Trekking · Nepal
Poon Hill vs Mardi Himal Trek
Two short Annapurna treks compared — the famous Poon Hill sunrise versus the quiet Mardi Himal ridge under Machhapuchhre.
For a first trek, Poon Hill is the easier and safer pick and Mardi Himal is the quieter, higher one — both are short Annapurna-region routes from Pokhara, but they feel very different. Poon Hill is a low, comfortable classic with a famous sunrise; Mardi Himal is a moderate ridge climb under Machhapuchhre with far fewer people. This page compares them directly so you can choose, or combine them.
The quick verdict
Choose the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek if you are nervous about altitude, short on time or trekking with family — it tops out at 3,210 m over four to five days. Choose the Mardi Himal trek if you want solitude and a higher ridge, accepting a 4,500 m viewpoint over five to seven days. For the wider field, see the best first trek in Nepal comparison.
Difficulty and altitude
Poon Hill is easy: short days, well-built trails and a modest high point, with the only real effort being the stone staircase to Ulleri. Mardi Himal is moderate, climbing higher and steeper, with exposed upper sections to Mardi Himal Base Camp at 4,500 m. The extra height means altitude deserves more respect — read about altitude sickness in Nepal before the upper camps.
Scenery and crowds
Poon Hill delivers a broad dawn panorama across the Annapurna range and Dhaulagiri, but the viewpoint is busy at sunrise. Mardi Himal trades that wide vista for intimacy: you walk a forested then alpine ridge with Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) looming close, and you will often have whole stretches to yourself.
Cost and logistics
Both are staged from Pokhara and both need the ACAP permit and a TIMS card. Poon Hill is cheaper because it is shorter, with on-trail costs around USD 20–35 a day. Mardi Himal costs a little more for the extra days and has fewer lodges high up, so book ahead in peak season.
Combine them
You do not have to choose. A popular eight-to-ten-day itinerary links both, doing the Poon Hill loop first and crossing via Landruk and Forest Camp onto the Mardi Himal ridge. That combination is one of the best longer beginner trips in the Annapurna region.
Plan your trek
Pick spring for rhododendrons or autumn for clarity, and sort permits and kit through our Nepal trekking guide. To see how these two fit alongside Langtang and the base camps, start at the best first trek in Nepal hub.
Frequently asked questions
Is Poon Hill or Mardi Himal better for beginners?+
Poon Hill is the easier and safer first trek, topping out at 3,210 m over four to five days with the comfiest teahouses and short days. Mardi Himal is a moderate step up, reaching 4,500 m at its viewpoint over five to seven days, with fewer crowds and closer Machhapuchhre views.
Which trek has better views, Poon Hill or Mardi Himal?+
Poon Hill gives a famous wide sunrise panorama over the Annapurna range and Dhaulagiri from a low viewpoint. Mardi Himal puts you on a high ridge directly beneath Machhapuchhre, with more intimate, in-your-face mountain scenery as you climb.
Which is harder, Poon Hill or Mardi Himal?+
Mardi Himal is harder. It is longer, climbs higher to 4,500 m and has steeper, more exposed upper sections, so altitude matters more. Poon Hill stays lower and gentler, with its toughest part being the stone staircase up to Ulleri.
Can you combine Poon Hill and Mardi Himal?+
Yes. A popular extended itinerary links the two, starting with the Ghorepani Poon Hill loop and continuing via Landruk and Forest Camp onto the Mardi Himal ridge. Combined, it runs roughly eight to ten days and gives the best of both treks.
