OVERVIEW
Are you traveling to Nepal for a short holiday? Still willing to hiking? Then Pokhara Dhampus Trek can be your first choice as an exciting short hike around Pokhara Valley and the Annapurna. This hiking route is a combination of Dhampus Village Australian Camp & ASTAM eco-village. The valley is blessed with the majestic view of Mount Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) and other peaks of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Range.
The trek usually starts from Pokhara, a beautiful lakeside city, and leads to Dhampus, a picturesque village situated on a hill overlooking the Pokhara Valley.
Pokhara is a beautiful valley of lakes. Among them, Phewa Lake, International Mountain Museum, Shiva Statue in Pumdikot, and Peace Stupa are the most famous with options to boat and watch a blissful sunset along with the panoramic views of mountains in the north and green hills that loom in from the south. The Dhampus trek adds to the majestic Pokhara as we hike with stunning views of mountains and the rich culture of the valley. Most people visit Pokhara Valley for local sightseeing purposes and trek to Annapurna Base Camp or Poon Hill.
Pokhara Dhampus Trek (1650M) is a beautiful walk to the north of Pokhara City. This hike offers an eye-catching view of Mt Annapurna, Mt. Machhapuchhre, Hiunchuli, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, and other peaks as we hike from touristic Pokhara towards the Gurung Settlement of Dhampus. The next day, we trek towards Sarangkot Hill and spend another night. Sarangkot Hill offers a stunning view of the rising and setting sun along with a bird-eye view of the valley underneath. Our trek ends as we drive back to Pokhara.
This trail takes hikers through the village of culturally rich Gurungs, their daily lifestyle, and traditions. Native Gurungs are farmers and animal herders. We also pass through the dense rhododendron forests, terraced farmlands, and various flora and fauna. Pokhara Dhampus trek is full of stunning panoramic mountain views – Mount Machhapuchhre (6,991m) also known as Fish Tail, Hiunchuli (6,441m), Lamjung Himal (6,993m), Ganesh Himal (7,446m) and Annapurna Range from Dhampus Hill for Sunrise and Sunset are fascinating.
DIFFICULTY LEVEL OF POKHARA DHAMPUS TREK
As for difficulty level, the Pokhara-Dhampus trek is considered to be relatively easy compared to some of the more challenging treks in the region like the Annapurna Circuit or Everest Base Camp trek. Most of the trail is well-marked and doesn't involve steep ascents or high altitudes, making it suitable for beginners and families with children.
However, it's still important to be reasonably fit and prepared for trekking, as there will be some uphill sections and uneven terrain along the way. Additionally, altitude sickness is not a significant concern on this trek since Dhampus sits at a relatively low elevation compared to other trekking destinations in Nepal.
BEST SEASON TO TRAVEL POKHARA DHAMPUS TREK
The best season for the Pokhara-Dhampus trek is typically during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) months. During these times, the weather is generally stable, with clear skies and moderate temperatures, making it ideal for trekking and enjoying the spectacular mountain views.
In the spring, you'll encounter blooming rhododendron forests, adding vibrant colors to the landscape, while autumn offers crisp, clear days with excellent visibility of the surrounding peaks.
