Is 10-12 Days Enough for Poon Hill, ABC & Mardi Trek combined?

As a team of seasoned mountain specialists at Best Heritage Tour, we have spent decades navigating the rugged ridges and sanctuary basins of the Annapurna region. We have guided thousands of trekkers through the stone-paved stairs of Ghorepani, the glacial "bowl" of the Annapurna Base Camp, and the silent, misty ridges of Mardi Himal.

One question dominates our inbox more than any other: "Can I actually do Poon Hill, ABC, and Mardi Himal in just 10 to 12 days?"

The answer is a resounding yes - but it is not a journey for the unprepared. Combining these three iconic trails into a single 12-day window is what we call the "Annapurna Triple Crown." It is a logistical puzzle that requires precise timing, a specific "transversal" route, and a steady pair of legs.

In this definitive guide, we draw upon our collective experience as a leading Nepal travel agency to show you exactly how this ambitious itinerary works, what to pack, and why this specific combination is the ultimate way to experience the Himalayas.

Decoding the "Triple Crown": Why Combine These Three?

Most trekkers visit Nepal and pick just one route. They either want the cultural sunrise of Poon Hill, the legendary prestige of Annapurna Base Camp (ABC), or the "off-the-beaten-path" serenity of Mardi Himal.

However, we at Best Heritage Tour noticed that these three destinations form a perfect geographical triangle. By connecting them, you don't just see the mountains; you live among them.

• Poon Hill (3,210m): Your "Cultural Prelude." It offers the most famous sunrise in the world, overlooking the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna massifs.

• Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m): The "Heart of the Sanctuary." You stand in a 360-degree amphitheater of 7,000m and 8,000m peaks.

• Mardi Himal (4,500m): The "Ridge Perspective." While ABC puts you at the foot of the mountains, Mardi Himal puts you on a ridge looking directly at the face of the sacred Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) mountain.

The Logistics: Is 12 Days Enough?

When travelers ask if 10–12 days is enough, they are often worried about rushing. From a professional standpoint, 12 days is the "Sweet Spot."

If you were to trek each of these separately, you would spend 20+ days. However, because these trails share "connector" villages like Chhomrong and Tadapani, we can bypass the long descents back to the valley and instead traverse horizontally across the mountain face.

The Challenge of 10 Days vs. 12 Days

• The 10-Day Version: This is high-intensity. It involves 7-8 hours of trekking daily with minimal "rest" afternoons. It is perfect for ultra-fit trekkers or trail runners.

• The 12-Day Version: This is our Signature Heritage Itinerary. It allows for a "buffer" day in case of weather or a slow morning, and it includes the luxury of the Jhinu Danda Hot Springs - a vital recovery point after the ABC descent.

The Professional "Heritage" Itinerary (12 Days)

This is the exact route we use for our clients. It is designed to maximize acclimatization while minimizing "backtracking."

Terrain and Difficulty: What to Expect

Combining these treks changes the difficulty rating from "Moderate" to "Moderate-Strenuous."

The "Stairs" of the Annapurna

Nepal is famous for its "Nepali Flat" (a little bit up, a little bit down). On this route, you will face thousands of stone steps. The climb to Ulleri and the descent from Chhomrong are legendary for testing your knees. Our guides recommend using two trekking poles to reduce the impact by up to 25%.

The Ridge of Mardi

Unlike the ABC trail, which follows a river valley, the Mardi Himal trail follows a narrow ridge. This means the views are constant, but the wind can be stronger. The trail from High Camp to Mardi Base Camp (4,500m) is rocky and can be slippery in the early morning frost.

Altitude Sickness (AMS) Management

As a professional company, safety is our non-negotiable priority. You will be crossing the 4,000m mark twice.

Our Protocol at Best Heritage Tour:

1. Hydration: We require our trekkers to drink 3-4 liters of water daily.

2. Pacing: "Bistari, bistari" (slowly, slowly). Speed is the enemy of acclimatization.

3. Oxidation Checks: Our guides carry pulse oximeters to monitor your oxygen saturation levels every evening at dinner.

4. The "Shortcut" Safety: If a trekker shows signs of AMS at ABC, our itinerary allows us to descend rapidly to Jhinu Danda (under 2,000m) in just a few hours.

Best Time to Embark on the Triple Crown

The weather in the Annapurna region is the boss. To ensure you aren't walking in a cloud for 12 days, we recommend two specific windows:

Spring (March to May)

• The Bloom: The forests between Ghorepani and Tadapani turn into a sea of red, pink, and white rhododendrons.

• The Temperature: Warm days (15°C to 20°C) and manageable nights (-5°C at Base Camp).

Autumn (September to November)

• The Clarity: Post-monsoon air is the cleanest. You will see every ridge and crevasse on Annapurna South.

• The Festival Season: You may get to experience Dashain or Tihar in the mountain villages.

Conclusion: Your Himalayan Story Starts Here

Is 10–12 days enough for Poon Hill, ABC, and Mardi Trek? Not only is it enough, but it is also the most efficient and spectacular way to see the best of Nepal. You will walk through jungles, forests, and glaciers. You will see the sun rise over the world's highest peaks and soak your tired muscles in natural hot springs.

At Best Heritage Tour, we don't just sell packages; we craft experiences. Let us handle the maps, the permits, and the heavy lifting while you take the steps that will change your life.

Ready to Conquer the Annapurna Triple Crown?

Phone / WhatsApp / Viber: +977-9851149197 / +977-9810043046

Email: info@bestheritagetour.com / bestheritagetour@gmail.com

Website: www.bestheritagetour.com

Office: Thamel Marg, Kathmandu, Nepal

Author: Best Heritage Tour

Date: 21st December, 2025