# Poon Hill or Mardi Himal? Choosing Your Short Annapurna Trek

_Published 6 August 2025_

If you have about a week and you are starting from Pokhara, the two treks most people consider are **Poon Hill** and **Mardi Himal**. Both are short, both have superb mountain views, and both can be done in five to seven days. But they feel quite different on the ground. Here's how to choose.

**Quick answer:** choose **Poon Hill** for an easier trek with a classic sunrise panorama, rhododendron forests, comfortable lodges and Gurung and Magar villages. Choose **Mardi Himal** for a higher, wilder ridge walk with close-up views of **Machhapuchhre**, fewer villages and a steeper final climb to about **4,500 m**. Fit first-timers can do either; families and beginners usually prefer Poon Hill.

## Side by side

Poon HillMardi HimalDays from Pokhara4–55–6Highest pointPoon Hill, 3,210 mViewpoints around 4,500 mHighest nightGhorepani, 2,860 mHigh Camp, about 3,580 mGradeEasy to moderateModerateSignature viewSunrise over Dhaulagiri and the AnnapurnasMachhapuchhre and Annapurna South up closeLandscapeVillages, terraces, rhododendron forestCloud forest, then an open ridgeCultureGurung and Magar villagesFew villages above the forestLodgesMany, comfortableFewer, simpler higher upCrowdsBusy in peak seasonQuieter, but growing## The views

**Poon Hill** is famous for its wide sunrise panorama: from Dhaulagiri on the left across the Kali Gandaki to Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre. You climb about an hour before dawn from Ghorepani and watch the light move along the range.

**Mardi Himal** is more intimate and dramatic. The trail climbs along a narrow grassy ridge straight towards the fishtail summit of **Machhapuchhre**, with Annapurna South and Hiunchuli beside it. From the upper viewpoints, the mountains feel close enough to touch.

## Difficulty

Poon Hill has a lot of stone steps, especially the climb to Ulleri, but the altitude stays modest and days are 4–6 hours. Mardi Himal is steeper and higher: the climb from High Camp to the viewpoints is long and can be icy in winter, and altitude starts to matter above 3,500 m. Both are well within reach of fit beginners; Poon Hill is gentler. See our [trek grades guide](/blog/trek-difficulty-grades-nepal).

## Lodges and atmosphere

Poon Hill passes through busy trekking villages with comfortable lodges, bakeries and hot showers. Mardi Himal has simpler lodges, especially at High Camp, and a more remote feel. In peak season, Ghorepani gets crowded; Mardi is quieter, although it has become much more popular.

## Best time

Both are best in **October–November** and **March–April**. Poon Hill's rhododendrons peak in spring; Mardi Himal's ridge can be snowy in winter, sometimes stopping trekkers short of the upper viewpoint. In the monsoon both are wet and leechy.

## Can I do both?

Yes. With 9–10 days, you can combine them via Ghandruk and Landruk, or do one trek, rest in Pokhara and then do the other. Ask us for a combined itinerary.

## Which should you choose?

- **First trek, families or older trekkers**: [Poon Hill](/ghorepani-poon-hill-trek).
- **Want to get close to the mountains**: [Mardi Himal](/mardi-himal-trek).
- **Rhododendrons in spring**: Poon Hill.
- **Fewer people**: Mardi Himal.
- **Village culture**: Poon Hill, especially with Ghandruk.

See our [Poon Hill guide](/blog/poon-hill-trek-guide), [Mardi Himal guide](/blog/mardi-himal-trek-guide) and [best treks near Pokhara](/blog/best-treks-near-pokhara). [Contact us](/contact-us) to plan either trek.

## Frequently asked questions
### Which is easier, Poon Hill or Mardi Himal?
**Poon Hill** is easier and lower.

### Which has better views?
Poon Hill has a wider sunrise panorama; Mardi Himal has closer views of Machhapuchhre.

### How high is Mardi Himal?
Trekkers reach viewpoints around **4,500 m**.

### How high is Poon Hill?
**3,210 m**.

### Which is less crowded?
**Mardi Himal**.

### Can I do both treks?
Yes, in about 9–10 days.

### Which is better for families?
**Poon Hill**.

### When is the best time?
**October–November** and **March–April** for both.

### Do I need a permit?
Yes, the **ACAP permit** for both, and a licensed guide.

### Which has better lodges?
**Poon Hill**, with more and more comfortable lodges.


Web page: https://himalayanhiking.com/blog/poon-hill-vs-mardi-himal