Max. Elevation
Overview
Dhampus Peak It is ideal for adventurous enthusiasts who want to explore the less popular trail of the Dhaulagiri Circuit. Before the completion of the summit, climbers will witness the various peaks that are located between the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri circuits. The various peaks that are seen in the Dhampus Peak climbing are Dhaulagiri at 8,163 meters, Nilgiri at 6,940 meters, Tukche Peak at 6,920 meters, Tilicho Peak at 7,134 meters, Thorong Peak at 6,484 meters, Hiunchuli at 7,246 meters and many other majestic peaks.
Dhampus peak climbing is a camping adventure experience. You have two standard routes available to start your Dhampus Peak Climb. They are Dhampus Pass and Kali Gandaki Valley side. This route is in between the trail of Dhampus Pass and Yak Kharka campsite. Our Alpinist Team members usually follow the route up and down from Dhampus Pass. This route will test your endurance as it has a 1,000-m ascent from Hidden Valley. The next day our team guide will take you to the Kali Gandaki.
As far as the difficulty level of this climb is concerned, it depends on the various conditions. During early or mid-October, you can experience little or no snow on the route. This makes our climb easy and reasonably straightforward. The trail follows the rocky trail and demands the climber to move at a higher level. In the case of winter seasons, the climb becomes quite difficult as the route is fully covered with snow. The climber must be aware of these conditions and face challenges accordingly.
Itinerary
Expand AllUpon your arrival in Kathmandu, our local team warmly welcomes you at the airport. You will then be escorted to the hotel, where you can enjoy some well-deserved relaxation. The itinerary includes a briefing about the trek's progress and presentation, followed by leisure time. If you arrive in the morning, you'll have the entire day at your disposal. This can be used for rest or for those interested, to explore the surroundings freely. It's an ideal chance to deeply experience Nepalese culture and indulge in the local culinary delights.
Transfer to hotel
Final altitude: approximately 1350 m
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: night in the hotel
We leave Kathmandu by bus to reach Pokhara located 200 kilometers further west, in about 7 hours by road. The road offers magnificent views over the valley of the Trisuli River, then we cross superb tropical landscapes, before going up towards Pokhara and having a first vision of the Annapurnas and the Machhapuchhare.
Final altitude: 800m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: Hotel
We take a track to Darbang, passing by Naudanda, then Kare (1,630 m) from where we have a splendid view of the Dhaulagiri, and Kusma, a large town at the confluence of the Modi Khola and the Kali Gandaki. The peaceful landscape of this valley, made of rice fields where farmers are busy, allows us to glimpse the Dhaulagiri, still very far away! Darbang is the last important village of our hike and we take the opportunity to make the last purchases. We start our trek here. We gain altitude, surrounded by a magnificent Himalayan pine forest, and the cultures change: millet gradually replaces rice and the inhabitants have a much more mountain look. Dharapani is a village of the Tamang ethnic group.
Final altitude: 1,500m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in a tent
The crops already have autumn colors and the green rivals the yellow of the stubble and the ocher of the millet fields. Very nice view of the Dhaulagiri massif and the Churen Himal. Camp near the beautiful village of Muri.
6 hrs walking
Final altitude: 1,850m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in a tent
We always climb slowly. A sudden soft climb allows you to admire splendid waterfalls on the Myagdi Khola. Canyons and steep paths follow one another until Boghara, the last permanently inhabited village, where 250 people live in virtual self-sufficiency.
7 hrs of walking
Final altitude: 2,100m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: tent
From climbs to descents, from clearings to forests, we go up the valley. A few basic huts remind us that the forest is inhabited by a few herders who come down as soon as the first cold weather hits. With a bit of luck, we will be able to see monkeys and admire the last orchids. Camp at the exit of the forest. Very beautiful sunset over the approaching Dhaulagiri.
