Mt. Dhaulagiri Base Camp Trek 18 Days

18 Days
Moderate

Max. Altitude

5010m

Best Season

Oct-Dec & Mar-May

Activity

Trekking

Start / End Point

Kathmandu/Kathmandu

Overview of Mt. Dhaulagiri Base Camp Trek 18 Days

Mt. Dhaulagiri Base Camp Trekking a fully loaded adventure with Life Himalaya Trekking leading you at the foot of world seventh highest mountains.

Mt. Dhaulagiri standing high at 8,167 m with its massive range of mountains which extends from Mygdi district towards eastern Dolpo and Mustang area near Hidden Valley located in the North West Himalaya.

This is truly an adventure of a lifetime experience, walking from warm semi-tropical areas to cooler forested areas of pines and rhododendron trees and ending at fields of ice and glaciers around Dhaulagiri base camp.

Trip Summary:

Overnights: Hotels and in nice local Lodge with camping.
Trek Grade: Moderate to Adventurous & Challenging in snow conditions.
Highest point: At French Pass 5,360 m and over Thapa / Dhampus pass 5,244 m.
Activities: Exciting drive – trekking with sightseeing tour.
Trekking duration: 11 nights & 12 days (From Pokhara to Pokhara)
Total Trip: 17 nights & 18 days (Kathmandu to Kathmandu)
Season: All months of the year except June to August (monsoon months).

Highlights of Mt. Dhaulagiri Base Camp Trek 18 Days

An adventure of lifetime experiences around world 7th highest mountains
A massive mountain range stretching from Mygdi to Mustang and eastern Dolpo areas.
From warm paddy fields to remote alpine forested hills to massive glaciers and ice falls.
Truly an awe-inspiring adventure on the remote areas of Mid West Himalaya
Walking into dense forest to field of glacier crossing high passes with scenic hidden valley

Mt. Dhaulagiri Base Camp Trek 18 Days Itinerary

day 01 Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.

At Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport on fresh arrival where you will be warmly received by Life Himalaya Trekking staff and then with transfer to your hotels in the hub of Kathmandu city, after refreshment our guide / leader will brief you on Dhaulagiri Base Camp Trekking, includes other information related to this trip, includes welcome dinner in a nice Nepali restaurant with culture programs.

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

day 02 In Kathmandu with sightseeing tour at places of interest.

A free day in Kathmandu after your long flight from home countries, morning tour of Kathmandu at places of interest around world heritage sites with time in the afternoon preparations for Dhaulagiri base camp trek.

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

day 03 Drive to Pokhara

Morning starts with an overland drive on Nepal’s main busy and interesting highway towards picturesque Pokhara valley, drive leads through Himalayan foothills around towns and farm villages with wonderful country landscapes, after an exciting drive reaching at famous touristic Pokhara, and then transfer to your hotels near beautiful Phewa Lake with afternoon free for short walks. (options by air of 30 minutes scenic flight to Pokhara).

Maximum Altitude

950 m.

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Trek Duration

6 hours Drive

day 04 Drive to Darbang via Beni

From Pokhara, our journey continues on drive to Beni town and beyond to a farming town at Darbang, the starting point of Dhaualgiri-Dhorpatan and Dolpo trekking. At Darbang time permitting we might walk for few hours to another overnight stop by the river to make the next day walk more easy, or just stay at Darbang in a local lodge.

Maximum Altitude

900 m.

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Trek Duration

4 hours Drive

Accomodations

Lodge

day 05 Trek to Riverside

First day walk of this adventure starts with a climb over a steep ridge, walking past farm villages and then on pleasant trail along Mygdi River, we follow the river right to its glacier source at Dhaulagiri base camp.

After a good walk reaching our first overnight camp by the river, after noon at leisure with rest or get cooled in the river.

Maximum Altitude

1,560 m.

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Trek Duration

5 hours Trek

Accomodations

Lodge

day 06 Trek to Bagar

Morning walk follows the river for short while reaching a farm village at Jugepani for possible lunch stop, after a rest then leading to a steep climb above a ridge and then downhill through forest to camp at Bagar, a farm village. Bagar will be last village till walk joins at popular Kaligandaki route at Marpha.

Maximum Altitude

2,375 m.

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Trek Duration

6 hours Trek

Accomodations

Lodge

day 07 Trek to Dovan

On leaving the last of farm fields at Bagar village walk into forest for an hour and then a climb into forested area of bamboo, oaks and rhododendron trees.

After climb then descend to reach at Dovan for overnight camp, Dovan a small temporary settlement with small teahouse and shops.

Maximum Altitude

2,600 m.

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Trek Duration

6 hours Trek

Accomodations

Lodge

day 08 Trek to Chartare / Bhainsi Kharka

From Dovan morning walk leads to an unstable wooden bridge over a stream at a confluence of Mygdi River, after crossing walking into forest all the way to overnight stop at Chartare also called Bhainse Kharka.

Maximum Altitude

3,000 m.

