Dhampus peak expedition

What is the Dhampus Peak Expedition?

Dhampus Peak, also known as Thapa Peak, stands at 6,012 metres in the Dhaulagiri region of Nepal, positioned on the remote boundary between Upper Mustang and Upper Dolpo, northeast of Dhaulagiri itself. Classified as a Group B trekking peak by the Nepal Mountaineering Association, Dhampus Peak is widely regarded as one of the most accessible 6,000m summits in Nepal, non-technical in nature, with altitude rather than climbing difficulty as the main obstacle.

AltiPro's Dhampus Peak Expedition follows the Kali Gandaki valley from Jomsom through Marpha and Kagbeni before crossing the Dhampus (Thapa) Pass at 5,244m to Base Camp at approximately 5,100m. High Camp is established at around 5,600m for the summit push. From the summit, the descent continues over the high Thorong La pass at 5,416m toward Muktinath and the Manang side of the Annapurna Circuit, linking two of Nepal's classic high passes into a single expedition. The trip spans 19 days from Kathmandu to return.

Dhampus Peak is rated Moderate. No prior 6,000m experience is required, but AltiPro recommends previous high-altitude trekking above 5,000m and comfort with crampons, ice axe, and jumar for the summit push from High Camp. The main demand is sustained altitude exposure across two high passes rather than technical climbing.

About Dhampus Peak — Thapa Peak on the Roof of the Mustang Borderlands

Dhampus Peak sits on the remote ridge separating Upper Mustang and Upper Dolpo, flanked by Tukuche Peak and the Dhaulagiri massif. The approach follows the Kali Gandaki gorge, the deepest in the world, through Marpha and Kagbeni, and can be combined with a visit into Upper Mustang or linked to the wider Dhaulagiri Circuit depending on the season and route AltiPro selects.

The name “Thapa Peak” is used interchangeably with Dhampus Peak across most Nepali operators and the NMA permit system itself; there is no separate Thapa Peak summit, so the two names refer to the same 6,012m climb. This is different from naming situations on peaks like Lobuche or Chulu, where East and West or East and Far East refer to genuinely distinct summits.

From the summit, climbers look out across one of the widest high-altitude panoramas available on any Nepal trekking peak: Dhaulagiri I, Annapurna I, Nilgiri, Tukuche Peak, Tilicho Peak, and Machhapuchhre, with the arid folds of Upper Mustang visible to the west.

Why Choose AltiPro Adventures for Dhampus Peak?

The Thapa Pass Route (6,012 m)

The standard route on Dhampus Peak follows the Kali Gandaki valley before crossing the Thapa Pass to Base Camp, with the option to continue over the Thorong La on descent for a genuine two-pass Himalayan crossing.

How Difficult is the Dhampus Peak Expedition?

Dhampus Peak is graded Moderate and is considered non-technical for a 6,000m summit, with no advanced climbing skills required. The main challenges are sustained altitude exposure across the Thapa Pass, Base Camp, and the Thorong La, plus long trekking days through remote terrain on the Mustang borderlands.

Best Season for the Dhampus Peak Expedition

Spring (March–May): Stable pre-monsoon conditions on the Kali Gandaki approach, with clear views across the Mustang borderlands. Mustang sits in a rain shadow, so trail conditions are generally reliable.

Autumn (September–November): Crisp post-monsoon conditions with excellent visibility for the summit and the Thorong La crossing. October is considered the ideal month. AltiPro operates both seasons, contact for current dates.

Dhampus Peak Expedition Cost

Dhampus Peak Expedition — Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about climbing Dhampus Peak with AltiPro Adventures.