Most tourists visiting Nepal will make sure they spend a couple of days in Pokhara. Many will surely extend their stay to take a sojourn around the region, since Pokhara is a sort of gateway to many attractive trekking destinations. One such is Dhampus (1,770 m), a small village inhabited by mostly Gurungs, and some 23 km north-west of Pokhara. Dhampus once had the distinction of being the only gateway to many popular treks such as the ones to Ghandruk, Ghorepani, and Poon Hill, as well as to the most popular one of them all, the Annapurna Base Camp (the famous ABC trek). Treks to Machapucchre Base Camp, Annapurna Sanctuary, Jomsom, and Mustang are also equally popular treks that once began from Dhampus.The hike to Dhampus begins with a drive down to Phedi (45 min) on the road leading to Baglung. From this starting point, the trail winds its way uphill through scenic terraced fields (a regular feature in the hilly areas), some forests, and picturesque little villages. On the way, you will come across stone steps spiraling steeply upwards that are a challenge, no less, to climb. The trek, on the whole, is moderately tough, and sure to give you a good deal of healthy exercise. However, on arriving at Dhampus, you’ll find that the effort has been worth it. The thought might also cross your mind that, sometimes, it is not the journey but the destination that is more important.
