Australian Camp & Dhampus Trek

Pricing

Rates differ for Nepali citizens and international guests because foreign trekkers require TIMS and conservation-area permits. Final quotes depend on group size and dates.

Highlights

• ✓Australian Camp (2,060 m) — a former Australian aid project site now a beloved viewpoint with arguably the finest close-up Annapurna sunrise vista accessible in 2–3 hours from Pokhara
• ✓Full panorama of Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Hiunchuli, Annapurna II, and Lamjung Himal
• ✓Dhampus — a traditional Gurung village with slate-roofed houses and a mountain backdrop that photographers love
• ✓No altitude sickness risk — maximum elevation just over 2,000 m
• ✓Accessible for all ages and fitness levels, including children and seniors
• ✓Less than 30 minutes' drive from Pokhara Lakeside — most time-efficient Himalayan experience in Nepal
• ✓Can extend seamlessly into the Panchase Trek, Mardi Himal, or ABC route

Best season

Year-round, with October–April offering the clearest mountain views. This low-altitude trek is doable even in light monsoon (June–August) though cloud cover is likely. December–January can be cold at night but offers exceptional clear-sky mornings.

Itinerary

Outline below; we tailor rest days and pacing to your group.

1. 1

   Day 1: Pokhara → Phedi / Astam → Dhampus (1,650 m) → Australian Camp (2,060 m)

   Drive from Pokhara Lakeside to the trailhead at Phedi or Astam (~20–30 minutes). Begin trekking uphill through subtropical forest and terraced farmland, passing through the picturesque Gurung village of Dhampus (1–1.5 hours). Continue ascending through rhododendron and oak forest to Australian Camp (~1.5 hours more). Arrive by early afternoon, settle in, and enjoy sunset mountain views over the Annapurna range. Overnight at a well-equipped Australian Camp teahouse.

2. 2

   Day 2: Sunrise at Australian Camp → Dhampus → Phedi → Pokhara

   Wake early for the sunrise spectacle — the Annapurna range turns from deep orange to gold in front of you. After a relaxed breakfast, descend back through Dhampus village for a final look at the mountain views, then continue down to Phedi for the vehicle pickup. Back in Pokhara by late morning. Optional: extend a day to include Panchase Hill or hike onward to Mardi Himal base camp.