Ghorepani Poon Hill and Mardi Himal Trek

5.0/0 reviews
  • 12 days
  • |
  • Expert Level
Ghorepani Poon Hill Regular Sunrise Trek (2)
Mardi Himal 1
Mardi Himal 3
Mardi Himal 2
Mardi himal 4
  • DestinationNepal
  • ActivitiesGuided Trekking
  • AccommodationGuest House
  • Max. Elevation4500m.
  • Group Size15+
  • VehicleLocal Bus

Ghorepani Poon Hill and Mardi Himal Trek Highlights

  • Explore the vibrant city of Nepal, Kathmandu
  • Enjoy the scenic drive to Pokhara
  • Discover diverse landscapes in the Annapurna region
  • Witness the breathtaking sunrise view over the Himalayas from Poon Hill
  • Have a 360° view of the grand snow-capped Himalayas
  • Witness the lovely Annapurna Conservation Area
  • Experience the warmth of rural Nepali Tamang locals
  • Enjoy the authentic Nepali taste in rural Nepal

12 days Ghorepani Poon Hill and Mardi Himal Trek Overview

Ghorepani Poon Hill and Mardi Himal Trek is the best short but picturesque trekking spot to be explored in the Annapurna region. It is one of the best trekking spots among the trekkers. Unbelievable scenery from here will transport you to paradise. 

The trek comprises Ghorepani Poon Hill, which is famous for the best sunrise view of massive snow-white Himalayas. Wondrous are the stunning Himalayan views of colossal Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machapuchhre. 

Trekking in Nepal's Annapurna region presents to you immense varieties of nature in addition to rolling green hills, thick rhododendron forests, alpine landscapes, and the cultural diversity of local Tamangs. Through small village trekking, you learn the very essence of Nepali mountain culture and rural daily life.

If what you're looking for is a medium trek with mountain views or an excellent offbeat trek within a limited time frame, your perfect Himalayan holiday has to be the Ghorepani Poon Hill and Mardi Himal Trek!

Route Description

The 12-day Ghorepani Poon Hill and Mardi Himal Trek is among the best trekking destinations in Nepal's Annapurna Region. The trek starts as you land in Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu. You will be met and dropped off at your hotel by a Nepal Trekking Rangers representative. The next day, you will take a scenic drive to Pokhara in a tourist bus. Or take a brief flight from Pokhara, where you can view the stunning Himalayas and the bird's-eye view. And driving to Pokhara provides you with the best ride in a bus. You'll view green fields, tall mountains, and green forestation, and you'll pass the Trishuli River and the Marsyangdi River. When you reach Pokhara, do take your time and view the Lakeside. The next day, go to Hile for a short walk and hike up to Ulleri. From Ulleri, you start your trek to Ghorepani.

The trek passes through small villages, hill climbing, and walks in lush forests. At Ghorepani, take it easy and enjoy the nature around you. Wake up early in the morning and hike to Poon Hill to view the dramatic sunrise over Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna massif. The landscape makes you feel blessed. After sitting at the glory of this site, hike down to Ghorepani, have breakfast, and get moving to Tadapani, and proceed upwards to Landruk. The trek turns down to the Mardi Himal route, and the trek ascends to the Rest Camp. From Rest Camp, trek to High Camp and enjoy the changing landscapes.

You’ll start to notice changes in vegetation, and altitude may start to affect you, so be prepared for the altitude problem. The following day, you hike to Mardi Himal Base Camp, which is rewarded with a bird's-eye view of Mardi Himal, Machhapuchhre Himal, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli. 

After enjoying the beauty, start trekking down to Low Camp. Then trek to Sidhing and drive back to Pokhara from there. Rest day in Pokhara and pat yourself on the back for making the finest moments of your life. Drive/fly back to Kathmandu the next day and wander around the city. And the trek ends with your returning to your hometown.

