The Dhaulagiri massif in Nepal extends 120 km from the Kaligandaki River west to the Bheri. This massif is bounded on the north and southwest by tributaries of the Bheri River and on the south-east by Myagdi Khola. Dhaulagiri is the seventh highest mountain in the world at 8,167 meters above sea level and the highest mountain within the borders of a single country (Nepal). It was first climbed on May 13, 1960, by a Swiss/Austrian/Nepali expedition. Dhaulagiri is also the highest point of the Gandaki river basin.
The Dhaulagiri massif in Nepal extends 120 km from the Kaligandaki River west to the Bheri. This massif is bounded on the north and southwest by tributaries of the Bheri River and on the south-east by Myagdi Khola. Dhaulagiri is the seventh highest mountain in the world at 8,167 meters above sea level and the highest mountain within the borders of a single country (Nepal). It was first climbed on May 13, 1960, by a Swiss/Austrian/Nepali expedition. Dhaulagiri is also the highest point of the Gandaki river basin.
Trekking in Dhaulagiri provides massive mountains range of Dhaulagiri consisting of fifteen 7000 meter peaks is magnificent. Trekking off the main paths is not only possible but can be immensely rewarding, though you do need a sense of adventure and an increased ability to deal with unexpected. Geographically, it is a land of dramatic contrast. Trekking around the giant Himalayan Peak Dhaulagiri (8th highest Himalayan Peaks of the world) is one of the most challenging treks. The trek goes through big challenging mountain passes, crossing over French pass (5360 meters) and Thapa Pass (5200 meters); It is a challenging walk on an icy track. The massive mountains range of Dhaulagiri consisting of fifteen 7000 meter peaks is magnificent. Trekking off the main paths is not only possible but can be immensely rewarding, though you do need a sense of adventure and an increased ability to deal with unexpected. Geographically, it is a land of dramatic contrast.
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 !! Dhaulagiri means “white mountain” though many mountains over the world have names which translate to the white mountain, this is, without a doubt, the most astonishing one.
After arriving at the Tribhuwan International Airport, you are welcomed by the team member and then you will be transferred to the nearby hotel in Kathmandu. We then check-in at the hotel, freshen up and take a rest. You will be provided with dinner also. Overnight in Kathmandu.
After your breakfast, you drive to Beni. The drive should take 8-9 hours and you’ll find most of the scenery very enjoyable. Overnight at Guesthouse, meals included.
We start our Dhaulagiri trekking along the Kali Gandaki River from Beni. Continue along the road past lush green rice fields, multicolored butterflies, and huge nightmarish spider webs. Pass by the villages of Mangalghat, Singa, and Tatopani. Crossing Tara khet, climb over a small ridge to Babiyachaur.
Today, our trail crosses the terraced hills; Shahashadhara village Dudh Khola Ratorunga village. Tha river bank at Phedi offers a fine picnic spot. Cross the Danyga Khola on a big suspension bridge and grind up a series of steep switchbacks. Dharapani offers a good view of Dhaulagiri IV and V and Gurja Himal.
The path goes steeply up to Muri. From here you have the spectacular views of Mt Dhaulagiri and other mountains very closely.
From Muri, the trail is easy and goes down for a few hours. After that, you’ll have some steep climb path to Boghara.
The trail descends down to a small ridge then crosses forest to Jyardan. Descend a long, steep, slippery stone staircase into a deep bamboo and rhododendron forest to the village of Dovan. Overnight stay at the guest house.
You will reach the Italian Base Camp where you will camp just in front of the West wall of the Dhaulagiri. You’ll pass through beautiful forests trail and with the closer views of mountains panorama to Upper vungini which is the Italian Basecamp.
The day is a rest day for the further climbs. You will have a little bit of hiking around or some sorts of exercises. Since, we are rapidly gaining altitude, keep yourself hydrated and take it easy.
Today you’ll make use of ropes for the crossing of glaciers in some tricky places. This part is a bit a dangerous trail so be careful and have patience. Set your camp beyond the glacier.
We will have climb to the rough and chilling part of this trek with the spectacular view of Dhaulagiri all the way. Enjoy the magnificent face of Dhaulagiri I on the trail. We reach the Dhaulagiri Base Camp at the height of 4650m or 15252ft.
Getting off the glacier above the base camp often requires a rope, but once over the steep moraine walls, we are in a safer and gentler country. After a breathless climb to the top of French Col (5300m,) the views of Hidden Valley open out. The broad valley is reminiscent of Tibet and Ladakh and so are the temperatures, at least -20ºC at night.
This is another rest day to admire the surrounding peaks and perhaps do some exploring in the hidden valley. A hidden snow valley gives you a heavenly test of the white world.
After climbing over the 5200m Dhampus Pass, we traverse avalanche prone slopes and then descend steeply to Yak Kharka. The Dhampus Pass between Tukuche peak and Thapa peak is another heaven in the trip.
