Australian Camp and Dhampus ridge walk

This walk suits guests who want a real Himalayan trail without a multi-day trek. A private car takes you from Pokhara to Kande on the road to Baglung, about 45 minutes. From there a well-made stone path climbs through forest for about an hour to Australian Camp, a grassy shelf at around 2,060 m with a handful of lodges. The name dates from the Australian trekking groups who camped here in earlier decades. On a clear morning the whole southern face of the Annapurnas is laid out in front of you.

From Australian Camp the trail continues east to Pothana, then descends gently along the ridge to Dhampus, a Gurung and Brahmin village of about 1,650 m spread across terraced slopes. The walk takes 2 to 3 hours with stops, through forest and past small farms, with views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Machapuchare and Annapurna II. Our guide points out birds such as laughingthrushes and sunbirds, and the medicinal plants that village families still use.

You can do the walk in a single day, descending from Dhampus to Phedi where the car waits, and be back at your Pokhara lodge for a late lunch. We prefer one night at Australian Camp or Dhampus, which gives a sunset and a sunrise over the range without the crowds of Poon Hill. Lodges are simple, with basic rooms and shared or attached bathrooms. Because the route passes through the Annapurna Conservation Area, ACAP and TIMS permits are needed; check current status before you travel.