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Australian Base Camp Trek: 2 Days from Pokhara | Next Trip Nepal


Quick Trip Facts

DetailInformation
Trip NameAustralian Base Camp Trek 2 Days
Also Known AsAustralian Camp Trek, Dhampus Australian Camp Trek, Australia Camp Hike Pokhara
Duration2 Days 1 Night
Start and EndPokhara Lakeside
Trek StartsKande, 30km from Pokhara
Trek EndsPhedi, 19km from Pokhara
Maximum Altitude2,060m / 6,758ft at Australian Camp
OvernightTeahouse at Australian Camp or Dhampus Village
DifficultyEasy to Moderate
Permit RequiredAnnapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) NPR 3,000
Best SeasonOctober to May
Group Size1 to 20 people
TransportPrivate vehicle included
GuideLicensed local guide included
Price FromUSD 120 per person

Australian Base Camp Trek: Overview

The Australian Base Camp Trek is the best two day short trek from Pokhara for visitors who want a genuine Himalayan mountain experience without committing to a longer itinerary. In two days you reach 2,060 meters, sleep under the Annapurna range, wake to a Himalayan sunrise, walk through traditional Gurung villages, and return to Pokhara the same day. No other short trek near Pokhara delivers this combination of altitude, mountain views, cultural experience, and accessibility.

Australian Camp sits inside the Annapurna Conservation Area, the largest protected area in Nepal covering 7,629 square kilometers. From the camp the mountain panorama includes Machapuchhre at 6,997 meters, Annapurna South at 7,219 meters, Annapurna II at 7,937 meters, Annapurna III at 7,555 meters, Annapurna IV at 7,525 meters, Dhaulagiri at 8,167 meters, and the Manaslu range to the east. This is one of the widest accessible mountain panoramas available on any short trek near Pokhara.

The camp takes its name from Australian aid workers and trekkers who originally used it as a base during expeditions into the Annapurna region in Nepal’s early trekking era. Locally it is called Thulo Kharka, meaning big pastureland, a reference to the open meadows at this altitude where cattle and buffalo were traditionally grazed by Gurung herders from the villages below.

Next Trip Nepal operates this Australian Base Camp Trek as a fully private two day itinerary from Pokhara. Private vehicle, licensed local guide, teahouse accommodation, and all permits included. Pay after arriving in Nepal.


Australian Base Camp Trek Highlights

  • Panoramic Annapurna range sunrise from 2,060 meters on the morning of Day 2
  • Mountain views covering Machapuchhre, Annapurna South, Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Dhaulagiri, and Manaslu range
  • Walk through traditional Gurung villages of Dhampus and Pothana with authentic mountain community culture
  • Dense rhododendron, oak, and pine forest on the trail between Kande and Australian Camp
  • No altitude sickness risk at 2,060 meters, suitable for all fitness levels including families and first time trekkers
  • One of the best short treks from Pokhara requiring only 2 days and no trekking experience
  • No long permit queue — ACAP permit arranged by Next Trip Nepal before departure
  • Private vehicle from your Pokhara hotel to the trailhead and back, no public transport required
  • Overnight at Australian Camp or Dhampus gives you the sunrise experience that a one day hike cannot provide
  • Combines well with Sarangkot sunrise on Day 1 morning before the trek begins

Why the 2 Day Version Is Better Than 1 Day

Most operators offer the Australian Camp hike as a single day trip. We recommend two days and here is exactly why.

On a one day Australian Camp hike from Pokhara you arrive at the camp in late morning or early afternoon, rest briefly, and descend immediately. You miss the two things that make Australian Camp genuinely extraordinary: the late afternoon light on Machapuchhre and the Annapurna range at sunset, and the Himalayan sunrise the following morning when the entire mountain wall turns golden before the valley below has woken up.

The two day Australian Base Camp Trek gives you the full experience. You arrive at the camp with time to explore, settle in, and watch the evening light shift across the mountains. You wake before dawn for the sunrise. Then you descend through Pothana and Dhampus at a comfortable pace with the best of the morning light still on the peaks above you.

