Australian Camp Day Hike

More on Dhampus and Australian Camp Day Hike

Dhampus, situated 26 km/ 16 miles North-west of the bustling city of Pokhara, is one of the most popular rural destinations for its rustic beauty. Australian Base Camp, another significant landmark popular amongst visitors, is the first checkpoint on the trek to Mardi Himal. Elevated 2,065 meters or 6,647 feet above sea level, Australian Base Camp is situated at a picturesque location from where one can get an ultimate view of Mt. Macchapuchre and adjoining peaks.

For decades, Australian Base Camp has been The Spot to gaze and admire the beauty of the humongous mountain walls of Annapurna Range, the entirety of Pokhara Valley, and the lower part of Annapurna Region around Dhampus. Dhampus region is mostly inhabited by Gurung people, the culture and tradition have been well preserved and remain unblemished. The Day hike stretches approximately 12 km or 7 miles and will pierce through pristine forests, ardent hills, and picturesque villages sitting the lap of hill ridges stretching from the base of the Annapurna range.

As you leave the hustle and bustle of the city calmness, and peacefulness start to introduce themselves to hikers. The tranquility of the rural parts of the Kaski will arrest the hearts of the hikers. From the beginning of the hike, you will be introduced to the rustic beauty of the villages. The stone walls, stone-paved alleyways, old-fashioned houses, and smiling faces of locals willing to share the everlasting beauty of beautiful Dhampus and Australian Base Camp with visitors, will familiarize them with the charm of the region and its inhabitants.

Resembling the ups and downs one will experience throughout their life, hikers will have to do ascends and descends, twists and turns through thick, dense, and verdant forest before reaching Australian Camp. The profundity in nature is ubiquitous, we just have to have an eye for it.

The Australian Camp, the first checkpoint for trekkers and hikes alike is one of the best vantage points found in the Dhampus region, providing a parallelled view of Mt. Machhapuchhre, Annapurna Dakshin, Hiunchuli, Annapurna III, etc. Not only mountains, but hikers will also get mesmerizing views of surrounding valleys, hills, and landscapes. From Australian Camp, hikers will yet again be able to traverse through a lush forest of Birch and Rhododendron.

During March-April, the green color of the forest will transform into bright vibrant colors, thanks to the beautiful Rhododendron covering almost all of the forest canopy. The hike will allow hikers to witness the ascetic yet content lifestyle of the people of the Dhampus region. Hikers will pass through several Gurung villages, and witness locals working on farm fields, doing chores, and going about the normal routine. Hikers will get a glimpse of the authentic lifestyle of the Gurung community. 

Australian Camp Hike is truly a mesmerizing hike, that we assure, you will cherish.

Before you go to Australian Camp Day Hiking

Here are a few things you should consider thinking about and checking before you go for Australian Camp Day hiking.

1. Weather: Checking out the weather of the area you will be hiking is a must-do wherever you are traveling to. A forecast will let you know what you should bring, wear, and expect. Checking out the sunrise and sunset times can also help you time your hike perfectly so that you reach the viewpoint on time to enjoy sunrise/sunset.
2. Clothing: You will be hiking 4-5 hours on the trail, so it is necessary that you wear something that is comfortable. Also the hiking trail passes through forests and localities, so it is essential that you dress modestly to protect yourself from insect bites and unwarranted gazes of locals. The clothing can also differ according to the season you are traveling, warm yet comfortable clothes are recommended for the winter.
3. Sunscreen and Self Care: Don’t forget to use sunscreen and other essential. If you have an issue with chafing then we recommend you use chafing cream, however, if you don’t have chafing cream vaseline will just work fine. Mosquite repellent cream will be helpful if you are traveling during monsoon.
4. Hydration: Make sure you are drinking plenty of water. Throughout the hike, you will more likely sweat out more water than usual so keeping yourself hydrated is important. Breakfree Adventures will provide you a liter of water at the beginning of the day hike, however, if that runs out you can always but bottled water on around NRS. 25-30 at any local shops.
5. Camera: A camera is a must, especially when the views are so beautiful, you will definitely like to capture the scenery with your camera. If you have a professional camera then it will be great, but a smartphone camera will be more than enough to capture your beautiful picture with a backdrop of Mt. Machhapuchhare.
6. Cash: We recommend you carry cash with you. You might want to but snacks, water, and other stuff during the day hike. Having cash is a must, when you are traveling anywhere in Nepal, especially at rural areas. Carrying 3-4 thousand NRs perperson will do more than enough.