6 hrs walking
Final altitude: 2,600m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: tent
We climb slowly, the altitude begins to be felt. Crossing the river on a suspension bridge, to continue our climb facing Dhaulagiri, in a beautiful pine forest. The mountains surround us: Dhaulagiri I, III, V, and VI, the Manapati (6,380 m) just above us, and the Tsaurabong (6,395 m) on the other side of the valley. Camp in the pines.
6 hrs walking
Final altitude: 3,200m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: tent
A fairly steep climb at the foot of Manapati (6,380 m) allows us to cross a forest of rhododendrons to arrive against the Dhaulagiri which spectacularly dominates us. We have to walk slowly in order to acclimatize ourselves properly. Beautiful camp at the limit of the vegetation.
4 hrs of walking
Final altitude: 3,600m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: tent
Acclimatization day at the Italian camp. We go to a small Belvedere at 4,300 meters with magnificent views of Dhaulagiri II and III. This is the perfect time to take a day off and enjoy the camp, for those who want to land.
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in a tent
After crossing a glacier tongue, we progress slowly into a deep gorge at the foot of the Chonbardan glacier which we go up, a sort of corridor between the mountains. In front of us stands Sita Chuchura at 6,600 meters and the north face of Dhaulagiri.
5 hrs of walk
Final altitude: 4,300m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: tent
We continue the climb towards the base camp of Dhaulagiri, we see the Tukuche Peak at almost 7,000 meters above sea level. It is at the last moment that we discover the pass of the base camp of Dhaulagiri, in front of its formidable north face.
5 hrs walk
final altitude of 4,600m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in a tent
We acclimatize at Dhaulagiri base camp, facing its impressive north face. It is important to rest to acclimatize well.
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in a tent
After a steep climb in a moraine, we find the wide open spaces: the “Col des Français” at 5,360 meters is very vast. The view is exceptional on the Dhaulagiri. We descend slowly towards the Hidden Valley dominated by several peaks between 6,000 and 7,000 meters (Sita Chuchura, 6,611 m, Hongde 6,556 m, Dhampus Peak 6,035 m and Tukuche Peak 6,920 m).
6 hrs
Final altitude: 5,050m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in a tent
We are in the very wild Hidden Valley with beautiful views to the peaks of Dolpo. We attempt the ascent of Thapa Peak at 6,012 meters via the south-west face. It is a not very technical climb, the only difficulty may be the thickness of the snow with the trace to be made. We follow the trail to Thapa Pass. Then, you evolve on a fairly wide ridge and then you reach a "chimney" which you take by following the final slope. From the summit at 6,012 meters, the panorama is magnificent over the Annapurnas, the Manaslu, the Gangapurna, the Dhaulagiris, the Tilicho, the Nilgiri...
NB: for those who do not wish to attempt the ascent, it is possible to discover the Hidden Valley in a short day's walk.
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in a tent
After crossing the Thapa pass (5,250 m), we leave this high mountain atmosphere to begin our descent towards the Kali Gandaki valley, dominated by the superb Annapurna massif. Some crossing passages can be tricky in bad weather.
6 hrs walking
final altitude: 3,680m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in a tent
We descend while losing altitude and all day we admire the Annapurnas facing us. Marpha is a very beautiful village of the Takali ethnic group surrounded by orchards, where there are many shops. This village is known for Marpha Brandy and Mustang Coffee! At the top of the village, stands a very beautiful Buddhist monastery which regulates the religious life of the inhabitants.
5hrs walking
final altitude:t 2,700m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in a Lodge
An uncomfortable track day along the Kali Gandaki. This saves us from taking the Jomosom-Pokhara flight which is regularly cancelled.
in a private vehicle, 8 hrs drive
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: overnight at the hotel
Flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu. Free day in Pokhara and/or Kathmandu
35 minutes flight
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: overnight at the hotel
Free time depending on the departure time of your flight and our representative will drop you at the airport, ending your journey in Nepal. We hope to be of service to you again. Thank you and safe travels.