For anyone visiting Pokhara with at least two free days, the overnight Australian Camp trek is the right choice over the day hike every time.


Mountains Visible from Australian Base Camp

MountainAltitudeRange
Machapuchhre (Fishtail)6,997mAnnapurna range
Annapurna South7,219mAnnapurna range
Annapurna I8,091mAnnapurna range
Annapurna II7,937mAnnapurna range
Annapurna III7,555mAnnapurna range
Annapurna IV7,525mAnnapurna range
Himchuli6,441mAnnapurna range
Dhaulagiri8,167mDhaulagiri range
Manaslu8,163mMansiri Himal
Lamjung Himal6,983mAnnapurna range

Machapuchhre, the Fishtail Mountain, dominates the view from Australian Camp and is the peak that most visitors photograph first. Its near perfect pyramid shape and the fact that it has never been summited, protected as a sacred mountain by Nepal’s government since 1957, gives it a particular presence in the view that no photograph fully prepares you for.


Detailed 2 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Drive Pokhara to Kande, Trek Kande to Australian Camp

Driving: 45 minutes | Trekking: 3 to 4 hours | Altitude Gain: 930m to 2,060m | Overnight: Australian Camp teahouse

Your guide and private vehicle arrive at your Pokhara hotel at 8am. The drive from Pokhara Lakeside to Kande takes approximately 45 minutes via the Pokhara Baglung Highway heading westbound. Kande sits at approximately 1,630 meters and is the standard trailhead for the Australian Base Camp Trek. The road to Kande is fully paved and in good condition throughout.

From Kande the trail begins immediately uphill through dense forest. The first section is the steepest of the entire Australian Base Camp Trek, climbing steadily on stone steps and dirt trail through rhododendron, oak, and pine forest. This section takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours to reach the camp. The forest is alive with birds including Himalayan Bulbul, Rufous Sibia, and various species of laughingthrush. The trail is well marked and your guide manages the pace.

As the forest opens near Australian Camp, the mountain panorama appears progressively. First Machapuchhre fills the northern view. Then the full Annapurna range opens to the left. By the time you reach the camp clearing the entire mountain wall from Dhaulagiri to Manaslu is visible on a clear day.

Arrive at Australian Camp by mid afternoon. Rest, explore the camp area, and settle into your teahouse. Evening at the camp is the best time for photography as the afternoon light turns the mountains orange and then pink before sunset. Dinner at the teahouse.

Overnight: Teahouse at Australian Camp at 2,060m


Day 2: Australian Camp Sunrise, Descent through Pothana and Dhampus to Phedi, Drive to Pokhara

Trekking: 4 to 5 hours | Altitude Loss: 2,060m to 1,070m | Drive: 30 minutes

Wake at 5am or 5:30am for the Annapurna sunrise. This is the defining moment of the two day Australian Base Camp Trek and the main reason the overnight version is recommended over the day hike. As the sun rises over the eastern ridges the Annapurna range catches the light first in deep orange, then golden, then the full bright white of morning. Machapuchhre turns pink in the pre dawn light before any other peak. The entire sequence takes approximately 45 minutes and the views from the camp during this time are extraordinary.

After breakfast at the teahouse the descent begins. The trail leads north from Australian Camp toward Pothana at approximately 1,890 meters, a classic Gurung village with teahouses, small shops, and a school. The path from Australian Camp to Pothana takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes and the mountain views remain open throughout this section.

From Pothana the trail descends further through forest to Dhampus village at approximately 1,650 meters. Dhampus is the most visited Gurung village on this route and one of the most photographed traditional villages near Pokhara. The village has stone paved lanes, traditional Gurung architecture, terraced fields of millet and maize below, and teahouses with wide balconies facing the Annapurna range. Lunch at Dhampus.

After lunch the descent continues from Dhampus to Phedi at 1,070 meters. This final descent takes approximately 1.5 hours on a clear forest trail. Your private vehicle waits at Phedi for the 30 minute drive back to Pokhara Lakeside.