Best time to do the Australian Base Camp Day Hike

While trekking in the Himalayas weather is the crucial factor. The same applies to the Australian Base Camp Day Hike. Though the trek can be done around the year, the best time to trek Australian Base Camp Day Hike is spring (Mar-May) and autumn (Mid-Sep to Mid-Nov) seasons. But for any explorer and travel enthusiast, the Australian Base Camp Day Hike can be done in winter or monsoon as well.

Australian Camp Day hike can be done throughout the year, because of its low elevation and proximity to civilization Australian Camp Day hike is safe to embark on any time of the year. However, doing this hike during monsoon can have a few hindrances and challenges. The torrential rainfall during monsoon can make this hike unenjoyable. The forest trail will be infested with leeches, the views could be obscured by clouds, and the whole trail can be slippery. In contrast to Monsoon, all the other times of the year will have their charm.

During spring, the forests will turn red because of Rhododendrons covering the entire forest canopy, during fall the sky will clear and the whole village will have a festive aura going on, similarly during winter moderate snowfall will make the whole terrain delightful something that resembles the scene from a movie. But Monsoon also has its charm and its adventure. No matter what, it is sure that we will accompany you on this day hike if you make up your mind.

March-May (spring)

Spring (March-May) is one of the most suitable times for the Australian Base Camp Hike. The climate is mild with low rainfall in this season and the perfect time for trekking. The daily temperature will be between 18°C to 25°C. March-May marks the withdrawal of the winter season, it starts to get warmer as daytime begins to lengthen. The skies are clearer, offering seasons unobstructed mountain views. As spring marks a time of rebirth and regeneration, you can see farmers working on their farmlands for the new agricultural season. You can witness Rhododendrons bloom while traversing through the forest during your trail.

June to August (Monsson)

The monsoon in Nepal is from June to August which is also the monsoon. The temperature is warmer but this region also receives the highest rainfall during monsoon which makes the trails wet and slippery. Day temperatures normally range from 20°C to 28°C and get comparatively colder at night (12°C to 15°C). Due to monsoon, the skies might not be clear which might restrict you from getting mountain views but the vegetation is in full bloom, and the forests and farmlands are as green as they could get during these times.

Monsoon is relatively not preferred by travelers to embark on Australian Base Camp Day Hike, as the continuous downpour during the day can cause landslides, flash floods, etc totally ruining your hiking experience.

September to November (Autumn)

September, October, and November are the autumn seasons in Nepal. It’s another great season to hike. Moderate temperatures, mild wind, and low precipitation mean the weather will be most pleasant for trekking the region. The sun will be shining brightly with clear skies and give you clear mountain views. By September monsoon will be over and days will be mild to warm. Daytime temperatures can reach up to 27°C. Nights are colder with temperatures around 10.

December to February (Winter)

December to February marks the winter region in Nepal. The days are colder with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 15°C and nights are even colder with temperatures ranging from -2°C to 5°C. Since there will be no rainfall during winter the trail will be dry and easy to walk on. Unlike, trekking in high altitudes, the Australian Camp Day Hike can be done in winter without any issue. The chance of snowing during winter is low, but even if it snows, it would rather add beauty to the trail than cause problems. Loshar celebrated by Gurung people falls during this time of year, you can plan your trip to witness the charm of local culture. The skies are also clear, offering you a breathtaking mountain view.

All in all, your can-do Australian Camp Day Hiking during December to February or winter. Winter is a favorable time of the year to much in Australian Base Camp Day Hike.

Extra expenses on Australian Base Camp Day Hike

Unlike high-altitude trekking spanning for several days if not weeks, the expenses will be minimal. The only expenses that could occur during the hike will be to buy snacks or drinks. So, to buy snacks, chocolates, and drinks $15 USD per person will be more than enough.

Do I need travel insurance for the Australian Camp Day Hike?

Well, it is a simple and easy day hike, so travel insurance is not necessary. You can spend the insurance money to buy yourself a refreshing drink while or after the hike. However, having travel insurance is a good idea too. It is totally upon you.

What is the Australian Base Camp Day Hike packing list?

If you are hiking during winter; we suggest hikers wear warm clothing and accessories. We also suggest hikers pack only essentials, it will be easier to hike with a light backpack than a cumbersome one.

How hard is the Australian Base Camp Day Hike?

It is an easy, short and rewarding hike. If you are hiking with your family then this hike is perfect, even children and senior citizens can do this hike. The hike is much less physically demanding.

Tipping for Australian Base Camp Day Hike

Tipping is at the trekkers’ discretion and should be primarily based on provider first-rate. In Nepalese culture, a tip is a familiar and venerated manner to say thanks (Dhanyabad) to a good provider.

