Trip Overview
Separated from the Annapurna region by Kali Gandaki Gorge (the deepest gorge in the world), Dhaulagiri is the most arduous trekking destination in the Himalayan range. Dhaulagiri massif consists of more than 15 summits above 7,000 meters and is considered one the most inspiring series of mountains in the region. An adventure to this region is guaranteed to be spectacular. The region is considered to be one of the most remote places in the world; it has an abundance of Himalayan peaks, hidden valleys, high passes and sweeping vistas. The Trans-Himalayan journey is quiet, peaceful and full of adventure and excitement at every turn. Trekking in this area is relatively strenuous but trekkers excited to spend their holidays amid nature and natural surroundings full of peace and tranquility choose this "Off the beaten path" trek to have an adventure unlike any other. Starting at Beni around 285 km west from Kathmandu the trails follows the Myagdi Khola, the river that drains the southern side of the Dhaulagiri massif. In the beginning the trek passes through the heavily populated Magar village like Darbang and Muri, as we move forward the landscape becomes much more rugged and mountainous. At Italian base camp, we reach above the tree line, the Italian base camp which is located at the snout of the Chhonbaraan glacier is a great place to explore the surroundings and also for acclimatization. After an acclimatization day at Italian base camp, we continue through the glacier trail to the Dhaulagiri base camp, a rugged spot with spectacular view of the Dhaulagiri west face. We move ahead to our final challenge over French pass (5,360 m), also the highest point of the trek, it is not too long an ascent but can be demanding. Descending from French pass, we enter the lonely but fascinating area know as Hidden Valley, this place is one of the few true wilderness areas accessible in Nepal, the Hidden Valley stretches away to the north eventually narrowing to a rugged gorge which connects to Upper Dolpa. From Hidden valley, the trail crosses Dhampus (Thapa) pass roughly 100m lower than French pass but can be very challenging due to the high speed winds. After the pass, we camp at yak Kharka, a yak grazing pasture land with the view over Nilgirs (north, central & south), Tilicho Peak (7,145 m) and Annapurna I (8,091 m), Annapurna South (7,219 m), a descending trail brings you to join the Annapurna circuit trek at Marpha from yak Kharka, we then trek to Jomsom for a returning flight to Pokhara and eventually to Kathmandu the next day.
Outline Itinerary
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Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu
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Day 2
Sightseeing in Kathmandu
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Day 3
Drive from Kathmandu to Beni (9/10 hrs) by Private Van/ Bus
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Day 4
Trek Beni to Babiyachaur (1,050 m/5 hrs)
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Day 5
Trek Babiyachaur to Dharapani (1,470 m /7 hrs)
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Day 6
Trek Dharapani to Muri (1,950 m/7 hrs)
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Day 7
Trek Muri to Bagar (2,080 m/6 hrs)
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Day 8
Trek Bagar to Dobang (2,545 m/5 hrs)
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Day 9
Trek Dobang to Sallaghari (2,820 m)
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Day 10
Trek Sallaghari to Italian Base Camp (4,000 m/4 hrs)
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Day 11
Acclimatization day at Italian Base Camp
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Day 12
Italian Base Camp to Glacier Camp (3,890 m/5 hrs)
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Day 13
Trek Glacier Camp to Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4,740 m/5 hrs)
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Day 14
Trek Dhaulagiri Base Camp to Hidden valley Chhorten (4,900 m/6 hrs)
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Day 15
Trek Hidden valley to Thapa Peak Base Camp (5,000 m)
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Day 16
Climb Thapa Peak trek to Yak Kharka (3,680 m)
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Day 17
Trek Yak Kharka to Marpha (2,670 m/5 hrs)
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Day 18
Marpha to Jomsom (2,710 m/2 hrs)
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Day 19
Jomsom to Pokhara
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Day 20
Pokhara to Kathmandu (7 hrs)
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Day 21
Airport transfer
Detailed Itinerary
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Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu
Once you arrive at Kathmandu airport, our company`s representative will meet you then arrange the necessary transfer. We provide 3-star accommodation in the city and we arrange for a trip briefing with dinner in the evening. -
Day 2
Sightseeing in Kathmandu
We provide a city Tour with a professional tour guide. Today, we will be visiting some of the Historical palace of the Kathmandu (Kathmandu Durbar Square), Pashupatinath Temple, Bouddhanath Stupa and the Buddhist monument of Swayambhunath (Better known as Monkey temple for easy). -
