Dhaulagiri Base Camp Trek

Overview
Itinerary
Map
What's included
Reviews
Do's & Don'ts

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18 days
Kathmandu/Kathmandu
people

Dhaulagiri Base Camp Trek (4,750 m) is an authentic trekking adventure in Nepal that takes the travelers to remote north-western part of the Dhaulagiri Range. The trek features camping at moraines and glaciers.

The route then passes to the ancient Trans-Himalayan Salt Trade Route where the travelers will walk in the footsteps of the traders carrying salt between Nepal and Tibet. Further on, the trek leads the visitors through Kali Gandaki Valley, which is considered the world's deepest gorge, before finishing at the village of Jomsom. The trip ends with a breathtaking flight to Pokhara and Kathmandu.

It is the complete experience in trekking in the Himalayas, featuring diverse scenery, including subtropical farmland, dense forest, alpine vegetation and high dry valley, snow-capped ridges and ice-glaciers. Every single day of trekking along this route presents a brand new landscape and new challenges.

The best part of this trekking route is probably seeing two magnificent giants of Mount Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Massif from a viewpoint that is not frequently visited by tourists.

The Dhaulagiri Base Camp trek is perfect choice for seasoned and adventure-loving trekkers willing to travel through stunning Himalayan mountains and remote parts of Nepal.

Minimum 02 pax sharing: Cost US$ 2550 per person.

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Kathmandu

Your trekking experience in Nepal begins with your arrival in Kathmandu. On a sunny day, your flight to Kathmandu provides an incredible view of snowy Himalayan mountain peaks. You can expect to have the opportunity to see something unforgettable on your trip to Nepal.

After arriving at the airport, our representative and driver will meet you and transport you to your hotel. Once there, you will be briefed about your trekking itinerary and your daily schedule.

Meals: None

Stay: Hotel
Day 2

Guided Cultural Tour

After having breakfast, start an interesting sightseeing tour around Kathmandu by exploring the main cultural and historic attractions in Kathmandu. You should start your sightseeing tour from the main attraction known as Kathmandu Durbar Square, which is renowned for its historic monuments and palaces.

The other important attraction you will be visiting during your cultural tour is the Swayambhunath Stupa, which is the oldest and holiest place for Buddhism located in Kathmandu Valley.

Next, you have to go to another cultural site called Patan Durbar Square where you will explore the temples with artistic architecture and sculptures made of wood and metal.

Meals: Breakfast

Stay: Hotel
Day 3

Travel from Kathmandu to Pokhara (210 km / 6 - 7 hrs)

After having breakfast, you will start your journey to the beautiful city of Pokhara through the route that passes by rivers, hills, and countryside scenes.

After reaching Pokhara, you will get checked into the hotel. You can spend the rest of the day at leisure, preparing for your trekking adventure.

Meals: Breakfast

Stay: Hotel
Day 4

Drive from Pokhara to Darbang through Beni (Beni 940m, Darbang 6 hrs)

Drive from Pokhara to Beni, which is the headquarters of the district of Myagdi. En route, admire the beautiful scenery of rivers, terraces, and hills.

Then drive from Beni for another 2 to 3 hours through a motorable dirt track to Darbang, a lovely agricultural settlement that has become a small town over the last few years. Witness the bustling activity of porters, pack animals laden with goods making their way down the ancient trail of Myagdi and Kali Gandaki route, indicating the beginning of the traditional Dhaulagiri trekking journey.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Stay: Tented Camp
Day 5

Hike to Dharapani (1560m/3-4hrs)

This is the first day of your trek, which takes around 3-4 hours and is perfect for recuperation after the long travel from Kathmandu and Pokhara to Darbang.

The first half of the trail follows a narrow suspension bridge over the Myagdi River and continues to climb up for about an hour to get to Phedi, which literally means ‘base of hills.’ Once away from the river, the route climbs sharply for an hour to enter the cooler ridge zone before walking easily into the settlement of Dharapani.

Dharapani teahouses offer magnificent panoramas of the peaks of Putali and Ghurja, which form part of the Dhaulagiri massif to the west.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Stay: Tented Camp
Day 6

Trekking to Mure (1700m/5-6 hrs)

The trek starts from Dharapani, which goes through the agricultural lands up to the edge of the ridge and you can view the Dhaulagiri Himal. From there, the trail takes down to Gatti Khola and after that, an hour and half of walk to a large village named Mure, situated in the confluence of Myagdi and Dhara Rivers.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Stay: Tented Camp
Day 7

Hike to Bagar (2375m/5-6 hrs)

The route starts its descent and enters the rice fields near the Dhora Khola. On crossing the river, the route rises again, making it past some farmlands and a small settlement. There will be some ups and downs on the way until after two hours when you start climbing towards the ridge top. The gradual descent will take you to the small farming community of Bagar, your overnight campsite just before Marpha.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Stay: Tented Camp
Day 8

Hike to Dovan (2600M / 5-6 hrs)

The trail follows the river Myagdi, going through the woods located on the western side of the river, while ascending on a winding path. The hike involves a descent to meadows having shepherd houses built out of stones after reaching the peak of the ridge. The hike ends with a beautiful Kharka called Dovan in 5-6 hours.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Stay: Tented Camp
Day 9

Trek from Dovan to Chartare / Bhainsi Kharka (3000m / 5 hrs.)