Return to Pokhara Lakeside: Early afternoon


Outline Itinerary at a Glance

DayRouteAltitudeWalking TimeHighlight
Day 1Drive Pokhara to Kande, Trek Kande to Australian Camp930m to 2,060m3 to 4 hoursFirst Annapurna panorama, evening mountain light
Day 2Australian Camp sunrise, Descent Pothana, Dhampus, Phedi, Drive Pokhara2,060m to 1,070m4 to 5 hoursHimalayan sunrise over Annapurna, Gurung village walk

About the Villages on the Australian Base Camp Trek

Kande — 1,630m

Kande is the standard trailhead village for the Australian Base Camp Trek, sitting on the Pokhara Baglung Highway 30 kilometers west of Pokhara Lakeside. It is a small roadside settlement with tea shops and the starting point of the stone trail leading upward into the Annapurna Conservation Area. The name Kande refers to the thorny plants that historically grew in this area. Several small lodges and tea stalls at Kande serve trekkers before the ascent and after the descent on the return route if coming back via Kande rather than Phedi.

Australian Camp — 2,060m

Australian Camp sits at 2,060 meters in the Annapurna Conservation Area of Kaski District in Gandaki Province. The camp is a flat open area of meadow on a ridge that gives unobstructed 270 degree views of the Annapurna Himalayan range. Several teahouses operate at the camp providing simple accommodation and meals. The camp is busiest on clear weekends when local Nepali hikers make the ascent from Kande for day visits. On weekdays the camp is peaceful and the overnight experience is genuinely quiet. The ACAP checkpoint is located near Pothana just north of Australian Camp where permits are verified.

Pothana — 1,890m

Pothana is a Gurung village on the ridge above Dhampus, approximately 30 to 45 minutes north of Australian Camp on the descent route. The village has a small school, several teahouses, and sweeping views of Machapuchhre that are considered among the finest accessible viewpoints in the Pokhara region. The name Pothana refers to the flat ridge terrain on which the village sits. Pothana is quieter than Dhampus and receives fewer day visitors, making the teahouse stop here on the descent a peaceful contrast to the busier camp above.

Dhampus — 1,650m

Dhampus is the most culturally significant Gurung village on the Australian Base Camp Trek route and one of the most visited traditional villages near Pokhara. The village sits at 1,650 meters on the southern ridge of the Annapurna foothills and has been inhabited by Gurung people for centuries. Traditional stone houses with carved wooden windows, millet and maize terraces stepping down the hillside below, and community life that continues largely as it has for generations make Dhampus one of the most authentic village experiences accessible on a short trek from Pokhara. The Gurung people of Dhampus are one of Nepal’s most historically significant ethnic groups, known throughout the country for their service in the British and Indian Gurkha regiments. The village has several teahouses and small restaurants serving dal bhat and simple meals.


Permits for the Australian Base Camp Trek

PermitCostWho Needs ItWhere to Get It
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)NPR 3,000 per person (approx USD 22)All foreign trekkersNepal Tourism Board office Pokhara or Kathmandu

No TIMS card is required for the Australian Base Camp Trek as of 2026. The ACAP permit is the only permit needed and Next Trip Nepal arranges it before your departure from Pokhara. Bring your passport and one passport photo for permit processing. Children under 10 are exempt from the permit fee.


