Trekking around the giant Himalayan peak Dhaulagiri (6th highest Himalayan peak of the world) is one of the most challenging remote trek. Trekking off the main paths is not only possible, but can be immensely rewarding, though you do need a sense of adventure and an increased ability to deal with unexpected.
Geographically, Dhaulagiri region is a land of dramatic contrast. This is a trek into the wild which shows the world’s deepest river gorge, unparalleled scenery, as you might expect in such remote country, some very interesting indigenous people. The vast massif screens the hidden land of Dolpo to its north west. Following the rivers upstream, ferns and forests of oak and other deciduous trees and juniper are interesting. Mountain sides of rhododendron blaze with color in the spring, and other flowers are abundant on the trail. Even on High Mountain passes above the tree line, tiny alpine flowers can be found dotting the windswept ground. This is an adventure that walks the fine line between trekking and mountaineering and is ideal for those that thrive on rugged and remote trails that see only a handful of trekkers each season.
A standard Dhaulagiri Trek begins from Baglung, accessible after 3 hrs drive from Pokhara and goes via Darbang and Muri or sometimes Khibang to Boghara, the last village. The wilderness begins here first with a small difficult trail, set in a beautiful virgin forest and then the trail becomes very rough from the alpine grasses of Italy base Camp. We will need to use a fixed rope to cross the difficult rubble-covered glacier and then after some rock fall danger, the trail climbs onto the main glacier. The trails are ill defined and traverses knife-edged ridges on loose rock where a slip means loss of life. The trail becomes easier past Army Base Camp heading up French Col and then drops into Hidden Valley, broad and open with rich hued rocks and barely a blade of grass. Here, at 5000m it is perpetually cold, at least -15C° in October and -20C° in November at night.
Most important concern in this trek is the risk of acute mountain sickness. This itinerary is the standard one and goes in clockwise direction and is good for a very experienced and confident party only. Others are recommended to begin with other treks like Annapurna Basecamp or Annapurna Circuit for proper acclimatization before we hit the main trail of Dhaulagiri. We can begin with Annapurna Circuit from Besi Sahar via Manang and the 5416m Thorung La (12-14 days ) then trek around Dhaulagiri in the opposite direction to standard or starting from Pokhara, we start with the Annapurna Sanctuary trek (10-12 days. The clockwise Dhaulagiri trek also can be started from Thamgas, via Dhorpatan and the Jaljala (8-9 days to Bagaraha) or, starting from Baglung, there are routes via Asnam Dhuri from the Rahughat Khola or Marang Khola that allows enough acclimatization.
Day 01: Drive to Baglung (970m). Drive to the trail head town of Baglung (74km) which takes about 3 hrs. On arrival there is a short walk from the road to our camp close to the village.
Day 02: Tatopani (970m) Take an early morning start, following the bank of Kali Gandaki River. We follow the western bank of the Kali Ghandaki River valley to Beni (870m). Following Myagdi Khola River, pass through several small villages, a hot spring and cultivated lands to Tatopani and cross a suspension bridge and camp. Total walking 7 hours.
Day 03: Darbang (1120m) Continue following the Myagdi Khola and Newale Khola, walk through terraced fields to Babichor where we take lunch. In the afternoon , ascend gradually through paddies to reach the Duk Khola and the small settlements of Ratorunga, Bodeni and Chachare, before reaching the large village of Darbang with its rows of shops where we camp in the school grounds. 6 hrs trekking.
Day 04: Trek to Kamlo (1,610m). The trail crosses Myagdi Khola river by suspension bridges quite a few times. After crossing Marang Khola (1,270m), the trail descends for a while and soon takes a steep ascent but you will be rewarded with the views of Churen Himal (7,371m) and Gurja Himal (7,193m) at the ridge. Descend again to reach the camp among terraced fields, high above the valley, at Kamlo. 6 hrs trekking
Day 05: Trek to Baghara (2,060m). We have a tough day today. The trail passes through terraced fields. We follow the river bank and walk through the ridge forested with bamboo and rhododendron. 7-8 hrs walking.
Day 06: To Doban (2,490m) Today, we have relatively shorter day and the trail goes through a village followed by bamboo forest and take chance to take hot spring. The trail is scenic with beautiful water falls, towering cliff and delightull rhododendron forest. 6 hrs trekking.
Day 07: Doban - Uppper Bungini (Italian Base Camp) Passing through beautiful forest we rapidly gain altitude and mountains burst out all around.
