The route starts and proceeds as Pokhara → Landruk → Forest Camp → High Camp
If you’re looking for a trekking experience filled with village culture, peaceful forest trails, and fewer crowds, the Landruk route to Mardi Himal is the perfect option. This trail blends traditional Gurung lifestyle with raw Himalayan nature, making the journey just as memorable as the destination.
Pokhara — The Perfect Starting Point as you may arrive from kathmandu or butwal you need to arrive
Your adventure begins in Pokhara, Nepal’s trekking capital. The city is famous for:
Calm mornings by Phewa Lake
Vibrant Lakeside cafes
Mountain views of Annapurna and Machhapuchhre
After a warm breakfast and final gear check, a scenic drive (2–3 hours) takes you to Landruk, one of the most beautiful Gurung villages in the Annapurna region.
Landruk (1,565m): A Village Rich in Culture and Beauty
Landruk sits on a mountainside overlooking the Modi Khola valley.
This village is known for:
Stone-paved paths
Traditional Gurung houses
Terraced fields of rice and millet
Friendly locals with warm smiles
Trekkers often enjoy lunch here before starting the climb. It’s a peaceful place where you can feel the heartbeat of mountain life.
From Landruk, the trail begins to climb through forested sections toward Mardi Himal.
Into the Forest: The Path to Forest Camp
The trail from Landruk to Forest Camp is quieter than the popular Kande route. You walk through:
Dense rhododendron and oak forests
Whispering mountain winds
Moss-covered stones
Occasional bird sightings
The atmosphere is calming, with fewer trekkers and a refreshing sense of wilderness.
The forest feels untouched—perfect for those who love quiet nature walks.
Forest Camp (2,500m): Serenity Deep in the Woods
Forest Camp lives up to its name—a peaceful settlement surrounded by tall green trees.
The tea houses here are simple but cozy, offering:
Warm meals
Comfortable beds
A fireplace in the dining area
Friendly Gurung hosts
At night, the silence of the forest is broken only by the sound of wind moving through the trees. This is one of the most relaxing stops on the entire trail.
Forest Camp to Low Camp & Badal Danda: A Change in Landscape
As you climb higher, the environment changes dramatically:
Thick forests slowly open into grassy hills
The temperature drops
Views become wider
Low Camp offers the first real glimpse of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail)—its snowy peak peeking through the clouds.
A little higher is Badal Danda (Cloud Hill), an unforgettable spot where you literally walk above the clouds. The views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre from here are world-class.
Last Climb: Arriving at High Camp (3,600m)
One of the hike’s most dramatic parts is the ascent from Badal Danda to High Camp. The trail winds along a slender ridge with stunning views on all sides:
Cloud-tangled deep valleys
Blue-layered mountain ranges that never end
Peaks of snow shining in the sunlight
It feels like the edge of the planet at High Camp.
It has a small number of tea houses perched on a ridge and provides:
Fresh, cold air
Incredible sunsets
Nights full of stars
Here, hikers take an early nap to get ready for the big morning.
Mardi Himal Viewpoint: An Unforgettable Sunrise
Trekkers start their journey to the Mardi Himal Viewpoint at about four in the morning.
Although challenging, the trail is worthwhile.
When the sun comes out for the first time:
Machhapuchhre gleams with gold.
The pink glow of Annapurna South
The sky becomes a clear blue.
Clouds float beneath your feet.
It is among the Annapurna region’s most enchanted scenes.
The Mardi Himal Trek’s Landruk Route is renowned for Less crowded and quieter
The settlement of Landruk offers a rich cultural experience.
Beautiful wooded paths and breathtaking views of the ridge from Badal Danda
Ideal for hikers looking for tranquility and the outdoors