The trek starts from Dovan to begin with following the riverside path for around 30 minutes before making a crossing at Konaban Khola (subject to the condition of the river). The path moves through the forest and makes another crossing at a small stream via the log bridge. As the climb begins to make a gradual transition into the descend, glimpses of the western face of the Dhaulagiri I appear. The path now heads along the right bank of the Myagdi Khola towards Chartare (Bhainsi Kharka).

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Stay: Tented Camp
Day 10

Trek to Pakhaban - Japanese Camp (3750m / 5 hrs.)

The trek begins by going out of the campsite and heading towards the forested region of the Italian Base Camp. The trail then takes a steep climb in the rocky terrain until one crosses the hill and heads towards another glacier from the western wall of Dhaulagiri I. The climb ends on the opposite side at a very wide green area in the narrow gorge named Pakhaban which is otherwise called Japanese Camp.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Stay: Tented Camp
Day 11

Trek to Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4750m/6 hrs.)

Trekking through the lateral moraine to a rocky ridge that goes down to the right side of the valley covered with snows and debris until entering the glaciated region from the rocky right side banks with a walk over the uneven surface of the glacier as the valley curves towards the right bank path for a short distance with up and down sections to reach the base camp of Dhaulagiri at an elevation of 4750m. Looking at the stunning North face of Dhaulagiri I while on the other side the peaks of Dhaulagiri II (7751m), Dhaulagiri III (7715m), and Dhaulagiri IV (7618m) rise into the sky with the barren Ice Fall coming down from the col between Dhaulagiri and Tukuche Peak.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Stay: Tented Camp
Day 12

Trek to Hidden Valley (4900m) via French Pass (5360m)

Starting from Dhaulagiri Base Camp, the trek will follow the path through the moraine and glaciers, staying close to the mountain peak of Tukuche. This will continue as you climb up along the rock terraces on the left-hand side, crossing a gentle slope into the valley. Finally, the route ascends up to French Pass (5360m).

On French Pass, one will see Buddhist prayer flags called Lungta. They have been put there by many trekkers and climbers to show their reverence for the spirit of the mountain. There will be an amazing view of several surrounding mountains such as Sita Chuchura, Mukut Himal, and Tashi Kang (5386m) from this location. On the right hand side of the pass is the peak of Tukuche West and Dhaulagiri I behind. There will be a descent down a snow covered terrain, which will lead to the Hidden Valley, a valley that was unknown behind the Dhaulagiri range until few decades back.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Stay: Tented Camp
Day 13

In Hidden Valley

This is considered a spare day where one can have enough room for delays and any other problems in traveling along the trail. If everything goes well with the hike, then there is an option for having a rest day at the Hidden Valley. What will happen depends on the weather and your pace in moving around.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Stay: Tented Camp
Day 14

Trek to Yak Kharka (4915m/5 hrs.)

Enjoyment at Hidden Valley takes you further on the adventure with Dhampus Pass crossing at 5250m. This trek takes you through the slow route with some climbing for an hour before going down on the screen stretch for another hour till approaching the Dhampus Pass at 5250m. From this point, one can witness the deep gulf of the Kali Gandaki Valley along with Annapurna peaks. At the top of the ridge, one will be able to get the sight of Mukut Himal as Hidden valley lies on the other side of the ridge. It’s steep descent via rocky mountain slope towards camp site located at Yak Kharka. Yak Kharka, summer pasture land, where Dhaulagiri I is completely hidden behind Tuckche Peak, Nilgiri and Annapurna range’s western peak will come into view.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Stay: Tented Camp
Day 15

Trek to Marpha (2630m) drive to Jomsom (4 hrs.)

Today’s walk is towards a gradual descent down along the mountain trail through the ridge from where the peaks of Dhaulagiri I and the Tukche peak can be seen again. The descent will be on the left bank along the river up to the village of Marpha, which is among the most beautiful villages on this trekking route. Marpha is known for its apples and is located on the Trans- Himalayan salt trade route. You will then have a short drive to the town of Jomsom, which is the headquarters of the Mustang area.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Stay: Hotel
Day 16

Flight to Pokhara (20 min)

All the flights to Pokhara are timed in the morning hours as there would be strong wind currents at high altitude locations. Get some exciting views during a flight across Kali Gandaki valley, surrounded by many peaks of the mighty Himalayas like Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and Annapurna ranges. On arrival at Pokhara, get transferred to your hotel to have some relaxed days amidst such magnificent sights of Mt. Machhapuchhare, Annapurna, and Manaslu ranges.

