The village is located on the crest of a hill and is surrounded by verdant woods and acres and acres of fields swaying with millet and corn. The rice terraces on the hillsides add to the charm. It’s as good a representation of Nepal’s lovely mountain villages as any you will find in the country. The highlight of the village is, however, something far greater—the splendid views of the Annapurna range (Annapurna I: 8,091 m; Annapurna II: 7,937 m; Annapurna IV: 7,525 m); and Dhaulagiri (7th highest peak in the world at 8,167 m) and Manaslu (8th highest at 8,156 m). You might think that just being able to see these magnificent mountains is a blessing. However, there’s more. You’ll also be able to see Hiunchuli (6, 441 m), Lamjung Himal (6,586 m), Macchapucchre (6,993 m), and Ganesh Himal (7,446 m).Most of the houses are slate-roofed and built of mud and stone, and one thing you’ll notice immediately is that there’s no dearth of lodges and eateries in the village. Most visitors make it a point to spend at least one night here, the reason being that the towering Himalayan peaks are best viewed at sunrise, when there are no clouds to hamper your vision. And, not to forget, you get to see a sunrise unlike anything you have seen before. As the sun rises from behind tall mountains, the first rays strike the lofty peaks, turning them a warm golden color. It’s a sight to die for, so make sure you get up even before the first light of dawn. You don’t want to miss this!
A night-halt at the village also gives you a good opportunity to experience the lifestyle of the locals and partake of their generous hospitality. The Gurungs are world famous for their courage under fire, with many of their clan earning high honors in great wars around the world. The British were the first to recognize their prowess in battle, and thus, many of them were recruited in the British Army. They are no less acclaimed for their sense of humor as well as for their warm hospitality. So, all in all, you’ll be in good company when in Dhampus.
