We leave Pokhara at about 7 am and drive 45 minutes to Kande (1,770 m) on the Baglung highway. The trail climbs through forest and terraces for about an hour to Australian Camp (2,060 m), a grassy ridge named after a group of Australian trekkers who camped here in the 1970s. On clear mornings Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal line up along the skyline, and Pokhara's Phewa Lake shows to the south.
From Australian Camp the path continues gently to Pothana (1,990 m), where ACAP staff check permits at a small post, then into oak and rhododendron forest to Bhichok Deurali (2,100 m), the high point of the day. Lunch is usually taken at Pothana or Deurali. This section is mostly level or gently rolling, a good warm-up for legs that have not trekked before, and shaded enough to be pleasant even in April.
After Deurali the trail drops steeply through forest for about 400 m to Tolka (1,700 m), a small village with a few lodges, then contours for an hour to Landruk. The descent is the hardest part, especially after rain, so walking poles help. You reach Landruk by mid-afternoon with time for tea on the terrace, looking across the gorge to Ghandruk, which most groups visit the following day on the way towards Chhomrong or back to Nayapul.
Good for
- First-timers
- Families
- Seniors
- Groups
Questions travellers ask
How long is the walk from Kande to Landruk?
Most groups take 5–6 hours including lunch. The route climbs about 330 m from Kande to Bhichok Deurali, then descends about 535 m to Landruk. The first half is gentle; the steep forest descent to Tolka is the main effort. Fit walkers can do it in 4 hours.
Why is it called Australian Camp?
The ridge took its name from Australian trekking groups who camped there in the 1970s, when the area was a grazing meadow with no lodges. Today it has several lodges and campsites. It is also reachable as a short overnight trip from Pokhara for families wanting a quick mountain view.
Can children walk from Kande to Landruk?
Yes, children from about seven years old manage it well, especially if the day is split with a night at Australian Camp or Pothana. The altitude stays below 2,100 m and lodges are close together. Porters can carry bags, leaving children with a light daypack.
