Poonhill and Mardi Trek is one of the most adventurous treks in Nepal. High in the Himalayan Mountains, lies the small Kingdom of Nepal. The lofty mountains, deep valleys, and exotic wildlife in the lush forest make it a paradise. Diverse people along with their unique cultures have increased Nepal’s beauty. Poonhill and Mardi Trek will provide you with an opportunity to meditate in the serenity of the Himalayas. Also, you get a full insight into the cultural, traditional, and historical aspects of this place.Â
Poon Hill is the beautiful ridge located inside the Annapurna Sanctuary. It offers the best sunrise view that sets against the backdrop of majestic mountains. Mardi Trek is a famous destination in the Annapurna region. The trek is positioned at the base of the Mardi Himal and Fishtail Mountain. The trek goes along small winding paths through dense rhododendron forests.
Poonhill and Mardi Trek begin from Kathmandu, as we drive for 5-6 hours to Pokhara. On the way to Pokhara, you can observe various terrains and scenic views. Pokhara is one of the touristic places of Nepal. From Pokhara, we need to drive for 2 hours to reach Nayapul. Nayapul is one of the gateways to the Annapurna Region. To reach Tikhedhunga from Nayapul, you’ll need to hike for 4 hours. Moving forward, we hike 6-7 hours to reach Ghorepani PoonHill.
Walking through dense rhododendron forests and capturing beautiful scenes. Start 1-hour hike to Poon Hill early in the morning for the best sunrise view. You can observe 360-degree views of the Himalayas like the Annapurna Massif, and Dhaulagiri range. After observing the fascinating sunrise view and the Himalayas, hike toward Tadapani. Â
Tadapani
Now, ascend towards Landruk which connects to the Mardi Himal trail for 6-7 hours. Pass through dense rhododendron forests to reach Low Base Camp from Landruk. After reaching Low Base Camp, it takes around 1 hour to get to Badal Danda. From Badal Danda, it takes 2-3 hours of hike to reach High Camp. After reaching High Camp, you can see Annapurna and Fishtail Mountain up close. After enjoying the fascinating view of the mountains, hike towards Upper Viewpoint and from there to Mardi Himal Base Camp. Later, head back towards High Camp. Early in the morning, you can enjoy the sunrise with coffee and head towards Sidhing Village. The hiking trail is relatively easier as it is continuous downhill. After reaching Siding Village, we drive towards Pokhara. And from Pokhara, enjoy the scenic view while we drive back towards Kathmandu.Â
The best time for trekking the Poonhill and Mardi Trek is Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September – November) with comfortable temperatures and clear blue skies. In this ideal time, the weather and temperatures are generally steady, clean, and clear and the forests are vibrant and offer stunning views over the Himalayas.
As you arrive, Asian Heritage Treks & Travel representative will welcome you at the Airport with your nameplate. Then, you shall immediately be transferred to the hotel. On the way to Hotel, you will pass by the Open cremation Place (Pashupatinath temple), Royal Palace Museum i.e. Narayanhity, and Garden Of Dream before you reach Thamel. Your hotel will be downtown at Touristic Hub. Our representative will facilitate you and discuss your travel itinerary. There will be enough time to stroll through the street of Thamel.
Accommodation: Overnight in a Hotel Yatri Suites & Spa or similar.
After Breakfast, our tour guide will pick you up along with the driver and a vehicle. Firstly you will visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO world heritage site where you can observe the typical wood-carved temples and buildings reflecting the ancient Kathmandu city.
Afterward, we will head towards Swyambhunath- the monkey temple where you can observe the panoramic view of Kathmandu city. Then after, you will visit the Pashupatinath Temple, one of the biggest pilgrimage sites for the Hindu religion people in south-east Asia. You will explore the surroundings and observe the ritual body cremating ceremony process of the Hindu people. We can also visit another pilgrimage site nearby the Pashupatinath Temple i.e. Guweyswori Temple.
Lastly, we will visit Boudhanath Stupa, another UNESCO world heritage site. The stupa was built in 600 A.D. and is the only one of kind of Stupa which reflects Buddhism in the world. We shall explore the surroundings of Boudhanath Stupa. After completing our sightseeing, you can get back to the hotel and enjoy some rest.
Accommodation: Overnight in Hotel Yatri Suites & Spa or similar.
Today, we shall drive you from Kathmandu to Pokhara. It is about 5-6 hours of drive. On the way, you can enjoy the beautiful mountains scenes. Check-in at the hotel and rest.
Accommodation: Overnight in Hotel Crystal Palace or similar.
In the morning, we shall drive to Nayapul. It is famous as the gateway to the Annapurna region. From Nayapul, you’ll hike to Tikhedhunga.
