Dhaulagiri Pass Trek: Challenging Adventure Trek

                                                    
                                                    destination
                                                    Dhaulagiri
                                                
                                                    duration
                                                    17 Days
                                                
                                                    grade
                                                    High Advance
                                                
                                                    start/end point
                                                    Kathmandu/Kathmandu
                                                
                                                    region
                                                    Dhaulagiri
                                                
                                                    max altitude
                                                    5420m
                                                
                                                    group size
                                                    2-12
                                                
                                                    meal
                                                    All inclusive
                                                
                                                    activity
                                                    6-7 Hrs
                                                
                                                    accommodation
                                                    Lodge + Camping
                                                
                                                    season
                                                    Autumn/Spring

DHAULAGIRI PASS TREK

A trek for those who want a physical high altitude challenge! A three in one package: a circuit of Dhaulagiri (8167m) via the French Pass (5360m) and the Hidden Valley among dazzling white mountains. This is a trek through a wild & mostly uninhabited region in some wild and remote landscapes.

The Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m) trek is not for beginners. It also as known as "The white mountain" and is the 7th highest mountain in the world that sits entirely within the borders of a single country - Nepal. Ascending through the French Pass at 5360 meters will test the resolve of the more serious trekker.

Dhaulagiri derives from the Sanskrit word (dhawala) means dazzling, white, beautiful and (Giri) meaning mountain. Dhaulagiri 1 is also the highest mountain in the Gandaki river basin.

Annapurna I (8091m) lies 34 km to the east of Dhaulagiri. The Kali Gandaki River flows between the two in the Kaligandaki Gorge, said to be the world's deepest gorge. The town of Pokhara is south of the Annapurnas and is an important starting point for treks in this region.

It was not until 1960 that a Swiss expedition finally climber the mountain. Maurice Herzog, the famous mountaineer initially planned to climb Dhaulagiri but after serious consideration gave up the idea due to the difficulty of the climb. Instead he and his expedition climbed Annapurna I instead.

This is a mountain climbers dream, challenging, yet rewarding with some of the most spectacular mountain views anywhere on the planet.

Key Features of Dhaulagiri Pass Trek

The seventh highest mountain in the world at 8167m.
Varied landscapes, from green farming villages to snowy glacier to barren, rocky mountain vistas.
Stunning views of Dhaulagiri and numerous other 7000m plus peaks.
Views of the numerous peaks of the Annapurna massif.
A circuit trek where there is no retracing your footsteps on the return journey.
The Dhaulagiri Trek is not for beginners but for more experienced trekkers.
Physically challenging but big on beauty.
Trek across the French Pass (5370m) and into the stunning Hidden Valley.

ITINERARY

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Day 1 : Arrival in Kathmandu and 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 : Drive from Kathmandu to Darbang (1,100m) Duration: 7-9 hours.

We first fly or drive to Pokhara and then drive down into the Kali Gandaki Valley and up the tributary of the Myagdi Khola valley until we reach Darbang where we will stay the night.

Day 3 : Trek from Darbang to Sibang (1,770m) Duration: 5-6 hours.

Today we follow the trail for six to seven hours, passing several villages until we reach Dharapani that is situated on top of a ridge. We have lunch here and then continue through several villages and pass Takam Village before reaching Sibang where we stay the night.

Day 4 : Trek from Sibang to Naura Bhir (1,450m) Duration: 5-6 hours.

Today we take the trail to the village of Muri where we stop for lunch and then continue our ascent of the Myagdi Khola Valley to Naura Bhir where we stay the night.

Day 5 : Trek from Naura Bhir to Lapche Kharka (2,000m) Duration: 7-8 hours.

Our trek today is of about seven to eight hours following the Myagdi Khola (river) until we reach Baghara Village. We descend down to the river before ascending to a herder’s camp at Lapche Kharka where we stay the night.

Day 6 : Trek from Lapche Kharka to Sallaghari (2,500m) Duration: 5-6 hours.

Today is another day of gaining altitude as we continue through forests and grazing lands around Dobang. After a lunch break we continue on to Sallaghari where we make camp for the night.

Day 7 : Trek to Italian Base Camp (3,660m) Duration: 4-5hours.

Today we trek for four to five hours and pass through and across a moraine until we reach the Italian Base Camp where we camp below the awesome west face of Dhaulagiri.

