Australian Camp set on the beautiful hilltop offers striking views over the valleys and stunning views of the Annapurna Mountain range. The place is located in the north-west of Pokhara. After driving for about an hour, we start our hike from Kande. The trail is steep; through a stone staircase for about 1.5 to 2 hours to get to Australian Camp, situated on the ridge and has an incredible view of Annapurna South (7219m), Hiunchuli (6440m), Machhapuchhre (6993m) and Lamjung Himal. From Australian Camp we will hike down to continue through a perfect jungle trail with birds chirping sounds our trek to continue to the beautiful village of Dhampus takes about an hour. Dhampus village is on the Annapurna trekking trail and is blessed with majestic views of the Annapurna Himalayan Range. The village is attractive, with several old-fashioned slate-roofed houses. The trek is best for those wishing to experience Nepal’s mountain scenery and ethnic culture within a short time.

The real name of Australian Camp is actually “Thulo Kharka” meaning big pasture. It used to be a seasonal herding place for buffalo and cow herders from the villages below Dhampus and others. It was unknown or less walked by trekkers till the early 90s while Phedi – Dhampus – Pothana – Deurali – Landruk – Chhomrong route for Annapurna Sanctuary Trek aka Annapurna Base Camp was already popular, the route is just 15 minutes away to the west of it. It is said that during the late 80s, people from Austria found it so beautiful and they used to come and camp there for several days as it is so peaceful and pristine offering mesmerizing Mountain View. Since then people started to call it the Austrian camp and as it is difficult to pronounce for local Nepalese people they pronounced it Australian camp this is how the place got its new name Australian Camp.