On the second day of most longer Mardi Himal itineraries, the trail leaves Pitam Deurali and disappears into one of the finest rhododendron forests in the Annapurna region. For the next four or five hours, you climb steadily beneath a canopy of gnarled, moss-covered trees, with birdsong around you and only occasional glimpses of the sky. It is a quieter, more inward day than the dramatic ridge walking to come, but for many trekkers it becomes one of the most memorable parts of the trek, especially in spring, when the forest glows red and pink with blossom.
This guide explains what to expect on the walk from Pitam Deurali to Forest Camp, including timing, terrain, food and water, nature and seasonal conditions. This section is part of our 9-day Mardi Himal Trek and the 7-day direct-flight itinerary, which both spend a night at Forest Camp.
The Section at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Start | Pitam Deurali, about 2,100–2,150 m |
| End | Forest Camp, about 2,600 m |
| Walking time | 4–5 hours |
| Approximate distance | 6–7 km |
| Terrain | Forest trail with roots, rocks and some steep pitches |
| Lodges en route | Very few |
Leaving Pitam Deurali
From Pitam Deurali, the Mardi Himal trail turns north, away from the path to Landruk, and begins to climb along the ridge. Within minutes, you are among the trees, and the sounds of the lodges fade behind you. The trail is well trodden, but because this section sees fewer trekkers than the lower trail, it feels quieter and more remote. Your guide will set a steady pace; the key to this day is patience rather than speed. See our Pitam Deurali guide.
The Rhododendron Forest
This is the heart of the Mardi Himal forest. Tree rhododendrons, Nepal's national flower, grow tall here, their twisted trunks and branches draped in moss, lichen and ferns. They mix with oak, maple and other broadleaf trees, creating a dense canopy. In spring, usually late March to April, the rhododendrons bloom in shades of red and pink, and fallen petals carpet the trail. At other times of year, the forest is green and atmospheric, often filled with drifting mist by late morning. See the rhododendron forest section and rhododendron season.
Terrain and Gradient
The trail climbs steadily for most of the day, gaining around 500 meters. It is rarely very steep, but there are some short, sharp pitches and sections with roots, rocks and uneven steps. In dry weather, the path is firm and pleasant; after rain, roots and stones become slippery, and mud forms in places. Trekking poles help with balance. The sustained nature of the climb, with few breaks in the canopy, makes the day feel longer than its distance suggests. See trail conditions on Mardi Himal.
Food and Water
There are very few lodges between Pitam Deurali and Forest Camp, so plan accordingly. Carry at least one and a half to two liters of water and snacks such as nuts, biscuits, chocolate and energy bars. Many trekkers eat a good breakfast, snack on the way and have lunch on arrival at Forest Camp. Your guide will know where any small seasonal stops are open. See trail snacks for Mardi Himal.
Wildlife and Birds
The forest is rich in birdlife. Listen for the loud chattering of laughingthrushes, and look for tits, warblers, sunbirds and the kalij pheasant scratching in the undergrowth. Langur monkeys are sometimes seen moving through the trees. Walk quietly, especially in the early morning, to increase your chances. See birdwatching on Mardi Himal.
Arriving at Forest Camp
Forest Camp, sometimes called Kokar, appears as a clearing in the trees at around 2,600 meters, with a small cluster of lodges. After hours in the forest, the open space and the promise of a hot meal are very welcome. The camp is sheltered and peaceful, with tall trees all around. See our Forest Camp guide.
Hour by Hour
A typical day on this section starts with breakfast at Pitam Deurali around 7 a.m. and a departure by 8. The first hour climbs gently into the forest, with the trail winding along the ridge. By mid-morning, the canopy thickens and the air grows cooler, and you settle into a steady rhythm of walking and short rests. Around the middle of the walk, the trail steepens for a while, with roots and rocks underfoot. Mist often begins to drift through the trees by late morning, softening the light. Around midday or early afternoon, depending on your pace, the trees open onto the clearing of Forest Camp, where a hot lunch and a rest await.
Pacing a Long Climb
This is a day to find your all-day pace. Walk slowly enough that you could hold a conversation, take a short break every 45 minutes to an hour, and snack regularly to keep your energy up. Drink water frequently, even though the shade keeps you cool. If you race the early part of the day, you will struggle later. The altitude gain is moderate, but you are now above 2,000 meters and climbing, so steady effort pays off. See pacing yourself on the trek.
Plants of the Forest
Beyond the rhododendrons, the forest holds many plants worth noticing. Oaks with thick, leathery leaves, maples, and other broadleaf trees form the canopy. Ferns grow from the forest floor and along branches, and thick carpets of moss cover trunks, rocks and fallen logs. In damp places, orchids grow as epiphytes on trees, flowering mostly during the monsoon. Bamboo thickets appear in shaded, moist spots. The higher you climb, the more the trees are draped in mosses and lichens, a sign of the damp, cloud-soaked climate. See oak, bamboo and moss forests.
