Annapurna Base Camp Trek with Poon Hill and Mardi Himal

The ABC Trek with Poon Hill and Mardi Himal is ideal for travelers who want to experience the best of the Annapurna region in a single journey. By combining the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, and Mardi Himal Trek, this itinerary allows you to explore three of Nepal’s most popular trekking routes without planning separate trips.

This trek is best suited for people who have around two weeks to spend in Nepal and are looking for a longer and more immersive adventure. With approximately 15 days on the trail, it offers a complete experience of the Annapurna region, including mountain views, diverse landscapes, and local culture.

The trek is suitable for anyone with an average to good level of fitness. You should be comfortable walking for 5-8 hours a day on a mix of stone steps, forest trails, and mountain paths. While some sections can be demanding, the gradual ascent and support from experienced guides make the trek achievable for well-prepared beginners.

It is also a great choice for travelers who enjoy both nature and cultural experiences. Along the route, you will pass through traditional Magar and Gurung villages, where you can experience local hospitality and learn about life in the Himalayas. The scenery changes throughout the trek, from rhododendron and bamboo forests to alpine landscapes and high mountain viewpoints.

Combining the ABC, Ghorepani Poon Hill, and Mardi Himal Trek into a single itinerary requires a considerable amount of physical fitness, whereas completing them one by one does not. The challenge comes from different factors.

One factor is the long walking hours. The combined trek requires trekkers to walk for about 5-8 hours over the trekking days. Some days, such as the summit to Mardi Himal Base Camp and return, may require longer trekking times. Also, spending consecutive days walking for several hours can be difficult, especially for beginner-level trekkers. But as you progress each day, the walk can become a habit that eases the experience. However, good endurance is required. Taking regular short breaks, maintaining a steady pace, and eating properly can help to cope with long waking hours.

Another factor is the varied terrain that changes throughout the trek. First off, on the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek, you will walk through the rhododendron forest areas and cross uneven terrain. On the ABC trek, you will wander through the alpine areas filled with ice and snow. On the Mardi Himal trek, you will hike along a narrow ridgeline, so the terrain is diverse, but no technical climbing is required. However, the trek demands good footing, proper trekking boots, and balance, coordination, and endurance.

Also, the route includes several ascents and descents. You will spend hours climbing a hill, and on the following day, you will descend on the other section of the same hill to reach the valley below. The process repeats every single day. On other days, including walks on Poon Hill or on acclimatization days, you will have steep climbs that put stress on your knees and ankles. So carrying a pair of trekking poles is necessary for balance and to reduce the impact on your joints.

Finally, the challenge of combining three treks lies in their altitude. The trek gradually reaches altitudes above 4,000 m, increasing the risk of altitude sickness. The Annapurna Base Camp sits at 4,130 m, while the Mardi Himal Base Camp sits at 4,500 m, so at these heights, breathing becomes more difficult and physical activities require more effort. Some trekkers might experience mild symptoms such as headache, nausea, fatigue, or difficulty sleeping, which is important to note.

To reduce the challenges, trekkers need to build their physical fitness. You should focus on cardio exercises, such as hiking, stair climbing, jogging, cycling, or swimming. Other than that, you should not hurry during the trek. You should always follow your natural pace, stay hydrated, and eat proper, nutritious food. Also, to mitigate the symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), you should follow proper acclimatization practices and ascent slowly. So, with proper preparation, sensible pacing, moderate physical fitness, and the right mindset, most trekkers can complete the trek.

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a standard trek that focuses on reaching Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m) via river valleys, villages, and the Annapurna Sanctuary. It is classic Himalayan immersion with good infrastructure.

In contrast, the ABC Trek with Poon Hill and Mardi Himal is an extended journey in the Annapurna Region that adds Ghorepani/Poon Hill and the peaceful Mardi Himal Trek to Annapurna Base Camp. It is ideal for those seeking variety, more adventure, and fewer crowds along parts of the route.

Yes, you do need permits for the ABC Trek with Poon Hill and Mardi Himal. Entering the Annapurna Conservation Area requires a permit, which allows us to travel to all the destinations in this journey. You can get the permit through a registered trekking agency or at the Nepal Tourism Board offices.

Required Permits for the ABC with Poon Hill and Mardi Himal Trek

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

The ACAP permit is mandatory for all trekkers. It is the official entry permit required to enter the Annapurna Conservation Area. The ACAP permit is a legal requirement for trekkers to enter and travel within this conservation area, which is included in the ABC Trek with Poon Hill and Mardi Himal itinerary.

The ACAP is introduced to protect the area, maintain trails, manage tourism in the region, and, most importantly, support local communities. If you fail to obtain a trek permit, you are not allowed to trek within the Annapurna Conservation Area without an ACAP permit.

The cost of the ACAP permit depends on your nationality, which is as follows:

Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Card

The TIMS card is required for safety tracking on popular Annapurna routes. It is officially issued by the NTB (via a registered trekking agency). Now, TIMS is no longer mandatory and is neither consistently enforced nor checked. It costs around NPR 1,000-2,000, depending on nationality.

