Around Dhaulagiri is a challenging trek around the Dhaulagiri massif (8167m), the sixth highest mountain in the world, which involves snow and glacier walking. This is the perfect trip those who want a more intense experience of the mountains. You will be trekking deep into the Dhaulagiri Himal to the Italian Base Camp and Dhaulagiri north base camp, offering a wonderful view of gigantic north face of Dhaulagiri I. You will cross two high passes, the French Pass (5360) and Thapa Pass/Hidden Valley (5200m) providing more spectacular views of Dhaulagiri, Thorong, Annapurna peaks and Kali Gandaki River (the world deepest gorge). You may encounter semi -wild yak herds, mountain sheep or the elusive snow leopard in the remote valleys of this region.

You don’t need any previous mountaineering training or technical experience for this trek. However, some vigorous hiking experience and good physical condition is very useful.

Day 01 : Arrive in Kathmandu airport and you will be transferred to the hotel by one of our representatives.

Overnight: Hotel
Elevation: 1334m.

Day 02 : Kathmandu (1334m): In the morning we will visit Patan, a true open air museum with its pagodas, temples and monasteries. In the afternoon we will visit Kathmandu’s Durbar Square, including the old royal palace and the house of the Kumari (a living goddess who is the reincarnation of Kali).

Overnight: Hotel

Day 03 : Drive Kathmandu to Beni (850m) by bus/van: After breakfast, you will have a scenic drive to Beni. Beni is administrative headquarters of the region, from where we will start our trek.

Overnight: Camping
Driving Time: 8 hours
Difference in Elevation: -484m

Day 04 : Beni to Babiachor (950m): Our first day's trek begins as we leave the Kali Gandaki River, heading west along the north bank of the Myagdi Khola through the village of Beni Mangalghat to Singa and Tatopani. Crossing the bridge beyond the village to the south bank of the river, the trail makes a little half loop before crossing another bridge (near the village of Simalchour), then back to the north bank from where it continues to the village of Babiachor.

Overnight: Camping
Walking Time: 5-6 hours
Difference in Elevation: +100m

Day 05 : Babiachor to Dharapani (1400m): After breakfast, we commence our trek to Dharapani. The trail is fairly level and we pass the village of Shahashradhara, cross the Duk Khola and walk through fields before arriving at Ratorunga. From this area the valley narrows again and terraces disappear on either side of the river before we reach Dharapani.

Overnight: Camping
Walking Time: 6 ½ hours
Difference in Elevation: +450m

Day 06 : Dharapani to Muri (1850m): The trek begins with crossing the river and heading north to Phedi. As we leave Phedi, the trail starts climbing in earnest and there will be many switch-backs until we arrive at the ridge and the angle of ascent eases. Then the trek climbs steeply towards the village of Muri. We continue our trek to Sibang and Mattim, where we continue up an incline to the snout of the ridge, descend to the Gatti Khola and reach Phalai Gaon (1810m.). We cross the Dhara Khola to once again emerge on the west bank of the Myagdi Khola and then climb a ridge to the large Magar village of Muri.

Overnight: Camping
Walking Time: 5-6 hours
Difference in Elevation: +450m

Day 07 : Muri to Boghara (2080m): After our initial descent, we cross a stream and continue through terraced fields before climbing a ridge to reach the pass. From here you can see Mt. Ghustung South (6465m). We descend to the Myagdi Khola and trek along its west bank to the village of Naura. We will have a short climb before traversing a grassy hill and climbing a steep slope with switch-backs, followed by a descent through a forest and terraced fields to Boghara.

Overnight: Camping
Walking Time: 6 hours
Difference in Elevation: +230m

Day 08 : Boghara to Dobang (2520m): From Boghara, our trek descends through terraced fields to a small ridge, then through a forest to Jyardan which is one of the most remote permanent settlements in this area. After Jyardan, a high winding path crosses a rocky area which then descends before climbing again to Lipshe where there is a single hut. The trail continues through a forest to Lapche Kharka and then climbs to the level area at Dobang.

Overnight: Camping
Walking Time: 5-6 hours
Difference in Elevation: +440m

Day 09 : Dobang to Choriban Khola (3110m): Our trek starts by crossing a wooden bridge out of Dobang where the trail ascends through a forested area. Soon the west face of Dhaulagiri I (8167m) becomes visible through breaks in the trees. We descend to the Myagdi Khola and cross via a wooden bridge to the east bank and continue to Chartare. Passing through forests again, we cut across a rocky area and cross a stream to Choriban Khola.

Overnight: Camping
Walking Time: 6 hours
Difference in Elevation: +590m

Day 10 : Choriban Khola to Italian Base Camp (3660m): On this day, we follow a trail to the terminal moraine of the Chhonbarban Glacier and enter the glacier from the right. Tukche Peak (6837m) becomes visible straight on at the far end while the impressive north side of Dhaulagiri I (8167m) dominates the skyline to your right. After a while we will reach Italian Base Camp where the mountain views are superb.

Overnight: Camping
Walking Time: 6 -7 hours
Difference in Elevation: +590m

Day 11 : Italian Base Camp-Acclimatization Day (3660m): We will spend a day here in order to acclimatize and adjust to the thinning of the air.

Overnight: Camping

Day 12 : Italian Base Camp to Glacier Base Camp (4210m): On this day, we head out in the early morning when the weather is expected to be clear. This is a particularly strenuous day. The trail on this day is prone to stone fall, and passes through a narrow gorge.

