ABC Trek with Poon Hill & Mardi Himal: The Complete Annapurna Experience

Combining three of the most beautiful routes in the Annapurna region, the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek with Poon Hill and Mardi Himal offers an extraordinary Himalayan journey filled with panoramic views, cultural richness, and hidden alpine beauty. This trek brings together iconic sunrise viewpoints, remote ridgelines, and the dramatic heart of the Annapurna sanctuary in one unforgettable adventure.

 
The Beauty of the Trek

From lush valleys to high glacial basins, trekkers are rewarded with breathtaking scenery at every stage:

• Poon Hill (3,210m), famous for its golden sunrise over Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, and Machapuchare,
• Mardi Himal Ridge and Base Camp (around 4,500m), offering close-up and quiet views of Machapuchare and Annapurna South,
• Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m), surrounded by Annapurna I, Hiunchuli, and towering glaciers,
• Rhododendron forests, alpine meadows, river valleys, and traditional villages throughout the journey.

Each viewpoint reveals a new angle of the Annapurna Himalayas, making the trek visually rich and deeply rewarding.

 
Culture and Natural Connection

The trail passes through Gurung and Magar villages, where warm hospitality, local traditions, and simple teahouse life create a meaningful cultural experience. Prayer flags, small shrines, and peaceful trails add a spiritual calm to the trek.

 
Untouched Wilderness and Variety

While Poon Hill is a popular viewpoint, the Mardi Himal section remains quiet and less crowded, and the Annapurna Sanctuary offers a powerful sense of isolation and grandeur. The trek crosses multiple landscapes—from green foothills to high alpine terrain—allowing trekkers to experience Nepal’s incredible natural diversity in a single journey.

 
Why This Trek Is Special?

The ABC Trek with Poon Hill and Mardi Himal is a perfect all-in-one Annapurna adventure. It combines classic Himalayan highlights with hidden trails and dramatic high-altitude scenery. Standing at Poon Hill at sunrise, walking the peaceful Mardi ridges, and finally reaching Annapurna Base Camp, you experience the Himalayas from every perspective.

For trekkers seeking maximum beauty, cultural depth, and variety in one trek, this route offers a rare and unforgettable journey—where sunrise viewpoints, sacred peaks, and glacier-filled valleys come together in perfect harmony.

Basic Information About ABC Trek with Poon Hill and Mardi Himal

1. Location:

The ABC Trek with Poon Hill and Mardi Himal is located in the Annapurna region of Nepal, starting from Pokhara or Nayapul. This combined trek links three major highlights of the region—Ghorepani Poon Hill, Mardi Himal, and Annapurna Base Camp. The route passes through lush rhododendron forests, terraced farmlands, and traditional Gurung and Magar villages, before entering the majestic Annapurna Sanctuary.

2. Altitude:

The highest point of the trek is Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 meters. Other important high points include Mardi Himal Base Camp (around 4,500 meters) and Poon Hill (3,210 meters). From these viewpoints, trekkers enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the Annapurna range, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Dhaulagiri, Hiunchuli, and Nilgiri.

3. Trek Duration:

This combined trek is usually completed in 10–14 days, depending on the itinerary, pace, and acclimatization days. It is ideal for trekkers who want to experience multiple iconic routes of the Annapurna region in a single journey.

4. Difficulty Level:

The trek is considered moderate to moderately challenging. It involves long walking days, steep ascents and descents, and higher altitudes around Mardi Himal and Annapurna Base Camp. A good level of fitness is recommended, and trekking poles are helpful on steep and uneven terrain.

5. Best Seasons:

• Spring (March–May): Blooming rhododendrons, pleasant temperatures, and clear mountain views.
• Autumn (September–November): Stable weather, crisp air, and excellent visibility—the best trekking season.
• Winter (December–February): Cold mornings and nights with possible snow at higher elevations, but fewer crowds.
• Monsoon (June–August): Lush green landscapes, though rain and clouds may reduce visibility.

6. Accommodation & Food:

Accommodation is available in teahouses and lodges throughout the route. Facilities are basic but comfortable, usually with shared bathrooms. Meals typically include dal bhat (rice and lentils), noodles, soups, momos, eggs, potatoes, and hot beverages, providing enough energy for long trekking days.

7. Permits Required:

Trekkers need the following permits:

• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
• TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) Card

8. Culture & Nature:

The trek passes through traditional Gurung and Magar villages, allowing trekkers to experience local culture, customs, and warm hospitality. The route offers diverse natural scenery, from subtropical forests and alpine meadows to dramatic glacial landscapes inside the Annapurna Sanctuary.

9. Connectivity & Safety:

Mobile network coverage is available in many villages but becomes limited at higher altitudes. Trekkers are advised to carry warm clothing, sufficient water, snacks, trekking gear, and basic first aid, and allow proper acclimatization, especially when ascending to Mardi Himal Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp.