Mardi Himal Vs Poon Hill

Which one is better, Mardi Himal or Poon Hill?

Poon Hill Trek and Mardi Himal Trek are two of the most scenic trekking routes of the Annapurna region in Nepal, promising different experiences to the trekkers. Each of these two routes offers spectacular Himalayan landscape views, yet they differ in their level of difficulty, altitude gain, and overall experience.

Poon HIll is a pretty short and easy trek that reaches a maximum elevation of 3,210m (10,531 ft) at Poon Hill. Its route crosses Ghorepani at 2,874m, Tadapani at 2,630m, and Ghandruk at 1,940m, offering magical sunrise views over Annapurna 8,091m, Dhaulagiri 8,167m, Machhapuchhre 6,993m, and Hiunchuli at 6,441m. The Ghorepani-Poon Hill trail is well-established with cozy teahouses, hence ideal for beginners and families.

In contrast, the Mardi Himal Trekking is a rather off-the-beaten-path adventure to 4,500m (14,764 ft) at Mardi Himal Base Camp. The trek follows the path via Forest Camp at 2,600m, Low Camp at 2,970m, High Camp at 3,580m, and Upper Viewpoint at 4,200m. The Mardi trek offers fantastic close-up views of Machhapuchhre 6,993m, Annapurna South 7,219m, and Mardi Himal 5,587m. The Mardi Himal Trekking trail is quieter compared to Poon Hill Trekking and ideal for people seeking solitude and wilderness.

Whereas the Poon Hill trek is suitable for short-duration trekkers and classic sunrise views, Mardi Himal is better suited for adventurers in pursuit of higher and more remote wilderness.

Suggested Blog Posts about Poon Hill and Mardi Himal Trek

1. Ghorepani Poon Hill Jeep Ride

2. Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Route 

3. Poon Hill Trek in October

4. Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek in Winter

5. Poon Hill Trek Cost 

6. Annapurna Base Camp Jeep Ride

7. Where is the Best View of Annapurna Range?

8. Poon Hill Trek in December

9. Ghorepani-Poonhill Trek- A Complete Trekkers' Guide

10. Poon Hill Trek in Spring

11. Poon Hill Trek in March 

12. Poon Hill Trek in April

13. Poon HIll Trek in May

14.  Mardi Himal Vs. ABC

 Mardi Himal Vs Poon Hill : Highlights Compared 

 As part of spectacular trekking trips of Nepal, both the Poon Hill and Mardi Himal Treks offer stunning views of the Himalayan Mountains with diversified landscapes, offering a number of cultural explorations. On altitude, hardship, scenery, and experience altogether, they will show their disparities. Herein provided is their comprehensive comparison regarding five major heads which will support this statement vividly.

1. Elevation and Key Destinations

The famous viewpoint of the Poon Hill Trek is Poon Hill at 3,210m/10,531 ft near Ghorepani 2,874m/9,429 ft. The other major stops of Poon Hill Trekking will be Tikhedhunga 1,577m/5,173 ft, Ulleri 2,050m/6,725 ft, and Ghandruk- a traditional Gurung village 1,940m/6,365 ft. This trekking is pretty short and moderate, hence quite suitable for beginners. It is just 3-4 days hike from Pokhara.

Contrarily, Mardi Himal Trek leads trekkers higher up to 4,500m (14,764 ft) at Mardi Himal Base Camp. Some highlights along the way include Forest Camp at 2,600m/8,530 ft, Low Camp at 2,970m/9,744 ft, High Camp at 3,580m/11,745 ft, and Viewpoint at 4,200m/13,780 ft before reaching base camp. The Mardi trek involves a gradual ascend through heavily forested areas up until alpine ridges, hence is more demanding than Poon Hill.

2. Protected Areas and Natural Beauty

Both treks are in the ACA (Annapurna Conservation Area), a continuous protected area in Nepal spanning 7,629 km². Trekkers need to have an ACAP permit to enter the ACA and both treks, Poon Hill and Mardi Himal require ACAP.

Poon Hill Trek boasts of its rhododendron forests, especially in spring times (March–April), when red, pink, and white rhododendrons cover the trail route. The region is inhabited by wild animals such as langurs, Himalayan monals, and barking deer. The well-established trail traverses through villages, which have traditional stone-paved paths, therefore giving not only scenic but also culturally enriching experiences.

The Mardi Himal Trekking route is quite pristine and rather isolating as it makes its way up through dense oak, maple, and rhododendron forests before attaining the high-altitude grasslands. One can easily see Himalayan Thars, pheasants, and some yaks grazing higher up for Mardi trek. From lush forest to rugged alpine, a dramatic change in scenario goes in a row on this trail.

