Its name is derived from Sanskrit “Dhavala- means white” and Giri means "mountain" – The White Mountain. Dhaulagiri is an exceptional area to trek in western Nepal. It has 8 summits surpassing 8000m each. Separated from the Annapurna region by the Kali Gandaki River, the range of 6 Dhaulagiri (7,268 to 8,167m) massifs includes more than 30 peaks between 6000 and 8000m. It was closed to trekkers for some time but now the region has reopened. We approach the Dhaulagiri range by Tansen, the capital of the Magar people, an ethnic group of Nepal before the unification in 1742.
The panorama to the ranges of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna are indeed exceptional as a balcony which we follow during this trip. High grassland and the descents to forested rhododendron follow the trail to Myagdi Khola. Throughout the trek, you are surrounded by the colossal peaks of the north face of the Dhaulagiri I. Much of the route is on snow and glaciers as it crosses French Pass (5,360m), traverses the head of hidden valley and crosses Thapa pass (5,244m), it is a challenging walk on an icy track.
Around Dhaulagiri trek begin in the antique city of Kathmandu, from where you will board a bus to Beni. You will spend the first few days of your trek walking through cultivated fields connected 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.
The climb begins to get tougher after Dobang, as you ascend to the Italian Base Camp with impressive views of Dhaulagiri I, II, III, IV, V & VI; taking a day to rest and acclimatize, explore and fully absorb the beauty of surrounding peaks. You will then make your way to Dhaulagiri North Base Camp. The trek then continues on to the Iced French and Thapa Passes which have to be scaled before you descend down a winding trail to Yak Kharka.
Once again you will find yourself among mountain people and their villages. After a long descent, you will arrive in Marpha, popular city of Mustang district. You follow the Annapurna classical trek and pass the world’s deepest gorge. Now instead of down towards the hot springs at Tatopani, we take our steps towards Jomsom, a beautiful small town headquarters for the Upper Mustang area peoples. We will stay overnight at Jomsom and next early morning, catch the flight to Pokhara, transfer to the hotel. Our itinerary allows you a full day to spend in Pokhara for the touring around the Lakeside and more activities as you wish to do.
DETAILS ITINERARY
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu (1300m), Transfer to hotel & trek briefing
After you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will have to go through custom formalities. You will be greeted by our representative who will be anxiously waiting for you with a placard displaying your name in his hand. You will be transferred to the 3-Star category hotel in a private vehicle. Once you get refreshed, you will get briefing regarding the itinerary and you will also be introduced with your crewmembers and other trekkers who are going to join you on the trip. Enjoy welcome dinner in the evening where you can taste authentic Nepali dinner. Stay overnight in a hotel.
Day 2
Kathmandu sightseeing tours, Preparations and Packing
In the morning after breakfast, we will organize half day sightseeing tour during which you will be taken on memorable UNESCO Heritage Tour. Tour begins with visit to Nepal’s holiest Pashupatinath Temple Complex and takes us through Nepal’s largest Bouddhanath Stupa and 2500 years old Swoyambhunath Stupa. We will return to hotel in the afternoon and time for shopping of any missing items, packing and getting ready for the trip.
Day 3
Drive from Kathmandu to Beni by bus (899m) 9hrs
9hours of journey from Kathmandu takes us to Beni which is separated from Kathmandu by 282km distance. We will leave Kathmandu and follow Prithvi Highway. The trail is scenic with views of Trishuli River and Marsyandi River. We will drive along terraced fields and hill towns to Seti River from where we will reach Pokhara. The road from Pokhara to Beni is bumpy. We will drive through the zigzag road to Naudanda. That greets us with view of Annapurna South Mountain, Fish tail Mountain and other peaks and mountains. Driving along the bank of Mardi River, we will reach Beni where we will stay overnight.
Day 4
Trek from Beni to Babiyachour (970m) 5hrs
Dhaulagiri Circuit Trekking starts from Beni. We will walk past Beni Mangalghat to Jyanmara from where we will follow a level path to Singa. Singa is a tiny settlement consisting of shops and teahouses. Journey continues along Myagdi River to hot spring known as Tatopani. After brief walk, we will cross a suspension bridge to the right edge and walk past Bholamza village to the suspension bridge. Moving further, we will reach Simarchor from where we will head through the relatively easy path to Newale River. The trail stretches further through tiny villages of Shisman and Talkot to Babiyachour where we will stay overnight.
Day 5
Trek to Dharapani (1,560m) 6hrs
Leaving Babiyachour, we will follow the escalating path uphill through terraced hills to the stone paved Shahasdara village. We will cross Dudh River and move along paddy fields to the teahouse settlement of Ratorunga. Walking along the river, we will reach Bodeni from where we will proceed to Chachare. The trail continues through the narrow valley. Crossing the suspension bridge over Rectum River, we will head towards Darbang village from where we will choose the descending trail to Phedi. Crossing Dang River, we will choose ascending trail to the ridge before walking through the pine forest to Myagdi River. Crossing the river, we will reach Dharapani where we will stay overnight.
Day 6
Trek to Muri (1,720m) 6hrs
We will follow the ascending path from Dharapani and arrive at small Takum village from where we will follow the stone path to Phalli Gaun. We will walk through the terraced field to cross Dhara khola through a suspension bridge. Following the steep path that takes us below Dhara village, we will go through series of ups and downs to reach Myagdi River. The path is scenic with spectacular views of Dhaulagiri I (8167m) and Gurja Mountain (7193m). Following the river, we will reach Magar village of Muri where we will stay overnight.
