Poonhill Mardi Combo Trek: Annapurna Region Trekking Package

Duke Nepal Adventure offers you the marvelous opportunity to explore and visit two of the most famous and alluring trekking destinations in the Annapurna Region in one package. Both Ghorepani Poonhill Trek and Mardi Base Camp Trek have their own unique features and plenty to offer. Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek takes you closer to Mt. Fishtail, while Ghorepani Poonhill Trek introduces you to the culture and traditions of the indigenous people of the Annapurna Region. Moreover, the Poonhill Mardi Combo Trek, also known as one of the easiest treks in Nepal, is an excellent route for beginner trekkers.

Day by Day Detailed Itinerary of Poonhill Mardi Combo Trek

Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara

It is a 6-hour drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara by private vehicle, or you can take a public tourist bus. Alternatively, you can take a flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara, which takes only about half an hour.

Day 2: Drive to Tikhedhunga and Trek to Ulleri

From Lakeside Pokhara, it takes about 2 hours to reach Nayapul by road. After Nayapul, you will take a private 4WD jeep for approximately 1 hour to reach Tikhedhunga on a fully off-road trip. From Tikhedhunga, the trek to Ulleri takes about two and a half hours uphill.

Day 3: Trek to Ghorepani

From Ulleri, the actual Ghorepani Poonhill Trek begins. You will trek through dense forests, cross small rivers, and pass through Gurung and Magar villages while enjoying the birds' chirping. It takes about 5 hours to reach Ghorepani, one of the largest Magar settlements in the Annapurna region.

Day 4: Hike up to Poonhill and Trek to Tadapani

Poonhill is a famous vantage point for sunrise and mountain views. You will wake up early to hike up to Poonhill, which takes about 2 hours from Ghorepani. The area is rich with rhododendron trees where you can see various species and colors while trekking to Tadapani.

Day 5: Trek to Ghandruk

Ghandruk is one of the most famous and largest Gurung settlements in the Annapurna Region and can be reached within 3 hours from Tadapani. You can spend the rest of the day exploring the village. Ghandruk is also the starting point for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek.

Day 6: Trek to Landruk

Landruk is a neighboring village of Ghandruk and smaller in size, often called the “small brother” of Ghandruk. It takes approximately 4 hours to trek from Ghandruk to Landruk, crossing downhill and uphill terrain along the Madi River.

Day 7: Trek to Low Camp via Forest Camp

From Landruk, trek 2 hours uphill to reach the Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek route. There is only one teahouse along the way. After Forest Camp, it takes another 3 hours to reach Low Camp.

Day 8: Trek to High Camp

High Camp is the last accommodation point on the Mardi Base Camp trek. The route goes via Badal Danda, a stunning spot en route where you will stop for lunch.

Day 9: Hike up to Mardi Base Camp and Trek back to Rescue Camp

Mardi Base Camp lies at an altitude of 3,580 meters and offers spectacular close-up views of Fishtail Himal. En route, you will pass two viewpoints: the upper and lower viewpoints. If you cannot reach Mardi Base Camp, you can still enjoy magnificent mountain views from these points. Rescue Camp, which lies between Low Camp and Forest Camp, has one teahouse for accommodation.

Day 10: Trek back to Australian Base Camp via Pothana

From Rescue Camp, it takes about 6 hours to reach Australian Base Camp. Pothana, a beautiful small settlement in the southern Annapurna region, lies along this route.

Day 11: Trek back to Kande and Drive back to Pokhara

From Australian Base Camp, it is a one-hour trek to Kande, the starting point of the Mardi Himal Trek. From Kande, you will take a private vehicle back to Pokhara, which is about a one-and-a-half-hour drive.