Separated from the Annapurna region by the Kali Gandaki, the Dhaulagiri massif includes more than 30 peaks over 6,000 meters with eight of these surpassing 8,000 meters. The area around Tansen is home to the Magar people and was the capital of the early independent kingdoms that were to become part of Nepal.
This less well-known trek takes you to the base camps of Dhaulagiri, the seventh highest mountain in the world (8,167 m). In the 1950s there were several unsuccessful attempts to climb to the top, all from the north side. It was first conquered in May 1960 by a Swiss/Austrian/Nepali expedition. The mountain's name comes from Sanskrit where ‘dhawala’ means dazzling, white, beautiful (‘giri’ means mountain).
From Dhorepatan, the panorama of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges is exceptional and this remote area is home to communities of Tibetan refugees who search the area for minerals and medicinal plants.
Trek Grade: This trek is Grade 4 as it involves trekking up to 5360m and days of 6-7 hours of walking.
Days | Activity |
---|---|
Day 1 | Arrival in Kathmandu |
Day 2 | Kathmandu sightseeing: Boudhanath, Pashupatinath, Patan |
Day 3 | Drive to Beni (830m) |
Day 4 | Trek Beni to Babichaur (1000m, 6 - 7 hrs) |
Day 5 | Babichaur to Dharapani (1565m, 7 hrs) |
Day 6 | Dharapani to Muri (1850m, 6 - 7 hrs) |
Day 7 | Muri to Boghara (2050m, 7- 8 hrs) |
Day 8 | Boghara to Dhoban (2630m, 6 hrs) |
Day 9 | Dhoban to Italian Base camp (3500m, 6 - 7 hrs) |
Day 10 | Acclimatization day |
Day 11 | Italian Base camp to Glacier camp (4250m, 5 hrs) |
Day 12 | Dhaulagiri Base camp (4650m): 4 hrs |
Day 13 | Acclimatization day |
Day 14 | Dhaulagiri Base Camp to French Col (5360m, 4 hrs) |
Day 15 | Hidden Valley Camp (5000m) |
Day 16 | Yak Kharka to Jomsom [2715m, 7 - 8 hrs) |
Day 17 | Jomsom to Pokhara by flight |
Day 18 | Fly to Kathmandu |
Day 19 | Departure |
Trekking: Additional information
Please note that the published itinerary can only be a statement of intent and should be used as a guide only. Each day may vary due to the walking times of the group, camping and trail cond
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Arrival in Kathmandu
Your first impression of arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport is an experience in itself. But don’t be worried by the apparent confusion as your airport representative will be waiting to welcome you with your name written on a placard. Depending on traffic, you will be at your hotel within 20 minutes or so.
Kathmandu sightseeing: Boudhanath, Pashupatinath, Patan
The day is spent visiting some of the major World Heritage Sites of Kathmandu. More…
You will have plenty of time in the afternoon to prepare for your trek and check that you have everything you need. You might want to visit Thamel, the tourist hub of Nepal where you can easily find all you need for trekking. Or if you just want to relax, there are many cafes and bakeries serving excellent local tea and coffee. It is best to avoid the street food, however, unless you have a very strong stomach. It is recommended that you have an early night as you will have an early start in the morning.
Drive to Beni (830m)
You can either fly to Pokhara and then drive to Beni (82 km from Pokhara) or drive 8-9 hours to Beni from Kathmandu via Pokhara. The drive from Pokhara to Beni takes around 4 hours and offers good scenic views. Beni is at the confluence of the Myagdi Khola and the Kali Gandaki and as it is district’s headquarters, there is a police check post where your trekking permits will be examined.
Trek Beni to Babichaur (1000m, 6 - 7 hrs)
Starting by trekking beside the Kali Gandaki River, you head towards Myagdi Khola. You cross the suspension bridges along the way to pass the villages of Mangalghat, Singa, and Tatopani to finally reach Babichaur.
Babichaur to Dharapani (1565m, 7 hrs)
The trail crosses terraced hillsides. You pass Shahashadhara village, cross Dudh Khola, and pass Ratorunga village before reaching Dharapani. This village is mainly Gurung and Chhetri. Here you catch sight of your first view of Dhaulagiri to the north.
Dharapani to Muri (1850m, 6 - 7 hrs)
From Dharapani you pass through Takum and Sibang, two prosperous villages that have terraced fields growing rice and wheat. Many of the men in this area now work overseas or in British and Indian Ghurka armies. You can see Gurja Himal and Puta Hiunchuli to the west. Once you cross Dhara Khola on a suspension bridge you climb up to Muri where the Mt. Dhaulagiri and other mountains can be seen clearly.
