Dhampus Peak Climbing 9 Days

Best Time to Dhampus Peak Climbing 9 Days

The best time for Dhampus Peak climbing is between late September and May. September, October, and November, as they are the first 3 months of the dry and autumn season that bring fresh air after monsoon rains, with splendid mountain views and a comfortable warm climate.

The Dhampus Peak Climbing, January, February, and December (Winter) are also still good times to go trekking, but cannot be regarded as the best time for mountain climbing. The thick snow and biting cold at Kalopani and the summit can make it quite impossible to reach the Peak and overnight stay in a tent.

In March, April, and May (spring), these offer better weather and trekkers will be able to see stunning wildflowers, particularly the beautiful Nepal Rhododendron in the forest. In the month of June to August (summer/monsoon), trekking is still possible in the rain-sheltered area of Mustang but the trail from Pokhara can be affected by landslides and muddy trails.

Elevation and Distance of Dhampus Peak Climbing

Situated in the Dhaulagiri zone of Nepal, Dhampus Peak climbing rises to an altitude of 6012 m above sea level. It is located 206 km from Kathmandu, 75 km from Pokhara, and a mere 4.1 km from Marpha, which serves as the starting point for our trek.

The Dhampus Peak summit itself marks the highest elevation of our Dhampus Peak climbing program. Our highest overnight stop will be at Kalopani, situated at 4900 m, where we will spend two consecutive nights in tents. Over the course of the 9-day Dhampus Peak climbing program, we will trek for four days, covering a distance of 10-15 km on foot each day.

Maximum/Minimum walk per day

Our Dhampus Peak Climbing expedition can be completed in just 9 days, with only 4 days dedicated to actual trekking, including the ascent of the peak. Throughout these 4 days, we will be walking for an average of 5 to 7 hours each day.

However, it is important to note that the Dhampus Peak climbing trail presents a considerable challenge as we transition from the subtropical lowlands of Kathmandu and Pokhara to the Tibetan-influenced barren lands of Marpha, Alubari, and Kalopani.

Along the way, you will encounter steep ascents and descents, and when climbing, you will need to overcome snowy slopes and ridges. However, our one of the most effortless and shortest walks will occur on the third day when we will traverse from the pleasant town of Marpha to the abandoned village of Alubari, covering a distance of approximately 5 to 6 hours.

Whereas, the most arduous and longest day lies ahead on the fifth day as we set off to conquer the Dhampus Peak from Kalopani and descend back to our tents at the village after an exhausting 8 to 9-hour hike.

Dhampus Peak Climbing 9 Days Difficulty and Acclimatization

Dhampus Peak is one of the highest peaks that can be climbed without technical equipment or special training. Its height is 6012 meters. The entire route during climbing is walked on scree and snow. The main difficulties you will have to face are physical exertion and altitude; cold and strong winds are also possible.

Close access, a short approach, and an easy route make this peak very popular among novice climbers and simply lovers of active recreation. But despite all this simplicity, we should not forget that mountains are a source of increased danger. Therefore, you need to approach even the simplest ascent with full responsibility and an objective assessment of your strengths.

Our Dhampus peak climbing program is designed for trekkers who love active recreation and want to spend 9 free days in an interesting way. This climb is often recommended in terms of acclimatization before more serious programs. And this is a wonderful addition to any program, be it Everest Base Camp trek, or Island Peak climbing.

Can a beginner climb Dhampus Peak?

Yes, as mentioned above, the peak is a relatively easy peak in Nepal that can be used as an experience gain before undertaking more serious climbs such as to Everest or Ama Dablam. However, physical exertion is one of the risks of this route for which a very good level of fitness and surefootedness is needed. And if you have a high-altitude trekking experience, then it can be an added advantage.

However, you don’t have to worry even if you lack the experience and don’t have the skill of basic mountaineering. During the entire Dhampus Peak climbing program, our professional and licensed climbing guide will accompany you. He will provide you with a little mountain training before attacking the summit.

Our mountain guide has done this tour many times and therefore has enough experience. Even if you are not so experienced mountaineer, he will help with securing you and will also keep a careful eye on you.

Preparation and training about Dhampus Peak Climbing

A trip like Dhampus Peak climbing requires basic training to be able to face it in the best possible shape, in order to enjoy every moment of the adventure. Please physically prepare yourself at least 45 days before your departing date.

