Choosing both the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek and the Mardi Himal trek together gives you the chance to explore two of the popular trekking routes in one trip (Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek and the Mardi Himal Trek). You will get to witness the sunrise view from Poon Hill (3,210m) with a view of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Hiunchuli, and Nilgiri. At the same time, you’ll explore traditional Magar and Gurung villages like Ghorepani, Ghandruk, Landruk, and Dhampus, where you can learn about local lifestyles and traditions. This combined trek gives you both mountain views and cultural significance without any need for separate trips.
The route also provides you with the chance to walk through different types of landscapes. From blooming rhododendron forests in Spring to alpine routes in the Mardi Himal section. You’ll trek to Mardi Himal High Camp and Viewpoint for clear views of Mardi Himal and Machhapuchhre. The Mardi Himal and Poon Hill are one of the newest and fastest-growing trails in Nepal. Since both routes connect easily from Pokhara, it also saves travel time and cost, making the journey easy to plan and enjoy.
How does this Trek Reflect the Culture of the Annapurna Region?
The trek offers you a chance to experience the local cultures of the Annapurna region. You’ll pass through villages like Ghorepani, Ghandruk, Landruk, and Dhampus, where the Gurung and Magar ethnic groups live. They have maintained their unique customs and lifestyles from generation. Along the trail, you’ll see traditional stone and wood houses, colorful prayer flags, mani stones carved with Buddhist mantras, and local temples or gumbas. These cultural landmarks reflect both Hinduism and Buddhism in this region.
During the trek, you’ll see the life of the locals living in different communities. You’ll see local festivals like Tihar, Dashain, and the Maghe Sankranti celebrated by the Magar people, as well as the Losar festival in some Gurung communities. There are many opportunities to interact with villagers, experience their culture, and taste their traditional Nepali food. Hence, trekking in this area not only offers Himalayan beauty but also the cultural significance at every stop along your trek.
Is the Ghorepani Poon Hill with Mardi Himal Trek Right for You?
Whether the trek to Ghorepani Poon Hill Mardi Himal trek is right for you depends on your physical fitness level. The Mardi Himal trek via Poon Hill trek is an easy to moderate level trek that doesn’t require technical climbing, like ropes and trekking boots. But, it does require you to walk about 5 to 7 hours a day, gaining altitude up to 4,200 meters at the Mardi Himal viewpoint. It is perfect for beginners to intermediate trekkers who have a basic level of fitness. If you’re looking for a trek that combines stunning mountain views with local culture, then this trek route offers both. Taking you through the forest, traditional Gurung and Magar Villages, and valleys with close views of Annapurna and Machapuchare.
However, this trek may not be right for those with serious knee, heart, or extreme altitude-related health issues, or for those expecting a very short or very high-altitude expedition. Doing some normal exercises, bringing proper trekking gear, and walking with an experienced guide can improve safety. With the right mindset and planning, this trek offers a well-balanced Himalayan experience that is perfect for you.
How High Will You Go on This Trek?
On the Mardi Himal trek via Poon Hill trek, the highest point you’ll reach is Mardi Himal Viewpoint at 4,200 meters (13,780 ft). The trek gradually climbs in elevation starting from Pokhara (822 m). On average, you’ll be trekking between 2,000 m and 3,500 m per day for most of the journey. Here’s a table showing each stop along the route with its elevation.
| Day |
Place |
Elevation (meters) |
| Day 1 |
- Kathmandu
- Pokhara
- Ullerui
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| Day 2 |
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| Day 3 |
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| Day 4 |
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| Day 5 |
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| Day 6 |
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| Day 7 |
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| Day 8 |
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| Day 9 |
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| Day 10 |
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| Day 11 |
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Is This Trek Physically Demanding?
The trek is moderately challenging but suitable for most people with a good level of fitness. The trail conditions vary between the Ghorepani Poon Hill and Mardi Himal trails. The Ghorepani Poon Hill trek has well-established trails with stone steps, wider routes, and forested paths, making it easier to navigate. On the other hand, the Mardi Himal Trek involves steeper sections, tight paths, and some rough landscapes when you move towards High Camp and the viewpoint. Nonetheless, neither route requires technical climbing skills like you need during the Everest Base Camp Trek and the Manaslu Circuit trek.
