Ever since I traveled ABC, I have not got chance to stay away from home and get chilled with friends in an idyllic natural setting for a night. It is this holi 2008, which fulfilled my wanderlust. On the flamboyant atmosphere of holi, me with my colleagues, decided hiking at Australian Camp and amassed all the necessary stuffs for the trek.

Bidding Pokhara a reluctant farewell, we headed west through Hemja, and finally reached Kandhe. Our hiking then started with the bags of tent lying over our shoulders and the bags of junk food hanging on our hands. After a beautiful but strenuous hike along the knife- edge ridgeline full of rhododendrons we were finally at Australian Camp; one of the most breathtaking, powerful panoramas.

“Mysterious”, “breathtaking”, “awe- inspiring”, “spectacular”, “magnificent”, “splendid”, “out of this world”, “my dreamland”, stunning were only a few of the descriptions we offered to this fantasyland. The weather was changing rapidly and dark clouds were seen so we all endeavored to settle tent. The tents were successfully built amidst the green carpet of the camp.

For close up views, we allowed copious of time to take advantage of the camps incredible system of trails and the panoramic views. Playing holi with friends on this majestic land and being colored really accentuated our special day at Australian Camp. We explored all the grandeur and diversity of this very special and indelible region and captured them in our cameras.

Before sunset, we gathered firewood for the camp fire. When it was time for a banquet we gathered at a small hotel and have a tart tasting meal with sukute. We enjoyed a night under a brilliant blanket of stars in the green carpet with the campfire side by us. We remained chewing fat and cracking jokes until we get ourselves in the sleeping bags under the tents.

We woke up early in the morning to see the glistening sunshine. It was really a splendid moment and we made ourselves engaged in capturing sunshine and the immaculate Mountain View. I was enthralled by its beauty, mesmerized by its charisma, and spellbound by its existence.

With a tea break, we departed from Australian Camp and headed north through Pothana en route to Dhampus. It is such a picturesque place that we took a short time to rest and acquainted with the scenic beauty. Then retraced Deurali before walking to Dhampus; the most spectacular geological extravaganza on earth. We kept our eyes peeled for the vistas of the age- old traditional houses and mountains. I was startled by the colorful tress of rhododendron.

Heading downstairs along the long stone pebbled stairs, we took different Cadbury brakes and finally reached Ghatte Khola. Then leaving nature behind, headed into Pokhara with all its glitz and glamour.