Ghorepani Poon Hill Mardi Himal Trek

Ghorepani Poonhill with Mardi Himal Upper Viewpoint Trek in the popular trekking destination of the Annapurna region is what you're looking for. This trekking trail is one of the most picturesque, without any doubt. From the panoramic, majestic mountain views to the eye-dazzling, beautiful viewpoint of Mardi Himal, this trek is something you must put on your bucket list. Hundreds and thousands of trekking lovers explore Ghorepani and Mardi Himal separately, but we have combined this trek as the perfect destination in the Annapurna region for a week-long trek.

Highlights of Ghorepani Poon Hill Mardi Himal Viewpoint Trek

• Panoramic Views: stunning vistas of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.
• Diverse Landscapes: lush forests, serene pastures, and rugged trails.
• Close-up Mountain Views: Up-close encounters with majestic peaks.
• Cultural Immersion: Visit traditional Gurung villages.
• Unforgettable Sunrise: Witness a breathtaking sunrise from Poon Hill.

You might have heard about Ghorepani Poon Hill or just the Mardi Himal, but why not combine both in one if your time permits? The Ghorepani trek is considered an easy and moderate trek in the Annapurna foothills for beginners as well. The Mardi Himal trek is also suitable for beginners, but many people are scared after seeing the elevation of the Mardi Himal Viewpoint (4200 m) and Mardi Base Camp (4500 m). The fact is you don't need to worry about the elevation and the heights, but just keep in mind the need to walk for 5-6 hours in the Himalayan terrain of the Annapurna Foothills.

Many people ask, "Ghorepani Trek or Mardi Himal Trek?" But the answer isn't that easy, as one-time travelers could explain.

Having walked on these routes hundreds of times, we're clear that both trekking destinations have their distinct taste and uniqueness. The Ghorepani Trek has a legendary legacy of panoramic Himalayan views with beautiful sunsets and sunrises and is the quickest trek in Annapurna. Mardi Himal couldn't match the panoramic Himalayan views; villages passed through, such as Ulleri, Ghorepani, and the most popular mountain village in the world, Ghandruk. The spring season sparks with the beautiful rhododendron flowers along the trail.

On the other hand, the Mardi Himal has its own beauty and character. The rugged Mardi Himal is popular for the close-up mountain views within a few days of hiking. The peaceful, colorful jungle, beautiful landscapes, and nose-to-nose views of Mt. Fishtail, Annapurna South, and Hiuchuli are something that dazzles the journey, making it more memorable.

More villages are covered by the combined Mardi Himal via the Ghorepani trek, including Ulleri, Ghorepani itself, and the largest Gurung village, Ghandruk. Another stunning aspect of this walk that cannot be seen when walking Ghorepani Poonhill alone is the vegetation and scenery. Grazing yaks in less time in serene pasturelands through the forest above the clouds with breathtaking views of the Himalayas is yet another enjoyable aspect of this journey.

Best Time for Ghorepani Mardi Himal Trek "Our Perspective: When should you join us?"

Since we say the "best time," the Spring and Autumn seasons are the most popular for trekking in Nepal, largely because the weather allows you to easily capture the Himalayan ranges. Every traveler has their own taste, but there is no doubt that Nepal has been globally branded for its Spring and Autumn seasons. Spring is a season loved by many, and its most attractive part is the trail covered in colorful rhododendrons. It is also the favorite time for many photographers; while many countries experience extreme summer temperatures, Nepal's Himalayan slopes turn into a beautiful heaven on earth with cool breezes, breathtaking views, and vibrant flowers. These colorful rhododendrons aren't just on the Ghorepani route; the trail remains similar all the way to Mardi Himal’s Middle Camp, also known as Badal Danda.

The Monsoon season has its own lush greenery—the colors of wildflowers, the open sky after the rain, and white mountains emerging through a veil of clouds. When you imagine the spectacular sight of a rainbow alongside this, the experience is even more magical than it sounds. That being said, common problems include heavy rain blocking views, mountains hiding behind clouds, and leeches on the path—but the trail itself is safe and free from landslides.

The heavenly bliss of Autumn is something else entirely. After the rain, you get a crisp blue sky, green hills, terraced fields, and colorful flowers in every garden. It marks the beginning of Nepali festivals—neither too hot nor too cold—a perfect time where daylight lingers a bit longer. This is a favorite season for Nepalis as well.

Winter is known as the time when the mountains get their "makeover." The peaks that may have lost some snow are completely covered in a fresh white blanket. The hills, too, get draped in snow, creating an unparalleled view like a white carpet. During heavy snowfall, it can be difficult to complete the entire trek—for instance, reaching the Mardi Viewpoint or Base Camp from High Camp might be impossible. However, during light snowfall, it is easily accessible with proper crampons and trekking boots. We generally do not suggest this trek for beginners or children during such weather.

Now, choose for yourself which time is suitable and a favorite for you. Not everyone likes the same weather; some may love the mountains, some prefer a peaceful trail, and some might just want to see the snowfall.

