Australian Camp and Dhampus Easy Trek 4 Days

Pokhara · 4 Days / 3 Nights

Australian Camp and Dhampus Easy Trek 4 Days

· Easy · Max altitude 2,060m (6,759 ft) at Australian Camp · Max group 2-12 people

Duration

4 Days / 3 Nights

Max Altitude

2,060m (6,759 ft)

at Australian Camp

Grade

Easy

Lodging

3-star hotel in Pokhara (2 nights); teahouse lodge (1 night)

Overview

The Australian Camp and Dhampus Easy Trek 4 Days is the gentlest possible introduction to the Annapurna foothills - one short walking day at altitude with big mountain views, all in the comfort of 3-star Pokhara hotels at the start and end. Australian Camp at 2,060m gives close-up views of Machhapuchhare (Fishtail), Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Dhaulagiri without any of the long days or high passes of the bigger Annapurna treks.

It is the right pick for families, first-time trekkers, honeymooners, older travellers and anyone with only 4-5 days for a Nepal trekking taster.

Highlights

  • Up-close views of Machhapuchhare (Fishtail) at 6,997m
  • Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Dhaulagiri panorama
  • Just one day of trekking at altitude - very gentle introduction
  • Comfortable teahouse lodge at Australian Camp with en-suite bathrooms
  • 2 nights in 3-star Pokhara hotel - boating on Phewa Lake
  • Sightseeing in Pokhara - International Mountain Museum, Davis Falls, Gupteshwor Cave
  • Forest walks through pine and rhododendron
  • Traditional Gurung farming villages
  • Suitable for children aged 8+
  • No altitude sickness risk - max altitude 2,060m

Itinerary

Day 1

Kathmandu to Pokhara (820m)

🍽 Breakfast (own arrangement)

- **Drive:** 6-7 hours (200 km) - **Overnight:** 3-star Pokhara hotel Tourist bus from Kathmandu to Pokhara, arriving in the early afternoon. Hotel check-in. Afternoon Pokhara sightseeing - International Mountain Museum, Davis Falls and Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave. Evening walk along Phewa Lake. Overnight in Pokhara.

Day 2

Pokhara to Kande to Australian Camp (2,060m)

🍽 Breakfast, lunch, dinner

- **Drive:** 1.25 hours to Kande - **Hiking:** 1.5-2 hours to Australian Camp - **Overnight:** Teahouse lodge at Australian Camp Breakfast in Pokhara. 1.25-hour jeep ride to Kande trailhead. Trek begins with a steady climb through forest to Australian Camp. Afternoon free to enjoy the close-up Machhapuchhare view, optional walk to Pothana village. Sunset over the Annapurnas from the lodge terrace.

Day 3

Australian Camp to Dhampus to Pokhara (820m)

🍽 Breakfast, lunch

- **Hiking:** 3-4 hours - **Drive:** 1 hour back to Pokhara - **Overnight:** 3-star Pokhara hotel Sunrise over Machhapuchhare. Breakfast. Descend through forest to Dhampus village (the largest Gurung settlement on the route). Continue through terraced farms and the long stone staircase to Phedi. Jeep pickup and return to Pokhara. Afternoon boating on Phewa Lake or relaxing at the lakeside. Overnight in Pokhara.

Day 4

Pokhara to Kathmandu

🍽 Breakfast (own arrangement)

- **Drive:** 6-7 hours Morning departure by tourist bus to Kathmandu, arriving in the late afternoon. Optional extension: add Chitwan jungle safari, rafting or another short trek before returning.

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What's included

Included

  • Tourist bus fare Kathmandu - Pokhara - Kathmandu
  • Private jeep transfers (Pokhara - Kande, Phedi - Pokhara)
  • 2 nights 3-star hotel in Pokhara with breakfast
  • 1 night teahouse lodge at Australian Camp with attached bathroom
  • All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea and coffee)
  • One porter for every two trekkers
  • Licensed English-speaking trekking guide
  • ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit) and TIMS card
  • Pokhara sightseeing entrance fees
  • Government and local taxes

Not included

  • Excess baggage charges
  • Alcoholic and soft drinks
  • Meals in Pokhara and Kathmandu
  • Kathmandu hotel accommodation
  • Personal expenses (laundry, phone, hot showers in some lodges)
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips for the guide, driver and porter
  • Anything not listed under inclusions

Trek guide

The Easiest Annapurna Trek

Australian Camp gets its name from the Australians who first set up a base for views of Annapurna from this ridge above Pokhara. The ridge runs at around 2,060m and offers some of the closest unobstructed views of Machhapuchhare in the whole region - a remarkable amount of mountain for a 4-day trip.