Ghorepani Poon Hill and Mardi Himal Trek Itinerary

A representative from Nepal Trekking Rangers will arrive at Tribhuwan International Airport to greet you and pick you up, and take you to your hotel. Breathe in a fresh new environment and freshen up. Get to a short meeting organized by Nepal Trekking Rangers where you'll see your guide and talk about the trek, trails, gear, and other things.

In the evening, stroll around Thamel and Indrachowk and view the local market with all its hues. Night meal at a good restaurant and ready for tomorrow's drive.

  1. Max. Elevation:nullm

If the provided schedule isn't suitable for you, we are able to create personalized travel arrangements according to your preferences and requirements.

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Cost Details

Cost Includes

  • International Airport pick up and drop off by private vehicle as per size of group
  • Luxury Sofa Tourist Bus from Kathmandu to Pokhara to Kathmandu
  • Private Vehicle from Tourist Bus Park to Hotel to Tourist Bus Park
  • Private Vehicle to Starting point of trekking
  • Private Vehicle from Ending point of trekking
  • Two Nights Accommodation (twin sharing basis) with breakfast in Kathmandu 
  • Two Nights Accommodation (twin sharing basis) with breakfast in Pokhara
  • One English speaking government registered license holder guide
  • An assistant guide above 6 pax
  • One porter each two guests (20kg weight limit) by two person (10kg each trekker) (No Porter for solo Trekker)
  • ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) Permit
  • TIMS Card (Trekkers’ Information Management System) if it requares
  • Three times meals (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner) along the trek 
  • Four times tea/coffee along the trek (in cup size)
  • Seasonable Fruits will serve with breakfast
  • Water purification drop (if you required)
  • Accommodation along the trek with sharing basis    
  • Welcome/farewell dinner at traditional nepali kitchen with cultural dance program/Yuddha’s place
  • Wages and foods with accommodation for guide and porter and their insurance etc
  • All the Taxes for government as per nepali government rules-    NTR (Nepal Trekking Rangers) T-shirt
  • Duffle Bags for trekking (return after trek)
  • Trekking accomplished certificate
  • Trekking Route Map

Cost Excludes

  • International Flight Fares
  • Meals (Lunch and Dinner) in Kathmandu and Pokhara
  • Accommodation above 2 nights 
  • Nepal entry visa fees
  • Private transportation
  • Travel Insurance which covers up to 6000m
  • Helicopter rescue or evacuation with any reason if needed which will cover by your travel insurance
  • No refunds at all if early return from trekking with any reason
  • Soft, hard and hot drinks in pot size, mineral water for drink, chocolates bar, desserts, snacks, hot shower, wifi (internet), battery charges and personal expenses etc……
  • TIPS for guide and porters (crew)
  • Any services which are not mentioned in the inclusions list

Dates & Prices

Your private Ghorepani Poon Hill and Mardi Himal Trek begins from and ends in , covering 12 days of adventure.

We organize exclusive trip for two or more, ensuring a personal and flexible experience.

Private Group Deals

1 PersonUS$ 1300
2 - 6 PersonUS$ 1130
7 - 12 PersonUS$ 1100
13 - 30 PersonUS$ 1070
Sold out dates
US $NaNUS $ per person (based on 1 people)
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Know Before You Go

What to Expect on Trek

The Ghorepani Poon Hill and Mardi Himal Trek boasts an awesome combination of natural beauty, cultural exposure, and Himalayan landscape, making it one of Nepal's finest short treks. From the very beginning, the trekkers will have a timely trek in the Annapurna region with the perfect combination of the popular sites of the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek and the off-the-beaten-path peace of the Mardi Himal Trek.

The most memorable moment of the trek is the Poon Hill sunrise (3,210 m). As the first rays of sun hit the snow-crowned ridges of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), and Nilgiri, the peaks seem to be drenched in golden light—an almost godlike moment. Along the way, you'll hike through a spectacular array of landscapes: thick rhododendron forests, cascading waterfalls, peaceful alpine ridges, and old villages. Spring makes it all even prettier, with the flowers exploding into bloom, but autumn offers clean mountain vistas and ideal trekking weather.

