Mardi Himal Trek via Ghorepani
Those who want to combine the Poon Hill sunrise with a wild ridge facing Machapuchare.
Next fixed departures
Join a fixed departure alone, as a couple or with friends, or leave on the date of your choice. All departures
The Mardi Himal Trek via Ghorepani is a unique combination of one of the most popular classic routes (Ghorepani – Poon Hill) and one of the most secret and wild trails in Nepal (Mardi Himal).
This route reveals the natural and cultural richness of the Annapurna region, crossing rhododendron forests, authentic Gurung villages and spectacular panoramic ridges.
Trek level: Moderate
Accommodation: In lodges
Duration: 13 days, 4 to 7 hours of walking per day
Maximum altitude: 4,300 m (Mardi Himal Base Camp)
Highlights of this trek
- Sunrise at Poon Hill (3,210 m), with a 360° view of legendary peaks: Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I, Machhapuchhre, Nilgiri…
- Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500 m), one of the finest viewpoints on Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), without the crowds
- A varied route: traditional villages, enchanting forests, natural hot springs and spectacular ridge trails
- Meeting Gurung and Magar culture in villages such as Ghandruk, Chhomrong, Landruk and Dhampus
- A well-balanced trek between walking, relaxation, cultural discovery and grand landscapes
Note
- The stages are flexible (on request).
- Would you like to know more about our services and the price of this trek?
The itinerary
Day 01 : Kathmandu – Pokhara. Transport: tourist bus (6–8 hours) or domestic flight (25 min – option). Late-afternoon walk along Phewa Lake. Accommodation: hotel near the lake in Pokhara
Day 02 : Pokhara – Ulleri (by 4×4) – hike to Banthati, 1h30 of walking
Day 03 : Ulleri – Ghorepani (2,860 m), about 4-5 hours of walking
Day 04 : Ghorepani – Tadapani (2,630 m). Option: sunrise at Poon Hill (3,210 m). 6-7 hours of walking through rhododendron forests, spectacular views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre
Day 05 : Tadapani – Chhomrong (2,170 m). 6 hours of walking. Descent to Kimrong Khola, then climb back up to Chhomrong
Day 06 : Chhomrong – hot springs – Landruk. Activity: bathing in the natural hot springs of Jhinu Danda. Walk: 5-6 hours in total to Landruk (1,565 m)
Day 07 : Landruk – Rest Camp (2,670 m). Walk: 5–6 hours. Steep climb through bamboo and rhododendron forests
Day 08 : Rest Camp – Badal Danda (3,300 m). Walk: 5 hours. Alpine trail, spectacular views of Machhapuchhre
Day 09 : Badal Danda – High Camp (3,500 m) – View Point (4,000 m) – Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,300 m) – back to High Camp.
Walk: 7-8 hours round trip. Narrow ridges with plunging views of the Annapurna massif
Day 10 : High Camp – Rest Camp. Walk: 5 hours (descent)
Day 11 : Rest Camp – Potana – Dhampus – Pokhara. Walk: 5-6 hours to Dhampus via Potana, then 1h30 by road to Pokhara. Accommodation: hotel in Pokhara
Day 12 : Pokhara – Pumdikot and the Peace Pagoda. Visit of the large Shiva statue at Pumdikot, walk to the Peace Pagoda, then down on foot to the lake + boat crossing. Accommodation: hotel in Pokhara
Day 13 : Pokhara – back to Kathmandu. Transport: tourist bus (6–8 hours) or flight (option)
The trek in photos and videos
Taken by Mohan and his team on recent treks.
Photo gallery
Our other treks
Trek facts: Mardi Himal Trek via Ghorepani
Best time to go
October and November, then March to May. Winter is still possible on the lower sections.
Who is it for?
Those who want to combine the Poon Hill sunrise with a wild ridge facing Machapuchare. Suitable for any walker in good health, with no experience of high altitude.
What the price includes
- Airport welcome and return transfers by private vehicle
- All transport on the itinerary (private or public vehicle depending on group size)
- Government-licensed French- or English-speaking guide and 1 porter for 2 participants (max. 25 kg): team wages, meals, accommodation and insurance included
- Nights in lodges, double room
- Full board during the trek: 3 meals a day with tea or coffee
- Hot shower, battery charging and Wi-Fi in the lodges (subject to availability)
- All required trekking permits
What the price does not include
- International flight, any domestic flight and Nepal visa
- Mandatory repatriation insurance (certificate to show on arrival)
- Accommodation and meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara (can be booked on request), sightseeing and entrance fees
- Drinks outside meals (bottled water, soft drinks, alcohol), snacks, personal expenses and tips for the team
Starting price per person, in euros. The final price depends on the number of participants, the season and the options: we confirm it in a free quote.
Permits required (2026 rates)
| TIMS card issued by the agency | NPR 2,000 (≈ €13) |
| ACAP permit (Annapurna Conservation Area) | NPR 3,000 (≈ €20) |
Permits are obtained by the agency and included in the quote. All about trekking permits.
Day-by-day altitude profile
Sleeping altitudes taken from the itinerary above. Hover over a point to see the stage.
Route map
Indicative map of the main stages, OpenTopoMap base map. This is not a GPS track.
Live weather: Ghorepani (2,860 m)
Open-Meteo forecast for the region's reference point, for guidance only. At altitude, allow about 6 °C less for every extra 1,000 m.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Mardi Himal Trek via Ghorepani take?
Allow 13 days from Kathmandu, transport included. The stages are flexible: Mohan adapts the pace to the group, and we always recommend a spare day at the end of your trip.
What fitness level do I need for this trek?
Level: Easy. Suitable for any walker in good health, with no experience of high altitude. No mountaineering skills are needed.
When is the best time for the Mardi Himal Trek via Ghorepani?
October and November, then March to May. Winter is still possible on the lower sections. See our guide When to trek in Nepal.
Which permits are needed and who arranges them?
For this trek: TIMS card (NPR 2,000 (≈ €13)), ACAP permit (Annapurna Conservation Area) (NPR 3,000 (≈ €20)). The agency obtains all permits before departure, from a simple copy of your passport. Since 2023, a licensed guide is required in Nepal's protected areas.
Is there a risk of altitude sickness?
The maximum altitude is 4,300 m. Above 3,000 m, acute mountain sickness can affect anyone. The itinerary includes acclimatisation stages and Mohan checks on every participant morning and evening. Read our guide to altitude sickness.
How much does the Mardi Himal Trek via Ghorepani cost?
From €750 per person, with a guide, porters, permits, lodge nights and meals during the trek, and the transport listed in the itinerary. The exact price depends on the number of participants, the season and the options. The full list of what is included is in the trek facts. Ask for your free quote, or estimate the total budget of your trip with our calculator.
Can I do this trek alone, as a couple or with my family?
Yes. Every departure is tailor-made, on the date of your choice, from one person. The guide and porters work only for your group. See trekking alone in Nepal.
Useful guides: FAQ · when to go · gear · visa · permits · altitude sickness · budget
Interested in this trek?
Mohan answers you personally and adapts the itinerary to your pace, your dates and your budget. Free quote, no commitment.