Note:
If you have a private group and prefer a personalized experience, we can organize a custom trip tailored to your requirements and group size, running it any day you choose.
Plan a Private TripIncluded & Excluded
| Included Points |
|---|
| ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE : Airport - Hotel transfers – Airport (Pick Up and Drop), by private vehicle. |
| HOTEL ACCOMMODATION IN KATHMANDU : 3-night hotel in Kathmandu With breakfast plan. |
| WELCOME DINNER : One Welcome Dinner in a tourist standard restaurant in Kathmandu with Offices' Staff. |
| CARGO CLEARANCE : Assistance for cargo clearance in Nepal’s Customs, clearance cost is subject to a charge. |
| PERMITS : Expedition Royalty and permits fee of Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) to climb Dhampus Peak and Annapurna conservation area project |
| GARBAGE MANAGEMENT : Stool Shipment Transfer & Garbage Deposit Fees. |
| INSURANCE : Medical & Emergency rescue Insurance for all involved Nepalese staff during the trek and expedition. |
| MAP : Trekking and climbing map. |
| DUFFLE BAG : One Alpinist club Duffle Bag. |
| MEMBER TRANSPORTATION : private jeep as per itinerary. |
| EXPEDITION STUFFS TRANSPORTATION : All necessaries expedition equipment transportation for all Members and Staff from Kathmandu to Manang(by jeep cargo) and Base camp (by Porter/ mule) – While returning: Base camp to kathmandu (by porters/jeep). |
| MEMBER LUGGAGE : Up to 25 Kg per member as personal baggage during the trek to be carried by porters. |
| FOOD AND LODGING : 3 meals a day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner; including tea and coffee) along with accessible accommodation at Hotel/Lodge/Tent during the trek and at the Basecamp and high camp. |
| PORTER : Porters per member up to the Base camp and from the Basecamp (both ways). |
| HIGH ALTITUDE CLIMBING SHERPA : 1 government-licensed climbing Sherpa per member (1 Member: 1 Sherpa), during the entire climb from Basecamp to the summit and back. |
| ASSISTANCE : Climbing Sherpa to assist in carrying your gear to the high camps. |
| CLIMBING SHERPA SALARY & ALLOWANCE : Climbing Sherpas' Salary, Equipment, Food, and Clothing. |
| OXYGEN BOTTLE (O2) : Oxygen bottles will be in stock at base camp in case of an emergency (with an appropriate charge). |
| OXYGEN MASK & REGULATOR : 1 Set of Summit Oxygen masks will be in base camp in case of an emergency. |
| HIGH CAMP SERVICE INFRASTRUCTURE AND LOGISTICS: : High Altitude Tent, Lights, Necessary cooking EPI gas, cooking pot, High food for a member, Sherpa, and other crews. Group climbing gears, fixed and dynamic rope during the climbing period as required. |
| HIGH ALTITUDE TENT : Members will share tents in high camps (2 members: 1 tent). |
| WEATHER FORECAST : Weather forecast report during the entire expedition. |
| GUIDE : Local government-licensed Guide (English speaking) during the trek and sightseeing in Kathmandu valley. |
| MEDICAL KIT : Comprehensive Medical kit for members and staff. |
| CERTIFICATE : Dhampus Peak climbing certificate issued by NMA (after climbing the peak successfully). |
| Excluded Points |
|---|
| AIR FARE : International flight airfare (from and to Kathmandu). |
| NEPAL ENTRY VISA FEE : The Nepalese Visa fee is USD 50 for 30 Days. |
| LUNCH & DINNER : Lunch & dinner during the stay in Kathmandu (also in case of early return from Trekking / Expedition than the scheduled itinerary). |
| EXTRA NIGHTS IN KATHMANDU : Extra nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu. In case of early arrival or late departure, early return from Trekking / Expedition, domestic flight cancellation (due to any other reason) than the scheduled itinerary. |
| INSURANCE POLICY : Insurance covering both medical and high-altitude evacuation costs (for the trip cancellation, interruption, high-altitude rescue & air evacuation, medical treatment, repatriation, etc.) *Mandatory |
