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Between Pitam Deurali and Low Camp, the Mardi Himal trail climbs through one of the finest rhododendron forests in the Annapurna foothills. In spring, it blazes with red, pink and white blooms. Here is where the forest is, when it flowers and what to look for.

The Mardi Himal Trek is short, but there are plenty of worthwhile detours on and around the trail, from sunset walks above the lodges to village stays, hot springs and Pokhara viewpoints. Here are the side trips we recommend and how to fit them in.

Above Low Camp, the Mardi Himal Trek leaves the forest and follows a long grassy ridge toward Machapuchare. This ridge walk is the heart of the trek. Here is what it is like, from views and vegetation to exposure, weather and safety.

The Mardi Himal trail and the Annapurna Base Camp trail meet near Pitam Deurali, with Landruk just below. That junction makes it easy to add Gurung villages, hot springs or even Annapurna Base Camp to your trek. Here is how the connection works.

The Mardi Himal Trek can start at Kande or at Phedi, two stops on the same road west of Pokhara. They join the same trail at Pothana, but the first day feels very different. Here is how to choose.

Lwang is a hillside village of tea gardens and Gurung homes on the eastern side of the Mardi Himal ridge. Ending your trek through Lwang, with a night in a homestay, turns a quick descent into a cultural finale. Here is how it works.