Overnight stay in Dhampus Australian Camp

Trip Report -Overnight Stay with families with kids in Summer!

The drive to Dhampus starts from tourist town of Lakeside district of Pokhara valley. It is a beautiful drive in 6 lane viral Beni Baglung highway, one of the few proper highways available in Nepal.

Family playing and enjoying in beautiful green meadow near Dhampus Village — **An hour jeep drive from Pokhara, a meadow near Dhampus village. A beautiful viewpoint for kids to take photos.**

The road passes via Tibetan settlement of Hemja and rice terraces of Suikhet. Past Dhampus Phedi, the Baglung highway forks off at the Ghattekhola, before a bridge that leads to Naudanda, Kande, Nayapul and finally to the Beni Bazaar. However, our fork leads us to the beautiful Gurung village of Dhampus. Phedi always a base of any hills or mountains and the Dhampus Phedi is the base of the Dhampus Hill. Once upon a time, it was the trekking starting point for famous Annapurna Base Camp Trek. The Dhampus road ends at the end of the Dhampus village. After getting off from the jeep, we had warm cup of Masala Chai, family photo and all set for two hours hike up to the Australian Camp.

Dhampus to Australian Camp Climb

Beautiful meadow at the junction from where the trail to Australian Camp climbs steeply! — Past Dhampus in the Dhampus -Pothana section of Annapurna Base Camp trekking trail, there is a beautiful meadow from where the trail to Australian climbs steeply.

The trail to Australian Camp follows the Dhampus -Pothana portion of Annapurna Base Camp Trek till the big and beautiful meadow for half an hour.

It took one hour for our 69 years young lady. It is a perfect picnic spot where kids can play with small stream and adults catch some photos. The trail forks off from here and climbs steeply all the way to Australian Camp. Its half an hour for average trekkers whereas our 69 years young lady took an hour. Arriving at the village, the family were amazed by the view offered by the Australian Camp. View were not as clear as in clear days in Autumn and Spring, but good enough to justify why they had to drive 1.5 hour in bumpy jeep ride and 2 hours steep climb. Everyone were happy and its very important in family travel.

About Australian Camp and View It Offers

Standing at an elevation of 2060m above sea level, the Australian Camp offers a magnificent view of the Mount.

Yeti lying on the meadow at the Australian Camp — A white Yeti lying in the meadow at the edge of Australian Camp with the mountain view of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre with cloud.

Annapurna South (7219m) and Mount. Hiunchuli (6441m) on the right along-with the majestic Mount Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) on the right dominating the entire landscape as far as the eye could see. The meadow at the edge of the village also offers a wide view of Pokhara Valley and its iconic Phewa Lake and World Peace Stupa.

Australian Camp is more of cluster of guesthouses than a village. The entire village has some 5-7 guesthouses and more are under construction so more guesthouses are coming. Guesthouse in Australian Camp had four cottages, some rooms with attached toilet inside and some had rooms but toilet outside the room. We took rooms with attached toilets. All the rooms were pretty much same. Benefit of taking cottage room is only that you have more privacy than others.

What to do when you are at the Australian Camp?

Get laid, order sweet and spicy masala chai or cup of hot but really coffee and enjoy the view that the Australian Camp offers! Stroll around the cluster of guesthouses, local eateries and village itself. Order a pot of local alcoholic drink, Tongba and enjoy the evening.

Australian Camp to Kande Descend

Morning was just perfect! No rain at all and its very important not to get rain in summer. Mountain view from

Green hill of Kande seen from Goldanda, Australian Camp — Green hill of Kande seen from the Goldanda Rest Point. Goldanda is first settlement while descending from Australian Camp.

