Mardi Himal Trek with Poonhill Sunrise – 9 Days

9 Days

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is one of the easiest, most renowned, and short trekking routes in the
heart of the Annapurna Conservation Area. The trek is also known as Annapurna Sunrise
and Annapurna Panorama Trek. Provides a wonderful opportunity to experience the most
incredible views of central hills, snow-capped mountains, and beautiful settlements. Learning
about the culture, lifestyle, and traditions of the locals.    

Mardi Himal Trek also known as the ridgeline trek, nested in the Annapurna region is a fairytale
destination. Offering spectacular vistas of the Annapurna Range along with Mount
Machhapuchhre, Mardi Himal, and other endless peaks. Traversing along river networks, lush
woodlands, high cliffs, ridges, and alpine pasture lands. The attention of western mountaineers
was first drawn to Mardi Himal by the photographs of Basil Goodfellow, taken in 1953.

However, it was not until 1961 that the mountain received its first ascent. Jimmy Roberts, with
two Sherpas, first climbed to the summit by a route on its west flank. As only in recent times has
the region become famous among travelers.

Travel Insurance:

All clients participating in any activity must have travel insurance. Personal injury, death,
hospital expenditures, repatriation fees, helicopter rescue, and any other disease covered by the
the insurance plan will be given, we highly advise you to acquire a comprehensive insurance plan
from a trustworthy insurance company.

Passport and Visa:

Every client must have a valid passport from the return date with a 6-month prior validity by the
Nepalese consulate in your country or the immigration office at Tribhuvan International Airport in
Kathmandu.

Equipment lists:  

  • Guidelines regarding essential trekking gear.
  • Daypack above 40 liters. (Must be waterproof)
  • Down jacket (rental available) 
  • Warm sleeping bag (rental available)
  • Sun head, gulf cap, sunglasses, headlamp, and torchlight.
  • Ear-muffs, sun Lotions/sun cream.
  • One pair of liner gloves is thin wool and synthetic.
  • Cotton t-shirts, Synthetic t-shirts. 
  • Two Long sleeve polyester or synthetic lightweight for sunny days. 
  • One Soft-shell jacket with water & wind resistance. 
  • Inner clothes as your requirement.
  • Liner socks, woolen socks.
  • Proper trekking shoes.
  • Imodium or Pepto Bismo capsules for upset stomach or diarrhea. 
  • Diamox for altitude sickness. The guide will help you to take it.
  • One small personal-sized first-aid kit with blister treatments such as moleskin, bands,
  • anti-infection ointments, and muscle relief ointments.

Meals and drinking water:

Along the Annapurna Region Trek, you will be provided with various Nepali, and Tibetan ethnic
cuisines, and varieties of continental as well as western meals. The region has several tea-house
along the trail and is run by local inhabitants providing basic and minimal facilities for luxury
ones, where you will have an opportunity to taste various cuisines that you will miss most of
the trekking trails of Nepal. 

Annapurna Region is a plastic-free zone and has banned the use of bottled Mineral Water.
However, drinking water taps are accessible with natural water supplies all along the trekking
trail which are untreated, so direct use of the water is not recommended, you may refill boiling
water or cold filter water from any of the teahouses along the trail. 

If you buy a water purification tablet, chlorine drops, or utilize SODIS (sunlight assisted)
filtration procedures for further assurance, saving money and reducing plastic pollution.

Accommodation:

Tourist-friendly hotels, lodges, and local accommodations are available on trekking trails and,
providing with basic accommodations to luxury and grandeur ones. Luxury hotels and teahouse
are situated along the trail that suits your budgets providing comfortable beds with a pillow,
electric blankets, hot and cold showers, free WIFI, and many more. 

Teahouse along Annapurna region provides you with hot shower, western attached bathrooms
and the rooms mostly include twin sharing beds as well as a single bed, with hygienic and clean
atmosphere, good mattresses, a pillow, and blankets. 

Campsites are also available along the trail providing a special opportunity for campers to sleep
under the stars.  

Best Time to Visit?

The best season for trekking in Annapurna Region is during autumn and spring.  

The months of September, October, November, March, April, and May are the best time to visit.
These months are better in terms of visibility and climate conditions. 

