Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek in the Annapurna region is one of the popular short treks in Nepal. It takes you on the breathtaking Himalayan route that rewards trekkers with rhododendron blooms during spring, crisp views in autumn, lush greenery in monsoon, and snowy vibes in Winter. Along the way, one of the most beautiful stops is Forest Camp Mardi Himal, a place in between the forests where trekkers can rest and acclimatize before climbing to the base camp.
While the more popular treks, such as Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp, are in the limelight, Mardi is a hidden gem that slowly unfolds among the rustling leaves and rivers. Deep in these woods, there is something special about pausing in places like Forest Camp, where you are welcomed with the warmth of its people.
Forest Camp Altitude and Location
Forest Camp is a beautiful settlement positioned between Deurali and Low Camp on the Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek. The forest camp altitude is around 2520 to 2550 meters, which is 8300+ in feet. The exact location of Forest Camp is around 31 km north of Pokhara, which means it is 8 km from Deurali, another popular stop in the Mardi trail. Reaching Forest Camp Mardi Himal is easy for those with a moderate level of fitness, as it is a 5-6 hour walk from the Kande trailhead near Pokhara.
This gentle yet significant height comes with changes in the weather. The air in the Mardi Trail grows thinner, making it a perfect place to acclimatize for a gradual increase in height. This is a memorable stop before ascending towards Mardi Himal Base Camp. If you are using GPS coordinates, here are the coordinates to help you find the forest camp during the Mardi Himal Trek:
- Latitude: 28.4458° N
- Longitude: 83.8782° E
How to get to Forest Camp Mardi Himal?
Forest Camp Mardi Himal is one of the highlights of the Mardi Himal Trek. It is part of a trekking route in the Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal. To reach Forest Camp, you follow a specific route from the starting point, which can be either Kande, Phedi, or Dhampus. From these routes, you walk through Deurali and Pothana. From Deurali, the forest camp Mardi Himal is just around 8 km away, which means 4-6 hours of walking depending on the speed. After Deurali, you walk through dense forests filled with rhododendron blooms in Spring and green trees at other times.
Alternative Route via Siddhing
For your Mardi Himal Trek, you can also reach Siddhing directly and start your walk from there. It takes a lot less time than other routes, which are 3-5 hours of walking to Forest Camp. If you are in a hurry but still want to complete the Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek, then this route may be the perfect route for you.
Note: This is one of the most immersive forest walks in Nepal with fewer crowds, trees, soft trails, and birdsongs.
Accommodation and Facilities at Forest Camp Mardi Himal
Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek was opened for trekkers after 2012. After that, the route has been very popular and commercialized. Even though this place is remote, Forest Camp has evolved with an increase in tourism. During their stop at Forest Camp, trekkers can find basic yet comfortable teahouses and homestays. The list of homestays is on the entrance for you to decide among the few options.
Facilities at Forest Camp include:
- Most lodges have rooms on a sharing basis with 2-3 beds per room.
- You can expect traditional meals like Nepali Dalbhat, Tibetan bread, fried rice, noodles, eggs, etc.
- Solar Power is common in this area, and there are charging ports usually in the dining area.
- The mobile signal can be patchy, and the Wi-Fi signal may also be available for a small fee.
- There may be Solar/gas-heated hot shower facilities with an extra fee.
Tip: Carry a power bank and a local SIM like NTC for high altitude areas, and even a satellite phone if possible.
Note: Arriving early or pre-booking secures the coziest beds and rooms in peak seasons like Autumn and Spring.
What to expect on the way to High Camp Mardi Himal from Forest Camp?
Though not as popular as the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, the Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek is quickly becoming a favorite destination among trekkers. Forest Camp Mardi Himal is not just a checkpoint, but it’s a gateway into deeper forests, local culture, and the pristine wilderness of the region. After spending a night at Forest Camp or a lunch as per your itinerary, Trekkers head towards Low Camp (2.970 m) and to High Camp (3,700 m).
- The walk from Forest Camp Altitude to Low Camp is a 2-3-hour walk with a steeper climb and thinning forests.
- Â From Low Camp, either you take lunch if you have spent a night in Forest Camp Mardi Himal, or spend a night there to acclimatize. High Camp Mardi Himal is just 3-4 hours away from Low Camp.
- If you are not exposed to elevation, then the path as well as the Forest Camp Altitude and above might bring altitude sickness. Take it slow and stay hydrated.
Weather and Temperature at Forest Camp Mardi Himal
Forest Camp Mardi Himal is located at an altitude of around 2550 meters, meaning it offers a mid-mountain climate. The weather at Mardi Himal and Forest Camp Altitude can change noticeably with the seasons. The place feels as if you are entering a stunning, green sanctuary as it sits in between the woods. Every season paints a different vibe on the Mardi trail.
Spring is about rhododendron and vibrant wildflowers with warm days and cooler nights. You can call it sweater weather, sitting around a fire in a teahouse. Summer/Monsoon is even warmer with misty rain, slippery trails, and the forests become the most alive, but it is not recommended because of the risk on the trails.. Autumn is the classic trekking season with stable daytime temperatures and frosty nights. Even though it’s not recommended for beginners, if you prefer silence and frosty vibes, and an afternoon is also chilly, then Winter may be the vibe you are searching for!
