How difficult is the Dhampus and Australian Camp trek?

It is one of the easiest treks in Nepal — graded easy to moderate. Walking days are short (2–3 hours) on well-made stone trails, and the maximum altitude of 2,060 m means there are no acclimatisation concerns. It is well suited to families, children and first-time trekkers.

What is the maximum altitude on this trek?

The highest point is Australian Camp (Thulakot) at about 2,060 m. Dhampus sits at around 1,650 m and the trailhead at Kande is roughly 1,770 m, so there is no risk of altitude sickness on this route.

Which permits do I need for this trek?

You need the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), which costs NPR 3,000 for foreign nationals, plus a TIMS card (about NPR 2,000). Both are arranged for you and the costs are included in our package. This is a normal conservation area, not a restricted region, so no special restricted-area permit is required.

Is this trek suitable for families and beginners?

Absolutely. With short walking hours, comfortable tea houses, low altitude and stunning, easily-reached mountain views, it is one of the best short treks from Pokhara for families with children, couples and first-time Himalayan trekkers.

When is the best time to do this trek?

Spring (March to May) offers blooming rhododendrons and warm days, while autumn (September to November) gives the clearest mountain skies. Thanks to the low elevation it can also be enjoyed in winter and on clear days during the shoulder months.

Where does the trek start and finish?

The trek starts with a short drive from Pokhara to the trailhead at Kande and finishes back at Kande on day three, from where you are driven back to Pokhara. The whole loop is centred on the Pokhara valley, making logistics simple and quick.

Annapurna sunrise from Australian Camp above Dhampus near Pokhara, Nepal

TrekModerate

Dhampus & Australian Camp Trek

3 days2,060 mFrom Pokhara (drive to Kande)Best: Mar–May, Sep–Nov

Duration

3 days

From

$349/person

Max Altitude

2,060 m

Difficulty

Moderate

Starts

Pokhara (drive to Kande)

Group Size

2–10 People

Stay

Tea House / Camp

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Best Season

Mar–May, Sep–Nov

Trip Highlights

Sweeping sunrise views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail)

Reach the famous Australian Camp meadow viewpoint at 2,060 m

Overnight in the traditional Gurung village of Dhampus

One of the best short, easy treks from Pokhara — ideal for families and beginners

Gentle stone trails through rhododendron forest and terraced farmland

No altitude concerns — comfortable tea house lodging throughout

Spectacular Himalayan sunsets and sunrises on consecutive days

Quick, hassle-free logistics centred on the Pokhara valley

An easy 3-day classic from Pokhara to Dhampus village and Australian Camp (2,060 m) — sweeping Annapurna and Machhapuchhre sunrise views, perfect for families and beginners.

The Gallery

Scenes from the trail

Day-by-Day Itinerary(3 days)

Altitude Profile

Peak: 2,060 m · Day 2

A short 40-minute drive from Pokhara takes you to the trailhead at Kande (1,770 m). From here a gentle stone-stepped trail climbs through pine and rhododendron forest and terraced farmland to the large Gurung village of Dhampus (1,650 m). Spend the afternoon exploring the slate-roofed houses and enjoying your first sunset views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre.

1,650 m2–3 hrs~5 km trekLunch & DinnerTea House

The Dhampus and Australian Camp Trek is the most rewarding short trek you can do from Pokhara, packing the grandeur of the Annapurna Himalaya into just three relaxed days. After a short drive to the trailhead, gentle stone-paved trails climb through terraced fields and rhododendron forest to the Gurung village of Dhampus and on to the meadow viewpoint of Australian Camp (Thulakot, 2,060 m), where the dawn sky turns gold over Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and the unmistakable fishtail summit of Machhapuchhre.

This is an ideal first Himalayan trek — low altitude, comfortable tea houses, short walking days and a genuine taste of Gurung mountain life. It suits families with children, first-time trekkers and anyone short on time who still wants real mountain views rather than a roadside lookout. The grading is easy to moderate, with no acclimatisation concerns and well-maintained trails throughout.

Why trek Dhampus and Australian Camp

Few short treks deliver such open, unobstructed panoramas so close to a major town. Australian Camp is famous for its sunrise and the green ridge campsite that gave it its name, while Dhampus offers a quieter overnight among traditional slate-roofed homes. Sunsets, terraced hillsides and friendly village teahouses make every hour count.

Best time and who it is for

Spring (March to May) brings blooming rhododendrons, while autumn (September to November) delivers the clearest mountain skies of the year. Because the maximum elevation is only 2,060 m, the trek can be enjoyed year-round, including a crisp, quiet winter walk. It is perfect for families, beginners and travellers wanting a short, scenic escape from Pokhara.

What's Included

Included

All ground transport between Pokhara and the trailhead (Kande) by private vehicle
2 nights tea house accommodation on the trek
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and TIMS card
Licensed, experienced English-speaking trekking guide
Porter service (one porter per two trekkers)
All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Guide and porter wages, insurance, food and accommodation
All government and local taxes and service charges

Not Included

International airfare to and from Nepal
Nepal entry visa fee
Travel and rescue insurance
Accommodation and meals in Pokhara before and after the trek
Personal expenses, drinks, snacks and bottled water
Tips for guide and porter
Anything not listed under the included section

Best Time to Go

Spring (Mar–May)

Rhododendrons in full bloom, warm days and clear morning views of the Annapurnas — one of the two prime seasons for this trek.

Low: 5°C High: 20°C None at this elevation; occasional afternoon haze.

Summer / Monsoon (Jun–Aug)

Lush green hills but frequent rain, leeches and clouds that often hide the mountains. Trekkable but views are unreliable.

Low: 12°C High: 23°C None; expect heavy rain and muddy trails.

Autumn (Sep–Nov)

The clearest skies of the year with crisp air and stable weather — the best time for sunrise panoramas from Australian Camp.

Low: 3°C High: 18°C None at this elevation; excellent visibility.

Winter (Dec–Feb)

Cold but stable and quiet, with sharp, clear mountain views. The low altitude keeps it comfortably trekkable through winter.

Low: -2°C High: 12°C Light frost possible; rare dusting of snow at Australian Camp.

Permits Required

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

NPR 3,000 (approx. USD 23)

Required for all foreign trekkers entering the Annapurna region; SAARC nationals pay NPR 1,000. Arranged by us and included in the package.

TIMS Card (Trekkers Information Management System)

NPR 2,000 (approx. USD 17)

Issued through a registered agency for the safety and tracking of trekkers. Arranged by us and included in the package.

All permits are arranged and included in your package price. Nothing to organise yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

$349

/ person

all-inclusive · permits included

Groups save up to 30% — from $245/person for 8++ pax

Guide-only option from $245

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Guests

$299 × 2 people· 2–3 pax rate$598

Guide-only: $245 × 2$490

All-inclusive · permits included

Price by Group Size

per person · all-inclusive

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Travel Insurance Recommended

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Duration3 days

DifficultyModerate

Max Altitude2,060 m

StartsPokhara (drive to Kande)

Group Size2–10 People

AccommodationTea House / Camp

Best SeasonMar–May, Sep–Nov

Your Guide

NMA-Licensed Senior Guide

Travel Himalaya Nepal · Est. 1998

15+ yrs experienceEnglish speakingFirst Aid certifiedZero fatalities

All guides are NMA-certified with 10–20 years in the Himalayas. You'll be briefed personally before departure.

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NMA Certified Agency

Licensed by Nepal Mountaineering Association · Est. 1998

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