18 Jan 2024 Himalaya Trip
Poon Hill and Mardi Himal treks are one of the most popular treks in the Annapurna region. One of the main reasons for its popularity is short duration days and can be done throughout the year. Both treks have some similarities and some diversities that make these treks unique. To clarify more precisely, Himalaya Trip presents ‘Poon Hill Trek vs Mardi Himal Trek’ so that travelers can decide which trek is best for them.
About Poon Hill Trek
- Poon Hill is a popular viewpoint at an elevation of 3,210 m.
- It lies in the Annapurna region and 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 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 |
Poon Hill Trek Video
Features of Poon Hill and Mardi Himal Treks
Highest elevation
The highest elevation during the Mardi Himal Trek is 4,500m and the Poon Hill Trek is 3,210m which is achievable for trekkers with proper planning and preparation.
Popularity
Poon Hill Trek is very popular in terms of popularity and most trekked destinations in the Annapurna region due to its easy accessibility and shorter duration. Mardi Himal trek is the newly discovered trek that is gradually gaining popularity due to its feature of quiet and less-crowded trails adorned with unspoiled nature.
Sunrise View
Both treks offer mesmerizing sunrise views over snow-capped peaks but the sunrise views from Poon Hill are more fascinating. The better and clearer sunrise view is the prime highlight of the Poon Hill trek. From Mardi Trek too, the sunrise view is possible but less clear.
Himalaya Views
The Mardi Himal trek treats trekkers with close-up views of the snow-capped Himalayas such as Annapurna and Machhapuchhre while the Poon Hill trek treats trekkers with stunning valley views and distant views of the Dhaulagiri to Annapurna ranges.
Mardi Himal Trek Video
Accommodations and foods
The accommodation and food during the Poon Hill Trek is slightly better as compared to the Mardi Himal. As Mardi is a newly developed route, the accommodation and food facilities are basic and limited.
Duration of trek
Both Poon Hill and Mardi Himal trek can be completed in 4 days with our proposed standard itinerary suitable for the trekkers.
Trek Distance in KM or Miles
Poon Hill Trek covers 42.5km or 26.4 miles while Mardi Himal Trek covers 41.1km or 25.54 miles from the trek starting point to the ending point.
Difficulty
The rough trails and several ups and downs with an elevation gain are difficult factors for trekkers 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.
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 which is reasonable.
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 trek both lies in the vicinity of the Annapurna region. Both trek offers diversity in terms of accommodation, food, and elevation gain while similarities with their stunning landscapes, mesmerizing sunrise views, snow-capped Himalaya vistas, and rough trails with several ups and downs. 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. Overall, both treks are enchanting and as per their preferences, trekkers can opt for these treks to witness extra adventure and fun on shorter days.
