Overview
Dhaulagiri trekking is one of the most frequented treks in Nepal and famous for adventure, beauty, and cultural experiences. The trek covers a diverse terrain from low farmlands to arid valleys and dense forests to snow-capped mountains. The different wildlife and diverse residents add to the contrasting flavor of the trek.
The main destination of Dhaulagiri trekking is Dhaulagiri Base camp which blesses us with enthralling views of the mountains like Dhaulagiri I, Dhaulagiri II, Dhaulagiri III and Dhaulagiri V. The trek begins from Kathmandu where you get to enjoy the modern Nepali culture along with the monuments of the valley. You get a glimpse of different villages and the lifestyles of the diverse people with their warm hospitality.
Dhaulagiri peak at 8167 m. is the seventh highest peak in the world, situated in Annapurna region. The trek, isolated by Kali-Gandaki gorge, high passes, and glaciers, is a challenging one. The beast seasons for the 24 days long trek are March, April, September to November.
Dhaulagiri trekking is also famous for its biodiversity that includes Snow leopard, Tibetan sheep, yaks, and mountain sheep. The trails are adorned with rhododendrons, pines, oaks, ferns and different flowers.
The highlights of the trek range from diverse ethnic groups to the contrasting terrains that are explored within the 24 days. The world’s deepest gorge (Kali Gandaki), pristine Myagdi valley, high passes (French pass and Thapa pass), glaciers, hidden valleys and charming villages make a memorable and exciting trip. The panoramic views of the peaks, lush forests, and green fields along with the people you meet along the way will be cherished memories for the rest of your life.
Welcome to Kathmandu. Once you reach the airport in Kathmandu, you will be warmly received by our airport representative who will help you with the transfer to the hotel on a private car or a bus. After Checking into your hotel (we usually book rooms of Hotel Access Nepal, Hotel Bouddha, Hotel Aryatara Boutique Kathmandu…), you can either rest or stroll around to explore your vibrant surrounding at your convenience.
Your sightseeing trip starts from the hotel after breakfast at around 8:30 am. We will be provided private vehicle and a professional tour guide for the tour. You will start your sightseeing tour from the largest Hindu temple Pashupatinath, then visit Bouddhanath and Swoyambhunath (the Monkey temple). At the end of the day, you will visit the Kathmandu Durbar Square and then drive back to the hotel to prepare for the trip with a short briefing about the trek.
We will take an early morning bus to Beni. The ride is enjoyable with the green scenery. It is the district headquarters where permits will be checked. The town where we stay is located at the confluence of Myagdi Khola and Kali Gandaki. Overnight at Local Lodge.
After leaving Beni, we move along the north bank of Myagdi Khola to the west. We pass through Beni Mangalghat village, Singa, and Tatopani. After crossing two bridges, we reach Simalchaur village on the north bank. From here, we reach Babiya Chaur. Overnight at tented camp.
As we leave Babiya Chaur, we come across terraced hills on either side of the river. The trail is fairly leveled as we pass through villages, Duk Khola, and fields to reach Rotorunga. As we move ahead, the valley narrows and we finally reach Dharapani. Overnight at tented camp.
From Dharapani, we cross the river to the west bank. After leaving Phedi, there is a steep climb until we reach a ridge from where the trail flattens for a while. After climbing again, we pass through Sibang, Mattim, Ghati Khola and Phalai Gaon. After crossing Dhara Khola, we reach the west bank of Myagdi Khola again. After that, we climb a ridge to finally reach the Magar Village of Muri. Overnight at tented camp.
From Muri, we descend for a short while, cross a stream and pass through terraced fields before climbing a ridge and reaching a pass. From the pass, we can see glorious Mt. Ghustung South (6465 m.). We descend to the west bank of Myagdi Khola and move to Naura village. Then we climb a little, traverse a hill, and climb another steep hill with zigzag trails. Then we cross a forest and terraced fields to finally reach Boghara. Overnight at tented camp.
First, we descent through terraced fields to a ridge and then through a forest to reach Jyardhan (the most remote settlement in the region). A high winding path crosses a rocky area, drops and ascends again to reach Lipshe. Then, we continue through a forest to Lapche Kharka and then climb to Doban which is a fairly leveled area. Overnight at tented camp.
We cross a wooden bridge to exit Doban and then ascend a forest area. We slowly get a glimpse of Dhaulagiri I and then descend back to Myagdi Khola bank. Then we cross a wooden bridge to reach the east bank and Chartare. After that, we cross a forest, rocky area, and a stream to reach Choriban Khola.
From here we proceed towards Chhonbarban glacier which we enter from the right. As we soak in the splendor of Tukuche peak and Dhaulagiri I from the trail, we reach Italian Base camp after some time. The base camp (at an elevation of 3660 m.) has splendid views of Dhaulagiri II, Dhaulagiri III, and Dhaulagiri V. Overnight at tented camp.
We take the day off to rest and acclimatize to the thinning air of the high altitude. We roam around the camp with other trekkers and enjoy the jaw-dropping views of the snow-capped mountains. The rest is supposed to help ease the trekking days to come. Overnight at tented camp.
