Dhaulagiri Trek

Trip Overview

Dhaulagiri Trek is wild, remote and off-the-beaten trekking in the western region of Nepal beyond the Annapurna region. Dhaulagiri Trekking is a challenging and most rewarding trek with great massif of Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167m) the 7th highest peak of the world. Dhaulagiri Trek provides great massif views of Dhaulagiri ranges and fifteen peaks of above 7,000 meter peaks with magnificent and rewarding, even though trekker need a sense of adventure and an increased ability to deal with unexpected. Trekking in the deep valleys into the Dhaulagiri Himal to the Italian Base Camp and Dhaulagiri north base camp offers a wonderful view of gigantic north face of Dhaulagiri I. The trek goes through big challenging mountain passes, crossing over French pass (5,360 meter) and Thapa Pass (5,200 meter) providing more spectacular views of Dhaulagiri, Thorong peak, Annapurna Ranges and Kali Gandaki River; the world deepest gorge. Trekker walk through cultivated fields connected in the lower parts and to some of the mountain villages while enjoying the shops, teahouses, and lifestyle of the Gurung, Chhetri, and Magar people. During these days you will walk along cobblestone paths, over suspension bridges and through dense forests, enjoying the vistas of some of the world’s most beautiful mountains. Trekking in this region means an exploration of the wild. Recently reopened this thrilling region shows its long kept secrets, like the Gandaki Gorge, the deepest Gorge in the world.

Trip Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu (1300m).

At the airport; you will be meet by representative of our company and transferred to the Hotel, where you will meet us. A pre-trek briefing will be held at approx. 6:00pm to 7:00pm in the evening and is a great opportunity to get acquainted with your fellow group members before heading out to dinner. Welcome dinner at the authentic and typical Nepalese cusine with culutural dance.

Day 02: Full day Guided Tour in Kathmandu valley with City Tour Guide

SWOYAMBHUNATH, also known as the monkey temple, is climbed by a long set of steps and has great views of Kathmandu.
BOUDHANATH STUPA has many traditional Gompas hung with strings of multi-coloured prayer flags; it attracts many Sherpas and Tibetans for the circumambulations of the stupa (koras).
PASHUPATINATH is a Hindu temple with burning Ghats on the banks of the Bagmati River.
KATHMANDU DURBAR SQUARE, which is one of the old capitals of the Kathmandu valley, has a blend of Hindu and Buddhist temples

Day 03: Kathmandu to Babichaur (1,100m)

After breakfast in the hotel we take a bus to the domestic terminal of Kathmandu Airport for the 45 minute flight to Pokhara. Here we board our transport for the 3 - 4 hour journey through a fascinating and lush landscape of emerald green rice paddies and dense forest on the steeper and higher slopes. Travelling deeper into the Annapurrna Himal, we follow the Kali Gandakhi river to the town of Beni and then follow its tributary, the Myagdi Khola, passing several small settlements, to arrive at the small rural town of Darbang where we make our first camp. Approximate altitude of camp is 1100 metres.
Walking duration: 7 Hours
Cumulative Ascend Value: 783 m
Cumulative Descend Value: 145 m

Day 04: Babichaur to Dharapani (1,250m)

The trail continues along the Myagdi Khola passing through several villages before reaching Darbang where we stop for lunch. After we cross the suspension bridge and soon after start the climb to Dharapani. This village is mainly gurung and chettri and has our first view of Dhaulagiri to the north. Overnight camping.
Walking duration: 6 Hours
Cumulative Ascend Value: 783 m
Cumulative Descend Value: 145 m

Day 05: Dharapani to Muri (1,840m)

From Dharapani we walk through Takum and Sibang, these are prosperous villages with many terraced fields mainly growing rice and wheat. Today we pass classic Nepal scenery with traditional villages and mountain views. Many of the men in this area work overseas in the Middle East or in the British and Indian Gurkhas. There are good views of Gurja Himal and Putha Hiunchuli to the west. After crossing Dhara Khola on a suspension bridge we continue to Muri, most of the people living in this village are Magar community. Overnight camping.
Walking duration: 6 Hours
Cumulative Ascend Value: 693 m
Cumulative Descend Value: 396 m

Day 06: Muri to Bagar (2,080m)

From Muri we descend steeply to the bridge crossing over the Muri Khola. After passing through dense bamboo stands the trail enters a number of clearings with fields and farmhouses. Further north the valley steepens and the trail is exposed in places. We camp in the grounds of the primary school in this village. Overnight camping.
Walking duration: 7 Hours
Cumulative Ascend Value: 1039 m
Cumulative Descend Value: 795 m

