Poon Hill Mardi Himal Trek - 12 Days

Your adventure begins as you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, where you’ll be greeted by a representative and transferred to your hotel. After settling in, take time to explore the lively streets of Thamel or relax at the hotel. In the evening, attend a trek briefing with your guide, who will provide essential details and check your gear.

Embark on a scenic drive of approximately 6-7 hours, passing through picturesque landscapes of terraced fields, rivers, and small villages. Once in Pokhara, explore the lakeside area, visit Phewa Lake, and soak in views of the surrounding mountains.

Start the day with a scenic 1.5-hour drive from Pokhara to Birethanti, the gateway to the Poon Hill Trek. The hike begins along the Modi Khola river, winding through villages and terraced fields. After passing Hile, the trail becomes steeper, leading to Tikhedhunga and a challenging ascent of over 3,000 stone steps. This climb ends in Ulleri, a lively Magar village offering beautiful views of Hiunchuli and Annapurna South.

Today’s trek takes you through lush rhododendron and oak forests, following the Bhurungdi Khola river. The path leads you through the villages of Banthanti and Nangge Thanti, offering an immersive jungle experience. In spring, the rhododendron forests come alive with vibrant colors, while the serene surroundings may reveal glimpses of local wildlife. Along the way, enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the majestic peaks, including Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli. After a scenic walk, you will arrive at Ghorepani, a charming village known for its spectacular views of the surrounding mountain ranges.

Start the day early with a hike to Poon Hill for a stunning sunrise. At 3,210 m, Poon Hill offers spectacular panoramic views of the Himalayan range, including Annapurna, Hiunchuli, Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri, Tukuche, Lamjung Himal, Manaslu, and Machhapuchhre. The short but rewarding climb provides excellent photographic opportunities as the first rays of light hit the snow-capped peaks.

After watching the sunrise, return to Ghorepani for breakfast, then begin your trek to Tadapani. The trail ascends to Deurali, offering more breathtaking mountain views before descending through lush rhododendron forests to Banthanti. The path then ascends again, passing through cane fields and dense woodlands to reach Tadapani, a picturesque village where you’ll enjoy more magnificent views of the Annapurna peaks.

On Day 6, you’ll trek from Tadapani to Ghandruk, a relatively easy yet scenic journey through oak and rhododendron forests. Along the way, vibrant wildflowers bloom, adding color to your path. The trek passes through the quiet settlement of Baisi Kharka before reaching Ghandruk, a charming Gurung village. Here, you’ll be rewarded with magnificent views of Annapurna South, Machapuchhre (Fishtail), Gangapurna, Annapurna III, and Hiunchuli.

Ghandruk is not only stunning but also steeped in culture, with its stone houses, slate roofs, and a wealth of heritage sites like a museum and Buddhist monastery. After a short stop to explore, you’ll descend further to the Modi Khola (River) and hike up to Landruk. Landruk offers excellent views of the Annapurna range and is a perfect place to relax after a day of trekking. The journey provides a mix of natural beauty and cultural immersion, making it a memorable part of the trek.

The trek from Landruk to Low Camp takes you on a steady ascent through dense pine and juniper forests. The path is steep as you make your way toward Forest Camp, a remote and tranquil spot with only a few basic lodges. Along the way, you will experience a gradual increase in altitude, offering stunning views of the surrounding peaks, including Annapurna South and Machapuchhre.

The Forest Camp area is renowned for its dense evergreen forests, which are a haven for birdwatchers. The area is home to several species, such as the vibrant Himalayan Monal (Danphe), Satyr Tragopan, and the majestic Blood Pheasant. Other bird species like the Cheer Pheasant, Snow Partridge, and Kalij Pheasant can also be spotted, as well as eagles, vultures, and owls.

After a brief stop at Forest Camp, continue your ascent to Low Camp, a small settlement offering only a handful of simple lodges. From here, enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks, with breathtaking panoramas of the Annapurna, Machapuchhre, and Dhaulagiri mountains. The quiet, remote nature of the trek, combined with the natural beauty and birdlife, makes this section of the Mardi Himal trek an unforgettable experience.

On Day 8, you will resume your trek from Low Camp, heading toward High Camp via Badal Danda. The day begins with a steep ascent through rhododendron forests, which lasts for about an hour, leading you to Badal Danda. Though the climb can be demanding, it offers spectacular rewards, with panoramic views of Mardi Himal, Annapurna, and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Mountain). As you climb higher, the trail narrows along the ridge, offering expansive vistas of the surrounding valleys.

To your left, you will enjoy views of the Modi Khola river valley and the communities that stretch toward the Annapurna Sanctuary. On the right, gaze upon the Mardi Khola and Seti river valleys. On clear days, the distant Pokhara Valley becomes visible, adding to the incredible scenic beauty. Continuing along the ridgeline, you will eventually reach High Camp, where you’ll be rewarded with stunning views and a sense of accomplishment. The journey offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and the quiet solitude of the Himalayas, preparing you for the final stretch to Mardi Himal Base Camp.

On Day 9, you begin early with a challenging trek to Mardi Himal Base Camp, a highlight of the entire journey. The trail from High Camp is steep and rugged, with uneven steps and significant elevation gain. After about 5 hours of trekking, you’ll reach Mardi Base Camp at 4,500 meters, where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks, including Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Mardi Himal, Annapurna I, Annapurna III, and Gangapurna. The sense of accomplishment upon reaching the base camp is immense.

After spending time soaking in the stunning panoramas, you’ll descend back to Badal Danda (3,250 m). The descent offers a serene contrast, with floating clouds and tranquil surroundings, allowing you to reflect on the beauty of the journey. This day marks the culmination of the challenging ascent to Mardi Himal Base Camp, setting the stage for your return trek.

After descending from Badal Danda, you will return to Low Camp and follow a different route leading to Siding Village, bypassing Forest Camp or Pitam Deurali. The trek offers a comfortable descent through shaded, dense forests, allowing you to enjoy changing views and a peaceful environment. After around five hours, you’ll reach Siding, a tranquil Gurung village that remains serene even during peak trekking seasons, offering a calm retreat in its rustic setting.

From Siding, take a shared jeep to Pokhara, passing the scenic banks of the Mardi River. Upon arrival in Pokhara, unwind by exploring the lakeside, enjoying activities such as boating or cycling. Celebrate your trek’s success by immersing yourself in the lively nightlife, with local bars, restaurants, and music venues offering a vibrant atmosphere against the backdrop of Fewa Lake.

The journey from Pokhara to Kathmandu by tourist bus is a picturesque experience, offering travelers views of rural landscapes and the Trisuli River, all while showcasing the natural beauty of Nepalese countryside. As you travel through this scenic route, you will pass by charming villages, lush greenery, and hillsides that highlight the tranquility of rural Nepal. Once back in Kathmandu, you will have the opportunity to explore the lively Thamel district, a hub for culture, shopping, and nightlife. Thamel is known for its vibrant atmosphere, where visitors can shop for local handicrafts, enjoy delicious Nepali cuisine, and experience the bustling energy of bars and cultural performances, making it a perfect way to end your trek before heading home.

After a fulfilling breakfast, you’ll be transferred to the airport to catch your flight for the next part of your journey. Take a moment to reflect on the incredible memories of your Poon Hill Mardi Himal Trek. This adventure has allowed you to explore some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world, from lush valleys and terraced fields to towering snow-capped peaks. The experiences you’ve gathered on this trek will stay with you, leaving you with a sense of accomplishment and a deep appreciation for the majestic beauty of the Annapurna region. It’s truly a journey of a lifetime.