Dhampus / Thapa Peak Climbing & Hidden Valley

When you arrive, meet our TH crew for a courtesy transfer to your hotel in Thamel, a fascinating area with numerous top-notch restaurants, pubs, and bakeries, as well as shopping. 
Our guide will provide information on the journey to the climb of Dhampus, Thapa Peak, and Hidden Valley.

As Kathmandu Valley is home to numerous World Heritage Sites, including the holy Pashupatinath temple, Bouddhanath (Little Tibet), Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) & monasteries, ancient Kings' Palaces, and a courtyard in Kathmandu, our city and cultural guide will lead you around Kathmandu in the morning after breakfast at the designated time. After an interesting sightseeing, return to the hotel to get ready for the trip to Dhampus/Thapa Peak. 

A scenic drive to Pokhara, which takes about 6 hours, is quite interesting and follows the Trisuli River for a while before heading west, offering views of Ganesh and Langtang Himal as it nears Pokhara, with the Annapurna and Manaslu ranges. You can fly there if you prefer, depending on your area of interest. Transfer to a hotel on Lake Phewa (Fewa) in Pokhara, a tourist destination known for its picturesque landscape of mountains and lakes.

Early in the morning, transfer to Pokhara airport for a short flight to Jomsom. The 22-minute flight offers breathtaking views of the massive Mt. Annapurna, Mt. Dhaulagiri, Tukuche, Nilgiri, Lamjung, and the Manaslu Himalayan range. After landing in Jomsom, the Mustang district's administrative centre, treks to Manaslu, Muktinath, and Upper Mustang begin here.

Jomsom town is situated beneath the majestic Tukuche and Nilgiri Himalayas on the famous Annapurna Circuit road. This region is well known for its apples and apple-related products. When you arrive in Jomsom, meet our trekking and expedition staff, then take a short drive to the charming Thakali-inhabited village of Marpha. Because this village is located along the Trans Himalayan Trade Route, which runs through Nepal and Tibet, it is prosperous and well-kept, with whitewashed houses and an old monastery perched above it. Free time in the afternoon to explore this charming Marpha village.

After crossing the high Dhampus or Thapa pass at 5,250 meters, it is crucial to take a day off to allow your body to properly acclimatise before moving on to higher terrain and climbing Dhampus Peak. The mountains of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Tilicho, and Nilgiri are all well visible from this excellent location.

After a relaxing break at Yak Kharka, the morning walk begins with a steep ascent, leaving the vegetation and treeline behind and offering breathtaking views of Dhaulagiri I, Tukuche Peak, and neighbouring mountains across the Kaligandaki River valley. After a strenuous ascent over the Dhampus/Thapa passes at 5,250 meters, the walk becomes gradual for a few hours towards the hidden valley, where the overnight camp will be located, and then resumes a strenuous 4-5 hours to the summit.

Another rest day will be used to prepare for the ascent of Dhampus or Thapa Peak. This valley, on the trek route around Dhaulagiri and crossing the French Pass near Hidden Valley, offers stunning views of the North Face of Dhaulagiri I. To the west, the peaks of Dhaulagiri II (7,751 m), III (7,715 m), and IV (7,618 m) stand towering in the sky, as well

In the morning, hike and climb to set up the high camp with stunning views along the way. In the afternoon, survey the trail while our guide fixes the ropes as needed. After a few hours on the same trail, returning from Yak Kharka and the pass, we arrive at the base or high camp, which is likely the highest campsite of this adventure. Our guide and leader will then scout the area to find the best route for the climb the following morning.

If the weather is good, it can be completed in one day with a lot of effort, reaching the summit of Dhampus Peak at 6,012 meters with a rewarding panorama of surrounding peaks after being well acclimatised and in good physical condition. Climbing begins early, before dawn, following our climbing guide over icy sections and up the rumble of rocks across the moraines, with good support from Team Himalaya's expert climbing guides.

In case of any problems or delays on the way, a reserve or contingency day is provided.
Depending on the weather and the program, it may be possible to transfer to the lower camp or take a break day here to explore this Hidden Valley.

The journey continues after a lovely stay at Hidden Valley, crossing the 5,250 m-high Dhampus Pass. The hike begins in a wide-screen area. It continues for an hour before narrowing and ascending to the high pass at Dhampus Pass at 5,250 meters, which offers views of the deep gorge of the Kali Gandaki Valley and the Annapurna ranges beyond. When you get to the top ridge at Dhampus Pass, you can see Mukut Himal in the distance, while the Hidden Valley is hidden behind the Col. To get to the campsite at Yak Kharka, there is a tricky descent along the rock-covered mountainside. Dhaulagiri's Yak Kharka is a summertime pasture. I am concealed by the size of Tuckche Peak, although Nilgiri and the westernmost portion of the Annapurna massif are visible.

A tricky descent over a winding mountain road from Yak Kharka leads to a ridge from where Dhaulagiri I and the Tukche Peak are once again visible. Today, take the left bank of the Kali Gandaki River up to Marpha Village. Then, take the twisting mountain track that descends to the right side and crosses a stream to arrive at the small village of Alubari, which has a few small stone homes. Continue winding around to the right while remaining stationary, then down the steep zig-zagging mountainside. The final downhill eventually brings you to Marpha's village centre, one of this route's most lovely communities and a place known for its apples and other products. From Marpha, it takes a few hours to reach the big city of Jomsom, the area's administrative centre; the afternoon is left free for leisure.

Transfer to the airport in the morning for the short scenic flight to Pokhara, another highlight of this fantastic journey. Pokhara is regarded as the most beautiful place on earth because of its breathtaking mountain vistas, lush surroundings, and tranquil Lake Phewa.

After a fantastic, unforgettable journey through the high mountains of the Annapurna region, spend the morning taking a beautiful drive to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, be transferred to your hotel of choice, with the afternoon free for your activities.

We have set aside this day for you to relax and take in your final day in Kathmandu. The Kathmandu Valley is home to many World Heritage Sites, including the sacred Pashupatinath Temple, Bouddhanath (Little Tibet), Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) & monasteries, ancient Kings' Palaces, and courtyards.

The final day in Nepal is spent hiking through the Himalayas, climbing Dhampus/Thapa Peak, and exploring Hidden Valley with Team Himalaya. After that, you'll be transferred to the airport for your journey back home or to your next destination.