3. Mountain Views and Panoramas

Both treks, Mardi Himal and Poon Hill  offer spectacular views of the Annapurna range but from different perspectives.

From Poon Hill, one can see the 360-degree sunrise panorama of some of the most iconic peaks in Nepal: Annapurna I (8,091m/26,545 ft), Dhaulagiri (8,167m/26,795 ft), Machhapuchhre (6,993m/22,943 ft), Hiunchuli (6,441m/21,132 ft), and Nilgiri (7,061m/23,166 ft). The viewpoint of Poon Hill  is famous for its golden sunrise over these towering peaks, making it one of the best short treks for photography.

Mardi Himal Trek offers much closer views of the peaks: Machhapuchhre (Fishtail, 6,993m), Mardi Himal (5,587m), Annapurna South (7,219m), and Hiunchuli (6,441m). In contrast to Poon Hill, offering a wide-angle, distant panorama, the route of Mardi Himal can actually take trekkers walking along a ridge right in front of these close-up, snow-covered mountains, hence even more immersing. The dramatic ridgeline trek to Mardi Himal Base Camp is something different and unique, making trekkers feel a part of the Himalayas.

If you want massive and wider range of Annapurna range, go for Poon Hill and if you are an adventure lover and want to be part of core Annapurna Himalayas with closer and sharper views, you can choose Mari Himal, it’s simple.

4. Trekking Difficulty and Duration

Poon Hill Trek is graded as an easy to moderate trek, normally taking 4–5 days. It involves a very gradual ascent, especially on the well-maintained stone steps, but the most famous is the 3,200-step ascent at Ulleri but you can skip these tough ascent by jeep or bus ride to Ulleri/Banthanti from Pokhara via Tikhedhunga. Poon Hill  will be ideal for beginners and those seeking a short rewarding Himalayan experience.

The Mardi Himal Trek is a bit more challenging, lasting 5–7 days with steeper and narrower trails, especially from High Camp to Base Camp, where trekkers often face snow-covered or rocky ridges. Mardi Himal Trails is less crowded compared to Poon Hill Trail, offering a more tranquil experience but requiring better stamina and acclimatization because of the higher altitude.

5. Cultural Experience and Accommodation

Ghorepani- Poon Hill is a moderate, well-kept trek passing through several traditional Gurung and Magar villages: Ghorepani and Ghandruk. Here, one experiences genuine Nepali Himalaya hospitality with cultural dances and traditional food such as Dal Bhat, or lentil soup with rice, and Dhindo, millet porridge in these local villages on Poon Hill Route. Teahouses line this route, often offering pleasant sleeping accommodations, pleasant hot shower and hot Wi-Fi.

By contrast, the Mardi Himal Trek takes trekkers through more remote areas, with few settlements or basic lodges, especially at High Camp and Base Camp. Less cultural interaction exists, though a homestay in Siding, 1,750 meters above sea level, gives insight into traditional village life at the end of the trek.

Both Mardi Himal and Ghorepani Poon Hill give incredible experiences of the Himalayas but appeal to different types of trekkers. Poon Hill is recommended for beginners and people who would like to take a short, scenic, and culturally rich trek with comfortable accommodations, while Mardi Himal is really for trekkers in quest of solitude, adventure, and closeness with the high-altitude landscapes. Be it the golden sunrise over the Annapurna-Dhaulagiri range or walking along dramatic ridgelines beneath Machhapuchhre, both treks promise lifelong memories right in the lap of the Himalayas.

 Mardi Himal vs. Poon Hill : Beginning Points and Ending Points Compared 

Poon Hill Trek normally starts from Ulleri (2,050m) for the clockwise trek after a jeep and bus ride from Pokhara via Nayapul. Previously, it would begin from Nayapool/Birethanti. You can begin from Nayapool or Birethanti if you want oenjoy hiking few more day following the classical Ghorepani Poon Hill Trail. 

The counterclockwise trek begins from Ghandruk (1,940m). It concludes at Ghandruk (1,940m) or Nayapul (1,070m), depending on which direction one takes. Poon Hill  is a short, rewarding trek through rhododendron forests and traditional Gurung villages, with the highest elevation reached at Poon Hill, which is 3,210 meters.

In contrast, the Mardi Himal Trek begins from Kande (1,770m), which is just a short drive from Pokhara. The route goes upwards via Australian Camp and Forest Camp, reaching its highest point at Mardi Himal Base Camp at 4,500 meters. The trek ends at Siding (1,750m) or Lumre (1,100m) for a vehicle drive back to Pokhara.