The trek starts early in the morning with good weather to avoid the stone falls that the area is prone to. We pass through a narrow gorge and then reach the Glacier camp. Overnight at tented camp.
This is an exciting day to witness the north face of Dhaulagiri I along with other peaks like Dhaulagiri II, Dhaulagiri III, and Dhaulagiri V. The sight of the ice-fall descending from the north-east is impressive. Overnight at tented camp.
After we leave the glacier, we climb across two hills. The first hill runs along the glacier, cuts across a mountain side and moraine. As we climb a gentle slope, we reach French Pass at an elevation of 5360 m. A great view welcomes us at the pass that includes Mukut Himal, Tashi Kang, and Sita Chuchura whichsurround Hidden Valley. From French pass, we continue along the right edge to reach Thapa pass at 5250m. We descend from the pass to reach the base camp where we sleep in a tent.
To relieve the exhaustion and stress of crossing all the passes and glaciers, we take a day off. We stay at Hidden valley enjoying the views of the beautiful mountains.Overnight at tented camp.
We descend from Hidden valley to Dhampus pass at an elevation of 5200m. We continue from there to Yak Kharka which is perfect to set up camp and enjoy the surroundings at 3680m. Overnight at tented camp.
From Yak Kharka, we descend steeply through forests and moraines for a few hours to reach Tukuche. Overnight local lodge.
From Tukuche, we take a rocky trail (on the bank of Kali Gandaki River) to reach Larjung. There are many apple orchards here. Then we trek through a leveled path, cross a suspension bridge and a forest to reach Kokkethanti. We pass through villages and cross a suspension bridge to reach our destination, Kalopani. Overnight local lodge.
From Kalopani, we take an easy beautiful walk as we move towards subtropical vegetation. The trail follows a river through a narrow gorge and descends to cross a bridge and reach a waterfall. We then move across the valley to reach Tatopani. Overnight local lodge.
We take another day off in Tatopani after all the excitement of the trek. The hot springs in Tatopani are the best ways to relieve our exhaustion while taking a dip. We also get a chance to share our stories with other travelers in the hot spring. Overnight local lodge.
We leave the hot springs behind us and climb for an entire day to Ghorepani. We leave the Kali Gandaki valley, follow the Ghar River and cross an old swaying bridge. We ascend through Ghara (1780m) and Shika (1935m). For the last part of the trail, we pass forests of rhododendron and magnolia to reach Ghorepani. Overnight local lodge.
You wake up before the sunrise, leave your backpack and march towards Poonhill racing against the sunrise. On reaching the top of Poonhill, the crowds of trekkers before dawn may surprise you.
Poonhill is a very popular viewpoint from where you can see the excellent views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I, Annapurna South and other mountains peaks at the vicinity.Many people opt for Poonhill trek which takes as less as 5 days to complete. Overnight at hotel in Pokhara.
After spending your time in Pokhara. You will then travel to Kathmandu by bus. It takes about 7-8 hours to arrive at Kathmandu. Spend a night at Hotel.
It is finally time to bid farewell to this amazing country. Our representative will transfer you to the airport from where you will catch your flight. Bid goodbye to this beautiful nation as you fly to your next destination.
What is Included
- Airport pickup and drop by private car or micro bus depending on group size.
- Three nights standard hotel with breakfast.
- One night hotel in Pokhara including breakfast.
- Tented accommodation and equipment during the trek. We provide fully water proof two men tents, dining tents, kitchen gear, dining table, chairs, toilet tents, shower tent etc. and Climbing Rope to cross the Passes.
- Full board meal (veg./non veg.) during camping, prepared by our expert cook with tea & coffee
- A Government Licensed English speaking Guide during the trek, cook, kitchen helper, required number of porters and Climbing Sherpa their food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment and medicine.
- All permits and paper documents for around Dhaulagiri trekking.
- Medical supplies (first aid kit will be available).
- Arrangement of Emergency Helicopter service (paid by your Travel Insurance Company).
- Land Transport (Local bus from Kathmandu-Beni and Tourist Bus from Nayapul-Pokhara-Kathmandu.
- Use of sleeping bag, down Jacket and walking Poles (if you don’t have your own, To be return after trip completed). Using these 3 items you pay $10 USD each as maintenance and washing charge.
- Government taxes and official expenses.
- Kathmandu guided city tour with private vehicle.
- Oxymeter to check your pulse and oxygen saturation and heart rate twice daily (Very useful to check Altitude Mountain Sickness(AMS) symptoms) Which will ensure you trek is in the safest hands possible for all levels of trekker.
What is Excluded
- Meals while you are in Kathmandu and Pokhara Lunch and Dinner.
- Nepal entry visa fees (You may easily issue the visa upon your arrival at International Airport – Kathmandu). You need 2 passport size photos.
- Your Travel and rescue insurance (covers emergency Rescue and Evacuation from the Mountain).
- International airfare.
- Your personal expenses and you personal trekking equipment.
- Drinks and beverages.
- Tips for the all trekking crews (Tipping is expected).
- Kathmandu sightseeing monument entrance fees($30 USD per person)
- Others expenses which are not mentioned (cost includes section).