"Full-Board Trekking Package," "UNESCO Heritage Tour," and "Licensed Trekking Guide"

Seamless Logistics: Your Journey from Kathmandu to the Himalayas

How Does the Plan and Booking Work? Our Ghorepani Poon Hill Mardi Himal journey is a Kathmandu-to-Kathmandu full-board package. Booking & Confirmation Once you select your dates and make a 20% deposit (via Online Payment or Bank Transfer), your adventure is officially confirmed. For the remaining balance, you have the flexibility to pay upon arrival in Nepal via cash, credit card, or online transfer.From that moment, you can relax. All we need from you is a copy of your passport and a digital passport-sized photo to begin processing your ACAP permits and TIMS cards.

Note on Digital Payments: Please keep in mind that all payments made via credit card, online gateways, or bank wire transfers incur a 4% surcharge. This fee is a mandatory bank commission and processing charge levied by the financial institutions, not the trekking agency. Paying the balance in cash (USD or NPR) upon arrival is the best way to avoid this extra fee.

Arrival and Cultural Immersion Your experience begins the moment you land at Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM), where our team will be waiting for a private airport pickup. Your Kathmandu accommodation is pre-booked and ready. On Day 2, before we head to the mountains, you will enjoy a guided UNESCO World Heritage tour of Kathmandu’s iconic sites, led by our expert cultural guides.

Meet Your Mountain Expert Your trekking guide will meet you in Kathmandu for a comprehensive trip briefing. This is the perfect time to introduce yourself and double-check your gear. If you are missing any equipment, don't worry—you can arrive with just a suitcase. Our guide will help you buy or rent affordable, high-quality trekking gear in Thamel (Kathmandu) or Lakeside (Pokhara). Whether you want genuine brands or affordable local alternatives, we’ll ensure you have exactly what you need.

• Nepal Trekking Equipment Gear List

The Support Team:Guides and Porters This is a bundle package designed for your comfort. We provide a professional porter to carry your heavy luggage (1 porter for every 2 trekkers). We provide the rugged duffel bags for the porters; you only need to carry a small daypack with your water, camera, and essentials.

• The Guide: Our guides are licensed, fluent in English, and trained in high-altitude first aid. They watch every step you take to ensure your safety—our number one priority. (Note: Guides for other languages are available upon request for an additional cost).
• The Porter: Our porters are experienced locals who understand the rhythm of the trail. Even with limited English, they are masters at reading your needs and ensuring your gear arrives safely at the next teahouse.

From Sunrise to Lights Out From the first light of a Himalayan sunrise until the "lights out" after a warm dinner, our team is there to entertain, guide, and care for you. With Rugged Trails Nepal, you aren’t just a tourist; you are in safe, expert hands throughout the entire Annapurna foothills.

Food and Accommodation: The Heart of the Himalayan Experience

The Legendary Dal Bhat Power In Nepal, trekking and Dal Bhat are inseparable! It has become a global brand among hikers—you’ll often see trekkers heading home with "Dal Bhat Power 24 Hour: No Diarrhea, No Shower" T-shirts. While this lentil soup and rice dish is the fuel of the Himalayas, don't think it’s your only option.

Teahouse Trekking vs. Camping We stay in authentic Nepali teahouses, which are permanent lodges and hotels, not tented camps. In major stops like Ghandruk and Ghorepani, you will find well-established lodges with professional cooks. In the higher sections of Mardi Himal, many lodges are family-owned, offering a warm, personal atmosphere where the family prepares your meals.

Diverse Menus & Real Coffee Every teahouse provides an extensive menu. Beyond the local Dal Bhat, you can enjoy:

• Breakfast: Tibetan bread, porridge, eggs, toast, and pancakes.
• Lunch/Dinner: Momos (dumplings), noodles, pasta, spaghetti, pizza, and chicken meals.
• Coffee Culture: You’ll be happy to know that even in the mountains, many places now have bean-to-cup coffee machines!

Rooms and Bathrooms On the Ghorepani and Ghandruk loop, most villages (except Tadapani) offer rooms with attached bathrooms. However, on the Mardi Himal trek after Forest Camp, rooms are private but bathrooms are typically shared. Most toilets are Western-style commodes.

• Hot Showers: Gas geysers or hot bucket water are available everywhere for a small extra fee (starting from NPR 200).
• Heating: There is no central heating in the rooms. However, the dining area features a traditional wood-burning "chimney" or stove, keeping it cozy until bedtime.

Water, Electricity, and Connectivity

• Drinking Water: You can purchase mineral, boiled, or filtered water starting from NPR 100 per liter. We recommend using a reusable bottle with purification tablets for a more eco-friendly trek.
• Charging Devices: Electricity is stable up to Ghandruk, and charging is usually free. Past Forest Camp on the Mardi route, lodges rely on solar power, and a small fee (starting from NPR 100) is charged per device.
• WiFi & Mobile Data: While many teahouses offer free WiFi, it can be unstable due to the weather and terrain. For the best experience, we recommend buying a Nepal Telecom (NTC) SIM card with a data pack; it works surprisingly well across most parts of the trail.

