Walk to Australian Camp for sunset

The trail from Dhampus climbs gently through mixed forest to Pothana, a small settlement of lodges, then on to Australian Camp. It is an easy half day with tea stops, rising about 400 m. Rhododendron trees line the trail and flower red from March. The path is wide and well marked, with occasional mule trains and porters carrying supplies to the lodges. Pothana's lodges make a good tea stop, and there is time to sit and watch the clouds on the peaks.

Australian Camp is an open grassy shelf at about 2,060 m, with lodges at its edge. The view is wide: Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre and the Annapurna peaks to the east, with the Pokhara valley to the south on clear days. Families spread out on the grass, and guides play cards in the late sun. There is no village here, only lodges, so evenings are quiet. Order dinner early and take a warm layer outside for the stars.

Stay for sunset, when the snow turns gold and then pink, and again for sunrise, when the peaks come out of the dark one by one. From here you can return to Pokhara via Kande in about an hour's walk and a short drive, continue to Mardi Himal, or drop down to Landruk on the way to the Sanctuary. Nights are cold from November to February, so bring a warm sleeping bag or ask for extra blankets.