Dhampus faces the mountains across the deep valley of the Modi and Mardi rivers, so it looks at the Annapurna range almost side-on, from Dhaulagiri in the west to Lamjung Himal in the east. Ask your lodge the evening before which spot is best; usually it is the upper village or a small rise above it, 5–15 minutes' walk from most lodges. Lodges in the upper part of the village often have the view straight from their terraces.
Be in place 20 minutes before sunrise. The first light touches the tallest summits, Dhaulagiri and Annapurna I, then slides down to Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre's twin peak. Below, mist often lies in the valleys while smoke rises from village kitchens. Roosters, prayer bells and the clink of milk cans are the soundtrack. In October and November, terraces of ripening millet and rice glow gold in the first light, adding colour to the foreground of your photographs.
October to December gives the most reliable clear mornings; January and February are clear but cold. From March the views soften in haze, though rhododendrons bloom in the forest above the village. After sunrise, breakfast at your lodge before walking down to Phedi, or continue to Australian Camp or towards Pothana. Pack your camera, a warm jacket and a torch the night before so you can leave quickly. On cloudy mornings, wait 20–30 minutes before giving up, as gaps in the cloud are common.
Good for
- Photographers
- Couples
- Families
- Seniors
Questions travellers ask
Which mountains can you see from Dhampus?
On clear mornings: Dhaulagiri far to the west, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Annapurna I, Machhapuchhre, Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal. Mardi Himal is visible on Machhapuchhre's flank. The panorama is widest from the upper village. Views are clearest from October to December.
Dhampus or Australian Camp: which has the better view?
Australian Camp is higher at about 2,060 m and closer to Machhapuchhre, with an open meadow foreground. Dhampus, at about 1,650 m, has a wider panorama including Dhaulagiri on clear days and village houses in the foreground. Doing both on one trek gives you two different sunrises.
Do I need to walk far for sunrise in Dhampus?
No. Most lodges have a mountain view from their terrace, and the best viewpoints in the upper village are 5–15 minutes' walk. Bring a torch for the walk in the dark and a warm jacket, as mornings from December to February are close to freezing.
