Trip Overview
The Ghorepani Poon Hill with Mardi Himal Trek is one of the best trekking destinations in the Annapurna region of Nepal, suitable for all age travelers year-round. This combined trek offers an incredible experience, blending breathtaking Himalayan views, cultural villages, and less crowded trails compared to the Ghorepani Poon Hill and Annapurna Base Camp Trek.
The Ghorepani Poon Hill with Mardi Himal Trek serves as an excellent alternative to the Ghorepani Poon Hill and Annapurna Base Camp Trek. While the Annapurna Base Camp route can be crowded with limited accommodation options, the combined Ghorepani Poon Hill and Mardi Himal trail offers ample lodging and a more flexible itinerary. Along this route, trekkers will find numerous tea houses and restaurants approximately every hour, providing convenient places to rest and dine.
During this trek, the highest overnight stay is at 3,620 meters, with the trek's highest point reaching 4,500 meters, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. The trail leads through lush forests, allowing trekkers to experience diverse wildlife and bird species, attractive the overall trekking experience.
What to expect at Ghorepani Poon Hill with Mardi Himal Trek – Highlights
- Spectacular sunrise and sunset at Poon Hill (3,210m), one of the most famous viewpoints in Nepal, offering panoramic views of Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Hiunchuli, and Machapuchare (Fishtail).
- Walk through dense rhododendron and oak forests, especially vibrant in spring. Explore charming Gurung and Magar villages such as Ulleri, Ghorepani, Tadapani, Landruk, Lwang, Ghalel, and Dhampus.
- Experience the local culture, hospitality, and traditional mountain lifestyles. Enjoy comfortable tea houses and local cuisine, including dal bhat, momos, Tibetan bread, noodles, soups, and seasonal vegetables.
- Reach Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m) on an off-the-beaten-path trek to this dramatic, lesser-known destination, offering close-up views of Machapuchare (Fishtail), Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Mardi Himal.
- After the busy trails of Poon Hill, enjoy the peace and solitude of the Mardi Himal section, with less crowded tea houses and a more authentic trekking experience.
- Walk along ridgeline paths with endless mountain vistas through rhododendron and other lush forests.
- Observe the varied scenery and dramatic landscapes including lush forests, terraced farmlands, alpine meadows, and rugged ridgelines. Enjoy the contrast between the vibrant trails of popular Poon Hill and the serene Mardi Himal region.
- Experience the cultural and spiritual exploration through interaction with Gurung and Magar communities. Learn about Buddhist culture, visit local monasteries, and experience traditional cheese-making in Landruk and nearby areas.
Ghorepani Poon Hill with Mardi Himal Trek Route
There are two routes that can be combined for the Ghorepani Poon Hill with Mardi Himal Trek — the Ghorepani Poon Hill route and the Mardi Himal route. You can start with either Ghorepani Poon Hill or Mardi Himal, depending on your preference. However, our itinerary begins with the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek.
The Ghorepani Poon Hill with Mardi Himal Trek starts with a scenic drive or a wonderful mountain flight to Pokhara, followed by a two-hour jeep drive to Hile. From there, the trek begins through the beautiful Annapurna Conservation Area, passing through Magar and Gurung villages and walking in lush green forests.
From Hile village, the trekking trail gently ascends to the Thikhedhunga River, and then begins a steep ascent on stone steps up to Ulleri, which takes approximately 2.5 hours. Along the trail, trekkers can enjoy views of South Annapurna. The next day, from Ulleri village, the trail continues to ascend towards Ghorepani. The route begins with about one hour of walking through the Magar village until the end of Banthanti, and then enters a beautiful forest of oak, rhododendron, pine, and bamboo, eventually reaching Ghorepani with in four to five hours.
From Ghorepani Poon Hill, the trekking trail leads to Tadapani, passing through Deurali and Banthanti, while walking through lush green rainforest.
From Tadapani, one trail leads to Annapurna Base Camp and another to Ghandruk for the Mardi Himal Trek. The descent from Tadapani to Ghandruk takes around 3 to 4 hours. From Ghandruk, the trail descends to the Modi Khola via Sewai and then ascends to Landruk village. From Landruk, one trail goes to Dhampus, and the another leads to Mardi Himal. To reach Mardi Himal from Landruk, the trail ascends continuously through lush green rainforest until Forest Camp. From Forest Camp, the real Mardi Himal trekking route begins.
The trail then ascends past Rest Camp, Low Camp, and Badal Danda through beautiful rhododendron forests, eventually reaching Mardi High Camp. From Mardi High Camp, the trail descends either to Dhampus or Lwang, but this itinerary ends at Dhampus Phedi, from where you return to Pokhara, and then travel back to Kathmandu the next day.
Ghorepani Poonhill with Mardi Himal vs ABC Trek
The Ghorepani Poon Hill with Mardi Himal Trek is a great alternative to the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek. Both routes showcase the stunning beauty of the Annapurna region but offer differe