Australian Camp was just perfect. We could see all the mountains that Australian Camp offers but half of views were covered by clouds. We could see the Pokhara valley, Phewa Lake and beautiful surroundings. We had several photos from the meadowed hill at the edge of the Australian Camp village. After late breakfast, we descend down to Kande village in two hours. It was the pace of our 69 years young lady. First part of the trail is pretty slippery through the forest and this area never see Sun because of its slope. The trail started to become less slippery as we descended down with warmer temperature. The Australian Camp -Kande village has significant drop with forested walk and descend on the stone-stairs. At Goldanda, the first settlement after the Australian Camp, we cooled ourselves with cold drinks and enjoy the view of Pokhara Valley and Phewa lake as well as green hills standing just in front of us. Arriving at Kande roadside, we caught a jeep drive to Lakeside town of Pokhara.

The Team

We were a group of 5 trekkers. Family of four; Myself and my wife, mother of my wife who was 69 years old, my 8 years young daughter and my 4 years young son.

Everest Climber denied summit certificate over flag issues

Lipka had posted a photo of herself flagging the Ukrainian flag on top of Everest. In another post, she is holding a banner of Free Navalny at the Everest top wishing a happy birthday to Alexei Navalny who is the Russian opposition leader and an anti-corruption activitist. Navalny has been jailed since early 2021 in Russia on several charges including large scale fraud and court contempt, and have been enlisted as “terrorist and extremist”.

Nepal denies summit certificate to Russian climber over “Ukrainian flag” and “Free Navalny Flag”

everest kalapathar everest base camp 1 — Sunset view seen on top of Mount Everest, Mount Lhotse and Mount Nuptse

Nepal has denied Everest Summit Certificate to Russian climber, Katya Lipka, due to unauthorized activities on top of Mount Everest. Two major issues including flagging Ukraine flag and “Free Navalny” flag. She is the one Russian out of 16 Russian climbers who successfully climbed Mount Everest but denied summit certificate.

What Nepal Rules say?

everest climbing route — Photo of Everest Climbing Route from @lipka.fm Instagram profile

Tourism Industry Service Delivery Directive 2012 says that mountaineers are required to inform the Liaison Officer about all the items they are going to use while climbing mountain, including any souvenir or token they want to take to the summit in the presence of representatives of the expedition agency and other expedition team members.

Climbers should obtain prior permissions for any extra activities on the summit of the world highest peak. They also said that Lipka did not inform authorities about her intention to display those flags.

As per expedition rules, one has to inform the tourism department about desired activities

Ukrainian flag unfurling on top of the Mount Everest @lpka.fm

before heading to the base camp. People take photos at Everest top as proof of summit. Most take photos of themselves holding the flags of their countries. The summit photo is one of the proof for tourism and expedition officials to verify the claim of the climbers. Officials said unfurling flags from Everest top is not prohibited but authorities should be made aware about what type or size of flags are being taken to the top.

What are punishments?

The Department of Tourism has sought clarification from her, Liaison

free navalny flag — Free Navalny flag unfurling at the top of the Mount Everest

Officer and her expedition agency. The Department has also recommended the tourism ministry to ban her from climbing Nepal’s mountains for three years. The proposal is under consideration at the ministry.

Guru Purnima, Vyas Jayanti 2022 Celebrated in Kathmandu

Last updated on July 13th, 2022 at 03:24 am

Guru (Teacher) Purnima (full moon) is a tradition dedicated to all the spiritual and academic Gurus, who
Our guide is with his guru
are evolved or enlightened humans, ready to share their wisdom, based on Karma Yoga. It is celebrated as a festival in Nepal, Bhutan and India by Hindus, Jains and Buddhists. As per Hindu values, not only teachers but also all seniors in terms of knowledge, strength and experiences are Gurus. Grandparents, parents, maternal uncle, father-in-law, mother-in-law all are also respected as teachers. People and students are celebrating the festival with various organizations across the country.

Guru Purnima and Vyas Jayanti 2022 Celebrated in Kathmandu

Students are observing Guru Purnima (Teacher’s Day) across the country today; 13th of July, 2022. People (mainly students) paid respect and showed gratitude to their Gurus or teachers for imparting education and teachings on the same day. They also offered garlands and delicacies to Gurus or teachers and received blessings from them in return.

