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Dhaulagiri Base Camp Trekking is a circuit that takes you around the world’s 7th highest peak, from base camp and beyond. Mt. Dhaulagiri towers at 8,167 meters (26,795 feet) and was first ascended by a Swiss expedition with the support of Nepali climber Nawang Sherpa on May 13, 1960. Since then, the mountain has attracted climbers from around the world seeking the challenge of reaching its summit.
The trek to Dhaulagiri Base Camp leads you to Nepal’s far northwest, around the Myagdi District and near Mustang. This pristine wilderness trek takes you away from villages and human habitation, allowing you to trek amidst tranquil surroundings at the foothills of the Dhaulagiri Himalayan range. Dhaulagiri can be seen from the scenic city of Pokhara towards the northwest, along with the Annapurna Himalayas.
The adventure begins in Darbang Village, which lies in low sub-tropical farming areas. The trek progresses towards the remote corners of Myagdi District, passing through the small village of Bagar. From there, the adventure continues to higher elevations through cooler hills covered in dense forests of rhododendrons and pine trees. After leaving Bagar, you will encounter a few smaller settlements used as summer camps by cattle herders.
One of the trek’s remarkable features is the dramatic change in elevation and landscapes. As you leave behind dense tree lines, you enter a stark terrain of ice and glaciers. Reaching the southern flanks of Mt. Dhaulagiri, you will find the Myagdi River fed by the massive glaciers of the Dhaulagiri Himal. The trail continues through moraines of rocks, ice, and glaciers to reach Dhaulagiri Base Camp. The campsite is set close to the massif ice falls of Dhaulagiri, adjacent to Tukuche Peak. Enjoy the dramatic scenery of the snow-capped Dhaulagiri range.
The return journey includes crossing the French Pass, where you can enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the Dhaulagiri range. Descend to the scenic Hidden Valley, where an extra day is spent surrounded by peaks extending to Dolpo and Mustang. From Hidden Valley, the trek continues east to cross the scenic Thapa/Dhampus Pass, offering incredible views of Annapurna and Nilgiri’s Himal. Gradually, the trek comes to an end as you head downhill to the Kaligandaki Valley, reaching Marpha Village and Jomsom. Jomsom, a large town and the headquarters of the Mustang District, is where you’ll spend your last night. The following morning, a short scenic flight takes you to the beautiful city of Pokhara, concluding the Dhaulagiri Base Camp Trekking.
The best seasons for Dhaulagiri Base Camp Trekking are spring and autumn. Spring, from March to May, offers the best time for scenic views and pleasant walks. Most days are clear and sunny from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., though overcast conditions with light snowfall can occur in the afternoons. Spring is also the blooming season for wildflowers, particularly rhododendrons, Nepal’s national flower. The temperatures drop to freezing at higher altitudes, but the longer daylight hours and warmer temperatures make this period ideal.
Autumn, from September to November, is the next best season. During this time, days are bright and sunny with clear views. It is one of the peak trekking seasons, though daylight hours are shorter and temperatures drop significantly in the morning and late afternoon. Light snowfall can occur above 2,000 meters.
On arrival at Kathmandu, Nepal International Airport, received by our guides and staff for short transfer to your hotels in the hub of Kathmandu city. Check into lovely room, and after good rest join with other members of Upper Mustang Overland Journey. The guide or group leader brief you about the treks, dos and don’ts, local culture, as well camping, foods and of lodges on route trek.
A full good information which will help to enjoy your adventure with us, followed with welcome group dinner in a Nepalese restaurant with folk-culture program as entertainment while you enjoy the dinner.
Morning after breakfast enjoy a leisure free day with options for interesting sightseeing around the world heritage sites of Kathmandu.
After an exciting day tour back to hotel for Dhaulagiri Base Camp trek preparation with last minute shopping and checking the travel gear.
Morning an exciting drive to Nepal Mid-West, the journey takes you on Nepal’s main highway. The road follows the Trisuli River for few hours, and then the drive diverts heading west leaving the main road. Then reaching beautiful city of Pokhara for overnight halt. Enjoy the comfort of nice hotels by the Phewa Lakeside, have time for afternoon stroll around the lake side.
From Pokhara begins our true adventure after a good breakfast, start the journey of a 4WD Jeep or similar vehicle. The drive heads beyond Pokhara Valley facing views of Annapurna Himalayas through farm areas, villages and towns.
