Overview- Poon Hill Mardi Himal Trek (12 Days)
The 12-day Ghorepani Poon Hill with Mardi Himal Trek is the perfect blend of classic viewpoints and peaceful high-altitude ridges, giving you one of the most rewarding trekking experiences in the Annapurna region.
This journey begins with a drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara before you start trekking through charming villages like Ulleri and Ghorepani. You’ll enjoy a spectacular sunrise from Poon Hill, one of Nepal’s most famous viewpoints, then continue through Tadapani, Ghandruk, and Landruk.
As you move higher, the trail connects to the quiet Mardi Himal route, taking you through Low Camp and High Camp, eventually leading you to the highest point of your trip, Mardi Himal Base Camp at 4,500 m (14,763 ft).
For the 2026 and 2027 seasons, the Poon Hill Mardi Himal Trek cost typically ranges from $4,75 to $8,75 USD per person, which includes the mandatory ACAP permit (NPR 3,000) and TIMS card (NPR 2,000), as well as a licensed guide as per current safety regulations.
This Poon Hill with Mardi Himal Trek offers a day-by-day journey that includes forest trails, traditional Gurung villages, panoramic mountain ridges, and close-up views of Machhapuchhre and Annapurna South. The trek is graded as moderate, suitable for trekkers with a good fitness level, and involves 4–7 hours of walking each day.
You’ll stay in locally run tea houses that provide basic but comfortable accommodation while enjoying full board meals, breakfast, lunch, and dinner throughout the trekking days.
If you are planning the Poon Hill with Mardi Himal Trek, we’re here to assist you in crafting the perfect adventure. Bookings for the Poon Hill trek with Mardi Himal Trek for 2026 and 2027 are now open, and we welcome you to contact Ammonite Adventure to share your needs and preferences so we can design a personalised trekking experience just for you.
Highlights
- Sunrise from Poon Hill (3,210 m / 10,531 ft) with panoramic views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges
- Stunning ridge trek toward Mardi Himal High Camp with close-up views of Machhapuchhre
- Reach the highest point at Mardi Base Camp (4,500 m / 14,763 ft)
- Walk through lush rhododendron forests, Gurung villages, and terraced fields
- Explore traditional villages like Ghandruk, Ulleri, and Landruk
- Comfortable tea house accommodation with warm meals daily
- Ideal for trekkers seeking moderate difficulty, rich culture, and dramatic mountain scenery
Poon Hill Mardi Himal Trek Cost for 2026 & 2027
The cost of the Poon Hill with Mardi Himal Trek depends mainly on how many people are in your group. The more people you travel with, the lower the cost per person.
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Group Size
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Price per Person (USD)
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1 pax
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$875
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2 – 3 pax
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$750
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4 – 7 pax
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$665
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8 – 12 pax
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$555
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13 – 20 pax
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$475
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What Affects the Cost?
The total cost of the trek is not fixed. It can change based on a few important things:
- Group Size: If you travel in a group, you can share the cost of guides and porters. This makes the trek cheaper for each person.
- Transportation Type (Bus vs Flight): Travelling by tourist bus is cheaper. Flights between Kathmandu and Pokhara are faster but more expensive.
- Accommodation Standard: Basic teahouses are budget-friendly. If you choose upgraded rooms with better comfort, the price will be higher.
Cost Breakdown for Poon Hill Mardi Himal Trek
The total cost of the Poon Hill Mardi Himal Trek depends on several factors such as permits, guide and porter services, food, accommodation, and transportation. The table below gives a clear breakdown of the estimated costs to help you plan your budget easily.
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Cost Component
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Estimated Cost (USD)
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Details
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Permits (ACAP + TIMS)
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$30 – $50
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Required trekking permits for Annapurna region
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Guide Cost (per day)
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$25 – $35
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Licensed trekking guide
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Porter Cost (per day)
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$20 – $30
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Carries 15–20 kg (can be shared)
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Food & Drinks (per day)
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$20 – $30
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Depends on menu and altitude
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Accommodation (Teahouse)
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$5 – $15 per night
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Basic room with shared facilities
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Upgraded Accommodation (if available)
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$20 – $40 per night
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Better comfort with attached bathroom
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Transportation (Kathmandu–Pokhara–Kathmandu)
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$15–$30 (bus) / $90–$120 (flight one way)
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Tourist bus or domestic flight
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Extra Costs on the Poon Hill Mardi Himal Trek
During the trek, some services are not always included in the package. You may need to pay small extra charges for these:
- Hot Shower: Most teahouses charge a small fee for hot showers. The higher you go, the more it may cost.
- WiFi: Internet is available in some places, but it is usually paid. The speed can be slow in remote areas.
- Charging Devices: Charging your phone, camera, or power bank often costs extra per device or per hour.
- Tips for Guide and Porter: It is common to give tips at the end of the trek. This is a way to thank them for their hard work and support.
Poon Hill Mardi Himal Trek – Route, Distance, Duration & Altitude
| Day |
Route |
Distance |
Duration (Hours) |
Altitude (m / ft) |
| 1 |
Arrival in Kathmandu |
- |
- |
1,400 m / 4,593 ft |
| 2 |
Kathmandu → Pokhara (Drive) |
200 km |
6–7 hrs |
822 m / 2,696 ft |
| 3 |
Pokhara → Birethanti (Drive) → Ulleri (Trek) |
10-12 km |
5–6 hrs |
1,960 m / 6,430 ft |
| 4 |
Ulleri → Ghorepani |
10 km |
5–6 hrs |
2,880 m / 9,448 ft |
| 5 |
Ghorepani → Poon Hill → Tadapani
|
13 km |
6–7 hrs |
3,210 m / 10,531 ft (Poon Hill) |
| 6 |
Tadapani → Ghandruk → Landruk |
12-13 km |
6–7 hrs
|
1,565 m / 5,134 ft |
| 7 |
Landruk → Low Camp
|
10-11 km |
6–7 hrs
|
3,050 m / 10,006 ft |
| 8 |
Low Camp → High Camp |
8-9 km |
4–5 hrs |
3,600 m / 11,811 ft |
| 9 |
High Camp → Mardi Base Camp → Badal Danda
|
12-13 km |
7–8 hrs |
4,500 m / 14,763 ft |
| 10 |
Badal Danda → Siding → Pokhara (Drive) |
8 km trek + 2–3 hrs drive |
4–5 hrs trek |
822 m / 2,696 ft |
| 11 |
Pokhara → Kathmandu (Drive) |
200 km |
6–7 hrs |
1,400 m / 4,593 ft |
| 12 |
Final Departure
|
- |
- |
- |
What is the Best Season for the Poon Hill with the Mardi Himal Trek?
The best season for the Poon Hill Mardi Himal Trek is during spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November). These months offer the most stable weather, clear skies, and excellent mountain visibility.
Spring (March–May)
- One of the most popular times for the Poon Hill with the Mardi Himal Trek
- Rhododendron forests are in full bloom, making the trail colourful and vibrant
- Temperatures are mild, and mornings are generally clear
- Ideal for photography and comfortable trekking conditions
Autumn (September–November)
- Known for the clearest mountain views of the year
- Best season for trekkers looking for consistent conditions and sweeping vistas
- Great for both beginners and experienced trekkers
Winter (December–February) – Less Preferable
- The trek is still doable, but temperatures drop significantly, especially above High Camp
- Requires warmer gear and preparation for snow patches
Monsoon (June–August) – Not recommended
- Frequent rain, leeches on lower trails, and limited visibility
- Risk of slippery terrain and travel delays
How Difficult is the Poon Hill Mardi Himal Trek?
This trek is of the moderate type. Mostly trekkers go along well-marked trails through lush forests, charming villages, and hills. You will have to take some steep sections, especially when going up to Ghorepani, Poon Hill, and Mardi Base Camp; the trail is slow-paced but manageable.
You don’t need previous trekking experience, but you have to be fit and ready to walk around 4–6 hours in a day, which will make it easier and more fun. You might feel a little bit of change in altitude when you reach higher points likePoon Hill (3,210 m) and Mardi Base Camp (4,500 m).
Your body needs time to adjust to altitude; in that situation, you need to rest and hydrate. This trek is perfect for beginners who want a Himalayan adventure and for experienced trekkers who love beautiful mountain views.
Why Trek With Ammonite Adventure?
- Trusted & Licensed Team: We are a fully government-registered trekking company and active members of TAAN and NMA, ensuring safe, reliable, and professional service.
- Experienced Local Guides: You trek with knowledgeable, English-speaking guides who know the region, culture, and trails inside out.
- Customised Itineraries: We tailor every trip to match your fitness level, preferences, and travel dates, making your experience truly personal.
- Quality Service & Safety: From well-planned routes to emergency support, we prioritise your comfort, safety, and satisfaction throughout the journey.
- Responsible & Ethical Travel: We treat our guides and porters fairly, support local communities, and follow eco-friendly trekking practices.
- 24/7 Support: From your first inquiry to the end of your trek, our team stays in touch to make sure you fully supported at every step.