3 Days Australian Camp Hiking starts a hike from Pothana and end in Phewa Lake. We drive passing beautiful Phedi and the typical village Dhampus along the way.  It is a Gurung Village which is inhabited by a majority of Gurung and also living Brahman and Magar communities. We will start hiking from Pothana then a short ascend to Australian camp. It offers a spectacular view of the Himalayan ranges including the Anapurna and Machhapuchhare in the clear sky from Australian Camp.
We will see panoramic views of Annapurna (8091m/ 26,545ft), Dhaulagiri (8167m/ 26,795ft), Machhapuchare (the sacred mountain), Annapurna south( 7240m./23892ft.) and Himchuli( 6440m./21252ft.) including other 10 peaks over 6000 meter. We then head towards Sarangkot walking via Kande, Naudanda and Kaskikot. This area also offers you views of the Pokhara Valley with all its natural beauty. Sarangkot is another spot renowned for seeing the sunrise over the Himalayas.
About Us
At Nepal Alternative Treks and Expedition, we put our efforts to create and operate trips to various parts of Nepal. We have a great team of skilled guides and porters to assist travelers. Thus, we provide our finest people and services to cater to your needs. Also, we allow you to easily change the itineraries as per your liking.
After breakfast, Jump on vehicle, it takes you to Dhampus along the way. Begin the hike with a short gentle climb. We will reach Australian camp after two hours walk . Stay in Australian Camp .
Day 2
Hike to Sarangkot
Day 2 Facts
Trekking Time Average
15km Uphill Hike
(Avg 6hrs)
Accommodation
High Ground Inn or Similar category
Altitude
(1750m./5775ft.)
Included meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
It is a long but pleasant walk to Sarangkot. After breakfast, the day starts with a steep downhill to Kande. It’s a mesmerizing view of Fewa Lake, Pokhara city in distance, beautiful small settlements Naudanda and Kaskikot with snowcapped himalaya range while walk to Sarangkot. Overnight in Sarangkot.
Day 3
Morning hike to Sarangkot View Tower - Hike down to Pokhara
Day 3 Facts
Trekking Time Average
8km Downhill hike to Pokhara
(Avg 2hrs)
Altitude
(820m./2707ft.)
Included meals
Breakfast
Early morning walk 5 minutes to the view tower for best sun rise with Panoramic Mountain view of Machapuchhre, Annapurna south, himchuli, Annapurna I , Dhaulagiri, Manaslu and Gangapurna including Pokhara valley view then hike down to Phewa lake .We will walk continue the edge of Phewa lake to Pokhara.
Included
All meals during the hiking (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) .
Lodge accommodation ( twin share basis) during the hiking.
One experienced educated, well-trained, fluent English speaking, friendly, government authorized professional hiking guide
Guide’s food, accommodation, salary, insurance and transportation.
Overland transportation as per mentioned in the itinerary.
Entrance fees to enter Sarangkot view tower.
A hiking map, company t-shirt, and seasonal fruits.
Government tax and service charge.
Public Liability Insurance.
Not included
Hotel accommodation and meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Hard and soft table drinks such as tea/coffee, coke, fanta, mineral water, beer, desert, laundry, phone bill etc.
Every journey we create is uniquely tailored to you. Share your interests and passions, and our travel experts will design an unforgettable adventure filled with extraordinary, one-of-a-kind experiences crafted just for you.
Mar 2023
Went to Australian Camp, Dhampus trail with family. It was a very good experience. Views of Fish Tail from both the places were so beautiful. Arrangements from Nepal Alternative Trek & Expeditions under Mr. Tej Bahadur was excellent. Hospitality and food was good. Also went to Nagarkot, Sarangkot and Pokhara. Enjoyed Nepal vey much; wish to come back again.