Day 08: Rest at Upper Bungini A rest day for acclimatization. Since there is little exploring to be done, this is a day to relax and accumulate energy to take up the following tough day.
Day 09: Uppper Vungini (Italian Base Camp) – Glacier Camp After crossing the first glacier, probably using a rope in a couple of tricky spots, we climb onto the main glacier. The surroundings are spectacular, which makes up for the rough and dangerous trail. We may also use a rope on this section. This is a particularly tough day. We camp on the glacier rubble.
Day 10: Glacier Camp – Dhaulagiri Base Camp Soon the rough rubble gives way to the smooth ice of the white part of the glacier. We climb steadily to the rough and chilling but spectacular Dhaulagiri Base Camp.
Day 11: Dhaulagiri Base Camp – French Col - Hidden Valley Hidden valley getting of the glacier above the base camp often requires a rope, but once over the steep moraine walls we are in safer and gentle country. After a breathless climb to the top of French Col (5300m,) the views of Hidden Valley open out. The broad valley is reminiscent of Tibet and Ladakh and so are the temperatures, at least -20ºC at night.
Day 12: Hidden Valley camp 5000m. A rest day to admire the surrounding peaks and perhaps do some exploring.
Day 13: Hidden Valley – Yak Kharka. After climbing over the 5200m Dhampus Pass, we traverse avalanche-prone slopes and then descend steeply to Yak Kharka.
Day 14: Yak Kharka – Marfa. After climbing over the 5200m Dhampus Pass, we traverse avalanche prone slopes and then descend steeply to Yak Kharka.
Day 15: Marfa - Lete (2650 m.) We join the valley of Kaligandaki and Japanese friendship village with rich Thakali culture, which appears with the pay of Dhaulagiri (6hrs) Overnight at Lodge.
Day 16: Lete - TatopaniI (1300 m.) Seen at the fall of ice of beautiful Dhaulagiri cross in forest one let us rejoin the hot sources with Tatopani. (7hrs). Overnight in lodge
Day 17: Tatopani - Rest Day Tatopani consists of several clusters of building with excellent food, hot spring and nice view of Nilgiri Mountain. Sipping your beer as you enjoy your soak, drinking in the lovely atmosphere and surroundings of the riverside.
Day 18: Tatopani - Ghorepani (2810 m.) We will wake up early morning to hike up to the famed vantage point of Poon Hill excursion at 5 am (2,590m). Climb the Deorali (2855m) then descent through the forest rhododendron until Tadapani (6hrs) Overnight in Lodge.
Day 19: Tadapani – Ghandruk We decent in the forest until Gandrung Visit a village of Gurungs community and enjoy cross with beautiful magnificent mountain. (6hrs) Overnight in hotel
Day 20: Ghandruk – Pokhara Easy increase until Birethati and crossing by Modi River and descent up to point to join the track by bus to Pokhara hotel.
Travel Note
Difficulty Level Dhaulagiri Trek is the most difficult trekking of Nepal and also one of the most dangerous one. Most of the trekking companies tend to under estimate this trekking being similar to Round Annapurna or Everest Base camp trek in terms of difficulty level and that leads the trip to the failure and sometimes dangerous. The trekkers as well as the support crews should be in excellent condition, well trained and experienced and well equipped. Everybody should be properly acclimatized and prepared for glacier walking and intense cold. If support crews and porters are not experienced, well equipped or prepared for the hardness of the trip, they will end up getting sick, abandoning their loads and running back down.
In order to run this trip safe, we ensure that our Trekking Leader, Sherpas, Cook and Porters have been there at least a couple of times. All our crews will be prepared for the intense cold; they will have warm cloths, wind-proof jacket and trekking boots. We will provide them with tents, blankets or sleeping bags and food. All crews will be ensured against any possible accidents including the risks of high altitude.
Every trekker must have boots with crampons on for glacier walking and an ice axe. Our trekking leader will bring fix ropes. And do not forget to protect yourself by a good insurance that covers the emergency medical transportation or helicopter evacuation in case of need.
All camping gears and supplies are carried by Porters or pack animals leaving trekkers free to carry a light daypack, only. Before you go, we provide you with extensive pre-departure information, including clothing recommendations, suggested reading lists, up-to-date health advice, and other details from procuring visas to advice on local customs.
