Australian Camp Dhampus Hiking

275 reviews in TripAvisor

Trip at a Glance

Duration2 Days

Trip GradeEasy

DestinationNepal

Maximum Altitude2,065 m

AccommodationTea House

Starts/EndsPokhara

ActivitiesHiking

Best TimeMarch to May and September to February

Australian Camp Dhampus Hiking is the best short hike in Nepal for stunning views over the Annapurna ranges. The hike combines the allure of breathtaking mountain vistas, lush forests, terraced fields, and encounters with local communities.

At the Australian Camp, you'll realize that Nepal's beauty extends far beyond its landscapes. You'll witness the mighty peaks and absorb the vibrant culture. It resides in the hearts of its people and the stories they share along the trail.

The hike to Australian Camp offers an incredible view of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. You'll see Mount Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre—known as Fishtail, Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, Annapurna III (7,575 m), and Annapurna IV (7,535 m). From Australian Camp, the sunrise is quite a sight, and the sunset is remarkable.

You'll drive from Pokhara to Kande, a 30-minute drive that offers spectacular views of Mount Fishtail. From Kande, you'll climb through the village and forest to the Australian Camp, which is only a 2-hour hike from Kande.

After the Australian Camp, the route traverses the famous Annapurna Sanctuary town of Dhampus, a typical Gurung community. It allows you to enjoy local hospitality and culture. Dhampus is a charming community with paved roads, homes with slate roofs, and a Buddhist monastery.

Then, you'll descend to Phedi, the bottom of the hills. It is a steep downhill for two hours. From Phedi, you'll drive to Pokhara.

The Major Highlights of the Australian Camp Dhampus Hiking

Australian Camp and Dhampus Village are popular viewpoints.
Enchanting sunrise and sunset views.
Beautiful views of Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Annapurna, Mt. Himchuli, Mt. Machhapuchhre, the Manaslu range, and many more.
Trek through the rhododendron forests, hillsides, rice fields, and villages.
Typical Nepali cultures, traditions, and lifestyles are observed on the trail.

Itinerary

This is our standard and recommended itinerary for Australian Camp Dhampus Hiking.

Trip PlanExpand all

Day 01: Drive from Pokhara (820 m) to Kande (1,770 m) and Trek to Australian Camp (2,065 m). Duration: 1 hour drive and 2 hours walking

After breakfast at the hotel in Pokhara, you drive to Kande with a hiking guide. Kande is around 30 km from Pokhara and takes 45 minutes to drive. Once you reach Kande, you start hiking towards Australian Camp, which is 2 hours of ascending through the village and the forest.

Australian Camp is one of the best places in Nepal to see the Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Manaslu Ranges at sunrise and sunset. It also offers a close-range view of Mount Fishtail.

Meals: Lunch and dinnerAccommodation: Tea House

Day 02: Trek from Australina Camp to Phedi via Dhampus (1,650 m) and Drive back to Pokhara. Duration: 3 hours walking and 30 minutes drive

After enjoying the sunrise view at Australian Camp with a hot breakfast, you descend to Dhampus village through the forest. The trail offers a great view of the Himalayas. You take a tea break at Dhampus village to enjoy the panoramic view of the Annapurna Range before you go steeply down to Phedi. Phedi is a Nepali word that means "bottom of the hill.".

You drive to the hotel in Pokhara from Phedi. Then, the hike ends.

Meals: Breakfast and lunch

If the above itinerary doesn’t meet your needs, we can design a Tailor-Made Program based on your travel plans and requirements,Reach our travel experts.

Customize Trip

Cost Includes

All grounded transport as per the program.
One highly experienced hiking guide and a porter and their expenses.
Three meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) with tea/coffee while hiking.
Accommodation during the hiking.
Necessary permits for the hike.
Government taxes.
Office service charges.

Cost Excludes

Meals and accommodation in Pokhara.
All kinds of cold drinks and alcoholic beverages for hiking.
Your personal nature expenses.
Tips for field staff.

FAQs

Q1. Is Australian Camp Dhumpus Hiking suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Australian Camp Dhampus Hiking is suitable for beginners. The trails are well-defined and not too strenuous, making them accessible to people of varying fitness levels.

Q2. Is permit required for the Australian Camp Hiking?

Yes, a permit is required for the Australian Camp hiking. The Australian camp and Dhampus are under the Annapurna Conservation Area Project. So, you must obtain an ACAP permit for this beautiful hike in the Annapurna Region.

Q3. What kind of accommodation can I expect at Australian Camp and Dhampus?

You can get the best accommodation at Australian Camp and Dhumpus along the Annapurna Trek. These places are close to Pokhara. You will get a clean and comfortable attached bathroom with mountain views from the window.

Q4. What should I pack for the Australian Camp Dhampus Trek?

You can pack essential trekking gear such as comfortable hiking boots, warm clothing, a good-quality sleeping bag, a rain jacket, and personal items. Carrying a basic first aid kit and any necessary medications is also a good idea.

Q5. Can I hire a guide or porter for the hike?

Yes, you can hire a local guide or porter for this spectacular hike in Annapurna. A guide provides valuable insights into the local culture, navigates the trails, and enhances your overall experience. A porter helps carry your belongings, making your trek more comfortable.

Q6. Can I extend this trip?

Yes, you can extend this trip if you have time. You can combine with Ghandruk Trek, Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, and Mardi Himal Trek is also started from Kande, and walk through Australian Camp.