5.0
Subhadip Dey
India
“Nepal Alternative Trek addressed my needs according to my schedule and agenda. I stayed most of the time at his home-stay, shuttling between home and the places that I wanted to visit. Tej, the boss behind Nepal Alternative Trek, helped to make my stay in Kathmandu comfortable and productive. He walked me to the monasteries that I wanted to visit and even picked me up when I needed a ride back home. The home-stay is hosted by his wife and I got to experience living with a Nepalese family, sharing their food, space and laughter. For the home-stay: 1) Meals available upon request 2) Family get together and chats 3) Regular change of bed-sheets and towels 4) Free WIFI 5) Near Swayambhu and Thamel 6) Safe environment 7) Mountainous forest behind home 8) Walking distance to beautiful monasteries 9) Away from hustle and bustle of towns yet easy to get
"Nepal Alternative Trek addressed my needs according to my schedule and agenda. I stayed most of the time at his home-stay, shuttling between home and the places that I wanted to visit. Tej, the boss behind Nepal Alternative Trek, helped to make my stay in Kathmandu comfortable and productive. He walked me to the monasteries that I wanted to visit and even picked me up when I needed a ride back home.
The home-stay is hosted by his wife and I got to experience living with a Nepalese family, sharing their food, space and laughter.
For the home-stay:
1) Meals available upon request
2) Family get together and chats
3) Regular change of bed-sheets and towels
4) Free WIFI
5) Near Swayambhu and Thamel
6) Safe environment
7) Mountainous forest behind home
8) Walking distance to beautiful monasteries
9) Away from hustle and bustle of towns yet easy to get to town
I left the home-stay with a smile.
All the best,
Richard
Singapore"
When you select your personal items, keep in mind the number of days you will be hiking, the time of year, and the altitude. We advise our clients to bring these items:
Lightweight hiking boots or sports shoes.
Lightweight pants, shirts
T-shirts.
Long sleeve shirt, if susceptible to sunburn.
Sun hat – sunburn is severe at rarefied altitudes.
Vaseline for feet and crutch.
Water bottle – 2 liters.
Sunglasses and strap
Personal medical supplies – do not forget ban – aids, elastic bandage
Sunscreen, sun bock, sun-tan lotion.
Small daypack – 25 liters.
Rain jacket – poncho style to cover backpack.
Warm jacket during winter.
Accommodation
We will arrange a twin share basis room in the Australian camp, Dhampus, and Sarangkot at one of the most recommended hotels. There will be provided private bathroom in Sarangkot while only sharing toilets and showers are available at Dhampus.
Meals
During hiking, we can enjoy authentic Nepalese food as well the more common international cuisine (Tibetan, Continental, Italian, Indian, etc.) at the hotel. There will be provided breakfast, lunch, and dinner three times along the route on your choice from MENU.
Physical Condition & Experience Requirements
Australian camp hiking is an easy level of hike,  suitable for passionate walkers who have the ability to walk at least  4-5 hours a day with a light rucksack. As we will get the highest elevation of 2400 meters, you won’t have to worry about acute mountain sickness ( AMS) though you are preferred excellent health with average physical fitness then we can accomplish the trek successfully. Exercising and jogging regularly is a good idea to enhance our strength and stability. Past hiking experience would be an asset but no technical skill is required for this trip. Participants with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart, lung, and blood diseases should inform Nepal of alternative treks before booking the hike.
Climate and weather
The climate of Nepal is different all across its territory. Somewhere it is hot, somewhere it is cold. It usually gets hot from May to August and this time is also good for hiking. Similarly, it gets cold and chilly from late November to February. This time is also good but it rains most of the time. So, completing this hike during the spring season is also good. It provides a suitable climate and weather. But, most of the time it is good all year. You may do this hike throughout the year.
Safety and security
The safety and security of the consumer are of utmost importance for us. We provide you with full security for your belongings. We check every route for the destination and choose the best route to travel to the destination. So, you can fully enjoy yourself during the hike. Similarly, you can feel free and hike with us.
Frequently
Asked Questions
Is this hike safe for tourists?
Yes, this hike is safe for tourists. This area has not been affected by the earthquake in 2015. Also, there is no burst of epidemics or viral diseases or covid-19. We also recommend you keep yourself updated with the local news.
The government and other respective bodies are continuously are trying to facilitate accessible communication, comfortable and safe internal travel, proper healthcare facility, and services of restaurants en route for tourists.
What are the physical fitness and other criteria required for this hike ?
Although it is an easy and short hike, the trails pass through the uphill and downhill that can be demanding and tiresome, so it is beneficial for all travelers to exercise daily from a month before their trip. This helps the body get accustomed to the physical work required during the journey.
Participants with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart, lung, and blood disease should inform us before booking the trek and are advised to seek medical advice or consent from their doctors before the hike.
