Astam Village Trek

Experience Astam, Dhampus & Australian Camp in One Short Trek

The Astam Village Trek 2 Days is one of the best short treks near Pokhara, combining stunning Himalayan views with authentic Nepali village life. This easy trek passes through Australian Camp and Dhampus before finally reaching the overnight stop at peaceful Astam Village. Along the way, travellers encounter both natural beauty and local culture, making it a perfect choice for anyone who wants to experience nature and village life in just two days. Known as the Dhampus Astam Trek, this route is ideal for beginners, families, and photographers. Moreover, it offers easy Annapurna treks with breathtaking mountain panoramas.

Astam Village Trek – Overview

Trip Duration: 1 night, 2 days.

• Max Altitude: 2060m
• Start: Pokhara
• End: Pokhara
• Difficulty: Easy
• Transportation: Private Vehicle 
• Accommodation: Private Room in Tea Houses
• Group Size: For individuals, friends, and family members. All our treks are private.
• Meals: All included

Note: This trek does not require any trekking permits.

Astam Village Trek – Price

Price per person (with food): USD 170

Private treks, shared savings

All our treks are private — designed for individuals, friends, and families rather than large fixed groups. If you happen to know other travellers who would also like to join the same trek on the same dates, we’d be more than happy to take you all together — this brings the per-person cost down for everyone. Likewise, if we come across other travellers interested in the same trek and dates, we’ll be glad to suggest the option to you as well. If you are already travelling as a group of more than one person, just let us know and we’ll provide you the exact price per person based on your group size. Either way, we’re happy to help make your trek more affordable.

What’s Included in the Astam Village Trek

• Trekking guide
• Trekking poles
• Food (meals include only the main course and tea or coffee) It doesn’t include starters or desserts.
• Private lodgings
• Hot shower
• Mineral water
• A first-aid kit or Medical kit
• Toilet paper
• Transportation: Private car with pick-up and drop-off service from your hotel in the Lakeside area.

What’s Excluded:

• Alcoholic beverages or soft drinks
• However, a porter isn’t included. If you need a porter, we can provide one for an extra fee.
• Wifi
• Cell phone charging
• Hot drinking water
• Your personal expenses
• Personal Travel Insurance.

Highlights of the Astam Village Trek

• Stunning Himalayan views of Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, and Lamjung Himal
• Scenic Australian Camp Trek route through Dhampus and Astam Village
• Peaceful landscapes of rhododendron forests, terraced fields & local villages
• An authentic cultural experience with Gurung and Brahmin communities
• Spectacular sunrise and sunset views from Dhampus and Astam. Equally important, these moments are among the most memorable parts of the trek.
• Short, easy trek from Pokhara – no permits required. Additionally, it saves both time and cost for travellers.
• It is ideal for beginners looking for easy Annapurna treks.

Best Time for the Astam Village Trek

This trek can be enjoyed all year round, but each season offers something different. From October to November, the skies are crystal clear and the Annapurna views are at their most dramatic. Meanwhile, March and April bring warm days and blooming rhododendron forests along the trail. Winter, from December to February, offers quiet trails and sharp mountain views, though you will need warm layers for the cold mornings in Astam and Dhampus. In contrast, during the monsoon months of June to September, clouds often hide the peaks, yet the rice terraces turn a brilliant green and the villages are at their most peaceful.

Astam Village Trek Route Map – Dhampus & Australian Camp Trek

Detailed Astam Village Trek Itinerary – 2 Days

Day 1 – Pokhara to Astam Village (1522M) via Australian Camp (2060M) & Dhampus (1650M)

Drive Duration: Approx. 1 hour
Duration: Approx. 6-6.5 hours walk

We’ll start the day with a 1-hour drive from Pokhara (822 m) to Kande. After that, we’ll begin our hike to Dhampus village through Australian Camp. Australian Camp sits at around 2,060 meters and is a popular stop on the Australian Camp Trek. In addition, it provides stunning panoramic views of the Annapurna Range, including Machhapuchhare and Lamjung Himal. You can relax with a cup of masala tea, meditate, and also enjoy the snow-capped Himalayas.

Afterward, the trail continues towards Dhampus village with scenic surroundings. Once in Dhampus (at approximately 1,650 meters), we’ll have a refreshing lunch. Dhampus is home to various ethnic groups like Gurungs, Brahmins, Chhetris, and Dalits. In addition, it offers a spectacular mountain panorama of its own. As a result, many trekkers stay longer here just to watch the evening light on the peaks This section of the route is also popular among families and those looking for easy Annapurna treks without long climbs.

After a lunch break, we’ll continue our journey to Astam village. Astam, at an elevation of about 1,522 meters, provides a 360-degree view of Pokhara, Hemja, Mardi Valley, and the majestic Annapurna Range. Moreover, Astam offers peaceful surroundings, traditional village life, and panoramic Himalayan scenery. Altogether, the walking duration for Day 1, including breaks, is around 6 to 6.5 hours. It provides a fulfilling yet manageable trekking day.

Day 2: Astam Village (1522m) to Pokhara via Melbot

Duration: Approx. 2.5 hours walk
Duration: Approx. 45 min. drive

The second day begins with a descent from Astam village to Melbot. Meanwhile, you’ll enjoy a scenic route that captures the essence of the region. Along the way, we pass through chestnut forests with mesmerizing views. Additionally, we immerse ourselves in the cultural nuances of the area. The hike concludes at Melbot, from where we’ll drive back to Pokhara in a private car for a comfortable return. Finally, this completes the unforgettable two-day Dhampus Astam Trek. This adventure not only provides a physical challenge. At the same time, it promises an immersive experience of the natural and cultural wonders of the Himalayan region. In total, expect 2 hours and 30 minutes of walking and 40–45 minutes of driving.

