Australian Camp Day Hike

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Duration1 Days

Trip GradeEasy

CountryNepal

Maximum Altitude2100 m

StartsFrom Pokhara

EndsIn Pokhara

Travel StyleHiking

Best TimeSpring and Autumn

Australian camp day hike is one of the most popular day hikes around the annapurna region. The final destination is the Australian base camp. The Australian base camp height is around 2,060 meters above sea level. It is accessible from pokhara and offers stunning views of the annapurna mountain range and cultural immersion.

Highlights of 2026 Hike

Witness the sunset and sunrise views over the Annapurna range, including peaks like Annapurna II-IV, Hiunchuli, and machhapuchhre.
Explore the beautiful Pokhara Australian camp.
Opportunity for birdwatching and spotting the local wildlife, like monkeys.
Trek through the dense subtropical forests, terraced rice fields, and rolling green meadows.
Visit a culturally rich village like Dhampus and Pothana village.
Experience the rich hospitality of the local Gurung people and taste their local cuisines.
You will encounter a variety of wildlife along the way.
Trek to an altitude of around 2060 meters at Australian base camp.

Overview of 2026 Hike

The Australian Camp Day Hike Itinerary is one day long and includes both a scenic drive and an adventurous hike. The initial Australian base camp route goes with the scenic drive to Kande and then a hike to Australian camp. The hike duration is 1-1.5 hours (one-way hike). The total rpaound-trip hike can be calculated in around 3-4 hours, including breaks and time at the Australian base camp in Pokhara.

The Pokhara to Australian base camp distance is about 30.5 kilometers, including the hiking distance and driving section. This short distance is covered by the drive and hike, so this hike is the best Australian camp day hike. Also, the breathtaking views of the Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, and Dhaulagiri make it more attractive and enjoyable.

The Australian camp day hike distance is about 4.5 kilometers from Kande to Australian camp Pokhara. This is an important portion of the Australian camp day hiking itinerary. The distance from dhampus to the Australian base camp is about 4.5 kilometers. It takes a little longer to reach the Dhampus village because of the ascents through dense forests.

The Australian camp trek Pokhara route passes through dense forests and remote areas. While hiking to the Australian camp or to the Dhampus village, you may encounter wildlife, including foxes, mongoose, various rodents, deer, Himalayan monals, and so on. In addition, the forest area is home to various plant species, including rhododendrons.

The expenses may go unnoticed during the tours and short hikes. Therefore, it is important to plan your expenditures during your short hike to the Australian base camp from Pokhara. Generally, meals, accommodations, and travel insurance are not included in the cost of the Australian camp day hike.

The special thing about the hike is the cultural experience. You will get to visit the Dhampus village, which is one of the most culturally rich villages. The village is popular for its traditional Nepali architecture and lifestyle. You will be exposed to one of the rich cultural heritages of the Gurung and Magar communities.

Before going to the hike, study the Australian camp day hike map or Australian base camp trek map to familiarize yourself with the hiking trails. It will help you in case you get lost. Also, having a map with you gives you extra confidence that you are also leading the hike.

Australian Camp Day Hike 2026 is a great opportunity to enjoy the short hike this season. The cost is also reduced to $75 to $119 per person. The costs depend on various factors like meal inclusions, accommodation costs, and other amenities included in the Australian Camp Day Hike package.

Major Highlights of 2026 Hike

Australian Base Camp (2,060 meters)

The Australian base camp, or Australian camp, is a popular hiking and trekking destination in the Annapurna region of Nepal. From the camp, you can see the jaw-dropping views of the Annapurna mountain ranges, including peaks like Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Annapurna III and IV, Dhaulagiri, Hiunchuli, and "Fishtail" mountain (Machhapuchhre). The base camp is easily accessible from Pokhara and is one of the popular destinations for the Australian base camp day hike.

Dhampus Village (1,700 meters)

Dhampus village is one of the culturally rich and picturesque villages located in the Annapurna region of Nepal. The main attractions of the village are the breathtaking views of the snowcapped peaks and the rich cultural heritage. In addition, the village is surrounded by lush green forests that are home to various natural flora and fauna.

The village is the starting point for several trekking trails in the Annapurna region, including the Mardi Himal Trek and the Australian Base Camp Trek. Furthermore, there are good accommodations with options like guesthouses and lodges.

Kande settlement (1,770 meters)

Kande is a beautiful settlement in the Annapurna region of Nepal. It is the popular transit point for short-day hikes and long-day treks in the Annapurna region. This beautiful settlement is accessible by road from Pokhara. From Pokhara, it is only a 1.5-hour scenic drive. From there, you can see the panoramic views of the Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre (fishtail), Hiuchuli, Mardi Himal, and other surrounding peaks.

Phedi settlement (1,130 meters)

The Phedi settlement is located near Pokhara city in the Kaski district. The term ‘phedi’ refers to the foot or the base. It takes around 30 minutes to reach the Phedi settlement. The majority of the people in the settlement are from the Gurung community, known for their unique traditional culture. In addition, you will get to see the picturesque landscapes when you visit the Phedi settlement.

WHY CHOOSE US FOR AUSTRALIAN CAMP DAY HIKE 2026?

3S: Safety, Spirit, and Satisfaction

Client Safety: Our trips are organized with the utmost safety in mind.
Best Price Guarantee: Ensuring you get the best value.
Free Transfers: complimentary airport-to-hotel and return transfers in a private vehicle.
Expert Guides: trained, government-licensed local guides with extensive route knowledge.
Health Monitoring: Oximeters to monitor oxygen levels during tours and hikes.
Medical Preparedness: Guides equipped with medical kits to handle any situations that may arise.