When is the best season for this hiking ?
The best season to hike this route is during autumn (September to November) as the weather is stable, dry, and clear. Also, the atmosphere is merry during these seasons, as autumn is the major festive season of the country. Another favorable season for hiking is during spring (March to May) as the trails become more vibrant and pleasing with the blooming of different wildflowers and Rhododendrons. The days are clear and perfect for hiking.
December to February is the coldest time of the year. From June to August, the region experiences the summer season. Humidity increases along with the temperature though this hiking route is doable all around the year.
Do you have other dates available that match my timing?
Even though this package has pre-fixed group departure dates, we can tailor them to accommodate your specific requests and schedule. Please review our designated departure dates, and if they do not suit your timeframe, let us know your preferred timing so that we can manage your itinerary accordingly. We organize this hike as per your wishes and convenience.
As a single traveler, may I join fixed departure group ? Will it be possible to get a separate room?
This package is designed in such a way that they suit single travelers too. It is a great way to get to know new people with similar interests, and most people find that group dynamics are very friendly and comforting. Single travelers will share accommodation with other individual travelers of the same gender on our group journeys.
If you are a single traveler wishing for a private room, we can manage that as well, but you will have to inform us about it while booking the trip. Also, please note that you may have to pay some additional charges for single rooms.
Can we change money along the route ? Can we pay by credit card or foreign currency ?
No, you won’t be able to change money along the route. We recommend changing money at Thamel and Pokhara . Credit cards and foreign currency are not accepted along the route. You are better to take enough cash from Kathmandu/Pokhara.
What is the weight limit for porters ?
Usually, we arrange one porter for two trekkers, and one porter carries weights up to 20 kilograms. Hence, each trekker’s luggage should weigh only up to 10 kilograms. However, if your essentials weigh more than that, we can provide you a personal porter with some additional costs.
What kind of food will be provided during this hike ?
Our package includes three meals per day, breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Dinner and lunch include the authentic Nepali Daal-Bhat (rice and lentils) along with seasonal vegetables, spinach, and pickle. If you do not like it, you can choose any item from the wide range of menu offered by the lodges.
Tea houses and lodges serve Nepalese, Asian, and Continental food, and even pizzas. The food is prepared hygienically, but the taste of western food might not meet your expectations as there are minimal resources available. We usually suggest eating vegetarian food to avoid falling ill.
How can drinking water be managed ?
Bottled plastic water is readily available along route at USD 1 per liter. However, we recommend you carry your own water bottles. You can fill them up with filtered water or boiled water wherever possible and purify them using chlorine or iodine. We shall provide water purification drops and tablets.
How long will we have to hike each day during the trek?
An average day of walking involves around 4 to 6 hours of hiking, including breaks for meals as needed. The average distance covered depends on the terrain and altitude, but ranges from 10 to 15 kilometers on average.
Along the way, you will have many chances for photography and other personal interests such as bird watching and discovering local areas of interest like natural springs, hot water ponds, and even exploring flora and fauna.
What are the documents that we need to bring for this hike ?
You need to submit the following documents that should be sent via email :
A copy of passport,
Flight details
What are the accommodation arrangements during the hike ?
In this hiking route, the accommodation options are hotels and resorts. Nepal Alternative Treks generally manages your accommodation in the best hotel/resort that provides single or double rooms. The bed has a mattress, pillow, and blanket. Hotels offer a room with a heater, and a blanket so, you don’t need to carry sleeping bags.
What kind of toilet facilities are there? Will we be able to take a shower ?
Hotel/Resorts in this hiking route have excellent infrastructure and are likely to have western-style toilets, and sometimes even attached toilets.
If you need to use the toilet while hiking, we will try to find the nearest lodge, if possible; otherwise, you will have to manage it somewhere in the forests. Please respect the environment by placing the used toilet paper in a plastic bag so that you can dispose of it later.
Nepal Alternative Treks arranges accommodation with proper hot shower facilities.
Can we hire hiking gears in Kathmandu?
Yes, there are plenty of shops around Thamel or Pokhara that sell as well as rent all the necessary gear for hiking. These shops have great varieties of goods ranging based on their brand as well as price. We will help you with buying or hiring all the necessary equipment. We recommend hiring in Pokhara as you won’t need for traveling period between Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Are alcoholic beverages available in hiking ?
