Astam Village Hiking from Pokhara – 1 Day
Introduction
The Astam Village Day Hiking from Pokhara offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural immersion. This one-day hiking tour takes you to the charming Astam Village, located on a ridge with panoramic views of the Annapurna and Machhapuchhre ranges. It’s an ideal escape from the bustling city life of Pokhara, providing a serene environment and a glimpse into the traditional Gurung culture.
What can you expect from the Hike?
Expect a day filled with scenic beauty, cultural experiences, and peaceful moments. The hike to Astam Village is easy to moderate, making it suitable for all ages. You will walk through picturesque trails, enjoy breathtaking mountain views, and interact with the warm and welcoming Gurung community. The tour also includes a traditional Nepali lunch, adding to the authenticity of the experience.
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Trip Duration
1 Day
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Group Size
2–10 people
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Maximum Altitude
1,600 m (approx.)
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Trip Difficulty
Easy
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Activities
Hiking, Bird Watching, Cultural Experience
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Best Season
March–May & September–November (Year-round)
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Trip Start & End
Pokhara-Pokhara
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Meals
Lunch (1 meal)
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Accomodation
N/A
Highlights
- Astam Village: Traditional Gurung village with stunning mountain views.
- Hiking: Easy to moderate hike through scenic trails.
- Local Culture: Experience the traditional lifestyle and hospitality of the Gurung community.
- Panoramic Views: Spectacular views of Annapurna and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) mountains.
- Nature: Lush forests, terraced fields, and diverse flora and fauna.
Itinerary
Day 01
Pickup from the Hotel and Drive to Hemja in a Private Vehicle
- Early Morning Pickup: After breakfast at your hotel, representatives from All Round Trip Nepal Treks will pick you up in a private vehicle.
- Drive to Hemja: Enjoy a scenic 30-40 minute drive from your hotel to Hemja, the starting point of your hike to Astam Village.
Hike from Hemja to Astam Village
- Start the Hike: Begin your hike from Hemja, following a trail through forests, villages, and stunning natural landscapes.
- Scenic Views: Experience breathtaking views of the Annapurna South (7273 m) and Machhapuchhre (7059 m) mountains.
- Local Interaction: Pass through several beautiful villages, interacting with locals and observing their daily activities.
- Arrival at Astam Village: Reach Astam Village after 3-4 hours of walking. Take a rest, engage with the villagers, and try local delicacies.
- Explore Astam Village: Enjoy the fresh mountain air, clear views of the White Mountain peaks, valleys, hills, and local traditions and culture.
Hike Down to Hemja
- Descending Hike: After lunch and some relaxation at Astam Village, begin your descent back to Hemja.
- Return Journey: The descent will take 3-4 hours, with the same stunning scenery accompanying you.
- Drive Back to Hotel: Upon reaching Hemja, the representatives will pick you up and drive you back to your hotel in a private vehicle, concluding the Astam Day Hike journey.
Total Duration: 3 to 4 hours each way, 8 kilometers in total.
Route Map
What's Included
- Hotel pickup & drop (private vehicle)
- Transportation (Pokhara–Hemja–Pokhara)
- All permits & taxes
- Licensed guide
- Lunch (Nepali meal)
- Tea/Coffee
- First Aid Kit
What's Excluded
- Personal expenses
- Trekking gears
- Tips for staff
- Beverages & mineral water
- Travel insurance
- Extra add-ons (sightseeing, flights, helicopter, private transport)
Essential Info
Best Time to Hike Astam Village
The Astam Village Day Hiking is available year-round, with each season offering a unique experience:
- Spring (March to May): Pleasant weather and blooming flowers.
- Summer (June to August): Green landscapes and monsoon rains.
- Autumn (September to November): Clear skies and festive atmosphere.
- Winter (December to February): Cool weather with fewer tourists.
Food Availability
- Lunch: A traditional Nepali meal is included in the tour, providing a taste of local cuisine.
- Snacks and Drinks: Available for purchase at various points during the hike.
Travel Insurance
While travel insurance is not mandatory for this tour, it is recommended to have coverage for any unforeseen events or emergencies during your trip.
Guide and Safety Measures
- Experienced Guides: Your hike will be led by knowledgeable guides who are familiar with the local area and culture.
- Safety Briefing: Receive safety instructions and tips at the start of the tour.
- Emergency Support: Guides are trained to handle emergencies and provide first aid if needed.
Booking Procedure
- Reservation Deposit:
- A deposit equal to 10% of the total cost is required to reserve your package.
- Submission of Essential Documents:
- Within a week of making your reservation, please email us the following documents:
- Copy of your passport
- Passport-size photos
- Travel insurance details
- Arrival and departure flight information
- Within a week of making your reservation, please email us the following documents:
- Payment Methods:
- Advance Payment:
- You can make a payment via:
- Bank transfer
- Western Union
- Online via our website
- Payment Upon Arrival:
- Once you land in Nepal, you have three payment options:
- Cash
- Bank transfer
- Credit card
- Once you land in Nepal, you have three payment options:
- You can make a payment via:
- Advance Payment:
- Payment Information:
- For your convenience, we will email you detailed payment information, including the method of payment and the total amount.
Feel free to contact us for any queries or assistance during the booking process. We are committed to providing you with a seamless and enjoyable trekking experience.
Equipment List
- Comfortable t-shirt/shirt
- Light trekking pants
- Hiking shoes
- Cap/hat
- Sunglasses
- Small day backpack
- Water bottle
- Trekking pole (optional)
- Rain cover/poncho (seasonal)
- Light jacket/windproof
- Sweater/fleece
- Extra pair of socks
- Sunscreen
- Hand sanitizer
- Wet wipes/tissue
- Personal medicines
- Basic first aid items
- Mobile phone
- Camera
- Power bank
General Equipments
- Valid ID
- Some cash (NPR)
- Snacks
- Lightweight towel