The Forest Through the Seasons
In spring, from March to April, this section is at its most beautiful, with rhododendrons in bloom and birds singing. In autumn, the forest is green and fresh after the monsoon, the trail dries out, and the air is cool and clear. In winter, the forest is quiet, with frost in shaded spots and sometimes snow higher up after storms; the trail can be icy in places. In the monsoon, the forest is lush, misty and dripping, with muddy sections and many leeches. See the best time for the trek.
Leeches and the Monsoon
During the monsoon, and sometimes after heavy rain in other seasons, leeches are common in this damp forest. They are harmless but unpleasant. Tuck your trousers into your socks or wear leech socks, apply repellent to socks and boots, carry a little salt to remove them, and check your legs at rest stops. Do not pull leeches off forcefully. See leeches on the Mardi Himal Trek.
Safety in the Forest
The forest section is safe for well-prepared trekkers, but a few precautions help. Watch your footing on roots and wet stones, especially after rain. Stay on the main trail; side paths used by herders can be confusing. Carry a headlamp in case the day runs late in winter, when daylight is short. Walk with your guide or group rather than alone, and tell your guide if you feel unwell. Mist can make the forest feel disorienting, but the trail is well defined. See our safety guide.
Photography in the Forest
The forest offers wonderful photography in soft, diffused light, especially on misty days. Look for layers of trees receding into the mist, shafts of light through the canopy, close-ups of moss, ferns and blossoms, and trekkers on the winding trail for scale. A wide-angle lens captures the depth of the forest, while a macro or close-focusing lens reveals small details. See the photography guide.
Continuing to Low Camp
On the 5-day trek from Pokhara, you do not stop at Forest Camp but continue through Rest Camp to Low Camp on the same day, adding two to three hours of climbing. This makes day two a long day of five to seven hours, but it brings you out of the forest to Low Camp's view of Machapuchare in time for sunset. On the 9-day and 7-day treks, stopping at Forest Camp splits this climb in two, giving better acclimatization and a more relaxed pace. See Forest Camp to Low Camp.
Why Split the Forest Day?
Spending a night at Forest Camp has several benefits. It breaks a long, sustained climb into two manageable days. It adds an intermediate sleeping altitude of around 2,600 meters before Low Camp and High Camp, helping acclimatization. And it lets you enjoy the forest at a relaxed pace, especially valuable in spring when the rhododendrons bloom. For beginners, families and older trekkers, this gentler pattern often makes the whole trek more enjoyable. See the 9-day itinerary.
Rest Camp: A Nearby Alternative
A short distance above Forest Camp lies Rest Camp, a small, quiet stop with only a lodge or two. On some itineraries, especially when Forest Camp is busy, trekkers stay at Rest Camp instead. It offers a similar forest setting with fewer people. It is also a good place for a tea break if you are continuing to Low Camp. See Rest Camp on the Mardi Himal Trek.
What to Wear on the Forest Day
The forest is shaded and often cool, but the steady climb keeps you warm. A long-sleeved base layer and trekking trousers are usually enough while walking, with a fleece for rest stops. Keep a rain shell in your daypack, as showers and mist are common. In spring and autumn, mornings can be cool and afternoons mild; in winter, wear an extra layer and gloves at the start. In the monsoon, rain gear and leech protection are essential. See what to wear on the trek.
Forest Day for Families and Older Trekkers
For families with children and older trekkers, the forest day is often the most tiring before the summit hike, simply because it is long and sustained. Splitting it with a night at Forest Camp, as on the 9-day and 7-day itineraries, makes a big difference. Take frequent breaks, keep snacks handy for children, and turn the walk into a game of spotting birds, monkeys and flowers. Allow plenty of time, so there is no pressure to hurry. See the family trek itinerary.
After Forest Camp
From Forest Camp, the next section climbs past Rest Camp to Low Camp, where the forest thins and the first big view of Machapuchare appears. It takes around two to three hours. Beyond Low Camp, the trail leaves the forest entirely and follows the open ridge to Badal Danda and High Camp. The forest day is therefore the last long stretch among the trees before the landscape opens up dramatically. See our Low Camp guide.
Sounds of the Forest
Take a moment during a rest stop to simply listen. The calls of laughingthrushes, the tapping of woodpeckers, the rustle of langurs in the canopy and the drip of mist from moss-covered branches make the forest feel alive even when you see little.
The Forest's Quiet Character
Many trekkers find the forest day unexpectedly moving. After the open views of day one, the enclosed forest feels calm and introspective. The rhythm of walking, the sound of birds and wind in the leaves, and the soft light through the canopy create a meditative atmosphere. It is a good day to walk quietly, notice the details of the forest, and let your mind settle into the trek before the big views and the challenge of the high ridge ahead.
Common Mistakes on the Forest Day
The most common mistakes on this section are not carrying enough water and snacks, since lodges are scarce, starting too fast and fading later, and underestimating how long the climb feels. In the monsoon, forgetting leech precautions makes the day miserable. In winter, not carrying a headlamp can be a problem if the day runs late. Prepare the night before at Pitam Deurali, and the forest day becomes a pleasure.
Walk This Section with Us
This forest day is part of the 9-day Mardi Himal Trek. On the 5-day trek from Pokhara, you continue past Forest Camp to Low Camp on the same day. Contact us to book.