Start with cardio training exercises such as cycling, running, and walking at least 2 times a week. You can also engage in some yoga sessions to improve mobility.

We also recommend you plan an outing in the mountains where there can be snow and try to walk with your crampons. It may seem easy but walking with crampons in the sinking snow requires greater effort.

Dhampus Peak Climbing Alternate routes:

If you are willing to extend your Dhampus Peak climbing program by a few extra days, we recommend you integrate some hiking days into your trip. Instead of driving directly from Pokhara to Marpha, consider driving to Tatopani and commencing your trek from there.

This will provide you with sufficient time to acclimate to the high altitude and diverse climate of Marpha. It will also allow you the opportunity to explore the delightful settlements of Ghasa and Larjung.

In our program, we have made a change to avoid crossing Dhampus Pass. Instead, we now take a direct route to the summit from Kalopani. However, if you prefer, you can still choose the classic route and trek from Marpha to Dhampus Pass located at an altitude of 5,244 m. You will spend a night there before proceeding to the summit the next day.

If you are an experienced trekker, you can combine the Dhaulagiri circuit trek with your Dhampus Peak climbing adventure. Another option is to start your trek from Besisahar and make your way through Syange, Thanchok Danda, Chame, Lower Pisang, Manang, Muktinath via Thorong La, and eventually reach Marpha via Kagbeni.

When you return, you may choose to trek from Marpha to Jomsom and then fly back to Pokhara.

Altitude Sickness for Dhampus Peak Climbing

Altitude sickness can occur during this trip. According to our Dhampus Peak Climbing

program, we will transition from 800 m high Pokhara to almost 3000 m high Marpha village within a span of 5 to 6 hours drive. Therefore, our bodies don’t have adequate time to adapt to the diverse atmosphere of the village which is high, arid, and alpine.

Progressively, we go on gaining altitude so you may go through a series of symptoms including headache, dizziness, nausea and/or vomiting, and fatigue.

There are no absolute preventive remedies, altitude sickness can affect anyone, from the most experienced mountaineers to those who climb above 3,500 m for the first time. However, there are precautions that can help such as gradual climb, maintaining a daily water intake of around 3/4 liters above 4,000 m, protecting oneself from cold, and staying away from alcohol.

You can also take the Diuretic Diamox to help you reduce the symptoms. Or, consult our guide and go down till you feel better.

Transportation, Meals, and Drink the Dhampus Peak Climbing 9 Days

We are here to support you every step of the way during your Dhampus peak climbing adventure. Our service includes airport pick-up/ drop transfer to your hotel in Kathmandu, round-trip flights between Kathmandu and Pokhara, and private jeep transportation between Pokhara and Marpha.

You will stay in a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu for two nights and one night in the same standard hotel in Pokhara with breakfast after back from Dhampus Peak Climbing. A complimentary farewell dinner at a cultural restaurant in Kathmandu on your last night in Nepal.

During the trekking and Dhampus Peak Climbing, all meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and tea) will be offered at the lodge or tea house en route. Till Marpha, you can enjoy pastries, pasta, pizza, apple brandy, pie, thukpa, momos, and Dal Vat Tarkari. Beyond Marpha, at Alubari and Kalopani, the camps will be set up by our team who will also prepare a hot meal for you three times a day.

Communication, Gadgets charging, and Internet/wifi

When you are staying in Kathmandu and Pokhara, you won’t encounter any communication issues as both cities offer reliable wi-fi and charging facilities. The wi-fi services are complimentary, and you can conveniently charge your gadgets in your hotel room. Please purchase NTC or NCELL SIM cards in any of these two cities.

Similarly, in Marpha, you can communicate via NCELL or NTC mobile networks. These networks also offer high-speed 4G internet service. However, after Marpha, at Alubari, Kalopani, and the peak summit, the mobile service may become sporadic or even unavailable.

Since we will be staying in tents in these two places, we may not be able to charge our gadgets as well. So charge your power banks when you are in Marpha and carry extra batteries.

Permits for Dhampus Peak Climbing 9 Days

Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) entry permit, Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) card, and Dhampus Peak climbing permit are essential for our Dhampus Peak climbing expedition. Our guide will be responsible for securing these permits on your behalf.