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)

Australian Camp Trek is one of the short popular trekking routes in Annapurna region. It provides a huge opportunity to explore ourselves to Himalayan glory, country villages and experience the cultural life of people living in the region. It is an easy family trek since we do not have to trek over 2000 meter elevation. It is comparatively an easier trek to embark to. Nevertheless it is quite exciting and adventurous.

Australian Camp set on the beautiful hill top offers striking views over the valleys and stunning views of the Annapurna mountain range. The trail of this trek is very picturesque, with the view of Great Mountain. The trek starts from Dhampus. From here one trek alongside beautiful views of golden rice terraces the vast expanse of the Annapurna Mountain range. In terms of climbing technicalities, it is an easy mountain to ascend. The journey to Dhampus village, one of the paradises of Nepal, begins from Phedi village, nearly a 30 minutes drive from beautiful lakeside city of Pokhara. This 2 hours climb to Dhampus continues through magnificent rhododendron forest nesting various species of birds to the village of Chandrakot, inhabited by the warm-hearted and hospitable Gurung People. During this trek, you will also have an opportunity for a close look at the daily lives of the villagers of the ethnic Gurung people.

The walk next day through forest to the Australian camp is also equally scenic. After a walk of 3 to 4 hours, we reach Australian Base Camp, located in the ridge and having an incredible view of Annapurna south, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre and Lamjung Himal.The camp is located in center of Dhampus Jungle. There are few comfortable lodges. Australian Camp offers great Jungle scenery and similar views of Mountains as Poonhill like Annapurna South, Fishtail, Mt Dhaulagiri, and Tukuche peak, Dhampus Peak, Nilgiri and Himchuli.We will have great mountain views of the Annapurna Range from Australian Camp.

Our last day of trek ends with descend to Sarangkot via Naundanda continuing through perfect jungle trail with birds chirping sounds. Sarangkot is a popular place for its panoramic view offering stunning sunrise view along with brilliant mountain scenery (Mt Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, Nilgiri, Lamjung Himal etc) delightful view of Pokhara valley, Fewa Lake. Especially in the night time we can enjoy the beautiful night lights of Pokhara city. The walk is pleasant and on the level ridge with open space all the way. After reaching Pokhara via Sarangkot, our trek ends here.

Highlights of Australian Camp Trek

A great impression of the Himalayas in all her magnificence.
Closest views of Fishtail, Annapurna South and Hiunchuli and chain of entire majestic Annapurna Observe rural place and people walking through picturesque village Dhampus
Inter-act with locals

Brief Itinerary

Day 01: Drive to Phedi, trek to Dhampus (1770 m.) – 2/3 hours walk.
Day 02: Australian Camp (2232 m.) – 3/ 4 hours walk.
Day 03: Trek to Sarangkot (1592 m.) and descend to Pokhara – 4/5 hours walk.

Detailed Day-by-Day itinerary

Day 01: Drive to Phedi, trek to Dhampus (1770 m.) – 2/3 hours walk.

Early in the morning drive to Phedi; the drive is about 1 hour- about 40km North West of Pokhara city. We drive through a large Tibetan camp at Hyanjha where local handicraft can be purchased and weaving of Tibetan carpet can be observed. The next village before Phedi is Suikhet. Depending upon weather, physical and logistical condition Suikhet provides alternative route to Dhampus. The road to Phedi in the YamdiKhola (river) valley is quite good.From Phedi you start climbing up hill to Dhampus (1770m). It takes about 2 hour easy walk up the stairs through the terraced rice field. It is a large Gurung village. There are several tea houses and lodge for accommodations in this village.

Day 02: Australian Camp (2232 m.) – 3/ 4 hours walk.

From Dhampus the trail climbs steadily and gradually to Pothana (1890m). The gradual uphill walk is about 2 hours.Instead of taking the main trail to Ghandrung (1951m), one of the best-known villages in the foothill of Annapurna situated above Modi Khola (river) you take the trail to Australian Camp (2232m).It is a well known name and has vantage point to see the Himalaya range all around. The trail from Pothana turns southwest to Khare (1524m) and Naun Danda (1457m). In the beginning you make a gradual uphill ascend for about 45 minutes. After spending sometime at the vantage point you continue to descend the trail to Khara (1457m); it should take about one hour easy downhill walk. Overnight at lodge Australian camp.

Day 03: Trek to Sarangkot(1592 m.) and descend to Pokhara – 4/5 hours walk.

On the last day there are two alternative trails, either you walk to Sarangkot or descend to Phedi to drive to Pokhara. The walk on the Kaski ridge from Naun Danda to Sarangkot (1592m) is pleasant. The walk is on the level ridge with open space all the way. The views of Annapurna and Machhapuchhre can be seen all along. Though the gravel road runs parallel to the trail yet it is nice to walk along the ridge. The day hike from Naun Danda to Sarangkot can take about 4 hour.Sarangkot is a popular viewpoint for tourist and local to see the surrounding view and the Himalaya. Depending upon your time from Sarangkot you can descend to Phewa Lake and take boat to Pokhara.