Where to Get the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit?

You can get the ACAP permit in Kathmandu or Pokhara. The registered trekking agency can provide you with the permit if you book directly with them.

Getting the permit through a Trekking Agency:

The registered agency can arrange your ACAP permit for you. This is the easiest way you can get the permit because you do not need to visit the permit office yourself. You just need to provide the documents, and the agency handles the process.

Getting the permit in Kathmandu:

Before heading to the trail, Kathmandu is a very convenient place to arrange the permit. Many trekkers collect their ACAP permit in Kathmandu before heading to Pokhara. You have to make sure to carry all the required documents and Cash in NRs. To get the permit, you have to visit the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) Office at Bhrikutimandap (Pradarshani Marg) from Sunday to Thursday (10:00 AM – 5:00 PM) and on Friday (10:00 AM – 3:00 PM).

Getting the permit in Pokhara:

Pokhara is also a popular place to get Annapurna Region Permits. Many trekkers stay in Pokhara before or after trekking in the Annapurna region. Visit the NTB or TAAN Office at Damside from Sunday-Thursday (10:00 AM – 5:00 PM) and Friday (10:00 AM – 3:00 PM).

The cost of the ABC trek with Poon Hill and Mardi Himal depends on how much personal expenses you incur on the trek, the number of people in your group, the quality of service (Standard or more personal), and your preference for transport type, which is generally public or private.

In general, the cost of the ABC Trek with Poon Hill and Mardi Himal ranges from USD 800 to 1,000 per person, depending on group size. For a small private group of 1-4 people, the cost is slightly higher than for larger groups because of fixed costs such as guides, permits, porters, and transport. As such facilities are shared among fewer people, the individual costs tend to be higher. But if the group size is large, the per-person cost decreases, making the 15-day ABC trek with Poon Hill and Mardi Himal suitable for groups including friends, families, or corporate groups.

Here at Nepal Alternative Treks, the cost of the ABC Trek with Poon Hill and Mardi Himal is:

Your ABC, Poon Hill, and Mardi Himal package price covers the guide and porter services, all your meals, and lodging during the trek. Besides that, the price also includes the cost of required permits, ground transportation per the itinerary, and other government taxes.

However, you should carry some extra cash for hotel and food in Kathmandu, your personal equipment, travel insurance, drinks and snacks, and tips for the trekking crew. Still, the cost of the combined ABC, Poon Hill, and Mardi Trek is cheaper than classic treks like the Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit treks, which are of similar duration.

Yes, even the beginners can do the ABC Trek with Poon Hill and Mardi Himal. Although mountaineering experience is not required, it is still not a casual walk in the park. Complete beginners should train with cardio and leg-strengthening exercises for 8-12 days before departure. The trek involves consecutive days of climbing stone stairs and reaching altitudes over 4,000 m, where the air is extra thin.

It is feasible for beginners, given its overall moderate difficulty. There are steady walks on stone-step trails through the forest, and some steep sections of ridge with no technical climbing. As a beginner, you may face challenges such as cumulative fatigue, steep stone stair sections, altitude, weather, uneven trails, teahouse lodging, and steeper & narrower ridges.

A 15-day trek is physically demanding, and descending can be hard on the knees. At altitudes over 4,000 m, altitude sickness is possible but still manageable with a slow pace. The steep, narrow ridge from High Camp to Mardi Himal Base Camp feels more demanding than ABC for some. We will cover less daily distance, so it is manageable.

Required Fitness

For the ABC Trek with Poon Hill and Mardi Himal, you need to have basic to good cardiovascular endurance and leg strength. You should be able to hike comfortably for 5-8 hours a day while carrying a daypack. To get the fitness required for the trek, you should train 4-8 weeks ahead, like Brisk walking with elevation if possible. You should focus on cardiovascular exercises like cycling, swimming, or gym work for legs/core. Avoid heavy weightlifting and go on general hikes over varied terrain to simulate the trekking experience.

Some practical tips:

• If you are a true beginner, you should not try to keep up with faster trekkers. To conserve energy and reduce the risk of altitude sickness, you need to maintain a slow, steady pace.
• You should drink at least 3-4 liters of water every day. Maintaining proper hydration helps reduce fatigue and altitude-related symptoms.
• Keep your duffel bag around 10-12 kg, which is the weight limit when hiring a porter. And in your daypack, carry only your daily essentials.
• The Himalayas have very unpredictable weather, so wear moisture-wicking base layers, an insulating mid-layer, and waterproof outer jackets; it helps you adjust easily.
• If you have symptoms like headaches, nausea, dizziness, or unusual fatigue, you should report them to your guide immediately. Don’t continue the climb if symptoms are severe.
• You should use trekking poles to help reduce strain on your knees, especially during descents on stone staircases.
• You should start early in the morning, as it provides clearer mountain views and cooler temperatures.
• As we reach higher altitudes, UV exposure increases. You should wear sunglasses, apply sunscreen (SPF 30+), and use a hat even on cool or cloudy days.