The 12-day Poon Hill and Mardi Himal Trek offered by Asiana Treks and Tours is an extraordinary journey blending vibrant cultural experiences, breathtaking Himalayan panoramas, and invigorating trekking challenges. This trek is designed for adventurers looking to immerse themselves in the Annapurna region’s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage while trekking moderate yet rewarding routes.
Your adventure begins with your arrival in Kathmandu, Nepal’s bustling capital, where you are transferred to the popular tourist hub of Thamel. Here, you will have time to rest and prepare for the trek, including a guided tour of Kathmandu’s UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as the famous Durbar Squares, Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), and Pashupatinath Temple.
On Day 2, you travel from Kathmandu to Pokhara by scenic road, entering the gateway to the Annapurna region. The trek officially begins from Ulleri, taking you through rhododendron forests and traditional villages, leading to Ghorepani. The highlight here is the early morning hike to Poon Hill, where you witness an unforgettable sunrise over the majestic peaks of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail).
Following Poon Hill, the trek proceeds through Tadapani and Landruk, quaint villages showcasing local Gurung culture. The route then transitions toward the serene Mardi Himal trail, ascending gradually to High Camp and the Mardi Himal Base Camp at 4500 meters, revealing spectacular close-up views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre. The return journey descends through forested ridges and traditional villages before heading back to Pokhara and finally Kathmandu for departure.
2. Poon Hill with Mardi Himal Trekking Package
The Asiana Treks and Tours Poon Hill with Mardi Himal package is thoughtfully crafted to provide a balance of trekking, sightseeing, and cultural immersion. This all-inclusive package includes airport pickups, comfortable accommodations in Kathmandu and Pokhara, quality teahouse stays during the trek, and professional trekking support.
Included are experienced, certified guides and friendly porters who carry your heavy gear, ensuring a safe and enjoyable trek. Meals during trekking days include nutritious breakfasts, lunches, and dinners, with dietary options available upon request. Transportation is provided throughout, including Kathmandu to Pokhara by private vehicle and transfers between trekking trailheads.
Asiana Treks and Tours focuses on sustainable tourism, working closely with local communities to support responsible trekking and eco-friendly practices. The package also includes trekking permits and insurance for guides and porters.
3. Poon Hill with Mardi Himal Trek Itinerary
Day 9: Trek High Camp to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4500 m) and back to Badal Danda (8-10 hours)
Day 10: Trek Badal Danda to Sidding; drive Sidding to Pokhara (alternative trekking route available)
This itinerary provides a gradual acclimatization profile, allowing trekkers to enjoy stunning landscapes, cultural encounters, and challenging yet manageable trekking days.
4. Poon Hill with Mardi Himal Trek Distance
The total trekking distance covered during this 12-day adventure is approximately 85 to 100 kilometers, depending on the chosen descent route from Badal Danda to Pokhara.
Trekking days vary from 4 to 10 hours, with elevation ranging from 1,000 meters in Pokhara to 4,500 meters at Mardi Himal Base Camp.
5. Poon Hill with Mardi Himal Trekking Cost 2026/2027
The cost for the Poon Hill with Mardi Himal Trek in 2026/2027 with Asiana Treks and Tours typically ranges between $1,100 to $1,400 USD per person. The price depends on the group size, customization, and additional services requested.
Optional extras like private rooms, additional sightseeing tours, or special dietary meals may affect the final price.
Booking early with Asiana Treks and Tours ensures the best price, personalized service, and smooth planning for your Himalayan adventure.
Poon Hill with Mardi Himal Trek Price Breakdown
The Poon Hill with Mardi Himal Trek with Asiana Treks and Tours offers excellent value for a premium Himalayan experience. The cost generally ranges from $1,100 to $1,400 USD, depending on group size, season, and any personalized options you choose.