The drive follows on the main Pokhara and Beni/ Baglung highway, after hours of pleasant ride reaches Beni. The headquarters town of Mygdi district and en route to Dhaulagiri zone. From Beni drive continues on dirt country road following the Mygdi River to Darbang. A nice farm village, slowly developing into a town, as it is located en route to various western district. As well towards Mustang areas via Dhaulagiri base camp, on arrival enjoy the comfort of a nice and simple lodge.
First day walk starts after a simple breakfast served from the lodge restaurants. The walk follows heading through smaller farm villages on gradual trail, along the Mygdi River. Walk heads further north to reach the overnight camp by the river banks on a grassy meadow. Enjoy the first overnight in tents, the food served and prepared by our camp cook and kitchen staff. Afternoon have time for refreshing dip in the cool Mygdi River. This river we will be following up to its glacial source towards Dhaulagiri Base Camp.
Enjoy the fresh morning walks after a good breakfast prepared by our camping cook and kitchen crews. The walk starts on gradual path following the wide farm areas upstream to Juge-Pani. A small rural farm village for possible hot lunch stop amidst farm fields and serene surroundings. Afternoon walk leads to climb above a high ridge, and downhill through forest to reach Bagar. A remote and the last village before reaching the other side around Mustang and Kaligandaki Valley.
The overnight camp is set near to its primary school yard, rest of the afternoon explore this small Magar people village. The main hill tribes of Western Nepal.
Leaving the last village for a week, heading towards absolute wilderness, the morning walk on gradual path. Then climb above the Mygdi River through dense vegetation and tree lines. After few hours of steady steep up, and then descend for short hour to reach Dovan. A small place of the cattle herders with few simple thatch huts serving as Tea House and lodges. Located amidst dense forest surrounding lined with rhododendrons and pine trees. Overnight camp is set on a grassy field with the sound of the raging Mygdi River.
From here in tranquil surrounding, after breakfast morning walk leads to an unstable small wooden bridge. To cross a tributary stream which joins Mygdi River further downstream. After the bridge walk follows through forested path for long hours until reaching Chattare, also called as Bhaise Kharka.
A summer grazing pasture of the villagers, the tents is set on the grassy meadow amidst dense forest surroundings.
Today’s walk is quite different to previous days heading towards glaciated valley beneath towering Dhaulagiri Himal. Morning from this small herder’s camp, walk for an hour, then leaving the dense vegetation and tree lines. As the walk enters remorseless fields of moraines filled with rocks, ice and snow. A wide glaciated field
which is called Italian Camp close beneath Dhaulagiri southern flank.
From here a slow walk over moraines with short climb to reach a grassy field at
Pakhaban. Also known as Japanese Camp by the mountaineers, an exciting spot for
overnight camp. Overlooking close views of Dhaulagiri South West ridge with Mana Pathi, Putha Huin Chuli and Tsaurabong Peaks. Looking down towards a huge glaciers, the main source of Mygdi River.
From this scenic camp site, morning follows to completed mountain wilderness through moraine and glaciers. Although a short distance to base camp, but takes time crisscrossing over the glacier of huge ice and small ponds.
The walk heads to slow climb then reaching an open wide area at Dhaulagiri base camp. The tents is pitched around the best available level ground, filled with rocks close beneath Mt. Dhaulagiri. As well with views of massif Ice Fall and glaciers, enjoy on reaching the world’s 7th highest Dhaulagiri-I base camp.
From the camp views of main Mt. Dhaulagiri-I at (8,167 m), with Tukuche Peak and West Dhaulagiri-II (7,751 m.). Includes, Dhaulagiri-III (7,715 m.) and as far as Dhaulagiri-IV (7,618 m.).
After an exciting and pleasant overnight at Dhaulagiri Base Camp, enjoy the breakfast with backdrop of Mt. Dhaulagiri. Start the adventure, walking slowly uphill on rocky path heading close to Tukuche Peak. Then leads to steep climb to cross over French Pass, the highest point of the adventure. From the top enjoy the stunning views of snow peaks, the pass is festooned with Buddhist prayer flags. Enjoying the lovely mountain scenery, a short downhill reaching towards a wide flat field at hidden valley for overnight camp. From the camp at Hidden Valley facing grand views of Sita Chuchura, Mukut Himal, Tashi Kang and Tukuche Peak with
Mt. Dhaulagiri.
