Things to do · Pokhara
Australian Camp
A grassy ridge meadow above Pokhara with a sweeping Annapurna and Machhapuchhre panorama.
Australian Camp — known locally as Kalabang — is a grassy ridge meadow at about 2,060 metres that delivers one of the finest mountain panoramas you can reach in a half-day from Pokhara. With Machhapuchhre and the Annapurnas filling the skyline and only a short, well-trodden climb to get there, it is a favourite first hike for visitors who want the Himalaya without a long trek.
Overview
The camp occupies an open shoulder of the Dhampus ridge, northwest of Pokhara above the Baglung highway. Unlike a forested viewpoint, here the trees give way to a broad clearing, so the view is uninterrupted: Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and neighbouring peaks rise across the valley. A handful of simple lodges and tented camps let you stay overnight, and the meadow is a popular spot to catch sunrise glowing on the snow before midday cloud rolls in.
What to see and do
Most people come for the panorama, but the walking is part of the pleasure. The climb from Kande rises through rhododendron and pine before opening onto the meadow, and from there an easy, near-level ridge path leads in about an hour to the Gurung village of Dhampus — the two combine into a classic short loop. At the camp itself you can linger over tea, photograph the peaks, and watch paragliders and birds ride the ridge thermals.
How to visit
The standard approach is a taxi or local bus to Kande, about an hour from Pokhara, then a one-to-90-minute uphill walk. Many walkers prefer to start at Phedi, climb to Dhampus, stroll the ridge to Australian Camp, and descend to Kande, turning it into a relaxed day. The meadow sits within the Annapurna Conservation Area, so an ACAP permit technically applies — cheap and easy to obtain in Pokhara.
Tips
- Stay overnight or arrive early; the clearest mountain views are at dawn.
- Bring a warm layer — the meadow is breezy and cooler than the valley.
- Carry cash for tea, food and lodge rooms; there are no card facilities.
- The autumn (October–November) and spring (March–April) windows are best.
Nearby
The obvious companion is Dhampus village, an easy hour along the ridge. Back near the lake, the Peace Pagoda hike offers a shorter forest walk to a hilltop stupa, while Begnas and Rupa lakes make a calmer counterpoint on the valley's eastern side. Browse the full Pokhara day hikes and nearby areas collection, or plan around the lake with the Pokhara guide.
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Frequently asked questions
How do you get to Australian Camp?+
Take a taxi or bus to Kande, about an hour northwest of Pokhara on the Baglung highway, then walk uphill for roughly one to one-and-a-half hours. Many people approach instead along the gentle ridge from Dhampus, about an hour away.
How long is the hike to Australian Camp?+
From Kande the climb takes about 60 to 90 minutes on a clear trail and stone steps. From Dhampus the ridge walk is almost level and takes around an hour, making a Kande-up, Dhampus-down loop a popular day out.
Is Australian Camp worth visiting?+
Yes, if you want a big mountain view for modest effort. The open meadow at about 2,060 metres looks straight at Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South and Hiunchuli, and the short climb makes it one of the best low-effort viewpoints near Pokhara.
Can you stay overnight at Australian Camp?+
Yes. A cluster of simple lodges and tented camps sits on the meadow, so you can sleep over and wake to a clear sunrise on the peaks before the day's haze builds. Rooms are basic but the location is the reward.
Why is it called Australian Camp?+
The name dates from when Australian trekkers and climbers reportedly used the meadow as a base. Its Nepali name is Kalabang, but the Australian Camp tag has stuck and is how almost everyone refers to it today.