The price includes essential services to ensure a comfortable and safe trek:
Airport pick-up and drop-off in Kathmandu
Private transport between Kathmandu and Pokhara
Accommodation in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and teahouses during trekking
Licensed trekking guide and porter support
Three meals a day while trekking
Trekking permits and national park fees
Sustainable tourism and community support fees
Optional extras might include private rooms, extra sightseeing, or special dietary meals, which could affect the total price.
Choosing this package means you avoid hidden costs and logistical headaches, as Asiana Treks and Tours handles all permits, bookings, and arrangements professionally.
Price Highlights:
All-inclusive trekking package
Professional guide and porter services
Comfortable accommodation and meals
Trekking permits and park fees included
Optional add-ons available
With transparent pricing and no compromise on quality, this trek package delivers a seamless Himalayan adventure.
Poon Hill with Mardi Himal Trek Altitude Guide
Altitude plays a crucial role in your trekking experience on the Poon Hill with Mardi Himal route. The trek starts at lower elevations in Pokhara (~1,000 m) and ascends gradually to Mardi Himal Base Camp at around 4,500 meters.
Here is a quick altitude progression guide:
Pokhara: 1,000 m (start point)
Ulleri: ~2,070 m
Ghorepani/Poon Hill: ~2,850 m / 3,210 m (sunrise viewpoint)
Tadapani: ~2,630 m
Landruk: ~1,600 m
Low Camp: ~2,800 m
High Camp: ~3,600 m
Mardi Himal Base Camp: ~4,500 m
As you ascend, oxygen levels decrease, which may cause altitude sickness if proper acclimatization is not followed. The itinerary by Asiana Treks and Tours is designed with gradual ascent and rest days to minimize risks.
Altitude Tips:
Hydrate well throughout the trek
Ascend slowly and avoid rushing
Listen to your body and report any symptoms
Rest days included for acclimatization
Understanding altitude effects helps ensure a safe, enjoyable trek with stunning high-altitude Himalayan views.
Why Choose Poon Hill with Mardi Himal Trek?
The Poon Hill with Mardi Himal Trek stands out as one of the best treks in Nepal due to its unique blend of stunning mountain vistas, cultural richness, and moderate trekking difficulty.
Reasons to choose this trek with Asiana Treks and Tours:
Spectacular panoramic views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, and beyond
A sunrise experience at Poon Hill, one of Nepal’s most iconic viewpoints
Less crowded and quieter trails compared to other Annapurna treks
Rich cultural encounters with Gurung and Magar villages along the route
Combination of classic Poon Hill trek and the adventurous Mardi Himal trail
Experienced local guides and professional support from Asiana Treks and Tours
Well-planned itinerary balancing trekking effort and rest for acclimatization
This trek suits those who want a fulfilling Himalayan adventure that mixes nature, culture, and moderate physical challenge in one itinerary.
Preparing for Poon Hill with Mardi Himal Trek
Preparation is key for a successful Poon Hill with Mardi Himal trek. Asiana Treks and Tours recommends several important steps to get ready physically and mentally.
Physical preparation:
Regular cardio workouts like running, hiking, or cycling
Strength training focusing on legs, core, and back
Practice trekking with a loaded backpack
Maintain good overall fitness and flexibility
Packing essentials:
Warm layered clothing and waterproof jacket
Trekking boots with good ankle support
Sleeping bag suitable for cold mountain nights
Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
Trekking poles, first aid kit, and reusable water bottle
Health precautions:
Get travel insurance with trekking coverage
Acclimatize properly and follow guide’s advice
Stay hydrated and eat nutritious food
Asiana Treks and Tours provides a pre-trek briefing to ensure all participants are well-prepared for the adventure ahead.
What to Expect on the 12–14-Day Poon Hill with Mardi Himal Trek Adventure
Expect a thrilling blend of cultural immersion, physical challenge, and breathtaking mountain scenery on this trek.
