Ghorepani Poon Hill with Mardi Himal Trek (12 Days)

After breakfast, we leave Kathmandu by tourist bus and travel towards Pokhara. The road follows river valleys through the middle hills, passing towns and farmland before reaching the lakeside city.

Traffic, roadworks and weather can affect the journey, so keep medicines and essentials in your daypack. After reaching Pokhara, check into your hotel and rest before the trekking begins. If time allows, take a walk beside Phewa Lake, with views towards Machhapuchhre in clear weather. Tomorrow’s journey brings you to Birethanti and the walking trail.

We drive from Pokhara to Birethanti, where the trekking begins. The trail follows paths and terraced fields towards Tikhedhunga before climbing the stone staircase that leads to Ulleri.

The steps make this first walking day demanding, so take breaks and choose a pace you can maintain. Farmland and hillside homes line the approach, with mountain views appearing when the weather allows. At Ulleri, check into your teahouse, organise your belongings and rest before tomorrow’s climb through the forest towards Ghorepani and the sunrise viewpoint.

Leaving Ulleri, we follow the uphill trail towards Ghorepani. Rhododendron and oak forest cover much of the route, with village paths and steps connecting the shaded sections as you continue higher through the hills.

In spring, flowering rhododendrons can add colour along the forest trail. After reaching Ghorepani, settle into the teahouse and rest. Have your headlamp and warm layers ready for tomorrow’s early climb to Poon Hill, with the departure time adjusted to the season.

We leave Ghorepani before sunrise and climb to Poon Hill. A headlamp helps on the dark stone steps, while warm layers make the wait at the viewpoint more comfortable.

At 3,210 m, Poon Hill offers views across the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. On clear mornings, the first sunlight reaches peaks above the forested hills. Take time to enjoy the mountain view before returning to Ghorepani.

After breakfast in Ghorepani, we continue towards Tadapani. The forest trail includes several climbs and descents before reaching the teahouse, our overnight stop before tomorrow’s village walk.

We leave Tadapani and descend through the forest towards Ghandruk. The village’s stone houses and terraced slopes reflect its Gurung community. After passing through the village, the trail continues down towards the Modi Khola valley.

Crossing the valley is followed by an uphill approach to Landruk, so prepare for the climb. The village lies across the hills from Ghandruk, with cultivated terraces around its houses. We stay here before tomorrow’s climb towards Forest Camp and the Mardi Himal trail.

From Landruk, we leave the village paths and climb towards Forest Camp. Rhododendron and oak woodland cover the slopes, giving shade along sections of the route. The climb gains height as the village falls behind.

This stage brings you onto the Mardi Himal approach after the Ghorepani and Ghandruk section. Expect a sustained uphill walk rather than a transfer between villages. At Forest Camp, settle into the teahouse and prepare for tomorrow’s higher overnight stop.

We leave Forest Camp and climb towards Low Camp, continuing through woodland before reaching the more open slopes around Badal Danda. As the trees become fewer, views of Machhapuchhre and the Annapurna peaks appear when skies are clear.

The route continues along the ridge towards High Camp, the highest overnight stop of the trek. Today brings a substantial gain in sleeping altitude. Keep a steady pace and tell your guide about symptoms before preparing for the viewpoint hike.

We start early for the climb from High Camp to the Mardi Himal Upper Viewpoint. The route follows higher ground along the ridge, with steep, rocky and exposed sections. In clear weather, Machhapuchhre and the Annapurna peaks are visible ahead.

The planned viewpoint is around 4,200 m, the highest point of this itinerary. Your guide assesses conditions before the climb, particularly when snow or poor visibility affects the ridge. After the visit, descend through High Camp towards Badal Danda for a lower overnight stay.

Our final walking morning begins with the descent from Badal Danda towards Siding. The trail returns through forest to village paths, with the warmer lower hills replacing the open mountain ridge.

At Siding, the trekking section ends and we travel by road to Pokhara. Driving time depends on the pickup point and local road conditions. After checking into your hotel, the remaining time is free. You can walk beside Phewa Lake or enjoy a meal around Lakeside at your own expense.

After breakfast, we leave Pokhara by tourist bus and return towards Kathmandu. The road follows valleys and hillsides, with journeys taking longer when traffic or roadworks affect travel.

On arrival, check into your hotel and organise your belongings for tomorrow’s departure. Depending on arrival time, you can rest or take a walk around Thamel. Keep flexibility around the drive, as road and weather conditions affect the schedule.

Your 12-day Ghorepani Poon Hill with Mardi Himal Trek ends today. After breakfast, check your belongings and prepare for departure. Depending on your flight time, you may have time for a walk before leaving Kathmandu.

Our representative accompanies you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure.