Dhaulagiri Trek

Arrival in Kathmandu, Tribhuvan International Airport, we pick you up and transfer you to the hotel. All aspects of gear and conditions are discussed to make sure you’re fully prepared for the trip and we answer your last minute questions.

After lunch, Nepal expert guide Ammar Raj Guni will take you to explore medieval Kathmandu city, the capital city of Nepal. Today, we visit Boudhanath stupa, visit Pashupatinath a holy shrine of Hindus where the cremation takes place. Ammar Guni will brief you about the Mount Dhaulagiri circuit trek plan details.

Our trekking guide will come to the hotel in the morning at 6: 00 to pick you up with private transport for Beni and will take us about 8 to 9 hours of scenic journey. You will witness some stunning scenery of snow capped mountains, green hills, rivers in rafting, and villages.

The beautiful town of Pokhara offers some of the great Himalayan views of Annapurna, Machapuchare (the shape of a fishtail), Dhaulagiri, Lamjung Himal, and Manaslu. Our road ride lead us for the next three hours to reach Beni Bazaar at 850 meters. Stay overnight in Hotel.

After breakfast, Beginning day of Dhaulagiri circuit trek thus as you leave Beni Bazaar, the Himalayan trail heads west along the north bank of the Myagdi Khola through the village of Beni Mangalghat. Together with our hiking crew, we drive to Darbang village which takes roughly two hours then we start our nature trek further.

Follow the valley broadens and terraced hills develop on both sides of the river and you pass the tiny villages and cross the river and fields. Continue hiking over the nature path goes to the narrow valley again and terraces disappear on the riverside. Furthermore, the nature trail leads us to continue to the Dharapani village where we stay overnight in tents.

Cross the river to west Bank as you leave Phedi and start to climb many switch backs until you arrive at the ridge viewpoint of ascent eases. Again climbs steeply to the Muri village and continues to Sibang and Mattie.

Continue up an incline to the snout of the ridge, descend to the Gatti Khola, and reach Phalai Gaun (1810m. Cross Dhara Khola to once again emerge on the west bank of the Myagdi River & climb a ridge to the large Magar village of Muri.

Today, at begging we descend to the stream and continue through terraced fields before climbing a ridge to reach the pass from where you can see Mt. Ghustung South (6465 m) and view of the astonishing landscape.

Descend to the Myagdi river and trek along with the West Bank to the Naura village, from where you will climb a little before traversing a grassy hill and climbing a steep slope with switchbacks, descend through the forest and terraced fields to Boghara (2080 m) for the overnight.

At first, the track descends through terraced fields to the small ridge, through the forest to Jyardan which is the most remote permanent settlement in this territory.

The nature path leads us to a high winding path that crosses a rocky area and descends before climbing again to Lipshe. Continue through a forest to Lapche Kharka and climbs to the Dobang to set up a campsite to stay overnight.

Cross a wooden bridge and gradually ascend forest with a chirping melody of birds and some wildlife, which full joy of our life. And soon the west face of Dhaulagiri I (8,167 m) becomes visible through breaks in the trees.

We descend to the Myagdi River and cross the wooden bridge to continue to the east bank for Charter. Hikes go through the woods, and rocky area and cross a stream to Choriban Khola.

We have to walk slowly in our own speed to get better acclimatization. Mountain Glacier trail follows the terminal moraine of the Chhonbarban Glacier and enters the glacier from the right side. Travelers can see an excellent view of Mount Tukuche Peak (6,837 m); at the far end while the impressive Dhaulagiri I (8,167 m) north flank dominates the skyline to the right.

Sooner, you reach Italian Base Camp (3,660 m), a tough hike to reach a campsite. Italian base camp offers breathtaking scenery of mountains; Dhaulagiri II (7,751m), Dhaulagiri III (7,715 m), and Dhaulagiri V (7,618 m).

Its our first rest day after multiple days of walking. There are several things to do on your hikes at the Italian base camp. Tourists can stay and walk a little to preserve their energy. Otherwise, spending a day here in order to acclimatize to adjust to thinning of the air is a must.

We advise that your body acclimatizes to the high altitude and be “tuned” for the even higher altitudes. You can hike around mighty peaks, Himalayan glaciers, and charming rocky landscapes.

