The Mardi Himal Trek via Poon Hill is probably the most amazing journey in Nepal's Annapurna region, which gives you not only fabulous mountain vistas but also local cultural experiences. Well, it's the route from Nayapul that will take you to the villages like Birethanti, Tikhedhunga, and Ulleri to get to Ghorepani (2,855 m), the most popular village of the mentioned region. Keep in mind, though, that the 40-minute climb from Ghorepani to Poon Hill (3,210 m), in the early morning, is definitely worthy of doing, as breathtaking sunrise views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges are guaranteed, not to mention the iconic Machhapuchhre.
The path out of Ghorepani leads trekkers through Tadapani - a place that sits in the middle of rhododendron forests with some beautiful landscapes around. From Tadapani, the route leads to Ghandruk, a traditional Gurung village known for its stone houses, rich culture, and stunning Himalayan views. From there, the trail descends to the Modi Khola river, crosses a suspension bridge, and ascends to Landruk village, blending natural beauty with rich cultural heritage.
To leave Landruk, one must continue through Forest Camp, Low Camp, and High Camp (3,600 m), when the trail becomes a mixture of forests and alpine meadows. The path has both gentle and steep sections, but overall, it allows trekkers to reach Mardi Himal Base Camp with fewer crowds and a more peaceful experience. Once after that, one can continue the trek by first descending down to Siding Village and then to Lumre from where a drive back to Pokhara will get them to the end of the trek.
The Mardi Himal Base Camp is situated at an altitude of 4,500 meters, and it is really delightful to be so close to the mountains. If one walks up to the base camp he can enjoy a 360-degree view of the Annapurna mountain ranges and also of the huge mountains like the Machhapuchhre. From the golden sunrise at Poon Hill to the cultural richness of mountain villages and the stunning ascent to Mardi Himal Base Camp, this trek offers one of the most rewarding and varied experiences in the Annapurna region.