Dhampus Peak Climbing

Our representative will greet you and your group at the Tribhuvan International Airport (Kathmandu) on your arrival. After issuing an on-arrival visa at the airport, you will then move to your hotel for rest and lunch. You will shortly receive a briefing about your daily activities throughout your trip. You can either take the day off or roam around the capital city. Take enough rest as a whole new day is ahead of you.

Highlights

• Transport to the hotel on a private tourist vehicle
• Traditional Nepali dinner and an introduction of the team
• Short briefing about the daily itinerary

Special Information

Make sure to attend the meeting. We will be providing you information about your insurance and other important things about the trip. If you are running late, please let the hotel reception know about it. You can ask the receptionist or look for a note regarding the meeting place.

On this day, you will take a short tour of the capital city. After breakfast, our representative will greet you in the hall to brief you about the day and the places you will visit. You will take a private jeep ride to some of the cultural heritage sites listed in World Heritage Sites.

You first visit the Pashupatinath Temple, which is the biggest Hindu shrine. This temple is at least a couple of centuries old. From here, you will head towards Boudhanath Stupa. This place holds religious importance among Buddhists.

After a quick lunch break, you will ride the bus to Swayambhunath Stupa. You can see the whole of Kathmandu Valley from this spot. Later in the evening, you will roam around Kathmandu Durbar Square. This historical site is the epitome of the architecture of Nepal.

While on your way back to the hotel, you can find your way around Thamel. This place is the tourist hub of Kathmandu. You can purchase any climbing gear from Thamel. After returning to your hotel, you will prepare for the climb and pack your stuff.

Highlight 

• A visit to Pashupatinath Temple
• A visit to Boudhanath Stupa
• A visit to Swayambhunath Stupa
• Roam around Kathmandu Durbar Square
• Stroll around Thamel
• Prepare for the climb

Special Information

We recommend buying or renting proper hiking gear, such as walking poles, shoes, and other items. If you don’t have the equipment, inform our representative. We will arrange those items for you.

You will get up early in the morning, have breakfast, and get on a private jeep from your hotel to Pokhara. You will see many green hills and vegetation as soon as you exit the town. The drive will take around 6 hours. The roads are winding, and the scenery of the river and lush green hill will keep you occupied.

Highlights

• Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara via Jeep
• Beautiful sceneries along the Prithvi Highway
• Approximate time – 5 to 6 hours drive
• Travel by Jeep

You will board a morning flight from Pokhara Airport to Jomsom. From Jomsom, the trek will officially start. You will take the famous Annapurna Circuit trail that will lead you to Yak Kharka. Head down to Kali Gandaki Valley and witness the world’s deepest gorge.

You will see beautiful stone houses and prayer flags that add to the serene view of this place. You can see Dhaulagiri standing tall above the valley. You will trek down the path that will lead to Kagbeni – a small yet beautiful place, also considered the economic hub of this region.

The trail gradually flattens until you reach the bank of Jarsang Khola. Cross the bridge and slowly head up from the headwaters of Marsyangdi River. You can get an excellent view of the mountain peaks from this spot, such as Mt. Syagang, Thorong Peak, Mt. Khatungkan, and Mt. Gudang. You will begin to see small settlements with summer pastures around the area. This area is Yak Kharka – your resting stop for tonight.

Highlight

• Board a domestic flight from Pokhara to Yak Kharka
• Gorgeous view of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Range
• Steep climb towards the Kali Gandaki Valley
• Hike along the bank of Jarsang Khola
• The sight of Yak grazing territory
• Approximate time – 5 to 6 hours
• Domestic Flight Fare Included

You will have this day to rest and explore Yak Kharka. Your guide will take you to some famous viewpoints, the surrounding area, and the pastureland for the local yaks and cattle. Walk around for an hour, talk to the locals, get to know their lifestyle, and prepare yourself for the next day. Catch your breath and acclimatize your body for the thin air pressure. A day of rest will help you avoid the risks of altitude sickness.

Highlight

• Acclimatize your body
• A short walk around the base camp area
• Close up view of the Annapurna peaks

Special Information

If you face any sort of difficulty in breathing or are experiencing symptoms of altitude sickness, immediately notify your guide. We have the arrangements of oxygen cylinders and breathing masks. Your guide will carry some medications to help relieve the symptoms. Do not consume alcoholic drinks as it increases the risks. Consume plenty of hot water, stay warm, and, most importantly, stay close to the group.