As you enter the Mardi Himal section, expect fewer trekkers, peaceful trails, and more breathtaking mountain views. The trek gradually climbs to High Camp (3,560 m), offering uninterrupted views of the entire Annapurna range, including Mardi Himal, Annapurna I, and the sacred Machhapuchhre. From here, the pre-dawn hike to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m) is both thrilling and spiritual; walking along a narrow ridge as the sun rises over the Himalayas is a memory you’ll carry forever.

The cultural immersion is a big plus. You'll be staying in actual Gurung and Magar villages like Ulleri, Ghorepani, Landruk, and Siding, where you'll get good old-fashioned mountain hospitality, taste home-cooked Nepali food like dal bhat, and gain insights into local customs. Most nights you'll be sleeping in snug, family-run teahouses with simple but satisfactory facilities, warm meals, and camaraderie around the campfire.

This is a moderate-level difficulty trek and best suited for new to mid-level trekkers with a good level of physical fitness. Walking for every day is approximately 4 to 6 hours, with decent breaks in between and gradual gain in altitude. Though Wi-Fi and mobile connectivity are available in the lower villages, expect a lack of proper connectivity as you climb higher up, giving you the perfect opportunity to disconnect and connect with nature in the truest sense.

With all bases covered, from ACAP permits and TIMS cards to accommodations and transportation, by Nepal Trekking Rangers, you're free to just relax and take it all in. Whether you're chasing magic dawn from Poon Hill, hiking along great ridgelines to Mardi Himal Base Camp, or soaking up the tranquility of Himalayan villages, this trek is sure to be a well-rounded, genuine, and unforgettably enjoyable adventure in the heart of Nepal.

How to reach Mardi Himal from Poon Hill?

To reach Mardi Himal from Poon Hill, trek from Poon Hill to Tadapani and then to Landruk via Ghandruk. At Landruk, follow the trail of the Mardi Himal Trek and ascend through Forest Camp and Rest Camp to High Camp. Early morning trek from High Camp brings you to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m). Having seen the panorama, you descend through Low Camp to Siding and you drive back to Pokhara. The trek from Poon Hill to Mardi Himal Base Camp takes about 5 to 6 days and puts together finest scenic beauty, peaceful trails, and breathtaking Himalayan views.

Why Combine Poon Hill and Mardi Himal?

The combination of Poon Hill and Mardi Himal treks offers the uncommon blend of the most sought-after and the most peaceful trekking routes in the Annapurna region of Nepal. It is the double temptation of life: Poon Hill, with its legendary sunrise views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Machhapuchhre, and Mardi Himal, with a peaceful off-path trek, ridge walks, and viewpoint excursions to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m).

Poon Hill offers cultural outlooks, landscapes, and glimpses of Magar and Gurung villages in an easy-going lower route. Mardi Himal offers remoteness and isolation as well as alpine severity. Both together form one of the finest short treks in Nepal, with a captivating mix of landscapes—rhododendron forest and fields under cultivation, and the tops of high ridges with Himalayan vistas.

For all who want a mix of everything from a trek, this mix will give maximum scenic return and well-balanced tests in the range of 10-12 days.

Best Season to Trek

The best season for a trek to Ghorepani Poon Hill and Mardi Himal is spring, from March to May. Spring is famous for lovely rhododendron flowers that blanket the woodlands with lovely pink and red hues, especially in the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek. The weather is extremely gentle and lovely with lovely daytime temperatures being lovely for trekking. Spring's beautiful blue skies offer breathtaking views of the Annapurna Himalayas, some of whose well-known peaks are Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) and Dhaulagiri. Spring is good for nature enthusiasts and photographers who prefer to observe the flower beauty of the landscape and distant mountain views.