What Is Included

  • Private vehicle pickup from your Pokhara hotel to Kande trailhead and drop back from Phedi
  • Licensed English speaking local guide for both days
  • ACAP permit arranged and included in package price
  • One night teahouse accommodation at Australian Camp or Dhampus on twin sharing basis
  • All meals on trek: dinner Day 1, breakfast Day 2, lunch Day 2
  • Guide salary, meals, accommodation, and insurance
  • All government taxes and service charges

What Is Not Included

  • Personal travel insurance
  • Meals in Pokhara beyond what is listed
  • Personal beverages including bottled water, tea, coffee, soft drinks at teahouse
  • Hot shower at teahouse (NPR 200 to 300 extra if available)
  • Tips for guide and driver (USD 10 to 15 per day for guide, USD 5 for driver is standard)
  • Personal trekking gear and equipment

Best Season for the Australian Base Camp Trek

SeasonMonthsTrail ConditionsMountain ViewsOur Recommendation
AutumnOctober, NovemberDry, clear, firm underfootExcellent, clearest of yearBest season, strongly recommended
WinterDecember, January, FebruaryDry, cold mornings, frost at camp overnightGood on clear daysGood option, dress warmly for overnight
SpringMarch, April, MayRhododendrons bloom on trail, slightly hazyGood, less clear than autumnBeautiful forest, slightly reduced mountain clarity
MonsoonJune, July, AugustWet, slippery, leeches on lower trailPoor, cloud coveredNot recommended for mountain views

October and November give the clearest mountain views and the best Australian Camp sunrise experience. The rhododendron bloom in March and April makes the forest trail exceptionally beautiful in spring even if mountain visibility is slightly reduced compared to autumn.


What to Bring for the Australian Base Camp Trek

ItemNotes
Comfortable trekking trousersLight and breathable
Base layer and tshirtMoisture wicking synthetic or merino wool
Warm fleece or down jacketOvernight at 2,060m is cold. Essential even in October
Waterproof jacketUseful in spring and monsoon shoulder months
Hiking boots or trail shoesWell gripped, broken in before the trek
Camp shoes or sandalsFor teahouse evenings
Daypack 20 to 25 litresWater, snacks, jacket, camera
Water bottles minimum 2 litresFiltered or bottled water throughout
HeadlampFor pre dawn sunrise walk from teahouse
Sunscreen SPF 50 and sunglassesUV stronger at altitude
Sleeping bag linerTeahouses provide blankets but a liner adds warmth
CameraMountain views and village architecture are highly photogenic
Cash NPRTeahouse extras including hot shower, drinks, and snacks

Difficulty and Fitness Level

The Australian Base Camp Trek is classified as easy to moderate. No trekking experience is required and no altitude sickness risk exists at 2,060 meters.

Fitness LevelSuitabilityRoute Notes
No trekking experienceSuitableGuide manages pace, trail is clear throughout
Occasional walkerSuitableStandard 2 day itinerary comfortable
Regular hikerSuitableAdd Sarangkot sunrise on Day 1 morning as optional extension
Families with childrenSuitable aged 8 and abovePace adjusted for younger walkers
Older adultsSuitableMany trekkers in their 60s and 70s complete this route
Fitness athletesSuitableCan add Pothana to Deurali ridge extension for extra distance

Who Is the Australian Base Camp Trek For

Visitors to Pokhara with 2 Free Days

The Australian Base Camp Trek from Pokhara is the best way to use two free days in Pokhara. You leave the lakeside, gain real altitude, see the Annapurna range from a mountain camp, sleep under the stars at 2,060 meters, and return to Pokhara by early afternoon on Day 2 with the full Himalayan experience complete.

First Time Trekkers in Nepal

If you have never trekked in Nepal before, the 2 day Australian Camp Trek is the ideal introduction. The trail is clear, the altitude is safe, the teahouses are welcoming, and the mountain views are extraordinary. It is a genuine trekking experience without the commitment of a 10 or 14 day route. Many visitors who complete the Australian Base Camp Trek return to Nepal specifically for longer Annapurna or Manaslu treks.

Families with Children

The Australian Camp Trek from Pokhara is one of the most family friendly short treks in Nepal. Children aged 8 and above manage the trail comfortably. The trail is wide, the teahouses are warm, and the mountain views produce the kind of genuine awe in children that no city sightseeing delivers. The overnight at the camp makes it an adventure rather than just a walk.