| PERSONAL EXPENSES : Telephone Calls, Internet, Toiletries, battery recharge, hot shower, laundry, soft drinks, beers, and any Alcoholic beverages (during the trek and in Kathmandu but we will have soft drinks for members at base camp). |
| PERSONAL CLIMBING EQUIPMENT : Clothing, Packing Items, Bags, Personal Medical Kit, and all kinds of Personal Trekking / Climbing Gear. |
| TOILETRIES : Soaps, shampoos, toilet and tissue papers, toothpaste, and other items used to keep yourself clean. |
| FILMING : Special Filming, Camera, and Drone permit fee. |
| INTERNET SERVICE : Not included during the trek and the expedition. |
| SUMMIT BONUS : Summit bonus for climbing Sherpa - Minimum 300 USD. |
| TIPS : Calculate some tips for the high camp and other staff– Minimum 100 USD. |
| EXTRA : Any other services or activities, which are not mentioned in the itinerary and other items not listed in the “Cost Includes” section. |
Note :
For unforeseeable reasons at this stage of climatic hazards, form or deformity of the participants or others (state of the roads, traffic, case of force majeure. your guide or guide may have to adapt the program, if necessary for the smooth running of your trip. He remains the sole judge and guarantor of your safety. Walking times are given as an indication and may vary from one participant to another.)
Notes Safety Measures :
Alpinist Club, your safety is our top priority. Our experienced guides ensure every trekking and climbing adventure is exciting, successful, and secure. Each trip is carefully planned — we monitor weather conditions, carry full medical kits and rescue equipment, and stay connected at all times with reliable communication tools, including satellite phones, to guarantee your safety throughout the journey.
Trip Information
Details to Know Dhampus Peak climbing
Your guide, from your arrival in Kathmandu until your departure, is responsible for the success of your trip and oversees your team. Do not hesitate to ask him questions, respect his position as the team leader, and above all follow his advice! Often your guide is the only English-speaking member of the team. In the mountains and, especially when during high-altitude travels, your guide is responsible for the safety of the group, the instructions he gives and the remarks he makes to all participants must be carefully followed. The interest and safety of the trekking group must be preserved, even when it may be to the detriment of an individual member of the group.
Read More
Your Trekking staff may include several members, each with specific responsibilities:
- The Guide Leader (Sirdar: is responsible for and leader of the whole team and is treated with respect by all. Often he has earned his position by starting as a porter and rising through the ranks.
- Climbing sherpa: Responsible for fixing ropes, guiding you to the summit, and assisting with technical climbing while carrying essential gear.
- The Cook: is responsible for all meals and is on a trek that doesn’t use lodges for meals. (camping trek )
- The kitchen boy: is an assistant to the cook. ( camping trek )
- The Assistant Guide: actively helping clients under the leader’s direction and set camp.
- The porter: carries loads for the trekking group, essential in Nepal’s mountainous terrain where roads are limited. Regulations ensure a maximum weight limit and a minimum wage for their work. Porters are provided with proper gear based on the trekking route and are insured for alpine treks.
Each trekker is allowed a maximum weight limit: 15 kg for lodge (tea house) accommodations, 22 kg for tent camping, and 27 kg for expeditions or summit ascents. Porters receive a premium wage for carrying loads over 30 kg. Additionally, the Nepal Alpinist Club ensures that guides and porters have insurance. They are also provided with specific equipment for high-altitude pass crossings, though many porters prefer not to wear certain gear due to lack of habit.
