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Day 1 Arrive in Kathmandu
Once you perch at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by a team member of Kai Expedition and clear immigration formalities. After completing immigration formalities, you will be transfer to your hotel where you can relax and recover from your journey. In the evening, there will be a brief orientation session to introduce the team, review the itinerary, and ensure you are fully prepared for the adventure ahead. -
Day 2 Sightseeing and trekking preparation
You will focus on final trekking preparation and sightseeing around Kathmandu. The day begins with a gear check and final briefing to ensure you are fully equipped for the Dhampus Pass Trek. Afterward, you will explore some of Kathmandu’s cultural highlights such as the sacred Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Bouddhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, and the historic Kathmandu Durbar Square. It is a perfect blend of practical readiness and cultural immersion before heading into the Himalayas. -
Day 3 Drive to Pokhara
You will leave Kathmandu and embark on a scenic drive to Pokhara. The journey takes approximately 7 to 8 hours, winding through lush hills, terraced fields, and traditional villages alongside the Trishuli and Marsyangdi rivers. Upon arrival in Pokhara, a peaceful lakeside city, you will check into your accommodation and have time to relax or explore the vibrant lakeside area. This marks the beginning of your adventure towards the Dhampus Pass trek. -
Day 4 Short dive to Nayapul from Pokhara and trek to Tikhedunga
In the early, you will have breakfast in Pokhara, and take a scenic drive to Nayapul, the starting point of the trek. From Nayapul, the trail gradually ascends to the charming villages of Tikhedunga, where you will spend the night with an ideal introduction to the Dhampus Pass trek. -
Day 5 Tikhedunga to Ghorepani
The journey begins with a steady ascent from Tikhedunga to Ghorepani. From Tikhedunga, the trail climbs steeply through a stone step, which takes you to Ulleri. From Ulleri, the path winds through lush rhododendron and oak forests, offering scenic views of the surrounding hills and valleys. As you gain altitude, the air becomes cooler and the vegetation denser. After several hours of trekking, you will arrive at Ghorepani, where the day ends with rest and preparation for the early morning hike to Poon Hill. -
Day 6 Poon Hill- Ghorepani -Tatopani
In the early morning, you will hike to Poon Hill to catch the breathtaking sunrise over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. After soaking in the panoramic views, the trail descends back to Ghorepani for breakfast, and then after that, we will continue the trek with a long descent through dense forests and traditional villages towards Tatopani, where you can relax and prepare for the next leg of the journey. -
Day 7 Tatopani to Ghasa
Today, you will trek from Tatopani to Ghasa. As you leave the hot spring of Tatopani behind, the trail ascends gradually through terraced fields, lush rhododendron forests, and traditional Magar villages. You will enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and distant Himalayan peaks as you make your way to Ghasa.
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Day 8 Ghasa to Tukuche
Today’s trek from Ghasa to Tukuche takes you deeper into the Kali Gandaki Valley, offering a dramatic shift in landscapes and climate. The trail follows the river upstream, passing through pine forests, cascading waterfalls, and charming Thakali villages. Once you reach Tukuche, you will end the day at this beautiful historic Thakai village and prepare for the journey ahead. -
Day 9 Tukuche to Yak Kharka
The trek led us from Tukuche to Yak Kharka, a steady ascent through alpine forests and rugged terrain as we moved close to the high Himalayan zone. The trail offered breathtaking views of the Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri ranges, with the landscapes becoming more remote and windswept. As we gained altitude, the air grew thinner and cooler, marking our transition into the high pastureland where yaks graze. After several hours of trekking, we reached Yak Kharka, an ideal place to rest before heading towards Dhampus pass.
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Day 10 Yak Kharka to Dhampus Base Camp
The trek continues from Yak Kharka to Dhampus Base Camp, a journey that takes you deeper into the remote wilderness of the Dhaulagiri region. The trail ascends steadily through rugged terrain, offering panoramic views of surrounding peaks like Tukuche and Dhaulagiri. After several hours of trekking, you arrive at Dhampus Base Camp (around 5200 meters), nestled beneath the towering north face of Dhaulagiri. After perch at Dhampus Base Camp, the team member will set up the camp, where you will take a rest and spend overnight.
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Day 11 Hike to Dhampus Pass and return to Dhampus Base Camp
The trek involves an early morning ascent to Dhampus Pass, a challenging but rewarding climb through snow-covered trails and rocky slopes. The climb offers stunning views of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges, with the vast high-altitude landscapes unfolding around you. Reaching the pass is a significant achievement, often accompanied by strong winds and a true sense of remoteness. After taking in the panoramic view and capturing some photos, you descend carefully back to Dhampus Base Camp, where you rest and recover, surrounded by towering peaks and icy silence. -
Day 12 Dhampus Base Camp to Marpha
The trek from Dhampus Base Camp to Marpha offers a long yet scenic descent through varying landscapes. The trail gradually shifts from alpine terrain to more and, rain-shadow regions as you leave the high mountains behind. You will pass through Yak Kharka and cross several suspension bridges, enjoying stunning views of the Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri ranges. As you descend further, green forests give way to barren hills, and the air becomes warmer and finally at the Marpha, which is the stop point for the day when you can take a rest. -
Day 13 Marpha to Jomsom
The trek from Marpha to Jomsom is a short and relatively easy walking, taking around 2 to 3 hours. The trail follows the Kali Gandaki River through a wide, arid valley, with strong afternoon winds often picking up. This day marks the final leg of the Dhampus Pass Trek, offering a reflective and scenic end to the journey. -
Day 14 Fly black to Pokhara
You will take an early morning flight from Jomsom to Pokhara, where this short flight, typically takes around 20 minutes, marks the end of your trek to Dhampus Pass. Once in Pokhara, you can relax by the lakeside, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere, and take in the dramatic contrast from the high mountain terrain of the past few days. -
Day 15 Drive back to Kathmandu from Pokhara
Today, you will drive back to Kathmandu from Pokhara, a journey of approximately 6 to 8 hours through scenic hills, rivers, and traditional Nepali villages. Along the way to Kathmandu, the drive offers a chance to reflect on your Himalayan adventure while enjoying the diverse landscapes of central Nepal. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you can unwind, explore the city’s vibrant streets, or shop for souvenirs in Thamel. -
Day 16 Departure day
After a final breakfast in the Kathmandu Valley, the team member of Kai Expedition will take you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flights, carrying with you lasting memories of Nepal.