Trekking in Nepal is an involvement like no other. With the compelling Himalayas as a scenery, assorted trails, and social inundation at each step, Nepal offers something for each trekker. Two of the most prevalent brief treks in the Annapurna region—Mardi Himal trek and Classic Poon hill Trek—are perfect for those looking for excellence, consolation, and experience without the expanded length of the longer circuits. But which trek ought to you select? In this article, we’ll investigate both these treks in detail to offer assistance when you choose which one adjusts with your travel objectives, physical capability, and craving for adventure.
Overview of the Mardi Himal Trek
The Mardi Himal trek is a covered up pearl that has as of late picked up notoriety among trekkers looking for a calmer, off-the-beaten-path encounter in the Annapurna region. It leads you to the base of Mardi Himal (5,587m), advertising striking close-up views of Machapuchare (Fishtail Top), Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli. This trek is best known for its quiet trails, emotional ridgelines, and dazzling high-altitude displays that match the more swarmed routes.
Starting from Kande or Phedi, the path winds through rhododendron timberlands, charming teahouses, and elevated knolls some time recently coming to Mardi Himal Base Camp at around 4,500 meters. The path is modestly challenging, with a few soak risings but generally brief trekking days.
Overview of the Classic Poon hill Trek
The Classic Poon hill trek is one of Nepal’s most famous brief treks, appropriate for tenderfoots and families. It’s celebrated for its dawn view from Poon hill (3,210m), where trekkers witness a 360-degree scene of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Machapuchare, and Nilgiri shining in brilliant tints. The course passes through dynamic Gurung and Magar towns, such as Ghorepani, Ghandruk, and Tadapani, advertising wealthy social experiences and comfortable accommodations.
The trek as a rule starts from Nayapul, close to Pokhara, and takes after a circular course. It highlights stone staircases, lavish woodlands, and terraced farmlands, making it a generally simple and picturesque climb. Its moo height and well-established foundation make it culminate for those with constrained time or experience.
Trekking Encounter and Difficulty
Mardi Himal trek:
The Mardi Himal trek is perfect for trekkers looking for isolation and enterprise. The path feels farther and perfect, particularly over the timberland line, where limit edges and open vistas overwhelm the scene. Whereas it is considered a direct trek, it includes a few soak climbs and strolling at higher elevations than the Poon hill trek. Physical wellness and past trekking encounters can be supportive, in spite of the fact that it is not mandatory.
The territory is varied—starting in thick woodlands, transitioning to snow capped meadows, and at last coming to a fruitless and blustery tall camp. The height can be a challenge for a few, as trekkers go over 4,000 meters. In any case, appropriate acclimatization days are built into most schedules to decrease the chance of height sickness.
Classic Poon hill trek:
The Classic Poon hill trek is altogether less demanding and more beginner-friendly. It doesn’t surpass 3,210 meters in height, so elevation ailment is once in a while a concern. The well-trodden ways and visit teahouses make it perfect for families, more seasoned grown-ups, or anybody looking for a gentler trek.
While the climb to Poon hill includes a bit of a tough climb, particularly from Ulleri to Ghorepani, the general height pick up is slow, and day by day strolling hours are sensible. This trek is regularly chosen by those who need a taste of the Himalayas without committing to a physically requesting expedition.
Scenery and Landscape
Mardi Himal:
What sets the Mardi Himal trek apart is the sensational view. From the Woodland Camp to Tall Camp, you steadily rise over the tree line and March along a staggering edge line with nonstop sees of Machapuchare, Annapurna I, and Mardi Himal. The vicinity to the mountains is astounding—at Tall Camp and Base Camp, you feel as though you can reach out and touch the cold giants.
During spring, the path bursts with sprouting rhododendron woodlands, whereas in harvest time, the skies are crystal-clear, advertising a few of the most photogenic sees in the region. The tough landscape, yaks touching on snow capped glades, and restricted foot activity deliver Mardi Himal a genuine Himalayan wild feel.
Poon hill:
The Poon hill trek might not take you as near to the peaks as Mardi Himal, but it offers seemingly the best dawn perspective in Nepal. From the beat of Poon hill, you see the whole Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges washed in early morning light. The view along the path is wealthy and varied—lush green hills, bamboo timberlands, waterfalls, and colorful villages.
The social scene is fair as captivating, with conventional houses, supplication banners, and terraced ranches speaking the region. Whereas it needs the tall elevated dramatization of Mardi Himal, the magnificence of the timberlands and the social components make this trek unimaginably rewarding.
Culture and Nearby Experience
Mardi Himal:
Cultural encounters on the Mardi Himal trek are unobtrusive but bona fide. Since the path is less commercialized, you get a closer look into nearby life. You’ll be associated for the most part with Gurung and Magar families running little teahouses or cultivating in farther settlements. The lodges are essential but cozy, and the sense of separation makes openings for important conversations.