People and students are celebrating the festival with various organizations across the country. On the other hand, people have taken to the modern form of communication technology, social networking site like Facebook, Twitter and WhatsApp to pay homage to their Gurus or teachers.

What is the Guru Purnima?

Teacher getting special treats from their students in Guru Purnima Day! — Guru Purnima and Vyas Jayanti 2022

Guru Purnima is a full moon festival celebrated throughout Nepal, Bhutan and India. It is a beautiful celebrations by Hindus and Buddhists to thank their spiritual and academic Gurus for their contribution on enlightening human beings. Guru Purnima falls on the full moon day in the month of Ashadh according to Nepali calendar. According to the yogic tradition, on this day Lord Shiva as Adi Guru (original teacher) began the transmission of yoga to the Saptarishis (the great seven Rishis). According to Buddhist tradition, on this day Shakyakuni Buddha gave his first sermon at Sarnath after attaining enlightenment.

How to celebrate Guru Purnima? Guru Purnima 2022: Here is how to celebrate

Get up early in the morning (as early as 4 oclock depending on Brahmamuhurta) and mediate in the early hours.
Cleanse yourself by taking morning bath. Worship the feet of your Guru. If not possible, worship his image offering fruits, flowers, incense and camphor.
Observe the fasting. Some prefer observing whole day fasting even without drinking water, some just observe Maun Brat (keeping themselves silence the entire day) or some observe fasting by drinking only milk and fruits.
Study or listen to the teachings of your Guru.
Offer food to Sadhus and Sanyasis and seek their blessings.
Sing and spread the glory of guru and his messages by arranging Saatsang at your house or in your society.
Devotees spend the entire day in prayer and take fresh resolves for spiritual progress.
People who believe in astrology, pray to Guru Graha (the planet Jupiter) for courage, confidence and wisdom. Some offer prayers to Veda Vyasa for knowledge and wisdom.
Devotees also offer prayers to Sage Kapila, often identified as one of the founders of the Samkhya school of Hindu philosophy. The Vedic sage is also thought to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

Guru Mantra:

Gurur Brahma, Gurur Vishnu, Gurur Devo Maheshwara,

Guru Sakshat Param Brahma,

Tasmai Shree Guruvey Namah!

If you felt like you missed being in Nepal to celebrate such an auspicious event, please write us +9779851195085 (WhatsApp, Viber and Telegram) or lamsalkrish@gmail.com and we will include Guru Purnima and Vyas Jayanti in your next Nepal visit.

Himalayan Hiking and Trekking Adventure Holiday Grading Scale

Grading system is not a straightforward measure but overall indication of how tough it will be with considering number of hours trekking, altitude gain/loss and trail conditions (rough track, steep uphill etc.) and usual temperatures.

Our trekking holidays have been graded Leisurely/Easy, Moderate, Strenuous/Adventurous and Challenging depending on their difficulty. Trekking can be a very personal experience; one man’s stroll can be another’s expedition. At Mountain Consultants, we always stress that you select a trip appropriate to your abilities and fitness. We always stress that you select a trip appropriate to your abilities and fitness and it is important that you choose the correct grade for your capabilities.

Please note that the grading system is not a straightforward measure of how far you are walking. Rather it is an overall indication of how tough it will be and it takes into account the number of hours trekking, altitude gain /loss and trail conditions (rough track, steep uphill etc) and usual temperatures. So even though a trek is graded Leisurely, it does not mean you will never feel tired! Similarly, inexperienced trekkers need not necessarily avoid treks graded strenuous. If you have any concerns please do discuss this with us.

Leisure / Easy

This is the easiest of our trekking adventure, usually 4-6 hours (4-6 miles) per day walking over varied terrain, day hiking, sightseeing and jungle walk/bird watching with occasional steep path. Up to 5 days walking in total, you can experience plenty of cultural interest and interaction with local people. People who has a moderate level of fitness and a flexible, open-minded approach can enjoy this type of trip. Maximum altitude reached is 10500 ft with majority of time spend below 7000 ft. Hiking on weekends or morning jogging is plus.