During the autumn season, the months of September, October, and November are one of the best
times for trekking in this region, as the weather is clear bringing great visibility of the endless
mountain ranges and lush green forests with warm temperatures, the nights are clear and is a
perfect opportunity for stargazing. 

The spring season of March, April, and May is also the best time to visit the Annapurna Region,
the end of the winter season brings a change in the region, varieties of colorful blooming trees of
the sub-alpine forest, high green pasture lands covered with wildflowers, mild temperatures, and
clear weather. In this season you will witness herds of sheep and yaks grazing in the green high
lands.    

Monsoon season is not favorable as the weather gets harsh and it’s hard to get around the
country, with frequent rainstorms and landslides. So, monsoon season is mostly avoided by
trekkers. 

In the winter season, Annapurna Region receives high snowfall covering most of the trails and
making it impossible to travel for this reason. 

Important Note:

Your safety is of paramount importance to us at the Alpine Club of Himalaya. We have the
absolute authority to cancel the trip or change the itinerary, when deemed necessary or when we
have reason to believe your safety is at stake. Weather conditions, the health condition of a group
member, natural disasters, and such, can contribute to changes in the itinerary when traveling in
remote mountainous regions. In these extreme situations, we kindly request that you offer your
full cooperation to the trusted leader of the group appointed by the Alpine Club of Himalaya.
However, we assure you that we will make every effort to keep to the above itinerary.

Itinerary

The 41km/25 miles drive takes you across high hill sections with views of the greater Himalayas.

Upon reaching Nayapul you will start your trek. Start by following a steep trail across the lush woodlands, after a while the trail drops to a bridge over a small stream. Passing various villages you will eventually reach the village of Ulleri. Next, you will be ascending a steep section of a well-maintained series of stone stairs, more than 3300 which eventually leads you to the large Magar village of Ulleri nestled at an elevation of 2080 meters.

Accommodation: Tea House.

Start by traversing along the deep wilderness and crossing the river on a suspension bridge. As you progress you will cross another river network.

Furthermore, head past the pasture and lush agriculture fields and you will come across the deep forest trails. Following the trail, you will reach Banthanti. From Banthanti, traverse across magnificent oak and rhododendron forests crossing several sparkling clear streams, a small ridge to another Magar village of Nangathanti at an elevation of 2460 meters. Along this section witness eight different species of Nepal’s national flower rhododendron. After a brief walk from Nangathanti, you will finally reach the settlement of Ghorepani.

Accommodation: Tea House.

Today wake up before dawn and head out towards the renowned vantage point of the PoonHill.

The climb to the top takes around a couple of hours on an ascending trail with well-maintained series of stairs. Upon reaching the top witness views of the great landscapes of the deep wilderness and the snowcapped peaks. Mountain peaks from Dhaulagiri to Annapurna to Machhapuchhre: Dhaulagiri I ( 8167m), Tukuche (6920m), Nilgiri (6940m), Annapurna South, Annapurna I (8091m), Hiunchuli (6441m), Machhapuchhre (6,993m) and Tarke  Kang (7193m). All standing at its grandeur basking in the morning rays of the sun and changing their colors.

After soaking in the sensational views, follow the main trail which leads south. Traversing on a series of stairs then following the high route above the raging river on a stone-paved trail. As you progress you will reach the tiny settlement of Ghandruk.

Accommodation: Tea House.

After breakfast starts the trek, traversing across the steep hill sections heading towards the Modi Khola. Next, the ascending trails traverse across the lush sub-tropical woodlands of the region. Along the way witness grand views of the Himalayas. Upon reaching the village of Landruk rest and relax. Later on, explore the region.

Accommodation: Tea House.

Wake up before dawn and head out and witness the grand views of the sun rising. After breakfast starts the trek. Following the trail across the woodland, you will be gaining altitude. Then the trail takes you across lush rhododendrons and sub-tropical woodlands. Following the uphill trail witness the mountains on the backdrop of the lush canopy. Upon reaching Forest camp head towards your accommodation and relax with the grand views of lush forest and snowcapped mountain range.

Accommodation: Tea House.

Start the trek traversing across lush woodlands. As you gain altitude you will be rewarded with grand views of the greater Himalayan range. Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, and several other peaks glow in the morning rays of the sun. Following the uphill trails reach Badal Danda. Upon reaching the settlement relax soaking in the splendid views of the landscape.

Accommodation: Tea House.

