Dhaulagiri Base Camp trek - 20 Days

  • Duration20 Days
  • Difficulty Level Moderate

Embark on an incredible challenge with Spiritual Excursion's Dhaulagiri Base Camp Trek, a tough but rewarding campingtrek in Nepal. This trip is perfect for experienced trekkers who love exploring the wild side of Nepal's Himalayas!

Experience a mix of local culture and untouched nature as you explore different landscapes. From villages at low altitudes below 1,000 meters or 3,281 feet, filled with history and culture, to quiet valleys with no people, reaching altitudes of over 4,500 meters or 14,764 feet, every step offers a new view of Nepal's beauty.As the seventh tallest mountain globally, standing at a whopping 8,167 meters or 26,795 feet high, Mount Dhaulagiri offers a remote and thrilling trekking experience. Our route takes you through tough terrain, crossing two big high passes: the French Pass (5,350m/17,552ft) and Dhampus Pass (5,244m/17,205ft), passing through the fascinating Hidden Valley. The Dhaulagiri Massif stretches 120 kilometers or 75 miles, from the Kaligandaki River to the Beri River, with the MyagdiKhola to the southeast and a tributary of the Bheri River to the north and southwest.Highlights of the Dhaulagiri Base Camp Trek include stunning views of Mount Dhaulagiri and the snowy peaks of the Himalayas. Trek through challenging terrain, Overnight at Himalayan camping sites, with an average altitude of over 5,000 or 16,404 feet for several days, and conquer the demanding French Pass and Dhampus Pass, testing your stamina but rewarding you with incredible views.Finish your journey in the captivating Kali Gandaki Valley, where you'll see more stunning mountains, including the Annapurna Massif, Nilgiri Range, and Tilichoending your trek to Dhaulagiri Base Camp on a high note.

Join us at Spiritual Excursion for an unforgettable trekking experience, where every step of the Dhaulagiri Base Camp trek brings you closer to the stunning beauty of Nepal's Himalayas!

Trip highlights:

  • Enjoy scenic drives from and to Kathmandu.
  • Explore the charming city of Pokhara and the tranquil Phewa Lake, enjoying their natural beauty and serenity.
  • A unique camping and trekking experience on some of the toughest trails in Nepal.
  • Cross two high altitude mountain passes; the French Col and the Dhampus Pass.
  • Admire the awe-inspiring views of the Annapurna Massif, Dhaulagiri, and other towering peaks.
  • Reach the secluded Dhaulagiri Base Camp surrounded by the majestic Himalayas.
Itinerary
Tour Plan
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Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, a warm greeting awaits from our team at Spiritual Excursion. Our dedicated representative will be there to extend a heartfelt welcome and ensure your smooth transfer to your pre-arranged hotel in Kathmandu. Take a moment to unwind and refresh yourself after your journey before venturing out to explore the vibrant atmosphere of Thamel Bazaar, where an eclectic mix of shops, eateries, and cultural experiences beckon. Your overnight stay will be at your chosen hotel in Kathmandu, offering a comfortable haven to rest and prepare for the exciting trek to Dhaulagiri Base Camp.

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel to energize yourself for the adventures ahead. Afterward, you'll meet your experienced trekking guide who will provide essential information about the Dhaulagiri Base Camp trek itinerary and offer support for your upcoming adventure. Take the time to gear up and prepare for the trek, ensuring all necessary equipment is packed and camping supplies are double-checked. Relax and mentally prepare for the journey ahead, soaking in the anticipation of the exciting experiences awaiting you. Your overnight stay will be at your booked hotel in Kathmandu, providing a comfortable resting place to recharge before setting off on your trekking adventure!

We begin our journey to Dhaulagiri at 7 AM after enjoying an early breakfast at the hotel in Kathmandu. We'll drive alongside the Trisuli River, following the Prithvi Highway towards Pokhara, and then onward to Beni. It’ll be in the pre-evening before we reach our destination.Dinner and overnight accommodations await us at a teahouse or lodge.

After enjoying a fulfilling breakfast at the teahouse, we begin our trek from Beni, following the north bank of the MyagdiKholaRiver. Passing through rural villages and crossing two bridges near Simalchour, we return to the north bank and continue on to the village of BabiyaChaur. Along the way, we traverse cultivated fields, lively villages, and iconic suspension bridges, soaking in the beauty of the landscape. As evening approaches, we settle in at campsite for a satisfying dinner and a peaceful night's rest.

We start our trek after breakfast at our camp. Today's route takes us across the river to the west of MyagdiKhola, heading north towards Phedi. The trail is mostly flat, passing through the village of Shahashradhara and crossing the DukKhola. We walk through lush green grassy fields until we reach Ratorunga. From here, the valley narrows once again as we continue on the trail towards the sizable village of Dharapani. Upon reaching our destination, we'll set up camp for the night and enjoy a hearty dinner in the foothills.

Having enjoyed a hot breakfast at our camp, we begin our trek by descending and passing through villages. We cross a suspension bridge over the river before the trail starts to ascend uphill. The gentle incline leads us through villages, sparse forests, and terraces until we reach another ridge. Continuing on, we trek along a straight path until we arrive at Muri, a small village inhabited by the humble Magar community. Here, we are treated to glimpses of the majestic Manapathi peak and the entire Dhaulagiri range. We spend the night camping in Muri, surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Himalayas.

Taking a filling breakfast, we go over today’s plan before beginning our trek. We cross a small stream and walk through beautiful fields carved into hillsides. Then, we climb up a ridge to reach a pass. As we come down towards the MyagdiKholaRiver, we follow its peaceful banks until we get to the village of Naura. Here, we face a tough climb up a steep slope with twists and turns, followed by a gentle walk through a green forest. Our day ends as we arrive at the terraced fields of Boghara, where we'll set up camp for the night under the stars.

After breakfast at our camp, we begin our trek. The trail first descends through terraced fields to a small ridge and then through a forest to Jyardan, the most remote permanent settlement in these parts. After Jyardan, a high winding path crosses a rocky area and then descends before climbing again to Lipshe where there is one single hut. After Lipshe, the trail continues through a forest to LapcheKharka and then climbs to the level area at DobanKharka. We'll spend the night here, setting up camp and enjoying a delicious dinner.

We have breakfast and break up camp. Start by traversing a wooden bridge departing from DhobanKharka, the trail ascends into a lush forested area. Before long, glimpses of the majestic west face of Dhaulagiri I begin to peek through breaks in the foliage. Descending towards the MyagdiKhola, we carefully cross it using yet another wooden bridge, this time to the east bank, and continue our journey towards Chartare. Amidst the enchanting forests once more, we navigate across rugged terrain and ford a stream to reach the tranquil surroundings of ChoribanKhola. As night falls, we find our rest at the campsite in the village of Sallaghari, where we'llhave dinner.

Following breakfast, we embark on the trail leading to the moraine of the Chhonbarban Glacier, making our way onto it from the right-hand side. Straight ahead, Tukche Peak (6,837 meters/22,440 feet) comes into view, while the imposing north flank of Dhaulagiri I (8,167 meters/26,795 feet) dominates the distant skyline. After a brief journey, we arrive at Italian Base Camp (3,660 meters/12,008 feet), where we will set up camp for the night. To the west, we are greeted by the towering peaks of Dhaulagiri II (7,751 meters/25,430 feet), Dhaulagiri III (7,715 meters/25,312 feet), and Dhaulagiri V (7,618 meters/24,972 feet). Dinner and overnight stay at Italian Base Camp.

Starting our day with a good breakfast, we get ready for the thinner air. It's important to adjust to the altitude for the challenges ahead at higher places. We spend the day exploring near the Italian Base Camp and taking breaks. At night, we have dinner and stay at our camp, ending our day full of adventure.

Following a healthy and warm breakfast at camp, we set off on our trek to Glacier Camp. Maneuvering across the initial glacier, we might employ ropes in a couple of challenging areas. Ascending onto the primary glacier reveals breathtaking vistas, alleviating the ruggedness and hazards of the trail. Utilizing ropes remains crucial in this segment. This day proves to be an exceptional test of endurance, where resilience is paramount and only the most determined prevail. After our adventurous day, we reach at our pre-setup campsite for a relaxing overnight stay and dinner under the Himalayan starlit sky!

After a filling breakfast at camp, we start our trek. Our journey through rugged terrain soon transforms into navigating the smooth ice of the glacier's white expanse. With determination, we ascend steadily to the rugged and chilling yet awe-inspiring Dhaulagiri Base Camp. The panoramic views from this point are truly astounding, capable of momentarily halting even the most intrepid trekkers. We reach our camp for the night and enjoy a peaceful rest and a tasty dinner.

Starting with breakfast at camp, we spend a day acclimatizing at the base camp. Surrounded by the stunning Himalayas, we enjoy the peacefulness of the high altitude wasteland. It's a chance to relax, take in the views, and get ready for the next adventure. Later, we return to our campsite for dinner and an overnight stay.

After breakfast at camp, we begin head for the Hidden Valley. Today, we often make use of climbing ropes to descend from the glacier above base camp. Once we're down the steep walls, the terrain gets easier, giving our legs and bodies a well-deserved break. Climbing to the top of the French Col (5,360 meters/17,585 feet), we're treated to amazing views of the Hidden Valley. It feels like Tibet and Ladakh here, with temperatures dropping to -20°C (-4°F) at night! The views are so captivating, they make us imagine a whole new world. Reaching the Hidden Valley, we head to camp for dinner and an overnight stay.

Today we'll face the toughest challenge of our trek, climbing up Dhampus Pass and descending for the rest of the day, offering breathtaking views of Nilgiri South and Tukuche. As we enter the Kali Gandaki Valley, the rugged landscape unfolds before us, showcasing the beauty of the Himalayas. After a long day of trekking, we'll arrive at our last campsite in Yak Kharka, where we'll enjoy a hearty dinner and spend our last night, savoring the camaraderie and memories of our Dhaulagiri trek.

On the final day of our trekking adventure, we make our way to the village of Marpha, nestled on the west bank of the Kali Gandaki River. Marpha is renowned for its lush apple orchards and an array of delectable food products made from this fruit. While exploring the village, don't miss the chance to sample the local specialty, Apple Brandy, a cherished delicacy of the region. With luck, you may even have the opportunity to taste this exquisite drink along the way.

Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at the teahouse before embarking on a scenic drive back to Pokhara. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and unwind. You can spend the rest of the day exploring the sights of Pokhara, including the serene Phewa Lake, or simply relax and soak in the tranquil atmosphere. Overnight accommodation is provided at your hotel.

Start your day with a nice breakfast at your hotel in Pokhara before heading back to Kathmandu. Once you're in Kathmandu, settle into your hotel and take some time to explore the city's busy streets and historic sites. In the evening, meet up with our team at Spiritual Excursion to talk about your trip and enjoy a special dinner to remember the best parts of your Dhaulagiri Base Camp trek. After dinner, head back to your hotel for a good night's sleep, thinking about all the great memories from your journey.

After breakfast and leaving the hotel, you'll be taken to Tribhuvan International Airport about three hours before your flight. Spiritual Excursion hopes you had a great time on the Dhaulagiri Base Camp trek of 20 days and can't wait to see you again for your next Himalayan adventure!

Cost Details
Includes
  • Airport pick up / drop off by private vehicle as per the itinerary.
  • Accommodation in Kathmandu &Pokhara including breakfast as per the itinerary.
  • All ground transfers as mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Accommodation during the trek at teahouses/lodges.
  • Tented camp during the trek as per the itinerary.
  • Meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) during the trek and each meal tea or coffee.
  • Experienced English speaking trekking guide and necessary porters (1 Porter for 2 trekkers) during the trek including their transportation, food, accommodation, salary, equipment’s and insurance.
  • Trekking Permit and fees.
  • Trekker's Information Management System (TIMS) card fees. (Please bring 2 passport size photos for TIMS & Permit)
  • First Aid medical kit.
  • Duffel bag, down jacket and sleeping bag.
  • Trip achievement certificate.
  • All government taxes, VAT and office service charge.
Excludes
  • Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara
  • Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara if needed
  • Nepal entry visa fee
  • International airfare and travel insurance
  • Personal expenses (phone calls, internet, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, hot shower etc.)
  • Any kind of drinks (tea/coffee, hot chocolate, boiled water, bottled water, cola, beer etc.)
  • Tips for guide and porters
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