Australian Camp Trek - 3 days - Kailash Himalaya Trek

Australian Camp Trek – 3 days

The location of Australian Camp at the highest summit (2060 m) near Pokhara has the best view of entire Annapurna and other lofty Himalayan range. The trek along Naundanda ridge to Sarankot or through Dhumps and Astam villages is a wonderful and easy walk

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Trip Highlights
- Most popular short trek from Pokhara
- View of Annapurna range is spectacular
- Enjoy walking through rhododendron forests
- Beautiful view of Macchapuchhre all along the trail
- All-inclusive lodge trek
- Trek start from Pokhara: Drive to Dhumpus Phedi – Dhumpus – Australian Camp – Naudanda – Trek ends at Sarankot: Drive to Pokhara
This short trek to Australian camp is extended trek version of Dhumpus trek. The advantage of its elevation (2060m) at the summit gives a better view of the entire Himalayan ranges. You can see Dhaulagiri and continuous series of Annapurna range that ends at Lamjung Himal. The views are amazing, especially at sunrise and sunset. The walk is easy though uphill. You walk through several villages and forests away from the crowded trail. If you are looking for village experience and quick escape for a couple of days Australian Camp is the right destination for you.

If you like to spend more time in the mountain it is best to extend the trek to Dhumpus to Australian Camp. It offers a wider view of the entire Himalayan range. To enjoy the mountain and views it is best not to rush. Allow at least three days. One day to go up to the ridge at Dhumpus, climb further up to Australian Camp and return to Pokhara. It is an easy walk. To reach Dhumpus you got to climb up from the base of the hill through the terraced rice field. It takes about 2 hours to climb up to the ridge. If you follow the trekking trails from Mahendrapul to Astam the close-up view of Machhapuchare peak is wonderful but it takes longer to reach Dhumpus.

Dhumpus village (1700m) is a popular stop for a longer trek to Annapurna Base Camp as well as Ghorepani. Trekkers always find it best to stop for overnight either when starting or ending their trek. From Dhumpus in the eastern horizon, you can see the lush green valley with an amazing view of Annapurna range. To the north is a picturesque view of Machhapuchare. The village has not changed much since the early days of trekking except there are more tourists’ lodges. According to 1991 census, it had 547 households and its population was 2753. Now Dhumpus village has turned into a tourist destination of its own right. On the way you get to see and experience the lives of local people doing their daily chores like taking care of their animals, harvesting their crops and carrying heavy loads with straps on their head. The walk to Astam gives close up view of Machhapuchare peak. It is almost like looking at the peak just outside your window. As you travel along you will see the uninterrupted views of the peak. You will treasure it in your memory. It is definitely a ‘wow!’ experience.

On the third day descend to Kade. In our trek itinerary, we have included a long walk along the Naudanda ridge to Sarankot. Though there is a road along the ridge it is nice to walk along and see more of the countryside and the panoramic view of Annapurna range and Machhapuchare peak. Sarankot has developed into a viewpoint to see the sunrise over Annapurna Himalaya.
Travel Options
It is possible to drive to Dhumpus (25 km /1- hour)
Though the gravel road is quite rough. The jeep ride itself is an adventure. Drive to Astam village (1400m) takes about an hour – steep uphill and rough drive; walk to Astam takes about 4-hour easy uphill walk. And another 3-hour walk (1-hour drive) to Dhumpus. Return drive from Dhumpus takes less time. Cost of Jeep is not included in the trip cost.

Kade is 27 km (1 hour drive) from Pokhara
Kade is 27 km (1 hour drive) from Pokhara on the way to Lumle and Chandrakot villages. You have the choice to return direct to Pokhara or walk further and then descend to Pokhara through Begnas Tal or Sarankot.

Australian camp
Australian camp trek is good for family outing, outdoor meeting and even a day hike for endurance walkers.

Short hike is suitable combination with sightseeing tours,
Short hike is suitable combination with sightseeing tours, jungle safari and rafting programme. A trek or hike on the mountains of Nepal is not a wilderness experience. It is rather a cultural and nature experience. It is a journey through various ethnic cultures, religion and geographical diversity of this small kingdom. There are rich varieties of flora and fauna within a limited area and a horizontal distance of 70 km from the lowest elevation of 150 meters to 4848 meters above sea level. The mountains in the middle range are dotted with numerous villages. They are interlinked by footpath. You use these networks of footpath made by local people.
Day 01: Drive to Phedi, trek to Dhumpus, overnight at Lodge/tea house

Meet your guide at the airport or hotel in Pokhara and then drive to Dhumpus Phedi; the drive is about 1 hour- about 40km north-west of Pokhara city. You 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 the weather, physical and logistical condition Suikhet provides an alternative route to Dhumpus. The road to Phedi in the Yamdi Khola (river) valley is quite good.

From Phedi you start climbing uphill to Dhumpus (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 accommodations in this village.

Day 02: Australian Camp, o/n at Lodge/Tea house

From Dhumpus the trail climbs steadily and gradually to Pothana (1890m). The gradual uphill walk is about 2 hours. Lunch stop at Pothana. 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 a vantage point to see the Himalaya range all around. The trail from Pothana turns southwest to Khare (1524m) and Naundanda (1457m). In the beginning, you make a gradual uphill ascend for about 45 minutes. After spending some time at the vantage point you continue to descend the trail to Khara (1457m); it should take about one hour easy downhill walk. Overnight lodge Australian camp.

Day 03: Trek to Sarankot and descend to Pokhara

On the last day depending upon your flight schedule to Pokhara either you walk to Sarankot or descend to Phedi to take a bus to Pokhara. The walk on the Kaski ridge from Naundanda to Sarankot (1592m) is pleasant. The walk is on the level ridge with open space all the way. The views of Annapurna and Machapuchare 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 Naundanda to Sarankot can take about 4 hours, Sarankot is a popular viewpoint for tourist and local to see the surrounding view and the Himalaya. Depending upon your time from Sarankot you can descend to Phewa Lake and take a boat to Pokhara. Transfer to airport fly to Kathmandu or Hotel in Pokhara.
Trip Cost per person - Private Departure (Based on group size)
- 1 pax: US$320 per person
- 2 pax: US$280 per person
- 3-5 pax US$250 per person
- 6-9 pax US$230 per person
- 10-15pax US$210 per person
*Departure: Anytime upon request
Cost includes:
- All meals and accommodation in lodge/tea house during the trek and sleeping bag
- Service of trek guide.
- Porters to carry personal baggage each 15 kg)
- Accident insurance for staffs and porters
- Annapurna Area Conservation Entry permit
- Priavate transfers from Pokhara hotel to trek start point, trek end point to Pokhara hotel or airport
Cost Excludes:
- Personal clothing
- Airfare to and from Pokhara
- Personal accident and health insurance
- Emergency evacuation and oxygen cost, and medical-box
- Alcoholic and bottled beverage, laundry, and tips.
- Hotel accommodation, sightseeing and meals in Katmandu and Pokhara
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