Australian Camp Dhampus Hiking

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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 to behold, 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, which means the bottom of the hills. It is 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, a popular viewpoint
Enchanting Sunrise and Sunset views
Beautiful views of Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Annapurna, Mt. Himchuli, Mt. Machhapuchhre, Manaslu range, and many more
Trek through the rhododendron forests, hillsides, rice fields, and villages
Typical Nepali cultures, traditions, and lifestyles observe 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 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 which 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.

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Cost Includes

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

Cost Excludes

Meals and accommodation in Pokhara.
All kind of cold drinks and alcoholic beverage in hiking.
Your personal nature expenses.
Tips to field staff.

FAQs

Q1. Is the trek suitable for beginners?

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

Q2. What kind of accommodation can I expect?

Accommodation along the trek is basic but comfortable. Teahouses and guesthouses are available in the villages, offering rooms with basic amenities. The Australian Camp also has basic accommodation facilities.

Q3. Are permits required for the trek?

Yes, like most trekking routes in Nepal, you will need permits for the Australian Camp Dhampus Trek. Since the Australian Camp lies within the Annapurna Conservation area, there is an entry permit for the ACAP.

Q4. What should I pack for the trek?

Pack essential trekking gear such as comfortable hiking boots, warm clothing, a good quality sleeping bag, a rain jacket, and personal items. It's also a good idea to carry a basic first aid kit and any necessary medications.

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

Yes, you can hire a local guide or a porter to accompany you on the trek. A guide can provide valuable insights into the local culture, navigate the trails, and enhance your overall experience. A porter can help carry your belongings, making your trek more comfortable.

Q6. Can I extend this trek?

To extend this trip; you can combine this trek with Ghandruk Trek, Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, and Mardi Himal Trek is also started from Kande and walk through Australian Camp.