Moderate

5-7 hours (5-7 miles) per day walking in more remote country, relatively low altitude treks, crossing passes over steep and hilly terrain with plenty of ascents and descents in well-defined trails. Treks will often involve multi-day walking for up to 2 weeks but not more than five consecutive days of walking. Maximum altitude reached is 14000ft but most of the time you will be hiking over 8000ft with couple of days at this altitude. Age is not a matter of fact but good physical fitness, used to camping out, hiking regularly and be used to a weekly workout routine is plus.

Adventurous/Strenuous

6-8 hours (6-8 miles) per day walking depending on terrain, hiking over High Mountain passes (sometimes snow covered) with steep and hilly terrain, crossing glacial passes, optional hike to a summit for views at over 5000m/17000ft or over. The maximum altitude is 5600m/18400ft but often exceeds 4000m/13000ft with some days spent trekking above 16000ft. Walk up to two weeks with rest days and acclimatization periods through wild country. To enjoy a strenuous trek, planning a fitness routine, be involved in a daily fitness regimen, ability to hike for long periods of time, tough ascents and descents on minor trail is plus

Challenging

Challenging, long distance treks for the fit mountain lover and trekking enthusiast. Occasionally more than 8 hours consecutive walking but all treks have rest and acclimatization days interspersed. Each trek crosses at least one or many high passes of over 5300m/17500ft and often includes off-the-beaten areas.

Best shorts treks in Nepal (3-8 Days)

Last updated on July 19th, 2022 at 11:03 am

Best Beginners’ Short Treks In Nepal (3-8 Days)

Trekking in the Himalaya does not necessarily means to do two weeks Everest Base Camp trek or classical three weeks Annapurna Circuit. In order to catch glimpse of Himalayas, you do not have to complete Three High Passes trek in Everest region or Around Manaslu Trek. While you are in Nepal, walking from street to your hotel can already be a trek. Or, you have climb unlimited stairs just to reach from the driveways to your resort. An hour drive out of the city like Kathmandu or Pokhara already offers fantastic view of the Himalayas.

Here, we have a list of short and easy treks available for 2022 and 2023. For further reading, click detailed Frequently Asked Questions about the Best Short Trek for beginners in Nepal for 2022 -2023.

Ghandruk Hot Spring Trek (03 Days)

Ghandruk Hot Spring Trek is a short and beautiful 3 days trek from Pokhara and suitable for beginners. 2.5 hours off-road jeep drive from Lakeside, Pokhara brings to the vibrant Gurung town of Ghandruk. Enjoy the panoramic view of Annapurna Himalayan ranges, visit the Tibetan Buddhist Monastery and Gurung ethnic museum, enjoy the tribal food and dresses and cup of good coffee even in the Himalayas.

Whole day of trekking in between Ghandruk and the Jhinu Danda hot spring with the view of Annapurna South (7219m), Fishtail/Machhapuchhre (6997m) and Hiunchuli (6441m). Walking through the rice terraces, stream, suspension bridges and the villages. At the end of the day, soak into the natural hot spring of Jhinu danda with bottle of beer or cup of tea! Next day, 2.5 hours drive to the Pokhara city before half an hour trek down the beautiful hanging bridge which is recently built over the Komrong Khola River.

Ghorepani -Poonhill -Ghandruk Trek (04 Days)

Best short trek for beginners that starts and ends in Kathmandu! It brings us to one of the most popular viewpoint of Nepal, Poonhill! Poonhill (3210m above sea level) is surrounded by Dhaulagiri I (8167m), Dhaulagiri II (7751m), Dhaulagiri (7715m), Dhaulagiri IV (7661m), Tukuche Peak (6920m), Dhampus Peak (6012m), Mount Nilgiri (7061m), Annapurna Fang (Barah Sikhar -7647m), Annapurna (8091m), Annapurna South (7219m), Hiunchuli (6441m), Annapuran II (7555m), Machhapuchhre (6997m), Mardi Himal (5587m) and many other countless peaks. Click here for Trek program, price and trek details!

