Short trek to Astam Village & Australian Camp -03 Days

Astam Village is best option for those people who have short time for trek in Nepal to explore mountain villages and experience the same. Astam Village is famous for the view of sunset and sunrise on the Annapurna range. From this village you see the 360 degree panoramic view of the Annapurna range. You can observe mountains view of Annapurna South (7273m.), Machhapuchhre (7059m.), Annapurna I (8090m.) and Annapurna IV (7525m.). Astam is the perfect destination for hiking. Astam village provides the visitors with a traditional Nepali village experience providing home comfort with an ecological base.

The Australian Camp is considered to be one of the most pleasant place that enables trekkers to see the Annapurna range of mountains. Of the many mountains that trekkers will be able to see includes the Annapurna South (7219m), Hiunchuli (6441m), Machhapuchhre (6993m); also known as Fish Tail Peak; and Lanjung Himal (6983m) at a closer range.

Another plus point of doing the Australian Camp is that there will likely not be many other trekkers. You will be able to enjoy the quiet serenity of nature, without jostling for the perfect place to take a photo.

Brief itinerary

Day 01: Pokhara (827m) to Astam (1522m)
Day 02: Trek from Astam(1522m) to Australian Camp (1900m)
Day 03 Trek from Australian Camp to Pokhara(827m)

Day 01: Pokhara (827m) to Astam (1522m) – 3 hrs walking (5 km)

After breakfast, you will drive from Pokhara to Milan Chowk (Approx 15km / 25 minutes drive). From here we begin our gradual uphill trek through the chestnut forest with views across the Hemja and Mardi valleys, before we arrive at the village of Jijharka where we stop for refreshments at the local store. From here we continue walking for another hour on to Astam. Astam offers 360 degree views of the entire Pokhara, Hemja, and Mardi valley with backdrop majestic views of the Annapurna Range offering one of the most spectacular places to view a sunset and sunrise in the Himalayas. It also provides a great insight into rural village life of Adhikari, Brahimins dwelling in these mid-hills for generations. This day hike is very relaxing and rejuvenating. Ascent/Descent: 618m Ascent 

Included Meals (Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 02: Trek from Astam(1522m)  to Australian Camp (1900m) – 5 hrs walking (11km) 

After breakfast we take a gradual walk to Dhampus, passing through small villages and terraced farms. Dampus is inhabited by various ethnic groups including Gurungs, Brahmin’s, Chhetri’s and Dalits. The village of Dhampus offers spectacular mountain views of the Annapurna Range. You can enjoy a cup of masala tea, meditate and be inspired by the snow capped Himalayas. Dhampus is also famous for spectacular sunsets and sunrises. Approximately 3 hours of walking. After lunch we will continue trekking for 1.5 hours gradually uphill through lush mid-Himalayan forests until we reach Australian Camp where we will spend the night. Australian Camp offers breathtaking views of the Annapurna’s, Machhapuchhare and the Lamjung Himal. Ascent/Descent : 378m Ascent

Included Meals (Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 03 Trek from Australian Camp to Pokhara(827m) -4/5 hrs walking(10km)  & 1 hr drive (15 km)

After breakfast, we will make a steep descent to Khare (1700m). From Khare, we will take a local bus to Naudanda where we will take gradual ascent through the village of Kaskikot until we reach Sarankot. Along the way, we will see panoramic views of the Himalayas, terraced farming, rural villages, and views of the Pokhara valley, Phewa lake and the Peace Pagoda. Sarankot is one of the most popular destinations for sunset and sunrise. We will stay in Sarankot for sunset and take 30 minutes drive back to Pokhara. Ascent/Descent : 1100m Descent 

 Included Meals (Breakfast, lunch and dinner)