Australian Base Camp Trek

Max. Altitude

2,100m

Meals Included

B.L.D

Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Activity

short treks in Nepal

Best Season

Mar, Apr, May, Sept, Oct, Nov

Duration

2 Days

Trek Region

Annapurna Region Trek Packages

Destination

Tours & Treks in Nepal

Group Size

Grade

Easy

Activity Per Day

3hrs trekking

Start/End Point

Pokhara / Pokhara

Nature Of Trek

Teahouse (Lodge-to-lodge)

Australian Base Camp Trek Overview

Searching for a one-night escape near Pokhara Valley? The Australian Base Camp Trek is the best choice you’ll ever have. Within 48 hours, you can witness a 180° sunset over the Machhapuchhre and Annapurna mountain range, stargaze, and wake to soft dawn light on the same peaks. You walk through villages of Dhampus, Kande, and Pothana, so you also get to observe the Gurung culture and their way of life.

Not to mention, the base camp is easily accessible. Its distance from Pokhara is just 26km away. The highest point of the trek is only 2,100m/6,890ft, so altitude sickness is out of the picture. You mostly walk in the forest with stone stairs, with birdsongs and rhododendron blooms in spring and early summer.

Further, there is no compromise on the comfort. Most teahouses have attached bathrooms, Wi-Fi, and hot showers. The trek route has filtered-water stations so you can avoid the use of bottled water to keep your footprint light. Moreover, we can arrange a local guide for deeper insights. This will also support the economy of the region, so it’s a win-win situation.

Considering all these, the Australian Camp and Dhampus Hike near Pokhara is rated as a family-friendly & easy trek. It can be done throughout the year at any time. More importantly, it is an affordable option. So, it is perfect for you if you are short on time or if you’re traveling with friends, family, or loved ones. And since it’s a short trek, you can even add other nearby destinations like Sarangkot for paragliding and yoga deck, or the Panchase Hill Village for more mountain views.

Highlights
Itinerary
Includes
Dates
Map
Reviews
Download Brochure

Book Now

Must-See Highlights on the Australian Base Camp Trek

Catch a 180° panorama of Machhapuchhre and the Annapurnas after just 1.5hrs of uphill walking, then relive it at sunrise the next morning.
Watch sunset paint the peaks gold, trace the Milky Way in star-bright skies, and greet sunrise from the same ridge.
Climb a classic stone staircase from Kande to Australian Camp, gaining just 380m elevation.
Walk through a rhododendron forest and witness terraced fields in the slate-roofed Dhampus Village.
Sleep in a cozy teahouse with an attached bathroom, hot shower, Wi-Fi, and charging points.
Travel plastic-free, refill your bottle at clean water stations, and trek with local guides from the villages you will visit.
Return to Pokhara by afternoon and spend the rest of the day boating, exploring, relaxing, or trying adventure activities.

2 Days Australian Base Camp Trek Itinerary

You first start with a 45-minute drive to Kande, which can extend to 1 hour depending on the traffic and road conditions. Then you’ll hike from Kande on long stone stairs in the middle of lush forests. Yes, you need to climb that. After climbing the stairs for 1 hour and 30 minutes, you reach the Australian Camp. Along the way, you’ll occasionally see stunning views of Machhapuchhre and some parts of the Annapurna ranges. However, as soon as you reach the top, these mountains spread their arms for you. Check into the lodge. Enjoy the lunch, chatting with the host (Nepalis are always up for one).

After that, you can go on a 30 to 40 minute walk to Pothana viewpoint, exploring the village itself too. If not, you can walk to a nearby ridge in the camp for the sunset views. The spot offers perfect sunset views over Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Annapurna II & IV, and Lamjung Himal. You can also do a bit of yoga and meditation here. You can also spot scarlet minivets flapping their wings through the pine trees.

Then, return and have a hearty dal-bhat dinner. At night, you can enjoy a small campfire with ginger tea and bonding. If you’re doing the Australian Base Camp Trekking in May to October, you can witness the vast Milky Way with your naked eyes, no equipment needed.