Preparation and Physical Fitness: Get Ready for the Ridge

Do You Need Training? If you are a regular hiker or an active person, you won’t need an intense training regime for this trek. However, if you don't hike often, we recommend starting 2 months before your trip. Local hikes in your area will help build the "leg muscle memory" needed for the Himalayan terrain. To make it even more effective, practice walking with a lightweight backpack to simulate the feeling of being on the trail.

The Reality of the Landscape Even when a trek is labeled as "Beginner" or "Easy," it is important to remember that Nepal’s landscape is rarely flat! Outside of the Terai plains, you will encounter constant "Nepali flats"—which means a lot of ups and downs. Mentally prepare yourself for 5 to 6 hours of walking per day on varied terrain. The highest point of this journey is Mardi Himal Base Camp at 4,500m (14,763 ft), which requires a steady pace and a positive mindset.

Trekking with Children We have successfully guided young children on this very route! Whether this trek is suitable for your kids depends on their interest level and how active they are. Our team is expert at motivating, supporting, and "pushing" young trekkers with a smile to make sure they enjoy the journey as much as the adults do.

Building Stamina and Breathing

• Cardio: Activities like cycling and swimming are excellent for building the lung capacity needed for higher altitudes.
• Altitude Awareness: You may experience a mild headache near the Mardi Himal Viewpoint or Base Camp due to the elevation. We usually visit these spots in the early morning for a short time. Please remember: safety is our priority—we never force a guest to continue if they are not feeling well.
• Yoga & Breathing: If you practice yoga, focus on breathing exercises (Pranayama). This is incredibly helpful for oxygenating your blood at high altitudes.

Keep your spirit high, and we will take you there!

Booking Process for Ghorepani Poon Hill Mardi Himal Trek

The booking process is simply easy with us. Once you're ready to book the trip, you can make a 20-30% deposit, and you can pay the rest once you arrive in Kathmandu. The Ghorepani Mardi Himal Trek itinerary is a set plan as follows: You can see the day-by-day detailed plan below. The trekking map of Ghorepani Mardi Himal will be provided once you arrive in Kathmandu during the trip briefing time. The total trek distance of Ghorepani Poon Hill Mardi Himal is about 66 km in total from Pokhara to Pokhara. Once everything confirms, you must send your personal travel insurance and also the passport copies to issue the permits. 

Another alternative trek plan to Ghorepani Mardi Himal covers the Jhinu Hot Spring. Instead of going to Landruk, the route will head towards the Hot Spring Jhinu Danda, with just a one-day change. The shortest Ghorepani Poon Hill with Ghandruk village is for 3 days, and the 3 days for the Mardi Himal trek if you are looking for a short any of those names trek. 

Trekking itinerary of Ghorepani Poon Hill Mardi Himal Trek

• Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1400 M)
• Day 2: Kathmandu sightseeing tour and trek preparation day.
• Day 3: Drive or fly from Kathmandu (1400 M) to Pokhara (822 M)
• Day 4: Drive from Pokhara (822 M) to Ulleri (1960 M) and trek to Ghorepani (2874 M–8 km).
• Day 5: Trek from Ghorepani to Poon Hill (3210 M) then Tadapani (2630 M -12 Km)
• Day 6: Trek from Tadapani to Landruk (1565 M) via Ghandruk (1940 M) –11 Km
• Day 7: Trek from Landruk to Forest Camp, 2500 M – 8 Km
• Day 8: Trek from Forest Camp to High Camp 3580 M -9 Km
• Day 9: Trek from High Camp to Mardi Himal Viewpoint (4200 m), then return to Badal Danda (3250 M) -13 Km
• Day 10: Trek from Badal Danda to Siding, then Drive to Pokhara. 6 km walk.
• Day 11: Drive or fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu
• Day 12: Final Departure from Nepal.

Do i Need Travel Insurance?

Travel insurance is compulsory, and it is strictly for your own safety. Since it provides you with your own benefits and keeps you secure, please email us a copy of your insurance before the trek begins. While we have not faced such an emergency situation on this specific trekking route so far, we never know what might happen. Unlike the Everest trek or other routes where evacuations are more common, the need is lower here, but it is always better to be prepared.

Since the maximum elevation for this trek is 4,500m, it is best to choose a policy that includes coverage for helicopter evacuation and medical bills up to at least 5,000m. Additionally, we recommend ensuring your insurance includes benefits such as trip cancellation and other standard travel protections for a more secure experience.

Regarding which insurance company to choose, please use a trusted and affordable company that you find reliable. There are local insurance companies in Nepal as well, but since we have not worked with them, we do not have experience with their services. Therefore, we recommend you handle this process yourself. To make things easier for you, we have listed some trusted insurance companies on our website—please follow the link provided.

• Travel Insurance for Nepal Trek