Mardi himal trek

A short drive out of Pokhara climbs the ridge road to Dhampus, a Gurung village strung along a terraced hillside with a clear outlook to Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre. Walking begins here on a stone-paved trail through farmland, then enters the forest that gives the next camp its name. The path climbs steadily all afternoon under oak, rhododendron and moss-draped trees, with occasional clearings opening north towards the mountains. Forest Camp, also called Kokar, is a small cluster of lodges in a break in the trees at 2,520m, quiet apart from birdsong.

The trail continues up the forested ridge, climbing through rhododendron that flowers red and pink through the spring, with the canopy thinning as you gain height. Low Camp appears first at around 3,050m, a good stop for tea, and from there the forest gives way to open hillside and the views break out properly: Machhapuchhre directly ahead, Annapurna South and Hiunchuli to the west, and the valley falling away behind. The final stretch to High Camp is exposed and windswept, with the lodges sitting on a narrow shelf at 3,580m beneath the Mardi ridge.

An early start for the climb towards Mardi Himal Base Camp, the highlight of the trek. The trail follows a narrow ridge of grass and loose rock with steep ground on both sides, gaining height slowly as the sun comes up on Machhapuchhre’s fluted face. From the base camp at 4,500m the whole Annapurna sanctuary wall stands in front of you, close enough to pick out individual glaciers and hanging ice. After time at the top you retrace the ridge, pass High Camp and descend into the trees again to Low Camp for a warmer and much easier night.

A long descending day on a different trail, dropping through rhododendron and oak forest and then out onto farmland and terraced fields. The path passes through Badal Danda and the villages below it, with views back to Machhapuchhre whenever the trees open, and the air warming steadily as you lose height. By early afternoon you reach the roadhead at Dhampus Phedi, where a vehicle is waiting for the short drive into Pokhara. You arrive at the lakeside in time for a hot shower and a proper meal, with the mountains you have just walked among across the water.

The last day of your journey, leaving the Annapurna ranges and Pokhara behind. The drive back to Kathmandu follows the Prithvi Highway east along the Trishuli River, through roadside towns, terraced hills and rural settlements of central Nepal, with stops for tea and lunch along the way. The short mountain flight is a quicker alternative if your schedule is tight. On arrival you are transferred to your hotel, with the rest of the day free for last-minute shopping in Thamel, preparations for returning home, or your next plans in Nepal.