Top Things To Do at Pokhara: Hike to Australian Base Camp

If you’re dreaming of a day filled with panoramic mountain vistas and a close-up look at Nepalese village life, then a guided hike to the Australian Camp from Pokhara might just be your perfect escape. This experience offers a well-balanced mix of natural beauty, cultural insight, and a bit of physical activity—all for a reasonable price of around $15.

From lush forests to terraced fields, and views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, this trek has something for most outdoor enthusiasts. What really makes it shine are the knowledgeable guides and the opportunity to see Gurung settlements, which add an authentic touch to the adventure.

The main consideration? It’s a 6-hour commitment that involves some walking on stone steps and uneven terrain, which could be tiring for some. But if you’re comfortable with day hikes and eager to experience Nepal’s stunning landscapes and local culture, this tour is well worth considering. It’s especially suited for travelers who want an active, scenic day and are looking for authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences.

Contents hide

1 Key Points:

2 A Practical Guide to the Australian Camp Hike

3 Detailed Itinerary Breakdown

4 What’s Included and What’s Not

5 The Experience from Real Travelers

6 Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

Key Points:

Stunning mountain views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges
Cultural immersion with guided visits to Gurung villages
Excellent value at around $15 per person
Comfortable, well-organized transportation and permits included
Suitable for active travelers comfortable with uneven terrain
Limited to private groups, ensuring personalized attention

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Practical Guide to the Australian Camp Hike

When considering a trek like this, the first question often is: what makes it stand out? The answer lies in the combination of scenic beauty and cultural exposure. You start with a pickup from your Pokhara hotel, which is arranged via a private guide. From there, it’s an easy drive to Kande, the starting point of the hike, where the real adventure begins.

You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Ghandruk.

The Journey Begins at Kande

Once you arrive at Kande, you begin your walk on a well-trodden trail that winds through lush forests and terraced fields—a classic Nepalese landscape. The trail’s elevation gain and terrain vary, but the highlight is the spectacular views of the Himalayan giants. Your guide will point out notable peaks, such as Machhapuchhre, often called “Fishtail,” known for its distinctive shape.

This part of the hike is accessible and offers multiple opportunities for excellent photos—perfect for Instagram enthusiasts. As one reviewer noted, “We were worried about the mountains visibility, but arriving at the Australian camp and seeing Machhapuchhre and Annapurna was truly moving.”

Reaching Australian Camp

The Australian Camp itself is a small but lively spot that offers sweeping vistas of the mountains and the surrounding valley. It’s an ideal place to relax and enjoy a packed lunch, which is included in the tour. The calm, natural setting provides a perfect backdrop—whether you’re snapping photos or simply soaking in the scenery.

While at the camp, visitors can take a guided walk to explore the area, including nearby Gurung settlements. These traditional villages give insight into the local culture and way of life. According to reviews, the guides do a great job of sharing cultural details and ensuring everyone can enjoy the experience comfortably.

The Cultural Segment

During the guided tour of the Gurung settlements, your guide will introduce you to the local traditions, architecture, and perhaps a friendly local or two. As one reviewer commented, “We even talked to locals during breaks,” which shows how these visits are more than just sightseeing—they’re an opportunity for authentic cultural exchange.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Descent and Ending

After exploring and taking photos, it’s time to head back down to Kande. Be prepared for a descent on stone steps that some find tiring—so good footwear is essential. One traveler noted, “We were very tired from the steps going down, but it was a fun trip overall.”

The return drive to Pokhara wraps up the day, bringing you back comfortably to your hotel. The entire experience lasts around 6 hours, which balances a full day of activity without feeling rushed.

Here's some more things to do in Ghandruk

Detailed Itinerary Breakdown

Pickup from your hotel in Pokhara (options include lakeside hotels like Lake Himalaya, White Pearl, or Mountain View).
Drive to Kande (roughly 20 minutes), where the hike begins.
Hike to Australian Camp via Dhampus, with photo stops and scenic views en route.
Guided tour of Gurung settlements at the camp, sharing cultural insights.
Lunch break at Australian Camp, enjoying local food amid breathtaking vistas.
Walk through Dhampus, with more views and cultural exploration.
Visit Phedi, a final stop before descending back to the starting point.
Return transfer to your hotel in Pokhara.

The tour includes a guide, permits, bag keeping (so you can lighten your load), and photographs of your trip—so you won’t miss capturing those mountain moments.

What’s Included and What’s Not

For just $15, the value is impressive. Included are the guide, permits, bag storage, and photographs—these enhance your comfort and memories. Not included are meals and drinks, personal expenses, and the transfer car (which costs about $20 paid directly to the driver).

This straightforward setup makes the tour flexible and easy to understand. Plus, the private group format means you’ll enjoy a personal experience, tailored to your pace.

The Experience from Real Travelers

Two reviews provide a glimpse of what to expect. Naoki praised the friendly guide Moti, who was attentive to the group’s pace and made the experience enjoyable, especially with conversations with locals during breaks. Although the descent on the stone steps was tiring, Naoki described the trip as “very fun” overall.

Yukio appreciated the proper guidance on the route, safety warnings, and equipment checks, making the hike comfortable despite weather restrictions hiding some views. He expressed a desire to use similar services again, emphasizing the professional guidance.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

This tour offers an affordable, well-organized way to see some of Nepal’s best mountain scenery without the commitment of a multi-day trek. The combination of spectacular vistas, local culture, and professional guidance makes it appealing for active travelers who don’t mind a few hours of walking.

For those looking to experience Nepal’s natural beauty in a manageable day trip, this hike provides high-value scenery and authentic cultural engagement. The guided aspect ensures safety and insight, enriching the experience beyond simple sightseeing.

However, keep in mind the terrain can be challenging—stone steps and uneven paths might be tiring, especially if you’re unaccustomed to hiking. Also, the weather can influence visibility, as noted by some travelers, but even cloudy days have their charm.

This activity is best suited for outdoor lovers, photo enthusiasts, and culture seekers who want a day of scenic beauty and local flavor, all within a budget.

How long is the hike?
The tour lasts around 6 hours, including driving, walking, sightseeing, and breaks. Expect about 2-3 hours of actual hiking.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While the tour involves walking on uneven terrain and stone steps, it’s generally suitable for active children used to hiking. It’s not recommended for very young kids or those with mobility issues.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a hat, camera, sunscreen, and a refillable water bottle are recommended. Snacks can help maintain energy during the hike.

Are meals provided?
No, meals and drinks are not included. A packed lunch is available at the camp, but you might want to bring extra snacks or beverages.

Can I join if I don’t speak Japanese or English?
The tour is conducted in English and Japanese, so fluency in at least one of these languages is necessary for the guided experience.

Is this a private tour?
Yes, the experience is offered as a private group, ensuring a personalized and flexible experience.

To sum it up, this guided hike from Pokhara to Australian Camp presents a beautiful blend of Nepal’s mountain majesty and warm local culture—all at a very accessible price point. It’s ideal for travelers who want a physically engaging day with memorable views, cultural insights, and the comfort of professional guidance. If you’re looking to combine outdoor adventure with authentic Nepalese hospitality, this trek is certainly worth considering.