Dhaulagiri Base Camp Trekking

Trip Information

Dhaulagiri Base Camp Trekking is a challenging trek around the Mt. Dhaulagiri Trek (8,167m / 26,795 ft), the seventh highest Himalayan Peak lying north-west of Pokhara in Western Nepal and south of the Tibet and Nepal border. The Dhaulagiri, along with another Eight-Thousander, the Annapurna, carves the world's deepest gorge of Kaligandaki. The trek also crosses two high passes - the French pass (5,240m/17,192ft) and the Thapa pass (5,155m/16,913ft). 

Moreover, you will also experience snow and glacier walking, especially around Italian Base Camp and Dhaulagiri north base camp. Along the way, we enjoy spectacular views of Dhaulagiri, Thorong peak, Annapurna and Kali Gandaki River with the world deepest gorge. On the trail, you may also encounter semi-wild yak herds, mountain sheep in the remote valleys of this region. Besides the wild nature, you will also enjoy the shops, Teahouses, and lifestyle of Nepal's ethnic people such as Gurung, Chhetri, and Magars.

Our Around Dhaulagiri trek begins with a drive from Kathmandu to Beni. The first few days of the trek passes through cultivated fields connected to some of the mountain villages. The climb begins to get tougher after Dobhan, as we ascend to the Italian Base Camp. The trek continues on to the Iced French and Thapa Passes which have to be scaled before you descend down a winding trail to Yak Kharka. After a long descend you will arrive in Marpha, a popular city of Mustang district. Follow classical Annapurna Trail to Jomsom and fly Jomsom to Pokhara the next day. The final and scenic drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu includes the trek. 

Our other Treks in the Dhaulagiri Treks and Annapurna Regions are: Tukuche Peak Expedition-25 Days, Annapurna Circuit Trek - 21 days

Important Note and Optional Activities 
Your safety is of paramount concern whilst traveling with Adventure Pilgrims Trekking. Please note that your leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary; however, as this is adventure travel in the remote mountain region, we cannot guarantee it! Weather conditions, the health condition of a member, unexpected natural disasters, etc., can all contribute to changes in the itinerary. The leader will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but please be prepared to be flexible if required.

Day 01 : Arrive in Kathmandu, Nepal
Upon your arrival in the Kathmandu airport (TIA) you will be greeted by a representative from Adventure PilgrimsTrekking (APT). After completing your custom formalities (Visa, etc) pick up your luggage and look for our representative with a Adventure Pilgrims Trekking display board at the arrival gate. You will be then transferred to Hotel. After check in, you will visit APT office, meet your trekking guide as well as other participants. Later in the evening we will organize a "Welcome Dinner" at an excellent traditional Nepalese Restaurant where you will enjoy a Nepalese cultural program along with a fine meal. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 02 : Kathmandu City Tour 
After breakfast we start a guided tour to several of the most historical and spiritual attractions in Kathmandu. The day will also be for finalizing official procedure and other necessary arrangements. Also, you will be briefed on the nature of the trek, equipments and team composition. Some of the landmarks we visit include the World Heritage Sites of Kathmandu Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupati Nath, the famous 'Monkey Temple' (Swayambhu Nath) and Buddhists shrine (Bouddha Nath). In the afternoon, there will be a pre-trip discussion where we can meet our trek leader and other team members. You can also make your last minute buying of personal items as you will be flying to the Himalayas tomorrow. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 03 : Kathmandu to Beni ( 830m / 2731ft ) 
You can either fly to Pokhara or then drive to Beni, 82 kilometers from Pokhara. Or, if you wish, you can drive to Beni from Kathmandu via Pokhara, which takes about 8-9 hours. The Drive passes through the mountains along the banks of Trisuli and Marsyandi River to Pokhara. Drive further from Pokhara deeper into the mountains with the magnificent views of Annapurna Himalayas. Driving further along the banks of Mardi River, we continue to Beni. Overnight at Tented Camp.

Day 04 : Trek Beni to Babichaur ( 1000m / 3280ft ) 6-7 hrs
Our trek begins from today. We continue trekking along the Kali Gandaki River. Head toward Myagdi Khola. Cross the suspension bridges. Pass by the villages of Mangalghat, Singa, Tatopani, finally reaching at Babichaur.

Day 05 : Babichaur to Dharapani ( 1565m / 5134ft ) 7 hrs
Tonight you will camp in Dharapani 1565m, and the Dhaulagiri is no more so far. Today, our trail crosses the terraced hills, Shahashadhara village Dudh Khola Rarotonga village then reaches Dharapani and spend a night there.

