Can I store my luggage/Suitcase in Kathmandu or Pokhara?
If you are starting the Australian Camp Hiking trek from Pokhara, you might be thinking where to store your unwanted baggage. You don't have to carry unnecessary bags during the trek as you can leave your baggage or other bags at your hotel in Kathmandu or with us. We will take proper care of your items until your return.
This small but worth-hiking hike is best undertaken with light loads so that you are able to savor the spectacular view of Annapurna and Machhapuchhre without the load of a pack. Some of the hikers use this storage facility, and hence their hike becomes trouble-free and boring. Your luggage will be left here when you are returning from the Australian Camp, undamaged and safe. It is our determination to make your trip trouble-free so that you may get absorbed in the majesty of Nepal's Himalayas.
Can I add more activities to my Australian Camp Hiking trip?
Certainly, if you have some spare days, there are plenty of options to utilize your vacation in the best possible way. From lakes to adventure activities, something for each person is available. Make use of more holidays and see the surrounding view, culture, and adventure sports Nepal offers beyond the Australian Camp trek. Some of the top options are:
Free airport pickup and drop-off included
To ensure that you have hassle-free Australian Camp Hiking, Happy Land Treks gives free airport pickup and drop. Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our representative with a customized placard in hand will receive you. He will also assist in unloading your baggage and bring you to your hotel by a private car. Our pick-ups are booked in advance on the basis of your flight timing so that you can have a hassle-free tour beginning.
We welcome you upon arrival and provide you with a thorough briefing of your trek, equipment inspection, and recommend packing. The service is entirely optional but designed to optimize the experience and best position you to arrive. On the final day, we provide you with a timely return to the airport for pick-up so that your return is as smooth as your arrival. Let us deal with the bother of details and let you enjoy the stunning scenery of Pokhara and Australian Camp.
Differences between solo trek, private trek, and group trek
Solo Trek
A solo trek would be ideal for someone who does not wish to be part of a group but still wishes to have the freedom. Solo trek refers to walking alone, though it is always possible to hire a porter or a guide to accompany you. You would never have to give a thought to the arrangements whatsoever with your own porter and guide; they would sort everything out and you could simply relax.
The greatest advantage of a private trek is that it's entirely in your control. You could trek and have as many rest days as you wish, and even extend the duration of trekking if you want. You can take a deviation from the regular route or linger longer and visit places with a private trek because it gives you the opportunity to make the trip you want. Private Trek
A private trek is ideal for those who would prefer the mountains to be theirs alone.
It is extremely flexible when it comes to date, timings, and tempo. You can leave on your preferred date and trek at your group's interest and energy levels. If you prefer taking more halts, visit some of the places of interest, or stay an extra day or two on trekking, it can be accommodated. There’s no limit to the number of people in your group, and you’ll enjoy the privacy and peace of trekking with your own circle.
Group Trekking
If you want to meet other adventurers from around the world, a group trek is for you. In a small group of between 2 and 10 people (depending on the trip), you will join an advertised departure date with a set itinerary. This is an ideal option for single travelers or those who like meeting new people and hearing their stories. You’ll form friendships with others in your group that will last well beyond the journey; share amazing experiences and learn about different cultures together.
Family Trekking
Family trekking is an adventure trip that is tailor-made as per the requirements of a family. It involves a secure and safe atmosphere and experienced guides who are well aware of how to take care of the special requirements of a family group. The guides will also be ready to stretch themselves if any of the trekkers are health-compromised or physically challenged to walk long distances. You can increase or decrease the speed and distance according to your family members' preferences and limits so that you can have an enjoyable vacation without any strain.
Drinking Water on the Australian Camp Hiking from Pokhara
If you are planning a short hike to Australian Camp, you also need safe drinking water. No worry; there is easily available safe water on the trail at teahouses. You'll get boiled water for a charge in most of the teahouses, which makes your drinking water safe in trekking in Nepal, or use taps or natural water resources and purify your own with water purification tablets, which you can buy at the pharmacy either in Pokhara or Kathmandu. SteriPens is awesome as well.
It's a small device that kills deadly bacteria with UV light. Just within 1–2 minutes, shake your bottle, and your water is clean. Don't be a bad guest, and don’t contribute to plastic waste by buying plastic bottled water. Also, if you have a filtering or purifying device, it will be more eco-friendly as you go up.
What To Expect?
Starting from Pokhara, the Australian Camp trek is an easy and short trek, whereby you walk along to the top of a hill through scenic villages and meadows. The hilltop destination will give you a breathtaking sight of the mountain giants of Nepal, such as Machapuchare (fishtail mountain), Dhaulagiri and many other Himalayan peaks appearing endless.
