Sunrise at Australian Camp needs no drive and no climb: the lawn is the viewpoint, a few steps from your room. Get up about half an hour before sunrise, take a mug of tea from the lodge kitchen and find a spot on the slope. The sky behind Machhapuchhre brightens first, outlining the fishtail summit against orange light, then the sun appears and the snows of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and the Annapurna massif turn from pink to white.
From here Machhapuchhre is only about 20 km away, so it looks far larger than from Pokhara, and you can pick out the ridges of Mardi Himal on its flank. Looking west, the forested hills roll away towards Dhampus and Kande; to the south, morning cloud often fills the Pokhara valley like a lake. Photographers will want a mid-range zoom of about 24–105 mm. Pothana's prayer flags and the trail to Dhampus are visible along the ridge to the east.
Clear sunrises are most reliable from October to December, when the air is dry. In February to April the light is softer and haze can appear, but rhododendrons flower in the forest around the camp. From June to September cloud usually hides the peaks. After breakfast, walk on to Pothana and Dhampus or return to Kande. Lodges serve breakfast from about 7 am, so you can watch the whole sunrise before eating and still set off on time.
Good for
- Couples
- Photographers
- Families
- Seniors
Questions travellers ask
Is the sunrise at Australian Camp better than Sarangkot?
It is closer to the mountains and much quieter, so many people prefer it. Machhapuchhre and Annapurna South look larger, and you watch from the lawn by your lodge without crowds. Sarangkot gives a wider panorama including Dhaulagiri and Phewa Lake and is reachable by car. Australian Camp needs an overnight stay.
How cold is Australian Camp at sunrise?
From December to February it can be around 0 to 3 °C before dawn, and frost is common on the grass. In October, November and March expect about 5–8 °C. Wear a down jacket, hat and gloves, and take a hot drink from the lodge. It warms quickly once the sun is up.
What camera lens do I need at Australian Camp?
A mid-range zoom of about 24–105 mm covers both the full range and close detail of Machhapuchhre. A wide lens helps capture the meadow and lodges in the foreground. A phone camera works well too. Carry a spare battery, since cold mornings drain batteries quickly.
