The Sunset Village Trek (Astam-Dhampus)

Nepal

Astam and Dhampus are traditional mountain villages offering a taste of Nepali Village life and excellent mountain views of the Annapurna Range as well as amazing sunsets and sunrises over the Himalayas.

Tour Package Overview

1
Day

Pokhara (820m) - Astam (1522m)

Ascent/Descent : 618m Ascent Kms : 15km drive 5 km walk Duration : 20 Min Drive 3hrs walk

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

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

Ascent/Descent : 378m Ascent Kms : 11 km walk Duration : 5hrs walk

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

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

Ascent/Descent : 1100m Desent Kms : 10 kms walk 15 kms drive Duration : 4/5hrs walk 1hr drive

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.

We provide bagpacks, crampons, and maps. Price Includes: Guide, assistants, 3 meals per day, afternoon tea & snacks, accommodation for the duration of the trek(2 persons per room).

However, during high season one room per two clients may not be always available. If this should happen we request our clients to be flexible and share a triple or room with four beds. Annapurna Park entry and TIMS fees, staff insurance, transport to and from the trailhead, two nights' accommodation pre and can supply 75 liters backpack for the main trekking stuff, light crampons, gaiters and trekking map.

Assistant - (maximum weight to carry is 10 kg for female assistant guide and 13 kg for male assistant guide).

Doesn't include: Soft beverages, air tickets & client insurance.