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Prayer flags in front of the Dhaulagiri range
Mardi Himal

Forest Camp to Low Camp trek: altitude, time and route

3 min readUpdated 23 Oct 2026By the Base Camp Hikes trek team

The Forest Camp to Low Camp section of the Mardi Himal trek runs from about 2,520 m to about 2,970 m. Typical time is 2 to 3 hours, rated moderate. That is a net gain of roughly 450 m.

Quick facts

  • Start: Forest Camp, about 2,520 m
  • End: Low Camp, about 2,970 m
  • Change: a net gain of roughly 450 m
  • Typical time: 2 to 3 hours
  • Difficulty: Moderate

The route

A forest climb that steepens as the trees begin to thin. Low Camp sits on a ridge with views of the Annapurna range and Machapuchare.

Altitude and health

This section stays below about 3,000 m, so altitude sickness is unlikely, though heat, humidity and fatigue still matter. Altitudes vary by a few tens of metres between maps and guidebooks.

Tips

The ridge begins to open up here, so keep your camera ready.

Common questions

  • Is there accommodation? Yes, simple tea houses.
  • Is the trail steep? In parts, yes.

Reverse direction

Walking Low Camp to Forest Camp is the same trail in reverse. It is usually quicker because it is mostly downhill, but a long descent is hard on the knees, so poles help.

Nearby legs on this route

Plan it

Back to all route information or see the Mardi Himal trek guides.

Tents pitched at a high camp below glaciated peaks

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