NEPAL TRAVELLER
Dhampus peak, situated at 6,012m, is also known as Thapa peak. It is located in between the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Himalayan range which offers a stunning view of the whole upper Kali Gandaki. The Dhampus peak rises to the north-east side of the great Dhaulagiri Himalayan Range and the north-west from the beautiful Pokhara city. It is categorized as an easy climbing peak of Nepal with straight forward direction and less technical skills.The overwhelming altitude differences between the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges make Dhampus Peak a very exposed spot to observe the scenery. You have to cross the two major high alpine passes that is French Pass at 5360 meters and Dhampus Pass at 5200 meters.
THINGS TO EXPLORE
On summiting the Dhampus peak you will see nearly 30-40 peaks lying in between the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna range. With the close views of Tukuche Peak (6920m) and Dhaulagiri (8167m), you can relish in the journey and scenic pleasure that you are offered. This peak provides you more than thirty snow-capped mountains views like Dhaulagiri I (8163m), Sita Chuchura (6611m), Nilgiri (6940m), Tukuche Peak (6920m), Tilicho peak (7134m), Thorong Peak (6484m), Yakawa Kan (6482m), Putha Hiunchuli (7246m), Mukut Himal (6639m), Tangu Peak (6197m), Hongde peak (6556m), Tsarste (6347m) and more other snow capped mountains and as well as Dhaulagiri glacier and deepest gorge of the world. You can get a clear view of the whole Kali Gandaki region from the top. It is a great peak climbing option in the Annapurna region offering you with the stunning Himalayan views of the Annapurna regions. Along with the natural beauty, the cultural experience during the journey is magnificent as well. The Buddhist faith of the inhabitants along with heart-warming hospitality adds more flavor to the travel.
CLIMBING ROUTE
Dhampus peak can be ascended by short route via Jomsom or by following the entire Dhaulagiri Trek if you want to explore and trek in the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek.
BEST SEASON
Normally, you can climb Dhampus peak in all seasons in Nepal but there are not fixed ropes and ladders as well as the weather changes quickly due to which the from March to May (Spring) and September to November (Autumn) are more suitable for Dhampus Peak Climbing.
TIME DURATION
The total time for completing Dhampus peak climbing takes between 20 to 25 days. If you choose longest route and want to follow different itinerary for more exploration of natural beauty and to experience more, then it will definitely take you more than 25 days to complete your expedition
TOTAL COST
Normally, the cost for an island expedition starts from US $ 2,400 and it can be higher than these if you want yourself to stay in a high class hotel in a single room. So, the exact cost will vary depending upon your stay and services.
REQUIREMENTS
To summit this peak you need to have a high level of physical fitness and moderate level of technical climbing.
Experienced- Climbers should have successfully completed a minimum of 3 Day Mount Rainier or Mount Baker Climb (or have similar experience).
Mental Ability- Climbers must be mentally prepared to deal with strenuous situations at high altitudes. The requirements are also based on your desire to have similarly skilled team members.
Travel Documents: PP size photos, valid passport, insurance paper, family members contact address etc.
Mountaineering equipments- Crampons, Ice axe, Helmet, Harness, Lock and unlock Carabineers, Shovel, Climbing pack, Rope, Ski poles, Jummer, Tapes, Prusik Loops, Rappel device, Hand Warmer etc.
Clothing and Wears- Snow google, Wool cap, Thermal Underwear, Trekking shoes with spare laces, Mountaineering Boots, Gore-Tex pants, Long shorts, Insulated Parka, Jumper, Waterproof Jackets, Down Jacket, Fleece Vest,Neck Gaiter, Gloves etc.
Gadgets- Map, Compass, Camera, GPS, Two way radios, Binoculars, Head Lamp, Flashlight etc.
Other equipment: Sleeping bags, Bag packs, Sun stuff, Medical, Eating and Drinking stuffs, Toiletries, Fleece hats and so on.
PERMIT AND REGULATIONS
For climbing Dhampus Peak, you need to have following permits;
TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System)- NRS 1000 (USD 9) per person if they have come in a group and NRS 2000 (USD 18) per person if they have come individually.
Dhampus Peak Climbing Permit- USD 250 during spring, USD 125 during autumn and USD 70 during winter/summer.
Permit should be taken from Nepal Mountaineering Association since height above 5800m and below 6584m peaks permit are given by them. This permit will be taken by your trekking company and will charge a specific amount of money. Without a valid permit you are not allowed to climb Dhampus Peak. Also, one needs to pay fees for Liaison Officer, his/her insurance, food allowance, Insurance of whole Nepali staff including porters in order to obtain permit and Garbage Deposit at ministry.
RESTRICTIONS
In Nepal, climbing Dhampus Peak imposed certain kind of age, health restrictions and they are;
Age- Minimum 18 and no restriction has been set in upper age till now
Health- Should have a strong body, risk taking mindset and health should be free from any kind of sudden attack diseases.
NOTE: Till now in Nepal, permits to climb mountains in Nepal are issued by Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) to 33 peaks and rest of others permits are issued by the Government of Nepal, Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation.
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