Day 07: Bagar to Dobang (2,520m)

Myagdi valley is usually wet as a result of its north to south orientation, as clouds approach from India they are forced up by Mount Dhaulagiri at the end of the valley causing precipitation. You should expect to get some rain in the afternoons although usually clears off again in the evening. It is for this reason that there is lush sub-tropical forest in Myagdi valley up to Sallighari camp, be careful walking here as it is often slippery especially over tree roots. From Boghara the trail follows the west bank of Myagdi Khola through an undulating trail in forest. Look up to the cliffs high above the trail there are large bee’s nests where villagers collect honey. We stop for lunch at Lipshe at 2,080m then afterwards we continue walking in forest until we get to a clearing in the forest at Dobang with several teahouses and campsite. Overnight camping.
Walking duration: 7 Hours
Cumulative Ascend Value: 892 m
Cumulative Descend Value: 503 m

Day 08: Dobang to Sallaghari (3,070m)

The trail continues through dense, lush vegetation of ferns, bamboo and rhododendrons. We cross to the east bank of the Myagdi Khola on a new cantilever bridge and then camp at a clearing in the forest at Sallaghari. Overnight camping.
Walking duration: 5 Hours
Cumulative Ascend Value: 680 m
Cumulative Descend Value: 130 m

Day 09: Sallaghari to Italian BC (3,660m)

From Sallaghari we walk through Pine trees, Rhododendron, Birch, once above the tree line heather, juniper and azaleas. The trail traverses through forest and then climbs to a grassy area on the lateral moraine where Italian Base Camp is located. High above camp is the impressive west face of Dhaulagiri with Tsaurabong Peak visible on the other side of the valley. Overnight camping.
Walking duration: 4 Hours
Cumulative Ascend Value: 1310 m
Cumulative Descend Value: 230 m

Day 10: Acclimatization day

Today we can go for a walk to explore around Italian Base Camp or relax in camp. This day is essential for acclimatisation before ascending further in altitude towards main Dhaulagiri Base Camp. Overnight camping.

Day 11: Italian BC to Japanese BC (4,200m)

Today is a shorter walk although essential for acclimatization process unlike most other itineraries we believe in having two nights at Glacier Camp located between Italian Base Camp and main Dhaulagiri Base Camp (otherwise going from 3,660m to 4,740m will result in altitude sickness). From Italian Base Camp the trail descends steeply down lateral moraine to gain the glacier, in the past we have fixed a rope here to help the group and trek crew. We cross the glacier and then traverse along the moraine on the left side of the Chonbarden gorge. We walk along talus in the impressively narrow Chonbarden gorge to the snout of the Chonbarden glacier and then continue for another hour to Glacier camp. There are a number of ledges leveled in the ice of the glacier for our tents. Overnight camping.
Walking duration: 4 Hours
Cumulative Ascend Value: 695 m
Cumulative Descend Value: 124 m

Day 12: Japanese BC to Dhaulagiri BC (4,780m)

We follow a rough trail along the moraine covered glacier to Dhaulagiri Base Camp. From Base Camp the view is impressive with Dhaulagiri I, Tukuche Peak and Little Eiger and further to the west lays Dhaulagiri II (7,751m) and IV (7,618m). One can also see the start of the climbing route through the icefall. In season there are likely to be expeditions camped on the moraine strip at Base Camp. Overnight camping.
Walking duration: 4 Hours
Cumulative Ascend Value: 495 m
Cumulative Descend Value: 43 m

Day 13: Cross French Pass (5,360m). Trek to Hidden Valley (5,080m)

After an early breakfast we walk out of Base Camp along the moraine strip to cross over to the left hand side of the Upper Chonbarden glacier. A high lateral moraine ridge is visible further up the valley; we gain this by following a steep trail across the screen and talus. Once on the lateral moraine ridge there are superb views back down the valley to Dhaulagiri I and Tukuche Peak. At a large cairn on the lateral moraine ridge we turn off to make the final ascent to French pass .The approach to the pass is up easy angled snow slopes and as usual in Nepal the top is marked by Buddhist prayer flags and cairns. The view from the summit of the pass is superb with Sita Chuchura, the peaks of the Mukut Himal, Tashi Kang, Tukuche Peak and of course Dhaulagiri I. The descent from pass is on moderate snow slopes as we enter Hidden Valley. After a long descent you arrive to camp next to the river not far from the base of Dhampus Peak. You will notice once crossing into Hidden Valley there is only sparse vegetation of isolated patches of moss and grass as this area is now in an area affected by the rain shadow effect of Dhaulagiri. Overnight camping.
Walking duration: 7 Hours
Cumulative Ascend Value: 690 m
Cumulative Descend Value: 223 m

