Round Dhaulagiri Trek

This trek around Dhaulagiri, Nepal’s seventh highest peak, is said to be one of Nepal’s most challenging treks. This is not a trek for the casual hiker, involving narrow ridges, snow and glacier crossings in which fixed-ropes are required, and exceptionally rough terrain. For the thrill-seeker and mountaineering enthusiast who enjoys the rewards of a […]

Trip Overview

  • Destination
    Nepal,
  • Duration
    34 Days
  • Altitude
    5240m

This trek around Dhaulagiri, Nepal’s seventh highest peak, is said to be one of Nepal’s most challenging treks. This is not a trek for the casual hiker, involving narrow ridges, snow and glacier crossings in which fixed-ropes are required, and exceptionally rough terrain. For the thrill-seeker and mountaineering enthusiast who enjoys the rewards of a challenge though, this can be considered a gem among Nepal’s trekking routes. We’ll encounter stunning scenery around every challenging pass, with gorgeous views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, and descents into hidden mountain valleys barren of human inhabitants. Be prepared for two 5000 meter scrambles across the French pass and Thapa Pass – and the accompanying unrivalled panoramic views – testaments to the sense of achievement you’ll feel from knowing you’ve gone where few dare to go.

Itinerary

You will be greeted at the airport by a representative from Mystic Nepal and transported to your hotel.  Unwind from your flight and meet us in the evening for a welcome dinner at a traditional Nepalese restaurant.
Relax for the afternoon and enjoy a guided tour of Kathmandu’s unique attractions.  We’ll spend the day exploring several of the city’s most famous cultural landmarks like the sacred Hindu pilgrimage site Pashupatinath on the banks of the Bhagamati, Swayambunath (Monkey Temple), and Bouddhanath, Nepal’s largest and most revered Buddhist stupa.  In the evening we’ll meet with your trekking guide and team members for a trip briefing and preparations for the journey. 
Depart Kathmandu in the morning by private van or bus, following the banks of the Trishuli and Marsyandi Rivers toward Pokhara.  The scenic road continues on to Beni, about 80 kilometers from Pokhara.  We spend the night in tents at Beni
Our first trekking day will take us through picturesque hillsides along the banks of the Kali Gandaki River.  An pleasant stroll through a string of rural settlements will take us to our overnight stop at Babichaur.
After a gradual climb through pastoral hillsides and the small villages of Shahashadhara and Ratorunga we will arrive in Dharapani.
A steep climb today through lush forests of rhododendrons and oak takes us further above the Kali Gandaki river.  Ascending a tree lined hillside to the village of Muri, the peaks of the Dhaulagiri range appear visible beyond the verdant hills.
A gradual descent through subtropical forest marked by cascading waterfalls takes us to Phedi.  After a lunch break, we ascend steeply to Boghara for our overnight stop.
A challenging day of navigating steep ridgelines awaits today.  Fixed ropes may be required in some sections of the trail.  Emerging from thick forest in the afternoon, we’ll cross a bare rocky plain to Dhoban.
Today’s dramatic change in altitude will prove a bit challenging.  We’ll encounter a change in scenery as well, with subtropical conditions giving way to the harsh rocky terrain.  As we approach Italian Base Camp, the peaks of the Dhaulagiri Himal tower around us.  We’ll camp for the night at Italian Base Camp before Dhaulagiri’s west face.
We spend the day acclimatizing for the coming altitude increases today.  Relax and prepare for the tough day ahead.
Our approach to Glacier Camp will take us across the Magdi glacier, encountering challenging terrain along the way that will require the use of ropes and technical maneuvers.  Fantastic scenery abounds as we traverse the ice and rock to Glacier Camp.
Our glacier traverse continues en route to Dhaulagiri Base Camp, situated beneath the spectacular north face of Dhaulagiri 1.
We stop for another acclimatization day in preparation for the coming days in which we’ll remain above 5000m.
The highest point of the trek occurs today in our crossing of the French Pass.  You will need all the stamina you can muster to complete this challenge.  The breathtaking scenery along the way will encourage you to continue.  After the high pass, our trail levels for an easy descent into Hidden Valley.
Spend the day in wonder admiring the untouched and impossibly serene Hidden Valley.  This pristine snowy world, hidden amongst the soaring Dhaulagiri Himal’s peaks will be an enchanting respite after the previous days’ challenges.
The trail today takes us over Dhampus Pass 5200m/17060ft, a spectacular crossing between the peaks of Thukuche and Thapa.  We descend from the pass down steep, snowy slopes to Yak Kharka.
A further descent will take us Marpha, Nepal’s apple capital and a great place to stop for a local treat after our long journey.  We continue via Thapa Pass to arrive at our final destination in Jomsom.
We depart in the morning for an amazingly scenic flight to Pokhara between the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs.  Arrive in Pokhara in the afternoon and enjoy the evening relaxing by Fewa Lake.
Depart by private van or bus this morning for Kathmandu.  Spend the evening in Thamel reminiscing after an amazing journey.
Take care of any last minute shopping or sightseeing as time permits.  You’ll be picked up at your hotel three hours prior to your departure flight.  Thanks for traveling with us.  Farewell and Namaste.

Inclusion

  • Airport pickup and drop off in private vehicle
  • Hotel with included breakfast in Kathmandu
  • Private transportation and government licensed guide while sightseeing in Kathmandu valley
  • Government licensed, experienced trekking guide and porters during trekking
  • Insurance for trekking crew (guides and porters)
  • All required equipment for trekking crew, kitchen tent, dining tent, and toilet tent
  • Accommodations in hotels, tea-houses, or camps during trekking
  • Three daily meals while trekking
  • All required conservation fees and trekking permits (TIMS)

  • Lunch and dinner while in Kathmandu
  • Entrance fees for attractions (UNESCO world heritage sites, museums, etc.) during sightseeing in Kathmandu
  • Personal insurance or cost of air rescue in the event of emergency
  • Air ticket to and from Nepal from your point of origin
  • Visa fee for entry into Nepal
  • Personal expenses (souvenirs, alcoholic beverages, hygiene items, staff tips, etc.)

Trip Notes

The Round Dhaulagiri trek is an exceptionally challenging journey to be attempted only by those who are in good physical conditioning and who have experience trekking in high altitudes. A large section of this trail is above 4000 meters, with two 5000 meter sections across the French and Thapa passes. Our itinerary includes two days of rest, which are intended to aid in acclimatization. Expect to walk 6 – 8 hours a day, with many steep climbs and descents. Due to snow in this area, this route is not recommended and may not be accessible during the Winter months. The best seasons to attempt this journey are in Autumn (Sep – Nov) and Spring (Mar – May).

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