Itinerary Details
Itinerary Fact	Details
Meals	Lunch, Dinner
Accomodations	Teahouse at Australian Camp
Trek Distance	4 km / 2.5 mi
Highest Altitude	2,100 m / 6,890 ft
Trek Duration	1.5 – 2 hrs ascent

On the second day, you will wake up early to catch the sunrise from the nearby ridge. Then, you will begin the descent towards Dhampus after breakfast. On the trekking trail from Australian Camp to Dhampus, you will pass through thin forests, open grasslands, and a few quiet teahouses. You walk around 4.7km, but the walk is calming. As you descend, you can still catch glimpses of Himalayan peaks and hear the scarlet minivets chirping through the scattered trees.

You’ll see traditional slate-roofed houses and local shops as you reach Dhampus. The mountains remain in view like silent companions. You’ll have lunch here, then continue towards Phedi. It is about 2.9km further and has a steep stone-paved trail. There are also zigzag steps through terraced fields and patches of woodland, alive with birdsong. Finally, at Phedi, the Dhampus Australian Camp Trek ends. Your vehicle will be waiting for you to drop you off at Pokhara by early afternoon.

Itinerary Details
Itinerary Fact	Details
Meals	Breakfast, Lunch
Accomodations	Hotel in Pokhara
Trek Distance	6 km / 3.7 mi
Highest Altitude	1,650 m / 5,413 ft (Dhampus ridge)
Trek Duration	2 – 2.5 hrs descent

Trip Includes/Excludes

Includes

Excludes

Hotel shuttle: Pokhara to Kande and Phedi, then back to Pokhara
1 night teahouse (attached bathroom, twin/double)
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Mineral water en route
Licensed local trekking guide
Guide salary, meals, lodge, transport, insurance
All necessary trekking permits
Government VAT, service fees

Accommodation, meals, and transport in Kathmandu / Pokhara
Bar bills & soft drinks
Personal expenses, laundry, gear rental
Travel insurance & emergency rescue
Guided city sightseeing & monument fees
Porter or horse (optional)
Tips for a guide/porter

Australian Base Camp Trek Route Map

Trail

Return Trail

Australian Base Camp Trek Altitude

Altitude in:

Australian Base Camp Trek Cost

This Short Trek Near Pokhara is super affordable. It only costs USD 99. It is perfect if you want Himalayan views on a weekend budget. Even with transport, meals, and lodging folded in, the price stays well under two figures for foreigners and under Rs. 10,000 for Nepali trekkers.

Guest Type	Standard Price	Minimum Group Size
Foreign clients	USD 99 per person	2 people
Nepali clients	NPR 8,300 per person	4 people

And if you prefer a longer Australian Base Camp Hike, you can add an extra day and do the Sarangkot Australian Camp Hike. You can enjoy an early-morning drive to Bhanjyang Restaurant for panoramic mountain views and breakfast, priced at only USD 119 per person (min. two people).

How Does the 2-Day Australian Camp Trek Outshine the Short Annapurna Base Camp and Mardi Himal Routes?

The Australian Camp, Mardi Himal, and the Annapurna Base Camp Trek all lie in the same Annapurna region. They share stunning Himalayan views of the same mountains, cozy teahouses, and a Gurung culture village walk. But despite these common threads, each trek route offers a very different vibe.

Feature	Australian Camp Trek	Short Mardi Himal Trek	Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Duration	2 days	7 days	5 days
Highest Altitude	2,100m / 6,890ft	3,600m / 11,811ft	4,130m / 13550ft
Trail Style	Stone stair + forest ridge	Mixed forest & narrow ridge spur	Deep valley, then a glacial basin
Effort Level	Easy; 90 min big climb	Moderate; longer daily ascents	Hard; 1,000m+ gains/day
Altitude Risk	None for most trekkers	A mild headache is possible	AMS precautions are essential
Overnight Comfort	Attached-bath lodges, Wi-Fi	Basic lodges, shared baths	Simple lodges, often chilly
Signature View per Day Spent	Annapurna panorama hike with sunset and sunrise in 48 hrs	Cloud-sea plus Fishtail ridge	Annapurna amphitheatre & glaciers
Best For	Families, weekend warriors, beginners	Fit beginners wanting a ridge thrill	Trekkers who crave close-up views of ABC scenery
Gurung Culture Experience	A quick, accessible Gurung village life in Dhampus	A more remote & high-altitude village like Pitam Deurali and Siding	A deep dive into the rich heritage of prominent Gurung villages like Ghandruk.
Add-On Options	Sarangkot paraglide, Panchase a day hike	Continue to High Camp (4,200 m)	Tag on Mardi Himal or Poon Hill

Bottom line: Australian Camp Trek delivers the fastest panorama-to-effort ratio. It offers stunning views for a minimal time and physical commitment. Mardi Himal Trek raises the altitude and adventure without the added hassle of extra permits. It offers a more challenging experience with unique ridge-top views. ABC Trek packs the heaviest trek feel and demands physical endurance and preparation, but rewards with an immersive journey into the Annapurna Sanctuary.

