Poon Hill and Mardi Himal treks are two of the most popular short trekking destinations in the Annapurna Region. No matter which season of the year you are planning, you can easily consider any of these two destinations. Both treks have some similarities and some diversities that make these treks unique. The starting point of these two treks is Phedi, which you can reach by taking a short drive from Pokhara. The route then diverges from here. For Poon Hill, you will drive toward Nayapul, and for Mardi Himal, you will get toward Kande.
The views you get from both the trek are incredible. The peaks, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Machhapuchere, can be witnessed throughout the journey. However, you may be wondering what is best for you. Although both the treks are short, easy, and affordable, there are certain differences that can make your selection a little easier. To clarify more precisely, Himalaya Trip presents ‘Poon Hill Trek vs Mardi Himal Trek’ so that you can decide which trek is best for them.
Table of Contents
Poon Hill vs Mardi Himal Trek in Chart
Features | Poon Hill Trek | Mardi Himal Trek |
Highest elevation | 3,210 m (Poon Hill) | 4,500 m (Mardi Base Camp) |
Popularity | very popular | newly open but shortly popular |
Sunrise view | Best views | Good views |
Himalaya views | Faraway views of Dhaulagiri to Annapurna ranges | Close-up views of Annapurna and Machhapuchhre |
Accommodation, Food | Better facilities | Limited facilities |
Duration | 4 days | 4 days |
Distance | 42.5km or 26.4miles | 41.1km or 25.54 miles |
Difficulty Level | Medium | Moderate to Hard |
Price (per person) | USD 299 | USD 310 |
About Poon Hill Trek
- Poon Hill is a popular viewpoint at an elevation of 3,210 m.
- It lies in the Annapurna region and is highly crowded.
- Suitable for all age groups and can be done throughout the year.
- Stunning views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.
- Vantage points for sunrise and sunset.
- Traverse through beautiful settlements of Magar and Gurung ethnicities.
- Adore panoramic views of snow-capped mountains such as Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, Hiunchuli, Annapurna III, Dhampus Peak, Dhaulagiri II, and many more.
About Mardi Himal Trek
- Mardi Himal Trek is at an elevation of 4,500 m.
- A moderate-level trek that is possible to do all year round.
- Nestled within the Annapurna massifs and beside Mt. Machhapuchhre.
- A newly opened trek that is quiet and less crowded.
- Best fusion of cultural diversity, rich biodiversity, splendid mountain panoramas, and charming terrains with scenic landscapes.
- Admire the towering snow-capped peaks and traverse numerous attractive ethnic villages.
- Enjoy the local hospitality and try local foods.
- Immerse in local culture, tradition, and lifestyle.
- Outstanding views of snowy mountains such as Mardi, Machhapuchhre, Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Dhaulagiri, and other Himalayas.
Poon Hill Trek Video
Features of Poon Hill and Mardi Himal Treks
Highest elevation
The highest elevation you will reach during the Mardi Himal Trek is 4,500 meters, which is the Base Camp. Similarly, with Poon Hill Trek, you will get to 3,210 meters, which is the Poon Hill itself. In comparison, the Poon Hill trek can be quite achievable for beginners with proper planning and preparation. The difference in altitude can make the Mardi Trek slightly more challenging.
Popularity
The Poon Hill trek was discovered dated back; thus, in terms of popularity, the trek is quite more known. It is also considered to be one of the most popular trekking destinations in the Annapurna region due to easy accessibility, shorter duration, and incredible views. Similarly, the Mardi Himal is newly discovered and is recently gaining popularity due to its feature of quiet and less-crowded trails adorned with unspoiled nature.
Sunrise View
No matter which trek you opt for, both of them offer you incredible sunrise views over the Himalayas. However, considered to be the best viewpoint, Poon Hill’s views are slightly more fascinating. You will get a better and clearer sunrise view is the prime highlight of the Poon Hill trek. From Mardi Trek, the sunrise view is possible, but it may not be as clear as that of Poon Hill.
Mardi Himal Trek
4 Days
Adventure Treks
USD310 per person
Poon Hill ABC Mardi Himal Trek
12 Days
Trekking
USD775 per person
Himalaya Views
The Mardi Himal trek treats you with close-up views of the snow-capped Himalayas, such as Annapurna and Machhapuchhre. Likewise, the Poon Hill trek offers you stunning valley views and distant views of the Dhaulagiri to Annapurna ranges. Both treks provide the best mountain views in a shorter time, giving the easiest yet rewarding experience.