Day 06 : Dharapani to Muri ( 1850m / 6068ft ) 6.5 hrs
The path goes steep up to Muri 1850 m, where the Mt. Dhaulagiri and other mountains appear clearly. From Muri, enjoy the Magnificent views of Mt Dhaulagiri and others.

Day 07 : Muri to Boghara ( 2050m / 6724ft ) 7.5 hrs 
From Muri the trail is easy and goes down for few hours but before to reach Boghara you have to climb a steep path for a couple of hours. The trail descends down before reaching Phedi and then the trail ascends up until Boghara.

Day 08 : Boghara to Dhoban ( 2630m / 8626ft ) 6 hrs
Today the path is quite difficult and sometimes you will need the help of the ropes. The trail descends down to a small ridge then crosses forest to Jyardan. Finally, cross the rocky part to arrive at Dhoban.

Day 09 : Dhoban to Italien Base camp ( 3500m / 11,480ft ) 6-7 hrs
Today you will reach the Italian Base Camp where you will camp just in front of the West wall of the Dhaulagiri. Passing through beautiful forest we rapidly gain altitude and mountains burst out all around. Since, we are rapidly gaining altitude, keep yourself hydrated and take it easy. 

Day 10 : Rest and Acclimatization day
A rest day for acclimatization. Since there is little exploring to be had, this is a day to relax because tomorrow we will have a tough day. Exercise, move around, make some Hiking and properly acclimatize with the altitude.

Day 11 : Italian Base camp to Glacier camp ( 4250m / 13,940ft ) 5 hrs
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. The glacier crossing would require the use of rope. 

Day 12 : Dhaulagiri Base camp ( 4650m / 15,252ft ) 4 hrs
Today we reach the 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. On the way, enjoy the magnificent north face of Dhaulagiri I. 

Day 13 : Acclimatization day
We will be constantly at an altitude of 5000 - 6000 m in the next days, hence so this day is essential. Even when we're acclimatizing, health experts recommend us to stay active and moving during the rest day too instead of being idle.

Day 14 : Dhaulagiri Base Camp to French Col 4 hrs
Hidden Valley Getting off the glacier above the base camp often requires a rope, but once over the steep moraine walls we are in safer and gentler country. After a breathless climb to the top of French Col.

Day 15 : Hidden Valley Camp ( 5000m / 16,400ft )
Make some rest. Acclimatize. Explore the surrounding peaks.

Day 16 : Hidden Valley to Yak Kharka (4200m / 13,776ft) 6 hrs 
After climbing over the 5200m Dhampus Pass, we traverse avalanche prone slopes and then descends steeply to Yak Kharka. Then trail descends down until we reach at Yak Kharka.

Day 17 : Yak Kharka to Jomsom ( 2,715m / 8,910ft ) 7-8 hrs
More steep descent leads to Marpha and a well-deserved beer over lunch. Tackling along the cairns, we proceed along the snowy path. After a few hours of walking in the snow, we pass the top of the Thapa Pass. From Marpha, we further head toward Jomsom to catch our next day's flight to Pokhara. 

Day 18 : Jomsom to Pokhara by flight 
After morning breakfast we check in the airport to fly back to Pokhara, a 30-min dramatic flight to Pokhara between gorge of the two huge mountains, Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. On arrival at Pokhara airport, guide will transfer to the lakeside hotel. We make use of the rest afternoon for discovering the beautiful Pokhara valley leisurely. While we walk along the bank of Fewa Lake, the second biggest lake of Nepal enjoying the Fish Tail Mountain reflected in the lake. You can also take a boat around the Fewa Lake or just can take an hour's walk to the World Peace Pagoda. Evening time, we spend exploring around the lakeside.

Day 19 : Drive to Kathmandu
Today, after breakfast, we make a 200 kilometers drive back to Kathmandu. Better to hold on the left pane of the vehicle to enjoy the scenery through the route. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel. There is nothing to do but trade emails with travel companions and organize the photos. You can spend the evening leisurely, perhaps catch up on some last minute shopping and celebrate dinner together with Adventure PilgrimsTrekking staffs.

Day 20 : Final departure
You are saying good bye to the mountains as your journey in Nepal comes to an end today! We take you to the airport for your flight time. We hope you enjoyed the trek, and are sure you will be back trekking somewhere in the Himalaya again. Approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight a representative from Adventure PilgrimsTrekking will take you to the airport. On your way home you'll have plenty of time to plan your next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.

Included in the Cost