Mardi Himal Trek

Depart Pokhara early morning for the 1-hour drive to Kande (1,770m) along the Pokhara-Baglung Highway. From Kande, the trek begins with a steady climb of approximately 8 km over 5-6 hours through dense rhododendron and oak forest, ascending 1,215m to reach Low Camp (2,985m). The trail follows a well-marked ridge path that separates the Modi Khola and Seti River valleys. The forest on the lower slopes is magnificent — ancient rhododendron trees with trunks a metre in diameter are draped in curtains of moss and ferns. In spring (March-April), the forest explodes in crimson and pink blooms, creating a canopy of colour overhead. The trail is quiet compared to the busy ABC or Poon Hill routes — you may trek for hours without seeing another group. Birdlife is abundant: listen for the whistling call of the Himalayan monal and the chattering of flocks of white-capped laughingthrushes moving through the understory. Low Camp consists of a few small teahouses in a forest clearing with limited facilities — basic rooms, shared toilets, and simple meals. There is no WiFi and charging costs NPR 300-500 per device from solar panels. Temperatures drop to 0-5°C at night even in autumn, so unpack your warm layers. The remoteness and simplicity are part of Mardi Himal's appeal — this is trekking as it was before the commercial infrastructure of the main routes.