Autumn, September to November, is peak season and perhaps the best time of year to trek in Nepal, including for the Mardi Himal Trek. After the previous summer monsoon, the weather is fresh and the air is pure with an open view of the Himalayan range. It is quiet weather, with nice day temperatures and refreshing cool nights. Autumn season trekkers enjoy good trail conditions, and it is time for new trekkers as well as experienced trekkers. The dry, bright weather of the season raises each moment of your hike—dawn on Poon Hill to the breathtaking alpine ridges of Mardi Himal Base Camp.

While monsoon months (June to August) receive rain showers, damp trails, and inadequate visibility, making it unpleasant and not safe to walk, winter (December to February) enjoys clear skies but cold temperatures, snow on the upper peaks, and no convenient teahouse amenities. Winter trekking is only appropriate for professional trekkers, as they are capable of withstanding the harsh climate. Therefore, for most of the travelers, spring and autumn are even the ideal periods to witness the natural and cultural splendor of the Ghorepani Poon Hill and Mardi Himal Trek.

Trekking Difficulty

Ghorepani Poon Hill and Mardi Himal Trek is a leisure trek and ideal for beginners having minimal physical fitness levels and experience and experienced trekkers in search of a short Himalayan experience. The trek involves a mix of gentle slopes, rock steps, woodland trails, and steep ascents, especially climbing to Mardi Himal High Camp and Base Camp (4,500m). Even though it does not need any climbing expertise, decent stamina and mental flexibility are a must to appreciate the trek to the center.

Poon Hill, part of the trek is very simple with smooth trails, tea-houses at every rest station, and 4–6 hours of daily trekking. Early morning hike to Poon Hill (3,210m) is brief but very steep with dramatic all-round views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. The more you walk in the Mardi Himal region, the more remote and undeveloped the trails are. The ascent from Forest Camp to High Camp (3,560m) and further to Mardi Himal Base Camp is steep and at a higher elevation, but with acclimatization, which is done slowly and can be endured by most trekkers.

The trek does contain a lot of elevation (up to 4,500m), and therefore, mild altitude sickness symptoms are not out of the question, but there is little possibility of this occurring as the trek is at such a relaxed pace. There's usually no problem with most tourists being just fine on the path with a well-planned itinerary, guide service, and proper hydration. On the whole, the Ghorepani Poon Hill and Mardi Himal Trek difficulty is moderate—dynamically sufficient to be a genuine Himalayan experience but not so energetic that it cannot be accommodated by newcomers and experienced bandits.

Food and Accommodation on Trek

Accommodation during the Ghorepani Poon Hill and Mardi Himal Trek will be in community teahouses that provide simple but comfortable rooms in general, twin-sharing with common bathrooms at higher elevations. Villages at lower elevations, such as Ghorepani, Landruk, and Siding, have relatively better facilities, like hot showers and attached bathrooms.

Food is provided at the teahouses and ranges from choices. Dal bhat (lentils, vegetables, and rice), fresh and in abundance, is the healthiest and most available food. Pancakes, soups, noodles, Tibetan bread, momos, and hot drinks like ginger tea and coffee are foods as well. The higher you go on the Mardi Himal trek, the simpler the shelter and food become, but they are fresh and healthy. The food and accommodation in general are simple, hospitable, and warm—just the thing a Himalayan trekking tour will require.

Permits for Trek

You’ll need 2 key permits to trek in the Annapurna region: 

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

Annapurna Conservation Area is the protected area, so ACAP is mandatory. It costs you around Rs 3,000 for foreign nationals (about USD 25-30). For a SAARC country, it costs Rs 1,000. 

Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS Card)

A TIMS card is used to monitor the safety of the trekkers and their emergency needs. It costs around NPR 1,000 (approx. USD 8–10) if trekking with a registered agency and NPR 2,000 (approx. USD 16–20) for independent trekkers. 

Both permits are available at the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu or Pokhara, or you can ask the Nepal Trekking Rangers for this paperwork.  