Trekkers Acclimatizing Before Longer Routes

Trekkers arriving in Pokhara before the Annapurna Circuit Trek, Annapurna Base Camp Trek, or Mardi Himal Trek use the Australian Camp Trek as a conditioning and acclimatization warm up. Two days of moderate walking at up to 2,060 meters prepares the body and legs for the demands of a longer high altitude route.

Couples and Honeymooners

Pokhara is Nepal’s most romantic city and the Australian Base Camp Trek is one of the most intimate and beautiful short trekking experiences available from the lakeside. A private teahouse dinner at the camp with the Annapurna range lit by the last evening light, followed by a private sunrise the following morning, is the kind of experience that defines a trip.


Australian Base Camp Trek vs Other Short Treks Near Pokhara

TrekDurationMax AltitudeMountain ViewsDifficultyBest For
Australian Base Camp Trek2 days 1 night2,060mExcellent, full Annapurna panoramaEasy to moderateBest all round short trek near Pokhara
Sarangkot Sunrise HikeHalf day1,592mGood sunrise panoramaEasySunrise only, no overnight
Poon Hill Trek4 days3,210mOutstanding, widest panoramaModerateLonger Annapurna foothills experience
Mardi Himal Trek5 days4,500mExceptional, close Machapuchhre viewModerate to hardCloser high altitude Annapurna experience
Dhampus Village Day Hike1 day1,650mGood, Machapuchhre and AnnapurnaEasyOne day cultural walk near Pokhara
Annapurna Base Camp Trek10 to 14 days4,130mSupreme, inside Annapurna SanctuaryChallengingFull Annapurna experience

For visitors with two days who want the best balance of mountain views, cultural experience, altitude, and accessibility, the Australian Base Camp Trek is the clear choice among short treks from Pokhara.


Frequently Asked Questions

What is Australian Base Camp Trek?

The Australian Base Camp Trek is a short two day trekking route in the Annapurna Conservation Area near Pokhara, Nepal. The route ascends from Kande at 1,630 meters to Australian Camp at 2,060 meters through rhododendron and pine forest, offering panoramic views of the Annapurna range, Machapuchhre, Dhaulagiri, and Manaslu. The camp overnight gives trekkers the sunrise experience over the Annapurna range the following morning before descending through Pothana and Dhampus villages back to Pokhara.

How difficult is the Australian Base Camp Trek?

The Australian Base Camp Trek is classified as easy to moderate. It is suitable for all fitness levels including beginners, families with children aged 8 and above, and older adults. The steepest section is the first 1.5 to 2 hours from Kande to Australian Camp. The descent through Pothana and Dhampus is gradual and comfortable. No altitude sickness risk exists at 2,060 meters.

What permit is required for the Australian Base Camp Trek?

The Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) is the only permit required. It costs NPR 3,000 per person (approximately USD 22). No TIMS card is required as of 2026. Next Trip Nepal arranges the permit before your departure. Bring your passport and one passport photo for permit processing.

How far is Australian Camp from Pokhara?

Australian Camp is approximately 30 kilometers from Pokhara Lakeside by road to Kande, the trailhead. The drive takes 45 minutes by private vehicle. From Kande the hiking distance to Australian Camp is approximately 2.5 kilometers with an altitude gain of 430 meters, taking 1.5 to 2 hours of walking.

Why is it called Australian Base Camp?

Australian Camp takes its name from Australian aid workers and trekkers who originally used it as a base camp during expeditions into the Annapurna region in Nepal’s early trekking era. The camp became known as Australian Camp and the name has remained in use since. Locally the area is called Thulo Kharka meaning big pastureland.

What mountains can you see from Australian Camp?

From Australian Camp you can see Machapuchhre (Fishtail Mountain) at 6,997 meters, Annapurna South at 7,219 meters, Annapurna I at 8,091 meters, Annapurna II at 7,937 meters, Annapurna III at 7,555 meters, Annapurna IV at 7,525 meters, Himchuli at 6,441 meters, Dhaulagiri at 8,167 meters, and the Manaslu range to the east. The view is one of the widest accessible mountain panoramas available on any short trek near Pokhara.

