Dhaulagiri Base Camp Trekking
Dhaulagiri is one of the best high adventure-trek in Nepal. Geographically it is an area of dramatic contrast this trek provides very close up view of the huge snow peak Dhaulagiri (the 8th highest in the world) takes you over challenging mountain passes - the French pass (5360m) and Thapa Pass (5200m) - and over icy tracks. Nepal trekking in this region means an exploration of the wild. Recently reopened, this thrilling region shows its long kept secrets like the Gandaki gorge the deepest gorge in the world. Dhaulagiri means "white mountain" and although many mountains throughout the world have names, which translate to White Mountain this is without doubt the most astonishing one. Dhaulagiri Circuit offers that extra bit of risk, excitement and good old-fashioned adventure.” In about 7 days, you reach base camp. The traverse from base camp to the ridge is steep and long. Cross the ridge at French pass (5360m) and the Thapa pass (5,250m) with Hidden valley (4,900m) in between offering panoramic views of Mukut Himal, Hongde (6,550m), Tongu Peak (6,187m), Tukuche Peak (6,920m), Nilgiri (6,940m), Thorong Peak (6,440m) and the Annapurna I & II. and descend to Tikuche base camp. Continue to traverse in snow condition until you cross the pass. Because of the wind, altitude and snow the visibility is usually very low while crossing the main ridge to Tokuche. After crossing the pass, you descend to a high pastureland for overnight camp. Next day make further steep descend to Tukuche. You are back to civilization as you follow the main trail to Jomsom. Fly out from Jomsom to Pokhara and travel to Katmandu.
You should be prepared to travel in snow condition for an extended period over a week and be preparing for rough weather. Previous trek experience in the mountain is necessary. You should be physically fit. Consider the trek a grade higher than trek to Makalu base camp.
Trek Features
Duration day in Nepal: 23 days
Total duration treks: 19 days
Trek style: Fully: Camping Trekking
Trek starts/ends: Beni / Jomsom
Max elevation: 5360m.
Trek grading: Moderate/Demanding
Best season: March-May, October-November
Accommodation: 4 nights in hotels in Kathmandu on bed and breakfast and 19 camping treks in with breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Trip highlights: Extremely pristine and isolated region, Breathtaking mountain views, Diverse moutain flora and fauna
Trip Details Itinerary
01: Arrive Kathmandu, transfer to airport
Day 02: In Kathmandu- free day, sort out permit & equipment
Day 03. Drive to Pokhara. Overnight in Pokhara
Day 04 :Drive to Beni (850mt.)
Drive to Beni. The drive is about 4 hours and you ll find most of the part enjoyable, and offering good scenery. Beni is the district headquarters and has a police check post , trekkers registration certificate is checked here. Beni is at the confluence of the Myagdi Khola (river) and the Kali Gandaki. Overnight at Camp.
Day 05: Beni trek to Babichor (950 mt.)
Tatopani (hot springs). Houses increases as we approach Singa with its shops and tea houses. Crossing the bridge beyond the village to the south bank of the river, the trail makes a little half loop before crossing another bridge, near the village of Simarchour, follow the Myagdi Khola left bank path past the small
Day 06: Babichor trek to Dharapani (1,400mt.)
The valley widens and terraced hills develop wide on the both sides of the river. The trail is easy , flat and gently ascending. Pass stone paved village of Shahashradhara, cross the Duk Khola and walking through fields arrive at Ratorunga. Follow a path along the river, pass Bodeni to Chachare with its teahouse, the terraced hills disappear on the opposite bank as well and the left bank of the narrow valley gently undulates up and down as you arrive at the large village of Darbang with its rows of shops.