Weather Packing Tips:
- No matter the weather, layer smartly with a breathable base, an insulating mid-layer, and a windproof outer layer.
- Stay dry from rain during the monsoon with a rain jacket.
- Bring thermal, gloves, and warm clothes for chilly evenings.
- Use Pokhara’s weather as a guide, but Forest Camp Mardi Himal is definitely cooler and more humid.
Indigenous Community of Forest Camp
Forest Camp is inhabited by people of the Gurung and Magar people, who call this beautiful mountain land their home. These people are known for their warm hospitality and heritage they share through their teahouses, folk stories, and warm meals. They are deeply connected to the forest camp and the Annapurna region. They are promoting tourism in Nepal in a sustainable way of managing the resources and the vibe they share. When you are on a Mardi Himal Trek from the forest camp, you are not just walking, but you are supporting their livelihoods and helping preserve their centuries-old culture.
Flora and Fauna around Forest Camp
Forest Camp (2,550 m/ 8,366 ft) lies in the Annapurna Conservation Area, which is a biodiversity hotspot of the region, where you can experience the mix of temperate and subtropical ecosystems. Trekking through this region is walking through the forests that have lived through time, rich in Himalayan Flora and Fauna.
Flora
The flora in this beautiful trail includes dense rhododendron and oak forests, with pathways filled with moss and ferns.
- Nepal’s national flower, Rhododendron, blooms in shades of red, pink, and white during Spring.
- Oak and Maple leaves create a rich leaf litter supporting the fungi and insects of this region.
- Himalayan Bamboo grows in moist patches, serving as a food for the Red Panda.
- Medicinal herbs like Yarshagumba(Cordyceps) and wild herbs like jatamansi are found in these higher altitudes above Forest Camp.
Fauna
The trail is a paradise of birds, with over 400 bird species recorded in the Annapurna region.
- Danphe(Himalayan Monal) is Nepal’s national bird, usually seen at dawn.
- You can also see Spiny Babbler singing songs in these forests.
- Pheasant and other shy, vibrant forest dwellers add beauty to the forest.
- You can see a wild goat, the Himalayan Tahr, grazing on higher slopes.
- Musk deer can be occasionally spotted with playful Langurs in the lower forests.
- Red Panda is rare, with uncommon sightings in bamboo thickets.
- You can also witness colorful butterflies and Himalayan frogs in the area.
Notes: Conservation Area
Annapurna Conservation Area promotes community-based tourism, limits deforestation, and supports anti-poaching patrols to preserve the biodiversity. Trekkers pay a conservation fee via their permits that fund the trail maintenance and protection of wildlife.
- Walk quietly at dawn or dusk for the best wildlife encounters without poking animals.
- Binoculars and a camera with zooming can help you spot birds.
- Carry out all the litter, avoid picking plants or feeding animals with a leave no trace rule.
- Hire a guide from a registered agency in Nepal to help you with local insights.
Why Forest Camp Is Worth the Stop and Special?
Forest Camp is not just a rest point, but it’s a gateway to the Mardi Himal Trek. It’s a starting point to observe the Himalayan biodiversity and culture. When you start your walk at dawn, you walk through ancient trees and paths that have guided thousands of trekkers in this serene route over the years. You can also see the dazzling views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchre in the misty mornings. Staying at the forest camp means pausing to breathe among the scent of pine trees, tasting meals from Gurung and Magar communities, and not to miss feeling the beauty of the hilly areas of Nepal. This is like a trailer for what is coming ahead on the trail, the beauty and the memories! Plan your trip with a trusted trekking agency in Nepal!
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. Where to start the Mardi Himal Trek?
You can start the Mardi Himal Trek from Kande or Pitam Deurali, based on your preference. If you have limited days, you can start from Dhampus or Siddhing directly.
2. Do you need a permit for the Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek?
Yes, you definitely need permits for the Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek. You need an ACAP and TIMS card, which you can get from a registered trekking agency in Nepal.
3. What is the altitude of Forest Camp on the Mardi Himal trail?
Forest Camp altitude on the Mardi trek is 2,550 m (8,366 ft) above sea level. This moderate altitude makes it a perfect stop for acclimatization during the Mardi trail.
4. What type of accommodation is available at Forest Camp?
The accommodation available at Forest Camp is basic teahouses and home stays with simple yet comfortable rooms, warm blankets, and traditional Nepali meals.
5. Can we see mountains from Forest Camp?
While the forest limits the visibility, you can still catch glimpses of Machhapuchre(Mount Fishtail) through open spaces in between the trees. Better views arrive as you ascend to Low camp and Badal Danda.
6. Can I charge electronics or access Wi-Fi at the forest camp?
Most of the teahouses at the forest camp offer limited solar power charging. Mobile data and Wi-Fi can be spotty, so it’s essential to bring extra power banks. These services may come with a small fee.