Accommodation along the trail Fully Organized Camping Trip Camping is a traditional and in true sense the real way of trekking in Nepal Himalayas. We will be accompanied by a number of Sherpas with camping gears, kitchen utensils, cooking gas and food supplies, transported by pack animals or local porters. The camping gears include two person sleeping tents, dinning tent, kitchen tent, toilet tent, shower tent, dinning table and chairs. Shower tent will be set up only if water source is in easy access. The kitchen crews comprise a Cook and 3-4 helpers, who cook 3 hot meals a day. The menu ranges Nepali, Indian and western cuisines.
Lodge to Lodge Trek Option Lodge to lodge trek option is NOT available in this area.
What A Typical Trekking Day is Like? The trekking day typically starts at 6:30 a.m. with a hot cup of tea or coffee served at your tent. This is soon followed by a large bowl of hot water for washing. Then it's time to pack your bags and sit down to a hearty breakfast of porridge, eggs, and toast. By 7:30 or 8:00 you're off on the trail. For about three hours you'll walk through villages, forests, and up and down green hills and valleys. There's plenty of time to visit local teashops, stop for a view or a photo, and exchange a smile or greeting (Namaste!) with the friendly Nepali people who share the trail. A trailside lunch breaks up the day, giving you time to rest and refuel with a substantial hot meal prepared by the staff. After about an hour of eating, napping, and relaxing, it's time for the afternoon hike. You arrive in camp/lodge around 4:00- p.m. and have time to wash up and get settled in the lodge before enjoying tea and snacks. The next few hours are free to write in your journal, read a few pages in a novel, play cards, engage in conversation, walk around the neighborhood or simply relax. The day closes with a hot, multi-course dinner that often includes ethnic cuisine as well as western favorites. Yak cheese pizzas and momos-Tibetan pot-stickers are the local specialty to try. After dinner you can gaze at the stars and the moonlit peaks, recount the events of the day, or retire to your bed to read for a while or doze off to sleep.
Expert Local Leader Expert leadership is the key to an exciting, unforgettable experience. Our trips feature gifted local leaders for whom leading trips is a true vocation. Besides showing you wonder you'd never find on your own, they make sure everything runs smoothly and safely without a hitch. They are knowledgeable about all aspects of your trip, and take great pleasure in sharing their insights with you. More than just guides, they positively elevate your experience by being teachers, companions, and the best of friends. You'll be in good hands with them every step of the way.
Our trekking leader will be trained by and licensed from Nepal Government’s Tourism Department, have taken Intensive courses of Wilderness First Aid, Eco trekking, conservation and biodiversity, rock and ice climbing and cross culture. All trek leaders do speak English and communication will not be a problem at all but cook and support staff will have limited English. Its advisable that our travelers learn some simple Nepali phrases and greetings and understand the local culture so as to get mixed up with the crews and locals.
High Asia Tours is an active adventure travel company. We have set the standard for adventure travel and have a strong reputation for excellence that we do everything we can to maintain. Since we are the leading adventure company, we have a lot to live up to, so we make sure we provide safe, quality trips and the best customer service to our passengers.
Booking and Cancellation
Deposit. A non-refundable land deposit of US$150.00 plus the cost of internal airfares is requested. Also forward your trip application form and a copy of the photo page of your passport.
Balance Payment Balance payment is due 90 days prior to your departure. Depending on the number of applicants, we may set an early payment date. If balance of payment is not received by the requested date, we reserve the right to cancel your booking without prior notice.
Cancellations Cancellations received 90 days prior departure will attract admin fee US$ 30. Cancellation received less than 90 days and more than 45 days prior to the departure date will be charged 25% of the land cost. Cancellations received less than 45 days and more than 15 days prior to the departure date will be charged 75% of the land cost. There will be no refund on cancellations received less than 15 days. Air ticket cancellation charges will be as per the policy of concerned airlines.
Activities:
Hiking, village visit, meet the locals.
Trip Type:
Off the beaten path
Group Size:
2-10 pax
Start From:
Pokhara
Finish In:
Pokhara
Highest Altitude:
5,300m ( 17,384ft) at French Col
Best Season:
October to May
Tour Cost
US$ 1330 per person
Optional Activity
Prior or post trip, you can take 3 days Kali Gandaki River rafting, grade 3+, 4. Pokhara is also base for paragliding. From Pokhara, you can head out to Chitwan National Park, for jungle safari rides as well.
Inclusive
Permits
Transportation to trailhead and return.
All camping gears, kitchen gears and supplies
3 meals a day
English speaking Trekking Guide
Porters, Sherpas and Pack animals
Trekking crew insurance
Exclusive
Drinks, tip and expenses of personal nature
Extra expenses due to nature and unforeseen events
Travel Insurance
Accommodation/services in Pokhara
