Located very close to the lap of Pokhara Valley, Mardi Himal, and Poon Hill are two of the most popular destinations among all types of trekkers. You can be a beginner-level trekker and still fully enjoy either of the treks. They are simple to complete, given that they do not stretch for more than 5 days and are also beginner-friendly.
The Mardi Himal trek may seem slightly tougher at a surface level. However, even beginners with the least amount of experience have been able to complete the trek without issue. Poon Hill trek, likewise, is chosen by trekkers and adventurers of all ages. And, if you’re energetic enough, you can ascend to Poon Hill in a single day if you start early enough.
To know more about trekking to Mardi Vs. Poon Hill in 2025 and why they are known as the best short treks from Pokhara, be sure to read till the end of this article!
Overview of Mardi Himal Trek
Mardi Himal Trek is your dream destination if you love the mountains and scenic hills. The greenery and the snow-capped mountains are all you need to feel lively from the core. But, how do you reach the top, and how difficult can it get to cover the trails? It typically takes 4 to 6 days for a person to cover the trails entirely.
Furthermore, you will begin your trek at Kande or Phedi and will end it at Sidhing or Landruk. The maximum altitude you will reach during this trek is the Mardi Himal Base Camp at an altitude of 4500 m above sea level. You will be crossing off beaten pathways that can be considered ridge-line trekking.
If you love peace and tranquility, this trek may be very suitable for you. Also, the trails are quieter than most treks in the Annapurna Conservation Area. You will also get the most impressive view of Mount Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) from Mardi Himal.
Overview of Poon Hill Trek
Poon Hill Trek at an altitude of 3210 m above sea level, is one of the best treks you can possibly go to. The trek lasts for 3 to 5 days, at maximum. Also, you will get to see the most vibrant Rhododendron forests when you’re in Poon Hill. The trek is perfect for those who want to explore Gurung villages without having to put in the effort of spending hectic days walking up and downhill the hills.
The route will begin from Nayapul and will end at Tadapani or Ghandruk. Village routes will make it easier for trekkers to rest and progress throughout their trek. There are just as many possibilities for camaraderie because, in a year, there are hundreds and thousands of people who trek up to Poon Hill, especially during the peak months.
You can get the best view of the sunrise when you hike up to Poon Hill from Ghorepani which takes you around one hour. And while the trek is not super tough, it is very rewarding. If you’re someone looking to begin your trekking journey, Poon Hill might just be the first destination for you to go to.
Difficulty Level: Mardi Himal Trek Vs. Poon Hill Trek
The Mardi Himal Trek is slightly tougher than Poon Hill Trek which is both shorter in distance and has easier trails for you to cover. Moreover, Mardi Himal Trek can be considered to be a moderately challenging trek whereas the Poon Hill trek is mostly beginner friendly. Matter of fact, you may even find children on the trails of the Poon Hill trek while finding them on the Mardi Himal trek trails is not as common.
Needless to say, the more you take on the challenges in the trails, the more adventurous pathways you will cross and the more natural and wild views you will surround yourself with. Hence, if you’re looking to go for a view of a lifetime without compromise, mostly in the wilds, the Mardi Himal trek is the one for you. If you’re looking for an easy trek that’s still rewarding yet not as adrenaline-triggering, the Poon Hill trek is the best choice for you.
Scenery In Mardi Himal Trek Vs. Poon Hill Trek
You can get the best views of the different mountains as well as hilly regions in both the Mardi Himal Trek and Poon Hill Trek. In Mardi Himal Trek, you will get to see the most spectacular views of Hiuchuli, Annapurna South, and Machhapuchhre South.
From Poon Hill, you will get to enjoy the views of Annapurna I, Machhapuchhre, and Dhaulagiri.
You will pass villages alike in both the destinations. But, Poon Hill Trek is more likely to offer you the best cultural experience amid the Gurung villages as they are one of the best highlights of the trek.
Accessibility And Crowd
The accessibility and crowd in either of the locations can be considered to be accessible and quieter respectively. Mardi Himal Trek is not as easy as the Poon Hill trek. Therefore, you may not consider it to be as accessible as the latter. Also, the crowd may be less at the destination due to this very reason.
You may need moderate to high trekking skills to complete the Mardi Himal Trek while you can easily complete the Poon Hill Trek as a beginner-level trekker. Trekkers who are trekking for the first time will find the Poon Hill trek more accessible than the Mardi Himal Trek.
Which Is The Best Trek from Pokhara in 2025: Mardi Himal Trek Vs. Poon Hill Trek
When it comes to concluding whether Mardi Himal Trek is the best or the Poon Hill Trek, one cannot quite do the math. Why so? Because different kinds of trekkers are going to have different opinions on either. Based on all that we’ve mentioned above, a beginner who is not very experienced in trekking trails may opt for Poon Hill Trek which is not only an aesthetically rewarding destination but also simple to complete.
On the other hand, a seasoned trekker who is looking for an adventure that lasts for less than a week may not find Poon Hill Trek to be as adrenaline-triggering or interesting but may find the same features in the Mardi Himal Trek.
Talking about liveliness and crowd, if you’re looking to socialize with people from different cultures or simply want to mix adventure with cultural exploration, Poon Hill Trek is the best for you. If you want to experience the beauty of nature without too many interruptions from the outside world, you should choose the Mardi Himal Trek.
Conclusion
Trekking to Mardi Himal and Poon Hill in 2025 may be on the bucket list of many trekkers, especially with the peak seasons approaching rapidly. The best part about these destinations is that both of them are easily accessible from the other destinations. Additionally, you can choose one based on your expertise and preference for a trekking journey.
Whether you want a cozy and homely feeling of Poon Hill or a rugged and remote trekking experience at Mardi Himal Trek, you can now get in touch with us at White Hill Treks and book your trek today!