Accommodations and foods
As an organized and slightly popular trek with years of establishment, the Poon Hill trek is slightly better in terms of accommodations and food. Getting a variety of places to rest and try dishes is limited due to the newly developed route. For authentic trekking and off-the-beaten paths, the Mardi Himal can be quite a good option for you. But if you are looking for a slightly developed trekking route, consider Poon Hill.
Duration of trek
Both the trek, Poon Hill and Mardi Himal, can be completed in 4 days of time span. The trek follows the same route till Phedi, and then it starts to diverge. These are the two of the shortest treks you can choose from in Nepal, offering you a rewarding experience. In addition to that, to enhance the experience, you can merge the two treks and extend the journey for about 6 to 8 days.
Trek Distance in KM or Miles
With a similar distance covered, the Poon Hill trek is about 42.5km or 26.4 miles, while Mardi Himal Trek is approximately 41.1km or 25.54 miles from the trek starting point to the ending point. You can easily complete this trek in the span of 4 to 5 days based on your physical fitness and preparations. In addition to that, you will also cover some extra distance of above 200 kilometers from Kathmandu to reach the starting point.
Difficulty
The rough trails and several ups and downs with an elevation gain are difficult factors for you during these treks. In terms of difficulty, the Mardi Himal trek goes up to 4500m elevation, making it more difficult than the Poon Hill trek, which goes to an elevation of 3,210m. The Mardi cannot be a good choice for you if you cannot handle the higher elevation. But, both treks are quite achievable.
Price of the trek
The Poon Hill trek costs USD 299 per person, while the Mardi Himal trek costs USD 310 per person for a 4-day trek. For a budget-friendly traveler, the Mardi is a better option. However, if you want a well-developed route with good facilities available, pay a higher price and choose the Poon Hill Trek. But the views you get throughout are quite similar.
Mardi Himal Trek Video
Itinerary of Poon Hill Trek and Mardi Himal Trek
Poon Hill Trek Itinerary
Day 01: Kathmandu or Pokhara – Nayapul drive and trek to Ulleri (1960m, 42km or 1 hour and a half drive and 11km or 5-6 hours walk).
Day 02: Trek from Ulleri-Bhanthati – Nangethanti -Ghorepani (2874m, 8km or 5-6 hours walk).
Day 03: Trek from Ghorepani-Poonhill-Tadapani-Ghandruk (1939m, 18km or 8 or 9 hours walk).
Day 04: Trek Ghandruk-Syauli Bazar and drive to Nayapul-Pokhara or Kathmandu (5.5km or 2-3 hours walk and 52km or 2 hours’ drive).
Poon Hill Trek Map
Mardi Himal Trek Itinerary
Day 01: Drive Pokhara – Kande and trek to Australian Camp – Pothana- Deurali – Forest Camp (2600m, 33km or 1-hour drive and 14km or 6-7 hours walk).
Day 02: Trek from Forest Camp – Low Camp – Badal Danda – High Camp (3600m, 7.5km or 6-7 hours walk).
Day 03: Hike to View Point, Mardi Himal Base Camp, and trek down to Badal Danda (3300m, 14km or 6-7 hours walk).
Day 04: Trek from Badal Danda to Siding 5.6km or 4-5 hours walk, drive to Pokhara.
Mardi Himal Trek Map
Conclusion
Poon Hill and Mardi Himal are both the trek that takes you through the diverse landscapes and beautiful views of Annapurna Region. The involvement of similar days, shorter duration, and incredible views make this trek quite similar to each other. However, some other factors can make these treks slightly different from each other. The Mardi Himal trek distance is slightly shorter than the Poon Hill trek, but both treks can be completed in 4 days. Poon Hill trek is a classic popular one, while the Mardi Himal trek is shortly gaining its deserved popularity.