Accommodation: Overnight in available local lodge.
After breakfast, start ascending through the rhododendron forest. We walk along with the stone-paved staircase. After Ulleri, the trail gets easier as compared to the earlier hike.
Accommodation: Overnight in available Local Lodge
For the best sunrise view, we wake up around 4 A.M and start our hour-long hike to Ponn Hill. The path is steep uphill to the top. Here, you can get a 360-degree view of the Himalayas and hills. Enjoy the sunrise with the Annapurna massif, the Dhaulagiri range, and the other Himalayas. Afterward, get rest and hike to Tadapani village.
Accommodation: Overnight in available Local Lodge
From today, you’ll follow the path leading to Landruk which continues to the Mardi Himal trek. Descending from Landruk, we cross the river and then ascend to Landruk village.
Accommodation: Overnight in available Local Lodge
Start ascending the hill as we pass through the dense forest to reach Forest Camp. Take some rest and resume hiking to Low Base Camp. From here, it is 45 minutes to ascend to Badal Danda. From Badal Danda, the view of Annapurna and Fishtail Mountain is magnificent.
Accommodation: Overnight in available Local lodge
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From Badal Danda, we keep climbing up to reach High Camp. The High Camp is just two hours of ascent from Badal Danda. On reaching High Camp, the view of Annapurna and Fishtail is even closer. Then, you can hike to the upper viewpoint and then to Mardi Himal Base Camp. Later, return to High Camp.
Accommodation: Overnight in available Local Lodge
In the morning, enjoy the sunrise from High Camp and then start your descent to Sidhing village. The return journey is much easier as the trail is continuous downhill till Sidhing. From Siding, you’ll travel to Pokhara.
Accommodation: Overnight in Hotel Crystal Palace or similar.
Today, you will be sightseeing the beautiful Pokhara. The enigmatic Davi’s Falls is a few minute’s drive away. The Pardi Khola, an outflow from Phewa Lake makes the fall. Devi’s Fall disappears into a mysterious cavern in the ground as it creates magnificent sprays. Another attraction is the Seti Gandaki River, which flows right through the heart of the town.
The limestone in the soil gives the river its milky color. At certain spots, the Seti Gandaki runs completely underground. Several Tibetan settlements around Pokhara sell handicraft goods & Tibetan carpets. Moreover, we will visit Davi’s Waterfall, Gupteswor Mahade, and International Mountain Museum.
Accommodation: Overnight in Hotel Crystal Palace or similar.
Today, you begin with an early drive to Sarangkot. Here, we can capture the tranquil and magical view of the city before sunrise. The first rays of sunlight hitting the mountains in the background are magnificent. Further, Sarangkot offers panoramic views of the Annapurna, Fishtail, Dhaulagiri, and other mountains.
Thereafter, we shall go boating at Fewa Lake and we shall hike towards Peace Stupa. Pokhara Shanti Stupa is a Buddhist pagoda-style monument located on Anadu Hill of Kaski. The boat trip crossing Phewa Lake from Pumdi Bhumdi Bay to Phewa Ghat lasts up to half an hour. It’s a good opportunity to enjoy the sight of Himalayan peaks reflecting on the water. It is also a relaxing way to end a hiking day and a panoramic loop at the World Peace Pagoda.
Accommodation: Overnight in Hotel Crystal Palace or similar.
This day you will have a scenic drive back to Kathmandu. The drive starts from Pokhara after breakfast. Upon arrival at Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel. In the evening, you can stroll around the downtown area in Thamel.
Accommodation: Overnight in Hotel Yatri Suites and Spa or similar.
Today, our guide will receive you and then drive you to Patan. You’ll be driven to one of the ancient cities inside Kathmandu Valley i.e. Patan Durbar Square. In Patan, you will be visiting other Krishna Temples and Patan Museum. Here, you can learn more about the history of Patan and the kings who reigned here. Later, you visit the Golden Temple, a major attraction for both Hindu and Buddhist people.
Then after, you will be visiting Bhaktapur. Anyone will be amazed by the architecture of Bhaktapur. Until today, the city has been able to intact in its old form. You can observe the old wood-carved buildings all around Bhaktapur. Explore the surroundings and afterward visit the Nyatapola Temple. it’s one of the biggest temples in Nepal. Here, you can also take the pottery-making class using traditional methods. You will visit Pottery Square. You can also take the pottery-making class using traditional methods. Once you have your basic shape hammered out, you can learn to adorn your creation with beautiful patterns and inscriptions.
Accommodation: Overnight in Hotel Yatri Suites and Spa or similar.
Your trip will come to an end today after breakfast. You will be advised and assisted with your onward travel arrangements. Then, you will be transferred to Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport. You will reach the airport around 3 hours before your flight schedule.