Australian Base Camp is the most visited camp in Pokhara lies in Annapurna Gaupalika-6 kaski which provides the breathtaking scenic views of the place. The landscape and sunrise as well as sunset attract one to its loop. The camp set on the beautiful hill top which offers striking views over the valleys and stunning views of the Annapurna mountain range. The place is located on the north-west of Pokhara. One can reach to Australian base camp either through Dhampus, one of the touristic destination lies on the Annapurna trekking trial blessed with majestic views of Machhapuchhre and Annapurna range. Similarly, another route is from Kande taking around two hours walk up with sweeping views of mountain. The trek is ideal for those people interested in photography and birding and are not looking for the strenuous time in Nepal.
Hiking to the camp itself is easy as the steps going up is not so difficult to move on. It passes through few village houses where one can get to enjoy the forest and the quietness. However once reaching the top, one can feel the whole Annapurna range spreads out in front of you. The most attractive part of this camp is one can enjoy the ecstatically panoramic view offering stunning sunrise. The trip to the camp starts after an hour smooth drive from Pokhara at the altitude of 1700 meter from sea level. One can feel the amazing experience of village walking and a nice hiking of 1 night and 2 days package near Pokhara valley. Australian Base Camp situated on the ridge and having an incredible view of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre and Lamjung Himal. The real name of Australian Camp is “Thulo Kharka” which means big pasture. It used to be seasonal herding place of buffalo and cow herders from the villages. The place was unknown till early 90’s then people from Austria found it so beautiful and they used to visit the camp as it is so peaceful and mesmerizing Mountain View. Since people started to call it Austrian camp and then pronounced it as Australian camp accordingly.
As per the owner of Angels Heaven Guest House Tuk Bahadur Chhetri, the place was famous for organizing chaite dashain before. Then gradually internal and external visitors came to visit the place and become as one of the famous touristic destination. Chhetri also added that before two years, around eight lakhs was provided by tourism board to construct the stone paved way. And now gaupalika has supported with 30 lakhs rupees for the construction of tourism route. He also asserted on that there are lots of challenges specially regarding the increasement in tax. In regard to this, ACAP is taking the entry fee not adjusting to the expenses of all tourists equally. As a result, most of the tourists who have confined budget are not likely to visit it again and again.
As our country Nepal has already entered to Visit Nepal Year 2020 which has major aim to welcome two million visitors, Australian Base Camp can be best destination to visit. A year committed to tourism industry of Nepal with vision of making reasonable brand image of Nepal could be successful by enhancing local tourism as supportable industry. Just living is not enough but one must have sunshine, freedom and a little flower. Explore the real beauty of Nepal and feel the lifetime experience of amazing moments.
