Dhaulagiri View Trekking
Pokhara > Darbag > Bagar > Upper Bungini > Basecamp > French Col > Hidden Valley > Marpha > Lete > Tatopani > Ghorepani > Pokhara
Trekking around the giant Himalayan peak Dhaulagiri (6th highest Himalayan peak of the world) is one of the most challenging remote trek. Trekking off the main paths is not only possible, but can be immensely rewarding, though you do need a sense of adventure and an increased ability to deal with unexpected. Geographically, Dhaulagiri region is a land of dramatic contrast. This is a trek into the wild which shows the world’s deepest river gorge, unparalleled scenery, as you might expect in such remote country, some very interesting indigenous people. The vast massif screens the hidden land of Dolpo to its north west. Following the rivers upstream, ferns and forests of oak and other deciduous trees and juniper are interesting. Mountain sides of rhododendron blaze with color in the spring, and other flowers are abundant on the trail. Even on High Mountain passes above the tree line, tiny alpine flowers can be found dotting the windswept ground. This is an adventure that walks the fine line between trekking and mountaineering and is ideal for those that thrive on rugged and remote trails that see only a handful of trekkers each season. A standard Dhaulagiri Trek begins from Baglung, accessible after 3 hrs drive from Pokhara and goes via Darbang and Muri or sometimes Khibang to Boghara, the last village. The wilderness begins here first with a small difficult trail, set in a beautiful virgin forest and then the trail becomes very rough from the alpine grasses of Italy base Camp. We will need to use a fixed rope to cross the difficult rubble-covered glacier and then after some rock fall danger, the trail climbs onto the main glacier. The trails are ill defined and traverses knife-edged ridges on loose rock where a slip means loss of life. The trail becomes easier past Army Base Camp heading up French Col and then drops into Hidden Valley, broad and open with rich hued rocks and barely a blade of grass. Here, at 5000m it is perpetually cold, at least -15C° in October and -20C° in November at night. Most important concern in this trek is the risk of acute mountain sickness. This itinerary is the standard one and goes in clockwise direction and is good for a very experienced and confident party only. Others are recommended to begin with other treks like Annapurna Basecamp or Annapurna Circuit for proper acclimatization before we hit the main trail of Dhaulagiri. We can begin with Annapurna Circuit from Besi Sahar via Manang and the 5416m Thorung La (12-14 days ) then trek around Dhaulagiri in the opposite direction to standard or starting from Pokhara, we start with the Annapurna Sanctuary trek (10-12 days. The clockwise Dhaulagiri trek also can be started from Thamgas, via Dhorpatan and the Jaljala (8-9 days to Bagaraha) or, starting from Baglung, there are routes via Asnam Dhuri from the Rahughat Khola or Marang Khola that allows enough acclimatization.
Trip Itinerary :
Day 01: Drive to Baglung (970m).
Drive to the trail head town of Baglung (74km) which takes about 3 hrs. On arrival there is a short walk from the road to our camp close to the village.
Day 02: Tatopani (970m)
Take an early morning start, following the bank of Kali Gandaki River. We follow the western bank of the Kali Ghandaki River valley to Beni (870m). Following Myagdi Khola River, pass through several small villages, a hot spring and cultivated lands to Tatopani and cross a suspension bridge and camp. Total walking 7 hours.
Day 03: Darbang (1120m)
Continue following the Myagdi Khola and Newale Khola, walk through terraced fields to Babichor where we take lunch. In the afternoon , ascend gradually through paddies to reach the Duk Khola and the small settlements of Ratorunga, Bodeni and Chachare, before reaching the large village of Darbang with its rows of shops where we camp in the school grounds. 6 hrs trekking.
Day 04: Trek to Kamlo (1,610m).
The trail crosses Myagdi Khola river by suspension bridges quite a few times. After crossing Marang Khola (1,270m), the trail descends for a while and soon takes a steep ascent but you will be rewarded with the views of Churen Himal (7,371m) and Gurja Himal (7,193m) at the ridge. Descend again to reach the camp among terraced fields, high above the valley, at Kamlo. 6 hrs trekking
Day 05: Trek to Baghara (2,060m).
We have a tough day today. The trail passes through terraced fields. We follow the river bank and walk through the ridge forested with bamboo and rhododendron. 7-8 hrs walking.
Day 06: To Doban (2,490m)
Today, we have relatively shorter day and the trail goes through a village followed by bamboo forest and take chance to take hot spring. The trail is scenic with beautiful water falls, towering cliff and delightull rhododendron forest. 6 hrs trekking.
Day 07: Doban – Uppper Bungini (Italian Base Camp)
Passing through beautiful forest we rapidly gain altitude and mountains burst out all around.
Day 08: Rest at Upper Bungini
A rest day for acclimatization. Since there is little exploring to be done, this is a day to relax and accumulate energy to take up the following tough day.
Day 09: Uppper Vungini (Italian Base Camp) – Glacier Camp
After crossing the first glacier, probably using a rope in a couple of tricky spots, we climb onto the main glacier. The surroundings are spectacular, which makes up for the rough and dangerous trail. We may also use a rope on this section. This is a particularly tough day. We camp on the glacier rubble.
Day 10: Glacier Camp – Dhaulagiri Base Camp
Soon the rough rubble gives way to the smooth ice of the white part of the glacier. We climb steadily to the rough and chilling but spectacular Dhaulagiri Base Camp.
Day 11: Dhaulagiri Base Camp – French Col – Hidden Valley
Hidden valley getting of the glacier above the base camp often requires a rope, but once over the steep moraine walls we are in safer and gentle 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.
Day 12: Hidden Valley camp 5000m.
A rest day to admire the surrounding peaks and perhaps do some exploring.
Day 13: Hidden Valley – Yak Kharka.
After climbing over the 5200m Dhampus Pass, we traverse avalanche-prone slopes and then descend steeply to Yak Kharka.
Day 14: Yak Kharka – Marfa.
After climbing over the 5200m Dhampus Pass, we traverse avalanche prone slopes and then descend steeply to Yak Kharka.
Day 15: Marfa – Lete (2650 m.)
We join the valley of Kaligandaki and Japanese friendship village with rich Thakali culture, which appears with the pay of Dhaulagiri (6hrs) Overnight at Lodge.
Day 16: Lete – TatopaniI (1300 m.)
Seen at the fall of ice of beautiful Dhaulagiri cross in forest one let us rejoin the hot sources with Tatopani. (7hrs). Overnight in lodge
Day 17: Tatopani – Rest Day
Tatopani consists of several clusters of building with excellent food, hot spring and nice view of Nilgiri Mountain. Sipping your beer as you enjoy your soak, drinking in the lovely atmosphere and surroundings of the riverside.
Day 18: Tatopani – Ghorepani (2810 m.)
We will wake up early morning to hike up to the famed vantage point of Poon Hill excursion at 5 am (2,590m). Climb the Deorali (2855m) then descent through the forest rhododendron until Tadapani (6hrs) Overnight in Lodge.
Day 19: Tadapani – Ghandruk
We decent in the forest until Gandrung Visit a village of Gurungs community and enjoy cross with beautiful magnificent mountain. (6hrs) Overnight in hotel
Day 20: Ghandruk – Pokhara
Easy increase until Birethati and crossing by Modi River and descent up to point to join the track by bus to Pokhara hotel.
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.