Accommodations in Kathmandu during Dhampus peak climbing
In Kathmandu, you will be accommodated in a hotel. We use different hotels depending on availability. The two preferred hotels are:
- Hotel Himalayan Suit: Located in the heart of Thamel, this hotel is ideal for walking the bustling streets of Kathmandu. The spacious rooms all have a bathroom, air conditioning, and Wi-Fi. A fully equipped and active dining room is available for all meals, and the breakfast buffet offers a wide choice of foods. The hotel offers currency exchange, laundry services, and luggage storage
- Sampada Garden: Located just 20 minutes on foot from Thamel and Durbar Square, this hotel is convenient for exploring Kathmandu. The rooms have all the necessary comforts for your stay: air conditioning, bathroom, and Wi-Fi. Breakfasts are served as a generous buffet. The hotel provides currency exchange, laundry services, and luggage storage.
Accommodation during the Dhampus Peak Climbing
During the rest of the trip, accommodation will be in tents (3-person tents for 2 people) or lodges, depending on the route. There's a heated mess tent where we gather to eat and relax, with tables and chairs set up inside. We also have a shower tent and a toilet tent, where solid waste is collected in barrels for proper disposal
Meal in Kathmandu
Upon arrival in Kathmandu, a welcome dinner is provided on the first evening. Similarly, upon return from the expedition, a farewell meal is provided. In the cities, many small (or large) restaurants allow us to discover the typical local cuisine.
- Dhampus Peak Climbing Tent Meal: All meals are prepared by the kitchen team using local ingredients including rice, pasta, lentils, potatoes, vegetables, eggs, a little meat, etc. They are served to you in a Dining tent. Non-alcoholic hot drinks such as tea or coffee are offered to you at will. We recommend that you stay constantly hydrated. Depending on the profile of the stages (length of the day's walk and/or presence of water) midday snacks will be served hot or cold in the form of picnics.
- For lodges Meals: meals are prepared by the lodge 's cooks and are taken in the lodge 's dining room
Here is a typical one-day menu for the trekking for example:
- Breakfast: eggs, toast or chapati, or Tibetan bread or pancakes, or pancakes, butter/jam, tea or coffee
- Lunch: a main course, tea or coffee
- Dinner: soup, main course, fruit (fresh or canned), tea or coffeeDuring the trek, tea or coffee is served with meals. Two cups per person are included. Apart from these included menus, other drinks and foodstuffs will be at your expense.
- Water: We provide water purification tablets. and Recommended to bring refilling bottles with purified water. Avoid buying mineral water due to its environmental impact.
Dhampus Peak Difficulty Mountaineering Level
This program requires mountaineering equipment like crampons, harnesses, ice axes, and ropes. The route may include small challenges, such as steeper glacier sections or continuous effort. It is designed for beginners with some mountaineering experience who have completed similar or slightly easier routes
Preparation for the Larkya Peak climbing
Preparing for the trek requires several months of preparation with 4 to 6-hour walks every weekend for stamina and participating in a sport that requires short periods of high exertion.
Medical check-up Before going Peak climbing
Being in good health is essential to enjoy your Alpinist Club trip fully. If your last medical visit was more than four years ago, please get another general physical exam and tell your doctor the nature of your trip (climate, altitude, difficulty, etc.). The altitude also has the effect of reviving dental problems or other chronic pain, so getting a dental checkup is also prudent. If you are undertaking a high-altitude expedition, we advise you to consult a mountain medicine specialist.
Acute Mountain Sickness
This trip takes place at high altitudes so that some people may experience altitude-related discomforts like headaches, loss of appetite, and swelling of limbs. Most of these symptoms usually go away within a few days, but sometimes they can develop into a serious illness: pulmonary or cerebral edema. There are no preventive drugs for AMS. Diamox diuretic is often effective for symptomatic relief, but you should first check with your doctor to verify that it is not contraindicated for you. Think about it before you go.
Transfers/ Transport During Trip
All transfers are provided in private vehicles.