Itinerary

Trip PlanExpand all

Day 01: Australian Camp One Day Hike Itinerary details

Departure and scenic drive to Kande

We will pick you up from your hotel and we will drive to the Kande settlement. It is a 1-hour scenic journey that takes you to the lush rhododendron forests, culturally rich forests, and alpine meadows. The paths are mostly paved, with some sections having twists and turns while ascending into the hills.
Along the way, you will get to see a glimpse of the Pokhara valley, stunning vistas of the Annapurna range, Phewa Lake, and local villages.

Hiking to Australian Camp

Upon reaching the kande, we will have some breakfast and start our hike to australian base camp. The trails are mostly made of stone steps and go through lush forests and terraced farmlands. There are few stops where we can rest for a while to appreciate the surrounding and click so photos for memories.
Along the way, you will be blessed with a glimpse of local agricultural practices. The views of the annapurna range can also be seen while hiking to the Base camp.

Arrival at Australian Camp

Upon reaching the Australian Base Camp, we will enjoy our packed lunch. We will carry packed lunch because it is more convenient and easy option during the day hikes. We will take some time to relax at the atmosphere of the camp.

You will explore the australian camp. There are various viewpoints on the base camp from which you can enjoy the the golden hues illuminating the peaks of Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, and other nearby mountains.

Afternoon Hike to Dhampus

Following the exploration at the base camp, we will trek to Dhampus village. The route goes through a dense and beautiful jungle. On the way, you will witness the wildlife of the forest area. Be careful while walking and keep eye on the surroundings.

Visit Dhampus Village

Upon reaching the Dhampus village, we will explore the village. The Dhampus village presents traditional Nepali architecture. The majority of the home is made up of wooden and stone houses.

You can talk to the locals, take some photographs, and visit the notable historical places and sites in the village. There is enough time for the exploration of the village.

Trek to Phedi

Following the exploration, we will trek to Phedi. The route passes through hilly terrain, rolling hills, and staircases. On the way, you will get to see the lush green forests and farming terraces. In addition, throughout the short trek, stunning views of the Annapurna range can also be seen.

Drive back to Pokhara

After reaching the Phedi, we will drive back to Pokhara. This will mark the end of this hike. The route goes through well-paved roads. The scenery during the drive can be described as countryside views, mountain backdrops, and glimpses of local life.

Max Altitude: 2,100m Duration: 3-4 hrs walkDistance: Approx. 7 km

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Essential Info

Difficulty level of the Hike

The Australian camp day hike difficulty is graded as easy to moderate. A person with reasonable fitness, families with children, and elderly travelers can go for the trek. All the paths are well marked and include stone-paved staircases, dirt trails, and forest paths. Some sections may require steep ascents, but they are manageable. There is also no risk of the altitude sickness issues at this level of altitude.

Best time to go for the hike

The best time for the hike is during the spring or autumn season. During these seasons, the weather conditions are stable, with clear skies and mild temperatures. During the spring season, you will get to see the rhododendron bloom along the trails. Monsoon season comes with heavy rainfall and slippery trails. So, try to avoid it. But you can try the winter months. The winter come with cold temperatures which can be managed by the gears.

Food options

During the hike to the Australian base camp, you can find a variety of food options, especially in the teahouses and lodges located in the Australian camp settlement and Dhampus village.

According to our Australian camp trekking guide, the teahouse's local specialties include Dal Bhat, Momo, Thukpa, and Tibetan Bread, with the western options ranging from fried rice, chow mein, spaghetti, and macaroni to simple pizzas, burgers, and French fries.

For breakfast, you usually get pancakes (banana and chocolate), porridge, and various egg dishes (omelets, boiled, or scrambled). If you are looking for the snacks and drinks, then you will find options like trail mix, granola bars, chocolate, dried fruits, hot tea (milk, black, ginger, lemon, or honey), coffee, and hot chocolate.

Packing list for the One Day Hike from Pokhara

Essential clothing like moisture-wicking shirts, a fleece jacket (for insulation), a windproof jacket, trekking pants, and a sun hat/cap.
Footwear like hiking socks, sturdy boots, and lightweight sandals.
Gear and equipment like a daypack (15–25 L), trekking poles, reusable water bottles, and a headlamp (for the early morning hike).
Health and sun protection items like sunscreen, SPF lip balm, UV-protective sunglasses, band-aids, blister treatment, personal medications, hand sanitizer, and wet wipes.
Miscellaneous items like snacks, cash (in Nepalese rupees), essential documents, and a power bank.

Some commonly asked facts

The Pokhara-Australian base camp distance is 35 kilometers.
Kande to australian camp distance is 6 kilometers
Dhampus to australian camp distance is 4.7 kilometers

Essential Tips for a Smooth 2026 Hiking Experience

Train for the hike with some cardio and leg exercises. It is a must if someone is new to hiking.
For the real time info about weathers in Nepal, you can also use the weather forecast apps.
Pack light and only carry important items.
Wear proper clothes and hiking shoes.items.
Stay hydrated and take breaks if you need to.
Be cautious of the steep and rocky sections.
Start early to prevent the day heat and witness the sunrise views of the snowcapped peaks.
Interact with the locals and gain some cross-cultural understandings.
Carry enough cash for you to use on the way.
Tip your guide and porter.
Respect the local culture and traditions.
If you want to fly the drones in this region, you will need a drone permit. Learn more about the drone laws in Nepal from the link.