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Trek Duration

5 hours Trek

Accomodations

Lodge

day 09 Trek to Pakhaban (Japanese Camp)

After overnight in the middle of dense forest, today walk leads to complete wilderness on leaving the vegetation and tree lines for few days.

Morning walk leads closer to Mt. Dhaulagiri South Face flank, with views of Putha Huinchuli, Manapathi and Dhaulagiri south flank, after good hours of walk reaching a glaciated area on a clearing named as Italian camp.

From here adventure begins as the walk leads on glacier, moraine with climb over rocky ridge to reach Pakhaban also called Japanese camp.

This camp offers super views of South West Face of Dhaulagiri and Manapathi, Puttha Hiunchuli with huge ice wall of Tsaurabong Peak.

Maximum Altitude

3,750 m.

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Trek Duration

5 hours Trek

Accomodations

Lodge

day 10 Trek to Dhaulagiri Base Camp

Morning walk follows moraine and iceberg in some section, this morning climb needs a good team work with guides, porters and fellow members to be on right side of the trail over glaciated sections. After a tough walk over glacial section reaching a rocky open area around Dhaulagiri where base camp is located.

Overnight camp at base camp with close view of world 7th highest Mt. Dhaulagiri I at 8,167 m, includes view of tumbling icefalls, glacier and Tukuche peak with West peaks of Dhaulagiri II (7,751 m.), Dhaulagiri III (7,715 m.) and Dhaulagiri IV (7,618 m.) with desolate Ice Fall tumbling down from the Col between Dhaulagiri and Tukuche Peak. Our overnight camp will be made on the clearing of rocky moraine with awesome close view of Dhaulagiri I and its massif glacier and icefall.

Maximum Altitude

4,748 m.

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Trek Duration

6 hours Trek

Accomodations

Lodge

day 11 At Dhaulagiri Base Camp

Today rest day at leisure or for optional short hike, marvel the beautiful views of Dhaulagiri North West Face with its tumbling Ice Falls. Base Camp located in complete isolation hidden within high snow capped peaks and glaciers.

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accomodations

Lodge

day 12 Trek to Hidden Valley via French Pass

From this amazing and scenic campsite morning walk leads to the highest point of the adventure of trekking over French pass at 5,360 meters.

After the high pass a short descend to reach a wide grassy meadow a huge field at hidden valley for overnight camp. Offering views of Sita Chuchura, Mukut Himal, and Tashi Kang 5,386 meters, Tukche Peak and Dhaulagiri I.

Maximum Altitude

5,360 m.

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accomodations

Lodge

day 13 Trek to Yak Kharka via Thapa / Dhampus pass

After a pleasant rest, morning starts on a gentle path for few hours to reach last pass of this adventure at Thapa also called Dhampus pass with 5,244 meters high.
On reaching the pass with grand rare views of Annapurna Himal, Nilgiris peaks, and then our walk descend to Yak Kharka for overnight camp and back into green vegetation of Juniper, Burberry and rhododendron bushes.

Maximum Altitude

5,244 m.

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Trek Duration

5 hours Trek

Accomodations

Lodge

day 14 Trek to Marpha

Last day walk of this wonderful adventure leads to long descend back into villages, after being in complete wilderness for past few days. downhill walk into forest of firs, pines and rhododendron trees, after few hours of easy descend reaching at one of the charming village at Marpha where all houses are painted white with an interesting monastery.

Marpha located around Mustang district at Kaligandaki river valley, the area famous for delicious apples and its product like cider, brandy local brew, juices, dry apples and apricot fruits. Enjoy the afternoon in the comfort of nice lodges and explore this beautiful village.

Maximum Altitude

2,630 m.

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Trek Duration

4 hours Trek

Accomodations

Lodge

day 15 Drive back to Pokhara via Beni

After an adventure of a lifetime experience around Dhaulagiri Base Camp trekking, morning board on a Jeep or Bus for long scenic drive of 6 to 7 hours to reach at Pokhara, as the drive leads into many nice Thakali villages with apple orchard and views of Nilgiris-Annapurna including East Face of Dhaulagiri, slowly drive enters warmer areas back into rice fields following the Kaligandaki River all the way to Beni, after Tatopani (hot spring).

Beni a large town of Mygdi district from here continue journey on the good road to picturesque Pokhara for overnight stop in a nice hotel by the Lake Phewa.

(Options by air, an early morning flight from Jomsom to Pokhara takes about 20 mins)

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accomodations

Lodge

day 16 Drive or fly back to Kathmandu

Morning a scenic overland drive back to Kathmandu with great experience and fond memories of Annapurna base camp trekking, an exciting six hour drive brings you at Kathmandu with afternoon free for individual activities or at leisure.
(options by air of 30 minutes flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu)

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

day 17 In Kathmandu free day for individual activities

We have allowed another extra free day in Kathmandu, to relax your tired body and muscles after a great adventure at Dhaulagiri base camp and tough drive from Marpha to Beni, on this day where you can book with us for another sightseeing tour around Kathmandu-Bhaktapur and Patan areas.

