Both are short treks from Pokhara with big mountain views. They suit different people.
The short answer
- Poon Hill is the gentler, classic choice: villages, rhododendron forest and a famous sunrise over Dhaulagiri and the Annapurnas, never above 3,210 m.
- Mardi Himal is a ridge walk that climbs higher and closer to Machapuchare, with fewer villages and a steeper final climb.
How they differ
| Poon Hill | Mardi Himal | |
|---|---|---|
| Highest point | Poon Hill, 3,210 m | Higher; see note above |
| Character | Villages, forest, stone steps | Forest, then an open ridge |
| Difficulty | Easy to moderate | Moderate, steeper near the top |
| Best for | First-time trekkers, families | Fit walkers wanting a quieter, higher trek |
We currently run Poon Hill. If you’re interested in Mardi Himal, tell us and we’ll plan it with you.
