Dhampus Sarangkot Trek

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be warmly welcomed by a representative from Rediscover Nepal Treks & Tours. After transferring to your hotel in the heart of the city, you’ll have time to relax and recover from your journey. In the evening, you’ll attend a short pre-trip briefing where your guide will provide a comprehensive overview of the trek, introduce the crew, and answer any questions you may have. If time permits, take a leisurely walk through the bustling streets of Thamel, a vibrant neighborhood known for its shops, restaurants, and traditional architecture. Dinner can be enjoyed at a local Nepali restaurant where you’ll get a taste of authentic cuisine, such as momo (dumplings) and dal bhat (lentil curry). This first day is all about settling in, adjusting to the local time zone, and beginning to soak in the rich culture and vibrant energy of Nepal’s capital city. With the majestic Himalayas waiting on the horizon, the adventure has officially begun.

After breakfast at your hotel, you’ll embark on a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara, a city nestled beside the tranquil Phewa Lake and surrounded by stunning Himalayan peaks. The journey by private tourist vehicle takes around 6-7 hours, following the Prithvi Highway alongside the Trishuli and Marsyangdi rivers, offering a constantly changing view of green hills, waterfalls, traditional villages, and terraced fields. Along the way, we’ll stop at local roadside restaurants for refreshments and enjoy glimpses of rural Nepal. Upon arrival in Pokhara, you’ll check in at a lakeside hotel and have the rest of the day free to explore. Take a relaxed walk along the Phewa Lake promenade, visit the Tal Barahi Temple situated on an island in the lake, or simply enjoy a coffee with views of Machapuchare (Fishtail Mountain). Pokhara has a peaceful charm that’s the perfect prelude to your trekking journey. In the evening, Rediscover Nepal Treks & Tours will host a short orientation for the next day’s trek. Overnight stay in Pokhara.

Your trekking adventure begins with a short, one-hour drive from Pokhara to Phedi, the starting point of the trek. From Phedi, you’ll begin an uphill hike through dense sub-tropical forests and terraced farmlands. The trail, although steep at parts, is scenic and peaceful, winding through rhododendron groves and traditional Gurung villages. After about 3-4 hours of trekking, you’ll reach the picturesque village of Dhampus. This hilltop settlement offers some of the most breathtaking views of the Annapurna and Machapuchare (Fishtail) mountains. Upon arrival, enjoy a warm cup of tea at your teahouse while soaking in the panoramic Himalayan backdrop. Dhampus is not just a scenic viewpoint but also a culturally rich village where you can interact with locals and learn about Gurung traditions. The pace today is relaxed to help with acclimatization, and the serene surroundings make it easy to unwind. Watch the sunset light up the mountain peaks in hues of gold and orange before enjoying a hearty Nepali dinner and a restful night’s sleep in a cozy teahouse.

After breakfast with a view, the trek continues towards Australian Camp, a popular vantage point on the ridge of the Annapurna range. The trail from Dhampus is relatively short but offers rich rewards in terms of scenery. It’s a pleasant 2-3 hour walk through dense forests of oak and rhododendron, with occasional open meadows and grazing land. The path ascends gradually, making it suitable even for novice trekkers. Upon arrival at Australian Camp, you’ll be greeted by a sweeping panorama of the Annapurna range, including Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Machapuchare, and Lamjung Himal. The camp itself is a peaceful spot with a few lodges and open spaces perfect for photography, meditation, or simply relaxing in nature. After lunch, you have the rest of the afternoon to explore or rest. As the sun sets, the mountains take on a golden glow — a perfect moment for reflection or journaling your experiences. At night, with little light pollution, the starry sky adds a magical touch. This is an ideal place to enjoy the tranquility of the Himalayas. Dinner and overnight stay at a comfortable lodge.

Today’s trek is one of the most scenic sections of the journey. After breakfast at Australian Camp, you’ll begin your descent towards Sarangkot, a ridge-line village famous for its sunrise views over the Himalayas. The trail passes through quiet forests and terraced farmlands, offering occasional glimpses of village life and distant mountain peaks. Along the way, you’ll stop at charming settlements, where friendly locals and children greet you with warm smiles. The walk takes about 5-6 hours, with plenty of time to rest and enjoy the surroundings. As you approach Sarangkot, the landscape opens up dramatically. From the hilltop, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of Pokhara Valley, Phewa Lake, and the snow-capped giants including Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Machapuchare. This is one of the best places in Nepal for sunrise and sunset photography. In the evening, enjoy a peaceful dinner at your lodge with views stretching across the horizon. Overnight in Sarangkot.

Wake up early to witness one of the most mesmerizing sunrises over the Annapurna range. As the first rays of light touch the snow-covered peaks, the view becomes unforgettable. After breakfast, you’ll drive back to Pokhara, just a short 30-minute ride downhill. The rest of the day is devoted to sightseeing and relaxation. You’ll visit several key attractions in Pokhara including the Devi’s Fall, Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave, the International Mountain Museum, and Bindhyabasini Temple. You can also take a boat ride on Phewa Lake or hike up to the World Peace Pagoda for panoramic views of the city and mountains. For adventure lovers, optional activities such as paragliding, zip-lining, or ultra-light flights are available. In the evening, stroll through Lakeside for souvenir shopping, live music, and lakeside dining. Overnight at a hotel in Pokhara. Rediscover Nepal Treks & Tours ensures you enjoy both the serenity and vibrant energy that make Pokhara a favorite destination for travelers.

After breakfast, you’ll begin the scenic return drive to Kathmandu, which takes around 6-7 hours. You’ll stop for lunch en route and enjoy the changing landscape once more. Upon reaching Kathmandu, you'll check into your hotel and then set out for a half-day city tour. Visit the sacred Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple), perched on a hilltop overlooking the valley, followed by the beautifully preserved ancient city of Patan or the vibrant Durbar Square depending on time and your interest. Rediscover Nepal Treks & Tours will tailor this short tour to your preferences. In the evening, join the farewell dinner hosted by the company, featuring a traditional Nepali cultural performance with folk music and dance. It’s a perfect time to celebrate the journey, share stories with fellow travelers, and express gratitude to your guides. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

Today marks the end of your Himalayan adventure. After breakfast, a representative from Rediscover Nepal Treks & Tours will transfer you to the Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure flight. Depending on your schedule, you may have time for some last-minute shopping or a final stroll through the streets of Thamel. As you leave with incredible memories of mountain vistas, warm local hospitality, and a deepened connection to Nepal’s natural and cultural richness, we hope your journey has not only been an adventure but also a moment of personal rediscovery. The team at Rediscover Nepal Treks & Tours looks forward to welcoming you again for future explorations in this beautiful country.