Almost all of our guests offer tips on the last day of the trek. The tip amount is entirely a personal choice that may be more or less depending upon your perception of service quality, length of trip, accommodations used, food served, and appreciation of the guide and porters’ work.

Physical Fitness and Previous Trek Experiences

There are no restrictions and physical benchmarks for the Australian Base Camp Hike. Anyone who can walk in a moderate place for 4-5 hours a day, with rests in between can do this hike.

How to get a tourist visa for Nepal?

All foreigners, besides Indians, require a visa to enter Nepal. Visa is to be had on arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, and you may increase your visa at the valuable immigration office. Click here to understand more about tourist visas in Nepal.

The visa application would require a passport legitimate for at least 6- months and a passport-length photograph. The present-day visa rate costs USD30 for 15 days, which you need to pay in cash (Please bring the exact change of USD30 per person) on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport. Citizens of China and the SAARC nations will acquire a loose visa.

A few countries – Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Cameroon, Somalia, Liberia, Ethiopia, Iraq, Palestine, and Afghanistan- may not get hold of an on-arrival visa. In case you are from those international locations, you should contact your local Nepalese embassy.

Currency exchange USD to Nepali rupees

Nepali Rupees (NPR/Rs)

(USD 1 = NPR/Rs 132) at present (Subject to change)

You can exchange foreign currencies via the nearest banks and valid money exchange counters in Thamel, and also you can alternate small quantities of cash in hotels.

The simplest one hundred and 2000 Indian Rupee notes are legal in Nepal. You may also withdraw cash (in Nepali Rupees only) from one of the many ATMs in Kathmandu and other major cities.

Several ATMs in Kathmandu are open around the clock. In case you are using a foreign card – the most withdrawn quantity is 35,000 Rupees for a 500 Rupees processing fee. If you use Credit Cards provided to you by your banking partner, for exchanging foreign currency, you might get charged a processing fee of approximately four percent or more. Credit cards (Mastercard, Visa & American Express) are accepted at major hotels, shops and restaurants.

The chances of finding a bank along the trekking trail are near null, so we encourage you to exchange foreign currency or withdraw enough money in Kathmandu. With enough Nepali Rupees cash on your hand, you can easily pay for the services and goods almost everywhere.

Booking Procedure

Before booking the tour, we require 15 percent of the fee in advance as a deposit which can be sent via credit card payment (an extra 3.5 percent applicable as a bank fee). You could send us vital files like passport copies, travel insurance copies, and arrival and departure flights to/from Kathmandu. The closing balance of your tour can be paid in cash or credit card whilst you arrive in Nepal.

Last minute booking

It’s far best to book earlier, but if you are not able to accomplish that we have a unique provision for a last-minute booking. In the case of last-minute booking, we ought to acquire 100% percent trip payment 24 hours earlier than the trek departs. We do our best to operate the Australian Base Camp Day Hike for you at any time. But, understand that there are probably delays due to events beyond our control.

Contact us at +977- 9851014557 (Bharat Sapkota) or e-mail us at [email protected]

Can I extend my trip? Adventure tourism activities in Nepal

After completing the trek, you may join other extra adventure activities for one day or more. There are numerous stunning and adventurous places in Nepal. You may spend your extras days in Kathmandu through various approaches, which include, the Mardi Himal Trek, Everest Base Camp Heli Tour, Major Highlights of Kathmandu, Chitwan Jungle Safaris, Everest Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Circuit Trek, Trishuli River Rafting before flying back home.

Feedbacks and Compliments

After finishing the trek, Breakfree Adventures will organize a farewell dinner in the evening a day before you leave Nepal in Kathmandu. The Farewell Dinner will be at a Nepali Authentic Restaurant with a Nepali Cultural Show showcasing Nepalese culture and traditions with dance, and singing by dancers wearing different dresses of communities living in Nepal. At some point during the dinner, we shall gift you with a printed certificate citing your trek achievement and other goodies. We’d pretty much admire it if you would give compliments, and feedback (good or bad, we don’t mind) on the trek. This will help us improve our services for vacationers/trekkers coming to Nepal.

So, book your Australian Camp Day Hike with Breakfree Adventures. Call us at 9851014557 or email us at [email protected] to book and inquire about the aforementioned package or any other services provided by us.

We at Breakfree Adventures are always on our marks to resolve your questions regarding the service we provide. Our responsive communication team will reach out to you as soon as possible with answers if not immediately. Breakfree Adventures has successfully established itself as a name to be reckoned with in this industry. With over 15 years of experience in satisfying clients with travel and tour services, we are more eager than ever to serve more clients. You can find us at Trip Advisor and see for yourself reviews left by the invaluable clients we have served here and decide by yourself.