Dhaulagiri Base Camp Trekking

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Trip Overview

The Dhaulagiri Base Camp trek is one the strenuous treks that thoroughly invigorates you by the sheer beauty of the region. This trek leads you on an awe inspiring passage to the Dhaulagiri massif that enfolds more than 30 peaks over 6000m.

Though the Dhaulagiri Base Camp trek is challenging trek the splendor of panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges with the thick forest, glaciers and the simple lifestyle of the inhabitants of the region will definitely leave an unforgettable impression on your mind.

Trip Itinerary :

Day 1 Arrive in Kathmandu International Airport. Transfer to the hotel and stay overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 2 City sightseeing in and around Kathmandu valley. (Kathmandu, Bhaktapur & Patan). Stay overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 3 Drive from Kathmandu to Beni takes about eleven hours. As you climb out of the Kathmandu valley, only to quickly descend again to the Trisuli River, you follow upstream to its junction with the Marsyangdi River. You then follow the Marsyangdi gently up through heavily terraced fields and small hill towns to the Seti River that takes you directly into Pokhara. Blessed with pleasant weather, Pokhara is tourist’s paradise with full of natural as well as cultural heritage sites that include lakes, caves, and temples of Buddhist and Hindus along with mountains. You can observe views to the north across the hills and Phewa Tal (lake) to the white peaks of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. The drive from here goes through uphill into zigzag road all the way to Naudanda. It then descends through a meandering road up to Nayapul with views of Annapurna South, Fish tail, green hills, terraces and villages. To reach Beni, your drive moves along the bank of Mardi River. This is one picturesque journey by road that most travelers enjoy. Stay overnight at camp in Beni.

Day 4 Trek from Beni to Babichoaur (950m) takes about five hours. From Beni you head west along the north bank of the Myagdi Khola through several small villages. You then cross two bridges near the village of Simalchour, and head back to the north bank from where it continues to the village of Babichor. Stay overnight at camp in Babiachaur.

Day 5 Trek from Babiachaur to Dharapani takes about six hours. The trail is wide, smooth and graveled till you reach Darbang. After you pass a small town you cross a suspension bridge. You then hike a flat narrow path passing through terraces, traditional villages and then again you cross another suspension bridge. The trail is a gentle ascent from this point through sparse forest of rhododendron, pine and oak. After a few hours you get to a green ridge surrounded by villages, green hills and jungles. To reach Dharapani you need to follow a straight leveled path. Dharapani is quite a big village with traditional but big houses made of thatched straw, wood, tin and other materials found on the mountain itself. The local folks are pretty hospitable down here. Stay overnight at camp in Dharapani.

Day 6 Trek from Dharapani to Muri takes about six and half hours. After descending and walking through villages, we cross a suspension bridge over the river when the trail turns uphill. The gentle ascending path continues through villages, sparse forest and terraces till you reach another ridge. You then trek gently along over a straight trail until you reach Muri. This is a small village. If the weather is clear, you can get a glimpse of Manapathi peak and the whole Dhaulagiri range etc. Stay overnight at camp in Muri.

Day 7 Trek from Muri to Baghar (2080m.). Descend a gentle slope, and cross a rocky stream. Descend a path amid terraced fields to Dhora khola. Cross the river and climb to the right up the mountainside to Ghorban dhara. The view from this pass is fine and for the first time you can see Ghustung south (6465m). Follow the right bank past Naura where you begin to ascend the mountainside. After climbing for a short while, take a path that traverses the steep grass-covered hill. The Myagdi khola assumes a steep-walled V-shape as the traverse ends and a high, winding path climbs the steep, grassy slope. The steep slope will not tolerate any missteps but the path is well-constructed with a great number of zigzagging stone step paths. At last the long climb ends, and you traverse to the right-where you must also beware of mis-stepping and falling into the gorge of the Myagdi khola. Soon you descend through a forested area, emerging to a ridge snout where bagara (2080m) is visible. Descend through terraced fields to this mountain village where you camp in people’s yards or the terraced fields. Stay overnight at camp in Baghar.

Day 8 Trek from Bagar to Dobang (2520m.) takes about five hours. Here you leave the villages behind and the traill becomes increasingly challenging. Stay overnight at camp in Dobang.

Day 9 Trek from Dobang to Sallaghari (3110m) takes about six hours. The early part of the gentle ascending trail moves through forest of bamboo, pine trees and rhododendrons. After trekking for some hours gently where the route goes uphill and downhill respectively, you reach Sallaghari. This becomes our camping spot in between forest surrounded by pine trees at the bank of Myagdi River. Stay overnight at camp in Sallaghari.

Day 10 Trek from Sallaghari to Italian Base Camp (3660m.) takes about six and half hours. The trail is covered by bamboo forest all the way to Italian Base Camp. At some points you cross small bridges and jungles and this makes the trail quite strenuous and difficult. There is an open field at Italian Base Camp. There are two small tea houses available hereabouts that provide a minimal supply of trekkers items. At this base camp, you experience breathtaking views of Dhaulagiri range, Manapathi peak, Dhaulagiri II among other unnamed peaks and mountains. Stay overnight at camp in Italian base camp.