Day 8 : Trek from Italian Base Camp to Japanese Camp (4,200m) Duration: 5-6 hours.

Today we again ascend up the Myagdi Khola (river) with a steep ascent to Japanese Camp, also known as Chhonbardan Glacier Camp where we have incredible views of the numerous Dhaulagiri peaks. We will camp here the night.

Day 9 : Acclimatization at Japanese Camp.

We have now reached an altitude of over 4,000 meters. Our next camp will be at 4700. 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 Japanese Camp will help with the acclimatization process. We will stay here for the night.

Day 10 : Trek from Japanese Camp to Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4,748m) Duration: 6-7 hours.

Today’s trek is about seven to eight hours. We follow a trail across the Dhaulagiri moraine below the glacier until we reach Dhaulagiri Base Camp which will hopefully be before lunch if we leave early enough in the morning. Our camp here tonight is surrounded by Himalayan peaks – a breathtaking experience.

Day 11 : 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.

Day 12 : Trek from Dhaulagiri Base Camp to Hidden Valley (5,120m) via French Pass (5,360m) Duration: 6-7 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 13 : Trek from French Pass to Yak Kharka (3,837m) via Dhampus Pass (5,280m) Duration: 6-7 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 14 : Trek from Dhampus Pass to Jomsom (2,736m) Duration: 5-6 hours.

Today the trail descends for about 1000 meters to the Kali Gandaki Valley and the attractive village of Marpha (2667m) that is on the Annapurna Circuit trekking trail.. After a short trek we reach Jomsom where we stay in a lodge for the night.

Day 15 : Flight from Jomsom to Pokhara & 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 16 : Flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu; Duration: 25 minutes flight.

Our morning flight takes us back to Kathmandu where we will check-in at our hotel and then have time to wonder around the tourist area of Thamel catching up on some last-minute shopping, or maybe have a drink at one of the many bars to celebrate our unforgettable mountain experience.

Day 17 : 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

Airport pick up and drop off by private vehicle
Kathmandu to Pokhara to Kathmandu flight fare.
Two night’s hotel accommodation in Kathmandu
One hotel accommodation in Pokhara with breakfast.
Jomsom to Pokhara flight fare.
Pokhara to Darbang and Jomsom to Pokhara transportation By Bus
Best Possible Teahouse, lodge, tent accommodation during the trek
All Standard Meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek
Government License holder English Speaking Sherpa Expedition and Trekking’s experienced and qualified trek leader,(8 or above trekkers: 1 assistant guide) and porter to help trekkers luggage. (2 trekkers:1 porters "12 kg per trekker max limit")
Coverage of Guides and Porters, Their meals, insurance, salary, lodging, transportation, flight and other necessary equipment.
Water purification tablets for safe drinking water
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) Fee.
Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) card fee.
Snacks (cookies) and Seasonal fresh fruits every day
All government, Local taxes and official Expenses
Assistance in arranging rescue operation in case of complicated health condition (funded by travel insurance)
Sherpa Expedition and Trekking’s appreciation of certificate after the successful trek
Farewell Dinner at the end of the trek

Cost Excludes

International flight airfare
Nepal Entry Visa Fees for multiple Entries on arrival at Tribhuwan Internationa Airport- (15 days - $25-30, 30 days- $40-50 and 90 days- $100-110)
Excess baggage charges (Limit is 9kg per Person)
Lunch and Dinner in Pokhara.
Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu due to early arrival or late departure, early return from the trek.
Personal expense (shopping, snacks, boil bottle water, hot and cold drinks, hot shower, Alcohol, Wi-Fi, telephone call, battery re-charge fee), extra porters, etc
Personal clothing and gear
Travel insurance which has to cover emergency high-altitude rescue and evacuation compulsory
Tips for guide and porters (Recommended by the Culture)
Additional costs or delays caused by out of management control, for example, landslide, weather condition, itinerary modification due to safety concerns, illness, change of government policies, strikes etc.
All the costs and expenses which are not listed in "cost includes" will be counted as Excludes

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 comfort and better quality teahouses - without the attached bathroom at until you reach higher elevations, where the accommodation is more basic with bare necessities.

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 regions is potatoes, oats, buckwheat, Sherpa stew and Tibetan bread. Sherpa’s’ 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 use public transportation or local buses during the trek.

Physical fitness

This can be 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.