Low Camp is a small group of lodges on the ridge, where the forest thins out and views open up to the north. At about 3,000 m on the Mardi Himal trek, it sits above Forest Camp and below Badal Danda and High Camp. It is a popular night for those trekking up from Pokhara.
Altitude: about 3,000 m. Heights quoted for villages and camps vary by source, so treat this as a guide.
Where Low Camp is and why trekkers stop
Low Camp is on the Mardi Himal ridge, reached from Forest Camp by a continuing climb. Many itineraries stop here because it is a natural end to a day: high enough to feel the trek change character, low enough to keep the sleeping altitude sensible. From Low Camp, onward options include Badal Danda, High Camp and the ridge to Mardi Himal Base Camp. Some plans also descend from here towards Siding.
What to expect at Low Camp
The scene changes here. Dense forest gives way to a more open ridge, with grass, shrubs and wide views toward the northern peaks when the clouds clear. The lodges are close together, and evenings tend to gather the whole trekking crowd around the dining room. Wind can pick up on the ridge, and fog is common in the afternoon. In clear mornings the first light on the mountains is the main reward of staying here.
Altitude and how you may feel
At about 3,000 m, altitude effects start to matter for some trekkers. You may notice a lighter appetite, a mild headache or restless sleep. Rest, fluids and a slow pace usually help. Altitude illness can strike on the Mardi Himal route, and if symptoms worsen it is wise to descend to a lower camp. Climbing higher the next day only makes sense if you feel well, so be honest with your guide about how you are doing.
Lodging, food and practical tips
Lodges are simple and compact, with shared bathrooms and menus of dal bhat, noodles, momos and soup. Rooms are cold overnight, so bring a warm sleeping layer, a hat and gloves. Water refills are available, but treat it before drinking. Charging points may cost extra and may be limited. Start early the next day so you reach your next stop before afternoon cloud. Keep cash for food and tea on the ridge.
Stage guides that pass through Low Camp
These day-by-day guides start or end at Low Camp, with walking times, ascent and where to sleep.
- Pokhara to Low Camp trek: stages, altitude and time
- Kande to Low Camp trek: stages, altitude and time
- Low Camp to Mardi Himal Base Camp trek: stages, altitude and time
- Low Camp to Siding trek: stages, altitude and time
- Low Camp to Badal Danda trek: altitude, time and route
- Forest Camp to Low Camp trek: altitude, time and route
- Low Camp to High Camp trek: stages, altitude and time
- Australian Camp to Low Camp trek: stages, altitude and time
Common questions
How high is Low Camp?
Low Camp is at about 3,000 m on the Mardi Himal ridge. It is higher than Forest Camp and lower than Badal Danda and High Camp, so it makes a sensible stage for sleeping altitude.
What are the views like at Low Camp?
Low Camp has views opening up to the north as the forest thins out. Clear mornings are best, since cloud often builds later in the day and can hide the mountains.
What is the next stop after Low Camp?
Most trekkers continue to Badal Danda, then High Camp, before going for Mardi Himal Base Camp. Some plans pass directly to High Camp, and others turn toward Siding on the way down.
