Dhampus Sarangkot Trek – 3 Days

Weather and Best Season

The Dhampas Sarangkot Trek can be done most of the months of the year, although there are seasons with a better view of the mountains and clear weather. This trek can be best undertaken in spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). Each of these months is typically the stabilization period, the tracks are often dry, and the mountainous landscape is quite clear.

During the spring, the hills bordering the Dhampus valley are covered in the flowers of rhododendron of many colors. The trees are green and cheerful, and it is sunny in the daytime. Autumn is cool and fresh, and it follows after the monsoon season. The Annapurna and Dhauligiri ranges can be clearly seen with the sunrise viewed at Sarangkot.

The walk can be made at any other season, but the weather may vary. There are the monsoon months (June to August), when there is heavy rainfall, and the trails get muddy, thus obscuring the mountain views. The winters (December-February) are less noisy; however, mornings and evenings may be chilly, particularly at Dhampus at 1,650 m (5,413 ft).

Nomad Adventure Treks assists the trekkers in selecting the most suitable travel dates and time to have the most favorable weather and a clear sunrise.

Difficulty and Altitude Sickness

The Dhampas Sarangkot Trek is easy and less challenging. It is suitable for those travelers who are interested in seeing Himalayan landscapes without having to walk on very high altitude. The track is largely through the clear village lanes, wood tracks, and rock steps which join the old hill villages.

The walking hour range between 2 and 6 hours based on the path. The hike from Dhampus and Sarangkot is normally the longest and spans a distance of 6-7 hours of steady walking in the villages and terraced hillsides. The journey should be easy for trekkers who will be able to walk without any problems on the hills and stairs.

The issue of altitude sickness is not common on this route as the hike does not exceed 1,650 m (5,413 ft) in Dhampus and 1,600 m (5,249 ft) in Sarangkot. These are significantly lower than most of the trekking trails in the Himalayas.

Nevertheless, one should not hurry too much when walking, consume plenty of water, and have frequent rest periods. Guides of the Nomad Adventure Treks look after the speed of the group and make sure that they have a pleasant and safe trek.

Food and Drink

Foods during the Dhampus Sarangkot Trek are basic, fresh, and hearty. The guesthouses in the area will cook food for the trekkers using food that has been cultivated in the nearby villages. This presents the visitor with an opportunity to experience the traditional Nepali cuisine with the mountainous view.

Dal bhat is the most famous meal, and it consists of rice, lentil soup, vegetables, and, in some cases, pickles. The other popular ones are noodles, fried rice, vegetable curry, eggs, soups, pancakes, and momos (dumplings). These are meals that are good energy providers for hiking from Dhampus of 1,650 meters (5,413 feet) to Sarangkot of 1,600 meters (5,249 feet).

The trekkers are advised to consume enough safe water along the way. It is advisable to carry a reusable bottle. Purification of water can be done through tablets, a filter, or a UV purifier. The lodges along the trail provide boiled water.

A local milk tea is one of the popular beverages on the trail, and it keeps one warm in the cool mornings. In case of special needs, including dietary needs, you are advised to notify Nomad Adventure Treks ahead of time before the trip in order to enable the lodges to prepare the appropriate meals.

Insurance, Visa, and Permits

Travelers must have a couple of essential travel documents before they begin the Dhampus Sarangkot Trek. A very good recommendation is travel insurance. Although the journey goes to moderate levels, such as Dhampus at 1,650 m (5,413 ft), accidents or abrupt diseases may occur anytime one is outdoors. Trekking activities, medical attention, and emergency evacuation should be insured.

The majority of foreign visitors require a visa to enter Nepal. Visitors may either get a visa online in advance or get a visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. It is typically an easy process and involves a passport and visa fee.

Many of the trekking routes in Nepal require a TIMS card (Trekkers’ Information Management System) for trekkers. This card assists in the monitoring of trekkers and enhances security in the mountains.

When you opt Dhampus Sarangkot Trek from Nomad Adventure Treks, we assist in arranging the permits and documents needed. During the trek, you should always have your permits since they can be checked along the way.

Health & Safety

The Dhampus Sarangkot Trek is not risky, but health and safety remain critical despite the fact that the trail is easy. The trail entails the use of stone steps, forest, and village trails, which may become slippery after rain or dew in the early mornings.

Hiking shoes that are comfortable and have a good grip are quite beneficial when walking on stair areas around villages such as Dhampus at 1,650 m (5,413 ft). A small daypack containing water, sunscreen, a hat, and a warm jacket to be worn during chilly mornings, especially around Sarangkot, 1, 600 m (5, 249 ft), should also be carried by the trekkers.

Moderate and slow walking will help to prevent your knees from hurting and keep your energy high all day. In case you are tired or sick, you’d better rest and tell your guide.

You should show respect for animals and people on the trail. It is advisable not to get too close to dogs, donkeys, and livestock.

Nomad Adventure Treks guides take care of the safety of the group and assist the trekkers to overcome minor obstacles on the way.

Transportation

The Dhampas Sarangkot Trek has very easy transportation since the trail begins and ends around Pokhara, which is one of Nepal’s tourist hubs. Pokhara is located approximately 822 m (2,697 ft) along the shore of the beautiful Phewa Lake.

The first day of the trek includes a brief vehicle ride from Pokhara to Phedi (approximately 1,130 m, 3,707 ft). The drive can be roughly 40 minutes, and it cuts through tiny villages and verdant hills. The trekking path starts at Phedi and leads to the village of Dhampus.

Having spent some time in Dhampus and hiking along picturesque trails of the ridge, the trek proceeds to Sarangkot at 1,600 m (5,249 ft), a popular viewpoint of Pokhara Valley.

