Australian Camp & Dhampus Short Trek 3 D

Australian Camp & Dhampus Short Trek -
3 /Days

Annapurna Foothills & Kaski, Pokhara (0 reviews)

Annapurna Region

Australian Camp & Dhampus Short Trek

The 3-Day Australian Camp and Dhampus Short Trek is the ultimate gentle introduction to the Annapurna Himalayas from Pokhara. Designed for beginner hikers, families, and travelers with limited time, this short scenic circuit ascends through peaceful villages, terraced farmlands, and lush rhododendron forests. Starting from Kande, the trail climbs gently to Australian Camp (2,060 m)—a wide grassy ridge meadow delivering uninterrupted 180-degree panoramas of Mount Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and the Lamjung Himal. Descending through the Gurung stone village of Dhampus, the trail connects through Phedi for a smooth return drive to Lakeside Pokhara.

Country Annapurna Foothills & Kaski, Pokhara

Duration 3 Days

Difficulty Easy to Moderate

Activitytitle Trekking

Max. altitude 2,060 m

Best season Mar-May, Sep-Nov

Accommodation Tea House & Hotel

Meals Included

Start/End Point pokhara - pokhara

Pre-Dawn Ridge Sunrise from Australian Camp (2,060 m) Overlooking Annapurna & Fishtail Pre-Dawn Ridge Sunrise from Australian Camp (2,060 m) Overlooking Annapurna & Fishtail

Eye-Level Panoramas of Machhapuchhre (6,993 m), Annapurna South (7,219 m), and Hiunchuli Eye-Level Panoramas of Machhapuchhre (6,993 m), Annapurna South (7,219 m), and Hiunchuli

Exploring Traditional Slate-Roofed Gurung Heritage Farmlands in Dhampus Village (1,650 m) Exploring Traditional Slate-Roofed Gurung Heritage Farmlands in Dhampus Village (1,650 m)

Easy Forest Trails Winding Through Shaded Rhododendron, Oak, and Orchid Woods Easy Forest Trails Winding Through Shaded Rhododendron, Oak, and Orchid Woods

Family-Friendly Ridge Traverse with Flexible Pacing and Minimal Elevation Gain Family-Friendly Ridge Traverse with Flexible Pacing and Minimal Elevation Gain

TRIP DATES

Availability

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TRIP DETAILS

Includes

What's Included

Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Permit
Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) Card
Private vehicle transfers (Pokhara to Kande & Phedi to Pokhara)
Government-licensed trekking guide and porter support
2 nights teahouse / lodge accommodation with private attached bathroom (where available)
All meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) during the hike
First aid medical kit and comprehensive staff insurance

What's Not Included

International and domestic flights or intercity travel outside Pokhara
Personal travel and medical insurance
Hotel accommodation and meals in Pokhara before and after the trek
Bottled beverages, hot showers, Wi-Fi fees, and personal expenses
Tips for guide and porter team

3 DAYS

Itinerary

Follow our carefully planned Australian Camp & Dhampus Short Trek itinerary, designed with proper acclimatization and comfortable trekking days throughout the journey.

Depart Lakeside Pokhara by private vehicle along the Baglung Highway to Kande (1,770 m). Meet your guide and porter, and begin climbing a well-maintained stone staircase trail through terraced farm fields and sub-tropical oak and rhododendron forest. Pass the ridge clearing of Thulo Kharka to arrive at the open grassy plateau of Australian Camp (2,060 m). Enjoy sunset over the glowing peaks of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Fishtail.

Day 1

Overnight: Day 1

Note:

Wake early to the lodge courtyard for a 180-degree sunrise panorama illuminating the Annapurna massif and Machhapuchhre in pink and gold hues. After a relaxed outdoor breakfast, follow the shaded forest trail through moss-draped rhododendrons to Pothana, registering permits at the ACAP checkpost. Continue along the peaceful stone path downhill into the traditional Gurung settlement of Dhampus to explore stone alleyways and farmland.

Day 2

Overnight: Day 2

Note:

Enjoy a final morning sunrise over the Fishtail peak from your Dhampus lodge terrace. Descend stone steps through terraced millet and mustard fields and small farmsteads to the roadhead at Phedi (1,130 m). Meet your private vehicle for the smooth 45-minute return drive along the highway to your hotel in Lakeside Pokhara.

Day 3

Overnight: Day 3

Note:

Information

Things To Know

Requires an Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Permit and TIMS Card. Maximum elevation is 2,060 m at Australian Camp, posing zero risk of acute mountain sickness (AMS). Well-maintained stone steps and cozy tourist-standard lodges make this trail ideal year-round.

ROUTE

Trip Map

VIDEO

Videos

Get a glimpse of the Australian Camp & Dhampus Short Trek.

QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. With a maximum elevation of 2,060 m, short walking days of 2 to 4 hours, gentle stone staircases, and comfortable lodge amenities, Australian Camp is one of the best family and beginner hikes in Nepal.

Originally called 'Thulo Kharka' (meaning large pasture), the location became a favorite scenic camping spot for Austrian expeditions and Australian trekkers in the late 20th century, eventually earning the name Australian Camp.

Yes. A day hike from Pokhara to Kande, ascending to Australian Camp for lunch and descending via Dhampus to Phedi, can easily be completed in 5 to 6 hours total round-trip.

TRAVELLER EXPERIENCES