Australian Camp Dhampus Hike

Overview of the Australian Camp Dhampus Hike

The Australian Camp Dhampus hike is one of the most scenic short treks near Pokhara. Also known as the Australian Camp trek from Pokhara, the journey begins with a short drive from Lakeside to Kande, offering travellers stunning Himalayan views right from the start. This one-day hike features lush forests, traditional Gurung villages, and panoramic Himalayan landscapes. Moreover, after an hour’s drive from Lakeside Pokhara to Kande, the trail begins with breathtaking views of the Annapurna and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) mountains. Along the way, you’ll enjoy the serene atmosphere of Australian Camp and the charming village of Dhampus. Therefore, it is an ideal hike for beginners, nature lovers, and travellers seeking easy hiking in Pokhara.

This one-day adventure offers stunning views of the Annapurna and Machhapuchhre mountains. If you are looking for an easy and rewarding hike, the Pokhara to Australian Camp trek is perfect, combining mountain scenery, traditional Gurung villages, and peaceful forests.

Hike Overview

• Max Altitude: 2,100 meters
• Start: 7:00 am from Lakeside, Pokhara
• End: 3:00 pm back to Lakeside, Pokhara
• Duration: 6–7 hours
• Hike Difficulty: Easy
• Transport: Private vehicle
• Group Size: Individuals, friends, and family (private hike)
• Meals: Lunch, tea or coffee, and mineral water

Australian Camp Dhampus Hike Price — 2026

Price: USD 100 per person

For groups of more than one person, we offer lower group rates. Please contact us for the applicable group price.

First, early in the morning, travelers set off from Lakeside for a scenic drive to Kande. Then, while the initial ascent to Australian Camp involves some uphill walking, the remainder of the trek is mostly gradual. As a result, it is perfect for beginners and those seeking short treks near Pokhara. During the hike, you’ll enjoy panoramic mountain views, charming villages, and rhododendron forests.

Highlights of the Australian Camp Dhampus Hike

• Comfortable and convenient transportation arranged from Pokhara
• Stunning panoramic views of Annapurna, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), and Hiunchuli
• Walk through traditional Gurung villages and scenic terraced farmlands
• Peaceful rhododendron forests and beautiful mountain landscapes
• Perfect for beginners, families, solo travelers, and friends
• Immersive cultural experience with authentic local village lifestyle

👉 Learn more about hiking in Pokhara on the official Nepal Tourism Board website.

About the Australian Camp and Dhampus Hike

Australian Camp was originally called Thulo Kharka, which means ‘big pasture’ in Nepali. Local herders once used this open ridge for seasonal grazing because of its wide, gentle landscape. Later, in the late 1980s, Austrian travellers began visiting to admire the mountain views, and the area slowly became a popular trekking stop. Locals first called it ‘Austrian Camp,’ but over time the name became ‘Australian Camp’ because it was easier to pronounce.

Australian Camp Hiking Map

Detailed Itinerary

Pokhara to Australian Camp

• Duration: 45 minutes drive + approx. 1.5 hours trekking
  The Australian Camp trek from Pokhara begins with an early-morning drive from Lakeside to Kande. At Kande, situated at an elevation of 1,600 meters (5,249 ft), the hike officially begins. Over the next 2.5–3 kilometers (1.6–1.9 miles), the trail gradually ascends to Australian Camp at 2,100 meters (6,890 ft), providing panoramic views and a serene environment. Additionally, hikers can enjoy brief stops for photos and refreshments.

Note: Hikers who want to extend the hike can walk to Pothana from Australian Camp and return. This itinerary is flexible based on your preferences.

Australian Camp to Dhampus

• Duration: 1 hour hiking
  Next, depart from Australian Camp and continue towards Dhampus. Along this route, you will cover approximately 3–4 kilometers (1.9–2.5 miles). Moreover, nestled at 1,750 meters (5,741 ft), Dhampus offers a tranquil setting to enjoy lunch and soak in the Himalayan scenery.

Hike Down to Phedi & Return to Lakeside

• Duration: Approx. 2 hours hiking + 45 minutes drive
  Afterward, proceed from Dhampus to Phedi, then take a cab back to Lakeside. Furthermore, this final stretch combines beautiful landscapes with relaxing paths, therefore ensuring a memorable conclusion to your Pokhara day hike.