Day 11 Trek from Upper Vungini (Italian Base Camp) to Glacier Camp at (4940m.) this takes about four hours. After crossing the first glacier, probably using a rope at a couple of tricky spots, you climb onto the main glacier. The surroundings are spectacular which makes up for the rough and dangerous trail. You may also use a rope on this section. This is a particularly tough and challenging day. Stay overnight at camp in Glacier camp.

Day 12 Trek from the Glacier Camp or French Camp to Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4740m.) takes about five hours. Soon the rough rubble gives way to the smooth ice of the white part of the glacier. You climb steadily to the rough and chilling but spectacular Dhaulagiri Base Camp. Stay overnight at camp in Dhaulagiri Base Camp.

Day 13 Trek from Dhaulagiri Base Camp to French Col (5010m.) or Hidden Valley takes about four hours. Getting off the glacier above the base camp often requires rope climbing. Once over the steep moraine walls we reach gentler, rather less strenuous country. After a breathless climb to the top of French Col (5300m,) the views of Hidden Valley open out. The broad valley is reminiscent of Tibet and Ladakh and so are the temperatures (at least -20ºC at night). Stay overnight at camp in Hidden Valley.

Day 14 Trek from Hidden Valley (5200m) to Yak Kharka takes about seven hours. You traverse avalanche-prone slopes and then take on the steep descent to Yak Kharka. This day you trek through bare land for some distance. Stay overnight at camp in Yak Kharka.

Day 15 Trek from Yak Kharka to Marpha (2670m.) takes about five hours. More steep descents lead to Marpha. The trail is not much covered with trees. En route you can see some yak herds and sheep herds as well. Marpha is a small town mainly inhabited by a mixed community of Buddhist and Hindus as well. You can a visit a monastery. In and around the monastery you can see the many walls and prayer flags fluttering in the mountain winds, whispering odes of prayer for the departed. Stay overnight at camp in Marpha.

Day 16 Trek from Marpha to Ghasa takes about six hours. Your trail descends steeply through forests to Ghasa, the last Thakali village and the southern-most limit of Tibetan Buddhism. The starting point of the trail is stretched at an almost flat level up to Kalopani and then your trail begins descending steeply to Ghasa. The first part of the trek passes through a windy area covered with pine and rhododendron forests and birch trees are also seen. The surrounding area of Ghasa is a famous destination for bird watching and wild Marijuana. At this point you would be amazed with the bewildering views of Mount Nilgiri North (7061m.), Nilgiri Central (6940m.), and Nilgiri South (6839m.), Annapurna I (8091m.), Dhaulagiri I (8167m.) and Tukuche peak (6920m.). Stay overnight at camp in Ghasa.

Day 17 Trek from Ghasa to Tatopani (1189m.) takes about five hours. The trail descends steeply up to Rukse Chhahara (Rukse Waterfall) which is amazing to look at. The deepest gorge in the world is situated here between two mountains Annapurna I (8091m.) and Dhaulagiri I (8167m.) facing each other near Rukse Waterfall. Now the trail ascends slightly to Tatopani through different human settlements. You can enjoy the hot springs at Tatopani as the word ‘Tatopani’ is termed after the natural hot spring situated at the bank of the Kali Gandaki River. It is popularly believed that taking a bath in the Hot Spring helps you get rid of skin diseases. Besides this, it also gives you physical and mental relaxation as well. Stay overnight at camp in Tatopani.

Day 18 Trek from Tatopani to Ghorepani (2853m.) for about seven hours. Your trail passes through a flat level of the land for some distance. Then the trail begins ascending steeply for at least one hour. The path then goes up through different villages inhabited by people of different ethnic caste and who survive through the agricultural lands that they own. The majority of the people around here serve in the Nepalese and Indian armies as well. While trekking you cross through the Kali Gandaki River with stunning views of Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna range.

The trail ascends gently all the way to Ghorepani passing through small villages like Phalate, Chitre and picturesque landscapes. While trekking you pass through rhododendron forests and come across wild life such as monkeys and birds of various species. You are accompanied by more panoramic views of different mountains. Ghorepani (Water outlets for Horses) is a small pass near the village of Deurali. Although there is time enough to continue, it is better to stay here overnight so that you can make the morning trip to Poon Hill (3180m.) for an outstanding panorama of Dhaulagiri I,II,III,Iv, Tukuche peak, Dhampus peak, Nilgiri ranges, Annapurna I, Bahra Sikhar (Twelve peaks or renowned as French Fang), Annapurna South, Himchuli, Fishtail and Mardi Himal. The views

you get from here are probably the best in the world. Not only this, Poon Hill is usually crowded by different visitors from different parts of the world who throng here to enjoy the stunning landscapes seen from the sunrise and sunset over the snow-capped mountains. Stay overnight at camp in Ghorepani.