Acclimatization

• Walk around the valley
• Close view of the mountain peaks
• Witness the charismatic yak territory.

You will continue on the main trail passing through the Kali Gandaki Valley. The path is long and traverses across the snow. Climb up the valley following the main trail and make your way to Dhampus Pass (5240 meters). You will get an iconic view of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Ranges.

Take breaks in between and have some snacks to revitalize your energy. After you reach the peak, climb down the moderate snow slope. Finally, you will reach the Dhampus Base Camp, where you will spend the night in a tent.

Highlight

• Pass through the Kali Gandaki Valley
• Make way through the winding, uneven, and rocky trail towards Dhampus Peak
• A mesmerizing view of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Ranges
• Climb up to Dhampus Base Camp
• Approximate time – 5 to 6 hours

Special Information

The climb today involves a rapid elevation from 3680 meters to 5100 meters. The environment and air pressure change drastically. You may experience difficulty during the climb, such as shortness of breath, fatigue, or other symptoms. Immediately inform your guide if you face any sort of difficulty. Take periodic breaks, have chocolates, and keep your body hydrated. While on the trail, maintain your natural pace. There is no need to move fast. You will have enough time to reach your destination.

Today, you will rest at Dhampus Peak Base Camp for acclimatization. Take ample rest to let your body adapt to the changing environment. During the day, you will explore areas around Base Camp. Your guide will take you to some famous viewpoints and give a tour around the area. Stroll around while enjoying the view of Annapurna, Gangapurna, and Tilicho peak. Play games, talk to the locals and get to know their lifestyle. A day of rest will help you avoid the risks of altitude sickness for the further climb.

Highlight 

• Acclimatize your body to reduce/prevent the risk of altitude sickness
• Rest for the day
• Get to know the local lifestyle
• Enjoy the view of Annapurna, Gangapurna, and Tilicho peak

Special Information

• Consume plenty of hot water
• Stay warm
• Take enough rest

After spending a full day resting at the Dhampus Peak Base Camp, you will pack your bags and arrange your equipment. Today, you will move to the high camp of Dhampus Peak. You will walk along the main trail that ascends through and over the glaciated mountain passes. This day is relatively harder as compared to previous days, but is gratifying once you complete it.

You will soon start to notice rapidly changing landforms as you continue elevating further. Take periodic breaks to restore energy during the climb. Continue along the steep path until you reach the high camp point. This spot gives the best view of Dhampus Peak. You will set your camp here for tonight.

Relax for the rest of the day and let your body adapt to the harsh changing environment. You can roam around the camp if you like. Do not miss the sunset from up here. Get your cameras ready to click the mystical moment of the sunlight over the mountains.

Highlight

• A better view of the Dhampus Peak
• Limitless panorama of the mountain range
• Mesmerizing sunset
• Approximate time – 3 to 4 hours

Acclimatization

• Walk around the area
• Close view of the mountain peaks
• Play games
• Talk to the locals and keep yourself busy

Today, you will start your climb from High Camp at 1 am to 3 am. Starting at this hour will give you enough time to reach the top of the peak and view the sunrise from up there. This day is going to be tough on you, so be prepared. Follow the guidance of your guide and get ready to pass through several technical sections. Gather your energy, keep your motivation high, and climb Dhampus Peak. You will pass the glaciers following the slippery ice trails. Make sure that you have your crampons on to avoid slipping accidents.

Keep moving along the steep trail, and you will soon stand on top of the Dhampus Peak. Breathe the cold mountain air at 6012 meters and live your achievement. You will get an amazing view of Annapurna South, I, II, III, IV, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Tilicho Peak, Tukuche Peak, and many other snow-capped elevations.

After making sure that you have caught the best views of the region, slowly make your way down to the base camp. The trail is tricky, especially when descending, so be careful. You will make multiple stops in between to catch your breath. Dhampus Peak Base Camp (5100 meters) is your camping site for tonight.

Highlight

• Summit Dhampus Peak
• A magical view of the mountain ranges from the top of Dhampus Peak
• The sight of the glaciers
• The descent down to the base camp
• Approximate time – 8 to 9 hours

Special Information

The view from 6012 meters is amazing. You can see the many peaks from up here while the clouds float beneath you. But as mesmerizing as this view can be, it is equally risky. Being at such a height for a longer time dramatically develops the symptoms of altitude sickness. The oxygen level is much less, so you shouldn’t spend your time here. Take a shot from every angle possible and climb down as soon as possible.

