Dhaulagiri Base Camp Trekking: An Adventure Circuit Trek

                                                    
                                                    destination
                                                    Dhaulagiri
                                                
                                                    duration
                                                    20 Days
                                                
                                                    grade
                                                    High Advance
                                                
                                                    start/end point
                                                    Kathmandu/Kathmandu
                                                
                                                    region
                                                    Dhaulagiri
                                                
                                                    max altitude
                                                    5,100m
                                                
                                                    group size
                                                    2-12
                                                
                                                    meal
                                                    All inclusive
                                                
                                                    activity
                                                    5-6 Hrs
                                                
                                                    accommodation
                                                    Lodge + Camping
                                                
                                                    season
                                                    Autumn/spring

DHAULAGIRI BASE CAMP TREK

Dhaulagiri Base Camp Trek is a high altitude adventure lover’s journey to a number of base camps and passes in the Dhaulagiri region. This is not a mainstream route and takes you to truly out-of-the-way places untouched for centuries.

The Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m) trek is not for beginners. Ascending through the French Pass (5360m) will be a test of your endurance, but with well-prepared acclimatization beforehand will make it easier for you.
Follow trails through Hidden Valley set among impressive white snow-capped mountains and ruggedly desolate landscapes. The Hidden Valley is surrounded on one side by the Boudha Himal and Himal Chuli in the west, Ganesh Himal in the south and Sringi Himal in the North. This area has not changed in centuries due to it being cut off from the southern lowlands by deep gorges and rivers and from Tibet in the north by snow-covered passes.

Dhaulagiri Base Camp Trek begins with a satisfying drive from Kathmandu passing Baglung and through the Kali Gandaki Valley to Beni. From Beni you trek to Dharapani Village where you will have superb views of the surrounding mountains and terraced farmlands. We then ascend to Italian Base Camp located west of Dhaulagiri. Each day we trek higher and today reach Glacier Camp (4210m) and then Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4740m), We will stay at Base Camp for a day to acclimatize before climbing to higher elevations. Of course, the higher elevations offer some supremely spectacular views. The most difficult day of this trek is climbing to French Pass (5350m) the highest camping place in the Hidden Valley. Throughout the trek we pass through several villages, each with their own ethnicities, such as Gurungs, Chhetris, and Magars. After arriving at Italian Base Camp we will be blessed with breath-taking views of Dhaulagiri I, II, III, IV & V whose snow-capped peaks overpower you. After another rest day we cross the final pass and then head down to meet the Annapurna circuit trail and go on to the charming village of Marpha.

The final leg of our journey takes us to Jomson where we take a scenic flight back to Pokhara. From Pokhara we take a bus back to Kathmandu. This is mostly a camping trek that will give you a more personal feel for the surroundings. You will eat well and sleep well under the stars in the hills and valleys surrounding Mt. Dhaulagiri.

Key Features of Dhaulagiri Base Camp Trek

Tour UNESCO World Heritage sites in Kathmandu.
You have a picturesque drive from Pokhara to Beni and Pokhara to Kathmandu.
Thapa Pass at the base of Thapa Peak (6012m).
Dhaulagiri 1, the seventh highest mountain in the world 8167m.
Trek across the French Pass (5370m) and into the stunning Hidden Valley.
Changing landscapes, lush green farmlands, glaciers and barren high altitude moraines.
A true feeling of being on an expedition to an unspoiled and pristine region in Nepal.
Magnificent views of Dhaulagiri and several other 7000m plus peaks.

ITINERARY

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Day 1 : Arrive at Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA) Kathmandu & transfer to hotel.

On your arrival at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport you will be met by Sherpa Expedition and trekking staff and transferred to your respective hotels followed by a briefing regarding Dhaulagiri trek, hotels, lodges on the route and the dos and don’ts followed by an evening welcome dinner.

Day 2 : Explore Kathmandu and prepare for trek.

