Nepal is a paradise for trekkers, offering a variety of trails that cater to both beginners and experienced hikers. Two of the most popular short treks in the Annapurna region are the Poon Hill Trek and the Mardi Himal Trek. While both promise breathtaking views of the Himalayas, unique landscapes, and an immersive trekking experience, they offer distinct challenges and attractions catering to different trekkers. Poon Hill Trek vs Mardi Himal Trek has often been a point of comparison among trekkers visiting the Annapurna region.
The Poon Hill Trek is widely regarded as one of the best short treks in Nepal, famous for its panoramic sunrise views over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. On the other hand, the Mardi Himal Trek is one of the serene gems, taking trekkers through lush forests, remote trails, and high-altitude ridges leading to Mardi Himal Base Camp, which sits right beneath the majestic Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) peak. If you’re torn between these two incredible treks, this detailed comparison in this blog will help you decide which suits your preferences best.
Poon Hill Trek vs Mardi Himal Trek
Both treks offer unforgettable experiences, but the right choice depends on what you’re looking for in your trekking adventure.
If you’re a beginner trekker or someone who enjoys a relatively short and easy trek with rewarding mountain views, the Poon Hill Trek is an excellent choice. The well-established route passes through Ghorepani, dense rhododendron forests, and charming Gurung and Magar villages, ending at the famous Poon Hill Viewpoint (3,210m), where you’ll witness one of the best sunrise panoramas in Nepal.
If you prefer a less crowded, off-the-beaten-path experience, with a mix of forest trails, ridgeline walks, and high-altitude trekking, then the Mardi Himal Trek is the better option. This trek takes you all the way to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m), offering close-up views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli. While it’s a bit more challenging than Poon Hill, it’s still manageable for trekkers with basic fitness.
Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:
| Factors | Poon Hill Trek | Mardi Himal Trek |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Ideal for beginners or those looking for a short and easy trek with a cultural experience. | Suited for adventurous trekkers who prefer off-the-beaten-path trails and a wilderness-focused journey. |
| Maximum Altitude | Reaches Poon Hill at 3,210m, making it a lower-altitude trek with minimal risk of altitude sickness. | Reaches Mardi Himal Base Camp at 4,500m, requiring better acclimatization due to higher elevation gain. |
| Trek Duration | Typically, it takes 3-4 days, including the arrival and departure days. | Slightly longer, lasting 5-7 days, due to its higher altitude and remote trails. |
| Difficulty | Considered easy to moderate, with gradual ascents and well-marked trails, making it accessible to most trekkers. | Moderate to Challenging and prior experience is beneficial for this trek. |
| Views | Offers a panoramic sunrise view over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, making it one of Nepal’s most iconic viewpoints. | Provides closer, more dramatic views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) and Annapurna South, along with stunning ridgeline walks and an alpine landscape. |
| Crowds | One of the most popular treks in Nepal is large crowds, especially during peak seasons. | A less crowded and more peaceful trek allows a quieter and more immersive nature experience. |
| Accommodation | Offers expensive hotels, lodges, and teahouses, with options of camping is also available. | Offers basic lodges and teahouses, especially at higher elevations, with simpler amenities and fewer choices. |
Poon Hill vs. Mardi Himal Trek Chart
Location
Both Poon Hill Trek and Mardi Himal Trek are in the Annapurna region and start near Pokhara, but they offer different experiences. Poon Hill Trek begins from Nayapul (1,070m) and gradually ascends through Ulleri, Ghorepani, and Tadapani, leading to the famous Poon Hill viewpoint (3,210m). The well-defined trail passes through rhododendron forests and traditional villages, making it ideal for beginners.
Mardi Himal Trek starts from Kande or Phedi (1,700m) and takes a more off-the-beaten-path route. The trail winds through dense forests before reaching rugged alpine ridges toward Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m). It’s a steeper, more remote trek with fewer villages, offering a wilderness experience and closer views of Machhapuchhre and Annapurna South.
Trekking Route
Poon Hill Trek follows a loop route, starting from Nayapul and passing through Tikhedhunga, Ghorepani, and Tadapani before descending via Ghandruk. The highlight is the sunrise from Poon Hill, offering a panoramic view of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. The trail is well-marked and gradual, making it one of the easiest treks in Nepal.
The Mardi Himal Trek route is linear, starting at Kande or Phedi and ascending through Forest Camp, Low Camp, and High Camp, with the final push to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m). The trek features steep ridges and alpine landscapes, offering uninterrupted mountain views but requiring more endurance than Poon Hill.
Major Attractions
The Poon Hill Trek is best known for its sunrise views from Poon Hill (3,210m), where trekkers see the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges bathed in golden light. The trek also passes through Gurung and Magar villages, offering rich culture, warm hospitality, and beautiful rhododendron forests, especially in spring.
The Mardi Himal Trek is all about wilderness and high-altitude adventure. The trek’s highlight is Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m), with close-up views of Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, and Hiunchuli. Badal Danda and High Camp offer stunning panoramic ridge views, often above the clouds, making this trek a hidden gem in the Annapurna region.
Trek Difficulty & Duration
The Poon Hill Trek is a moderate and short trek, typically completed in 3 to 5 days. Its highest point is Poon Hill, at an altitude of 3,210m, so sickness is less of a concern. The trail is well-established with gradual ascents, although the stone steps at Ulleri can be challenging. This trek is ideal for beginners, families, and those with limited time who still want a rewarding Himalayan experience.
The Mardi Himal Trek is more challenging, taking 5 to 7 days and reaching Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m). The steep ridge trails and higher altitude make it physically demanding, requiring good fitness and acclimatization. Weather conditions can also be harsher at higher elevations, and the final ascent to Base Camp is steep and exposed. This trek is best for those seeking adventure, solitude, and a more offbeat trekking experience.
Cost Comparison
Poon Hill is slightly cheaper due to its lower altitude and shorter duration, while Mardi Himal may cost more due to higher elevation and guide/porter recommendations.
| Factor | Poon Hill Trek | Mardi Himal Trek |
|---|---|---|
| Permit Fees | Approx. $50 (ACAP + TIMS) | Approx. $50 (ACAP + TIMS) |
| Guide & Porter | $25–$30 per day (optional) | $25–$30 per day (recommended) |
| Accommodation | $5–$15 per night (teahouses) | $5–$15 per night (teahouses) |
| Meals | $5–$8 per meal | $5–$8 per meal |
| Transportation | $15–$20 (Pokhara-Nayapul-Pokhara) | $10–$15 (Pokhara-Kande-Pokhara) |
| Total Estimated Cost | $250–$450 | $300–$500 |
Conclusion
Both Mardi Himal Trek and Poon Hill Trek offer unique experiences in the Annapurna region. Poon Hill is perfect for shorter, easier treks with cultural experiences and stunning sunrise views, while Mardi Himal is ideal for wilderness lovers seeking solitude, adventure, and closer mountain views. No matter which trek you choose, you will surely experience different types of adventure.
Whether you seek comfort, challenge, sunrise views, or alpine ridges, both treks promise an unforgettable journey in Nepal’s Himalayas. However, if you still can’t decide, you can combine both treks into one itinerary. This will allow you to experience both the cultural beauty of Poon Hill and the rugged adventure of Mardi Himal.