From Yak Kharka we descend along the flank of the mountain to once again reach civilization. Marpha is the main inhabitants of the ethnic group of Thakalis favorite amongst the trekkers. It has kept its traditional narrow paved alleys and passageways and an extensive drainage system flows under the flagstone-paved street.
The next day trail follows the Kaligandaki River through the narrow gorge, passing through traditional Thakali villages. You can visit the red-roofed Taglung Gompa, on a hillside beside a huge sacred tree. The village of Ghasa marks a cultural and ecological milestone. We spend our night here in Ghasa.
A lovely day walks along Kaligandaki riverside, gradually ascending with the transition into subtropical vegetation. Very interesting suspension bridges to be crossed which gives you the exciting sense of trekking. Tatopani is famous for natural hot springs – you can have time for a hot Scrub-up.
The trail descends steeply through dense moss-covered rhododendron forest with rich bird life. We pass some small villages and walk alongside the Ghaja Khola. It’s about 7-8 hours work all the way up to Ghorepani. Ghorepani provides an unobstructed view of the sunrise over the high Himalayas.
Early morning trek up to Poonhill, One of the best Himalayan viewpoints in Nepal Poonhill provides an unobstructed view of the sunrise over the high Himalayas. From Poonhill one can enjoy the spectacular view of Dhaulagiri I (8167m), Tukuche Peak Nilgiri (6940m), Annapurna South, Annapurna I (8091m), Hiunchuli (6441m) and Tarke Kang (7193m), Gangapurna (7454m), Lamjung Himal (6986m), Mt Fishtail ( Machhapuchhare 6997m), Tent Peak and many more High Himalayas. Trek down to Ghorepani and after breakfast start downhill trekking to Hille.
We start our journey to Pokhara from Hille (1510m) early morning. The trail follows the main street of Birethanti, winding through the bamboo forests and past waterfalls with plunge pools appealing you for a refreshing swim. From Nayapul you’ll have the car drive for about 1 and half hour through large village Lumle to Pokhara city.
You can take a fight or take a drive to Kathmandu. You can have a very relaxing rest at the hotel. In the evening you can have your last night in Nepal enjoying the Nepali cultural dinner show exchanging greetings among friends and with all Nepalese people.
Our journey in Nepal comes to an end today! Our representative will drop at the airport approximately 3 hours before our scheduled flight. On our way home, we have plenty of time to plan our next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.
- • Pick-up or Drop-off service from and to Airport(in our own vehicle)
- • Transportation to and from!!
- • Food all along the trip(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and a cup of coffee or tea) and accommodations during the trip in hotels with a family environment
- • Transportation, food, accommodation, and insurance of Guide during the trip
- • Down jacket, all-season sleeping bag, duffel bag and trekking map(in case if you don’t have your own. Down jacket, sleeping bag and duffel bag must be returned after completion of the trip)
- • First Aid Medical Kit(Your guide will carry the Medical Kit but we also advise to bring yourself for your own use, as far as possible)
- • All the required permits and paperwork
- • International Airfare
- • Visa Charges
- • Hotel Expenses(In Kathmandu, some packages do include hotel expenses)
- • Your travel and medical insurance
- • Personal Expenses such as shopping, bar bills, hot shower, telephone, laundry, titbits etc
- • Food and accommodations in Kathmandu
- • Services not mentioned or not promised by the agent/agency
- • Emergency expenses such as expenses on the chartered helicopter.
Dhaulagiri Trek is a moderately difficult trekking route. So any fit person can do this trek, even if you do not have any previous experience. You should be aware of what to expect and mentally prepare for it. Then, as long as you will too, you can.
On average, you walk about 4 to 6 hours per day. One or two days can be as less as 3hrs and one or two days can be as long as 7hrs.
The highest altitude reached is nearly 5360 m. This is the elevation of Dhaulagiri Trek. Dhaulagiri Trek is the highest we will climb in this trek.
Yes, you can charge batteries in route. The charger should be brought. There are hot shower facilities as well. You may have to pay a certain amount for both ($1-$2). Negotiate. Also, hot water facility could be free at a lower elevation.
No. There are no ATMs on this trek route. You will have to draw enough cash from Kathmandu. There are a number of ATMs in these cities. Everything is paid in Nepali rupees. So money should be exchanged before the start of the trek.
Yes. The Internet can be accessed in most places. Sometimes, there might be some technical problems. Internet in Nepal is not as fast as you are used to and at times you can just lose connection.
Not really. It depends on you. If you want, Dhaulagiri trekking can be done independently. You could hire a guide and a porter by yourself instead of going through an agency or not hire a guide at all. Although, not having a guide can be a little problematic during the offseason. It really depends on you. Is it your first time in Nepal? How confident are you of being able to find your way around? How pressed on time are you? If you go through an agency, it will be costlier but everything will be planned. You will only have to come, trek and return.
For this region, pay for guides range from $20 to $30 per day and porters take $15 to $25 per day.
