A ridge trek from Kande near Pokhara through rhododendron forest to the open crest below Machhapuchhre, with a day climb to Mardi Himal Base Camp at about 4,500 m.
- Days
- 6 days
- Maximum altitude
- 4,500 m
- Difficulty
- Moderate
Annapurna Regionफरेस्ट क्याम्प
Forest Camp
A small cluster of lodges in rhododendron and oak forest, the usual first or second night on the Mardi Himal trek.
This is Forest Camp on the Mardi Himal trek in Kaski, the first lodge stop in the forest above Deurali, not other campsites called 'forest camp' on other Nepal treks.
- Altitude
- 2,550 m*
- Best months
- Mar-Apr, Oct-Nov
- Type
- Trek stop
- District
- Kaski, Gandaki
- Permit
- Permit required
Why go
Forest Camp is the first overnight stop on the ridge section of the Mardi Himal trek in the Annapurna region, a short, steep trail that climbs from the Pokhara foothills to the viewpoints below Mardi Himal and Machhapuchhre. It lies at roughly 2,550 m in thick forest of rhododendron, oak and moss-draped trees, a few hours' walk above the Deurali junction on the Dhampus route.
There is no village here, only a handful of lodges and an open grassy area where some groups pitch tents. The big peaks are hidden by the trees and the ridge, but a clearing nearby looks south-west down the Modi Khola valley towards Ghandruk and Nayapul. In spring the surrounding forest is full of flowering rhododendrons, and birdlife is rich throughout the year.
From Forest Camp the trail continues up the ridge to Rest Camp, Low Camp, Badal Danda and High Camp, gaining height steadily towards the Mardi Himal viewpoint and base camp area at about 4,500 m.
History and culture
The Mardi Himal route was officially opened to trekkers in 2012. Before that, the ridge was used mainly by herders and by occasional camping groups. Lodges at Forest Camp and the higher camps were built as the route grew popular, and a local committee now fixes menu prices across lodges at each stop. The trail lies within the Annapurna Conservation Area, managed by the Annapurna Conservation Area Project.
Things to do in Forest Camp
Forest walking and birdwatching
Look for pheasants and other forest birds in the early morning around the camp.
Acclimatise on the way up
Use Forest Camp as a lower first night before the climb to Low Camp and High Camp.
Weather and the best time to visit Forest Camp
Weather in Forest Camp
Forecast for 2,550 m. Conditions change fast in the mountains.
Weather data: MET Norway, licensed CC BY 4.0. A forecast, not a guarantee.
Best time to visit
Mar-Apr, Oct-Nov
- Jan
- Feb
- Good month: Mar
- Good month: Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Good month: Oct
- Good month: Nov
- Dec
- Autumn (Sep-Nov)
- October and November are dry and clear on the ridge above; lodges can fill up, so arrive early.
- Winter (Dec-Feb)
- December to February is cold, with frost and occasional snow in the forest; higher camps can be snowbound.
- Spring (Mar-May)
- March and April bring the rhododendron bloom through the forest, with afternoon cloud common.
- Monsoon (Jun-Aug)
- June to August is wet and muddy, with many leeches in the forest and views rarely clear.
Where to stay
TeahousesCamping
Three or so simple lodges and a grassy area used for camping; in peak season lodges may put up tents for overflow.
No partner stays are listed here yet. List a property.
Getting there
Drive from Pokhara to Kande or Phedi and walk up via Australian Camp, Pothana and Deurali, or climb directly from Landruk.
Nearest hub: Pokhara
- roadPokhara to Kande, roughly 25-30 km and 45-75 minutes by bus or taxi.
- trekKande to Deurali via Australian Camp and Pothana, about 6.5 km and 2.5-3.5 hours.
- trekDeurali to Forest Camp along the forested ridge, about 8 km and 4-5 hours; or Landruk to Forest Camp, about 4 km and 2.5-3.5 hours of steep climbing.
Permits and fees
Permit required
The Mardi Himal trek is inside the Annapurna Conservation Area, so an ACAP permit is required.
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): Obtain in Pokhara or Kathmandu before the trek.
- TIMS card: Check whether a TIMS card is currently required.
- Guide rule: Since April 2023 foreign trekkers in national parks and conservation areas are generally required to go with a licensed guide; check the current rule.
Verify before travel: permit rules and fees change. Checked 2026-10-06 against Annapurna Conservation Area Project, NTNC.
On the trail
On the Mardi Himal trek.
- Previous stop:
- Deurali (via Pothana) or Landruk
- Next stop:
- Rest Camp and Low Camp
- A typical day:
- From Deurali, about 4-5 hours and roughly 450 m of net gain along a forested ridge with roots and steps; from Landruk, a steep 2.5-3.5 hour climb of about 900 m.
Practical tips
- At about 2,550 m altitude sickness is uncommon, but the trek climbs above 3,500 m within a day or two; know the general symptoms and ascend gradually. This is general information, not medical advice.
- Some lodges offer Wi-Fi; mobile signal is patchy in the forest.
- There are no ATMs or shops; carry cash and snacks from Pokhara.
- Nights are cold; bring a warm sleeping bag even in autumn.
- Follow the blue and white trail markers on trees; side paths can be confusing.
Treks through Forest Camp
Questions about Forest Camp
How high is Forest Camp on the Mardi Himal trek?
About 2,520-2,600 m depending on the source; it is the lowest of the ridge camps.
How do I get to Forest Camp from Pokhara?
Drive to Kande (45-75 minutes), walk to Deurali via Australian Camp and Pothana, then follow the ridge for 4-5 hours; many people reach it on the first or second day.
Can I see the mountains from Forest Camp?
Not from the camp itself, which is in forest; views open up from Low Camp and Badal Danda onward.
Do I need a permit for the Mardi Himal trek?
Yes, an ACAP permit; check whether a TIMS card and a licensed guide are currently required.
More in Annapurna Region
All of Annapurna Region
Town or village · 3,519 m
Manang
A high stone village in the upper Marsyangdi valley below Annapurna III and Gangapurna, where Circuit trekkers stop to acclimatise.
Trek stop · 4,130 m
Annapurna Base Camp
Lodges at about 4,130 m in the glacial basin of the Annapurna Sanctuary, below the south face of Annapurna I.
Mountain pass · 5,416 m
Thorong La
The 5,416 m pass between Manang and Muktinath, the high point of the Annapurna Circuit.
Trek stop · 2,060 m
Australian Camp
A grassy clearing at about 2,060 m above Kande with a wide view of the Annapurna range and Machhapuchhre, an easy walk from the road.
Trek stop · 2,310 m
Bamboo
A group of lodges in the bamboo forest of the Modi Khola gorge, the first overnight stop above Chhomrong on the way to Annapurna Base Camp.
Trek stop · 2,170 m
Chhomrong
The last permanent Gurung village before the Annapurna Sanctuary, built on a steep staircase facing Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre.
Trek stop · 3,200 m
Deurali (Annapurna Sanctuary)
The last lodges in the Modi Khola gorge before Machhapuchhre Base Camp, at about 3,200 m.
Trek stop · 1,650 m
Dhampus
A Gurung hill village above Phedi with views of Machhapuchhre and the Annapurnas, close to Pokhara.
Nearby
National park or conservation area
Annapurna Region
Nepal's largest protected area, from Gurung hill villages and rhododendron forest to the dry valleys behind the Annapurna range.
Editorial draft: facts are being checked against the sources below. Last checked 2026-10-06. Sources: Mardi Himal trek, Wikivoyage, Forest Camp, OpenStreetMap