This day is reserved in case of snow condition, can lead to delay in itinerary days.
Enjoy the free day relaxing and enjoying the view of surrounding snow-capped peaks. Interested people can take a short hike around the vast and huge Hidden Valley covered in hard grassy soil. The area is also a summer pasture field for Yaks and other cattle for grazing of the Mustang villagers.
After an enjoyable rest day in picturesque spot at Hidden Valley after breakfast. The walk follows to the eastern end of the valley on a narrow rocky path. In snow condition can lead to arduous to find the right track, finally the walk reaches to Thapa/ Dhampus Pass. From the top of the pass enjoy the spectacular panorama of Dhaulagiri, Tukuche, Dhampus or Thapa Peaks. Includes views of Nilgiri’s with massive Annapurna Himalayan ranges. Enjoying the super views, descend towards our last overnight in tented camping at Yak Kharka.
This the area also called Alu Bari, during summertime yak grazing time the Shepard stays on this spot for few months. As well as growing and tending vegetables, like potato and other vegetables. From the camp views of Annapurna Himal and Nilgiri’s peaks.
Enjoying the last night in tented camp, as well as the final day of trekking, from this scenic camp site. The trail follows to long downhill coming across dense rhododendrons, oaks, pines and fir tree lines. As the walk leads to steep descent reaching around lower Mustang and Kaligandaki Valley. Back to human settlements and village of Marpha, a lovely place with many good stone houses, serving as lodges. From here a short drive to Jomsom, the headquarter town of Mustang district with a small airport. Enjoy the overnight in the comfort of a nice lodge with great list of food menu for delightful dinner.
After an enjoyable and last overnight at Jomsom, around Mustang area. Early morning breakfast, and then short walk to Jomsom airport, after checking in, board in a small aircraft. An exciting sweeping flight of less than half hour overlooking grand views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Himalaya range. Then the plane lands at Pokhara airport, on arrival a short drive to the hotels, close to Phewa Lake for last overnight around Nepal Mid-West.
Morning after breakfast board on a bus or car as per size of a group, for an exciting overland journey to Kathmandu. The drive of about six hours or more covering a distance of 220 km or 137 miles. The drive heads east to reach Mugling Bazaar, then follows the Trisuli River upstream for few hours. Leaving the low farm areas and towns, the drive heads uphill to reach Kathmandu. On reaching the city, transfer back to your respective hotels, after a marvelous adventure to Dhaulagiri Base Camp.
Last day in Nepal as per your international flight time, our staff and guide transfer you to the airport for homeward bound. After a great time and adventure around Nepal Far West, journey to Dhaulagiri Base Camp Trekking.
This trek is more of tented camping, as the region of trekking leads away from villages for many days into absolute wilderness. There are no facilities of good lodge, only at Darbang village the start of the trek and in the end at Marpha and Jomsom offers the best and nice lodges.
Starts with moderate walks from the last village of Bagar, steep up and downhill to reach Dovan and Italian Camp. From here onward a gradual climb but facing few difficulty walking through glacier and moraine of ice, rocks and snow all the way to Dhaulagiri base camp and near the bottom of high French Pass 5, 360 m.
Rest of the walk from Hidden Valley is on gradual path but with short steep climb to Thapa/Dhampus Pass 5,244 m high then reaching at Marpha village to end the trek.
All camping gear and equipment’s will be carried and ferried throughout the end of the trek. Includes two men tents, dining tent as per group size, toilet tents as well kitchen tents supported by cook, kitchen staff, guides and porters.
All food is carried, meals are cooked by our expert chef, providing excellent food throughout the trekking and camping days.
The last village is at Bagar with facilities of electricity to charge electronic items, from Bagar village, there are no facilities to charge till Marpha village at the end of the trek. For this situation trekkers needs to carry portable solar panel for charging your electronic gadgets.
Best to carry crampons, which is necessary walking on glaciers with ice and snow from Italian camp. As well as to cross French Pass, the guide carries an ice-axe, where members does not to carry only as option. But walking with ski-pole will be much better and supports on walks wading river, glaciers and moraine as well on long steep descent.
If you are looking for travel in Nepal, Bishnu will help you to make your perfect trip plan. He has been working on this industry for more than 10 years