Day 3
Drive from Kathmandu to Beni (9/10 hrs) by Private Van/ Bus
As we drive out of the Kathmandu Valley, it is only a quick descend into the Trisuli River, you follow upstream to its junction with the Marshyangdi River. You follow the Marshyangdi gently up through heavily terraced fields and small hill towns to the Madi River, Seti River that takes you directly into Pokhara. With pleasant weather, Pokhara , a "Tourist's Paradise" is full of natural as well as cultural heritage sites such as several Lakes, Caves, temples of Buddhist and Hindus along with mountains. You can observe views to the north across the hills and Phewa Tal (Lake) to the white peaks of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. The drive from here goes uphill along zigzagging roads all the way to Naudanda. It then descends to Nayapul with views of Annapurna South, Fish tail, green hills, terraces and villages. To reach Beni, you drive along the bank of Kaligandaki River. This is one of the most picturesque road journeys anywhere in the world! -
Day 4
Trek Beni to Babiyachaur (1,050 m/5 hrs)
We leave the town of Beni and then walk along the Myagdi Khola bank, en route; we encounter and visit a real village life of the mid-land people, the terraced and occasionally small settlement. It’s great to start at the lower altitudes to have a different perspective on the landscape. -
Day 5
Trek Babiyachaur to Dharapani (1,470 m /7 hrs)
Today is quite a long walk; we start early, passing through forest with varieties of Oaks and Rhododendron forests. You can hear the chirping of the local birds then your trails follow flat lands passing through the stream at one place. The trek is a muddy road crossing villages at some of the places. From here, we go along the flat land passing through a forest with varieties of Rhododendrons, Oaks and Hemlock trees at some distance. After we cross a small stream, the trail suddenly begins to ascend a path until you reach Dharapani. -
Day 6
Trek Dharapani to Muri (1,950 m/7 hrs)
Today is another long day. We start trekking and descend trails for one hour passing through forest. We follow a steeply ascending path, before approaching Muri; we pass along the flat path. Muri is a small village mainly inhabited by Magar, one of the ethnic groups of Nepal. We will also have the chance to visit a Buddhist monastery that is quite captivating. -
Day 7
Trek Muri to Bagar (2,080 m/6 hrs)
Today, we descend a gentle slope and cross a rocky stream amid terraced fields to Dhora Khola. We cross the river and climb to the right up the mountainside to Ghorban Dhara. The view from this pass is fine, for the first time you can see Ghustung to the south (6,465 m). Follow the right bank path past Naura where you begin to ascend the mountainside. After ascending for a short while, we take a path that traverses the steep grass-covered hill. The Myagdi Khola follows a steep-walled V-shape as the traverse ends and a high, winding path climbing a steep, grassy slope. The steep slope will not tolerate any missteps but the path is well constructed with a great number of switch backed stone staircase paths. At last the long climb ends, and you enter a traverse to the right, here you must also beware of falling into the gorge of the Myagdi Khola. Soon you descend through a forested area, emerging to a ridge snout where Bagar (2,080 m) is visible. Descend through terraced fields to this mountain village where you camp in local people's court-yards or the terraced fields. -
Day 8
Trek Bagar to Dobang (2,545 m/5 hrs)
Here, you leave the villages behind and the trail becomes increasingly challenging, the view of Myagdi Khola is great on this walk, we continue ascending to the village and is terraced. -
Day 9
Trek Dobang to Sallaghari (2,820 m)
Today, we ascend to nearly 3,000 meters; the view is spectacular although the trail ascends steeply. We camp at Sallaghari which means pine forest camp and we are close to the tree line though. -
Day 10
Trek Sallaghari to Italian Base Camp (4,000 m/4 hrs)
Today, we reach 4,000 meters; the trek is strenuous and ascends for most of the day. The Italian base camp is one of the most spectacular campsites, we visit during our trek. It is a great place to enjoy the view of Dhaulagiri massif. The mountains view from here are the Dhaulagiri VI (7,268 m), Dhaulagiri IV (7,661 m), Dhaulagiri V (7,618 m) and Gurja Himal (7,193 m). -
Day 11
Acclimatization day at Italian Base Camp
Today, we spend the day for acclimatizing before continuing to Dhaulagiri Base Camp and then on to the pass. It is essential for our success to complete the trek that everyone is fit and healthy and spending a day at the breathtaking camp will ensure the team's success. -
Day 12
Italian Base Camp to Glacier Camp (3,890 m/5 hrs)
After crossing the first glacier, probably using a rope in a couple of tricky spots, we climb onto the main glacier. It is important to pay attention to the rough and dangerous trail although the surroundings are quite spectacular. We will use ropes at various stages to ensure our safety and success and will camp on the glacier pebbles. -
Day 13
Trek Glacier Camp to Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4,740 m/5 hrs)
