Combine Poon Hill’s famous sunrise with the quieter, high-altitude approach to Mardi Himal Base Camp on this 8-day trek from Pokhara. Expect rhododendron forests, stone teahouses and dramatic Annapurna views.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You wake before dawn and hike up the stone steps in the dark, headlamp cutting a thin path through rhododendron trunks. By the time the sky lightens, a ring of giants—Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and the sharp ridge of Machapuchare—flare gold as the sun spills across serrated snowfields. That is Poon Hill: immediate, cinematic and a compact reminder of how quickly the Himalaya can redefine scale.
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
8 days
Fitness Level
Good cardiovascular fitness and experience with multi‑day hikes; comfortable with 4–8 hour walking days and stair climbs.
Wildlife
History
The Ghorepani–Poon Hill track follows traditional mule and porter routes used for local trade; villages along the way reflect Gurung and Magar settlement patterns tied to hillside agriculture.
Conservation
This area is managed under the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP); stick to marked trails, avoid single-use plastics and support local guesthouses to keep economic benefits in the valley.
Reserve your spot on the 8 Days Poon Hill with Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Start early for Poon Hill
The Poon Hill summit is best reached before sunrise; expect a steep 45–90 minute pre-dawn hike from Ghorepani.
Acclimatize before Mardi Himal
Spend extra time at Ghorepani or Tadapani if you feel short of breath—Mardi Himal Base Camp reaches about 4,500 m.
Carry cash and small change
Guesthouses take cash for tea, snacks and hot showers; ATMs are available only in Pokhara.
Footwear and traction
Sturdy boots with good heel support and reliable grip will make the steep stone steps and muddy trails easier.
Waterproof hiking boots
Support and traction for long ascents, stone steps and wet trails.
Insulating layers (down or synthetic jacket)
Warmth during pre-dawn summits and cold nights at higher camps.
Trekking poles
Reduce strain on knees during steep descents and provide balance on uneven paths.
Headlamp with extra batteries
Early starts—for Poon Hill and summit pushes—require reliable hands-free light.