This is the perfect trek for the traveler who desires to experience Nepal's stunning Himalayas without needing to go on a long or difficult multi-day trek. Not only is it an easy trek, but also there are plenty of chances along the trek to stop and mingle with locals, visit some cultural sights, or simply simply relax in nature.
Australian Camp Hiking from Pokhara: Can solo or female travelers do this trek safely?
Yes, female and solo travelers can safely hike from Pokhara to Australian Camp. The trekking route is frequented a lot and traversed by trekkers, so it's one of the most secure routes in Nepal. Nevertheless, it's always wise to be careful because hiking anywhere new always poses a bit of danger.
We strongly recommend that you hire a local guide for further security, navigation support, and better overall experience. A local guide will also assist you in enjoying the culture and making sure that you have a decent accommodation along the way.
If you book with a reliable operator like Happland Treks, you can be sure that we have taken a lot of solo trekkers (including ladies) on this trek and other treks in Everest, Annapurna and Langtang areas in the past. So we know that it is possible to do it safely by solo trekkers.
Typical day on Australian Camp Hiking from Pokhara
The climb begins with a jeep drive to Kande and a trek to Australian Camp
The day begins with a delicious 7:00 am breakfast, and then we head off to tackle the day's hike. We depart about an hour or so following breakfast at 7:45 am and stroll for about 5-7 hours via the trail dotted by beautiful tea houses resting in between. The scenery becomes increasingly dramatic, from flat forest vistas to sweeping panorama vistas with Himalayan scenery.
Mid-day break halt and lunch before the resumption of the trek. The final leg of today's trek brings us to our overnight accommodation at a guest house or tea house. 7:00 pm dinner is local indulgences served cuisine. The remaining time is spent indulging with other trekkers, reading, or taking a village stroll.
Accommodations on Australian Camp Hiking from Pokhara
For this short trekking trip, the accommodation is basic and cozy. Shared twin and triple rooms are common. There is an open dormitory hall that accommodates four beds per room. Single rooms can be requested, if available, but they are few. The guesthouses are warm and comfortable but basic, with small rooms furnished with just what one needs for a night’s rest.
Bathrooms are also shared and are mostly located outside the rooms. Hot shower facilities are available, as well as Wi-Fi and charging points at a small extra cost. It is a tranquil environment where one can get close to nature and enjoy the warm hospitality of the mountain people living there. While facilities may be basic, cleanliness is ensured throughout, and you will have a good night’s rest in these warm guesthouses at the end of your day hike.
Do You Need Training for Australian Camp Hiking from Pokhara?
No, you don’t have to train for the hike to Australian Camp from Pokhara. It is an easy hike, and most people can do it even without training. However, if you want to train yourself in the meantime, we recommend doing some light training around 3 weeks before your trip. Some regular and easy walks or jogs and small hill climbs will be enough.
No extensive workout is necessary. If you have already gone through a few Hikes previously, that’s good, but even if not, then also easily you can do it. If you wish, then a practice hike over a week prior might give a little more confidence as well.
Altitude Challenges
Australian Camp Hiking from Pokhara is a trek that connects you with moderate altitudes, and still, there is the risk of mountain sickness if you climb too much faster. Dizziness, headache and vomiting are some symptoms that will occur above 3,000 meters. It is almost impossible, but not totally, that serious conditions like HAPE or HACE can occur on this trek because our bodies are different.
How to Stay Safe at Higher Elevations?
Acclimatization is the prerequisite to evade altitude sickness, even if you are on a shorter tour. To let your body acclimatize, make a gradual gain in height with adequate rest intervals. Water is a must, along with complete avoidance of alcoholism, smoking and caffeine, as these all dehydrate.
Take a good diet supplemented with high-energy food to keep up your energy levels, and symptoms will not touch you at that height. Diamox can also help prevent such symptoms per doctor’s advice only though. Walk slow and do not exert yourself for anything as it may cause exhaustion which can result in nausea and feels like acute mountain sickness for sure.
We have an oximeter or oxygen for contingency, but apart from that, with all these arrangements, you can make a pleasant as well as safe hike up to Australian Camp.
Food During the Australian Camp Hiking from Pokhara
Along the journey in the Australian Camp trek from Pokhara, you will have the opportunity to try different cuisine at teahouses on the way. Each menu of the teahouse is available, from which you have different things to select. You can have anything that is available on the menu, and food for most meals is freshly prepared.
