'Adventure within high Dhaulagiri Himal and scenic hidden Valley’
Dhampus Peak Climbing which is also known as Thapa peak stands 6,012 m high. It is located within Nepal North West Himalaya close to 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 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 world’s deepest gorge of Kali Gandaki Valley formed by towering Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Himal.
This fascinating adventure includes taste of almost all trekking and climbing environment. Because route leads from fertile and low warm farmlands towards cooler alpine zone and ending at arid and treeless country within Hidden valley.
Similarly, this is a great trekking peak to climb within remote and isolated region of western Himalaya. As well as it is the shortest duration adventure due to recent motorable road that has reached the Kaligandki area within Mustang district that made it possible to shorten the itinerary days.
The diffculty grade of Dhampus or Thapa Peak is listed as PD + which means ‘Per Difficule’. Clarifying more it is a straight-forward climb to reach the summit with some technical section to face during the long strenuous climb on ice-rocks and snow route.
The peak climbing Journey leads with drive from scenic Pokhara past Beni and Tatopani village within low warm farm country. Then, it continues to reach alpine areas within coniferous forest around Ghasa-Lete-Kalapani to reach at charming Marpha village.
Marpha and Kaligandaki areas are famous for delicious apples and the products. From this lovely place our actual adventure starts heading steep up to reach at Yak Kharka with an altitude above 4,915 m for first night camping. As there are no villages from Marpha onwards till Hidden Valley and Dhampus or Thapa Peak areas, camping is must.
Next morning, head up crossing Dhampus / Thapa pass 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 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. At Hidden Valley get time to acclimatize before heading back to Dhampus-Thapa peak base camp.
Enjoying leisure time and practicing climb then adventure continues reaching at base and high camps of Dhampus peak. After finishing the climbing then trek back to Marpha and to Jomsom with a panoramic flight back to Pokhara and to Kathmandu.
Best Seasons for Dhampus Peak Climbing
April to May and September to early December months are the best seasons for trekking/ climbing of Dhampus.
April to May is best time for clear views till afternoon where wild flowers are in bloom with fantastic views of mountains. A day will be pleasant with cooler morning and night time.
October(renowned month for Festival in Nepal) to December is yet another best time for climbing Dhampus peak. The season offers a crystal clear views of peaks but short sunlight days. It can be freezing cold in the morning and night time, depending upon altitude and overnight stops.