Camp (described as having sparse basic lodges, very peaceful and isolated) and High Camp (where lodges are bigger than at Low Camp). The specific lodges vary but are chosen by your guide for quality and location.
Wi-Fi internet is not included in the package and is listed in the cost excludes. While some teahouses may offer Wi-Fi for a fee, it is generally not reliable, especially in more remote areas like Forest Camp or High Camp. It is best to be prepared to be disconnected during the trek.
Full board meals—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—are included during the trek. These meals are typically served at the teahouses where you stay. Tea and coffee are also included. You can enjoy delicious Nepali cuisines like Dal Bhat, Momo, and Thukpa along the trail, as well as other varied and healthy options.
No, all cold drinks, including water, Coke, Fanta, juice, etc., are excluded from the package. You will need to purchase these separately along the trail. It is recommended to bring a reusable water bottle and use water purification tablets or a filter to reduce plastic waste and cost.
Your hotel stays in Kathmandu and Pokhara include breakfast. Any other meals, such as lunch and dinner in the cities, are not specified in the 'Meal Inclusions' and are therefore not part of the package cost, allowing you flexibility to explore local restaurants.
Absolutely. The page notes that if the listed itinerary does not meet your needs, Nepal Hiking Team can design individualized travel plans based on your preferences and specifications. A traveler review mentions a "customized ABC and Mardi Himal trek" for a family, showing the company's flexibility in arranging private trips.
The scheduled departures are organized for a "group joining option," with a minimum group size of 1 person. This means you can join a set departure date with other trekkers. If you prefer a completely private trek with just your own party, you can contact them to arrange a separate departure.
Tips for the airport representative, tour guide, trekking staff, and driver are not included in the cost. Tipping is customary to show appreciation for the service provided. The amount is at your discretion and is considered a separate, personal expense.
This trek uniquely combines the classic Poon Hill viewpoint with the Mardi Himal route. On Day 5, you wake up early to trek to Poon Hill (3,210m), one of Nepal's most famous vantage points. From here, you witness a spectacular sunrise over a panorama of Himalayan peaks including Mt. Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), and Lamjung Himal. It's a truly legendary and unforgettable experience that sets this itinerary apart.
Mardi Himal is considered a sacred mountain in Nepal. The page notes that no one has ever climbed the summit because of its sacred value, and to this day, it remains unclimbed. The trek allows you to approach its base and view this revered peak from the Upper Viewpoint (4,200m).
This trek offers a chance to see Nepal's national bird, the colorful Danphe (Lophophorus). It is specifically mentioned as a highlight on the day you hike to the Upper Viewpoint. You may also spot other wildlife within the Annapurna Conservation Area, which is home to diverse flora and fauna.