From Low Camp at 2,990 m a narrower trail leaves the main ridge and dives east through forest towards the Mardi Khola valley. It loses about 1,250 m in 3–4 hours, and parts are steep with loose soil and roots, so poles are useful and knees should be kept soft. The forest gives way to bamboo, then to the first terraces, and the sound of the river grows louder below.
Siding is a farming village rather than a trekking hub. Families grow millet, maize and potatoes on the terraces, keep buffalo and goats, and a few houses have begun to offer homestay rooms and simple meals. Lunch here is often dal bhat cooked over a wood fire with greens from the garden. Children walk to school along the same paths, and older women may be weaving bamboo baskets on their verandas.
A jeep road now reaches Siding and the neighbouring village of Lumre, and the drive back to Pokhara takes about 2–2.5 hours down the Mardi Khola valley. The road is rough and can be blocked after heavy rain, so in the shoulder seasons we keep the option of walking further down to a better road head. By late afternoon most groups are back at Phewa Lake, which makes this a neat way to close the trek.
Good for
- Couples
- Groups
- Photographers
- Solo
Questions travellers ask
Is the descent from Low Camp to Siding steep?
Yes, it is the steepest descent on the trek, losing about 1,250 m in 3–4 hours on a narrow forest path. It can be slippery after rain and dusty in spring. Walking poles take much of the strain off your knees, and good boots with ankle support help. Go slowly; there is no hurry once the summit day is behind you.
Can we stay overnight in Siding?
Yes. A few households in Siding now offer homestay rooms with simple meals, and staying adds a relaxed cultural night before you drive back to Pokhara. Facilities are basic, often with shared toilets and no heating. We can arrange it as an extra night on our Mardi Himal trek if you would like more time in the village.
How long is the drive from Siding to Pokhara?
About 2–2.5 hours by jeep on a rough dirt road down the Mardi Khola valley before joining paved roads near Pokhara. The road can close after heavy rain, especially in June to September and occasionally in spring storms, so your guide will check conditions the day before and arrange an alternative pick-up point if needed.
