Dhampus via Astam Village Day Hike

Easy Day Hike to Dhampus via Astam Village

Dhampus via Astam Village day hike from Pokhara is a short and easy trek. First, you’ll walk through terraced fields, peaceful forests, and traditional Gurung villages. Then, this Astam Village to Dhampus hike leads you to stunning Himalayan views, including Annapurna and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail). Next, travelers enjoy this easy day hike in Pokhara, which is perfect for beginners and families. Finally, this gentle route is often described as the ideal easy trek from Pokhara to Dhampus and a rewarding Himalayan day trek from Pokhara.

Day Hike Overview:

Trip Duration: Approx. 9 hrs.
Max Altitude: 1650 meters
Start: 8:00 am
End: 5:15 pm
Difficulty: Easy
Transport: Private Vehicle
Group Size: For individuals, friends, and family members. All our hikes are private.

Dhampus via Astam Village Day Hike Price — 2026

Price: USD 95 per person

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

Highlights of Dhampus via Astam Village Day Hike

Scenic Dhampus via Astam Village day hike near Pokhara
Additionally, walk through forests, terraced fields, and Gurung villages
Moreover, explore Astam Village to Dhampus trek viewpoints
Enjoy lunch with Himalayan panoramas during easy hike from Pokhara to Dhampus
Perfect easy day hikes in Pokhara for families and beginners
Experience beautiful light conditions perfect for photography during your Himalayan day trek from Pokhara

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

Mountain lodge in Dhampus village with Machhapuchhre Fishtail peak view on an easy day hike in Pokhara

Dhampus Hiking Map

Route map of the Dhampus via Astam Village day hike from Pokhara showing trek stops and altitudes

About the Dhampus via Astam Village Day Hike

The Dhampus via Astam Village day hike is one of the most rewarding short hikes near Pokhara for travelers who want big Himalayan views without committing to a multi-day trek. Starting from Melbot, the trail winds through forested paths, terraced fields, and traditional Gurung and Magar villages, offering a genuine slice of rural Nepali life.

Astam Village, a quiet hilltop settlement roughly midway through the hike, is a highlight in its own right — a great spot to catch your breath, meet locals, and take in early views of the Annapurna range before continuing on to Dhampus.

From Dhampus, hikers are rewarded with sweeping panoramas of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre, making it a favorite among those looking for an easy hiking option in Pokhara that still delivers dramatic mountain scenery. The full route can comfortably be done in a single day, with lunch in Dhampus giving you time to relax before the drive back to Pokhara.

Detailed Itinerary – Dhampus via Astam Village Day Hike

Pick-up in Pokhara (8:00 am): First, your guide will meet you at your hotel. Then, enjoy a scenic 30-minute drive to Melbot, the starting point of your hike.

Hike to Astam Village (2–3 hours): Next, start your hike through lush forested paths and terraced fields. Along the way, admire the scenery. Next, reach Astam Village, a peaceful hilltop settlement with breathtaking Himalayan views. Finally, take a short break to explore and meet locals.

Traditional Gurung village house with Annapurna range on the Astam Village to Dhampus trek

Continue to Dhampus (2–2.5 hours): Then trek from Astam towards Dhampus. Along the path enjoy scenic ridges and rural landscapes. Also, capture panoramic views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre.

Astam Village hilltop settlement and valley view on Pokhara short treks

Lunch in Dhampus (1 hour): Afterward, savor a freshly prepared Nepali meal while enjoying the mountain scenery.

Descend to Phedi (1–1.5 hours): After lunch, begin the gentle downhill hike to Phedi, where your vehicle will be waiting.

Return to Pokhara (45 minutes): Drive back to Pokhara, arriving by late afternoon with unforgettable memories of this one-day hike from Pokhara.

Includes:

Professional Local guide
Trekking poles, if needed
Sun hat
Rain coat
Lunch, tea or coffee, mineral water
Private vehicle transportation

Exclude:

Alcoholic drinks

Frequently Asked Questions – Dhampus via Astam Village Hike

How difficult is the Dhampus via Astam Village day hike?

This is an easy trek from Pokhara to Dhampus, suitable for beginners, families, and travelers of all ages. No prior trekking experience is required.

How long does the hike take?

The hike takes about 6–7 hours of walking, including breaks in Astam Village and Dhampus. With transfers, the full trip lasts around 9 hours.

What is the best time to do this day hike?

The best seasons are autumn (Sep–Nov) and spring (Mar–May), when skies are clear, and mountain views are at their best. Winter and summer hikes are also possible with proper preparation.

What makes this hike special compared to other Pokhara day hikes?

This hike combines two famous viewpoints – Astam Village and Dhampus – offering diverse landscapes, authentic Gurung culture, and spectacular Himalayan panoramas in just one day. If you are looking for another popular option, check out our Australian Camp Dhampus Hike. For another easy walking experience, you can also explore our Pokhara Half Day Hike.

Read What Our Guests Are Saying

See why travellers from around the world love our Tibetan Cultural Day Tours in Pokhara.

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 464 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Daniel Orchard 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Sushi Golden 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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～
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Brian Ransdell 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Marco Rontini 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Da Zhang 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Luca Zanoli 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Sara 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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! 🥰🙏🏼
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Jeroen Verdonk 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   bosko rankovic 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Kathryn Bond 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. An amazing, informative and well worthwhile morning with Thupten. Highly recommended.
  
 
  
  
 
     Verified by Trustindex  Trustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more

Read our 5-star reviews on TripAdvisor and see why guests love our Pokhara Tibetan Cultural Experience.

Why Book Your Dhampus via Astam Village Day Hike With Us?

Our experienced local guides ensure a safe, personalized, and memorable trekking experience. From hotel pick-up to tasty local meals, we handle everything so you can focus on enjoying the stunning Himalayan scenery.

We also offer a 2 Days Astam Trek for travellers who prefer a more relaxed and unhurried experience. This extended journey allows you to fully immerse yourself in the peaceful surroundings, enjoy breathtaking mountain views, and spend more time exploring the charming villages and beautiful landscapes at your own comfortable pace.

Contact us today to book your tour or ask any questions—we’re here to help you choose the perfect day hike during your time in Pokhara.

Discover Nepal – Explore more Experiences

Click the Links Below for Trekking, Pokhara Tibetan Cultural Tours, Sightseeing, Day Hikes & Things to do in Pokhara

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Book your Dhampus via Astam Village day hike from Pokhara today and experience one of the most scenic and culturally rich day hikes near Pokhara. You may also enjoy our Sarangkot to Naudanda Day Hike for another memorable walking experience in the Pokhara valley. Our experienced guides ensure a safe, enjoyable, and culturally meaningful adventure. This easy hike from Pokhara to Dhampus via Astam Village is perfect for first-time hikers, families, and anyone looking for a gentle and rewarding Himalayan experience near Pokhara.

Ready to book or have a question? Fill in your details below and we will get back to you quickly via WhatsApp or email.

Daniel Orchard

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!

Sushi Golden

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～

Brian Ransdell

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.

Marco Rontini

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.

Da Zhang

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.

Luca Zanoli

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!

Sara

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! 🥰🙏🏼

Jeroen Verdonk

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.

bosko rankovic

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

Kathryn Bond

An amazing, informative and well worthwhile morning with Thupten. Highly recommended.

Verified by Trustindex

Trustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more