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Green Pastures Adventures

Astam & Dhampus

Astam & Dhampus

A short village trek near Pokhara with sunset and sunrise mountain views, for a taste of the hills without a long trek.

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3 days2,100 m high pointIntroductory

Route map

See the route on the terrain.

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Route map

Astam & Dhampus

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Loading the terrain, the route line, and the numbered stops.

About the route

Pokhara to Phedi

A short foothills trek near Pokhara, quick to reach by road, with sunrise views from the villages. The last stop marked on the map is Phedi, at 1,130 m.

Along the route

Stop 1 of 40%
From Pokhara
0 km
Whole route
~19 km

Elevation profile

Dhampus · 1,650 m

Start · Pokhara
822 m
Highest point
↑ 2,100 m
Net climb
1,278 m

This section

Pokhara to Astam

Est. distance
9 km
Stop type
Day stop
3 days
Duration
2,100m
Max altitude
All season
Best seasons
$920+
Starting rate

Permits and access

Permits
Local trekking registration as required
Access
Pokhara transfer, Private vehicle start and finish
Stay style
Pokhara hotel, village guesthouses

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Private transfers make the short trip easy.
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Day-by-day itinerary

Day by day on the trail.

Sample stages from a partner operator's published itinerary for this trek. Ask us for the full day-by-day plan.

1

Day 1 · 20 Min Drive 3hrs walk · 15km drive 5 km walk

Pokhara (820m) - Astam (1522m)

↑ 618m Ascent

Twenty five minutes drive takes us to the town of Milan Chowk. From here we begin our gradual uphill trek through the chestnut forest with views across the Hemja and Mardi valleys, before we arrive at the village of Jijharka where we stop for refreshments at the local store. From here we continue walking for another hour on to Astam. Astam offers 360 degree views of the entire Pokhara, Hemja, and Mardi valley with backdrop majestic views of the Annapurna Range offering one of the most spectacular places to view a sunset and sunrise in the Himalayas. It also provides a great insight into rural village life of Adhikari, Brahimins dwelling in these mid-hills for generations. This day hike is very relaxing and rejuvenating.

2

Day 2 · 5hrs walk · 11 km walk

Astam (1522m) - Australian Camp (1900m)

↑ 378m Ascent

After breakfast we take a gradual walk to Dhampus, passing through small villages and terraced farms. Dampus is inhabited by various ethnic groups including Gurungs, Brahmin’s, Chhetri’s and Dalits. The village of Dhampus offers spectacular mountain views of the Annapurna Range. You can enjoy a cup of masala tea, meditate and be inspired by the snow capped Himalayas. Dhampus is also famous for spectacular sunsets and sunrises. Approximately 3 hours of walking. After lunch we will continue trekking for 1.5 hours gradually uphill through lush mid-Himalayan forests until we reach Australian Camp where we will spend the night. Australian Camp offers breathtaking views of the Annapurna’s, Machhapuchhare and the Lamjung Himal. Approximately 5 hours of walking.

3

Day 3 · 4/5hrs walk 1hr drive · 10 kms walk 15 kms drive

Australian Camp (1900m) -- Pokhara (800m)

↑ 1100m Desent

After breakfast, we will make a steep descent to Khare (1700m). From Khare, we will take a local bus to Naudanda where we will take gradual ascent through the village of Kaskikot until we reach Sarankot. Along the way, we will see panoramic views of the Himalayas, terraced farming, rural villages, and views of the Pokhara valley, Phewa lake and the Peace Pagoda. Sarankot is one of the most popular destinations for sunset and sunrise. We will stay in Sarankot for sunset and take 30 minutes drive back to Pokhara.

What's covered

Included & excluded at a glance.

Included

  • Total of two nights' accommodation in Pokhara (before and after the trek) at the partner operator's guesthouse
  • Guide
  • Assistants, (maximum weight to carry is 12 kg for female assistant and 15 kg for male assistant).
  • 3 meals per day, afternoon tea & snacks,
  • Accommodation is typically arranged on a twin-share basis, though peak-season departures may occasionally require a triple or four-bed room.
  • Staff insurance,

Not included

  • Mineral water
  • Beverages- soft and hard
  • Extra dessert
  • Souvenirs
  • Tipping to staff
  • Any entry fee during cultural (monastery/temple heritage visit)

Based on a partner operator's listing, “The Sunset Village Trek (Astam-Dhampus)”, last updated Mar 17, 2024.