Packing List

Pack smart. When you hike in a high-altitude region such as Annapurna, you need to pack smart. The following is the list of gear you need:

Clothing

  • Moisture-wicking thermal tops and leggings
  • Fleece jacket or light insulated jacket
  • Waterproof and windproof shell jacket
  • Warm Down Jacket
  • Hiking pants
  • Thermal leggings or insulated pants for high altitude
  • T-shirts (3–4): Lightweight, quick-dry fabric
  • Warm hat or beanie
  • Sun hat or cap
  • Buff or neck gaiter
  • Gloves
  • Underwear
  • Socks

Footwear

  • Sturdy hiking boots
  • Camp shoes or sandals
  • Gaiters

Sleeping Gear

  • Four-season sleeping bag (rated to at least -10°C)
  • Sleeping bag liner 
  • Travel pillow 

Backpacks & Bags

  • Main backpack (50–65 L)
  • Daypack (20–30 L)
  • Rain cover
  • Dry bags or Ziploc bags

Trekking Gear

  • Trekking poles
  • Headlamp
  • Reusable water bottles
  • Water purification
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen 
  • Quick-dry towel
  • Notebook & pen
  • Personal Hygiene & Toiletries
  • Toothbrush, toothpaste, biodegradable soap, and shampoo
  • Wet wipes/baby wipes
  • Toilet paper 
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Nail clippers, razor, and other small personal care items
  • A small, quick-dry face towel

First Aid & Medications

  • Personal medications (with prescription if needed)
  • Altitude sickness tablets (consult with doctor)
  • Paracetamol/ibuprofen
  • Antidiarrheal and digestive aids
  • Blister plasters and band-aids
  • Electrolyte packets/rehydration salts
  • Insect repellent

Electronics & Extras

  • Power bank/solar charger
  • Charging cables (type-C, micro-USB, etc.)
  • Plug adapter (Nepal uses Type C, D, and M sockets)
  • A Camera or a phone with enough storage
  • Extra memory cards and batteries

Documents & Money

  • Passport + photocopy
  • Travel insurance card/policy
  • Trekking permits (ACAP & TIMS)
  • Cash in NPR (ATMs not available on the trail)
  • Small notebook for contacts or journaling

Optional Extras

  • Energy bars or snacks
  • Lightweight reading book or Kindle
  • Playing cards
  • Earplugs (for noisy teahouse nights)
  • Duct tape/safety pins/repair kit

General Faqs

The trek is moderate. It does not require technical skills but involves 4–6 hours' walking per day with some high points.

Traveller Review

Trip Advisor5.0 Rating out of 5 based on Reviews

  • The best guides in Nepal!

    Nepal Trekking Rangers was phenomenal. Yuddha and his team were communicative, organized, and fairly priced. When our flight to Kathmandu was delayed, Yuddha met us at the airport and ensured we made our connection to Lukla without issue.

    On the Three Passes trek, Yuddha was exceptional — attentive, flexible, and fun (he taught us Nepali card games we played nonstop). Thanks to Nepal Trekking Rangers, this truly was a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

     
    V
    Vijay S 18th May, 2025

  • Trek with Nepal Trekking experts if you are going to Nepal!

    I just finished the Everest Base Camp trek with Nepal Trekking Rangers and would 100% recommend them to anyone coming to Nepal.

    Yuddha, the owner, is a true professional. From the beginning when I contacted him, he was super responsive and able to provide advice on which trek was best. Whenever I had follow-up questions, he would always respond the same day. They also operate with the utmost integrity. Originally, I was meant to trek with them in 2020, but this was cancelled because of Covid. Yuddha reminded me that I had paid the deposit five years ago (which at the time I had told him to hold on to) and took that off the price — I had completely forgotten.

    They gave me a warm welcome at the airport as soon as I arrived, and Yuddha met me at my hotel to make sure I had the correct kit, even providing me with things I didn’t have free of charge.