You can easily find different types of alcoholic beverages of international as well as Nepalese brands. In villages, however, you can either find local (home-made) drinks like Chyang, Raksi, and Tongba or other packaged drinks of Nepalese brands.
Is it possible to recharge batteries and electronics during the hike ?
Nowadays, all kinds of facilities, including recharging batteries and electronics, are available in this hiking route and also have electricity and recharging facilities available for a minimal service charge.
Also, note that the Nepalese plugs are of Type D, and the voltage is about 220-240 V. So, make sure that your devices are chargeable. Otherwise, you shall require adapters and voltage stabilizers.
Is it possible to communicate with friends and family back home while on hike ?
There are mobile networks, internet data, and Wi-Fi available in this hiking route, and you can connect to your friends and family back home.
For mobile network and internet data, you will require a Nepalese SIM-Card. If you wish to buy a Nepalese SIM-Card, we will assist you in getting it. You can buy a SIM-Card from local distributors easily with some fees. We recommend Namaste SIM to have better network coverage and 4G data uses.
What if the guide/porter leaves alone on the trail?
Guides and porters will always walk together with you, but, sometimes in case if there is no communication available to reserve lodge in advance, your porter may have to go ahead to book a room in an excellent lodge for the night. Our guides /porters will not leave you behind otherwise.
If by any chance such a circumstance occurs, you have to contact us immediately. We will then connect to our guides/porters and get back to you. We assure you.
What is the weather and temperature like we can expect during the hike ?
The temperature could range around and above 25 degrees Celsius in summers and decrease below 0 degrees Celsius in winters. During autumn and spring, the temperature ranges around 10 to 20 degrees Celsius, making it suitable for hiking purposes.
We thank our guests for trekking with us, reviewing our services, and making us eligible for the prestigious awards. We also sincerely thank our dedicated staff for their unwavering commitment and continuous support of our company. Without their hard work, dedication, and passion, the awards and achievements we have received wouldn’t be possible.
My friend and I were lucky to find Tej online before visiting Nepal. We knew we wanted to do a trek, but we weren’t sure exactly which trek. Tej sent us a bunch of itineraries for different treks and we chose the Manaslu circuit. When we arrived our guide, Kumar, was waiting for us at the airport and Tej was able to get us all our permits for the trek done in less than 2 hours which was great. The manaslu trek was absolutely amazing! We were super happy with our whole trip and we were lucky to be able to make the pass even though we saw dozens of other people who had to turn back because of the weather. We are already looking forward to going back next year at the same time to trek Everest and we will definitely use Tej again!
“Nepal Alternative Trek addressed my needs according to my schedule and agenda. I stayed most of the time at his home-stay, shuttling between home and the places that I wanted to visit. Tej, the boss behind Nepal Alternative Trek, helped to make my stay in Kathmandu comfortable and productive. He walked me to the monasteries that I wanted to visit and even picked me up when I needed a ride back home.
The home-stay is hosted by his wife and I got to experience living with a Nepalese family, sharing their food, space and laughter.
For the home-stay:
1) Meals available upon request
2) Family get together and chats
3) Regular change of bed-sheets and towels
4) Free WIFI
5) Near Swayambhu and Thamel
6) Safe environment
7) Mountainous forest behind home
8) Walking distance to beautiful monasteries
9) Away from hustle and bustle of towns yet easy to get to town
Goal was achieved 4130 meter and 0 degree celsius, Annapurna Base Camp Trek. It was 6 months of preparation. It was challenging target for us. We had dense forest, mountain, and completely wilderness above the treeline, it was windy and terrain . There is a huge support team. Without them it would not be possible. We can do it , we just have to give time and practice. Mr. Gurung Ji, you with your entire 7 of team were wonderful. They were always ready to help us.
Thanks Mr. Gurung ji for all the support, and guidance that made the trip successful. While all of us focused on Mountain, big thing but there were so many beautiful things along the way, stream, flowers, flora, so many birds I took pictures. So, in summary, phenomenal, success and our confidence there. We know, we can do more and higher in next what bigger thing.