The key difference between Poon Hill Starting point and Mardi Himal Trek Starting point is that while the Poon Hill Trek starts and ends at different elevations but remains lower, the Mardi Himal Trek involves a higher altitude climb-up and exits through a different route.

Which one is difficulty, Mardi Himal or Poon Hill?

Mardi Himal and Poon Hill treks differ in difficulties, terrain, and altitude challenges. Poon Hill is an easy to moderate trek, while Mardi Himal is more demanding. Both treks offer stunning Himalayan views but cater to different fitness levels and trekking experiences.

Poon Hill's altitude is up to 3,210 meters, while the Mardi Himal Viewpoint stands at 4,500 meters. The overall distance for Poon Hill is about 40 km, completed in 4–5 days. Mardi Himal is longer, at 49 km and taking 5–6 days. The length of each day's walk is different: it is 8–10 kilometers for Poon Hill and 10–12 kilometers for Mardi Himal. The time allocated to trekking is 4–6 hours per day in Poon Hill and 5–7 hours in Mardi Himal.

Poon Hill has a well-marked trail with stone steps and gradually rises into the rhododendron forests. Mardi Himal has steeper, narrower paths with some exposed ridges and scattered rocky sections. The altitude gain is more gradual in Poon Hill, hence offering a minimal chance of catching altitude sickness. Mardi Himal increases altitude quickly beyond 3,500m, for which proper acclimatization is necessary.

For Mardi Himal, trekking poles, warm layers, and strong stamina are crucial. Poon Hill requires the average kind of fitness and basic gear. While preparation is vital for both, Mardi Himal is more challenging physically because of altitude and terrain.

Which one offers more beautiful mountain views, Mardi Himal or Poon Hill? 

Mardi Himal and Poon Hill are, in fact, two of Nepal's best destinations for trekking, offering fantastic mountain views; however, their nature and panoramic scope differ totally.

Poon Hill (3,210m) is popular for its broad, panoramic view of the ranges of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. Viewers can witness the stunning Annapurna I (8,091m), Annapurna South (7,219m), Machhapuchhre (6,993m), Dhaulagiri (8,167m), and Hiunchuli (6,441m). It is a classic viewpoint for the sunrise effect of the Himalayas: golden lights shining on the peaks, while the bottom deep valleys create a dramatic contrast. The scenery is more open and expansive, hence making it ideal for those who appreciate sweeping vistas without strenuous trekking.

Mardi Himal at 4,500m is much closer and more intimate to the mountains, particularly the Machhapuchhre 6,993m. This trekking trail follows a high ridge where the Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Mardi Himal at 5,587m would be completely dominant. Mardi Himal places you right into the heart of the Annapurna region unlike Poon Hill, which had distant panoramic views.

While Poon Hill will provide the best option for a grand sunrise over several peaks, in Mardi Himal, it will be more rewarding to see an up-close towering mountain. It will definitely be more preferable to go for Mardi Himal in terms of immersion into the mountain.

Which one is Longer, Mardi Himal or Poon Hill? 

Mardi Himal Trek: 5–7 days

Route: Kande/Phedi – Forest Camp – Low Camp – High Camp – Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m) – Siding/Lumre

Distance: ~40–50 km

Elevation Gain: ~3,000m (starting ~1,700m to 4,500m)

Poon Hill Trek: 3–5 days

Route: Nayapul – Tikhedhunga – Ghorepani – Poon Hill (3,210m) – Tadapani – Ghandruk – Nayapul

Distance: ~30–40 km

Elevation Gain: ~1,500m (starting ~1,070m to 3,210m)

Comparison

Mardi Himal Trek is longer in duration, 5–7 days vs. 3–5 days, higher in elevation, 4,500m vs. 3,210m, and longer in trail length, ~50 km vs. ~40 km. It's more challenging because of altitude gain and terrain, whereas Poon Hill is easy and offers panoramic sunrise views.

Mardi Himal Highest Point and Poon Hill Highest Point: Compared 

Mardi Himal vs. Poon Hill: Altitude Comparison

Mardi Himal Trek Altitude Breakdown:

Kande – 1,770m

Australian Camp – 2,050m

Pothana – 1,950m

Forest Camp – 2,550m

Low Camp – 2,970m

High Camp – 3,580m

Mardi Himal Viewpoint (Highest Point) – 4,500m

Poon Hill Trek Altitude Breakdown:

Nayapul – 1,070m

Tikhedhunga – 1,570m

Ulleri – 2,050m

Ghorepani – 2,850m

Poon Hill (Highest Point) – 3,210m

Mardi Himal rises to a much higher elevation of 4,500m, while the highest elevation reached in Poon Hill is 3,210m. Mardi Himal Trek involves a more strenuous ascent across alpine terrain with close-up views of Annapurna. Though Poon Hill is much lower, it offers an easier hike up with a panorama sunrise view over Dhaulagiri and Annapurna. Mardi Himal suits adventure seekers who crave solitude and high-altitude trekking, while Poon Hill is ideal for a short, scenic trek with moderate difficulty.

