The Majesty of Dhaulagiri
Dhaulagiri Trek is a challenging yet exhilarating experience, circling Mt Dhaulagiri, the seventh highest mountain in the world. The trek takes you through beautiful villages, clean rivers, lush landscapes, thick forests, hidden valleys, glaciers and mountain ranges. The most thrilling part of this trek is crossing two mountain passes--French Pass and Dhampus Pass--where we rest at the foot of mountains.
The Dhaulagiri trek is secluded and remote without proper accommodation facilities, so we stay in tents most of the nights. We recommend travelers with endurance capacity to take this challenge. The best time to take this trip would be Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October)
ITINERARY
DAY 1: KTM–POKHARA–BENI
To get to Beni, flying to Pokhara from Kathmandu and then taking a bus or a private vehicle would be the quickest route, taking a little less than 4 hours. However, if you wish to travel by road from Kathmandu itself, it will take around 8 to 9 hours, which is considerably long, but more scenic.
Accommodations: Hotel at Beni.
DAY 2: BENI–BABIYACHAUR
Along the Kali Gandaki River, we start our trek towards Babiyachaur, crossing various suspension bridges and passing various charming villages such as Mangalghat and Singa.
Accommodations: Tents at Babiyachaur.
DAY 3: BABIYACHAUR–DHARAPANI
The trek to Dharapani is pleasant with beautiful green scenery, terraced hillsides and homesteads taking centre stage.
Accommodations: Tents at Dharapani.
DAY 4: DHARAPANI–MURI
The journey to Muri is more difficult compared to the previous days due to steep hill inclines. However, the view around is exemplary, with mesmerizing sights of Mt. Dhaulagiri.
Accommodations: Tents at Muri.
DAY 5: MURI–BHOGARA
Towards Bhogara is comparatively easier since we are moving downhill. However, a few hours before we reach Bhogara, at Phedi, it can be treacherously steep with chances of slipping.
Accommodations: Tents at Bhogara
DAY 6: BHOGARA–DOBANG
With the help of ropes, the trek towards Dobang is exciting as we traverse small ridges and walk through a forest.
Accommodations: Tents at Dobang.
DAY 7: DOBANG–ITALIAN BASE CAMP
The trek towards Italian Base Camp probably the best one in this entire trip as we pass through a beautiful forest and get to see spectacular mountain views. Altitude sickness might be something to be cautious about.
Accommodations: Tents at Italian Base Camp.
DAY 8: ACCLIMATIZATION AT ITALIAN BASE CAMP
A rest day to get used to the climate is very important at high altitudes, hence we will be using this day as such.
Accommodations: Tents at Italian Base Camp.
DAY 9: ITALIAN BASE CAMP–GLACIER CAMP
With enchanting views surrounding us all around, we will trek towards Glacier Camp with the assistance of ropes. Be careful where you step though as the ice is delicate.
Accommodations: Tents at Glacier Camp.
DAY 10: GLACIER CAMP–DHAULAGIRI BASE CAMP
The path towards Dhaulagiri Base Camp is a lot smoother so leisurely views of the range can be enjoyed.
Accommodations: Tents at Dhaulagiri Base Camp.
DAY 11: ACCLIMATIZATION AT DHAULAGIRI BASE CAMP
A rest day to get used to the climate and altitude as we will be going further up in the coming days.
Accommodations: Tents at Dhaulagiri Base Camp.
DAY 12: DHAULAGIRI BASE CAMP–FRENCH PASS–HIDDEN VALLEY
With many steep trails and constant switching between ascent and descent, the path through the French Pass towards the Hidden Valley is tough, but the view from there is worth it.
Accommodations: Tents at Hidden Valley.
DAY 13: HIDDEN VALLEY–THAPA PASS
A magnificent panorama of the Annapurna Range will present itself as we trek the Hidden Valley towards Thapa Pass.
Accommodations: Tents at Thapa Pass.
DAY 14: THAPA PASS–DHAMPUS PEAK
We devote this day to ascend the Dhampus peak, also known as the Thapa Peak, after which we shall return to Thapa Pass.
Accommodations: Tents at Thapa Pass.
DAY 15: THAPA PASS–YAK KHARKA
As the trail towards Yak Kharka is mostly a descent, the trek is easy. However, this is an avalanche-prone slope, so caution is of the utmost.
Accommodations: Tents at Yak Kharka.
DAY 16: YAK KHARKA–MARPHA–JOMSOM
Marpha is famous for cider and rooted culture. From here towards Jomsom through Kali–Gandaki, perfect views of the valley, as well as the Nilgiri Peaks, are a spectacle.
Accommodations: Lodges at Jomsom.
DAY 17: JOMSOM–TATOPANI
Taking an offroader to Tatopani, we arrive at a fascinating hot spring, perfect for indulging in a dip and shaking away all the tiredness of our journey.
Accommodations: Lodges at Tatopani.
DAY 18: TATOPANI–POKHARA
From Tatopani to Pokhara, we can take an offroader via Beni observing beautiful greenery on the way.
Accommodations: Hotels at Pokhara.
DAY 19: POKHARA–KATHMANDU
From Pokhara, we can either take a flight or a ride to Kathmandu.
Accommodations: Hotels at Kathmandu.
Note: Day 13 and 14 are optional and reserved for people with prior mountaineering experience.