'Adventure within high Dhaulagiri Himal and scenic hidden Valley’
Dhampus Peak Climbing, or Thapa Peak, stands 6,012 m high. It is located within Nepal North West Himalaya, close to the massive Dhaulagiri range of mountains. This is a closest peak within hidden valley enclosed by Mustang and Dhaulagiri mountains.
On this great adventure reach north-west of Dhaulagiri from the main Old Trans Himalayan Salt and Caravan Trade route of Nepal and Tibet that extends further high around the Upper Mustang region.
Dhampus Peak is situated within Mustang district and next to Mukut Himal, which falls within North-East Dolpo. Also, our journey leads you into the world’s deepest gorge Kali Gandaki Valley formed by towering Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Himal.
This fascinating adventure includes a taste of almost all trekking and climbing environments. The route leads from fertile and low warm farmlands towards a cooler alpine zone and ends at an arid and treeless country within Hidden Valley.
Similarly, this is a great trekking peak to climb within the remote and isolated regions of the western Himalayas. As well as it is the shortest duration adventure due to the recent motorable road that has reached the Kaligandki area within the Mustang district, making it possible to shorten the itinerary days.
The difficulty grade of Dhampus or Thapa Peak is PD+, which means ‘Per Difficult.’ It is a straightforward climb to the summit, with some technical sections to face during the long strenuous climb on ice rocks and snow routes.
The peak climbing Journey leads with a drive from scenic Pokhara past Beni and Tatopani villages within a low, warm farm country. Then, it reaches alpine areas within the coniferous forest around Ghasa-Lete-Kalapani to reach charming Marpha village.
Marpha and Kaligandaki areas are famous for delicious apples and their products. From this lovely place, our adventure starts heading steeply up to reach Yak Kharka with an altitude above 4,915 m for the first night of camping. There are villages from Marpha onwards, once Hidden Valley and Dhampus or Thapa Peak areas, so camping is necessary.
The next morning, head up, crossing Dhampus / Thapa passing at 5,250m overlooking the deep cleft of the Kali Gandaki Valley and Annapurna peaks. Also, eye beyond with views of Mukut Himal, Tukuche Peak, and the world’s 7th highest Mt. Dhaulagiri, 8,167m, after a great moment leads you into Hidden Valley at 4,900 m.
Hidden Valley is a large summer pasture valley enclosed by giant snow-capped peaks. Please get time to acclimate at Hidden Valley before returning to Dhampus-Thapa peak base camp.
Enjoying leisure time and practicing climb, the adventure continues reaching the base and high camps of Dhampus Peak. After finishing the climbing, trek back to Marpha and Jomsom with a panoramic flight back to Pokhara and Kathmandu.
Best Seasons for Dhampus Peak Climbing:
April to May and September to early December are the best seasons for trekking/ climbing Dhampus.
April to May is the best time for clear views till the afternoon when wildflowers bloom with fantastic views of mountains. A day will be pleasant with cooler morning and nighttime.
October(a renowned month for Festival in Nepal) to December is yet another best time for climbing Dhampus Peak. The season offers crystal clear views of peaks but short sunlight days. Depending on altitude and overnight stops, it can be cold in the morning and night.