Today, we will spend the day sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley with our guide. We will visit Pashupatinath, which is regarded as the holiest Hindu temple in Nepal and where pilgrims worship Lord Shiva (situated on the banks of the holy Bagmati River), Bouddhanath, a Buddhist temple known as ‘Little Tibet’ and then on to Swayambhunath known as the Monkey Temple. From Swayambhunath we drive to Kathmandu’s famous Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site, and located in front of the old royal palace. Upon arriving back at your hotel you may have time to do some last-minute shopping around Thamel – the tourist hub of Kathmandu. Back at your hotel your guide will help you prepare for your trek.

Day 3 : Drive from Kathmandu to Beni (8,50m) Duration: 8-9 hours.

After breakfast at your hotel we drive for eight to nine hours until we reach Beni. The road passes through numerous villages and has several rest stops where we can have meals and refreshments. Tonight we stay in a guest house in Beni.

Day 4 : Trek from Beni to Babiachor (9,50m) Duration: 5-6 hours.

Leaving behind Beni and the Kali Gandaki (river) we head along the north side of the Myagdi Khola (river) passing by Beni Mangalghat, Singa and on to Tatopani (hot springs). We crossing the bridge over to the south bank of the river and then another close to Simalchour Village where we stay the night.

Day 5 : Trek from Babiachor to Dharapani (1,400m) Duration: 5-6 hours.

The five to six hour trek today takes us through the valley along the banks of the river. The first village we arrive at is Shahashradhara. We then cross the Duk Khola and continue until we reach Ratorunga Village from where the valley becomes narrower. We keep trekking up through the valley until we reach Dharapani where we stay the night.

Day 6 : Trek from Dharapani to Muri (1,800m) Duration: 5-6 hours.

Today we trek for about five hours and climb to higher elevations passing Sibang and Mattim villages before descending to Gatti Khola and Phalai Gaon villages. We then cross the Dhara Khola (river) on to the west bank of the Myagdi Khola and then descend to the Magar village of Muri where we stay the night.

Day 7 : Trek from Muri to Boghara (2,414m) Duration: 5-6 hours.

We start our day by ascending to the ridge and then descending to Juge Pani where we stop for a lunch break. After lunch we ascend along a steep trail and then find ourselves high above the valley. The trail follows along a cliff edge and after about an hour we reach Boghara Village where we camp for the night. Today’s trek is about six hours.

Day 8 : Trek from Boghara to Dobang (2,520m) Duration: 5-6 hours.

The trail today begins as we head through cultivated fields while ascending to the ridge. The trail becomes a little less tiring and then we reach Lipshe Village where we stop for lunch. We then trek through dense forest for about two to three hours until we reach Dobang Village where we camp for the night.

Day 9 : Trek from Dobang to Choriban Khola (3,110m) Duration: 5-6 hours.

Our trek today is of about five hours and begins as we cross a wooden bridge and then ascend through a forest. Not long after we have views of the west face of Dhaulagiri I (8167m). We then drop down to the Myagdi Khola and continue to Chartare Village. After again passing through forested areas we reach Choriban Khola where we stay in a tent overnight..

Day 10 : Trek from Choriban Khola to Italian Base Camp (3,660m) Duration: 6-7 hours.

Today the trek is of about seven hours. We follow the trail to the moraine at the base of the Chhonbardan Glacier and cross the glacier from the right. Tukuche Peak (6837m) is directly ahead of us and to the right is the magnificent north flank of Dhaulagiri I (8167m). After a short trek we reach Italian Base Camp where we set up our tents for the night. From this vantage point we have extraordinary views of Dhaulagiri II (7751m), Dhaulagiri III (7715m) and Dhaulagiri V (7618m).

Day 11 : Acclimatization and rest day at Italian Base Camp.

Acclimatization is important for your safety before heading to higher elevations. Medical professionals recommend that you stay active during the day, so maybe a short trek around and beyond Italian Camp will help with the acclimatization process. We will stay here for the night.

Day 12 : Trek from Italian Base Camp to Glacier Camp (4,210m) Duration: 5-6 hours.