After breakfast, we quickly set up all our gear, as the weather is typically expected to be clear, setting the stage for our adventurous journey. Along the way, camping travelers must remain cautious of potential stone fall, especially as the trail passes through a narrow gorge. Notably, today’s trek to Glacier Camp is considered one of the most challenging hikes in the world.

Furthermore, the Himalayan journey at Glacier Camp is celebrated as one of the finest glacier hikes globally, offering breathtaking mountain vistas. This alpine trail, often described as magical and reminiscent of the iconic Highline Trail Glacier, leads us further along the glacier to set up our campsite, where we will stay overnight amidst the stunning scenery.

Today marks one of the most adventurous days of our journey to Dhaulagiri Base Camp. As we proceed, the towering north face of Dhaulagiri I (8,167 m) dramatically dominates the skyline to our right, while the majestic peaks of Dhaulagiri II (7,751 m), Dhaulagiri III (7,715 m), and Dhaulagiri V (7,618 m) to the west present unparalleled natural beauty. Moreover, the impressive icefall cascading from the northeast col directly ahead becomes an additional highlight, drawing our admiration and deepening the sense of awe on this remarkable trek.

Today serves as another essential rest day, allowing for acclimatization and recovery of energy in preparation for the upcoming adventures. From this vantage point, the mountain skyline offers a truly superb view, with the Dhaulagiri Icefall providing plenty of opportunities for exploration. Furthermore, the rest of the day can be spent marveling at the towering peaks and soaking in the surrounding natural beauty, ensuring a relaxing yet inspiring experience.

After a long walk along the glacier and a rocky moraine trail, we climb two terraced hills. First follows the glacier, cuts across the mountain flank, and enters an ablation valley. Although the moraine walls often require ropes, once crossed, we enter a safer and gentler landscape.

Ascent to French Pass (5,360 m) rewards us with stunning vistas, including Mukut Himal (6,328 m), Tashi Kang (6,386 m), and Sita Chuchura (6,611 m), all encircling the Hidden Valley. To the south, Tukche Peak (6,920 m) and the towering Dhaulagiri I add to the breathtaking scenery.

Continuing along the right edge of Hidden Valley, we lose some altitude to reach Thapa Pass (5,250 m) between Tukche Peak and Thapa Peak (6,012 m), offering more spectacular mountain views. Finally, we descend from Thapa Pass and set up camp at 5,200 meters.

Hike for Dhampus Pass in the hidden valley is very tough as it appears difficult trek in Nepal. Because the Dhampus Pass altitude is 5,210m (17,094 feet) is often an icy trail. However the trek route from Hidden Valley to Yak Kharka via Dhampus Pass, we traverse avalanche prone slopes and descend a steep rocky small adventures trail.

I personally did the Dhaulagiri circuit trek in 2018 leading the Swiss trekkers, my experience is avalanches, lakes, and glacier walks are the top unforgettable things to do on Glacier. It’s an alpine ramble trail over the difficult terrain in high mountains. But the view of mountains and natural beauty is still unbelievable to Yak Kharka.

Today, we descend entirely to the charming village of Marpha, stands on the west bank of the Kali Gandaki River. Its a ancient settlement, is popular as a traditional Thakali hub for salt trading.

Moreover, Marpha is celebrates for its unique gardens, featuring numerous apple orchards that produce a variety of fruit based products, including the famous Apple Brandy. Visitors have the opportunity to sample this local specialty at a distillery and even purchase some as souvenirs. Travelers can explore the village’s apple organic farms and distilleries, gaining insight into the fascinating process of crafting Apple Brandy.

From Marpha Village to Pokhara’s Phewa Lakeside is a journey filled with diverse landscapes and captivating views including Rupse Fountain. As you leave the serene village of Marpha, the route descends through the Kali Gandaki Valley, passing charming villages, terraced fields, and rugged terrain.

Along the way, the scenery transitions from the arid Himalayan foothills to lush greenery and rolling hills. Upon reaching Pokhara, the picturesque Phewa Lakeside greets you with its tranquil waters, vibrant cafes, and breathtaking views of the Annapurna Range, offering the perfect spot to unwind after the journey.

Morning we’ll drive back through the scenic countryside and during the route will stop for breakfast and lunch. It takes 7 hours back to Kathmandu. On arrival at Kathmandu, a guide will transfer to the hotel, and rest of the day relax or explore the surrounding areas. Trip Finish.