Dhaulagiri Base Camp Trek – An Exhilarating & A Challenging Trek

Dhaulagiri Base Camp Trek is the king of long distance Trek in Nepal Himalayas that offers spectacular views of the remote Myagdi District close to the border with Tibet.  Also known as the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek, this long distance Base Camp Trek will let you sample the wonders of trekking in the Dhaulagiri Region, which also offers great views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Range from the French Pass.

Dhaulagiri Base Camp Trek is a grueling sixteen days trek, and since the trail circles Mount Dhaulagiri, this trek is also known as the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek. The trail of the Dhaulagiri Base Camp Trek runs along the spine of the Annapurna Himalayas that traverses between Tibet and Nepal, from this one can assume that this is a remote and an isolated trek in Nepal.  At times so isolated, that the outside world becomes a distant memory.

Circumvating the world’s seventh Highest Mountain

Moreover, crossing three passes more than 5000m in altitude and navigating through Glaciers and scree laden with hard ice and snow does not make the Dhaulagiri Base Camp Trek easy . Rain and snow also add to it’s  difficulty, because of which Dhaulagiri Base Camp trek should be attempted by experienced and seasoned Trekkers with some amount of mountaineering knowledge. Crossing some of the world’s highest passes and completing the Dhaulagiri Base Camp trek is in itself a feat considered by the champions.

What to Expect on this Trek 

Dhaulagiri Base Camp Trek is a fairly long trek in the remote Myagdi District, west of the Annapurna Range . A trek route that goes through glacial valley’s, snow bound meadows & tribal villages consisting of  Magars, Gurungs and Thakali people. A trek route, where you need to tackle the terrain like a mountaineer.

As you trek through French Pass (5360m) Dhampus Pass & Thapa Pass (5200m) one gets to witness the most beautiful Himalayan scenery in this region. Especially from the  French Pass, Himalayan scenery is mesmerising.  Known as the White mountain , Dhaulagiri Base Camp most of time of the year is covered in snow & so is the trekking trail, especially the French Pass and the Thapa Pass.

Best time for Dhaulagiri Base Camp Trek

May and October is the best time to trek to Dhaulagiri Base Camp. A little bit of mountaineering Knowledge and good physically fitness is essential in order to complete the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek. Careful Planning is required as most time of the year the path will be filled with snow as the trail passes through glacial valleys  and high mountain passes.

TRIP FACTS :

• Style of Trek:   Camping.
• Duration:   17Days.
• Number of Days on Trek:   13days.
• Grade:   Difficult – Strenuous.
• Minimum No. of Participants:   2Persons.
• Highest Point :   5360m.
• Starting Point :    Kathmandu.
• Ending Point :   Kathmandu.
• Best Season :   April, May, June, September, and October.
• Climate:   Days are normally warm. Nights can at times be (general) very cold and in winter even below the freezing point. Monsoon showers in summer (heaviest in July, August) and sometimes even in spring and autumn.

DHAULAGIRI BASE CAMP TREK ITINERARY

Day 01 : Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (6Hrs Drive). Hotel (B/B only).

Day 02: Drive to Beni (830m/2-3Hrs Drive). Tents.

Day 03 : Trek Beni to Babiyachaour (950m/5Hrs). Tents.

Trek along the Kali Gandaki River toward Myagdi Khola. After Crossing a couple of long suspension bridges trek through the villages of Mangal Ghat, Singa, Tatopani and finally to Babiyachaur. Overnight Tents.

Day 04 : Trek Babiyachaur to Dharapani (1400m/6Hrs). Tents.

Enjoy the Trek through the the villages of, Shahashadhara, Dudh Khola and Rarotonga to Dharapani where we camp for the night..

Day 05 : Trek Dharapani to Muri (1850m/6Hrs). Tents.

The days trek to Muri starts with a steep hill  till we reach Muri. From Muri you will be rewarded with the magnificent views of Dhaulagiri and other mountain in the Range.

Day 06 : Trek Muri to Boghara ( 2050m/6Hrs). Tents.

The Days Trek to Boghara starts with an easy downhill trail for a few hours. Then the trail slowly climbs up on a steep path for about two hours till Phedi and then dips down for a while then again climbs up till we reach Boghara.

Day 07 : Trek Boghara to Doban (2520m/6Hrs). Tents.

The Trek from Boghara to Dovan will test your ability as it’s a little difficult and at places we will need to cross some sections with the help of ropes. The Trail drops down to a small ridge then the path goes through a forest to reach Jyardan. From here cross over a rocky part of the path to reach Doban.

Day 08 : Trek Doban to Italian Base Camp (3660m/6Hrs). Tents.

The trek to Italian Base Camp is a continuous climb and will be gaining a little more than a thousand meter. Therefore, it is important to take it a little slow and the next important thing to remember is to keep yourself hydrated. Our Camp site at the Italian Base Camp will be set up in front of the west wall of  Dhaulagiri. The Trek route passes through dense and beautiful mixed forest and when out of the forest you will be greeted by the views of the mighty Dhaulagiri and other mountains of the Annapurna Range.

