Australian Camp Day Hike From Pokhara

Australian Camp Nepal trek is a fairly smooth trek in the stunning foothills of the Annapurna range. The trip gives appropriate views of the Annapurna Mountain range, including Annapurna South (7219m), Annapurna III(7575m), Annapurna IV(7535m), Machhapuchhre (6993m), as well as Hiunchuli(6441m) and so on.

 The terraces of rice fields, the feeling of a fresh cool breeze, ze as well as the proximity to the mountains make this trek an extraordinary one. Additionally, Australian Camp Nepal is located in a placein the Annapurna region where there is a lot of rainfall during summer. This results in verdant green forests with lichen growing on the trunks. The sunrise from there is quite a sight to behold.

This trek is a 1-day trip if we start from Pokhara, but others have to travel from Kathmandu to Pokhara first. This hike passes through Dhampus Village, one of the famed villages of Annapurna Sanctuary. So, we get to peek at the cultural and traditional livelihood of the village. Also, it is known as the Dhampus Village Trek.

Moreover, this is one of the shortest hikes of the whole Annapurna Circuit on the outskirts of Pokhara. Moreover, we aren't charged with the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit cost. The majority of the hikers opt for this trek as a recreation from their hectic, busy lives, as they can commence their trek on weekend getaways. Furthermore, this place is a perfect spot for spending a night in a tent.

The Australian camp is often used by schools and colleges as a picnic spot, though they have to pay a certain toll fee for that. This place is one of the popular picnic spots because it is the perfect combination of green forests, panoramic views of mountains, and culturally enriched villages. We also have a choice after the completion of this trek: we can hike around Pokhara valley, do boating in Phewa Lake, as well as visit some of the nearby lakes of the Kaski district, such as Begnas Lake and Rupa Lake.

The real name of the Australian Camp is actually "Thulo Kharka," which means "big pasture" in Nepali. Thulo Kharka used to be a seasonal grazing area for buffalo and cow herders from the nearby villages of Dhampus, Naudanda, and others. 

The starting point of the Australian Camp Hike is the same as the Mardi Himal Trek, so you can also enjoy the Australian Camp during your Trek to Mardi Himal. 

Until the early 1980s, not many trekkers knew about or visited Thulo Kharka. In the late 1980s, a group of people from Austria discovered the beauty of Thulo Kharka and started camping there for several days, drawn by its peaceful and pristine environment, as well as the mesmerizing mountain views. As they frequently camped in this area, locals began referring to it as the "Austrian Camp." However, due to the difficulty in pronouncing "Austrian" for the local Nepalese people, the name evolved into "Australian Camp," which is how it became known. 

So, while the place is commonly referred to as "Australian Camp," its real/local name is "Thulo Kharka," and it gained its current popularity due to the frequent camping activities of Austrian visitors in the late 1980s.

We will manage all the needs for food and accommodation during the trek. We will provide the best facility for food, lodging, and accommodation in the Dhampus Australian camp considering your comfort. Also, we can manage all the gear and tools required for camping. Moreover, we can provide you with a transportation facility.

If you want to extend the trip to two days overnight at Australian Camp Nepal, we recommend you try Sarangkot Australian Camp to Dhampus Hike. Moreover, you can also consider the Panchase Trek as another fun two-day trip.

The Australian Camp hike can be done all year, but the best months are March to May and late August to November, when the mountain views are at their clearest.

Autumn (October to November) brings crisp, cloud-free mornings with sharp views of Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre and Lamjung Himal. Spring (March to May) adds blooming rhododendrons along the forest trail. Winter mornings are clear but cold, and during the monsoon (June to mid-September) the trail can be muddy and the mountains are often hidden by cloud.

This is an easy hike, suitable for families, beginners and anyone with basic fitness. The walk from Kande to Australian Camp takes about 2 hours on a well-used trail with some stone steps, followed by an easy descent through Dhampus village.

No trekking experience is needed. The highest point is Australian Camp at about 2,050 m, so altitude is not a concern, and your guide sets a relaxed pace with plenty of photo stops.

• Comfortable walking shoes or light hiking boots with good grip
• A light jacket or fleece for the viewpoint and early mornings
• Sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat
• A reusable water bottle and a few snacks
• A rain jacket in the monsoon months (June to September)
• Some cash for tea stops and small purchases

We are a 100% locally owned, Pokhara-based travel and trekking company, so the money you spend stays with the local guides, drivers and families who make your day special.

We are a government-registered agency and a member of the Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal (TAAN), so every tour is organized to professional, legally compliant standards.

We include private transport to Kande and back from Phedi, a friendly local guide, trekking poles and lunch with drinks at Australian Camp, so all you need to do is walk and enjoy the views.

We keep our advice honest about weather, timing and what to expect, and we happily adjust the plan to suit your pace and interests.

Our travelers rate us 4.9/5 across global review platforms. Message us on WhatsApp (+977 9856016904) to check availability for your date.