Meals: Breakfast

Stay: Hotel
Day 17

Travel Back to Kathmandu (210 km / 6–7 hours)

Start off your day with an amazing journey from Pokhara to Kathmandu, passing through beautiful valleys and hills. After reaching Kathmandu, head to your hotel to relax.

Evening: End your journey on a high note by enjoying a farewell dinner at a nearby restaurant with a cultural performance.

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Stay: Hotel
Day 18

Departure from Kathmandu

Have your last breakfast before leaving. Our staff member will take you to the airport. Rest assured that you will be departing Kathmandu with memories that will stay etched forever and an experience of a lifetime from your Nepal journey.

Meals: Breakfast

Map

What's Included

Arrival and departure assistance at the airport by our representative.
Transfer from airport as per the itinerary.
Accommodation for three nights in a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast.
Accommodation for two nights in a 3-star hotel in Pokhara with breakfast.
Accommodation for one night in Jomsom with accommodation and breakfast.
Full 12 days organized camping trek with meals and hot drinks throughout the trek provided by the cook and supporting staff.
Tent accommodation with dining tent, table and chairs, toilet tent, and shower tent.
Payment for salary, insurance, meals, and accommodation for guides, porters, and night guards.
Supporters staff, cook, and porters.
All necessary permits for Dhaulagiri trekking and national park entrance permits.
Transfer from Kathmandu to Pokhara and Darbang and back by private car.
Transfer from Marpha to Jomsom by jeep.
Flights from Jomsom to Pokhara and return airport transfer.
Sightseeing tours and transfers as per the itinerary by AC vehicle.
Entrance fees for monuments as per the itinerary.
Guide for sightseeing as per the itinerary.
Bottled water in the vehicle during the tour.
All applicable taxes including service tax.

Not Included

International flights.
Any beverages like soft drinks, alcohol, etc., unless stated otherwise. It would be more economical to charge you for your consumption of beverages.
Any meals, excluding trekking meals.
Any personal expenses such as laundry charges, telephone calls, etc.
The cost does not cover: an unjustified increase in fuel costs, new taxes levies on hotel accommodation and transportation or increases in entry fees. Large taxes and any new levies will be charged extra.
Any other item that has not been covered in the cost inclusions.
Personal insurance.
Tipping.

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Do's & Don'ts

NHV next heartily welcomes all of our valued guests. Either you are trekking in the mountains or touring the Kathmandu valley we suggest you that you treat the land and its people with care and respect. Below are some tips on how you can keep the environment clean and show appreciation for age-old culture and traditional religious beliefs. Nepal's Culture might be astonishing and surprising for newcomers therefore these tips are sometimes necessary.

To show gratitude and respect, use both of your hands rather than one when giving or receiving something, even money. It’s seen as a gesture of respect.
Remember not to point with a single finger but use a flat extended hand especially to indicate a sacred object or place.
Among Hindus, avoid touching women and holy men. In Nepal, people especially women, do not normally shake hands when they greet one another, but instead press palms together in a prayer-like gesture known as "Namaste" greeting is preferable.
Do not eat with your left hand.
Never eat beef in front of Hindus and Buddhist because beef is strictly prohibited among both Hindus and Buddhists. Cows are sacred in Nepal.
Try not to step over or point your feet at another person, a sacred place or a heart.
Remove your shoes when entering a home, temple or monastery and leather items in Hindu temples and avoid smoking and wearing scant dress in religious settings.
Remember, some of the temples entrance may be prohibited for non-Hindus.
It is better not to touch offerings or persons when they are on way to shrines, especially if you are non-Hindu.
Do not offer food to a Nepalese after tasting it, nor eat from a common pot, and avoid touching your lips to a shared drinking vessel.
The sight of men holding hands is common, but men and women holding hands, and general acts of affection, are frowned upon. Do not do something that is totally alien to Nepalese culture.
Do walk around Stupas clockwise, so that the outer walls are always on your right. If you encounter a stone wall covered with Tibetan inscriptions, do the same: Walk past with the wall on your right (and don't take any of the stones).
Do not lose your cool. Raising your voice or shouting is seen as extremely bad manners in Nepal too and will only make any problem worse.
Do get a receipt of in authenticity when purchasing an antique replica. Otherwise, you will not be allowed to take it out of the country. And do not buy ivory or fur from endangered species. Your purchases encourage the trade in such illegal goods, and you would not be allowed to bring them back home anyway.
Do not give in to children who ask for just one rupee. Although a rupee is a small amount that anyone can spare, successful begging leads young children to drop out of school and take up panhandling as their trade. If you want to help, give to a trustworthy charity or a school.
Do not take photographs of locals, holy shrines and temples unless they have clearly given their consent.