Pokhara: Trek to Australian Camp & Dhampus with guide

Summary

Trekking from Pokhara to Dhampus & Australian Camp with a local guide

You’ll hike from Pokhara through forests and villages up to Australian Camp with a local guide by your side, sharing stories along the way. Enjoy home-style Nepali meals, watch sunrise over Annapurna from Dhampus, and feel what it’s like to walk these ancient trails — moments you’ll remember long after heading home.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t really expect the first hour out of Pokhara to feel so quiet — just the car humming up those switchbacks, and then suddenly we’re at Kande, stretching our legs in the cool air. Our guide, Rajan, grinned when I fumbled with my backpack straps (he said everyone does that). The path started out easy enough but got steeper under the trees, where you could smell wet earth and something almost gingery from the leaves. I kept stopping to catch my breath — partly for the view, partly because I’m not as fit as I thought.

We reached Australian Camp after maybe two hours (I lost track), and honestly, it’s hard to describe that first look at Annapurna. It’s just there — huge and silent behind everything else. Some kids were playing cricket on the grass; their laughter echoed off somewhere behind us. Lunch was simple dal bhat in Pothana — warm rice, lentils, a little chili pickle that Rajan insisted I try (“not too much!”). My tongue burned for a while but it felt right somehow. We kept walking along the ridge toward Dhampus, passing old stone houses and women carrying baskets bigger than me. One waved and called namaste; I probably grinned too wide.

The lodge in Dhampus was basic but cozy enough — no towels or fancy stuff, just thick blankets and tea that tasted faintly smoky. Sunset was unreal: gold light on Machhapuchhre’s peak, clouds drifting slow like they had nowhere else to be. Rajan told stories about trekking here as a kid; I listened half-awake, legs sore but happy. The night was colder than I expected (bring socks), but I slept better than I have in months.

Next morning we woke before sunrise — not something I do often at home — and watched the mountains turn pink over breakfast. The walk down to Phedi was easier on my lungs but harder on my knees; still, every turn showed another patchwork of fields or someone tending goats. By the time we reached the car back to Pokhara, my shoes were muddy and my head felt clearer than it had in ages. There’s something about moving slowly through these hills that sticks with you long after you leave.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Pokhara to Dhampus via Australian Camp

• Taxi from Pokhara to Kande
• Hike through forest to Australian Camp
• Lunch at Pothana village
• Trek to Dhampus village
• Sunset view over Himalayas

Day 2 — Dhampus to Pokhara via Phedi

• Sunrise view over Annapurna Range
• Breakfast at Dhampus lodge
• Hike from Dhampus to Phedi
• Car ride from Phedi to Pokhara

Top questions

How long is the trek from Pokhara to Dhampus via Australian Camp?

The total trekking distance is about 7.8 km on day one and 3.5 km on day two.

Is hotel pickup included for this trek?

Yes, pickup from your hotel in Pokhara is included at the start of the tour.

Are meals provided during the trek?

Yes, lunch, dinner, and breakfast are included during your stay.

What kind of accommodation is provided in Dhampus?

You’ll stay in a guest house lodge; towels and toiletries are not provided.

How difficult is this trekking route?

The trek is suitable for all fitness levels but includes some steep sections.

Will there be a local guide with us?

Yes, an English-speaking professional guide accompanies you throughout.

How high do we climb during this trek?

The highest point is Australian Camp at 2,065 meters above sea level.

Are service animals allowed on this tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this trekking tour.

What’s included

Your trip includes private transportation from Pokhara with hotel pickup and drop-off, all meals (lunch, dinner, breakfast), accommodation in a guest house lodge (note: bring your own towel), plus an English-speaking local guide who handles logistics so you can just focus on walking and taking it all in.