Wake up with the grand views of the sun rising. After breakfast starts the trek followed by the forested trails. As you gain altitude the forest thins out and you will be following ridge sections.

Along the way keep an eye out as you may witness several species of birds. Progressing on the uphill trail soak in the grand views of the Himalayas. Upon reaching the high camp relax and enjoy the splendid views around. After soaking in the views retrace your steps back to Badal Danda.

Accommodation: Tea House.

After breakfast start your trek. Today's trail is mostly on the downhill section so take it slow. The first section of the trail takes you traversing along ridges. Progressing on the downhill tracks you will be following the forested trail. The downhill track is tuff so take frequent breaks. Upon reaching Kalimati head towards your accommodation and celebrate the success of your trek.

Accommodation: Tea House.

After breakfast start your trek. The trek takes you across woodlands and a few villages. Upon reaching Lumre head on a short drive toward Pokhara followed by a flight to Kathmandu.

Note: All of the above-mentioned trekking hours and distances are estimations and should only be used as a general guideline.

Cost Include

  • Necessary Transportation from Pokhara to Nayapul and Pickup from Lumre by Private Vehicle, if the group size is more than 4
  • Staying in Lodge or Guest House during the trek: During the trek, we stay in lodges or teahouses. These are simple in nature, but fully equipped. Do not expect too much luxury.
  • English speaking guide and a porter: One porter per two trekkers. This way you don’t have to carry your complete equipment yourself. The guide speaks English.
  • Salary, food, insurance, and accommodation for guide and porter: The total amount covers not only your own basics, but also those of your guide and porter. No unpleasant surprises.
  • Accommodation: Accommodation at Pokhara with breakfast, Twin sharing 3*
  • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are prepared during the trek. The meals are basic, but will give you enough energy for your appetite.
  • A cup of Coffee or tea are also organized by the trekking company. Every morning fresh coffee or tea are made. There are scheduled breaks to enjoy this.
  • Permit and TIMS: The total amount includes costs for the permit. This also applies to the TIMS Card, to the Trekkers Information Management System.
  • Down Jacket and Sleeping Bags: In order to pull in the Himalayas as prepared as possible, it is important to bring a good down jacket and sleeping bag. These are provided by your trekking company.
  • T-Shirt & Roadmap: We also have a cap, T-shirt, and a roadmap for you. Not only are they ideal for trekking, but they are also beautiful souvenirs.
  • Assistant Guide for a Group of over 6 People: If your group is larger than 6 people, we will take an extra assistant guide with you to support you.
  • Altitude Sickness & First Aid Kit: The guides carry an altitude sickness kit to monitor your pulse rate, oxygen saturation, and heart rate twice a day (very useful for monitoring the symptoms of altitude sickness (AMS) at altitude).
  • Helicopter Service in Emergencies: Check whether this is reimbursed by your travel insurance and otherwise take out a supplementary travel insurance package for this.
  • Ncell Sim Card (Nepalese Sim Card including 20 GB data pack) - Only 1 for a group.

Cost Exclude

  • Visa for Nepal
  • Your trekking company will not take responsibility for the travel visa for Nepal. This should be organized by yourself. Contact your local Nepalese embassy for the latest visa information.
  • Flights to and from Nepal: The total amount is also exclusive of flights to and from Nepal. To get an idea of which airlines are flying on Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM), have a look at the website.
  • Personal expenses: All personal expenses such as drinks at the bar, washing and other similar expenses are for your own account.
  • Travel Insurance Including Repatriation: Your international travel insurance is your own responsibility. It is important that your travel insurance also covers adventures at a high altitude. Discuss your itinerary with the insurance company before you travel to Nepal.
  • Tipping: Tips for guides and porters are exclusive. You decide what you want to tip, but be generous and read our blog post about tipping when you are planning to go trekking in Nepal.
  • Desserts, Hot Shower, Hot Water, Mineral Water and Wi-Fi
  • Accommodation in Kathmandu.
  • Certain luxuries such as desserts, a hot shower, hot running water, bottles of mineral water and Wi-Fi should be missed during a typical trek in the Himalayas. The water we encounter along the way is drinkable and is heated or boiled by us.

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Mardi Himal Trek with Poonhill Sunrise – 9 Days
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Sujan Lamichhane
Sujan Lamichhane

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