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.

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

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.

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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The tour was amazing! Much deeper than many other superficial experiences, Thupten makes sure his guests understand every aspect of the Tibetan cultur, religion, ways of life, refugee status, cuisine, education, medicine and relationship with their homeland. It’s impressive how much genuinely interesting information Thupten is able to convey, and contact with several Tibetans makes it even more tangible and rich. Since it’s very challenging to visit Tibet directly, this experience is possibly the closest one can get. Absolutely recommended, and thank you Thupten!
  
 
  
 
 
 
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Two Fantastic Experiences with Tibetan Encounters - Chitwan & Tibetan Culture

Tibetan Encounters organised a 2-night trip to Chitwan National Park for my daughter and I. They sorted the entire package (accommodation, meals and activities) and even arranged our bus journeys from Kathmandu to Chitwan and onwards to Pokhara. Alice was incredibly helpful and kept in touch with us the whole time ensuring we made it safely and were enjoying ourselves. Thank you for making the experience so easy and stress free!

I also did the Full Day Tibetan Cultural Tour with Mr.Thupten and would highly recommend it. The day was organised incredibly well. We visited Tibetan settlements and monasteries, learnt about carpet making, enjoyed traditional dishes (thenthuk, tsampa, butter tea etc), experienced the afternoon prayer chanting and even more. It was clear how passionate Mr. Thupten is when it comes to sharing the stories, traditions and experiences of the Tibetan community. If you have any interest what so ever in Tibetan culture then you have to do this tour!
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Lauren Ryan 
 
 
 
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Amazing service from Tibetan Encounters!

They organised a 2-night trip to Chitwan National Park for me and my mum. They sorted the entire package (accommodation, meals and activities) and even arranged our bus journeys from Kathmandu to Chitwan and onwards to Pokhara.

Alice was incredibly helpful and kept in touch with us the whole time ensuring we made it safely and were enjoying ourselves.

Thank you for making the experience so easy and stress free
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Ricardo Chan 
 
 
 
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I have enjoyed the ABC Poolhill trek with them. Is my best choice.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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You. Should. Book. This. Tour. I did the Afternoon Tibetan Monastery visit and it was really interesting! When you enter the Monastery, it's a totally different world. I keep this memory close to me. Thank you Thupten!
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Leonardo Braca 
 
 
 
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I had the privilege to do the Afternoon Tibetan Cultural Tour with Thupten as my guide. He’s very knowledgeable on the matter and very keen to explain everything and answer every question I had. You can really see how the preservation of Tibetan culture and traditions are very important to him.
During the tour, I had the opportunity to visit two monasteries (talk with a monk and attend the Saturday afternoon prayer), plus having a proper Tibetan snack. The food especially, consumed in the house of Tibetan refugees, was accompanied by more stories, insights on Tibetan history and customs and past and future perspectives of Tibetan people around the world.
Thank you for the wonderful and very interesting experience!
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Pramila Thapa 
 
 
 
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It was amazing
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Jacqueline Meindl 
 
 
 
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Ein wundervoller Tag mit sehr wertvollen Informationen. Es lohnt sich für alle, die einen tiefen Einblick in die Kultur Tibets wünschen, ebenso für alle, die an den Flüchtlingen aus Tibet interessiert sind.
Wir besuchten zwei Flüchtlingslager nahe Pokhara. Wir besuchten einen Arzt, der tibetanische Medizin studiert hat und jedem im Einzelgespräch eine Diagnose machte. Man konnte auch traditionelle Medizin kaufen.
Am Nachmittag trafen wir einen Mönch, der über sein Leben und Alltag berichtete. Wir sahen 4 Tempel und durften beim traditionellen tibetanisch-budhistischem Gebet anwesend sein. Wir genossen traditionelle Mahlzeiten und Buttertee.
Ich kann diesen Ausflug zu 100% weiter empfehlen.
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 Sarah Hughes 
 
 
 
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One of the best experiences I’ve had since arriving in Pokhara. I did the full-day Tibetan Experience tour and found the whole day extremely interesting, with visits to two Tibetan settlements and two monasteries.

Thupten was an excellent guide—extremely knowledgeable, welcoming and happy to answer questions. He has a wonderful way of explaining things, making Tibetan history, culture and Buddhist philosophy easy to understand. I learned so much about the experiences of Tibetan communities and the importance of keeping their traditions alive.

A particular highlight was speaking with a monk about his daily life, education and reasons for joining the monastery. He was very open to questions, and having that conversation gave me an insight I would never have gained simply by visiting on my own.

The day ended with butter tea in a Tibetan family home, which was a lovely way to finish. A unique and memorable experience that gave me a much deeper understanding of Tibetan life and culture. I would highly recommend it to anyone visiting Pokhara. Thank you, Thupten, for such a fascinating day!
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Lucas Rudinger 
 
 
 
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Nous avons participé à un tour d’une journée avec Thupten.
Tout s’est très bien passé, cette journée était riche en informations et en apprentissages.
Les activités étaient variées.
Allant de l'histoire du Tibet, à la religion ainsi qu’a leurs coutumes et gastronomie.
Nous recommandons beaucoup !
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
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