Dhampus Peak Climbing - 24 Days

On the day of your arrival, a representative from Nepal Guide Treks and Expedition will greet you at Tribhuwan International Airport. You will be met and transported to your hotel in the centre of Kathmandu. Our personnel will assist you till the check-in procedure at the hotel is completed. You may either relax at the hotel or go to NGT’s headquarters to get more information about the trip. Join our welcome dinner program, hosted by Nepal Guide Treks and Expedition, in the evening.

After breakfast, we will depart from Kathmandu and go to Pokhara. Our journey takes us via lovely zigzag hilly roads. Pokhara is a lovely town on the banks of Fewa Lake. Pokhara is a tourist’s paradise with natural and cultural heritage sites including as lakes, caves, Buddhist and Hindu temples, and mountains. It is significantly smaller and less crowded than Kathmandu. After arriving in Pokhara, you will be transported to your accommodation for the night.

We’ll take another three-hour journey from Pokhara to Beni, the beginning location of our hike. We begin our walk in Beni, following the path through cultural and traditional communities until arriving in Tatopani. Tatopani literally translates to “Hot Water,” and there is a natural Hot Spring in Tatopani where we may rest and have fun. The natural hot springs are thought to have the ability to treat bodily aches and ailments.

Leaving Tatopani we continue our trek following the trail that goes along the Myagdi Khola. Our trek passes through several villages inhabited mainly by Chhetri and Gurung ethnic tribe communities. We head towards a suspension bridge and cross it before climbing a final uphill zigzag trail for about one hour to reach Dharapani for our overnight camping.

After breakfast, we leave Dharapani and then follow a rather easy trail that passes through beautiful terraced fields of rice and wheat. During our trek today, we enter and exit many traditional villages with a magnificent view of high mountains along the way. We continue our trek by crossing a suspension bridge above Dhara river and make an ascend from there to reach a Magar ethnic tribe community-based village of Muri.

From Muri our trial descends down a rather steep slope down towards a suspension bridge. After crossing the suspension bridge over the Muri Khola we continue our trekking that passes through dense bamboo filled forest and farmhouses. We head north and after a short period of trekking, the valley widens. We emerge to the open fields before arriving at Boghara for our overnight camping.

Leaving Boghara we will follow the trail that goes along the west bank of Myagdi Khola through the lush subtropical forest to reach Lipshe. From there, our trek continues passing through traditional villages where we can get a glimpse of villagers trying to collect honey from high above the trees and hills. We continue to follow the trail through dense forest area to arrive at Dobang. Dobang comprises of several tea houses with good camping sites.

After breakfast, we will leave Dobang and follow the route that heads through dense rhododendron and bamboo filled forest. Our trail descends for a while to cross Myagdi Khola over the bridge, and from there continue trekking on the trail that goes along the east bank of the Myagdi Khola. Our trail goes through deep lush forest as we head towards Sallaghari for our overnight camping.

From Sallaghari we will follow the trail that passes through the dense rhododendron, pine and birch filled forest before climbing up to an open area. Our trail from there goes over the lateral moraine. After some time of trekking, we will arrive at the Italian Base Camp. From the Italian Base Camp, we can enjoy a magnificent and up-close west view of Mt. Dhaulagiri at 8,167 meters. We will spend an additional day rest here at the Italian Base Camp for acclimatization.

By now we have reached over 3,500 meters above the sea level. Acclimatization is very crucial to avoid mental and physical illness and to assure the successful summit climb of Dhampus Peak. Therefore, today we will take a rest at Italian Base Camp for exploration and acclimatization. Besides, there are several good hike options around Italian Base Camp that are considered best for acclimatization. Today we will have the opportunity to explore around Italian Base Camp.

After spending a full day rest at Italian Base Camp, we continue on our trek heading towards Glacier Camp. Glacier camp is situated between the Italian Base Camp and Dhaulagiri Base Camp. Our trail descends steeply down towards a glacier. Our trail from there is difficult and so we need to be very aware as we trek over the glacier. After crossing the glacier our trail goes along the moraine on the left side of Chonbarden Gorge. From there we will follow a narrow trail that heads towards Glacier Camp for our overnight camping.

Another day rest for acclimatization is a must in order to avoid altitude sickness. We have reached over 4,000 meters above sea level. So, today we will take a day rest at Glacier Camp for acclimatization and exploring around Glacier Camp. We will have great views of surrounding mountains valleys and snow-capped high peaks from Glacier Camp.

After spending a full day rest at Glacier Camp, we will continue on our trek following a trail that is gradual uphill trekking all the way to Dhaulagiri Base Camp. Our trail is often snow-covered and icy, in such conditions, we will use our crampons and head towards Dhaulagiri Base Camp from where we can enjoy great views of Dhaulagiri Mountain Ranges. We camp at Dhaulagiri Base Camp and spend one more day for acclimatization and for exploring around Dhaulagiri Base Camp.

