All three are short Annapurna treks, but they feel different. This comparison helps you choose.
At a glance
Altitudes and walking times on this page are approximate and differ a little between maps, GPS devices and lodges. Treat them as planning figures, not survey data.
- Poon Hill: 4 to 5 days, about 3,210 m, popular, many lodges.
- Mardi Himal: 5 to 6 days, high camp near 4,500 m, busy ridge.
- Khopra Ridge: 7 to 9 days, about 3,660 m, quiet, simple lodges.
Views
Poon Hill is known for sunrise over Dhaulagiri and Annapurna. Mardi Himal looks at Machhapuchhre and Annapurna South closely. Khopra looks across to Dhaulagiri with a very different feel.
Crowds and comfort
Poon Hill has the most lodges and the most visitors. Khopra has fewer of both.
Choose by what you want
- First short trek: Poon Hill.
- A ridge and a higher camp: Mardi Himal.
- A quieter, longer ridge: Khopra.
See Poon Hill vs ABC vs Mardi Himal.
Combine
You can combine Poon Hill and Khopra on the same trip.
Which suits your season
Spring has rhododendron flowers on the lower slopes and clear mornings. Autumn has the clearest air. Winter brings cold and closed lodges at the top. Monsoon is wet. Poon Hill is the most forgiving in any season.
Next steps
Send us your dates and fitness level and we will suggest one. See the Khopra Ridge itinerary.
Common questions
Which is the easiest?
Poon Hill.
Which is quietest?
Khopra Ridge.
Which is highest?
Mardi Himal High Camp.
Length and effort
Poon Hill is the shortest and easiest, Mardi Himal is a moderate ridge walk, and Khopra Ridge is the most demanding of the three, with higher camps and a longer, quieter route. Match the choice to your days and stamina.
Comforts on the way
Poon Hill has the most established lodges and services. Mardi Himal is simpler, while Khopra offers basic lodges and community stays. If warm showers and variety matter, choose Poon Hill.
Who chooses which
Choose Poon Hill for a quick, comfortable trek, Mardi Himal for a ridge walk with views, and Khopra for solitude and a harder climb.