• Please note that the trekking duration mentioned for each day is an approximate estimate and can vary depending on individual hiking paces, weather conditions, and other factors. Nevertheless, the trek remains suitable for all fitness levels. Similarly, packing wisely ensures comfort during the trek.

👉 “If you don’t have enough time for a two-day trek, we also offer a one-day hike to Australian Camp and Dhampus, along with other beautiful day hikes in Pokhara.

Personal Supplies for the Astam Village Trek

The personal supplies you require for this trek will totally depend on which season you choose to trek. For example, winter trekkers may need extra layers, while summer trekkers can pack lighter.

Headgear

• Sun hat or scarf
• Winter hat

Face protection

• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Face/body wipe

Hand wear

• Lightweight gloves
• Heavyweight winter gloves

Body wear

• Hiking shorts
• Long-sleeved shirts
• Hooded rain jacket or wind shell
• Fleece jacket
• Lightweight cotton pants
• T-shirt ( bring lightweight wool)
• Polypropylene Underwears
• Down jacket
• Waterproof jacket and pants

Trekking Footwear

• Hiking boots or sport shoes
• Thick & light socks( take an extra pair of thick and light socks)
• Sandals

Essential gears

• Backpack or day pack bag
• Thermal bottle
• Medium-size drying towel

Hygiene

• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Face wash
• Body wash

Personal accessories

• Money
• Watch
• Cell phone
• Camera
• Power Adapters and Chargers

Extra supplies

• First aid kit (Note: The guide will carry a first-aid kit on the trip. However, personal kits and medications are highly recommended.)
• Lip Guard
• Notebook and pen.
• Mosquito Repellent spray
• Moleskin for blister

👉 Furthermore, read more about the Annapurna Conservation Area from the official Nepal Tourism Board.

Why Choose the Astam Village Trek?

The Astam Village Trek 2 Days is one of the most rewarding short treks near Pokhara. In fact, it is perfect for travellers who want to combine culture, nature, and stunning Himalayan views in a limited timeframe. Unlike longer treks in the Annapurna region, this Dhampus Astam Trek route requires no permits.

Each stage offers something unique, from the viewpoints of Australian Camp and Dhampus to the serene atmosphere of Astam Village. Moreover, it ensures that both nature and culture are equally rewarding throughout the journey. Most importantly, whether you are a beginner, a family, or a photographer, this trek promises a rich cultural and natural experience. Furthermore, the route is designed to be enjoyed without strenuous climbs. Overall, among the many easy Annapurna treks, this 2-day adventure stands out for its cultural charm and close proximity to Pokhara. And if two days is more than you have, our shorter walk through Dhampus and Astam in a single day covers similar scenery.

Frequently Asked Questions – Astam Village Trek

Do I need a permit for the Astam Village Trek?

No, this trek does not require any trekking permits. The route through Australian Camp, Dhampus, and Astam lies just outside the permit zones of the Annapurna region. As a result, it is one of the most hassle-free short treks near Pokhara.

How difficult is the trek from Kande to Astam?

This is one of the easy Annapurna treks suitable for all fitness levels, with around 6 to 6.5 hours of walking on Day 1 and only 2.5 hours on Day 2. In addition, the trails are well-maintained village paths with no steep or dangerous sections. Therefore, beginners with basic fitness can complete it comfortably.

Can children do this trek?

Yes, this trek is very family-friendly and children who can walk a few hours are welcome. Moreover, the walking pace is always adjusted to the slowest member of the group, and our treks are fully private. For younger children, we can also arrange a porter for an extra fee.

Read What Our Guests Are Saying

See why trekkers choose Tibetan Encounter for their Annapurna adventures. Read our guest reviews on Google, and discover why guests trust us for safe, well-guided treks across Nepal.

 
 
 
 
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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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 Mike 
 
 
 
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We had a wonderful experience and it was a fantastic tour. The knowledge and observations were very insightful and thought provoking. The tour is a sublime balance of many things including identity,  philosophy and daily  life. It was a pleasure to sit with a monk in a beautiful setting and hear his story   directly.  Our guides knowledge,  story telling and ability to field questions no matter how diverse or sensitive was so encouraging that we talked nonstop as every angle was another fascinating world. The Beveridge family, Scotland.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 sarah featherston 
 
 
 
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Had the best day with Thupten! He was such a great guide and airbnb host! I felt welcomed and all of the tours were very informative and helped teach a lot about Tibetan culture. I would highly recommend Thupten’s tours to anyone visiting Pokhara. Thank you!!!
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Jürg M. 
 
 
 
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Authentische Führung und Einblick in das tibetische Leben der Flüchtlinge und Kultur in Nepal. Thupten zeigte auch den Alltag und Sorgen der tibetischen Diaspora auf. Vielen Dank Thupten für diesen Einblick und Perspektive.
  
 
  
 
 
 
   
 
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Likewise, explore our 5-star reviews on TripAdvisor and see why travellers trust Tibetan Encounter for unforgettable experiences across Nepal.

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Book Your Astam Village Trek Today

Ready to experience Australian Camp, Dhampus, and Astam Village in one unforgettable journey? Contact us today to check availability and start planning your trek.