That being said, both treks include numerous rest points, comfortable teahouses, and gradual altitude gain, which helps you adjust naturally. The trails are built in such a way that you can reach your destination without any hurry, and guides are trained to support trekkers who need an extra break or assistance. With basic training like regular walking, light hiking, or cardio, this trek can be completed, even for first-timers who are normally fit.
Cost for Ghorepani Poon Hill with Mardi Himal Trek
The cost for the Ghorepani Poon Hill with Mardi Himal Trek ranges from $1,405 to $2,105 per person, depending on group size and services included. The cost covers domestic flights, permits (ACAP & TIMS), guides and porter wages, accommodation in teahouses, three meals a day during the trek, transportation, and hotel stays in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Below is a table showing the price per person based on group size:
| Pax Size |
1 |
2-5 |
6-9 |
10+ |
| Price (USD) |
2,150 |
1,650 |
1,475 |
1405 |
For groups of 2-5:
- When the 3rd person is added, each person gets a 5% discount.
- When the 4th or 5th person is added, each person gets a 10% discount.
For groups of 10 or more:
- The price is fixed at $1,405 per person.
What Permits Do You Need for the Ghorepani Poon Hill with Mardi Himal Trek?
For the Ghorepani Poon Hill Mardi Himal trek, you’ll need two main permits: the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card. These permits are required to enter and trek within the Annapurna region and help support conservation and safety management. Below is the detailed information about permit costs.
| Permit Type |
Foreigners |
SAARC Nationals |
Nepali Citizens |
| Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) |
USD 30 |
NPR 1,000 (~USD 7.70) |
NPR 100 |
| TIMS card (Trekkers Information Management System) |
USD 20 |
NPR 600 (~USD 4.60) |
Not required |
ACAP and TIMS permits can be obtained from the Nepal Tourism Board offices in Kathmandu and Pokhara. But if you trek through our agency, “Raftrek Nepal”, all permit arrangements will be done by our team, so you can focus on enjoying the journey.
Altitude and Its Impact on the Ghorepani Poon Hill and Mardi Himal Trek
The Ghorepani and Mardi Himal trek takes you from a lower elevation, Pokhara (822 m), to the Mardi Himal viewpoint (4,200 m). This gradual gain in height helps your body to adjust to the thin air and lower oxygen levels. These adjustments help to reduce the risk of altitude sickness. Most trekkers experience mild symptoms like shortness of breath, dizziness, and headaches around 3,000 to 4,000 meters. But the chances of getting serious altitude sickness are rare if you follow the proper acclimatization process. The trek also includes rest days and daily slow climbs to adjust your body to the altitude. This is a lower altitude trek compared to other high altitude treks like the Everest Three Pass Trek, which reaches up to 5,535 meters.
Altitude affects your body by lowering the amount of oxygen that enters your body, which means your lungs and heart need to work harder to fulfill the respiration process. At 4,000 meters, the oxygen levels are nearly 60% of what they are at sea level. This can cause fatigue, slower walking speed, and sometimes nausea or headache. To minimize this effect, it’s important to stay hydrated, eat well, avoid alcohol, and ascend slowly. Guides will also check your health conditions regularly and help you recognize any warning signs. Overall, careful planning and pacing make the Mardi Himal and Poonhill trek accessible to many trekkers.
Meals on the Ghorepani and Mardi Himal Trek
Breakfast is served early to prepare you for the trek. Common breakfast items include boiled or fried eggs, toast, chapati, pancakes, porridge, muesli, cornflakes, and Tibetan bread. You can also enjoy tea, coffee, hot lemon, milk tea, or black tea, along with seasonal fruits like apples, bananas, oranges, and pomegranates, if available. Most teahouses serve a “set breakfast” that gives you a mix of energy foods, which help you walk better during the day.
