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Dhampus day hiking is something you should not miss out on if you are on your way to Pokhara. The village of Dhampus serves the best for beginners looking for a place to hike. It only takes a few hours to hike through the village, and you also get to explore the Australian Base Camp while you’re at it. There are plenty of hotels and amenities that you can find when you’re in the village.

While there aren’t as many luxurious hotels to serve you, you will be quite comfortable throughout your visit. Waking up in the first hour of the morning, you can get the perfect view of Mount Machchapuchre. It would be an understatement to say that Dhampus is one of the most beautiful places in Pokhara. Along with Machchapuchre Himal, you can also get a view of other mountains like Annapurna-Manaslu and Lamjung Himal range. You will go to Dhampus village through your ride in Pokhara itself. From Kathmandu, you can reach the village in only around 4-5 hours.

Further, Dhampus Day hiking starts once you settle in. There is no compulsion for you to find a hotel to stay in Dhampus as the Dhampus Day hiking takes only a day. But, it is best to start your hike at the earliest time in the morning as you can see the clearest view of the mountains from the village during the morning than any other time of the day. Similarly, since Gurung culture is dominant in the village, there is much to explore about the culture when you are in Dhampus. You can also go a little further from your Dhampus day hike if you want to hike to Ghandruk village.

Highlights of Dhampus Day Hiking

There are several elements of Dhampus Day hiking that you cannot miss out on;

Gurung traditions, food, and culture: Since Gurung people dominate the village, you are likely to see houses, food, and lifestyle there being influenced by the culture.

View of three massive mountains in Pokhara: Dhampus village is the perfect viewpoint for Mount Fishtail or Machchapuchre, Mount Annapurna-Manaslu, and Lamjung Himal range. You can see these mountains with great clarity when in Dhampus.

Easy one-day hike: The hike to Dhampus is not a difficult one. Anyone, even beginners, can make it up to the Australian Base Camp, which marks the end of the Dhampus day hiking in only a matter of few hours, without much difficulty.

The best time to visit Dhampus Village

The best time to visit Dhampus village would be any season around the year except for the monsoon. Summer or monsoon might have chances of downpours wetting the trails and further making it difficult for the trekkers to go through the rocky paths. Hence, when you go to Dhampus in drier months, like mid-June or September, or even in fall or winter, you will be at ease during your hike.

Winters are not as bad as in many other hikes to higher altitudes. You can layer up with a good amount of warm thermal clothes when you’re on a Dhampus day hike. Likewise, there are a few teahouses where you can stop for a cup or tea to warm yourself up. Fall or winter has to be the best seasons to visit Dhampus village if you are really looking to go on a hike, though. This is mostly because the likelihood of rain during these seasons is low.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is the Australian Camp from Dhampus?

Australian camp is 4.7 kilometers / 2.9 miles away from Dhampus.

How do I go to Dhampus from Pokhara?

You can hire a private vehicle to take you from Pokhara to Phedi.

How high is Dhampus?

Dhampus is 6,012 meters high.

Why is Dhampus famous?

Dhampus is famous for the picturesque view of the mountains in Pokhara.

Where is the starting point of the Dhampus trek?

Phedi is the starting point of the Dhampus trek.

Also, read;

Dhampus Day Hiking - Itinerary

Day 01 Morning drive West of Pokhara at Phedi a small rural village and hike to Dhampus Hill and village of 3-4 hrs climb and back on drive:

Dhampus Day hiking takes no more than a day. In fact, you can complete the hike within 3 to 4 hours. The hike starts when you are dropped off at Phedi, western Pokhara. You will be back on your ride once you are done with your hike and return back to Phedi.

Day 1 - You travel from Kathmandu to Phedi in no less than 4 to 5 hours. If you are not looking to hike the first day due to tiredness, you should stop at a nearby hotel. Resting time is not as crucial during Dhampus Day hiking as you can have no hiking skills and still make it through the hike with no problem at all. Plus, the trails aren’t as time-consuming and tough, either.

However, if you are in Phedi for only a solo day hiking without staying in a hotel, then you start from the Suikhet area itself. Phedi also translates to the lower hill. You can get all ready with a pair of bottles and solid shoes here. Going through the village, you will see the beautiful view of the greenery and rural lifestyle of the Gurung people there.

The trails aren’t as difficult but quite rocky and slippery after you climb a certain number of stairs through the village during your hike. Carry along a hiking pole in case you need some support for your body. The forests that you will be coming through in your hike are fascinating, and the hike, overall, is quite refreshing and best for anyone looking to escape urban life, even if temporarily. Machhapuchhre Himal, Lamjung, and Manaslu Himal, with a tip of Mt. Dhaulagiri, are some of the main attractions during your hike.

A cattle grazing area, which is now known as Australian Camp or Thulo Kharka, will have you discover many trekkers camping amidst the beautiful mountainous scenario that you will end up in during your Dhampus day hike. You can either rest there or continue your hike back to Phedi. It is preferably best that you settle in the Australian base camp for a while to soak in the beauty of Pokhara’s hills and mountains as you get the best view from there. Return to Phedi is not as difficult as you will be following the same trail back. You can then make your way to the more urbanized location in Pokhara from here.

What's Included

Pokhara to Phedi and back to Pokhara by private vehicle.
Professional hiking guide with his salary and all expenses.
Lunch in Dhampus.
Entry fees if required.

What's not Included

All kind of drinks.
Tips for Guide.
Your personal expenses.

Dhampus Day Hiking

Destination

Nepal

Durations

1 days

Max. People

15+

Areas of Walk

Annapurna region beyond scenic Pokhara Valley Rim on North West hills.

People and Culture

High Hills populated by Gurung people hill tribe of Annapurna Himalaya region of Buddhism religion, with some mix people Hindu Brahmin-Chettries, Magar of various cultures with farm life.

Mode of transport

Short drives both ways.

Duration of Hike

From 3 hrs to 4 hrs.

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