Starting with the vibrant cities of Kathmandu and Pokhara, you will quickly transition to remote mountain villages surrounded by rhododendron forests and terraced fields. The highlight includes the spectacular sunrise at Poon Hill, with views of towering peaks like Annapurna South and Dhaulagiri.
The Mardi Himal trail offers quieter, less crowded trekking paths, gradually climbing through dense forests to alpine meadows and the high base camp. The views of Machhapuchhre’s sheer face and surrounding peaks from the base camp are unforgettable.
Days vary in trekking duration, generally between 4 to 10 hours, with gradual altitude gains allowing for acclimatization. Evenings are spent in cozy teahouses enjoying local hospitality and nutritious meals.
What you’ll experience:
Diverse landscapes from forests to high alpine terrain
Traditional Gurung and Magar villages
Magnificent Himalayan sunrises and sunsets
Moderate physical challenge with rewarding vistas
Professional support by guides and porters
This trek perfectly balances adventure and cultural discovery for an unforgettable Himalayan journey.
Oxygen Levels on Poon Hill with Mardi Himal Trek
As you ascend to higher altitudes on the Poon Hill with Mardi Himal trek, oxygen levels decrease, which can impact physical performance and wellbeing.
At sea level, oxygen concentration is about 21%. At Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500 m), oxygen availability drops to roughly 60% of sea level levels. This reduced oxygen makes breathing more difficult and increases fatigue.
To mitigate altitude sickness risks, the trek follows a gradual ascent profile with rest days and plenty of hydration. Your guide from Asiana Treks and Tours will monitor health signs and adjust pace accordingly.
Key points on oxygen and altitude:
Oxygen decreases with altitude—less oxygen in each breath
Symptoms of altitude sickness include headache, dizziness, nausea
Ascend slowly, rest, and hydrate to acclimatize properly
Medication (like Diamox) can be considered after medical consultation
Understanding oxygen effects helps trekkers prepare mentally and physically, ensuring a safer, more enjoyable trek.
Major Villages and Scenic Viewpoints on Poon Hill with Mardi Himal Trek Route
The Poon Hill with Mardi Himal Trek offers trekkers the chance to visit some of the most charming villages and breathtaking viewpoints in the Annapurna region. Starting from Ulleri, you traverse lush rhododendron forests to reach Ghorepani, a picturesque village famous for its panoramic Himalayan views. Ghorepani serves as the gateway to the iconic Poon Hill, an early morning hike destination where trekkers witness a spectacular sunrise over Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Machhapuchhre.
Other significant villages include Tadapani, known for its serene environment and rich flora, and Landruk, a traditional Gurung settlement where trekkers can experience local culture and hospitality firsthand. Further along the trail, you reach Low Camp and High Camp, offering stunning views of the Mardi Himal range with lush forests transitioning to alpine meadows.
Finally, Mardi Himal Base Camp at 4,500 meters provides close-up views of majestic peaks like Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli. Each village and viewpoint along this trek provides unique cultural insights and natural beauty.
Key Highlights:
Ghorepani and Poon Hill sunrise viewpoints
Traditional Gurung villages: Landruk and Tadapani
Forest and alpine meadows transition from Low Camp to High Camp
Close-up views of Machhapuchhre and Annapurna peaks at Mardi Himal Base Camp
This route perfectly balances cultural immersion with breathtaking natural landscapes.
Flora and Fauna of Poon Hill with Mardi Himal Trek
The Poon Hill with Mardi Himal trek offers a diverse range of flora and fauna, making it a delight for nature enthusiasts. The trek passes through various ecological zones, from subtropical forests at lower elevations to alpine meadows near the base camp.
In the lower regions around Ulleri and Ghorepani, trekkers encounter dense rhododendron forests—Nepal's national flower—especially vibrant in spring when these trees bloom in brilliant reds and pinks. Other trees include oak, pine, and maple, providing rich habitat for birds and animals.