Day 7
Trek to Boghara (2,080m) 6hrs
After having a cup of tea, we will leave Muri and follow the descending path to river. We need to cross that river before walking through crop field in local settlements to reach the base of pass. We will ascend this pass which greets us with enticing view of Ghustung Mountain. After spending some time at the pass, we will descend to Myagdi River. The trail continues along Myagdi River to Naura village and passes through meadow. Walking through the forest area, we will reach Boghara. Stay overnight at Boghara.
Day 8
Trek to Doban (2,520m) 6hrs
Early in the morning, we will leave Boghara and move through crop fields. In couple of hours, we will reach to the ridge. Walking through the bamboo forest, we will arrive at Jyardin which is the final permanent village of that area. The trail contours down to Lipshe and continues through forest area to Lapche Kharka. From the meadow in Lapche Kharka, we will head towards Doban where we will stay overnight.
Day 9
Trek to Italian Base Camp (3,660m) 7hrs
The trek on this day begins as we cross the bridge over River. We will follow the scenic path with close-up view of Dhaulagiri I mountain all the way down to Myagdi River. Crossing the river, we will move towards pretty settlement of Chartare from the path continues to Choriban River. We will reach Chhonbarban glacier from where we can get close-up view of Tukche Peak. Moving further along slippery glaciers, we will reach Italian Base Camp. Stay overnight at Italian Base Camp. Enjoy the panoramic views of Dhaulagiri II Mountain, Dhaulagiri III Mountain and Dhaulagiri V Mountain.
Day 10
Acclimatization day at Italian Base Camp
We will take rest on this day. Taking rest at Italian Base Camp helps in proper acclimatization and it also offers much needed break from the tiring trek. Spend the day as you like. You can write a journal or play cards or read book or enjoy siesta. Upon your interest, you can hike to the nearby glacier for epic mountain views. Stay overnight at Italian Base Camp.
Day 11
Trek to Japanese Base Camp (3,890m) 5hrs
After a day of rest, we are good to go. Expect a long day of walk ahead of you. We will pass through Swiss base camp and reach French base camp. Moving further through desolate area that is uninhabited, we will reach to the main glacier. We will ultimately arrive at Japanese Base Camp where we will stay overnight.
Day 12
Trek to Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4748m) 7hrs
Dhaulagiri Base Camp is our ultimate destination. With 8167m height, Dhaulagiri is the eighth highest mountain in the world. Our journey continues through the ruined area filled with rocks and glaciers to Dhaulagiri Base Camp. The Base Camp allows panoramic views of Dhaulagiri I Mountain, Dhaulagiri II Mountain, Dhaulagiri III Mountain and Dhaulagiri V Mountain. We can also get breath-taking view of icefall that contours down to northeast Col. Stay overnight at Dhaulagiri Base Camp.
Day 13
Acclimatize & rest day
We will take rest on this day. Taking rest helps in proper acclimatization and it also offers much needed break from the tiring trek. Spend the day as you like. You can write a journal or play cards or read book or enjoy siesta. You can explore nearby Camp for incredible mountain views. Stay overnight at Dhaulagiri Base Camp.
Day 14
Trek to Hidden Valley (5,140m) crossing French Pass (5,360m) 6hrs
Leaving Dhaulagiri Base Camp, we will walk through glaciers and moraines and reach the valley. We will follow the difficult path to the French Pass. Enjoy the scenic views of Mukut Mountain, Sita Peak, Tukche and Tashi Kang Peak which secures the Hidden Valley. We will leave French Col and head towards Thapa Pass (5250m). We will reach the clear area in Hidden Valley where we will stay overnight.
Day 15
Trek to Yak Kharka crossing the Dhampus Pass (5,244m) 7hrs
The trail stretches down from Hidden Valley and leads us to Dhampus Pass (5200m). Crossing Dhampus Pass, we will move through the pasture land to Yak Kharka. Stay overnight in Yak Kharka.
Day 16
Trek to Jomsom (2,720m) 5hrs
From Yak Kharka, the trail takes us to Marpha which is famous for apple production. We will walk through the Kaligandaki Valley and after crossing the wooden bridge onto Thinigoan and finally we will be in Jomson (an entry point to Upper Mustang region). Enjoy the scenic view of Dhaulagiri Mountain. Stay overnight at Jomsom.
Day 17
Fly to Pokhara and free afternoon to explore the Pokhara
Early morning we take flight to Pokahra, its about 20 minute flight and after checking in the hotel, relax and more free afternoon for exploring the beautiful city Pokahra. Places of interest in Pokhara are Shanti Stupa, Sarankot Hill, Seti gorge, International Mountaineering Museum, Gupteswor Cave and Mahendra Cave and boating in the Fewa Lake etc. Over night in Pokahra.
Day 18
Flight to Kathmandu 25min flight, Free afternoon
We will explore Pokhara early in the morning.. We will drive to Pokhara Airport and take return flight back to Kathmandu on this day. Free afternoon followed by the celebration dinner.
Day 19
International Departure
We will transfer you to the Airport as per your scheduled flight for your onward destination. Safe journey. We hope to see you soon.
Download Gear Check List