On the last day, trekkers walk most of the time downwards, starting at Sarangkot and back to Pokhara. The walk down is approximately 2 to 3 hours and ends at the lakeside.

The Nomad Adventure Treks coordinates with the transportation of the trekkers so that your trip from Pokhara to the trailhead would be comfortable.

Your Extra Expenses

When you take the Dhampus Sarangkot Trek with Nomad Adventure Treks, most of the main services, including accommodation, meals, and even guide support, are pre-planned. Nevertheless, you are supposed to have some spare money to use during the trek.

The village guesthouses charge a little to take a hot shower, an extra snack, or drinks. You can also consider purchasing tea, coffee, and desserts during the hike from Dhampus at 1,650 m (5,413 ft) to Sarangkot at 1,600 m (5,249 ft).

Villages do have small stores that sell chocolates, biscuits, and bottled drinks. Carrying Nepalese rupee in small notes is good as the country lodges in the rural areas might not accept the big bills.

You can also use some money on optional activities. Paragliding is offered from Sarangkot to Pokhara, an adventure tour that is expensive and weather-dependent.

Most tourists also tip their guide and purchase souvenirs in the villages to aid the society.

Language & Communication

The language used in the Dhampus Sarangkot Trek is an indication of the cultural diversity of the Pokhara region. In most villages, people speak Nepali, which is the main language used for daily communication and local businesses.

The Gurung language is also spoken in numerous communities in the trail, particularly in such villages as Dhampus at 1,650 m (5,413 ft). One of the principal ethnicities in this area, and possessing a rich culture, is the Gurung people.

In Pokhara, English is commonly spoken in most of the guesthouses. Basic English is commonly used by the lodge owners and staff to interact with the trekkers regarding meals, rooms, and directions.

You can have more fun in Dhampas Sarangkot Trek by learning some basic Nepali phrases. To illustrate, Namaste translates as hello, Dhanyabad translates as thank you, and Mitho cha translates as delicious.

Nomad Adventure Treks guides assist in translation and cultural clarification, and people find it easier and more significant to communicate with local communities.

Mobile Network, Internet, and Charging facilities

Mobile connectivity is generally good during the Dhampus Sarangkot Trek; however, it is not as fast and stable as in urban areas. Since the trek remains near Pokhara, there are still numerous places that get mobile signal.

Higher reception is common in the villages such as Sarangkot at 1,600 m (5,249 ft), which overlook the Pokhara Valley. Most of the guesthouses offer electricity, and the trekkers are able to charge phones, cameras, and any other gadgets.

There are lodges that have Wi-Fi, and the speed of the internet may fluctuate depending on the weather and the number of people using the same. Before the trek, it is useful to download maps and other important documents.

Bringing a power bank is advisable in case you generally want to capture a lot of photographs on the trek. Cold mornings and evenings can drain your phone battery faster, so keep your electronic devices inside your jacket pocket to help preserve the battery.

Nomad Adventure Treks suggests buying a local SIM card in Pokhara to be connected.

Don’ts on This Trip

It is important to note that although the Dhampus Sarangkot Trek is a great activity, there are some basic rules that should be observed by the tourists so as to conserve the environment and avoid offending the locals. Responsible trekking helps in ensuring that the beauty of the area is maintained for visitors in the future.

Do not hurry when walking up a hillside on the steps or down a country path. Slow and gradual walking helps to save your knees, and you can appreciate the beauty in the places of Dhampus (1,650 m / 5,413 ft) and Sarangkot (1,600 m / 5,249 ft).

Do not litter the path. Take the wrappers and plastic waste back to Pokhara, and carry refillable water bottles whenever feasible.

The use of a drone without authorization is prohibited in numerous trekking sites. A drone can’t be carried out without special permission.

Respect the local culture; do not play loud music around households, schools, or temples. Always seek permission when taking close-up photographs of people.

Nomad Adventure Treks urges trekkers to act responsibly and treat the environment and the local people with respect.

Cultural Festivals on the Trip

Your Dhampus Sarangkot Trek can become even more colorful if your visit happens during local festivals and cultural celebrations. There are numerous traditional Nepali festivals that are practiced all year round in the Pokhara area and the other villages that are situated along the hills.

Among the most significant festivals is Dashain, which is approximately two weeks long and is celebrated by the family together, with the blessings of the older age groups. Family gatherings and traditional rituals make many villages, such as Dhampus at 1,650 m (5,413 ft), busy.

Tihar, or the festival of lights, is another significant festival. During this 5-day festival, oil lamps and colored lights are used to adorn the homes and temples.

Haritalika Teej is a festival celebrated mostly by women through singing, dancing, and fasting. It normally takes place in August.

Travelers can also observe the festival of colors, Holi, that takes place during spring. In the case your travel dates coincide with these festivals, Nomad Adventure Treks will assist you in discovering the traditions and experiencing the cultural environment without any inconveniences.

Tips for First-Time Visitors

Dhampus Sarangkot Trek is a good introduction to trekking in Nepal, particularly in case a visitor is a first-time trekker who wants to enjoy mountain scenery without long hikes. The trail provides the balance in nature, culture, and comfortable stays in the village.

Use trekking shoes that are broken in. When walking across stone steps around Dhampus, new shoes might lead to blisters.

Less is more when packing, but it is better to carry layers so that you can feel comfortable. Mornings in Sarangkot at 1,600 m (5,249 ft) can be chilled whereas afternoons can be hot.

Take water frequently and also have some small snacks as you walk to maintain a constant level of energy. A hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses are also good, as the sunlight of the mountain is very strong.

The Dhampus Sarangkot Trek is further an educational and thrilling travelling experience since guides with the Nomad Adventure Treks offer useful insights on the local culture, farm life, and village culture.