We strongly suggest having the local Nepali meal, Dal Bhat, which is steamed rice (Bhat), lentil soup (dal), vegetables in season, pickles, and sometimes meat. It is a complete and wholesome meal that offers the necessary energy for trekking.
Although the food is clean and good, the taste can be different from what you are used to in Pokhara and Kathmandu cities or at home. Mountain vegetables and fruits are different, and the way of cooking is also different, so the food tastes local.
Best Season for Australian Camp Hiking from Pokhara
Australian Camp is a simple multi day treks from Pokhara, and anyone can go there at any time of the year. Although the weather condition at the spot continues to change on a daily basis, organizing your tour on seasonal bases does make sense.
Spring (March to May): This is the best time for this trek. The weather is nice, and the sky is clear. It is sunny in the daytime and cold at night. The forests of this trek are covered with rhododendrons, and the view is very picturesque.
Monsoon (June to August): The most unfavorable time to trek as the rain would damp the trail to slush and mud. Higher likelihood of landslides and dense clouds, which usually veil the beautiful mountain scenery. Green and lush landscape, though, are very beautiful at this time.
Fall (September to November): Fall is a good time to hike to Australian Camp. The weather is nice and the view of the Annapurna range is excellent. The weather is pleasant, and trails are dry, hence an easy climb. It is also the best time, and more trekkers are on the trail.
Winter (Dec to Feb): Winter season possesses excellent skies and beautiful landscapes but is cold, especially in the morning and evening. If the cold does not bother you, then it's even a good time to visit. The trails are not packed, providing a scenic experience.
Equipment and trekking kit for Australian Camp Hiking from Pokhara
Although easy to hike in an Australian Camp, careful packing will make the hike comfortable. A 20-30 liter day pack is best for water, snacks and necessities. Purchase good hiking boots because the terrain is rough.
Lightweight layers like a fleece (for morning cold) and a water-repellent jacket (quick weather changes) have to be taken along. Sunglasses, gloves and hats (wind & sun protection) should also be packed. A trekking pole may be helpful, too.
Pack a good basic first aid kit and headlamp. It might be a simple trek, but a good kit means it’s more likely to be an enjoyable experience for all. More specific advice can be found on our website blog here.
Toilet and Shower Facilities – Australian Camp Hiking from Pokhara
Because Australian Camp is a short hike, teahouses here don't provide anything other than basic shower and toilet amenities. Western toilets are available in most lodges, but you can find squat toilets in a few of them. It would be better if you brought your toilet paper because it may not be available from the lodges.
Showering hot water can be sourced by either the gas geysers or the hot bucket water but at a surcharge of between $3 and $5 per person. Cold showers will thus be feasible but it should not be a preferred option, more so during the morning and evening peak hours.
Thus, it is always recommended to bring some of your toiletries, such as soaps, shampoos, and other personal hygiene products for convenience and hygiene. A little planning does make the hike easy.
Australian Camp Hiking from Pokhara – Charging & WiFi Information
Charging:
There are no charging points in the teahouse rooms for Australian Camp Hike from Pokhara. You will have to find the charging point in the dining room and they will charge you $3–$5 per charge. I would recommend you carry a power bank for your phone or camera battery specially on long hikes so that batteries don’t die along the way.
WiFi:
There is WiFi at tea houses but the network in the mountains are not that reliable. WiFi use is $3-$5 per time. Network speed and reliability also depends on weather and number of users. You might want to carry a local SIM card with good internet, you can call your friends or family too. For hassle free experience you will need to have standby batteries, mobile data plan is cherry on top.
Australian Camp Hike from Pokhara – Maximum Elevation
The highest point attained on Australian Camp Hiking from Pokhara is 2,050 meters (6,726 ft) at Australian Camp and Pritam Deurali at 2100 m. It is a short yet worth the effort trek with great views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri range. It goes through forests and common villages, so it is a perfect option for the ones who desire a short trip to nature. The moderate altitude makes it fit for the experience level of everyone.
Money Exchange at Kathmandu or in Pokhara
Exchange money at Kathmandu or Pokhara before you start your Australian Camp Hike from Pokhara. You can exchange money in your hotel, Thamel, or at various banks. There are over 1,000 ATMs at Thamel, and if needed, you can withdraw Nepalese rupees. Your trek agency or your guide will also help you with money exchange. Although there are a few money exchange places in Pokhara, the exchange rate may not be as good as in Kathmandu. After you leave for the trek, there will be no money exchange places in the hills. It is advisable to carry sufficient cash in small amounts because most of the shops on the way do not accept foreign currency, credit cards, or electronic transactions.