Day 14: Cross Thapa Pass (5,244m). Trek to Thapa Peak BC (4,930m)

This is a long day and by far the toughest on Dhaulagiri Circuit trek. After an early start from camp we start the climb up a moderate snow slope to gain Dhampus pass. There are fine views of Dhampus Peak to the left of the pass and to the right the beautiful ice flutings of Tukuche Peak. From the summit of the pass the trail descend pass for about 100m before start to traverse left into Kali Gandaki valley. Depending on the snow and ice conditions crampons may be needed for group & porters at this point. There is a very long traverse on snow usually taking about four hours before starting the steep descent to Yak Kharka. Throughout this traverse there are stunning views of Nilgiri and the western end of the Annapurna Massif. Overnight camping.
Walking duration: 7 Hours
Cumulative Ascend Value: 164 m
Cumulative Descend Value: 314m

Day 15: Thapa Peak BC to Yak Kharka (3,680m)

There is a very long traverse on snow usually taking about five hours before starting the steep descent to Yak Kharka. Throughout this traverse there are stunning views of Nilgiri and the western end of the Annapurna Massif. Overnight in Yak Kharka.
Walking duration: 5 Hours
Cumulative Ascend Value: 1082 m
Cumulative Descend Value: 2332 m

Day 16: Yak Kharka to Jomsom (2,670m)

There is a long descent today to the village of Marpha located in the Kali Gandaki valley. Marpha village has a Buddhist monastery, Tibetan whitewashed houses and paved streets. It is also famous for its apple orchards so well worth stopping here to get a glass of apple juice at one of the lodges. In Jomsom is the best place in town located opposite the airport. After hot showers you can explore Jomsom, check emails then in the evening the cooks will produce a special last meal together. Later on we will hand out tips to our crew as a thank you for all their hard work throughout the trek. Overnight: teahouse lodge.
Walking duration: 6 Hours
Cumulative Ascend Value: 50 m
Cumulative Descend Value: 1233 m

Day 17: Jomsom to Pokhara (820m)

An early morning we will take a short picturesque flight to Pokhara. The view of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountains and world’s deepest gorge, Kali Gandaki is stunning. Relax whole day in Hotel or wander around Lake Side with fascinating mountains panorama view and nature charming. Explore the various interesting places like Mahendra Cave, David’s fall and the various lakes of course.

Day 18: Pokhara to Kathmandu

After breakfast, we leave the beautiful lake city of Pokhara and drive towards Kathmandu. After reaching Kathmandu, we have the rest of the day off to rest or do some souvenir shopping.

Day 19: Free day in Kathmandu for self shopping and other activities

20: Transfer to Kathmandu International airport for departure

Cost Include

Airport pick up/drops on private vehicles
Full day Sightseeing in Kathmandu valley with all entrance and monuments fees.
4 nights Hotel accomodation in Kathmandu at twin sharing room on BB plan (Bed & Breakfast)
Domestic airfare:Kathmandu to Pokhara and Jomsom to Pokhara
Private Land Transportation: Kathmandu to Babichaur and Pokhara to Kathmandu
Completely camping trekking with full board i.e. breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Twin sharing tented accommodation and camping equipments and Kitchen equipments
Mattress, Toilet tent, shower, Dinning tent, dining tables, chairs etc.
Annapurna Conservation Area project (ACAP) entrance fees and TIMS card
1 Night Hotel accomodation in Pokhara at twin sharing room on BB plan (Bed & Breakfast)
First aid and medical kits
English Speaking Trekking Guide, Assistant Guide, Cook, assistant cook and Porters
Accidental and medical Insurance of Nepalese staffs
All government taxes and official charges.

Cost Non-Includes

Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara
Rescue/ emergence and insurance cost
Beverage and hard drinks and alcohol
Nepal entry visa fee and airport tax during the departure.
Personal equipments and personal expenses.
In case of natural calamities i.e. political unrest, cancellation of flight due to weather, landslides etc the extra charge should be born by themselves.

Dhaulagiri Trek

Trip Overview

Itinerary

Includes/Excludes

Cost & Dates

Useful Info

Trip Overview

Trip Itinerary

Cost Include

Cost Non-Includes

Departure Date and Cost

Useful Info

Trip Facts

Quick Inquiry Form

Trekking in Nepal