While there are less social destinations, the Mardi Himal trail’s tranquility permits you to appreciate the rhythms of provincial life in the Himalayas without distraction.
Poon hill:
The Classic Poon hill trek gives a more immersive social involvement. The towns of Ghorepani, Tadapani, and Ghandruk are known for their neighborliness, conventional design, and social lavishness. In Ghandruk, you can indeed visit the Gurung Exhibition hall and witness social programs.
Teahouses here are more created, frequently with way better comforts and more assorted menus. Since this course sees more visitors, neighborhood communities are well-adapted to facilitating guests, and the social intuitive are neighborly and plentiful.
Accommodation and Food
Mardi Himal:
Since Mardi Himal is still considered a more up to date course, the foundation is essential. Teahouses are accessible at each major halt, but they are regularly little, with less conveniences. You may discover rooms with shared toilets, constrained menu choices, and no web in a few areas.
However, the straightforwardness includes the charm, and the food—though basic—is warm, generous, and feeding. Anticipate dishes like dal bhat, noodles, soups, and neighborhood potatoes.
Poon hill:
The Poon hill path is well-established and gets numerous trekkers each year, so the settlement and nourishment alternatives are more assorted and created. Teahouses frequently offer private rooms with en-suite washrooms, hot showers, and Wi-Fi in a few locations.
Menus incorporate everything from dal bhat to pizza, hotcakes, and browned rice. The consolation level is higher, making this trek a great choice for those who need to appreciate the Himalayas without relinquishing as well numerous conveniences.
Best Time to Trek
Mardi Himal
The best seasons to trek Mardi Himal are spring (March to May) and harvest time (September to November). In spring, the woodlands are filled with sprouting rhododendrons, and the mountain sees are fresh. Harvest time offers the clearest skies and steady climate, idealizing photography.
Poon Hill
Poon hill can be trekked nearly year-round, but spring and harvest time are once more the best times. Winter (December to February) is moreover doable, as the lower rises don’t get much snow. The path remains wonderful indeed amid the storm, in spite of the fact that leeches and cloud-covered seas can be drawbacks.
Itinerary Comparison
Mardi Himal trek Schedule (7 Days)
Day 1: Drive from Pokhara to Kande, trek to Timberland Camp
Day 2: trek to Moo Camp
Day 3: trek to Tall Camp
Day 4: Climb to Mardi Himal Base Camp, return to Tall Camp
Day 5: trek to Siding Village
Day 6: Drive back to Pokhara
Day 7: Buffer or touring day in Pokhara
Classic Poon hill trek Schedule (5 Days)
Day 1: Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul, trek to Tikhedhunga
Day 2: trek to Ghorepani
Day 3: Early climb to Poon hill, trek to Tadapani
Day 4: trek to Ghandruk
Day 5: trek to Nayapul, drive to Pokhara
Final Decision: Which trek is Right for You?
Choose Mardi Himal if you:
Want an off-the-beaten-path involvement with less trekkers
Are comfortable with direct trekking at higher altitudes
Prefer snow capped scenes and ridge-line trails
Are looking for closer mountain sees and a more out of control feel
Choose Classic Poon hill if you:
Are a tenderfoot or traveling with family
Want social abundance with direct effort
Prefer way better convenience and a more social trail
Have restricted time or need a brief beautiful trek
Both treks offer exceptional Himalayan encounters and are generally brief, making them culminate for those without weeks to spend in the mountains. Eventually, your choice comes down to what kind of involvement you esteem most—solitude and sensational scenes, or social experiences and comfortable trails.
FAQs
- Which trek has superior mountain views—Mardi Himal or Poon Hill?
Mardi Himal offers closer and more sensational views of Machapuchare and Annapurna, whereas Poon hill offers an all encompassing dawn over numerous peaks.
- Is Mardi Himal harder than Poon Hill?
Yes, Mardi Himal includes higher height and more extreme climbs, making it modestly more difficult.
- Can tenderfoots do the Mardi Himal Trek?
Fit apprentices with a few arrangements can do Mardi Himal, in spite of the fact that Poon hill is less demanding and more appropriate for first-time trekkers.
- Which trek is more crowded?
Poon hill is busier due to its notoriety; Mardi Himal is calmer and less commercialized.
- Do both treks begin from Pokhara?
Yes, both treks start from Pokhara with a distinctive beginning and a brief drive absent
Nepal Wilderness Trekking Treks is a trusted and experienced trekking company offering:
- Expert local guides with deep knowledge.
- Customizable trekking packages to suit different needs and budgets
- High safety standards and top-notch logistics
- Luxury trekking options with helicopter returns and high-end lodges
If you’re planning your next adventure in these treks, let Nepal Wilderness Trekking make your trek an unforgettable experience.
Contact Details
Company address: Nepal Wilderness Trekking Pvt. Ltd.
Kathmandu, Nepal
Mobile & WhatsApp: +9779849693351
Email:info@nepalindependentguide.com
Website: https://www.nepalindependentguide.com