From Pokhara: Day Hiking Australian Camp & Dhampus

Nestled in the Annapurna region, the day hike from Pokhara to Australian Camp and Dhampus offers an exceptional opportunity to take in Nepal’s captivating natural beauty and vibrant cultural landscape. Trekkers embark on a scenic journey, ascending to panoramic viewpoints and exploring the traditional Gurung villages, where authentic experiences and local cuisine await. With its stunning Himalayan vistas and unique cultural encounters, this adventure promises to leave a lasting impression on even the most seasoned travelers. To uncover the full tapestry of this remarkable day hike, one must delve deeper into the details that make it a must-do experience.

Key Points

• This day hike from Pokhara offers stunning views of the Annapurna range, including Fishtail and Annapurna peaks.
• The hike takes you through Gurung villages, allowing you to immerse in the local culture and cuisine.
• The hike begins with a 30-km drive from Pokhara to Kande, followed by a 1.5-hour trek to Australian Camp.
• Australian Camp, at an elevation of 2,133 meters, provides breathtaking sunrise views over the Annapurna range.
• The hike continues to Dhampus, where you can explore the quaint village and its temples before descending to Phedi.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Hiking Highlights

Although the day hike from Pokhara to Australian Camp and Dhampus is a long one, it offers hikers a chance to experience the region’s stunning natural beauty and cultural richness.

Trekkers can enjoy breathtaking sunrise views over the majestic Annapurna range and encounter Gurung communities along the way. The journey winds through lush forests and picturesque villages, providing a glimpse into the local way of life.

Hikers will also be treated to panoramic vistas featuring the iconic Fishtail and Annapurna peaks. This immersive day hike promises an unforgettable outdoor adventure amidst Nepal’s awe-inspiring landscapes and vibrant mountain culture.

Pricing and Reservations

One can save up to 10% on the day hiking experience from Pokhara to Australian Camp and Dhampus. The price ranges from $271.10 to $243.99 per person.

Travelers don’t need to make an upfront payment as they can reserve now and pay later. Plus, there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

This day hike offers stunning sunrise views over the Annapurna range, encounters with Gurung communities, and panoramic vistas including Fishtail and Annapurna peaks, making it a must-do activity for adventurous travelers visiting Pokhara.

Itinerary Overview

The day hike from Pokhara begins with a pickup from the lakeside area and a 30-kilometer, 45-minute drive to Kande.

From there, the trek to Australian Camp takes 1.5 hours, offering stunning sunset views over the Annapurna range.

Continuing the hike, the next destination is Dhampus, where visitors can enjoy the local culture and cuisine.

The final descent is to Phedi, which takes 1 hour, followed by a 30-minute, 19-kilometer drive back to Pokhara.

Throughout the journey, trekkers can expect to encounter Gurung communities and enjoy panoramic vistas of Fishtail and Annapurna peaks.

What’s Included

The day hike from Pokhara includes a professional English-speaking trekking guide, whose food and expenses are covered.

Hotel pick-up and drop-off, as well as transfers from Pokhara to Kande and Phedi to Pokhara via shared bus, are provided.

An emergency first aid kit is available with the guide, and all official documents are included.

Food and drinks can be purchased along the way.

While optional gratuities and personal expenses aren’t covered, the package offers a hassle-free experience for hikers to enjoy the stunning Annapurna scenery and Gurung cultural encounters.

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Best Trekking Seasons

For the best trekking seasons, the spring months of March to May and the autumn months of September to November are ideal.

During these periods, the weather is generally stable, with clear skies that offer stunning views of the Annapurna range. The temperatures are also more moderate, making the hike more comfortable.

Hikers can expect to enjoy the lush, verdant landscapes and colorful flora that thrive during these seasons.

However, it’s important to remember that the weather can be unpredictable, so travelers should be prepared for potential changes in conditions and temperature during their day hike from Pokhara to Australian Camp and Dhampus.

Getting to Kande

Typically, the day hiking adventure from Pokhara begins with a short drive to Kande, located approximately 30 kilometers (45 minutes) from the lakeside area. The transfer is comfortable and provides a glimpse of the surrounding countryside.

Once at Kande, hikers will:

• Gear up and prepare for the trek
• Meet the experienced, English-speaking guide
• Receive a safety briefing and important information
• Begin the ascent towards the Australian Camp

From Kande, the hike to Australian Camp takes approximately 1.5 hours, allowing for scenic stops and acclimatization. This initial leg of the journey sets the stage for the stunning vistas and cultural encounters that await on the day hike.

Australian Camp Experience

After the initial trek from Kande, hikers arrive at the charming Australian Camp. At an elevation of 2,133 meters, the camp offers stunning sunrise views over the Annapurna range.

Surrounded by lush forests and rolling hills, the camp provides a peaceful respite for trekkers. Visitors can explore the local Gurung village, seeing the rich cultural heritage of the region.

The afternoon is spent taking in the panoramic vistas, which include the iconic Fishtail and Annapurna peaks. As the day draws to a close, hikers can savor the tranquility and beauty of the camp before continuing their journey to Dhampus.

Dhampus and Descent

Leaving the tranquility of Australian Camp, hikers embark on the next leg of their journey to Dhampus. As they trek downhill, they’re rewarded with stunning views of the Annapurna range.

Along the way, they encounter friendly Gurung villagers and enjoy the local culture. The descent to Dhampus offers a:

• Glimpse into the daily lives of the Gurung people
• Opportunity to savor traditional Nepali cuisine
• Chance to explore the quaint village and its temples
• Panoramic vistas of the snow-capped Himalayas

After soaking in the sights and sounds of Dhampus, hikers continue their descent to Phedi, where a shared bus awaits to transport them back to Pokhara.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Difficulty Level of This Day Hike?

The day hike is considered a moderate difficulty level. It involves around 9 hours of trekking with a mix of uphill and downhill sections through forests and villages, but doesn’t require any technical hiking skills.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Activity?

There are no specific age restrictions for this day hike. However, it’s recommended that participants be reasonably fit and able to handle the moderate difficulty and duration of the trek. The hiking experience is suitable for most adult travelers.

Can I Bring My Own Packed Lunch?

Yes, hikers can bring their own packed lunch. The tour doesn’t include meals, so travelers are free to bring their own food and snacks to enjoy during the hike. This can help save money and cater to dietary preferences.

Is This Hike Suitable for Beginners?

This day hike is suitable for beginners. The gradual terrain and moderate elevation gain make it an accessible trek, and the guide provides support throughout. However, some prior hiking experience is recommended to fully enjoy the journey.

What Should I Pack for This Day Hike?

For this day hike, one should pack layers of clothing, sturdy hiking boots, a daypack, snacks, plenty of water, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and a camera to capture the stunning mountain views along the way.

Recap

The day hike from Pokhara to Australian Camp and Dhampus offers a unique blend of stunning Himalayan vistas, immersive cultural experiences, and a chance to savor traditional Gurung cuisine. This adventure caters to nature enthusiasts, providing an unforgettable day filled with breathtaking scenery, local interactions, and a rewarding trek that showcases the natural beauty and rich heritage of the region.

You can check if your dates are available here: