Around Dhaulagiri Trekking
Trip Facts
Program Code: NHG-RT02
Duration: 24 days
Program Type: Camping Trek
Maximum Altitude: 5360m
Minimum pax: 2
Mode of Travel: Land
Start Trip: Beni
End Trip: Nayapul
Program Grading: 
Trip Highlights
In the remote picturesque elusive trail, rural villages, breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes and high snow capped peaks, overnight camp at Dhaulagiri Base Camp, rugged terrain, walking on the moraine and glacier, unspoiled forest and country life, crossing of two great passes French & Thapa-la, exploring hidden valleys, worlds deepest gorge, charming villages on the ancient Trans-Himalayan Route
Overview
This is a mesmerizing and fascinating adventure which involves a taste of almost all of the trekking environments which Nepal has to offer. From the fertile and relatively low farmlands to the arid and treeless valleys, and then towards the dense forests of the lower part of the valley to high snow crested ridge and remorseless ice field. This trip also offers excellent and rare views of both the Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna massifs.
The trek is even more special, perhaps-culturally. The villages and the hidden valleys are particularly memorable, being picturesque examples of the less frequented settlements with its charming inhabitants that are still quite unused to the spectacle of the passing by trekking groups.
Truly it is an overwhelming adventure from the remote west of Dhaulagiri to the main popular Trans Himalayan Salt Trade route and through the world's deepest gorge of Kali Gandki Valley and thus ending this wonderful adventure at Pokhara via the scenic route of Annapurna region.
Outline Itinerary
Day 01: Arrive at Kathmandu. 1,300m and transfer to Hotel.
Day 02: A day in Kathmandu. 1/2 Day guided tour.
Day 03: Drive to Pokhara 860m. 200 km. 5-6 hr journey.
Day 04: Drive to Beni 830m via Baglung 970m. 5 hrs journey.
Day 05: Trek to Babiya Chaur 940m 5 hrs.
Day 06: Dharapani 1,560m.5-6 hrs.
Day 07: Dharapani to Mure 1,700m. 5-6 hrs.
Day 08: Mure to Bagar 2,375m. 5-6 hrs.
Day 09: Bagar to Dovan 2,600m. 5-6 hours.
Day 10: Dovan to Chartare / Bhainsi Kharka. 3,000m. 5 hrs.
Day 11: Pakhaban (Japanese Camp.)3,750m. 5 hrs.
Day 12: Pakhaban to Dhaulagiri Base Camp 4,750m. 6 hrs.
Day 13: Dhaulagiri BC to Hidden Valley.4,900m via French Pass 5,360m.
Day 14: At Hidden Valley.
Day 15: Hidden Valley to Yak Kharka. 4,915m. 5 hrs.
Day 16: Yak Kharka to Tukuche via Marpha. 2,550m.4 hrs.
Day 17: Tukuche to Lete, 2,480m. 5 hrs walk.
Day 18: Trek to Tatopani 1,190m. Approx. 6-7 hrs.
Day 19: Trek to Ghorepani 2,750 m. Approx. 6 hrs.
Day 20: Trek to Tirkhedhunga. 1,530m 5 hours walk.
Day 21: Trek to Nayapul with 2 hrs drive to Pokhara.
Day 22: From Pokhara fly to Kathmandu.
Day 23: Free day at leisure in Kathmandu.
Day 24: Transfer to Airport for the International departure.
Around Dhaulagiri Trekking
Itinerary Detail
Day 01: Arrive at Kathmandu. 1,300m and transfer to Hotel.
On arrival at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport you will be received by our staff and will escort you to the Hotel, where one of our staff or a guide will give you a brief orientation of the Hotel, Kathmandu, Trekking / Camping, do's and don't and other related information that you might require while in Nepal.
Day 02: A day in Kathmandu. 1/2 Day guided tour.
After your first night in Kathmandu, you will be well informed on arrival about the time for your half day guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu at places of interest. Sometimes, depending upon your flight arrival if it's late in the night we will do this tour in the afternoon instead of morning to give you a good rest before you set out of the Hotel in our interesting tour.
Day 03: Drive to Pokhara 860m. 200 km 5-6 hr journey.
A scenic motor drive on the busy highway to Pokhara another popular tourist destination of natural beauty vista of a wonderful mountain in it’s natural structure and beauty - the Machapuchere ‘Fishtail’ alluring us with all the glory and beauties, can see the valley of Pokhara flattened / sprawled and the beautiful Phewa lake and of course also the majestic mountain - the Machapuchere dominating, at the rear side. After the interesting scenic drive reaching Pokhara check into one of the good Hotels near by the beautiful Phewa lake for the night.
Day 04: Drive to Beni 830m via Baglung 970m. 5 hrs journey.
Take a drive up to Beni via Baglung it is quite an interesting drive from Pokhara passing through numerous towns and villages with superb panorama of snow capped peaks of Annapurna and Manaslu range as the journey continues leaving the suburb of Pokhara, after an 3-4 hours drive coming to the busy town of Baglung. As the new road to Beni been completed few years back, continue another hour or two rides to Beni with brief stop on route. Beni a large town, headquarter of the Myagdi district. There is quite a lot of traffic of many porters' mules and donkey trains carrying load of merchandise on the Kali Gandaki route. Our overnight camp just a little away from the main village.
Day 05: Trek to Babiya Chaur 940m 5 hrs.
The way after Beni enters westwards, following the course of Myagdi River upstream, through lush verdant landscape, with rice paddies and dense sub tropical forest on the steeper higher slopes. Morning walk passes through number of small farm villages. Our journey continues on passing several farm settlements till overnight camp at Babiyachaur is reached, a small village with couple of local teahouse with a small ground just by the trail. Once in a year people from around this area host an auspicious fair as per the Hindu religion calendar.
The camp is set with time for cool splash down the River Myagdi.
Day 06: Trek to Dharapani 1,560m.5-6 hrs walks.
The trail along the Myagdi River is prone to landslides during the monsoon season and there is much up and on to bi-pass sections of path that have been disrupted.
Walk continues to follow the river upstream passing through several small settlements after 3 hours or less of good walk arriving at a large interesting village of Darbang, where we might stop for lunch depending upon the time of our walk.
After lunch, cross the Myagdi river over the suspension bridge, the trails winds up gradually for an hour up to Phedi meaning bottom of the hills or pass, after leaving the river behind a steep climb of one and half hour reaches us to the cooler region at the ridge, then a short easy walk will brings us to the village at Dharapani, a stunning views of Putali and Ghurja the western peaks adjoining Dhaulagiri massif can be seen from the campsite at Dharapani.
Day 07: From Dharapani trek to Mure 1,700m. 5-6 hrs walks.
From Dharapani, the path follows along the farm fields and to the snout of the ridge where Dhaulagiri Himal is visible. Then the trail leads to a descend towards the Gatti Khola, from here two hours of steady climb leads us the to large village of Mure for the overnight camp, at the confluence of the Myagdi and Dhara rivers.
The Dhara River flows from the west, in which direction lays the important regional bazaar town of Dhorpatan enroute Dolpo region. The Myagdi flows down from north and this is the river valley which we will be following all the way to its source near Dhaulagiri Base Camp.
Day 08: From Mure trek to Bagar 2,375m. 5-6 hrs.
Our route skirts around and descends to the warm areas of paddy fields on a partially penetrated by the tributary Dhora Khola. After crossing Dhora Khola, the main path ascends the hill side, passing the rural farm houses, and goes through a hamlet to an up and down mountain path then skirt around the ridge. The path continues winding steep uphill for two hours and coming at the top of the ridge, the path descends gradually to a small farm village at Bagar after six hours of good walk. Bagar is the last village enroute before Marpha village is reached at the Kali-Gandaki valley. Camp is made at the premises of the primary school ground.
Day 09: Trek to Dovan 2,600m. 5-6 hours.
From today onwards for a week in total isolation in the perfect tranquility of the harsh and beautiful wilderness amidst the lofty Dhaulagiri range, on leaving the Bagar village behind and its farm fields following the path through the forest which climbs on the west side of the river Myagdi, trek follows the narrow undulating trail above the river Myagdi, reaching the ridge top, then the path descends steeply in some section coming to a clearings where we find number of stone built Shepard's huts. Gradually ascending, encounter the grassy clearings and after a total of 5 to 6 hours of peaceful walk reaching at a level ground of grassy field 'Kharka' named as Dovan for the overnight camp.
Day 10: Trek to Chartare / Bhainsi Kharka. 3,000m. 5 hrs.
From the camp at Dovan our route follows the path to the river after less than
30 minutes of walk, then coming to bank to cross Konaban Khola, depending upon the level of the river, sometime the bridge will be high on the top of the huge boulder or when the level of the water is low can be easier crossing just on the plank or logs. If the bridge its high above the river crossing would be quite daring on the rickety temporarily built bridge, after the bridge the walk follows through the forest for a while then crossing another log over the tributary stream then once again enter the forested area until the ascent becomes a descent, and from here one can see the west wall of Dhaulagiri I, between the breaks of the trees. Then heading down to Myagdi Khola side and take the left bank path, and climb up towards another khola called the Pakite Khola, without ever getting too far from the Konaban river, crossing this little stream -Pakite khola to the table land of Chartare, or the Bhainsi Kharka and camp for the night.
Day 11: Trek to Pakhaban (Japanese Camp.)3,750m. 5 hrs.
Leaving the campsite, continue following the trail ahead leading to the forest area known as Italian Base Camp. The trial heads into a rocky area then climbs the mountain side with a steep hill at the end. After crossing the steep hill, the path narrows then cross and descend to the other glacier that originated from the West wall of the Dhaulagiri, then climb the opposite bank to a wide grassy area in a narrow gorge valley of Pakhaban, also known as Japanese Camp. Pakhaban is a beautiful campsite with impressive West wall of Dhaulagiri I, and to the rear the huge stone walls from Tsaurabong Peak.
Day 12: Trek to Dhaulagiri Base Camp 4,750m. 6 hrs.
Today, an early move for the Base Camp situated at 4,750 meters. Following a lateral moraine from Pakhaban to a rocky ridge which descends down to the right side of the valley buried in snows and fallen rocks. Entering the glaciated area from the rocky right side banks, walking along the undulating glacier surface as the valley bends to the right bank route with short up and down passage to Dhaulagiri Base Camp situated at 4,750 metre high. Looking up at the impressive North face of Dhaulagiri I, while to the west the peaks of Dhaulagiri II (7,751 m.), III (7,715 m.) and IV (7,618 m.) stand soaring to the sky, and before us is the desolate Ice Fall descending form the col between Dhaulagiri and Tukuche Peak. Overnight camp will be made on the clearing of rocky moraine with awesome close view of Dhaulagiri I and its massif glacier and icefall.
Day 13: Trek to Hidden Valley.4,900m via French Pass 5,360m.
From Dhaulagiri Base Camp, journey continues leading us to the moraine and glacier, the path follows close to Tukuche Peak. After the glacier, climbing a rocky terraced hill on the right bank side, climbing the hill which runs along the glacier for a short while, then again climb to another higher hill across the mountain flank, entering a gentle slope on right side of the valley and further, climb up to French Col at an elevation of 5,360 meters. On reaching the highest point of this journey at French Pass where there the Buddhist prayer flag or lung-ta are hoisted by fellow trekkers and climbers respecting the mountain spirit. From this vantage point offers the stunning view of the mountain ranges including - Sita Chuchura, the mountains of Mukut Himal, and Tashi Kang (5,386 m.), all of which surrounds the Hidden Valley. To the right is Tukche Peak west and to the rear stands the huge Dhaulagiri I. A gentle descent along the snow covered landscape finally leads to the overnight halt at the wide Hidden Valley. This Valley remained behind Dhaulagiri massif undiscovered, until last few decades. It offers a very scenic charm with several small Peaks to climb.
Day 14: At Hidden Valley.
Contingency or a reserve day, in case if there's problem or difficulty on route.
If we are in schedule with our program we will have a rest day here to explore around this Hidden Valley, depending upon the weather as well.
Day 15: Trek to Yak Kharka. 4,915m. 5 hrs.
After a wonderful time at Hidden Valley, adventure continues to cross Dhampus Pass at 5,250m. Trek follows on the gradual path for an hour with short climb in between, the path gets narrow on the scree section for an hour, then towards the high traverse across Dhampus Pass at 5,250m overlooking the deep cleft of the Kali Gandaki Valley and the Annapurna peaks beyond. Reaching the top of the ridge at Dhampus Pass, view of Mukut Himal is visible from the pass as the Hidden Valley is being over looked behind the Col. Its a steep down hill along the rock covered mountain side until we reach our campsite at Yak Kharka.
Yak Kharka, a summer pasture of the villages down below Kaligandaki Valley areas, Dhaulagiri I is hidden by the bulk of Tuckche Peak, but Nilgiri and the western end of the Annapurna massif are visible.
Day 16: Yak Kharka to Tukuche via Marpha. 2,550m. 5 hrs.
This morning walk leads towards a steep down along the narrow mountain path up to a ridge from where Dhaulagiri I and the Tukche Peak become visible again. Today follow the path in the left banks along the Kali Gandaki River up to Tukuche Village, where in the past it is said that Tibet, India trade once had flourished. Following the winding mountain trail that goes downwards to the right side and crossing a stream to reach a little settlement of Alubari consisting some numbers of small stone huts. Winding around further and keeping still to the right, descend a steep zig-zagging along the narrow mountain side. The final descent, eventually reaches to the center of the village of Marpha.
From Marpha 2 hours of easy walk leads to the overnight stop at another beautiful village of Tukuche close up beneath Dhaulagiri, with an impressive icefall which tumbles down from the mountain's east face. Here, at Tukuche village close to the camp celebrate and try few of its local product like Apple cider, brandy and rakshi or fresh apple juice.
Day 17: Trek to Lete, 2,480m. 5 hrs walk.
From Tukuche, the walk is very enjoyable following the Kaligandaki River down stream, after an hour walk from Tukuche coming to Larjung village. We carry on further through the cultivated areas and then the rocky area up to the settlement of Larjung at 2,560 meters. Then crossing the broad river bed, either by way of a series of temporary plank bridges over numerous channel if the river level is low, or via the a high suspension bridge, the usual route follows the east side of the valley. After an hour walk, getting back to the tree line of pines, oaks and rhododendron, the path meanders away from the river for a while for an hour then coming back to the river bed just before Kalapani village, just near Kalalpani the trail leads to a suspension bridge over the gorge of raging Kaligandaki River with awesome view of Dhaulagiri peak and its icefall, from the bridge a short walk brings to Kalapani village. Kalapani, another lovely village of more than 20 houses with excellent tea houses and lodge with grandeur view of Mt.Annapurna I, Nilgiri's and Dhaulagiri above the beautiful forest surrounding.
An hour leads to the camp at Lete just by the fast flowing river near the bridge. Once again, an excellent view of Dhaulagiri, Tukuche Peak, Annapurna I and Nilgiri's can be observed from Lete.
Day 18: Trek to Tatopani 1,190m. Approx. 6-7 hrs.
Walk from Kalapani and Lete onwards leads to a dramatic change in the vegetation, from dry, arid desert to pine and conifer forests, as we pass between two giant peaks of Dhaulagiri and the Annapurnas. The first two hours of trek passes through the village of Ghasa with constant view of the snow capped peaks in the beautiful cool forest surrounding, Although the Annapurna Circuit is one of the popular not only in Nepal but in the whole Himalayan range, and the Kali Gandaki Valley is renowned as being Nepal's most prosperous regions that's because of the Trans Himalayan & Salt Trade Route passes through this region to Tibet, this section of the area is surprisingly wild and scenically varied.
There are many settlements and isolated lodges and tea houses, with open areas with enchanting forest and impressive views. Below Ghasa, which is the southern end of the area dominated by Thakalis people with fewer of this ethnic tribe till Tatopani, the architectural style change, with much ornately carved wood work in evidence. This pleasant walk amidst the beautiful surrounding continues back to the terraced paddy fields and into warm sub-tropical climate all the way to the village of Tatopani passing through the beautiful waterfalls of Rupsi Cahhare.
Just before Dana there is a long section where the trail has for many years disrupted by the landslides and every travelers, including the many trains of pack animals which ply this route has to negotiate some quite steep detours. Nearing Tatopani (Hot Spring) village the valley again is quite constricted and it starts to feel quite warm with subtropics climate and vegetation, Tatopani is another nice village with large hot spring pools just by the bank of the River Kaligandaki. Overnight Camp at Tatopani near the bank of the Kali-Gandaki river.
Day 19: Trek to Ghorepani 2,750 m. Approx. 6 hrs.
After a wonderful time at Tatopani and in its warm pools, trek continues towards east on the gradual trail for an hour crossing a suspension bridge over the Kaligandaki river, the path leads by the river for a while just arriving at the junction of the two trails, the other wide path follows the river all the way to Beni. Route diverts from here taking the uphill climb, the first of the climb is quite steep to the top, where there is a small tea house, from here ahead of us lies a steep terraced hillside, dotted with farms and villages, from this spot a gradual climb leads us most of the day, leaving behind the terraced fields walking in the dense rhododendron forests and reaching to the village of Ghorepani which offers best views of the sunset with excellent of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges.