Lunch is eaten at a teahouse along the trail around midday. A popular lunch option is Dal Bhat (rice, lentil soup, vegetables, and pickles). Other lunch items include fried noodles, spaghetti, momo (dumplings), fried rice, boiled potatoes, spring rolls, and sometimes vegetable curry or pasta. For drinks, you’ll find bottled water, tea, soft drinks, and sometimes hot juice or electrolyte drinks.
Dinner is served after sunset once you’re in the teahouse. The dishes are similar to lunch, with Dal Bhat being a favorite because you can eat it unless you get full. You can also choose from noodle soup, thukpa, pizza, chowmein, garlic soup, mashed potatoes, omelets, and vegetable curry. For drinks, there are herbal teas, milk, hot chocolate, and instant coffee. Some teahouses also offer simple desserts like rice pudding or apple pie.
Why Book Your Ghorepani Poon Hill with Mardi Himal Trek with Us?
Book your Mardi Himal trek via Poon Hill from us for these reasons:
- We offer group discounts up to $700 per person for groups of 10 people or more.
- We offer safe and well-organized trekking from start to finish.
- Our guides are experienced and knowledgeable about each and every place that comes along the way.
- We provide comfortable stays at teahouses with fresh food along the route.
- We arrange all necessary permits like ACAP, TIMS, and even the PoonHill viewpoint fee for you.
- Our team supports sustainable tourism to protect the environment and local communities.
- We include airport transfers and domestic flights to make your journey smooth.
- Our guides share rare information about the Annapurna mountains, villages, and wildlife along the trek.
- We offer free services like helping with packing, gear advice, and acclimatization tips.
Ghorepani Poon Hill with Mardi Himal Trek Packing List
For the Mardi Himal trek or Poon Hill, you need to pack essentials including clothing, footwear, accessories, bags, toiletries, and personal care, to documents and permits.
| Clothing and Footwear |
Gear and Personal care items |
- 1–2 sets of thermal base layers (top & bottom) – [Icebreaker, Uniqlo, Smartwool]
- 2–3 quick-dry trekking shirts – [Columbia, The North Face, Quechua]
- 2 pairs of trekking pants – [Decathlon, Arcteryx]
- 1 fleece or lightweight down jacket – [Patagonia, Rab]
- 1 waterproof shell or rain jacket – [Gore-Tex, Marmot]
- 1 pair trekking shorts (optional) – [Quechua, Columbia]
- 3–4 pairs of trekking socks – [Smartwool, Darn Tough]
- 3–4 pairs of moisture-wicking underwear – [ExOfficio, Under Armour]
- 1 pair of waterproof trekking boots – [Merrell, Salomon]
- 1 pair of lightweight camp shoes or sandals – (e.g., Crocs)
- 1 warm beanie or wool hat
- 1 neck buff or gaiter
- 1 pair of warm gloves – [Black Diamond, Outdoor Research]
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- 1 pair of UV-protection sunglasses
- 1 tube of sunscreen (SPF 30+)
- 1 lip balm with SPF
- 1 headlamp with extra batteries – [Petzl]
- 2–3L water bottle or hydration bladder
- 1 pair of trekking poles – [Quechua, Leki]
- 1 daypack (30–40L) – [Osprey, Deuter]
- 1 duffel/trek bag (60L, carried by porter)
- 1 rain cover for your backpack
- 1 small quick-dry towel
- Basic toiletries (toothbrush, paste, soap, shampoo)
- Wet wipes & hand sanitizer
- 1 roll of toilet paper
- Basic first aid kit (band-aids, meds, etc.)
- Nail clipper & mirror
- Feminine hygiene products (if needed)
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| Documents & Essentials |
- Passport & 2–3 passport-size photos
- Trekking permits (ACAP & TIMS)
- Travel insurance (with trekking coverage)
- Sufficient cash (in NPR because there are no ATMs on the trail)
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Note: It’s best to choose products from the brands known for quality and comfort. You can find them at gear shops like Everest Outfitters (Thamel, Kathmandu) and Sherpa Adventure Gear (Jhamsikhel, Lalitpur) in Kathmandu.
