Looking for a Himalayan trek that packs staggering mountain views, rich Gurung culture, and lush forest trails into a short timeframe? The Dhampus Australian Camp Hike is widely considered the best short-duration trekking route in the Annapurna region.
DestinationHIking
Group Size15+
Dhampus Australian Camp Hike Highlights
Here is a quick summary of the key highlights of the Dhampus Australian Camp Hike:
Unmatched Mountain Vistas: Get front-row, panoramic views of iconic peaks including Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Hiunchuli, and Dhaulagiri—especially stunning at sunrise and sunset.
Beginner & Family Friendly: Feature moderate, well-paved stone trails and a low maximum altitude (~2,060m), making it an ideal entry-level Himalayan trek.
Authentic Gurung Culture: Experience traditional local hospitality, slate-roofed homes, and terraced farming landscapes in the mountain village of Dhampus.
Scenic Woodlands: Hike through vibrant trails lined with oak, pine, and blooming red rhododendron forests (in spring).
Maximum Impact, Minimal Time: Requires only 1 to 2 days from Pokhara, offering a full Himalayan experience without needing weeks on the trail.
1 days Dhampus Australian Camp Hike Overview
View from Australian Camp to Dhampus
Are you searching for the best day hiking trail near Pokhara or in the surrounding areas? Look no further than the Dhampus Australian Camp Hike. In about 1 hour, you can reach the trail head of the hike from Pokhara. Our travel planners prepared the hiking itinerary after lots of requests from our valued clients who are on Nepal Tour. They asked for short hiking trail full of mountain vistas, unique ethnic culture, rural vibes but in the places near the main city area. Therefore, we present you the Dhampus Australian Camp Hike itinerary.
Hikers can enjoy the best experiences of Gurung community’s culture, traditions, and rituals. Additionally, hikers can also enjoy the magnificent view of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Himalayan ranges alongside the terraced farmlands during the hike. The journey lasts for about 5 to 6 hours and it is suitable for all age group of people. In fact, if you are planning to take your kids for a light walking trip and wish to show them the rural Nepal, then it is best to choose the Dhampus Australian Camp Hike.
Forests, villages, vantage point, terraced farmlands, and easy difficulty grade make the trail of the Dhampus Australian Camp Hike suitable for beginner trekkers. You can warm up with this hiking journey to do longer treks in the Annapurna region like the Annapurna Base Camp, Ghorepani Poon Hill, Mardi Himal, etc.
Popular Short Hikes to do in Pokhara Valley
Before we tell you more about the Dhampus Australian Camp Hike, let’s talk in brief about some of the popular short hikes to do in Pokhara Valley. Well, Pokhara Valley is comparatively smaller than the Kathmandu Valley but there are amazing hiking trails around the city. Most popular hike is to the World Peace Pagoda and Pumdikot Shiva Statue from Phewa Lakeside. Hikers have to cross the Phewa Lake and start the trek from another side of the lake. It is about 3 to 4 hours of hike where hikers can enjoy peaceful jungle walk with spectacular view of Mount Machhapuchhre, Phewa Lake, and Pokhara city. Besides the hike, you can also choose to do Sarangkot Hike, Begnas Lake to Rupa Lake Viewpoint Hike, etc.
Cycling vs Hiking in Pokhara
Please note that hiking offers different experiences and cycling offers different vibes. You can’t compare between these two activities that are possible to do in Pokhara. If you are looking for a cycle tour in Pokhara, then the travel planners of the Nepal Trekking Rangers will knit an itinerary which is both safe and scientific. Cycling gives adventure and fun but hiking gives you authentic vibes. We don’t compare between these two amazing activities to do in Nepal. Sort out the things that wish to do and we will make sure that your trip itinerary is prepared according to your preferences. Annapurna Royal Cycling Tour, British Army Selection Doko Run route cycling, etc. are popular among domestic travelers and foreign travelers. Similarly, the Lumle Hike, Australian Camp Hike, Sarangkot Hike, etc. are also popular. So, the choice is always yours to decide whether to cycle or hike in Pokhara Nepal.
Australian Camp: Crossroads to popular treks in Annapurna region
Australian Camp
At an altitude of 2060 m above sea level, the Australian Camp is a small place full of tea houses and green meadows plain open field. One can get mesmerizing scenery of mountains like Annapurna, Lamjung Himal, Machhapuchhre, etc. The panoramic scenery of mountains is the highlight of the Australian Camp (2060 m). There are two routes to reach the Australian Camp. They are either from the Dhampus Phedi or from the Kande Route. Our hiking itinerary of the Dhampus Australian Camp Hike starts from Kande. It is to make sure that beginner hiker with low physical fitness can also complete the hike. If you take the Kande route, then you can gently reach Australian Camp after about 1 hour of gentle uphill hike. From Australian Camp, you casually descend down to Dhampus village via green lush forests eventually ending the trek either in Phedi or in Dhampus Bus Park.
The Australian Camp is in the crossroads to many popular treks in the Annapurna region Nepal. The most popular one is surely the Mardi Himal Trek. Many trekkers take the route of the Australian Camp and Pothana village for the trek. However, some people skip the section and drive directly to Pitam Deurali. Besides Mardi Himal Trek, you can also do the low altitude Annapurna Trek like the Landruk Ghandruk Trek from Australian Camp. Therefore it is also called as the best place from where you can start magnificent trekking in the region. If time permit, you can choose to extend the hike and continue the trek in Nepal’s Annapurna region. Make sure to contact our travel planners if you are thinking of doing the trek instead of the hike.
Dhampus Australian Camp Hike: Gurung Villages to Panoramic Mountain Vista
Sakura Hotel in Dhampus
Warm hospitality of Gurung People will captivate you when you enter the Dhampus Village. Yes, the village is mainly habituated by Gurung community where you can rent the traditional attire during your day hike and enjoy wearing traditional dress and immerse into the local culture. The village also provides mesmerizing view of mountains like Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, and Dhaulagiri. Furthermore, you will also be able to experience terraced farmlands. If you climb the Dhampus View Tower that costs NRs. 50, then you can get amazing scenery of Pokhara City including Phewa Lake.
The biggest thing about the Dhampus Australian Camp Hike is that you get to experience authentic ethnic indigenous community in their own courtyard and also enjoy the view of mountains. There is no intense walking like in trekking activities. Therefore, we highly recommend you to book the Dhampus Australian Camp Hike with us to enjoy the best hilly lifestyle including lofty mountain views in just a day’s hike. In fact, it is just about 5 to 6 hours of hike.
Can I stay overnight either in Dhampus Village or in Australian Camp?
Angel Guest House
Yes, it is possible to stay overnight in Dhampus Village or in Australian Camp. Many of our travelers choose to do this day hike if they have another night to spend in Pokhara. These travelers prefer to stay in a tranquil place away from the bustling and clamor of Lakeside Pokhara. Therefore, there are many tea houses, lodges, resorts, and home stay accommodations in the Dhampus Village. As for the Australian Camp, there are 4 to 5 tea houses which are run by the locals and provide good lodging facilities.
The view of the mountains in the morning from the balcony of your tea house is the highlight of staying overnight in either Australian Camp or in Dhampus Village. In the evening, you can also ask the Mother’s Cultural Group to perform Gurung Cultural program in your home stay house of in your tea house/lodge. Staying overnight has many pluses than just doing the day hike especially in the Dhampus village.
Major Attractions of the Dhampus Australian Camp Hiking Route
View reflection on Pond
About 19 kilometers from the main Pokhara City, the Dhampus Village and Australian Camp give you major experiences which can‘t be imagined as you are just an hour away from bustling Pokhara downtown. Check out the major attractions of the Dhampus Australian Camp Hiking Route:
Tranquil Forests environment near Pokhara City
Suitable for all kinds of hikers from beginners, kids, to office goers
Gurung traditions, culture, rituals, and daily lifestyle
Rural experiences
Mountain vistas including the world’s tallest peaks like Annapurna and Dhaulagiri
View of Pokhara City including Phewa Lake
Terraced farmlands
Dhampus View Tower and Gurung Museum
Extended Treks to consider from Dhampus Australian Camp Hiking Trail
Please contact the travel planners of the Nepal Trekking Rangers to extend the Dhampus Australian Camp Hike to trekking adventures. There are many trekking trails which you can complete in less than 5 days. Therefore, you can contact us to knit an itinerary of such trekking activity. We have highlighted three major trekking trails from the Dhampus Australian Camp hiking trail to extend the trip. These three treks are listed as these can be done as an extension of the hike itself. Spend night in Dhampus Village and continue the hike to Sarangkot another famous vantage point of the Pokhara Valley via Nau Danda.
The astonishing trekking adventure to embark from the Australian Camp (2060 m) is the famous Mardi Himal Trek. Allocate another 3 to 4 days to complete this journey to the Mardi Himal Base Camp. You can embark to the cultural trip of two iconic villages of the Annapurna region, Ghandruk and Landruk! These two villages are opposite to one another separated by Modi River. Furthermore, you can also continue to the Annapurna Base Camp from these villages.
Sarangkot Hill via Nau Danda
Mardi Himal Trek via Pothana
Landruk and Ghandruk Village Trek from Australian Camp
Book the Dhampus Australian Camp Hike with us and enjoy day hiking through forests, terraced farmlands, indigenous village, and mountain vista.
If the provided schedule isn't suitable for you, we are able to create personalized travel arrangements according to your preferences and requirements.
His quite nature, and taking care of things when and where required.
I spent over one month with Yuddha, his wife and team of assistants on treks and religious travel namely i) Annapurna , 5 days ii) Pokhara and Muktinath, 8 days and iii) Everest Base Camp and Three Passes, 19 days. I must say that my wife and I had wonderful time with Yuddha and his family. Yuddha is a true professional and goes out of way to make things happen. During my time there were several weather related events but Yuddha was able to find solutions for each adverse situation and allow us to continue our journey. He is flexible with timeline, providing facilities and help. My wife also stayed with his family while I was on trek. She thoroughly enjoyed the hospitality provided by his wife.
Great holiday on the roof of the world
Yuddha the company owner has taken care of everything from domestic flights to car transfers, hotels etc. He has put together a very individual trip that has left nothing to be desired. Also the hike Anapourna Circuit was perfectly organized. I can only recommend this company to anyone who wants to travel to Nepal individually.
A Guide Who Truly Spreads Light
Yuddha is the best guide I have ever met. He is sensitive, very experienced, and always cheerful. He answered my questions with openness, honesty, and kindness. He paid close attention to our group’s needs, and I felt completely safe under his guidance. He booked wonderful accommodations for us and handled the meals very professionally as well. I hope I’ll get the chance to hike with him again — I really miss our conversations. 😊
Highly recommend
I had an amazing experience trekking in the Everest region with Nepal Trekking Rangers. What truly made this journey special was Yuddha. I first met him as a customer during the trek, and by the end of the trip, we had become friends.Yuddha was incredibly supportive, knowledgeable, and attentive throughout the experience. Even after the tour ended, he continued to check in and offer extra care and help, which really meant a lot. His information, guidance, and genuine concern made the whole trip smooth and memorable.He is a truly nice guy—down to earth, mellow, and easy to be around. You can tell he genuinely cares about his clients and his work. I highly recommend Nepal Trekking Rangers and especially Yuddha to anyone planning a trek in Nepal. I sincerely hope his business continues to grow strong—he deserves it.