Day 20: Trek to Tikhedhunga 1,530m approx 5 hours walk.
Early morning (if the day is promising) an hour hike to the top of Poon-Hill at 3,195m altitude, for the beautiful sunrise over the Dhaulagiri-Annapurna to Mt.Manaslu range. After the busy photo session return back to camp at Ghorepani for breakfast. From Ghorepani the trail follows downhill path on the Trans-Himalayan Trade Route trail through the serene forest of rhododendrons reaching at Ulleri village from here a long descent to the camp at Tikhedhunga.
Day 21: Trek to Nayapul with 2 hrs drive to Pokhara.
Today the last day walk of this memorable adventure leads to the road head at Nayapul following the main path through numerous farm villages with great views of the water falls near at Bhirethati a lovely village by the bank of River Modi. From here follow the river till Nayapul. From here two hours drive reaches to Pokhara, for the last stop of the trek after an enjoyable adventurous journey.
Day 22: From Pokhara Fly to Kathmandu.
A morning flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu, depending upon the flight time, make way to the terminal for security check, this scenic flight from Pokhara takes half hour or less to Kathmandu, a panoramic view of the snow capped peaks can be seen from the plane. Arriving at Kathmandu domestic terminal, our AD staff will receive and escort us back to the Hotel.
Day 23: Free day at leisure in Kathmandu.
A free day in Kathmandu, please inform our staff if you would like to go on another short tour in and around Kathmandu Valley or for scenic mountain flight.
Day 24: Transfer to Airport for the International departure.
Today as per your international flight time, keep your confirmed air ticket, departure tax (in local currency) and your passport handy. Our Staff will take you to the airport for your final departure from this amazing country, Nepal.
Note: The above itinerary should be taken only as a guide line; it could change due to weather, availability of clean water and campsite, trail or any other unforeseen conditions.
Around Dhaulagiri Trekking
Essential Information
When trekking in Nepal Himalayas "Altitude related Problems" are the important factors to be considered because there is always a real danger of mild to serious problems related to altitude and it is important that trekkers understand that they will be affected to a greater or lesser extent when they ascend to altitudes over about 3000 meters. Altitude sickness, often known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) and it means the effect of altitude on those who ascend too rapidly to elevation above 3000 meters. The victim can develop severe symptoms very rapidly if the mild effects are ignored.
We advise our clients to remember the following suggestion when you are on trekking in the high altitude areas above 3000 meters. The following are the basic symptoms of the altitude sickness and to avoid such sickness we recommend few important points.
1. Basic Symptoms: - Loss of appetite
- Sleep disturbance
- Difficult to pass urine
2. Medium Symptoms:
- Headache which is bad
- Irregular breathing
- Nausea
- Mild weakness
3. Serious Symptoms:
- Slight swelling of hands and face
- Cannot stand upright without swaying while eyes are closed.
- Can hear gurgling sound in the chest.
- Zero energy.
What to do about Altitude Sickness?
Altitude illness can be prevented by acclimatization; that is, by a graduate rate of ascent (not more than 400 – 500 meters), allowing sufficient rest at various intermediate altitudes. The dry air of the mountains tends to dehydrate you so an increased fluid intake is necessary. Try to drink at least four liters of water a day. On the trail you can drink hot garlic soup that will help you to some extent. When we reach to our destination it is better to make some hiking up to a bit higher point and come down to the camp or hotel. This is a really good way to get acclimatization. You may take Diamox 250mg tablets the night before flying / going to altitude. Sometimes the symptoms often disappear and the trek can be resumed.
If you feel obviously suffering from the serious symptoms of AMS then descent should not be delayed even if it means going down in dark. In such case, should an emergency situation arise, horse, or porter will be arranged; or we carry you and run to lower (descend) altitudes. There is communication facility at Namche Bazaar; Doctors at Khunde hospital in the Everest Area and HRA Clinics and in some trekking areas also have the Gamow Bag. The hospital or the clinic will take fees or charges for such services. We can arrange for immediate evacuation, by horse or helicopter, depending on the severity of the case.
Mountain Biking 
Everest base camp trek 
Paragliding 
Mountain Flight 
Bungee Jumping 
Testimonials
Cost Includes
Around Dhaulagiri Trekking pictures
View Details 
Trip Enquiry