We get up early as we have a six-hour trek ahead of us. The weather is usually better suited to climbing in the early morning. The trail we follow today passes through a narrow gorge where rock-falls are not uncommon, hence the need to stay alert. We stop at Glacier Camp for the night.

Day 13 : Trek from Glacier Camp to Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4,740m) Duration: 5-6 hours.

This is a big day on the trek as we head higher to Dhaulagiri Base Camp. From here the north face of Dhaulagiri I (8167 meters) dominates the skyline, and in the west are Dhaulagiri II (7751m), Dhaulagiri III (7715m) and Dhaulagiri V (7618m). These enormous peaks are overwhelming and right before your eyes! Directly ahead of us is the In front of you is the imposing glacier that descends from the north east. Tonight we set up camp here at Dhaulagiri Base Camp.

Day 14 : Rest and acclimatization at Dhaulagiri Base Camp.

It is essential that we take a break here and again acclimatize. Again, it is advisable to remain as active as possible. The views are simply breathtaking.

Day 15 : Trek from Dhaulagiri Base Camp to Hidden Valley (5,120m) via French Pass (5,360m) Duration: 7-8 hours.

A six to seven-hour trek is ahead of us today, and due to the higher altitude will be physically more demanding. We begin by crossing a moraine and then reach a ridge that heads up to the snowy slopes heading up to French Pass. We cross the pass and head into the Hidden Valley on the other side of Dhaulagiri where we make camp for the night.

Day 16 : Trek from French Pass to Yak Kharka (3,837m) via Dhampus Pass (5,280m) Duration: 7-8 hours.

Today we ascend back to the height of French Pass at the other end of the valley and then trek at this higher altitude to the slightly lower Dhampus Pass. Once through the pass we begin our descent to our overnight camp at Yak Kharka.

Day 17 : Trek from Yak Kharka to Jomsom (2,736m) Duration: 5-6 hours.

The trek of five hours today has some memorable views of Dhaulagiri Peak in the south west, Annapurna and Nilgiri in the east and far off Mustang in the north as well as the deepest gorge on earth - the Kali Gandaki Valley. The trail is fairly easy going until we get nearer to Yak Kharka when it descends rapidly to Marpha Village where we can stop for lunch. After lunch we continue to Jomson where we stay the night in a lodge.

Day 18 : Flight from Jomsom to Pokhara (8,50m) & transfer to hotel; Duration: 30 minutes.

We fly above the mountainous terrain and head back on a scenic flight to Pokhara and check in to our hotel. We can either put our feet up and rest or stroll around the city shopping area, or alternatively sit beside Phew Tal (lake) and admire the distant Annapurna Mountains.

Day 19 : Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu (1,350m) Duration: 6-7 hours.

Today we can sit back and take in the scenery on our return to Kathmandu, which will take about six to seven hours. We will drop you back at your hotels and in the evening have a farewell dinner.

Day 20 : Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport.

Your adventure comes to an end today – but your memories will last a lifetime! Our company representative will take you to the airport approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight. On your way home you'll have plenty of time to plan your next adventure and explore the most magnificent mountains of Nepal.

SERVICES

Cost Includes

All ground transportations by private vehicle including airport transfers
Three nights’ accommodation with breakfast at a 3-star category hotel in Kathmandu
Guided sightseeing tours in Kathmandu including tour guide, entry fees, and vehicle
Meals on full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea & coffee) prepared by our expert cook
Twin sharing tented accommodation during the trek
An experienced guide required a number of porters, their food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment
Trekking equipment (two men tent, dining tent, kitchen tent, table with chairs, kitchen utensils, and other necessary equipment during the trek)
Jomsom to Pokhara flight including departure tax
Sherpa Expedition and Trekking duffle bag, down jacket and sleeping bag during the trek
Sherpa Expedition and Trekking T-Shirt (yours to keep)
Safe drinking water, boiled/iodine tablets.
First aid medical kit bag
All necessary permits for trek
All government and local taxes
Office service charge