Group size for the Dhampus Peak Climbing
The group is composed of 1 to 10 participants maximum. The number of participants is voluntarily limited to allow a better immersion, to not embarrass our hosts, to develop spaces of freedom and to allow a great flexibility of operation. However, the maximum number can be exceeded in the case where the last person who registers wishes to travel with another or several other people. The services will not be modified and the conditions of the trip will be identical as a result.
Camping Equipment for Dhampus Peak climbing
All logistical equipment is provided, including individual tents at the base camp with mattresses, mess tent, shower tent and toilet tent, as well as all collective and individual cooking equipment. At altitude, tents, stoves with gas cartridges, ropes and anchors.
Personal Equipment
Personal equipment is not provided, but a complete list will be shared later. We will refine the list with you during the preparation days and up until departure based on your questions.
High-altitude sleeping bags, full suits, and quality down jackets are costly items you may not use often. We offer these specific items for rent during the expedition. You must return the equipment clean and in good condition, with a deposit required.
Security And Communication
We have at least one Iridium satellite phone for logistics, weather updates, and security. Participants may use it under certain conditions—please contact us for private use. All camps are connected by radio, with access for the expedition leader, participants, and high-altitude Sherpas. A hyperbaric chamber will be available at base camp, and a lighter, essential pharmacy will be stocked at higher camps.
Gears List
Trip Map
Trip Gallery
FAQ's
Expand AllThe Dhampus Peak Climbing is a moderately challenging peak in terms of difficulty. It is perfect for climbers who have basic mountaineering skills and high-altitude trekking experience.
You need to obtain the permits before the expedition. You have to obtain the Climbing Permit from the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) and the trekking permit from the Annapurna Conservation Area Project(ACAP).
For climbing Dhampus Peak, the best seasons are spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). These months provide steady weather, good visibility, and ideal climbing conditions.
The time duration of the expedition depends on various factors such as physical fitness, weather conditions acclimatation, and many others. On average, the expedition takes 19 days to complete.
There are several risks involved in Dhampus Peak climbing. The risks such as altitude sickness, avalanches, rockfall, and bad weather conditions can be faced by the climbers. You must prepare yourself and follow safety protocols for all emergencies.
Yes, you need to have travel insurance for Dhampus peak climbing. The insurance would cover the medical expenses, helicopter rescue, trip cancellation, and personal liability.
You need to hire a guide for the successful completion of the expedition. Hiring knowledgeable Sherpas or local guides with experience in high-altitude mountaineering and familiarity with the route and area is essential.They can boost safety during the ascent and offer direction and assistance.
Mountaineering gear and equipment, such as crampons, ice axes, harnesses, helmets, ropes, and clothes suitable for severe weather, must be brought by climbers. For comfort and safety, having well-maintained, high-quality equipment is essential.
You would usually stay in teahouses and or campsites throughout the trekking route. These tea houses have the basic facilities. As you ascend higher altitude, you need to stay in the tents set up by the team members.
The safety of the climber is our priority. We will prepare carefully for proper acclimatization. Our guide will follow safety measures that include carrying medications, health checkups, and being aware of altitude sickness symptoms.
It is advised to have some basic climbing skills, such as utilizing ice axes and crampons. Trekking at high elevations improves your ability to adjust to difficult situations. Pre-expedition training is highly recommended if you are a beginner.
You must regularly engage in strength, and endurance workouts to maintain your high level of physical fitness. You can also get ready for the trip by practicing in different terrains and going on lengthy hikes with a full backpack.
Climbers must be physically active and in excellent health, while there is no set age restriction. In addition to medical approval, parental or guardian oversight is required for minors.
You might expect Nepali dishes such dal bhat, noodles, and soups at teahouses. To sustain energy levels throughout the ascent, the expedition team cooks high-calorie meals, including snacks, at campsites.
Taking rest days at higher elevations will help you acclimate gradually. Eat light but energizing meals, stay hydrated, and abstain from alcohol and tobacco. Keep drugs like Diamox on hand and be aware of altitude sickness symptoms so you can take quick action. Always heed the advice of your advisor.