Muri to Boghara (2050m, 7- 8 hrs)
From Muri, the trail is easy and descends for few hours to the bridge crossing over the Muri Khola. After passing dense bamboo, the trail crosses a number of fields and there are a few farmhouses. As you go further north, the valley steepens and the trail is quite exposed in places.
Boghara to Dhoban (2630m, 6 hrs)
Today, the path is quite difficult and sometimes we will need the help of the ropes. It can be slippery as this is a very wet area where you can expect some rain in the afternoons. The sub-tropical forest is very lush in the Myagdi valley right up to Sallighari camp. Passing Lipshe (2080m) you continue walking in the forest until arriving at a clearing and the small village of Dobang.
Dhoban to Italian Base camp (3500m, 6 - 7 hrs)
The trail continues through dense, lush vegetation of ferns, bamboo and rhododendrons. Crossing over to the east bank of the Myagdi Khola on a new cantilever bridge you reach Sallaghari. Continuing through a forest of pine trees, rhododendron and birch, you emerge above the tree line to heather, juniper and azaleas. The trail crosses through more forest, climbing to a grassy area on lateral moraine where Italian Base Camp is located. Looking up, you can see the impressive west face of Dhaulagiri. Tsaurabong Peak is visible on the other side of the valley.
Acclimatization day
You spend the day here to acclimatize to the altitude. There is not much to do here other than rest and admire the beautiful scenery.
Italian Base camp to Glacier camp (4250m, 5 hrs)
From Italian Base Camp, the trail goes down steeply on the lateral moraine. To get onto the glacier, ropes are fixed to help you and you cross the glacier to traverse along the moraine on the left side of the Chonbarden gorge. You walk along this impressive narrow gorge to the snout of the Chonbarden glacier, going for about another hour to Glacier camp. There are several ledges levelled out in the ice of the glacier for us to pitch camp.
Dhaulagiri Base camp (4650m): 4 hrs
Today you reach the Dhaulagiri Base Camp. Not long after leaving your camp the rough rubble gives way to smooth ice. You climb steadily to reach the spectacular Dhaulagiri Base Camp. As you climb, you are accompanied by views of the magnificent north face of Dhaulagiri I, Tukuche Peak and Little Eiger. Further to the west lies Dhaulagiri II (7,751m) and IV (7,618m). In season there are likely to be expeditions camped on the moraine at Base Camp.
Acclimatization day
As you are constantly at an altitude of 5000 – 6000m in the next few days, this day is essential. Even when you are acclimatizing, the experts recommend you should stay active and keep moving during the rest day, rather than sitting around being idle.
Dhaulagiri Base Camp to French Col (5360m, 4 hrs)
After an early breakfast, you leave Base Camp along the moraine strip and cross to the left side of the Chonbarden glacier. You can see a high lateral moraine ridge further up the valley which you reach from a steep trail across the screen. Once you get on the lateral moraine ridge there are superb views back down the valley to Dhaulagiri I and Tukuche Peak. At a cairn on the ridge, you turn to make the final ascent to French pass along the easy angled snow slopes. From the top, you see Sita Chuchura, the peaks of the Mukut Himal, Tashi Kang, Tukuche Peak and Dhaulagiri.
Hidden Valley Camp (5000m)
Descending from French Col on moderate snow slopes you enter the Hidden Valley. After a long descent, you arrive at camp near the river not far from the base of Dhampus Peak. The vegetation is sparse with isolated patches of moss and grass as you are now in the rain shadow of Dhaulagiri.
You have a few options for day walks around Hidden Valley, one of the best being a walk up on a ridge on the western side where you have spectacular views of Dhaulagiri, Nilgiris, the Annapurnas, and down the Hidden Valley.
Yak Kharka to Jomsom [2715m, 7 - 8 hrs)
Today, you have your last long, steep descent to reach Marpha that is in the Kali Gandaki valley. Look out for the Marpha apple brandy that is famous here. Marpha village has a Buddhist monastery, Tibetan whitewashed houses and attractive stone paved streets. Reaching Jomsom you stay at one of the lodges located near the airport.
Jomsom to Pokhara by flight
After breakfast, you check in at the tiny airport to fly the 25 minutes back to Pokhara. This flight through the gorge between Annapurna and Dhaulagiri is breathtaking. On arrival at Pokhara airport, your guide will take you to your hotel.
Fly to Kathmandu
Flying back to Kathmandu takes only about 35 minutes. You have the rest of the day free. You might like to try out one of the many cooking classes or workshops on offer, go for some more sightseeing or do some last minute shopping.
Departure
You transfer to Tribhuvan Airport to connect with your onward flight. Please note that you should check in three hours prior to your flight time.