Craig Canada , 2024
4 day Mardi Himal
Craig Canada , 2024
Joseph USA , November 2023
Mardi in November with Himalayatrip
Joseph USA , November 2023
David Khai Australia , October 2023
Epic Solo trek with Guide Porter
David Khai Australia , October 2023
Luciana Vallaro Italy , 2023
Mardi Trek in July with Jay
Luciana Vallaro Italy , 2023
Luciana Vallaro Italy , 2023
Mardi Himal Trek
Luciana Vallaro Italy , 2023
Chiara Arrigoni Italy , 2023
5 Days Mardi Himal Trek 11th -15th July 2023
Chiara Arrigoni Italy , 2023
PT Poland , April 2023
Amazing trip, with amazing views, and amazing Nepali people
Amazing trip, with amazing views, and amazing Nepali people! Long hours of daily trekking, in the vicinity of simple small hotels, far away from civilization but the relaxing ambiance and fresh foods sum up our amazing experience. Nice warm weather during the days, chilly weather (almost 4 degrees) during nights, and
an unexpected blizzard on High Camp forced us to descend. An unforgettable experience descending 1700m down with snowing and raining, and getting wet. A fresh getaway and a "cut-off" from the daily rush for a workaholic like me was refreshing. Mardi Himal Trek is for those who wish to be close to nature, need a break from a hectic life, feel freedom, and are open to any new experience in the lap of the Himalayas. 🙂 Ps – Big thanks to Jay, he was always close, always helpful and we felt always safe. PT
PT Poland , April 2023
Liska S Netherlands , April, 2023
What a great trekking experience!
Liska S Netherlands , April, 2023
Szymon D Poland , April 24, 2023
Very much delighted to have Mardi Himal Trek
Szymon D Poland , April 24, 2023
Hedda Netherlands , February 2023
Thanks to Harka for planning Mardi Himal trek in February
Hedda Netherlands , February 2023
Xu Gao China , April 2022
Entertaining and Informative Mardi Himal Trek
Xu Gao China , April 2022
Tanja UK , December 2018
great trip to Mardi Himal – Nov 2018
Tanja UK , December 2018
Lim Singapore , October 2018
Amazing Mardi Himal trek and awesome time with Harka and team
I would very highly recommend Himalaya Trip to anyone looking for a personalised, value-for-money tour guide for your trip to the Annapurna range in Nepal.
We communicated directly with Harka on email/Whatsapp, who helpfully recommended Mardi Himal based on a brief description of what we were looking for (of course you need to do your own research too, and provide information – length of stay, prior hiking experience, specific views – that is useful for Harka to recommend something tailored to you). We wouldn’t have known about this trek otherwise, as it’s less well known than Poon Hill, and it was exactly what we hoped to do in Nepal.
We didn’t feel like we’re just one of many, many tourists passing through. Hari and Shurpa, our guide and porter, made us feel like friends. It was fun to chat and equally, they left us to our own devices so we had enough privacy and independence on the trek. We also had a lot of flexibility to rest and decide how far we could walk in a day.
About the Mardi Himal trek is walking in the rainforest first, then the route opens to a mountain trail (crazy amazing views). Fairly manageable for novice trekkers who are moderately fit as you will feel like you are climbing upwards; although not ridiculously steep, you will definitely pant and ache. There’s limited boardwalk or stone steps. The final climb up to the Mardi Himal view point from High Camp can be challenging, as you will climb boulders and rocks. Worth the climb, lots of older folks and kids, so definitely doable and the views are 100% rewarding.
Lim Singapore , October 2018
Stephanie Germany , May 2018
Solo female Trek to Mardi
I could not recommend Harka and his team more. I was a solo female traveler and I felt incredibly safe and well taken care of the entire time leading up to the trek and even after I left Nepal. I couldn’t decide on a trek and with Harka’s help, I settled on Mardi Himal. While it rained the entire time and we didn’t have any of the amazing mountain views, my guide Jay, was the absolute best and we had a great time. He took care of everything and made sure I never wanted for anything. I saw other guides along the way and trust me, Himalaya Trip go above and beyond. They are really a special crew of guys. I always felt safe and had so much fun the entire time.
I think my one suggestion would be that this itinerary could be shortened, especially if you are in good shape. A few of the days are really quite short and we still ended up with extra days in Kathmandu and Pokhara — not a complaint but merely a minor suggestion.
My experience overall was absolutely perfect and wonderful and something I will always always remember. Book with Himalaya Trip and don’t look back!!!
Stephanie Germany , May 2018
Synne Mari USA , April 2018
Mardi Himal Trek Experience
Synne Mari USA , April 2018
Vincent Netherlands , December 2016
Wonderful trekking again
Vincent Netherlands , December 2016
Rupert ollivier New Zealand , 2024
Amazing trip – must do!