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

day 18 International departure homeward bound

Last day in amazing Nepal and its massive Himalaya, after a memorable and fantastic adventure at Dhaulagiri Base Camp trekking, Life Himalaya staff transfer you to Kathmandu international airport for your flight back home or to next respective countries.

What's Included

Airport picks up and drops international and domestic.
Complete departure information, about trek, flight & drive ticket, guide, altitude sickness and reconfirmation and extend visa service (if necessary) and extra tour service before the trek starting.
3 night3 star hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast
2 night’s hotel in Pokhara with breakfast.
Private transportation picks up and drops.
Pokhara to Kathmandu tourist bus for guest and Staffs
Best Lodge accommodation & full board meals throughout the trek.
breakfast, lunch and dinner included chosen from lodge menu.
twin share accommodation during the trek.
As per group size experience, government licensed holder trek guide, helpful and friendly strong, porters (1 porter for 2 people) and their food, accommodation, salary, equipment, and accidental insurance for all staff.( 5 trekkers 1 assistant guide )
Warm Down jacket and four seasonal sleeping bag will be provided during the Dhaulagiri trekking ( down jacket and sleeping bag are to be returned after the trip )
TIMS Fee- Trekkers’ Information Management System (Please bring 2 passport size photos for permits)
Conservation trek permit fee.Dhaulagiri Base Camp trail map.
First Aid kits for the staffs and the groups.
Services coordination for emergency and rescue operations
Government taxes & office service charge
Farewell dinner at reputed restaurant .

What's Excluded

Meals not quantified in the ‘Meal Inclusions’ in the itinerary’
Travel insurance
International airfare
Nepal entry visa charge.
All beverage and others personal expenses.
Snacks and other personal expenses
Hot shower during the trek.
Personal trekking equipment’s.

Important Notes:

The itinerary could be changed or modified as per your requirements, interest and length of your holiday. Weather, political, transportation and other disturbing factor are the main reason to make change in itineraries which are beyond our control. So, the guide or leader will provide you the best alternative during your trek. The price of the trip will be according to standard of hotel, group size, duration and date of travel for the tailor made programme.

Mt. Dhaulagiri Base Camp Trek 18 Days - Essential Information

Most of the views of Mt. Dhaulagiri popularly seen are the East Face where on this trek it leads to its south and north face within boulders of ice and glaciers enclosed within giant peaks of Dhaulagiri satellite peaks which makes the great range of western Himalaya.

Starting from Kathmandu with an overland drive to picturesque and popular tourist spot at Pokhara, and then our drive continues to the starting point of this great trek at Mygdi areas of Beni town and Darbang village, walk advances following the Mygdi river upstream right up to its source at Dhaulagiri glacier walking past scattered farm fields and villages of Magar tribe, and into deep alpine forest to reach remorseless ice-fields starting from Italian camp, after leaving the tree lines behind for many days in complete remoteness and wilderness in between high peaks of Dhaulagiri.

Walking on glacier sections of moraine and finally reaching at our destination at Dhaulagiri base camp on 4,748 m high, beneath towering North Face of Dhaulagiri and close to Tukuche peaks, here with time to enjoy its pristine surrounding of ice and glaciers with tumbling Ice Falls.

Dhaulagiri base camp trekking concludes on crossing over highest pass of the adventure at French Pass 5, 360 m to reach a wide hidden valley enclosed within high mountains, and then walking over last Dhampus / Thapa pass to reach at Marpha around Mustang district of Kaligandaki River valley.

Marpha a charming village where this adventurous walk ends, from this lovely Thakali village famous for delicious apples, taking a scenic and exciting drive back at scenic Pokhara after a memorable and awesome adventure on Dhaulagiri base camp trekking.

Regarding flight in the mountain region

Mostly twin otter is the most common means of air transportation in the Nepalese sky and during the flight in the Himalayan region of Nepal the flight schedule is cancelled and change from time to time due to poor visibility, weather condition and many other technical problem. In such case we would charter helicopter for our guest regarding schedule of their international flight and for the different problem arise in the trek. The charter cost should be paid at head office of Tourist link Trek at Thamel and later on you can claim with your travel insurance.

As per Nepal Civil aviation rules the helicopter will fly, if the visibility is up to 1500m and visibility should be 5000m for flying Twin Otter in Nepalese sky.

Volunteering Hand of Life Himalaya Trekking

Ganesh Himal community foundation is a voluntary organization running by Life Himalaya Trekking for the development of people life style, education and villages in the rural village of Dhading district Nepal. An amount of 10% from every trip booking at Life Himalaya will go in the account of Ganesh Himal Community foundation. So this shows that we are liable for the social development of Nepal along with tourism business.

Major community work and partnership

The main job of the Ganesh Himal Community foundation is to construct the school and libraries in the rural areas of Nepal, in the needed place after a proper study. Conduct programme for the skill development, health and sanitation, village development with a joint effort of local people.

For further look at Ganesh Himal Community Foundation website www.ghcfnepal.org