Our Blog

Dhampus is a hillside village above Pokhara with some of the best mountain views of any Mardi Himal trailhead. Starting the trek here adds village character and a gentle warm-up. Here is how the Dhampus start works and how it compares with Kande.

Most trekkers climb to Mardi Himal from Kande and descend to Siding. Reversing the loop, starting at Siding and finishing at Kande or Dhampus, changes the character of the trek. Here is how the reverse route works and whether it is right for you.

The trail from Low Camp to Siding is the direct way off the Mardi Himal ridge: a steep 1,200-meter descent through rhododendron and oak forest to terraced farmland and the road. Here is the trail section by section, in both directions.

Siding is the farming village at the eastern foot of the Mardi Himal ridge, where most trekkers finish their descent and board a jeep back to Pokhara. Here is what to expect: lodges, food, transport, village life and how to use Siding as a start point.

On summit morning every Mardi Himal trekker faces the same choice: stop at the Upper View Point for sunrise, or continue to Base Camp. Here is what each option gives you, what it costs in time and energy, and how to decide on the day.

Reaching Mardi Himal Base Camp is only half of summit day. The descent drops more than 2,500 meters over one to two days, back through the ridge, the forest and the farmland to the road. Here is how it works and how to protect your knees.