Rupert ollivier New Zealand , 2024
Amelia C Singapore , Amelia C
Highly Recommend Himalaya Trip!
Amelia C Singapore , Amelia C
Manuel Germany , 16th Oct 2024
5 Days Mardi Himal Trek
Manuel Germany , 16th Oct 2024
kiko New Zealand , Dec 2023
Exceptional trek to Mardi Himal Base Camp
The tour was exceptional and our guide was tremendous. Our guide was Ramesh and I can’t speak highly enough of him. The communication with Himalaya Trips was clear and concise. I would recommend this company to anyone wanting to do a trek in Nepal
New Zealand, Dec 2023kiko New Zealand , Dec 2023
Craig Canada , 2024
Mardi Trek with Guide Surpa
Craig Canada , 2024
Maryne France , 9th March 2024
Professional Guide and Service
Maryne France , 9th March 2024
Angela Indonesia , 2024
Amazing & Unforgettable Experience
Angela Indonesia , 2024
Sarban Netherlands , 10th Oct 2024
Mardi Trek with Ramesh
Hi Harka, Thank you so much for this amazing experience of 5 Days Mardi Himal Trek. We were so well taken care of by you and Ramesh dai. We will obviously be taking more trips with you in the future…
Big thanks also from Justyna!
We will be in contact with you soon again!
Thanks
Sarban
Netherlands, 10th Oct 2024Sarban Netherlands , 10th Oct 2024
James UK , 16th Oct 2024
4 Days Mardi Himal Trek
James UK , 16th Oct 2024
Emma Uk , 31st Oct 2024
Mardi Himal Trek in 4 Days
Emma Uk , 31st Oct 2024
Christine USA , 9th Nov 2024
Mardi Himal was awesome
Christine USA , 9th Nov 2024
Kalin USA , 11th Nov 2024
4 days Mardi Himal Trek
Kalin USA , 11th Nov 2024
Craig UK , Jan 18, 2023
Solo Poon Hill trek with Guide
Craig UK , Jan 18, 2023
Overall, both treks are enchanting, and as per your preferences, you can opt for these treks to witness extra adventure and fun on shorter days. It is not necessary to consider a long trek for a beautiful adventure. A short trek is also the best option in Nepal, as you do not have to compromise on the views and beauty. It does not matter which of the destinations you choose; both treks offer you the best trekking experience in the Himalayas.
FAQs
Which is better, Poon Hill Trek or Mardi Himal Trek?
As both the trek offers you an incredible experience, Poon Hill and Mardi Himal are both great options for you. However, if you are looking for a slightly less challenging adventure with lower altitude and better views, consider Poon Hill. Similarly, for an off-the-beaten paths experience, the Mardi Himal is for you. In terms of cost, the Mardi is slightly cheaper than Poon Hill.
Does the Poon Hill and Mardi Himal Trek offer similar views and experiences?
Slightly similar, the Poon Hill and Mardi Himal Trek offer you stunning mountain views, diverse landscapes, remote villages, and similar groups of people. However, the Poon Hill trek will take you closer to Annapurna and Dhaulagari ranges, while Mardi Himal takes you near the Annapurna and Machhapuchere ranges.
Mardi Himal or Poon Hill trek, which is for beginners?
Both the trek, Mardi Himal and Poon Hill, are beginner friendly. They both are achievable by people with no prior trekking experience. A novice trekker with proper planning and preparation can complete this trek easily. The involvement of shorter days, achievable distance, manageable hiking duration, and proper facilities make the trek a great option among beginners.
Is insurance for Poon Hill and Mardi Himal Trek?
Although not mandatory, travel insurance for both the trek, Mardi and Poon Hill, is recommended. The insurance helps to cover unforeseen events such as accidents, baggage loss, emergency evacuations, delays, and trip cancellations. This gives you financial security and provides peace of mind. Having insurance means you can solely focus on your journey without any worry.
Do I need to hire a guide for Poon Hill and Mardi Himal Trek?
Hiring a guide for Poon Hill or Mardi Himal trek is generally recommended. A guide will help you navigate while ensuring your overall safety. They are well-known for the trek and will also provide you with help during emergencies. Besides, all the trekking activities, from food to accommodations, are managed by guides only.