The trek is home to various wildlife species, including Himalayan monal pheasants, the colorful national bird of Nepal, and elusive mammals such as barking deer, Himalayan black bears, and langur monkeys. Bird watchers can spot a variety of species like the redstart, laughing thrush, and woodpeckers.
At higher altitudes near Mardi Himal Base Camp, the flora shifts to hardy alpine plants, mosses, and wildflowers adapted to colder temperatures and thinner air.
Nature Highlights:
Rhododendron and oak forests
Himalayan monal and diverse birdlife
Mammals: barking deer, Himalayan black bear, langur monkeys
Alpine flora near base camp with wildflowers and mosses
This rich biodiversity adds an exciting natural dimension to the trekking experience.
Festivals and Local Culture Along Poon Hill with Mardi Himal Trek Route
The Poon Hill with Mardi Himal trek provides an excellent opportunity to explore the vibrant local culture and traditional festivals of Nepal’s ethnic communities, especially the Gurung and Magar peoples.
Villages like Landruk and Tadapani are predominantly inhabited by the Gurung community, known for their warm hospitality and unique customs. Trekkers may witness traditional music, dance, and festivals, especially if trekking during important cultural events like Tihar (Festival of Lights) or Dashain, Nepal’s biggest festival celebrating the victory of good over evil.
During these festivals, villagers dress in colorful traditional attire, perform ritual dances, and share local delicacies. The region is also known for its rich oral traditions, including storytelling and folk songs that narrate local legends and Himalayan life.
Participating or observing these cultural events enriches the trek, offering deeper insight into the everyday lives, beliefs, and traditions of Nepal’s mountain communities.
Cultural Highlights:
Gurung and Magar traditional villages
Festivals: Tihar, Dashain, and local celebrations
Traditional music, dance, and attire
Local hospitality and culinary experiences
This cultural immersion complements the stunning natural beauty of the trek.
Why Book with Asiana Treks and Tours for Poon Hill with Mardi Himal Trek
Booking your Poon Hill with Mardi Himal Trek with Asiana Treks and Tours guarantees a well-organized, safe, and memorable Himalayan adventure. Asiana is renowned for its personalized service, experienced guides, and commitment to sustainable and responsible tourism.
They provide licensed and knowledgeable local guides who ensure your safety and enrich the experience with insights into local culture, geography, and ecology. Porters are hired to ease your load, allowing you to enjoy the trek without unnecessary strain.
Asiana Treks and Tours emphasizes comfort by arranging quality accommodations and nutritious meals in teahouses throughout the trek. They also handle all logistics, permits, and transportation, removing the stress of planning.
Moreover, Asiana actively supports local communities and eco-friendly trekking practices, helping to preserve the natural and cultural heritage of the Annapurna region.
Why Choose Asiana Treks:
Experienced and licensed local guides
Support for porters and sustainable tourism
Quality accommodations and meals
All permits and logistics managed
Personalized and attentive service
With Asiana Treks, you embark on a seamless, rewarding Himalayan adventure.
How to Book Poon Hill with Mardi Himal Trek
Booking your Poon Hill with Mardi Himal Trek with Asiana Treks and Tours is straightforward and convenient. You can start by visiting their official website or contacting their customer service via email or phone to inquire about availability, customized itineraries, and pricing.
Once you decide, Asiana will provide a detailed itinerary, booking confirmation, and payment instructions. A deposit is usually required to secure your place, with the balance payable before the trek begins.
Asiana Treks offers flexibility in booking dates and group sizes, catering to solo trekkers, couples, and groups. They also provide pre-trek support, including gear advice and travel tips, ensuring you are well-prepared.
Booking Steps:
Contact Asiana Treks and Tours via website or email
Discuss itinerary, dates, and special requests
Confirm booking with a deposit payment
Receive detailed pre-trek information and support
Arrive in Nepal ready for your adventure!
Booking early is advised, especially for peak trekking seasons, to ensure availability and the best rates.