Mardi Himal vs ABC vs Poon Hill: Which Trek is Right for You
Mardi Himal vs ABC vs Poon Hill: Which Annapurna Trek is Best for You?
Planning a trek in Nepal's Annapurna region and feeling overwhelmed by the choices? You're not alone. Three of the most popular options, Mardi Himal, Annapurna Base Camp (ABC), and Poon Hill, each offer breathtaking mountain views, but they differ wildly in crowd levels, difficulty, duration, and overall experience.
In this guide, I will break down the pros and cons of each trek, so you can confidently choose the one that matches your fitness, budget, and adventure goals. Let's settle the debate once and for all.
Mardi Himal Trek vs Annapurna Base Camp Trek: Which Should You Choose?
Both Mardi Himal and Annapurna Base Camp are popular trekking destinations in the Annapurna region. However, there are a few differences between these two, and they are:
Altitude:
- Mardi Himal Trek reaches a maximum altitude of 4,500 meters / 14,763 feet.
- Annapurna Base Camp Trek reaches a height of 4,130 meters / 13,550 feet.
Popularity:
- Mardi Himal is a newly opened destination, so it is less crowded and will offer a serene environment and solitude.
- ABC Trek is more popular and can be overcrowded in the season, resulting in a shortage of accommodation facilities.
Time:
- Mardi Trek can be completed in 5-8 days.
- ABC Trek usually takes 8-12 days to finish.
Difficulty:
- Though the Mardi Himal Trek is a moderate trek, it has steeper ascents and elevation gain.
- On the other hand, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek is steadier, and the elevation gain is gradual.
View:
- Mardi Trek offers panoramic views of Mardi Himal, Machapuchare (Fishtail), and the Annapurna range. The most amazing view is the settling of clouds below the valley, which we call a white sea.
- Whereas the Annapurna Base Camp Trek gives you closer views of Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Annapurna Fang, and other surrounding peaks.
Accommodations:
- Accommodation at Mardi Himal Trek is basic, but there are rare occasions when you wouldn’t find a room. Access to the teahouse is easy without worry.
- On the other hand, ABC Trek has limited teahouses, and in the peak season, there are times when trekkers are disappointed over not finding rooms. Most of the time, you have to share a room with unknown trekkers since most teahouses at ABC have a dormitory system.
Final Verdict: Choose Mardi Himal if you value peace, solitude, and unique cloud views. Choose ABC if you want the classic 'amphitheater' experience and don't mind crowds.
Mardi Himal Trek + Annapurna Base Camp Combined Trek Itinerary (15 Days)
Trekkers also do the Mardi Himal and the ABC trek combined, and below is the itinerary.
Trek Grade: Moderate to Challenging
Max Altitude: 4,500 m/14,763 feet (Mardi Himal Base Camp) and 4130m /13,459 feet (Annapurna Base Camp)
- DAY 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m) - Welcome at the airport and transfer to the hotel.
- DAY 02: Fly to Pokhara (820 m), 25 min flight / Explore Pokhara.
- DAY 03: Drive to Kande (1770 m/5807 feet), Trek to Pitam Deurali (2200m/7,218 feet) – 1hr Drive / 4 hrs trek.
- DAY 04: Trek to Forest Camp (2550m/8,366 feet) OR Rest Camp (2600m/8,530 feet) – 5 hrs
- DAY 05: Trek to Bandal Danda (3300m/ 10,826 feet) 4/5 hrs
- DAY 06: Trek to High Camp (3,550m / 11,646 feet) - Acclimatization – 2 hrs
- DAY 07: Trek to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500 m/14,763 feet) and trek back to Bandal Danda
- DAY 08: Trek to Landruk (1565m / 5135 feet)
- DAY 09: Trek to Chhomrong (2,170 m) - 5/6 hrs
- DAY 10: Trek to Dovan (2,600 m) - 5/6 hrs
- DAY 11: Trek to Machapuchare Base Camp (3,700 m)
- DAY 12: Trek to Annapurna Base Camp (4130m /13,459 feet), return to Sinuwa
- DAY 13: Trek to Jhinu Danda (1,780 m) - Hot Springs AND Drive to Pokhara
- DAY 14: Fly back to Kathmandu
- DAY 15: Departure
Mardi Himal vs Poon Hill: Which is Better for Beginners?
Altitude:
- Mardi Himal Trek reaches a maximum altitude of 4,500 meters / 14,763 feet.
- Poon Hill Trek reaches a height of 3,210 meters / 10,531 feet.
Popularity:
- Mardi Himal is a newly opened destination (2012), so it is less crowded and offers a serene environment and solitude even during peak season.
- Poon Hill is one of the most popular short treks in Nepal and can be very crowded, especially at sunrise on the viewpoint.
Time:
- Mardi Trek can be completed in 5-10 days, depending on your pace and itinerary.
- Poon Hill Trek usually takes 4-6 days to finish, making it ideal for weekend warriors.