Today, we trek for five hours until we reach the mountain view of Tukuche Peak (6,848 m) & we see the west side of the Dhaulagiri massif (8,167 m). -
Day 14
Trek Dhaulagiri Base Camp to Hidden valley Chhorten (4,900 m/6 hrs)
Today, we cross the French pass at (5,360 meters), Getting off the glacier above the base camp often requires rope climbing. Once over the steep moraine walls, we reach gentle trail, less strenuous country. After a breathless climb to the top of French Col (5,360 m), the views of Hidden valley open up. The broad valley is reminiscent of Tibet and Ladakh and so are the temperatures (at least -20ºC at night) in October /November & April/May, a bit less than this. -
Day 15
Trek Hidden valley to Thapa Peak Base Camp (5,000 m)
On this day ,we cross another pass the Dhampus pass at 5,244 meters, then we continue toward the Base Camp of Dhampus peak (6,012 m). We set up our final camp to attempt Dhampus peak for a superb view of the Annapurna chain, Dhaulagiris & other many peaks over 6,000 m. -
Day 16
Climb Thapa Peak trek to Yak Kharka (3,680 m)
Today, we start early around 4:30 am and we have a long strenuous climb at high altitude and will prove to be an exhausting day of trekking. Our Sherpa who has extensive knowledge about climbing and safety will put the ropes on the ice bar for the final 60 meters, the view from the top of Dhampus is wonderful, the 45 kilometer long mountain chain from Annapurna to Dhaulagiri are visible as well as the windy Valley of Kaligandaki , spectacular to enjoy. After our successful attempt of the peak, we return to the camp then have lunch and drinks then we continue descending to Yak Kharka at a relatively low altitude. -
Day 17
Trek Yak Kharka to Marpha (2,670 m/5 hrs)
We descend today to the river bed of Kaligandaki, and the view is spectacular during descend. Marpha is very popular with its apple fields where we can have apple brandy, apple pie and other fruit products in this Thakali village. -
Day 18
Marpha to Jomsom (2,710 m/2 hrs)
Today, we enjoy a long trek in the morning, and after a late breakfast ,we head toward Jomsom which is just two hours walk from Marpha. We follow the Kaligandaki River upstream until Jomsom. Jomsom is a large town in this region where we have all basic facilities like medical, communication and shopping. We explore the town all afternoon. -
Day 19
Jomsom to Pokhara
Today, we take a short flight in the morning to Pokhara. Pokhara is a Lake city & one of the most beautiful city in Nepal and is a main Tourist`s favorites destination. We look around in Lake Side areas during the afternoon. -
Day 20
Pokhara to Kathmandu (7 hrs)
Today, we drive to Kathmandu by Tourist Bus/Coach and reach the city around 3 p.m. We will have time in the afternoon to explore the city or prepare for the final departure to your home country. -
Day 21
Airport transfer
Our Airport representative will transfer you to the airport at the given time. IMPORTANT NOTE: We do organize Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek (17-20 Days) without Climbing Dhampus Peak (6,012 m), both ways Public/Private Transportation/ Flight from Jomsom/ trek to Pokhara /by Jeep driving all the way to Pokhara/ Delux 5 star Hotel in KTM & PKR......
Trip Info
Cost Includes
- Airport pick up & drop off by private vehicle
- 4 Nights hotel accommodation in Kathmandu & Pokhara in B/B basis at standard hotel
- A full day city sightseeing in Kathmandu (private vehicle & tour guide)
- Private minibus transfer from Kathmandu-Beni Bazaar
- Surface transportation for all (local staffs + tourists) from Pokhara to Kathmandu by comfortable tourist bus/coach
- Flight tickets for all from Jomsom-Pokhara
- Airport taxes for all
- Tent accommodation during trekking
- Trekking permit/TIMS card and National parks entry fees/ Annapurna Conservation Areas Project (ACAP) Entry Permit.
- Climbing permit and Nepalese government royalty fee for Dhampus peak climbing
- Climbing Sherpa`s Dhampus peak climbing fee
- Supporting staffs (trekking guide, climbing Sherpa, cook, Sherpa) and required no. of porters
- Cooking utensil and fuels-
- Tents and mattresses (all camping gears)
- Trekking gears for all porters (shoes, jacket, trouser, etc)
- Necessary foods supply for all during trek
- Insurance/Security for trekking/climbing staffs which is compulsory
- All government & local taxes
- All official paper works.
- First Aid Kit-Box
- Emergency or Rescue Evacuation Arrangement & pre-deposit service, payable later on by Travel Insurance Company (porter`s back, Horse`s back & Helicopter), in case of required or wanted
Cost Excludes
- Meals in Kathmandu (lunch & dinner)
- Nepal Visa Fee & International flight tickets
- Monuments/ Temples/Monasteries entrance fees in Kathmandu, Pokhara & Mountains as well.
- Beverages, cold drinks, alcoholic drinks
- Personal nature expenses
- Any kinds of small donation, if someone is asking during the trek
- Personal trekking /climbing equipments
- Travel insurance
- Emergency or Rescue Evacuation cost/ charges (porter`s back, horse`s back & Helicopter), in case of required or wanted
- Private transportation (Pokhara-Kathmandu), in case of required or wanted
- Tipping for trekking/climbing staffs
- Others than what are included.