You will decide whether to carry on the descent or take a day off at Base Camp. After a sharp and long climb the day before, you might need to rest for the day. Take a day off from trekking and spend your day at the Base Camp itself. A day’s rest will give your body time to heal from the tiring climb and prepare for another day. Visit the surrounding area, play games, get to know the locals, and get proper rest.

Highlight 

• Acclimatize
• Rest for the day
• Enjoy the natural scenery

After a successful summit of the Dhampus Peak at a night’s rest at the Base Camp, you will head down the trail. You will climb towards a moderate, slow slope that will lead you towards the Dhampus Pass at 5240 meters.

After crossing the Dhampus Pass, you will make your descent and enter into the Kali Gandaki Valley, where you will get a sight of the World’s Deepest Gorge. Purple and brown hills surround this valley. Prayer flags, along with the tea houses, make this place beautiful. You will also get a glimpse of Dhaulagiri standing tall above the valley. The vicinity here is fantastic.

You will further climb down and make your way along the long traverse trail for around 4 hours. The trail will take you further down to small meadows where local goats and yak graze. This place is known as Yak Kharka, where you will spend the night.

Highlight

• Gorgeous view of the mountains along the way
• Move towards the Kali Gandaki Valley
• View of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna
• Grazing place of local goats and yaks
• Overnight stay at Yak Kharka
• Approximate time – 7 to 8 hours.

Today is your last trekking day of this journey. After your stay at Yak Kharka, you will descend for a few hours to reach a small village of Marpha, also known as the Apple Garden. This place is famous for apple cultivation. You can get a taste of apple wine if you like.

From here, you will continue down an easy trail that will lead you up to Jomsom. Jomsom is the central administrative region of the Mustang and an important hub for Upper Mustang Trek. You will spend the rest of the day roaming around this peaceful town. You will experience the Tibetan culture at Jomsom. Stay overnight at a lodge.

Highlight

• Hike To Marpha
• Experience Tibetan lifestyle and culture
• Overnight stay at Jomsom
• Approximate time – 5 to 6 hours

You will board a plane to Pokhara from Jomsom airport. The flight offers a view of the mountain ranges and hills of the region. Once you get to Pokhara, you will take the tourist bus to your hotel. You can freshen up and have lunch. For the rest of the day, you will explore the City of Lakes.

There are many places you can visit and lots of things you can do in Pokhara. You will go to Tal Barahi, book a boat ride, walk or cycle around the Lakeside, visit the World Peace Pagoda, and Devi’s fall. You will enjoy your time here. The town comes alive during the night time. You can enjoy a drink at one of the pubs at Lakeside. Pokhara will surely relieve the stress and sore muscles from the difficult Dhampus Peak climb.

Highlight

• Board a flight to Pokhara
• Explore the City of Lakes
• Approximate time – 35 minutes
• Domestic flight included

Early in the morning, you will have breakfast and take a bus/jeep ride back to Kathmandu via Prithvi Highway. You will enjoy the same scenery as the transverse highway as before. We can book the flight back to Kathmandu from Pokhara if you like. It will cost you an additional $120 per person.

After reaching Kathmandu, you can roam around the town. Visit the museums, historical places, Durbar Squares, or hang around the famous tourist hub of Thamel. You can buy souvenirs from this place to take back home.

Highlight

• Drive back to Kathmandu
• Roam around the famous tourist spots
• Do some souvenirs shopping from Thamel to take back
• Approximate time – 6 hours

Special Information

Instead of driving, you can also take a flight back to Kathmandu from Pokhara. It will cost you an extra USD120 per person. However, if you wish to do so, you need to inform us before starting the climb on the first day.

You can roam around the famous corners of Kathmandu, like the Durbar Squares, and learn the historical importance of those places. You can hang around at Thamel during the evening. You can even buy some souvenirs to take back to your home. When you get to your hotel, pack your belongings.

Highlight

• Roam around Kathmandu Valley

Make sure that you have packed all of your belongings before you check out from the hotel. Our representative from Nepal Social Treks will drive you to the Tribhuvan International Airport on a tourist bus. From here, you will board the plane back to your home country.

Highlight

• Farewell souvenirs
• Drive to Tribhuvan International Airport
• Sea off by our representative