Difficulty:
- Mardi Himal Trek is moderate with steeper ascents, particularly from Forest Camp to High Camp. It requires good fitness and stamina.
- Poon Hill Trek is easy to moderate. The main challenge is the 3,200 stone steps to Ghorepani, but overall, it is suitable for beginners and families.
The Views:
- Mardi Trek offers panoramic views of Mardi Himal, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli. The most magical view is the "white sea" of clouds settling below the ridgeline at the base camp.
- Poon Hill is famous for its sunrise panorama of Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Annapurna I (8,091m), Machhapuchhre, and over 30 other peaks turning golden in the morning light.
Accommodations:
- Accommodation at Mardi Himal Trek is basic but sufficient. Teahouses are newer, clean, and rarely full. You will almost always find a room without competition.
- Poon Hill has well-established teahouses with better facilities (hot showers, Wi-Fi, charging). However, during peak season, Ghorepani can get extremely crowded, and you may need to share rooms or sleep in dining halls.
Best For:
- Mardi Himal is best for trekkers who want peace, solitude, unique cloud views, and a genuine off-the-beaten-path experience.
- Poon Hill is best for first-time trekkers, families, elderly travelers, or anyone with limited time who still wants classic Himalayan sunrise views.
Final Verdict:
Choose Mardi Himal if you have 7-10 days, moderate fitness, and crave solitude with dramatic ridgeline walking.
Choose Poon Hill if you have 4-6 days, are a beginner, or want the iconic sunrise panorama without too much physical strain.
Mardi Himal Trek + Poon Hill Combined Trek Itinerary (14 Days)
Trekkers also do the Mardi Himal and Poon Hill Trek combined, and below is the itinerary.
Trek Grade: Moderate to Challenging
Max Altitude: 4,500 m/14,763 feet (Mardi Himal Base Camp)
- DAY 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m) - Welcome at the airport and transfer to the hotel.
- DAY 02: Fly to Pokhara (820 m), 25 min flight / Explore Pokhara.
- DAY 03: Drive to Kande (1770 m/5807 feet), Trek to Pitam Deurali (2200m/7,218 feet) - 1hr Drive / 4 hrs trek.
- DAY 04: Trek to Forest Camp (2550m/8,366 feet) OR Rest Camp (2600m/8,530 feet) – 5 hrs
- DAY 05: Trek to Bandal Danda (3300m/ 10,826 feet) 4/5 hrs
- DAY 06: Trek to High Camp (3,550m / 11,646 feet) - Acclimatization - 2 hrs
- DAY 07: Trek to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500 m/14,763 feet) and trek back to Forest Camp
- DAY 08: Trek to Landruk (1565m / 5135 feet)
- DAY 09: Trek to Ghandruk (1940 m / 6364 feet), the Biggest Ancient Gurung Village in the Region
- DAY 10: Trek to Tadapani (2630m/8628 feet)
- DAY 11: Trek to Ghorepani (2,860m / 9,383feet)
- DAY 12: Excursion to Poon Hill (3200 m / 10,498 feet) and trek to Banthanti and Drive to Pokhara.
- DAY 13: Fly back to Kathmandu
- DAY 14: Departure
Which Trek Should You Choose? A Simple Decision Guide
Choose Mardi Himal if you:
- Want peace, quiet, and uncrowded trails
- Are fascinated by the "white sea" of clouds below the mountains
- Have 7-10 days available
- Are moderately fit and okay with some steep sections
- Want a genuine teahouse experience without bed fights
- Prefer winter trekking (Mardi is excellent in December-February)
Choose Annapurna Base Camp if you:
- Want the classic, iconic Nepali trekking experience
- Want to stand inside a ring of 7,000m+ peaks
- Prefer gradual, steady climbs over steep switchbacks
- Don't mind sharing trails and teahouses with many others
- Have 10-12 days
Choose Poon Hill if you:
- Are a complete beginner or traveling with children/elders
- You only have 4-6 days for trekking
- Want the famous sunrise mountain panorama
- Prefer well-marked, stone-step trails
- Are on a tighter budget
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I combine Mardi Himal and ABC?
Yes. A 15-day combined itinerary exists, but it's demanding. You'll trek Mardi first, then connect to ABC via Landruk and Chhomrong. Ask us for a custom quote.
Which trek has better teahouse food?
All three serve similar menus (dal bhat, noodles, momos, pizza, pasta). ABC has slightly more variety due to higher foot traffic.
Do I need a guide for these treks?
ABC and Poon Hill can technically be done independently. Mardi Himal is less marked - we strongly recommend a guide for safety and navigation.
Which trek is best for solo travelers?
Mardi Himal. The smaller crowds mean you'll actually connect with fellow trekkers rather than getting lost in a sea of people.
Ready to Book Your Annapurna Trek?
We offer all three treks with flexible itineraries, licensed guides, and all-inclusive pricing.
Not sure yet? Contact us with your travel dates and fitness level, and we will recommend the perfect trek for you.