Overnight: Camping
Walking Time: 6 -7 hours
Difference in Elevation: +550m

Day 13 : Glacier Base Camp to Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4740m): Today our adventurous trek takes us to Dhaulagiri Base Camp. From here we can look up at the impressive north face of Dhaulagiri I (8167 m) dominating the skyline to our right. To the west are peaks of Dhaulagiri II (7751m), Dhaulagiri III (7715m) and Dhaulagiri V (7618m). In front of us is the impressive icefall that descends from the north east col.

Overnight: Camping
Walking Time: 7 hours
Difference in Elevation: +530m

Day 14 : Dhaulagiri Base Camp -Acclimatization Day (4740m): We will spend a day here in order to further acclimatize to the thinning of the air. Views from Dhaulagiri Base Camp are superb and there is plenty to explore in the area.

Overnight: Camping

Day 15 : Cross French Pass (5360m) and trek to Hidden Valley (5200m): Getting off the glacier above the base camp often requires rope, but once over the steep moraine walls we are in the safer area. We enter a gentle incline on the left from an ablation valley and climb this gentle slope to the French Pass (5360m). A great vista opens up from the French Pass and you will be able to see Mukut Himal (6328m), Tashi Kang (6386m) and Sita Chuchura (6611m), all of which surround the Hidden Valley. To the south is Tukche Peak (6920m) and beyond is the massive peak of Dhaulagiri I. From French Pass we continue along the right edge of the Hidden Valley losing a little altitude to Thapa Pass (5250m) between Tukche Peak and Thapa Peak (6,012m). After descending from Thapa Pass we will make our camp at the elevation of 5200m.

Overnight: Camping
Walking Time: 6-7 hours
Difference in Elevation: +620m French Pass, +460m Hidden Valley

Day 16 : Hidden Valley to cross Dhampus Pass (5200m) and trek to Yak Kharka (3680m): On this day , we climb over the Dhampus Pass (5200m), traverse avalanche-prone slopes and then continue our trek descending to Yak Kharka where there is a perfect camp site to enjoy the surrounding views.

Overnight: Camping
Walking Time: 6-7 hours
Difference in Elevation: -1582m

Day 17 : Yak Kharka to Jomsom (2750m): From Yak Kharka we descend to Jomsom via Marpha. Jomsom (2750m) is a big beautiful village with lot of facilities, including a small domestic airport (which is only connected to Pokhara). Jomsom is also the administrative headquarter of the district. On arrival in Jomsom you will have time to relax and celebrate the completion of your trek.

Overnight: Camping
Walking Time: 5 hours
Difference in Elevation: -930m

Day 18 : Flight Jomsom to Pokhara (820m): With our trek successfully completed, today our short flight takes us from Jomsom to Pokahara. Your day in Pokhara is free for shopping, sightseeing or relaxing.

Overnight: Hotel
Flight Time: 20 Minutes
Difference in Elevation: -1930m

Day 19 : Flight Pokhara to Kathmandu (1334m): During our short flight in the morning we will enjoy the panoramic views of the Himalayas again and be able to take some spectacular pictures which will be unforgettable. You will have free time in Kathmandu in the afternoon.

Overnight: Hotel
Flight Time: 30 Minutes
Difference in Elevation: +514m

Day 20 : Kathmandu (1334m): Today we will visit Pashupatinath (ancient and holiest temple of Hindu religion), Boudhanath (the largest Stupa of Nepal built in 14th century), Soyambhunath (one of the world's most glorious stupa), famous for eyes of Buddha which seem to be observing the world from four directions.

Overnight: Hotel

Day 21 : Transfer to the airport and departure

The tour price includes:

1. Transfers airport/hotel/airport
2. Hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara on twin sharing BB basis
3. Transport, guided visits and entry of the monuments in Kathmandu
4. Bus ticket Kathmandu /Pokhara
5. Domestic flight ticket Jomsom/Pokhara/Kathmandu as per itinerary
6. Domestic airport taxes
7. Trekking permit/TIMS, and conservation entry fee
8. A professional tour/trekking guide, cook, porter, assistant guide
9. Meals full board during the trek
10. Accommodation in Camping during the trek
11. All necessary camping equipment
12. Your international flight re-confirmation
13. All necessary documents and government tax
14. Insurance for all staff (including guide, cook, porters, assistant guide)

The tour price does not include:

1. International flight
2. International airport taxes in Kathmandu approximately USD 20
3. Nepal entry visa fee USD 40 - (Total 30 days from the date of issue) and you may easily obtain your visa upon your arrival in Kathmandu international airport
4. NOTE: You need 2 passport size photographs for the visa
5. Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara
6. Travel Insurance ((compulsory and we strongly advise you to take out to cover accident/repatriation helicopter/medical care)
7. Personnel trekking equipment
8. Personal expenses such as cold drinks, mineral water, alcoholic drinks, telephone, hot shower etc
9. Emergency evacuation rescue charge, if needed
10. Personal medical supplies
11. Alternative transportation, in case of flood, landslide, heavy rain, strike, road blockade etc
12. Tips for trekking staff or bus driver

Special Note:

This Itinerary can be customized according to the duration of your holiday. The Trek can be operated only by camping accommodation. We have many options for shorter visits based on your interests and budget. For the Pokahara-Kathmandu segment, we can depart by flight or by bus/van.

NOTE: The price of the tour will be adjusted according to the group size.