What’s Included

• Experienced trekking guide
• Trekking poles
• Rain coat
• Sun hat
• Meals: Lunch, tea/coffee, mineral water
• Transportation: Hotel pick-up and drop-off

Excludes:

Alcoholic drinks

Frequently Asked Questions about the Australian Camp Dhampus Hike

In addition, here are some common questions about this scenic one-day trek:

In terms of difficulty, how challenging is the Australian Camp Dhampus hike?

Fortunately, this hike is easy to moderate. Therefore, it is suitable for beginners, families, and travelers seeking easy hiking in Pokhara. Moreover, the trail offers gradual ascents, making it comfortable for most fitness levels.

How long does the Australian Camp Dhampus hike take?

Typically, the full hike lasts a day. First, it takes about 1.5 hours to reach Australian Camp. Next, you will spend approximately 1 hour trekking to Dhampus. Finally, descending from Dhampus to Phedi takes around 2 hours, after which you return to Lakeside by cab.

Can I extend the hike if I want more adventure?

Yes, hikers can optionally hike to Pothana from Australian Camp. Additionally, this extension provides more scenic views and a chance to experience traditional villages. Consequently, you can enjoy a longer and more fulfilling hiking experience.

What makes this hike special compared to other short treks near Pokhara?

Along the way, you’ll experience panoramic mountain views, rhododendron forests, and authentic Gurung villages. Furthermore, the serene atmosphere at Australian Camp and Dhampus offers a peaceful escape from busy city life. In short, this trek is perfect for both nature lovers and culture enthusiasts.

What should I bring for the Australian Camp Dhampus hike?

You should carry water, snacks, and appropriate trekking shoes. In addition, dressing in layers is recommended due to changing temperatures along the trail. Finally, don’t forget a camera to capture the stunning Himalayan landscapes.

Why Choose Us

• Trusted guides with local knowledge
• Private trekking experience
• Flexible itineraries to match your preferences

Explore More Short Treks Near Pokhara

After completing this hike, you can explore additional beginner-friendly treks near Pokhara, including cultural experiences, scenic sightseeing, and adventure activities. Additionally, these treks provide wonderful opportunities for learning about local villages and traditions.

If you would like to spend more time enjoying the peaceful atmosphere and stunning mountain views, you can also explore our 2 Days Australian Camp Trek. This extended trek allows you to experience the beauty of the Himalayas at a slower and more relaxed pace, making it ideal for those who truly want to immerse themselves in the mountain scenery. For a quieter and more off-the-beaten-path experience, our Dhampus via Astam Village Day Hike is another wonderful option, taking you through peaceful traditional villages with stunning 360-degree mountain views.

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Check our 5-star reviews from travellers worldwide and book your Australian Camp Dhampus hike today for an unforgettable experience in Pokhara.

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We joined the full day Tibetan Cultural Tour after a recommendation from a fellow traveller. We had a brilliant time and it was genuinely so eye opening for us and such a valuable learning experience! Thupten is a fantastic guide and educator and we learnt so much about Tibetan history, culture, food and practices. It was like a full deep dive and course in a day with practical learnings from the monasteries, medical centre and refugee communities. Would highly recommend to anyone and such a different experience one will likely never have again!
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Sushi Golden 
 
 
 
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當天只有我一個人，還是得到很完整的導覽！ 導遊先生學識淵博，一整天的知識把腦袋都塞滿了，除了歷史人文，也接觸大量的佛教思想和達賴喇嘛的理念，遇見的每個人都是心胸開放的分享這一切，靈魂也充實了，把我照顧的很好，這是很值得的一趟導覽。我來自台灣，很推薦來博卡拉的大家可以空下一整天參加～
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Brian Ransdell 
 
 
 
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Fantastic! I feel like I took an entire college class on Buddhism and Tibetan culture in one day! Mr. Thupten, the guide, LOVES what he does and it shows. He is a walking encyclopedia of so, so much in so many fields of Buddhism, Tibet, the Dalai Lama and Nepal. You learn so much about history, food, geopolitics, environmental factors, Buddhist teachings, and the life of a monk. The highlight was definitely sitting down and speaking with a young monk 1:1 for 30-45 minutes about his life history, way of life, belief systems and thought journey in life. A delicious lunch is served; one also gets to try butter tea (I liked it) and Tibetian bread and grains. You visit two different refugee encampment areas with their own monasteries and temples with a deep understanding of the histories behind them. This is definitely a must do while in Pokhara. It is certainly a multi-faceted deep dive that you will not regret presented by a fantastic guide.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Marco Rontini 
 
