Dhampus Trek - 2 days - Kailash Himalaya Trek

Dhampus Trek – 2 days

A short day hike from Pokhara takes you to the mountain away from the city that offers an awesome view of the Himalayan range and local village experience

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Trip Highlights
- Most popular short trek from Pokhara
- View of Annapurna range is spectacular
- Beautiful view of Macchapuchhre all along the trail
- A typical village walk experience
- Trek start from Pokhara: Drive to Dhumpus Phedia – Dhumpus – Descend to Phedi. Drive to Pokhara
Dhumpus village (1700m) is a popular stop for a longer trek to Annapurna Base Camp as well as Ghorepani. Trekkers always find it best to stop for overnight either when starting or ending their trek. This is because of its location. Towards the eastern horizon, you can see the lush green valley with an amazing view of Annapurna range. To the north is a picturesque view of Machhapuchare. The village has not changed much since the early days of trekking except there are more tourists’ lodges. According to 1991 census, it had 547 households and its population was 2753. Now Dhumpus village has turned into a tourist destination of its own right. In this short trek on the trail, you get to see and experience lives of local people doing their daily chores like taking care of their animals, harvesting their crops and carrying heavy loads with straps on their head.

If you are short of time and want to get up in the mountain to experience the village and better views of the Himalayan range the trek to Dhumpus village is the best choice. It is closest to Pokhara. It is best to have at least two days. One day to go up to the ridge, stay overnight and next day return to Pokhara. It is an easy walk. You got to climb up from the base of the hill through the terraced rice field. It takes about 2 hours to climb up to the ridge.
Travel Option:
There are two major routes to Dhumpus.
There are two major routes to Dhumpus. One follows traditional route from Phedi and another starts from Mahendra pul to Astam. Both require an up-hill walk. We can do vice versa. Make it clockwise and descend through Astam village or return through terraced rice field to Phedi.

It is possible to drive to Dhumpus (25 km /1 hour drive)

It is possible to drive to Dhumpus (25 km /1-hour drive); though the gravel road is quite rough. The jeep ride itself is an adventure. Drive to Astam village (1400m) takes about an hour – steep uphill and rough drive; walk to Astam takes about 4 hours easy and uphill. And another 3-hour walk (1-hour drive) to Dhumpus. Return drive from Dhumpus takes less time. (Cost of Jeep is not included in the trip cost)

The trial to and from Astam gives close up view of Machhapuchare peak. It is almost like looking at the peak just outside your window. As you travel along you will see the uninterrupted views of the peak. You will treasure it in your memory. It is definitely a ‘wow!’ experience.

Return through Phedi:
From Dhumpus there is a steep descent through the terraced rice field to the flat floor of the valley made by Ghobang and Yangdi Khola (river). In about 2 hours of leisure walk, we reach the road head at Phedi and take the waiting transport to Pokhara. The drive is about 45 minutes.

Return though Astam:
It is also possible to make a long walk through the village of Astam. There is a comfortable and luxury lodge run by Japanese. It faces the photogenic peak of Machhapuchare. It looms large in front of you. This descends to Milan chowk (road square) in Hyangja. We can catch transport to Pokhara. (Expenses in Astam and trek extension are not included in the cost)
Trek Extension
If you have more time you do have the option to extend your trek to Australian camp. It is at the highest elevation around the area. Its vantage point offer breathtaking view of the entire Annapurna range. Cost of extension is not included in the trip cost.

Short hike and trek can make suitable combination with sightseeing tours, jungle safari and rafting program.A trek or hike on the mountains of Nepal is not a wilderness experience. It is rather a cultural and nature experience. It is a journey through various ethnic cultures, religion and geographical diversity of this small kingdom. There are rich varieties of flora and fauna within a limited area and horizontal distance of 70 km from a lowest elevation of 150 meter to 4848 meter above sea level. The mountains in the middle range are dotted with numerous villages. They are interlinked by footpath. You use these networks of footpath made by local people.
Day 01: Drive to Phedi, trek to Dhumpus, overnight at Lodge/tea house

Meet your guide at the airport or hotel in Pokhara and then drive to Dhumpus Phedi; the drive is about 30 minues – about 35km north west of Pokhara city. You drive through a large Tibetan camp at Hyanjha where local handicraft can be purchased and weaving of Tibetan carpet can be observed. The next village before Phedi is Suikhet. Depending upon weather, physical and logistical condition Suikhet provides alternative route to Dhumpus. The road to Phedi in the Yamdi Khola (river) valley is quite good. From Phedi you start climbing up hill to Dhumpus (1770m). It takes about 2 hour easy walk up the stairs through the terraced rice field. It is a large Gurung village. There are several tea houses and lodge accommodations in this village.

Day 02: Enough time on the mountain, leisurely stroll back to trail head at Phedi or Kande depending upon your mood. Drive to Pokhara.

Get up early to have sunrise over the Himalaya, make a short hike before joining into delicious breakfast, depending upon your mood – make a long hike today also or short hike before you drive to Pokhara.
This trek can be done in reverse direction if climbing up is not your choice.
Trip Cost per person - Private Departure (Based on group size)
- 1 pax: US$199 per person
- 2 pax: US$165 per person
- 3-5pax US$145 per person
- 6-9 pax US$130 per person
Cost Includes:
1. All meals and accommodation in lodge/tea house during the trek.
2. Service of trek guide.
3. Porters to carry personal baggage each 15 kg.)
4. Accident insurance for staffs and porters
5. Private transportation to trek start/end point from Pokhara hotel
Cost Excludes:
1. Personal clothing and sleeping bag
2. Personal accident and health insurance
3. Emergency evacuation and medical-box
4. Alcoholic and bottled beverage, laundry, and tips.
5. Hotel accommodation, sightseeing and meals in Kathmandu
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