Day 19 Trek from Ghorepani to Tadapani. Wake up early in the morning and climb up to Poon hill from where you can see the vast Dhaulagiri range that stretches right up to the Mustang Himalaya. Again walk down to the hotel and after breakfast walk uphill towards Tadapani. We climb with mountain views again through Rhododendron forest. After the top path goes along the ridge, the trail descends steeply through dense moss-covered forest rich with bird life. We then do a short early-morning climb to the Deurali pass for a spectacular panorama over Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna and to Tadapani for beautiful sunset views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhare. Stay overnight at camp in Tadapani.

Day 20 Trek from Tadapani to Ghandruk. This is short trek. The trail descends steeply through dense damp forest, where you may see monkeys, and continues down over a series of rock-cut steps that follow a leaping stream. Arrive in Ghandrung and explore the maze like streets of this thriving Gurung Settlement. Stay overnight at camp in Ghandruk.

Day 21 Trek from Ghandruk (1950m.) to Pothana (1990m.) takes about six hours. First part of your trek is steeply down following stone staircase to Kimbu (Bee hive). Kimbu or Bee hive is located at the elevation of 1200 meters on the bank of Modi Khola. Now, your trail steeply ascends following the stone staircase up to Landruk. The trail ascends gently for early two hours and again ascends steeply for an hour to Deurali (2150m.) passing through Tolkha village (1850m.). From this point you can see panoramic view of Dhaulagiri I (8167m.), Annapurna South (7219m.), Hiunchuli (6441m.), Fishtail (6997m.), Annapurna III (7755m.), Annapurna IV (7525m.), Annapurna II (7937m.) and Lamjung Himal (6930m.). Now, the rest of the trail descends gently down to Dhampus passing through Pothana village (1900m.).

Day 22 Trek from Pothana to Dhampus Phedi (1113m.) takes about four hours. Your trail descends gradually for at least an hour and follows gravel road for two hours and then steeply descends to Phedi passing through Dhampus village, paddy fields and forest protected by local community. Upon your arrival at Dhampus Phedi, you take a vehicle to reach Pokhara. Stay overnight at hotel in Pokhara.

Day 23 Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu by a tourist mini bus takes about seven hours. While driving from Pokhara to Kathmandu, you head up to Damauli, Dumre, Mugling and Kurintar where Nepal’s first Cable car is operated to reach to the Manakamana Temple. En route, you could enjoy the mountain views, green sceneries, rice terrace fields, vegetable fields and people happily engaged in their daily chores. From Naubishe, you climb up to Thankot, gateway to the capital city of Kathmandu. You can also fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu which takes about 25 minutes. Stay overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 24 Recreation & shopping day. Stay overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 25 Transfer to the Airport for final departure. (Fly out from Kathmandu).

Note :- If above program itinerary that don’t suit to you and wish to modify above itinerary then please let us know and we’ll be happy to create a tailor made itinerary especially for you. It is also possible to combines above trip with Jungle safari, rafting, Mountain flight or with any travel plans, just shares your interested with us. We will design and arrange your holiday accordingly.

Price For The Trip: The total cost for the trek or tour you decide you want to do will depend on several different factors. The type of accommodation you prefer in Kathmandu will make a difference to the overall cost (budget to 5 star accommodations). The mode of transport you prefer will also affect the cost of your package, for example prices vary greatly between flying versus private car/van, tourist or local buses. The camping trek and teahouse trek made a difference in the cost. The number of guides and porters required will also affect the total cost of your trek. For these reasons, the same trek / tour can vary in price quite substantially.

Tea-house Lodge Trek Cost Includes:

All land transportation: Airport /Hotel/Airport & trekking pick up & drop.
1 Full day 4/5 hours sightseeing with professional English speaking tour guide & temple entry fees.
4 Night’s hotel accommodation in Kathmandu at Bed & Breakfast basis.
3 Major meals; B/L/D (by Lodge menu) and accommodation at best available teahouse lodge during the trek en-route.
1 English speaking trekking guide, necessary Sherpa & Porters.
Life insurance for all support crews and their daily wages.
Per member 25 Kg. luggage allow while in the trekking.
Trekking Permit and conservation Fees.
Medical Kit Box for Nepali support crews.
All official taxes and service charge.

Camping Trek Cost Includes:

All land transportation: Airport /Hotel/Airport & trekking pick up & drop.
1 Full day 4/5 hours sightseeing with professional English speaking tour guide & temple entry fees.
4 Night’s hotel accommodation in Kathmandu at Bed & Breakfast basis.
All 3 major meals Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner (provide continental food) and accommodation in tented camp during the trek en-route.
1 English speaking trekking guide, 1 Cook, Kitchen boys, necessary Sherpa & Porters.
Life insurance for all support crews and their daily wages.
Per member 25 Kg. luggage allow while in the trekking.
Trekking Permit and conservation Fees.
Medical Kit Box for Nepali support crews.
All official taxes and service charge.

The Cost Doesn’t Include:

Personal transportation except above programs.
Major meals lunch and dinner during your stay in Kathmandu.
Personal trekking gears as well as sleeping bags.
Personal Nature expenses.
Emergency evacuation (If incase).
Drinks except tea and coffee.
Airfare: to & from your country.
Nepal entry, re-entry visa fees & international airport departure taxes.
Personal travel insurance.
Tips for the trekking crews.