Day 07: Dharapani trek to Muri (1,850mt.)
the trail starts climbing in earnest and there will be many switch-backs until you arrive at the ridge and the angle of ascent eases. Again the trail climbs steeply to the villages of Muri. Continue your trek to Sibang and Mattim. From here you continue up an incline to the snout of a ridge, descend to the Gatti Khola and reach Phalai Gaon (1810m). Cross the Dhara Khola via a suspension bridge , descend to the valley next to the school, walk to the opposite bank , and climb the steep hill for a shortcut. Follow the mountin path and skirt around the ridge, emerging once again to the right bank of Myagdi Khola, the mountain path continues, winding uphill, and when you skirt around a ridge, a vista of Dhaulagiri I (8167m) and Gurja Himal (7193m)
Day 08: Muri trek to Boghara (2080mt.)
Before climbing a ridge to reach the pass you see Mt. Ghustung South (6465 m). Descend to the Myagdi Khola and trek along its West Bank to the village of Naura from where you will climb a little before traversing a grassy hill and climb a steep slope with switch-backs and then descend through a forest and terraced fields.
Day 09: Boghara trek to Dobang (2,520mt.)
A high winding path follows the village, crossed rocky area pilled high with stones, then grass covered traverse, finally descending a steep stone step path to the river?s edge. Follow the river a bit, then climb a mountain path and cross a stream with a high waterfall to a Kharka.
Day 10: Dobang trek to Choriban Khola (3,110mt.)
Dobang the trail ascends a forested area. Soon the west face of Dhaulagiri I (8167 m.) becomes visible through breaks in the trees. Descend to the Myagdi Khola and cross it via a wooden bridge to the east bank continue to Chartare (2820m). Return to the forest from Chartare, after you pass two small bivouac caves, you leave the forest and cut across a rocky area. Climb the mountain side from the river, cross small stream and continuea gentle climb to the Choriban.
Day 11: Choriban Khola trek to Italian Base Camp (3,660mt.)
The terminal moraine of the Chhonbarban Glacier and enter the glacier from the right. Tukche Peak (6837 m.) becomes visible straight on; at the far end while the impressive north flank of Dhaulagiri I (8167 m.) dominates the skyline to your right. After a short while you will reach Italian Base Camp (3660 m), which is also the site of your camp for the night. To the west are the peaks of Dhaulagiri II (7751m), Dhaulagiri III (7715 m) and Dhaulagiri V (7618 m).
Day 12: Italian Base Camp Rest Day.
Rest day relax at the camp, acclimatization day.
Day 13: Italian Base Camp trek Glacier Camp - (4210mt.)
Leave early in the morning when the weather is expected to be clear. Trail is bit prone to stone fall, and pass through a narrow gorge. Overnight at near the glacier.
Day 14: Glacier Camp trek to Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4740mt.)
Always beware of altitude sickness. Tukche Peak (6837 m.) becomes visible straight on; at the far end while the impressive north flank of Dhaulagiri I (8167 m.) dominates the skyline to your right. After a short while you will reach Dhaulagiri Base Camp (3660 m), which is also the site of your camp for the night. To the west are the peaks of Dhaulagiri II (7751m), Dhaulagiri III (7715 m) and Dhaulagiri V (7618 m).
Day 15: Dhaulagiri Base trek to French Pass (5,100 m) and to Hidden Valley High Camp. (5,360mt.)
The first of which runs along the glacier, and then cutting across a mountain flank and a moraine you enter a gentle incline on the left from an ablation valley. Climb this gentle slope to the French Pass (5100 m.). A great vista opens up from the French Pass and you will be able to see Mukut Himal (6328 m), Tashi Kang (6386 m.) and Sita Chuchura (6611 m.), all of which surround the Hidden Valley.
Day 16: Extra day for weather
Day 17: Hidden Valley High trek to Cross Dhampus Pass, and trek through Yak Kharka (3,680mt.)
Dhampus Pass and continue to Yak Kharka. There is a good camp site to enjoy.
Day 18: Yak Kharka trek to Tukche (2,667mt.).
Day 19: Tukche trek to Jomsom
Day 20: Fly: Jomsom - Pokhara (25 min). transfer to Hotel,
Day 21: Drive to Kathmandu, transfer to hotel
Day 22: In Kathmandu, free day
Day 23: Transfer to airport, departt Kathmandu