8 days non trek city tour and 21days trek to EBC and chola pass
We love nepal and made 3 time visit to this beutiful country and rich culture. This time last year we came with 6 pax and visited Kathmandu , Pohkara and chitwan with a stay of 2 night in each place. We flew to Pohkara and got the van to chitwan and flew to Kathmandu. Tej arranged all transports overland and flights for us. We did not asked for a local guide but it was all smooth and no problem. We are happy with the service provided by Tej and he made all efforts to make us happy. His company performed professional with the very reasonable pricing. We encountered some small problem with the van transporting us back from nagarkot to kathmandu airport. This van was quite small and it came to pick up quite late that we almost missed the flight to pohkara. We told Tej about this and he must take care of this outsourced van company. Anyway the van in pohkara and to chitwan was excellent , big and comfy. So he has corrected the mistake.
Part 2 was our trek to EBC and chola pass for 21 nights. Tej arranged for flight and guide plus porter. For this trekking it was only me and my wife travelling together. We are about 50 years and used the service of 2 porters cause we bought a lot of dry food plus chocolate. We are difficult persons in terms of foreign food. Our guide Ammer and 2 porters are fabulous. They took care of us very well like we are part of their family.
Overall we strongly recommend this company. They are good and not high expensive tag. We will use their service again in June to trek in Langtang. Rocky
We had a fantastic experience on the Annapurna Circuit with Nepal Alternative Treks. Tej, the manager, was helpful, professional and efficient in dealing with our requirements and amendments, the arrangements worked smoothly and the information provided to us was excellent. Our guide Kul was brilliant. He was friendly, knowledgable and experienced and took changes in our itinerary in his stride. Our trekking experience was much better with his help in everything from planning the stages of the route to organising our food and accommodation. Just one warning: he is an ace card player and will probably beat you hands down!
A wonderful & interesting trek overall. Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances ( heavy snow fall & Lie ping with a bad cold) we were unable to cross the Ganja la pass. However, our guide Simbir offered us as alternative trek which took us on a difference journey of Nepal. We had the opportunity to visit & stay in many local villages and meet Tamang, Gurung people experience, their lifestyle and culture. We visited our guide’s home town of Chalishgaun and timed it right to join in with Diwali celebrations!
Attempting Everest base camp trekking for me & my group was taking it to the next level. Before this, our limits were Kedarnath, MadMaheshwar & Tunganath with max distances of 18-19 kms spread over 2-3 days. Moreover, these tracks are such that people doesn’t necessarily have to trek. They have the option of ponies. EBC involves a lot for people like us (acclimatization to altitude, strength etc.), but above all, you need someone to provide logistical support, moral support that it can be done. This is where Nepal Alternative Treks does a great job. They organized it very well, guides and porters provided were very reliable and cost is reasonable when you compare to others. They can customize your travel plan according to your need.
A few weeks ago we went on a trip to Nepal, accompanied by a couple of friends who were on their second trip with Nepal Alternative Trek. Our first goal was to trek to the village of Chalish in Ruby Valley. We decided to go with the services of Nepal Alternative Trek to take us up there. We went there partly by jeep, partly walking through the cultivated terraces, meeting the inhabitants of the different communities who worked there.
I must say that the service that Tej offered us was perfect on all lines. First of all, before our departure, months before, Tej always answered our many questions (luggage, temperature, route to be revised, etc.) Always within 24 hours, he answered with a lot of patience.
All the equipment we thought we would need was available at his office.
Our guide Ammar led us to destination with confidence and professionalism. He knew all the trails, and especially all the shortcuts to avoid us having to go up or down too much along our road. He has managed all the difficulties we have encountered: due to personal reasons, we had to change and our itinerary, and our calendar, and he made everything possible. The whole team adapted to our changes. Our guide contacted Tej who orchestrated the changes without us even having to deal with anything.
The porters were attentive and were always in front of our needs.
Our journey continued towards Bandipur with the driver who made us know the various interesting points, from sunrise to sunset, making detours to take us to the most famous places. Then a 2 days stay in Chitwan, and return to Kathmandu again where the driver carried us without calculating from one place to another – God knows that traffic in Kathmandu, Bakhtapur and Patan can be complicated.
Thanks to Tej, and the whole Nepal Alternative Trek team. We will remember forever that amazing experience.
Many thanks to Tej – well organized, Dhan + hal worked Hard, we could not have done it without there Help, they were always there when needed, worked extra to help us when we were sick. Always kind and cheerful
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