Lower Mustang (Kaligandaki Valley) Trek (05 Days)

Round the year trek which is not highly affected even by monsoon rain due to its location in the trans-Himalayan region where the monsoon wind can’t easily enter to the region. Plus, due to the high altitude (2760m), the temperatures stay cooler at this time. Jomsom (2760m) also known as Dzong-Sampa (New Fort in Tibetan) is a town located in the Mustang region which extends over both the banks of the Kali Gandaki River. Unlike the whooping US$500 special permission to enter to the Upper Mustang region, for similar taste without the price tag, stick to Lower Mustang. Only a cheap permit is required, which will allow you to go as far north as Kagbeni. An amazing geological feature of the Mustang regions is the abundance of Jurassic-era fossils that can be found lying around. The curly, ridged ammonite fossils are a multi-million year old reminder of what the earth was once like, before the Himalayas were formed.

Whether you have three days for quick visit or two weeks for more extensive exploration and trekking, Lower Mustang is an impressive area that particularly has conical structures that look like overgrown anthills, meditation caves carved into the rocky sandstone cliffs. Click here for Trek program, price and trek details!

Mardi Himal Trek (06 Days)

Beautiful trek with shortest way to reach to 4200m (the Mardi Himal Base Camp) from Pokhara. It’s an alternative trek of Ghorepani –Punhill –Ghandruk, a beautiful six days trek in the Annapurna Himalayan region with superb view of southern face of Mardi Himal (5587m), gigantic Annapurna South as well as Machhapuchhre (Mount Fish Tail). Summit of the peak itself is also possible if you allow extra two days with little bit of climbing techniques as well as basic climbing equipment. One of the few authentic homestay and camping trekking experience remaining in Nepal. Basic food, primitive lodge and tea houses makes the trek wilderness adventure and less crowd which is possible to trek without tented camping. Click here for Trek program, price and trek details!

Pikey Peak Trek (07 Days)

Everest Cultural Trek (Solukhumbu Pikey Trek). Full day private jeep drive brings us to beautiful Dhap village (2950m), offers distant view of Mount Everest and entire Eastern Himalayas. We trek for two full days, reach to the Pikey Peak (4070m) and observe sunrise on the Mount Everest. Trek down to the beautiful Sherpa village of Junbesi via Lamjura Pass for two days. Explore Sherpa school, Tibetan Buddhist monastery and eat varieties of tasty local foods.

Commonly known as Pikey Peak Trek, trekking in the Himalayas, especially on the lower Khumbu (Everest region), is all about climbing in and out of deep valleys via high mountain passes. Lamjura Pass and the Pikey Peak (the highest point of the trek) and Lamjura Pass are few of them with complex of scenery and mountain views. Experience and admire the culture and lifestyle of local people including Sherpa, Tamang, Magar, Chhetri and Brahmin. Mani wall with Tibetan scriptures, Buddhist stupa and monasteries, landscape, high vegetation, flora and faunas are major attractions of the trek. Visiting Thuptencholing Monastery and taste of local delicious food and drinks in lodges and tea-houses remind us of Tibet. Click here for Trek program, price and trek details!

Langtang Valley Trek (07 Days)

Visit traditional Tamang villages, spend some time in Tibetan monasteries, watch the mountains and changing scenery and landscape of Nepal and Tibet. Langtang Himalayas are within easy reach of Kathmandu and yet remains Nepal’s hidden treasures with far less tourist traffic than the Everest and Annapurna regions. In Langtang, people are from Tibetan origin. Lama, Sherpa and Gurung are main ethnic groups.

Kyanjing Gompa is surrounded by Mt. Langtang Lirung (7245m) on the west, Yala Peak on the north, Dorje Lhakpa (6966m), Urkeinmang (6387m), Loenpo Gang (6979m) and Kangchenpo on the northeast. In Kyanjing Village, there is a small Buddhist monastery and a cheese factory started in 1955 by the Swiss Association for Technical Assistance which, unfortunately, is closed now. Click here for Trek Program, Price and trek details!

Year: 2022