Geography

The trailhead at Kande sits at around 1,700m, a 1.25-hour drive west of Pokhara. The trail climbs 1.5-2 hours to Australian Camp at 2,060m. The descent to Dhampus and Phedi the next day drops you back to road-head.

What You See

  • Machhapuchhare / Fishtail (6,997m) - the classic close-up
  • Annapurna South (7,219m)
  • Hiunchuli (6,441m)
  • Annapurna IV (7,525m)
  • Dhaulagiri (8,167m) - on the clearest days
  • Pokhara Valley below
  • Gurung farming villages of Dhampus and Pothana

Cultural Stops

  • Pokhara - International Mountain Museum, Davis Falls, Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave
  • Boating on Phewa Lake
  • Dhampus village - traditional Gurung settlement
  • Pothana - tiny ridge village (optional excursion)

Permits

  • TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) card - included
  • ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit) - included

Altitude

Highest point 2,060m. No altitude sickness risk.

Best Season

  • All year, with October-November and March-April giving the most reliable views
  • December-February cold but very clear
  • Avoid monsoon (June-August) for cloud and slippery descent

Fitness

Easy (Level 2). 3-4 hours of walking each day. Suitable for first-time trekkers and families.

Trail Description

Day 2 is the only proper trekking day - 4-5 hours total, with the climb to Australian Camp at a relaxed pace. Day 3 descends through Dhampus and the long stone staircase to Phedi, where the vehicle picks you up for the return to Pokhara.

Packing list

Clothing: Hiking trousers, 2 breathable shirts, fleece, light insulating jacket, light rain shell, sun hat, warm hat for evenings, sleepwear

Footwear: Hiking shoes or light boots with grip

Accessories: 30-40L daypack, 2L water bottle or hydration bladder, sunglasses, sunscreen, headlamp, trekking poles, camera, power bank

Documents: Passport, passport photos for permits (we handle paperwork), Nepali rupees

Medical: Personal medication, basic first-aid kit, blister care, lip balm

Frequently asked questions

Is this trek difficult?
One of the easiest treks in Nepal. Suitable for first-time trekkers, families and most older travellers.

What about altitude sickness?
2,060m is well below the altitude sickness threshold. Stay hydrated and you will be fine.

Will I see Machhapuchhare?
Australian Camp is one of the best Machhapuchhare viewpoints anywhere - the mountain dominates the skyline on clear mornings.

Can I fly Kathmandu-Pokhara instead?
Yes - the 30-minute domestic flight costs around USD 90-130 each way. We can arrange the upgrade.

Can I extend the trek?
Yes - common extensions include Poon Hill (3-4 more days), Mardi Himal (4-5 more days) or Sarangkot sunrise. Ask for custom quotes.

Are children welcome?
Yes - the trek suits children from 8 years old.

Is the lodge comfortable?
The best Australian Camp lodges have private rooms with attached bathrooms, hot showers and great mountain-view terraces.

What food is available on trek?
Standard Nepali dal bhat, plus simple rice, noodle and vegetable dishes. Tea-coffee and basic breakfasts are included.

Do I need trekking poles?
Highly recommended for the long stone-step descent from Dhampus to Phedi.

Still have questions? Talk to a guide →

Why book this with us

Senior local guides. Small groups. Honest pricing.

  • Departures led by a guide who grew up in the region.
  • Max 8 trekkers per group — no convoys.
  • 100% Nepali-owned. Profit stays in the valleys.
  • Free cancellation up to 30 days before departure.
  • Permits, internal flights and TIMS handled by us.
  • 24/7 in-country support during your trek.

From $240

per person

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