Australian Camp & Dhampus Hike - 2-Day Easy Pokhara Trek

Australian Camp and Dhampus is the finest short introductory hike in the Pokhara Valley. If you want to experience genuine Himalayan mountain scenery, sleep in a peaceful mountain lodge, and walk through traditional Gurung hill villages without committing to a week-long expedition, this two-day trail is the ideal choice. If you have extra time for a longer trek, consider the 3-day Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek or the ridge-walk Mardi Himal Trek.

Perched on a grassy hilltop plateau at 2,050 meters, Australian Camp sits directly opposite the dramatic north-south spine of the Annapurna range. In the morning, you step out of your bedroom onto manicured green lawns and look directly across the valley at Machapuchare (Fishtail, 6,993m), Annapurna South (7,219m), and Hiunchuli.

From Australian Camp, the trail meanders through shaded oak forests past the village of Pothana down to Dhampus (1,650m), a historic Gurung village famous for its traditional slate-roofed houses, golden rice terraces, and panoramic mountain views.

Why Choose Australian Camp & Dhampus?

Most premier Himalayan routes require at least 5 to 12 days of strenuous uphill trekking and carry inherent risks of high-altitude sickness. Australian Camp and Dhampus provides the full sensory magic of Nepal trekking in a compact, accessible package:

• No Altitude Sickness: Because the maximum elevation is just 2,050 meters, you enjoy pure mountain air without headaches, nausea, or acclimatization days. Compare altitudes across Nepal routes with our Elevation Profile Calculator.
• Close Proximity to Pokhara: The trailhead at Kande is only a 45-minute drive from Lakeside, making it easy to start after breakfast and reach your mountain lodge by lunchtime.
• Lush Nature and Birdwatching: The forest between Kande, Australian Camp, and Pothana is rich in orchids, rhododendrons, and colorful Himalayan bird species.
• Boutique Lodges: Australian Camp features quality lodges with manicured lawns, hot showers, western bedding, cold beer, and open-air fire pits for evening gatherings.
• Cultural Village Immersion: Walking through the stone pathways of Dhampus gives travelers an authentic glimpse into the daily life, farming, and architecture of the Gurung people.

The 2-Day Overnight Itinerary

Day 1: Drive from Pokhara to Kande & Hike to Australian Camp

After breakfast in Pokhara Lakeside, hire a private taxi to Kande along the Baglung Highway (45 minutes, NPR 2,000 to NPR 2,500). The trailhead starts directly at Kande village (1,770m). Follow the gently graded stone staircase climbing through terraced fields and shady oak trees. After approximately 1.5 to 2 hours of easy walking, reach the open crest of Australian Camp (2,050m).

Check into your lodge, enjoy a lunch of fresh steamed momos or Nepali Dal Bhat on the open lawn, and spend your afternoon relaxing with front-row views of Machapuchare and Annapurna South. Watch the sunset paint the snow-capped peaks in warm orange and violet hues before gathering around the fireplace in the evening. Total walking time: 2 hours.

Day 2: Sunrise Over Annapurna, Walk through Dhampus & Return to Pokhara

Wake up early to catch the sunrise over the Annapurna massif right from your lodge garden. After coffee and breakfast, begin a scenic downhill walk through shaded rhododendron forest to Pothana village (1,890m). Check your permits at the ACAP checkpoint and continue along the cobblestone trail down into Dhampus village (1,650m).

Spend an hour strolling through Dhampus, admiring the traditional slate-roofed Gurung homes, stone courtyards, and organic vegetable patches. From Dhampus, you have two options: descend stone steps for 1.5 hours to Phedi to catch a taxi, or take a private jeep directly from the Dhampus roadhead back to Pokhara (1 hour drive). Total walking time: 3 hours.

Practical Planning Tips

• Transportation: Booking a private taxi from Pokhara Lakeside to Kande and arranging a pickup at Phedi or Dhampus is the simplest option. Local public buses also run regularly from the Baglung Bus Park in Pokhara to Kande for budget travelers (NPR 150 per person). Before starting your trip from the capital, check our guide on where to stay in Kathmandu.
• What to Carry: Because this is an overnight hike, leave your heavy luggage stored safely for free at your Pokhara hotel. Carry only a small daypack with a warm fleece jacket, a rain jacket, a water bottle, sunscreen, camera, and basic toiletries.
• Permits: The trail passes through the Annapurna Conservation Area. Foreign hikers should obtain an ACAP permit at the Tourist Service Center in Damside, Pokhara before departure. Check exact permit fees using our Nepal Trekking Permit Fee Calculator.
• Can It Be Done as a Day Trip? Yes. If you are on a tight schedule, you can leave Pokhara at 8:00 AM, hike from Kande to Australian Camp for lunch, continue down to Dhampus, and return to Pokhara by 4:00 PM the same afternoon.