 
 
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One of the best experiences I’ve had in Nepal. The Tibetan Encounter is much more than a simple guided tour: it is a real immersion into Tibetan culture and the life of the Tibetan refugee community in Nepal. The guide has an incredible depth of knowledge and explains everything with genuine passion: Tibetan philosophy, religion, lifestyle, social organization, history, and the experience of Tibetan refugees in Nepal. You don’t just visit places — you really start to understand the culture and the people. At times, it almost feels like taking a small journey into Tibet. One of the most special parts of the experience was having the opportunity to meet and talk with a young monk who lives in the monastery, learning directly from him about monastic life and his daily routine. You also get to try traditional Tibetan butter tea and experience aspects of Tibetan culture that you would probably never discover on your own. What impressed me most was the quality and depth of the whole experience. Every question is answered, nothing feels rushed or scripted, and everything is explained with knowledge, passion and authenticity. I highly recommend The Tibetan Encounter to anyone who wants to truly understand Tibetan culture rather than simply visit a few monasteries. Definitely one of the highlights of my trip to Nepal.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Da Zhang 
 
 
 
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The staff here is the best I've met in Nepal. They are so helpful, responsive and professional. It's hard for first time tourist to navigate the inDrive bargain here but with their help everything just became much easier and quite transparent without surprises!! I would highly recommend anyone coming to Pokhara to book your tours, transportation and bus tickets here.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Luca Zanoli 
 
 
 
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We did the Full-Day Tibetan Cultural Tour with Thupten: it's a highly recommended experience, a must for anyone passing through Pokhara. Thupten gave us so much information and answered our thousand questions with passion and patience, even suggesting how to deepen our knowledge of Tibetan culture through books and culinary ideas we could look for even back in our own hometowns. He took us to the Tibetan settlements and told us the history of his people since the time of the diaspora. We learned how the Tibetan communities live here in Pokhara, and how the settlements are organized. We visited a Tibetan medicine doctor and were able to ask him a lot about the natural remedies he uses. We tasted typical dishes from Tibetan culinary tradition and also saw how carpets are made. What we enjoyed most out of all these experiences was delving into Buddhist philosophy, talking with the monks about their life in the monastery, and witnessing their prayers. Thupten was a passionate and knowledgeable guide, always ready to explain everything and a very good storyteller. He has a deep knowledge of Tibetan culture and Buddhist philosophy: to truly understand this culture, these mountains and this spirituality, spending the day with him was truly essential. Thank you so much!
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Sara 
 
 
 
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I really enjoyed this tour and would definitely recommend it to anyone interested in learning more about the Tibetan community in Nepal. It was a very well-organized experience that offered a deeper understanding of Tibetan history, culture and daily life. Visiting the monasteries, talking to a young monk, learning about Buddhism, seeing a live sand mandala, trying traditional Tibetan food and hearing the stories behind the community made the day both interesting and meaningful. Thupten was very knowledgeable, friendly and happy to answer all my questions, which made the experience even more enjoyable. If you’re looking for something beyond the typical tourist attractions and want to better understand an important part of Nepal’s cultural diversity, this tour is a wonderful choice. Thank you for such an insightful and memorable day. Tashi Delek! 🥰🙏🏼
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Jeroen Verdonk 
 
 
 
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I got lots of information about Tibet, Boudism ,culture, food, habbits, buttertea, way of living, rituals, Tibitan cure and much much more. Thupten knows a lot and he has answers to all of your question. He takes good care during the tour and makes sure you will enjoy it at the maximum.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 bosko rankovic 
 
 
 
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Mr.Thupten was amazing. He brought us closer to Tibetan culture through a series of nice explanations and demonstrations. It was really interesting to see how Tibetian tea is made,and then we got to taste it too. The guide is very educated , highly recommended
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Kathryn Bond 
 
 
 
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An amazing, informative and well worthwhile morning with Thupten. Highly recommended.
  
 
  
 
 
 
   
 
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