Cost Excludes

Meals not specified in the 'Meal Inclusions' in the itinerary'
Travel insurance
International airfare
Nepal entry visa:
All cold drinks such as: alcoholic beverages, mineral water, Coke, Fanta, juice, etc.
Personal shopping and laundry, phone, internet bill etc.
Personal trekking equipment
Tips for trekking crews

EQUIPMENTS

The following information will give you some idea about what you need to bring for the trek. It is important you do not forget the essential items, as this will determine your comfort and safety on the trek. Equally important is that you do not burden yourself with unnecessary equipment on the trek.

General

All season sleeping bag and down Jacket (we can provide if you need it, but has to be returned after the trek)
Duffle bag ( Sherpa Expedition & Trekking provide duffle bag during the trek but has to be returned after the trek)
A wind and waterproof thin layered jacket (a must-have for morning and evenings above 3,000m)
Daypack

Upper Body- Head / Ears / Eyewear

A pair of half gloves
A warmer hat that covers the ears
Sunglasses
Neckwarmer
Sunscreen (35 to 60 SPF)
Headlamp and an extra set of batteries

Hands

A pair of half gloves for walking poles(if you prefer)
Warmer shell gloves and liner

Upper Body

long sleeve t-shirts
Thermal tops
wool jacket or pullover
Sports bras for women and girls
Water and windproof shell jacket

Lower Body

Thermal underwear (especially trousers)
windproof and waterproof trousers
warmer trousers
Comfortable trekking pants
Extra casual sport pants

Footwear

A pair of good waterproof trekking boots
Pair of sandals
4-5 pairs of woolen socks
Sock liners
Light shoes and sneakers
First Aid Kits and Medicines
Assorted adhesive bandages (fabric preferred)
Blister treatment cream or similar
Insect / anti-itch ointment
Ibuprofen or other pain-relief medication
Diamox (125mg to 250mg tablets for altitude sickness)
Warps, splints, and wound coverings butterfly bandage
Water purifying pills

(Note our company guide will carry the medicines and first aid kits during the trek. However, we recommend you bring your personal first-aid kit as well)

Miscellaneous - but must useful on the trek

4 passport size photos with original passport
Water bottle & filter
Flight details (please make a copy and leave one pic at our office in KTM because in case you want to change your flight date)
Bathroom kit (conform, should be included toilet paper, plastic bags, hand wipes, towel, and soap, etc.)

Extra things

Comfortable trekking poles
Quality energy dry foods (up to you)
Power bank and music players
Camera (memory card, chargers, and extra batteries)

GOOD TO KNOW

Accommodation

You will be accommodated in 3-star hotels in Kathmandu. During the trek, we will be staying at lodges/ teahouses. You may not find comfortable and better quality teahouses -During the trek, We sleep in the very simple tea house/tent and our guides will pick the best Camping site with a nice view of the Himalaya.

Meals during the trek

In Kathmandu your hotel includes breakfast, whereas all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) will be provided during the trek. A staple food of these mountain regions are potatoes, oats, buckwheat, Sherpa stew and Tibetan bread. Sherpas started farming potatoes when the first seeds were introduced to the region in the early 90s. There is a limited choice of food at higher elevations and except many potato dishes. Potatoes are high in carbohydrates – an excellent source of energy needed at high altitudes.

Transportation

We use a private car for sightseeing and for the airport to hotel pick and drop off. We do not have to use public transportation or local buses during the trek. Our only flights are from Kathmandu, Jomson and Pokhara.

Physical fitness

Dhaulagiri is a challenging trek where you often have to walk 6-7 hours a day. You need past experience of hiking or trekking but if you have done any kind of trekking activities then it is always a plus!. We have met people from all walks of life, shapes and sizes who have completed the trek. The only difficult part is when altitude sickness strikes and the effect that it can have on your body. Before leaving for Nepal it is good if you can prepare yourself physically by increasing your stamina and oxygen intake.