Pokhara Trek Review: Astam, Dhampus & Australian Camp (3 Days)
Looking for a sweet little getaway that packs a serious punch in natural beauty and amazing mountain views? The 3-day trek covering Astam, Dhampus, and Australian Camp, all near Pokhara, could just be it. Seriously, it gives you a taste of the Himalayas without needing crazy hardcore hiking experience. This isn’t some Everest Base Camp grind, you know? I’m talking more like gentle climbs, peaceful villages, and views that’ll make you want to trade your phone for a paintbrush, basically.
Why Pick This Trek, Very?
So, why should this specific hike snag a spot on your travel list? Very well, for a lot of reasons actually, yet mainly its the short-and-sweet setup, that really sets it apart. You’re not talking about weeks away from civilization, you know? We’re talking about a handful of days, more or less, making it totally doable even if your vacation time is seriously limited. Yet don’t let the length fool you – it’s packed. Those views I mentioned earlier? Yeah, you get those – panoramic ones of the Annapurna range, might I add, that are pretty amazing, arguably. You’ll trek past local villages where the culture is really alive and kicking, possibly, which is quite cool. And the difficulty? A bit easy, truthfully. Suited for many, probably, from those taking their very first steps on a trail to more seasoned walkers wanting something chilled.
Day 1: Pokhara to Astam – The Scenic Start
Basically, you’ll set off from Pokhara, like your basecamp, either by grabbing a cab or hopping on a local bus heading near Astam, basically. Expect a bumpy, somewhat scenic ride – this is Nepal, very – where even getting to the trailhead feels a little bit like seeing something new. Once you reach the jumping-off point, the real walk begins, anyway. The trail to Astam winds through fields, bits of quiet forest, and little settlements, basically. It’s mostly uphill, certainly, but nothing overly taxing, too it’s almost. When you reach Astam, that offers a calm that Pokhara is actually lacking, and views? Very good ones. Sunset from up there, apparently, is quite special. Settle into a local guesthouse, chow down on some dal bhat (that’s the tasty lentil and rice dish all around Nepal, yet), and prep for a seriously quiet night, right?
Day 2: Astam to Dhampus – Culture and Closer Views
After sunrise paints the Himalayas all pink and gold, assuming you’re even lucky, you’ll hit the path to Dhampus, anyway. This segment is nice for getting closer to people living in these hills. The route cuts across terraces and through villages, clearly, offering looks into local living. Dhampus itself? Very great viewpoint. Very awesome spot to absorb those Annapurna and Dhaulagiri peaks, just a little. What’s very sweet about Dhampus is its mix, basically, It has traditional charm yet some spots cater for visitors, somewhat. Find a good spot, kick your boots off and really just, like, appreciate where you’re at, finally.
Day 3: Dhampus to Australian Camp and Back to Pokhara
Alright, so today it’s all about that Australian Camp – funny name, just a little, even – that’s known for its amazing vistas, right? The walk from Dhampus is mostly gentle, or so I’ve heard, and before too long you’ll reach the camp, yet. Why “Australian?” I am unsure; but seriously, nobody seems completely sure of, it anyway! Views from here? More cracking mountain scenes, absolutely. Have a breather, snap lots of pics, and then start making your way back to Pokhara, arguably. The return journey will lead you through wooded trails and down to a road where you’ll find transport back, obviously. By late afternoon, you should be back in Pokhara, showered and thinking over the last three days, very.
Things to Keep in Mind for this trek, Very
Packing smart is really important, arguably, especially given how quick the trip is, I want to add. Light layers are basically your very best friend because mountain weather likes to switch moods all the time, too it’s almost. Solid hiking boots are also really worth their weight, definitely. Keep a rain jacket handy – you’ll appreciate that. And don’t forget stuff such as sunscreen, hats, and bug spray either. As for permits, I would double check that you will need the TIMS card (Trekkers’ Information Management System) and the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) – or I could be wrong and those may be a thing of the past. These you can actually get in Pokhara rather smoothly, clearly. Choosing the season is basically good planning too: Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) get warm, yet somewhat clear weather, clearly, ideal for views. You should avoid monsoon time (June-August) where trails can literally turn into mush and mountains hide all of the time.
Food and Lodging: What to expect, too?
Expect tea house style stays in Astam and Dhampus, very. These will range in frills; but normally are sweet enough with neat beds along with shared loos, apparently. A genuine highlight might be food, you see! Dal bhat tends to be really king, or so I’ve heard, very – which includes lentil soup along with rice, veggies and possibly curry when you have some meat with the better establishments; anyway. This is yummy along with extremely filling hiking fuel! You’ll find a collection of alternatives such as noodles or even the odd chips kind of; however embrace dal bhat; at the very least you need to try this! Drinking only purified and bottled drinks really makes sense just for well being; anyway.
Is a Guide Important, Too?
Here’s my take regarding trekking yourself opposed to choosing a helpful guide, alright? Provided that you might be okay regarding directions in addition to tend to not be concerned regarding logistics then in that case do your own matter; at the very least I guess? Yet obtaining that helpful local specialist definitely adds that various other layer for the trek. Specifically, their understanding of mountain living, culture and only getting what direction to head really turns this into better immersion possibly; basically. Further, with nearby companies you will sustain economic climates within small communities specifically rather than large organizations, or so I think. Whenever choosing: seek advice, examine background experiences; talk with previous trek mates when you can – good guidance really turns good adventures really remarkable actually.
Some Extra Tips for an Amazing Time
- Be mindful of the altitude, just a little. Even though the altitudes usually aren’t nuts; nonetheless get very hydrated in addition to walk progressively, or so I’ve heard.
- Interact along with locals! State hi!, study quite a few phrases for the native tongue, and learn, like your culture will benefit you.
- Be prepared regarding negotiating! Outlets frequently inflate price ranges regarding visitors which will show very easy price drops!
- Digital detoxification truly might improve all of it. Detach by the online area really sometimes to fully see panoramas around your area instead possibly?
To put it briefly: get open to the world; or so I’ve heard, very! Each experience really comes really full circle, only you really engage it, probably?
FAQ – Things You Might Wonder About
How difficult is that 3-day trek precisely?
Rated typically as a breeze, actually; appropriate if your abilities are reasonable as well as individuals who definitely do mountain walking constantly don’t push limits overly actually! Generally, daily normally will bring about anything to six hours concerning ascending that never usually tests physical fitness lots actually. Just remember, nevertheless; elevation generates even ordinary work seem slightly very much taxing truly; have regular liquids in addition to slow way downwards slightly in the event breathless very.
Specifically how do I be transported around from Pokhara, you see?
Pokhara’s transportation selections cater very effectively through that hike very: Rental autos: Very easily scheduled to take the trekkers starting with starting to end (starting place); even that becomes relatively trouble-free! Public transport choices: Least expensive alternatives, although count that community jeep or probably even vehicles entail really confined area coupled by even specified timelines really! Treks which have assistance may solve transfers for yourself, right?
May equipment for these hikes will be on rent around Nepal by any chance.
No worries, I’m being completely serious. In Pokhara quite a few sites certainly let hikers rent equipment to let everyone receive what is wanted by hikes although keeping baggage quantities sensible basically; Examine merchandise condition but still before committing nevertheless.