    On the trek itself, Yuddha was our guide — so knowledgeable, fun, and spoke great English. Every time I asked him a question about the mountains or region, he had an answer. All the tea houses booked were great and had good food. In the evening, he would play cards with us, and if we ever needed help with anything, he was always on hand.

    Words can’t describe the views you see on this trek — we were completely surrounded by the mountains. Yuddha also made sure we went at a sensible pace to avoid any risk of altitude sickness and to ensure we could take it all in.

    Overall, it was an experience of a lifetime, and next time I am back in Nepal, I will be trekking with Nepal Trekking Rangers.

    Thanks so much, Yuddha!

    E
    Eoin W 11th May, 2025

  • Perfekter Trek zum Everest Basecamp

    We have nothing but positive things to say about our trek with Nepal Trekking Rangers! Our group of three friends was looking for something a little different from the EBC trek and didn’t have time to do the full Three Passes loop. Nepal Trekking Rangers gave us lots of options, and we decided to trek directly to Gokyo Lakes, then over Renjo La and back down to Lukla. It was perfect for us.

    Our guide, Yuddha, was super knowledgeable, and the team supporting us was kind and helpful throughout. The communication before and after the trek was excellent, and when we ran into a small snag during our journey, Yuddha handled it smoothly and professionally.

    I can’t say enough about how experienced, well-connected, and genuinely kind everyone was. We had an amazing trip, and you’ll be in great hands with Nepal Trekking Rangers.

    E
    Elizabeth C 7th May, 2025

  • Great Himalay experience

    Hiked the Three Passes trek with Nepal Trekking Rangers and our guide Yuddha. He was a fantastic guide to have on this trek — knowledgeable, professional, and a great match for our group. I’ll be happy to use their services again on our next Himalaya adventure.

    C
    Camper14369775626 7th May, 2025

  • Incredible Three Passes Trek Experience!

    We had an incredible time on our Three Passes trek (and during our whole visit to Nepal) thanks to Nepal Trekking Rangers! I researched trekking guides thoroughly before we started our trip and probably reached out to 15 of them. I decided Nepal Trekking Rangers was the best in terms of reviews, ease of communication, and price. After the trip was complete, I can confidently say I was right to choose them.

    We had a specific itinerary in mind that needed to fit our schedule, and Yuddha was extremely helpful and accommodating. He answered all our questions promptly during planning and provided extra info, tips, and advice that we wouldn’t have known to ask about. When our international flight to Nepal was delayed by 12 hours, he pulled out all the stops to make sure we still made it to Lukla on time — coming to the airport himself with all the gear we rented, helping us repack into their duffel bags, and storing our suitcases at their office. It was incredibly convenient, and we would have been hugely delayed without his extra effort. He even brought Nepalese rupees to exchange from our USD so we wouldn’t waste time at the airport — and at a better rate!

    Our guide, Yuddha, was clearly one of the best we saw on the trails. His decades of experience showed. He was kind, attentive, knowledgeable, and a lot of fun. He helped us navigate the chaos of Lukla airport, made sure we got the best possible accommodations within our budget, communicated with tea house staff, showed us local plants, animals, and landmarks, and answered all our “Which mountain is this?” questions with patience and insight. He told us amazing stories, taught us a Nepali card game that became a nightly tradition, and kept us safe and confident through tricky sections like Chukhung Ri, glacier crossings, and the steep descents from the passes.

    When we decided mid-trip to skip an acclimatization day in Dingboche, Yuddha quickly rebooked all our accommodations to adjust the schedule. That flexibility allowed us to return to Kathmandu a day early and enjoy more time in the city — a perfect ending to the trek.

    Nepal Trekking Rangers clearly employs some of the best in the business, and Yuddha is incredibly skilled and dedicated to making sure guests have an unforgettable experience. After the trek, we visited his office in Kathmandu to share our experience, and he was a warm and gracious host, eager to hear our feedback — which was all glowing.

    This was a truly memorable trip, and we’re so glad we chose Nepal Trekking Rangers.

    W
    Whitney L 7th May, 2025