Ready for this sunset ridge trek in Nepal? Secure your spot for just USD 99. Grab the opportunity and enjoy the unique sunrise and sunset views of the Annapurna mountain range that you absolutely shouldn’t miss.

Dates & Prices

Our fixed departure dates and per-person pricing make it simple for both solo travelers and small groups to join the adventure. It’s a great chance to meet new people and share the experience with other trekkers. Just choose your preferred date, and we’ll take care of the rest.

If you prefer a private trip with your friends, family, or colleagues, please fill out the contact form in the Private Trip tab. We’ll organize a personalized trip for you on your preferred dates, accommodating any special requests you may have.

Must-Knows About Australian Base Camp Trek

Why is it called the “Australian Camp” in the first place?

The area was named “Australian Camp” after foreign backpackers, especially Aussies, started camping there in the 1980s. The locals noticed this trend, and the name became popular over time. The name stuck due to the area’s stunning panoramic views, open ridge, and popularity among foreign trekkers. The original name for the area, “Thulo Kharka,” which means “big pasture,” is now rarely used.

When is the best season for the Dhampus village trek?

The best seasons are autumn (Sept–Nov) and spring (Mar–May) when skies are clear, the weather is mild, and rhododendrons bloom. These seasons offer the best visibility of the Annapurna range. Monsoon (June–Aug) can be slippery and foggy, while winter (Dec–Feb) is colder but still doable for those who prefer fewer crowds.

Can I combine an Australian Camp visit with either the Mardi Himal or Annapurna Base Camp trek?

Yes, you absolutely can. Australian Camp lies along the initial route of both the Mardi Himal and ABC treks. Most itineraries from Kande pass through it. You can stop there for acclimatization or a scenic break before continuing onward. It’s a great way to ease into the bigger trek without adding extra days.

Is the Nepali name for Australian Camp really “Thulo Kharka,” and why don’t guides use it?

Yes, “Thulo Kharka” is the original Nepali name meaning “Big Pasture.” Guides and locals usually say “Australian Camp” because it’s more recognizable to tourists and commonly used on signs and itineraries. Using the English name avoids confusion and aligns with how the place is labeled on most maps and online sources.

Can I do the Australian Camp and Dhampus Village trek in one day?

Yes, you can trek from Kande to Australian Camp, continue to Dhampus, and descend to Phedi or return the same day. It’s a 4–6 hour loop, depending on pace. It’s perfect for a day hike from Pokhara and offers incredible mountain views, forest trails, and a taste of local village life.

Are ACAP/TIMS permits checked on this hike, or only beyond Pothana?

ACAP and TIMS are sometimes checked at Pothana, but it depends on the officer’s presence. Some trekkers pass without checks if they’re only going to Australian Camp or Dhampus. However, you should still get the permits to trek to the Australian Base Camp legally.

How difficult are the stone stairs from Kande to Australian Camp?

The stairs are steep but not brutal. Most healthy people can handle it with moderate effort. Take breaks in between and do not rush to match others’ pace. However, trekkers with knee issues should use poles and take it slow.

Which offers the better sunrise hike: Sarangkot or Australian Camp?

Australian Camp is the best sunrise hike in the Pokhara region. You get a quieter trail, magnificent Himalayan views, and less commercialization. Sarangkot is more popular but can be crowded. Australian Camp’s sunrise paints the Annapurna range in golden hues, and the surrounding forest and silence add magic that Sarangkot lacks.

Can trekkers over 65 and kids under 10 do the 90-minute climb?

Yes. As long as they’re in average health and take regular breaks, it’s achievable. Trekking poles help with balance and knees. Plus, the trail is well-marked with stone steps and shaded forests. Many families complete it with no issues, especially during cooler seasons.

Trip Reviews

Action Nepal Treks is a reliable trekking company run by a professional guide who has been active in Nepal’s tourism industry for 15 years.