Australian Camp Hiking from Pokhara – Difficulty Level
Pokhara Australian Camp Trek is a trek that is suitable for families and is an easy-to-moderate trek also suitable for the beginner trekker. It is a trek to 2,050m (6,726ft) at Australian Camp, low-level trekking. It is 3–5 hours of walking daily with gentle slopes only and very few stone stairs. Trekkers do not have to be trek-hardened, although having a satisfactory level of general physical fitness would be helpful. The trek is through villages and jungle, with breathtaking views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. No fear of mountain sickness, a good alternative for a short, refreshing Himalayan adventure. A good pair of trekking shoes and minimal trek equipment are all that are required.
Australian Camp Hiking Weather from Pokhara
The Australian Camp trek from Pokhara is doable throughout the year and it is easy hike as well. But be prepared for the fact that the weather changes quite drastically every month. Below are month-wise details.
January – Very cold, temperature can go till 0°C at night while day time would be between 8°C–12°C. The trail will mostly dry with very little chance of snowfall, but if it happens, then it looks amazing with white on white.
February – Cold but a bit warmer than January, the temperature in February ranges from 2°C–14°C. Generally, the sky is clear, and you get amazing views of the Annapurna range.
March – Spring starts in March with temperatures varying between 6°C–18°C. The trail becomes colorful as rhododendrons slowly start to bloom. It’s also a great time for hiking.
April – The ideal month for hiking. The temperature varies from 10°C–22°C with blue sky and magnificent mountain scenery. Forest trails are covered with wildflowers.
May – Mild and warm at around 12°C–25°C. Intermittent pre-monsoon rain showers begin to set in, so it gets humid.
June – Monsoon season begins with the temperature varying from around 15°C–22°C. Lower trails are muddy and slippery, but the hills are covered with green.
July – Heavy monsoon rainfalls persist, with temperatures between 16°C–20°C. Trails are waterlogged and mud-covered, and clouds usually obscure mountain views.
August – Just like July, the monsoon continues to be there, but the end of month will have some clear sky. Temperature will be between 16°C–22°C.
September – Monsoon slowly starts receding and leaves behind a rejuvenated fresh green landscape. Temperature varies between 12°C–20°C and the sky gets clear after August making it a good time for adventure treks.
October – One of the best months to go for a hike. Temperature is low around 10°C–18°C, but the sunny clear sky, comfortable trail and breathtaking mountain view is worth it.
November – Cool and dry. Temperature ranges from 6°C–15°C. Visibility is still great except that morning & night can be freezing cold.
December – It begins to get cold with nighttime temperatures dropping to around 2°C and daytime temperatures of about 12°C. The skies are generally clear which presents beautiful views of the mountains, though early morning frost can make trails icy.
Travel and Trekking Insurance
Even for a simple walk like the Australian Camp from Pokhara, you need travel insurance. Sudden accidental injury, altitude sickness or physical harm can happen anytime. Helicopter rescue evacuation is expensive without an insurance policy. It should cover medical, trip cancellation and lost baggage expenses also.
Although Australian Camp lies at a lower altitude, weather changing and road conditions are ceaseless in Nepal. Travelling insurance is protection while trekking through Nepal’s sceneries of natural beauty. Make sure that your insurance covers high-altitude trekking as well. The preparation lets you trek with literally no fear at all!” Read more reasons why trekkers must be insured.
Australian Camp Hiking from Pokhara: How are the Trails?
The Australian Camp trek is a short trek but involves a mix of stone-paved stairs, easy slopes, and forest trails. We start from Pokhara and walk through Gurung villages, hence exposing us to a combination of Hindu as well as Buddhist culture. Chortens and prayer flags along the trail as well as mini shrines along the way.
Panoramic views of green hills and rolling meadows. Gently climbing and gently slopes, and therefore the trekking is suitable for a beginner but has steep patches to it. The way back is mostly downhill, with a serene ending to the trek. Scenery changes with forest cover gradually leading on to rolling ridges and bird's-eye views of mountains.
Tipping - Tips to the guide and porter
At the end of your trek, it is customary to tip your guide and porter. There is no rule, and tipping is purely a matter of your discretion. It just shows your appreciation of their help in making your trip smooth-sailing.
Trekking Feedback
After your trek to the Australian Camp you will be driven back to Kathmandu where you will be treated to a farewell dinner, where you can meet other trekkers and exchange information about your trekking experiences. We appreciate your reviews on Google and TripAdvisor too. This helps us to constantly improve our services and it also helps future travellers to make an informed choice on whether The Trek is for them or not.
