Poonhill with Mardi Himal Trek
Overview
The Ghorpani Poonhill Trek in the Annapurna region is well-known and considered one of the most picturesque and manageable short trips for travelers of all stripes. It is a year-round favorite among them. The views from this location are always superior to those from other locations, despite its lower height than most. You’ll be happy to hear that this is only the beginning of the Ghoropani Poonhill with Mardi Himal Trek itinerary, offering much more breathtaking views of the towering peaks than you would get from the Mardi Himal Viewpoint.
The Mardi Himal Trek is an incredibly popular trek with rugged trails in Nepal that puts you nose to nose with Mt. Fishtail (Macchapuchare), Mt. Annapurna South, and Heuchuli. However, it is still the most convenient trek for all age groups looking to experience a completely different side of the Himalayas in a short time in the Annapurna region.
More villages are covered by the combined Mardi Himal Via Ghorepani trek, including Ulleri, Ghorepani itself, and the largest Gurung village in Ghandruk. Another stunning aspect of this walk that cannot be seen when walking Ghorpani 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.
Our website (Himalaya Abode) has a tonne of information and details about the trek that you should know.
Highlights of Poonhill with Mardi Himal Trek
These can be a great resource for novice hikers without prior trekking experience. It’s important to realize that while all the trekking routes in the Annapurna region may seem similar, they aren’t because they have different views, difficulty levels, and requirements.
Traveling via Nepal’s Annapurna region is a famous way to experience the rural landscape. It offers unspoiled Himalayan beauty embellished with some of the biggest mountains in the world, a pure atmosphere, and the rich cultures of the many ethnic groups who call the Himalayan terrain home.
We are combining this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity with two of the unique, recently established, but well-liked locations inside the Annapurna Conservation Area—the Ghorepani Poon Hill Mardi Himal Trek doubles the experience, providing the best beauty and a cultural journey.
Itinerary
Day 01Drive from Pokhara (822m) to Birethanti (1,263m) and then trek to Ulleri (2,020 m/ 6,627 ft)
It takes about 1.5 hours to get from Pokhara to Birethanti. The starting point of the Mardi Himal Trek via Poon Hill is Birethanti, which you may get to by following Modi Khola. Throughout the trip, you will pass a lot of little towns, teahouses, gorgeous rolling hills, rivers, and inhabitants. Arriving at Tikhedhunga, you will travel through the quaint village of Hile.
Starting at Birethanti (1,039 m/ 3,408 ft), you embark on a 9 km trek to Ulleri (2,020 m/ 6,627 ft) via Hile and Tikhedhunga. to Birethanti and then trek to Uleri. Arrive at Ulleri and start your trek to Ghorepani
Day 02Trek to Ghorepani
The official trek starts from here onwards to Ghorpani with a remarkable view of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna ranges, and others, with lunch on the way, as decided by the guide. The trail goes mainly through Rhodondren forest and rivers, followed by a peek at Mt. Annapurna south, Heuchuli, and Mt. Fishtail at some point.
Day 03Early morning hike to Poonhill and Trek to Tadapani
You will rise early today to witness a magnificent dawn above the Himalayas covered in snow. Boasting its expansive views of Fishtail, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Manaslu, and the surrounding mountains, the best viewpoint in the Annapurna region is likely to mesmerize you.
Following a one-and-a-half-hour walk through picturesque Deurali to Tadapani, where you can view the mountains and surrounding scenery, you will hike down to Ghorpani for breakfast.
The trails descend almost all after Deurali to Banthati, where you will have lunch. After going through rivers and a rhododendron forest, you will reach Tadapani, the day’s lodging palace.
Day 04Trek to Jinudada (Hotspring)
The quickest and most straightforward trekking path in the Annapurna region is the Jhinu Danda trek. Because of its natural hot spring, Jhinu Danda, which is popular, is situated on a hill. On this walk, you can reach Jhinu’s natural hot spring.
Day 05Trek to Forest Camp
This day’s hike starts after breakfast and takes participants through a dense rhododendron forest on a somewhat difficult trail. Without a view of the forest camp amid the forest, hiking here is more serene. If time permits, you could attempt to walk an additional half hour from the forest camp to the rest camp, depending on how long the hike takes.
Until you get to the rest camp next to the forest camp, you probably won’t get any good views of the mountains. From there, you’ll be able to see Mt. Fishtail and the brilliant sunrise.
Day 06Trek to Low Camp
From Forest Camp we travel to Low Camp, Enjoying the best view of the surroundings.
Day 07 Trek to High Camp
You will begin your hike through the forest to low camp on this same day, with the entire Mt. Fishtail within your reach, after breakfast. You will eat lunch in Badal Danda, a 45-minute hike from the low camp, where the vegetation is entirely different from what you have been seeing.
From Badal Danda, a clear day offers views of the magnificent Annapurna South, Mt. Heuchuli, and Mt. Fishtail. You have one more trek to the top camp, which offers views of the magnificent night sky.
Day 08Trek from High Camp (3,600m) to Mardi Base Camp (4,500m) then return to Badal Danda (3,250m)
You’re going to have to rise early today to see the sunrise over the mountains. It promises to be the most demanding and unforgettable leg of your Poon Hill to Mardi Himal Trek itinerary. The track is trickier than it looks since it requires you to make several quick ascents on uneven, steep steps.
Traveling to Mardi Himal Base Camp will require approximately five hours. Reaching the base camp at 4,500 meters after navigating a verdant, luxuriant High Mountain will make you feel incredibly successful. Then, return to Badal Danda.
Day 09Trek to Kade and drive to Pokhara
There will be no breakfast on the mountain today. Depending on your interests, you can rise early and position yourself to catch the last dawn over the towering peaks.
If not, you will set out right after breakfast on your hike to meet Low Camp, where you have already been, and then descend to Siding Village for lunch. You will travel to Pokhara for a break from Siding.
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Useful Info
Best Time for Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
The best time for the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is mostly in the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. Those cold months are mostly sunny, hence great views of the Himalayan region, with Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges included among the majestic under the clear sky.
The climate is usually favorable with mild temperatures, bearing in mind that trails are mostly dry, hence reducing the risk of slippery paths during rainfall or snow.
Difficulty of the Trek
The Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is classified as a moderate trek which can be done by beginner to intermediate trekkers. The route goes through beautiful villages, forests covered with green plants, and terraced fields when we climb and then descend.
The trip doesn’t require technical alpine skills, but as you ascend along the trail there are several steps and uphill climbs, which can be challenging, especially for those who are not familiar with hiking at higher altitudes.
Altitude sickness is also a factor to be considered, especially when the rise is too quick, so it is very important to acclimatize properly and keep the pace stable.
Cost for the Trek
The price for the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is not fixed, it is dependent on some variables such as the period of your trekking, the season you go, the packages you request (like guide, porter, and accommodations), and support of a trekking company or independently.
However, the cost of the trek depends on the type of package you choose to purchase.
Please inquire with us about the type of package you would need for the trek.
FAQs
What is the difficulty level of the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek?
Both inexperienced and seasoned hikers can enjoy this somewhat difficult walk. The Mardi Himal Trek is classed as moderate as well, however, it is much harder than the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek in certain places because of its steeper and more remote terrain.
