Poon Hill Trek vs. Mardi Himal: Which Annapurna Short Trek is Right for You?
This comparison will help you choose the best Annapurna short trek that fits your experience, available time, and preference for crowds versus solitude. Poon Hill is the classic, panoramic, and beginner-friendly choice, while Mardi Himal offers a rugged, high-altitude experience with dramatic close-up views.
⛰️ Comparison Overview
| Feature | Poon Hill Trek (Ghorepani) | Mardi Himal Trek |
| Duration | 3–5 Days | 5–7 Days (Standard) |
| Maximum Altitude | 3,210 meters (10,531 ft) | 4,500 meters (14,764 ft) |
| Difficulty Level | Easy to Moderate | Moderate to Challenging |
| Trail Type | Well-built, stone staircases, established villages | Narrower, rugged, steep ridge-line climbs through forest |
| Mountain View | Wide, distant panorama of Annapurna I, Dhaulagiri, and Nilgiri | Close-up, dramatic views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) and Annapurna South |
| Crowd Level | High (Very popular, suitable for families and large groups) | Low to Moderate (Quieter, off-the-beaten-path feel) |
| Acclimatization Risk | Minimal or None | Moderate (Steeper gains require proper care) |
| Accommodation | Better facilities with more choices for food and lodging | Limited and more basic facilities as you ascend to High Camp |
🌄 Poon Hill Trek: The Classic Sunrise Experience
Poon Hill is often considered the best introductory trek to the Himalayas due to its accessibility and comfortable infrastructure.
- The View: The major draw is the spectacular sunrise from Poon Hill (3,210m), which provides a wide, iconic, panoramic view of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges. This is one of Nepal’s most photographed moments.
- The Experience: The trail is well-established, traversing through picturesque villages like Ghorepani and the traditional Gurung village of Ghandruk. This route offers a deeper cultural experience, allowing you to interact with local communities.
- Difficulty: It is rated easy to moderate and is suitable for beginners, families, and those with limited time or fitness. The highest altitude is low enough that there’s minimal risk of altitude sickness.
- Typical 4-Day Flow: Pokhara -> Ulleri -> Ghorepani -> Poon Hill -> Tadapani ->Ghandruk -> Pokhara.
🏔️ Mardi Himal Trek: The Remote Ridge Challenge
Mardi Himal is a newer, less commercial route that appeals to those seeking raw wilderness and solitude.
- The View: This trek offers closer, more dramatic views of the towering peaks, especially the iconic Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) and Annapurna South. You spend more time trekking along high alpine ridges, providing constantly changing perspectives.
- The Experience: It is an off-the-beaten-path excursion that primarily traverses through dense forests up to alpine meadows and rocky ridges. Since it avoids major human settlements, you get a quieter experience with less cultural interaction than Poon Hill.
- Difficulty: Rated moderate to challenging, it involves steeper ascents and reaches a much higher elevation of 4,500 meters at Mardi Himal Base Camp. This requires better endurance and some preparation for colder temperatures and potential snow.
- Typical 6-Day Flow: Pokhara -> Kande -> Forest Camp -> Low Camp -> High Camp -> Mardi Himal Base Camp -> Siding Village -> Pokhara.
✅ Which Trek is Right for You?
| Choose Poon Hill if you… | Choose Mardi Himal if you… |
| Are a beginner or have limited experience. | Want a moderate challenge and a taste of higher altitude. |
| Prefer a shorter duration (3–5 days) and better infrastructure. | Seek solitude, serenity, and less-crowded trails. |
| Want the most famous, panoramic sunrise view. | Want close-up, dramatic views of Machhapuchhre and Annapurna South. |
| Value cultural exploration and comfortable tea houses. | Prefer wilderness, raw scenery, and ridge-line trekking. |
If you have the time and desire for the best of both worlds, a combined trek is an option that incorporates the cultural villages of Poon Hill with the alpine views of Mardi Himal.