As we have reached over 4,500 meters, acclimatization is very essential before heading up to higher altitudes. Today we will take another day rest at Dhaulagiri Base Camp for acclimatization before crossing the French Pass at 5,360 meters the following day. Besides, From Dhaulagiri Base Camp we will have magnificent views of Dhaulagiri 8167 meters, Dhaulagiri II 7751 meters, Dhaulagiri IV 7618 meters, Tukuche Peak 6920 meters and other surrounding high peaks in the region. We will spend our day exploring around Dhaulagiri Base Camp.

After spending a full day rest at Dhaulagiri Base Camp, we start early and follow the trail that crosses over to the left side of the upper Chonbarden glacier. Our trail is steep uphill trekking towards the lateral moraine ridge with inspiring views of Dhaulagiri I and Tukuche Peak. Our uphill trekking continues as we head towards the crossing of French Pass at 5,360 meters. From the top of the pass, we can enjoy stunning views of Dhaulagiri, Tukuche Peak, Mukut Himal, Sita Chuchura, Tashi Kang and other high peaks. Our trail from the top descends through moderate snow slopes and a long descent will lead us to the Hidden Valley.

From Hidden Valley, our trail heads through harsh alpine vegetation and magnificent views of surrounding high peaks towards Dhampus Peak Base Camp. Today’s trek is a gradual ascend journey all the way to Dhampus Base Camp. Our trek continues until we arrive at a good camping site considered best for setting up our base camp. As soon as we arrive at the base camp, our team will set up the camps and make the necessary preparation for climbing further into higher altitudes.

Today we will take a rest at Dhampus Peak Base Camp for acclimatization. It is very important for avoiding mental and physical altitude sickness. Most importantly we need to be fit both physically and mentally to achieve our target summit of Dhampus Peak. While we spend our day exploring around Dhampus Base Camp, our Sherpa crew will make necessary checks on our climbing gears and make preparations for shifting camp to a higher altitude at 5,600 meters above sea level.

After spending a good day rest at Dhampus Peak Base Camp, we continue to follow the trail that ascends gradually through and over glaciated mountain passes to finally arrive at the High Camp. Our climb can be very tiring, so resting every now and then helps in restoring energy. After arriving at the campsite, our Sherpa crew will quickly set up the camps and make final checks on our climbing gears before attempting a final climb of Dhampus Peak summit, the following day.

Today is the day we have been desperately waiting for. Fully equipped with all the climbing gears and properly acclimatized we start early with the aim to reach the summit before midday, as the strong winds afternoon can create obstacles in reaching the summit. Following the guidance and instructions of our experienced climbing experts, we will tackle several technical sections and head towards the summit of Dhampus Peak. Our tiring climb toTrek to Yak Kharka [3680m/12070ft] via Dhampus Pass [5240m/17187ft] the summit is rewarded with breathtaking views of Annapurna I, Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Annapurna South, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri South and North, Tilicho peak, Tukuche Peak and other snow-topped peaks. After spending short and quality time at the top, we descend following the same route and head back to base camp.

After successfully achieving the summit of Dhampus Peak, we return following the trail that climbs up a moderate snow slope towards Dhampus Pass at 5,240 meters. After successfully crossing the pass we will make a steep descend entering into the Kali Gandaki Valley – World’s Deepest Gorge. We make a rather long traverse across the snow which usually takes around four hours before descending further down to arrive at Yak Kharka for our overnight camping.

The last day of our trek starts from Yak Kharka and descends for a few hours to reach the village Marpha, also known as the Apple Garden. From Marpha we will follow a rather easy trail all the way to Jomsom. Jomsom is the main administrative centre of Mustang and is an important hub for Upper Mustang Treks with the airstrip and abundance of tea houses and services. After arriving at Jomsom we will celebrate the completion of our successful Dhampus Peak Climbing with our team.

Today we will take an early morning scenic flight from Jomsom to Pokhara. You will be transferred to the hotel after landing at Pokhara airport. We will spend the rest of the day sightseeing around the beautiful valley of Pokhara. Pokhara is home to thick forest, emerald lakes and a place of remarkable natural beauty. The reflection of the Machhapuchre Himal (Fish-Tail Mountain) over serene Fewa Lake makes this place truly magical spot in the planet. Besides, boating at Fewa Lake, visiting sacred places and sightseeing around the city is an excellent way to spend your day at Pokhara.

Today we will take a drive from Pokhara back to Kathmandu which is approximately four to five hours of drive journey. After arriving at Kathmandu, you can either have rest at the hotel or take a walk around the busy shopping streets of Thamel. In the evening, we will celebrate the successful completion of our Dhampus Peak Climbing and have a final meal together.

Our Airport Representative will drop you at the International Airport as per your flight schedule.