Mardi Himal Trek Cost and Poon Hill Trek Cost: Compared 

The cost of both the Mardi Himal and Poon Hill treks in Nepal varies, for the fact that each has different experiences to offer.

Mardi Himal Trek Cost

It usually takes 5 days to complete and costs from $500 to $1,200 per person, depending on the service level.

Permits: The Annapurna Conservation Area Entry Permit costs NPR 3,000 (approximately $25) for foreign trekkers.

Accommodation: Teahouse accommodation costs between 5 and 8 USD per night, while package deals including meals are approximately 25 to 30 USD per night.

Meals: Meals will be around 3 to 7 USD per meal, although this will be more at higher altitudes.

Transportation: Kathmandu to Pokhara by Tourist bus will cost around 10 to 15 USD.

Guide and Porter: A guide will be around 25 to 30 USD per day and a porter around.

Poon Hill Trek Cost

This shorter trek generally takes 4 to 5 days and costs between $200 and $700 per person.

Permits: The entry permit to the Annapurna Conservation Area is NPR 3,000 (approximately $25) for foreign trekkers.

Accommodation: Teahouse accommodation costs around $3 to $5 per night. Some teahouses will also provide free accommodation in case one consumes their meals there. 

Meals: Meals start from $3 to $7, with prices increasing at higher altitudes.

Transportation: Touristic bus from Kathmandu to Pokhara costs about 10 to 15 dollars and again the transportation from Pokhara to Ulleri or Ghandruk costs $10-15 by jeep or bus. 

Guide and Porter: The cost of a guide is about $25 per day, while that of a porter is about $20 per day. 

In summary, both trekking routes, Ghorepani Poon Hill and Mardi Himal are relatively cheap; however, Mardi Himal is a bit pricey due to longer duration and high altitude. Cost may also vary based on the personal choices of trekkers and level of service they use.

Mardi Himal Trek Itinerary and Poon Hill Trek Itinerary: Compared 

Here is a comparison between the itineraries of the Poon Hill Trek and Mardi Himal Trek, with key details regarding place, elevation, time in hours, and distance.

Day 1: Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul (about 1-1.5 hours), trek to Tikhedhunga/Ulleri (about 5-6 hours)

Day 2: Trek to Ghorepani (about 6-7 hours), visit Poon Hill for sunrise by early morning trek.

Day 3: Trek to Tadapani (about 5-6 hours)

Day 4: Trek to Ghandruk (about 3-4 hours), back to Pokhara by driving around 2-3 hours.

Mardi Himal Trek (5-7 days):

Day 1: Drive to Kande (around 1.5 hours), then trek to Australian Camp (around 3-4 hours)

Day 2: Trek to Forest Camp (around 6-7 hours)

Day 3: Trek to High Camp (around 5-6 hours)

Day 4: Reach Mardi Himal Base Camp (around 4-5 hours), back to High Camp

Day 5: Back to Forest Camp

Day 6-7: Trek to Kande again in around 5-6 hours, then drive to Pokhara

In a nutshell, both the treks offer Himalayan views. However, Mardi Himal Trek is pretty challenging as it covers higher altitudes and travels a longer path. The Poon Hill trek is shorter and more accessible.

Final Words

While comparing Poon Hill and Mardi Himal Trek, both offer great views and rewarding experiences; however, both cater to different tastes. The highest point in Poon Hill is 3,210 meters, and the trek is relatively shorter and easier; it usually takes 4 to 5 days. Ideal for those who have less time or are seeking less strenuous adventure, the cost is approximately $300-400 USD. Mardi Himal stands higher up-4,500 meters-and takes 5 to 7 days to trek around it with a medium range of difficulties. Generally, the trekking difficulty for Mardi Himal is at a little higher scale compared to Poon Hill and costs approximately $350-450 USD. While Poon Hill offers all-round views of the Annapurna range, Mardi Himal offers less exploited trails with spectacular views of both the Annapurna and Machapuchare peaks. 

Concluding, Poon Hill is ideal for those trekkers who want a soft trek with spectacular views, while Mardi Himal is for those who want a more immersive and challenging trek. In other words, Mardi Himal is for those who really want an adventure into the core part of Annapurna Himalayas and Poon Hill is for those who want to witness mesmerizing sunrise and grand mountain views of Annapurna ranges with little and esy efforts.