Can I do the Australian Base Camp Trek in 1 day?

Yes. A one day version starting from Kande and returning via Dhampus to Phedi is possible in approximately 6 to 7 hours of total walking. However the overnight two day version is strongly recommended because it gives you the Annapurna sunrise from the camp the following morning, which is the most memorable part of the entire Australian Camp experience. The one day hike arrives at the camp and leaves immediately, missing the sunset and sunrise that define the overnight version.

Is a guide necessary for the Australian Base Camp Trek?

A guide is not legally mandatory for the Australian Base Camp Trek as it falls outside the restricted trekking area regulations. However we strongly recommend a guide for first time visitors. The trail has multiple junction points and the correct route through Kande and up to Australian Camp is not always clearly marked for someone unfamiliar with the area. A guide also adds cultural context in the Gurung villages, manages logistics, and handles the permit process. Next Trip Nepal includes a licensed guide in all Australian Base Camp Trek packages.

What is the best time of year for the Australian Base Camp Trek?

October and November are the best months for the Australian Base Camp Trek. Post monsoon skies are clearest, mountain views are at their best, and the trail is dry and firm. December and early January are also excellent with cold nights at the camp but clear days. Spring from March to May is beautiful for the rhododendron bloom on the forest trail. Monsoon from June to August is not recommended due to cloud cover, wet trails, and leeches.

Can I combine the Australian Base Camp Trek with Sarangkot sunrise?

Yes. This is a popular combination with Next Trip Nepal. On Day 1 we drive to Sarangkot before dawn for the sunrise over the Annapurna range at 1,592 meters, return to Pokhara for breakfast, then drive to Kande and begin the Australian Camp trek. The Sarangkot sunrise gives you a wider panorama in early morning light before the Australian Camp trek gives you a deeper, slower mountain experience over the following two days. Contact us on WhatsApp to arrange this combined itinerary.

How much does the Australian Base Camp Trek cost?

The 2 day Australian Base Camp Trek with Next Trip Nepal starts from USD 120 per person. This includes private vehicle both days, licensed guide, ACAP permit, one night teahouse accommodation, dinner on Day 1, breakfast and lunch on Day 2, guide insurance and salary, and all government taxes. Group discounts are available for parties of 4 or more. Contact us for current pricing and availability.


What Is Included and What Is Not

Included

  • Private vehicle pickup from Pokhara Lakeside hotel to Kande and drop back from Phedi to Pokhara
  • Licensed English speaking local guide for both days
  • ACAP permit arranged and included
  • One night teahouse accommodation at Australian Camp or Dhampus on twin sharing basis
  • All trek meals: Dinner Day 1, Breakfast Day 2, Lunch Day 2
  • Guide salary, meals, accommodation, and insurance throughout
  • All government taxes and service charges

Not Included

  • Personal travel insurance (mandatory, must cover trekking activities)
  • Meals in Pokhara beyond what is listed above
  • Personal beverages at teahouse including bottled water, tea, coffee, and soft drinks
  • Hot shower at teahouse (NPR 200 to 300 if available)
  • Tips for guide and driver
  • Personal trekking gear

About Next Trip Nepal

Next Trip Nepal is a licensed local travel and trekking operator based in Kathmandu and Pokhara, Nepal. We specialize in short treks, day hikes, cultural tours, and multi day trekking packages across Nepal for international visitors. Every guide we work with is licensed by the Nepal Tourism Board and has specific experience on the routes we operate. Every vehicle is privately owned and maintained. Every itinerary is built around your schedule and preferences.

The Australian Base Camp Trek is one of our most popular packages for visitors to Pokhara with limited time. We operate private departures daily. No minimum group size. Solo travelers, couples, families, and groups all welcome.

WhatsApp: +977 9869225929 Email: info@nexttripnepal.com Website: nexttripnepal.com

No advance payment required. Pay after arriving in Nepal. We respond to all inquiries within a few hours seven days a week.

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