Day 09 : Acclimatization day at Italian Base Camp. Tents.

Day 10 : Trek from Italian Base Camp to Glacier Camp (4250m/5Hrs). LODGE

This is one of the trek days that will test your technical skill in mountaineering as we cross the first Glacier using ropes in a couple of places and then climb up to the main Glacier. The view of the surrounding Glacier and the mountain range is breath taking. The awesome views of the surrounding Glacier  will surely make up for the effort and hard work and the risk that you have taken to reach here. Further use of ropes will be needed to cross the remaining part of the Trek.

Day 11 : Trek Glacier to Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4748m/4Hrs). Tents.

The Trek to Dhaulagiri Base Camp is on scree for some time then it gives way to the hard ice of the Glacier. Steadily we climb on the Glacier to the Dhaulagiri Base Camp. Enjoy the beautiful scenery of the North Face of Dhaulagiri I.

Day 12 : Trek Dhaulagiri Base Camp to Hidden Valley (5200m) crossing French Pass (5360m). Tents.

Crossing the glacier above the Dhaulagiri base camp en-route to the Hidden Valley most of the time requires a rope, but once over the steep moraine walls then the route becomes safe and a steady climb to the French Pass. Enjoy the Breath Taking views of the Annapurna Range and the Dhaulagiri Range from here. Today’s view is the best view of the entire Dhaulagiri Base Camp Trek.

Day 13 : Rest day at Hidden Valley. Tents.

Day 14 : Trek Hidden Valley to Dhampus Pass (5155m) to Yak Kharka (4930m/8Hrs).Tents.

Climb gently upto the Dhampus Pass -5155m traverse avalanche prone slopes and trek down on a steep path to end the day at Yak Kharka.

Day 15 : Trek Yak Kharka to Thapa Pass (5200m) to Marpha to Jomsom (2720m/8Hrs). LODGE

The Path to Marpha is a steep descent. Trekking besides the stone cairns proceed along the snow filled path to the top of  Thapa Pass ( Marpha a small village where we stop for lunch and maybe a bottle of beer to celebrate. From Marpha, we further  trek toward Jomsom to catch our next day’s flight to Pokhara.

Day 16 : Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara. Overnight at hotel. End of the Trek. HOTEL

Day 17 : Drive Back to Kathmandu in Tourist Bus. End of the Dhaulagiri Base Camp Trek in Nepal.

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COST : US$2380 / person

• Restricted Area Permit (Included in the Cost) :
• 1). September to November : US$ 70 per week per person and after 7 days US$ 10 per day per person payable in convertible foreign currency.
• 2). December to August : US$ 50 per week per person and after 7 days US$ 7 per day per person payable in convertible foreign currency
• Pokhara – Jomsom Flight Fare  : US$110 (Included in the cost & Subject to Change without prior notice)
• Indian Nationals Kindly Enquire within for quotes in Indian Rupees

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TREK COST – INCLUDES

• Accommodation in Hotel on twin sharing basis in Pokhara with Breakfast.
• Twin Share Accommodation in Lodge in Jomsom and Marpha.
• Transport in Tourist Bus( Kathmandu to Pokhara to Beni to Kathmandu ).
• All meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner) included for the duration of the trek.
• Services of experienced English speaking local trekking guide.
• Porters to carry luggage while on trek (1 porter for 2 persons).
• Insurance for trekking staff, guides, porters etc.,
• Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) fees
• National Park entrance
• fees
• TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System)registration fees.

EXCLUDES:

• Departure Tax where applicable (domestic/international flights).
• Domestic Kathmandu/Pokhara/Kathmandu airfare  ( if requested by clients).
• Transport from Pokhara to Kathmandu at the end of the Trek.
• Travel/Trekking/Medical insurance.
• Rescue operations by helicopter.
• Excess baggage charges.
• Mineral water, boiled drinking water, soft drinks and any
  alcohollic beverages, tips and any personal expenses.
• Nepal Visa Fees.
• Any services in Kathmandu/Nepal (hotels, transport, etc.)

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NEPAL TOURIST VISA

• Nepal visa is readily available on arrival at the International Airport
• in Kathmandu and all other entry points to Nepal.
• 2 passport photos will be required.
•  Single Entry visa: US$ 30 per visa (valid for 60 days).
• Multiple Entry visa: US$ 80 per visa (valid for 150 days).
• Nepal Visas are also available in all Nepalese Embassies and Consulates.
• No Visa is required for Indian National to enter & Travel in Nepal.

Note:  The above itinerary is a sample intended to give you a general idea of the likely trip schedule. Numerous factors such as weather, road conditions, physical ability of the participants etc. may dictate itinerary changes either before departure or while on the trail. We reserve the right to change this schedule in the interest of the trip participant’s safety, comfort and general well being.

(All relevant Terms & Conditions apply).