Dhaulagiri round is a rarely visited and yet a very rewarding trek.Along the way, we enjoy spectacular views of Dhaulagiri, Thorong peak, Annapurna, and Kali Gandaki River. We may also encounter several semi-wild yaks on our path. Beside these natural beauty, this region also boasts of many lovely shops and teahouses run by its inhabitants (mostly Gurungs, Chhetris, and Magars).
Our trek takes us across the Kali Gandaki River and into the heart of the massif. The high point of this trek is the traverse of French pass (5360m) and Dhampus pass (5182m), a high level route which brings us back to the upper Kali Gandaki valley in Jomsom.
Itinerary
DAY 01: International Arrival
Upon our arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Hotel Dropoff.
DAY 02: Kathmandu City Tour
Upon breakfast, we begin a guided tour to several of the most historical and spiritual attractions in Kathmandu. The day will also be for finalizing official procedure and other necessary arrangements. Also, we will be briefed on the nature of the trek, equipments and team composition. Some of the landmarks we visit in kathmandu include the World Heritage Sites of Kathmandu Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupati Nath, the famous ‘Monkey Temple’ (Swayambhu Nath) and Buddhists shrine (Bouddha Nath). In the afternoon, there will be a pre-trip discussion where we can meet our trek leader and other team members. Further, we can also make our last minute buying of personal items as we will be flying to the Himalayas nextday. Overnight in Kathmandu.
DAY 03: Kathmandu to Beni (830m/2731ft)
We can either fly to Pokhara and then drive to Beni, 82 kilometers from Pokhara or drive 8-9 hours to Beni from Kathmandu via Pokhara. The romantic drive passes through the mountains along the banks of Trisuli and Marsyandi River to Pokhara. Drive further prolong from Pokhara deeper into the mountains with the magnificent views of Annapurna Himalayas. Driving further along the banks of Mardi River, we will be at Beni. Overnight at Tented Camp.
DAY 04: Trek Beni to Babichaur (1000m/3280ft): 6 – 7 hrs
Our trek begins from today. We continue trekking along the Kali Gandaki River and head toward Myagdi khola. Upon crossing the suspension bridges on the way, we pass by the villages of Mangalghat, Singa, Tatopani finally reaching at Babichaur.
DAY 05: Babichaur to Dharapani (1565m/5134ft): 7 hrs
At the night, we will camp in Dharapani 1565m, and the Dhaulagiri is no more so far. Today, our trail crosses the terraced hills, Shahashadhara village, Dudh khola, ratorunga village and reaches to Dharapani where we spend a night.
DAY 06: Dharapani to Muri (1850m/6068ft): 6 – 7 hrs
The path goes steep up to Muri 1850 m, where the Mt. Dhaulagiri and other mountains appear clearly. Upon arrival at Muri, we enjoy the magnifiscent views of Mt Dhaulagiri and others peaks.
DAY 07: Muri to Boghara (2050m/6724ft): 7- 8 hrs
From Muri the trail is easy and goes down for few hours. But before to reach at Boghara, we have to climb a steep path for a couple of hours. The trail descends down before reaching Phedi and then the trail ascends up until Boghara.
DAY 08: Boghara to Dhoban (2630m/8626ft): 6 hrs
Today, the path is quite difficult and sometimes we will need the help of the ropes. The trail descends down to a small ridge then crosses forest to Jyardan. Finally, we cross the rocky part to arrive at Dhoban.
DAY 09: Dhoban to Italien Base camp (3500m/11,480ft): 6 – 7 hrs
At this juncture, we will reach the Italian Base Camp where we will camp just in front of the West wall of the Dhaulagiri. Passing through beautiful forest, we rapidly gain altitude and mountains burst out all around. Since, we are gaining altitude rapidly, we keep ourself hydrated and take it easy.
DAY 10: Rest and Acclimatization day
This will be the the rest day for acclimatization. Since there is little to explore, we completely rest and relax so that we can conquer the next day’s tough journey. We may engage on exercising, moving around, and hikings to have proper acclimatize with the altitude.
DAY 11: Italian Base camp to Glacier camp (4250m/13,940ft): 5 hrs
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. The glacier crossing would require the use of rope.
DAY 12: Dhaulagiri Base camp (4650m/15,252ft): 4 hrs
Today, we reach at the 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. On the way, we enjoy the magnificent north face of Dhaulagiri I.
DAY 13: Acclimatization day
We will be constantly at an altitude of 5000 – 6000 m in the forth coming days. Hence. this day is essential. Even when we are acclimatizing, health experts recommend us to stay active and moving during the rest day instead of being idle.
DAY 14: Dhaulagiri Base Camp to French Col: 4 hrs
The day will be our tough examination. Hidden Valley Getting off the glacier above the base camp often requires a rope. But once over the steep moraine walls, we are in safer and gentler country after a breathless climb to the top of French Col.
DAY 15: Hidden Valley Camp (5000m/16,400ft):
Upon this juncture, we take some rest to have acclimatization. Upon here, we explore the arresting surrounding peaks.
DAY 16: Hidden Valley to Yak Kharka (4200m/13,776ft): 6 hrs
After climbing over the 5200m Dhampus Pass, we traverse avalanche prone slopes and then descends steeply to Yak Kharka. Then trail descends down until we reach at Yak kharka.
DAY 17: Yak Kharka to Jomsom [2,715m/8,910ft]: 7 – 8 hrs
Today, more steep descent leads to Marpha and a well-deserved beer over lunch. Tackling along the cairns, we proceed along the snowy path. After a few hours of walking upon the snow, we pass the top of the Thapa Pass. From Marpha, we further head toward Jomsom to catch our next day’s flight to Pokhara.
DAY 18: Jomsom to Pokhara by flight
Upon morning breakfast, we check in the airport to fly back to Pokhara. A 30-min dramatic flight in between the gorge of the two huge mountains, Annapurna and Dhaulagiri leaves us an imprint of tranqulity of nature. Upon arrival at Pokhara airport, Our guide will escorts us to the lakeside hotel. We rest at the noon for discovering the beautiful Pokhara valley leisurely. While strolling along the bank of Fewa Lake, the second biggest lake of Nepal enjoying the Fish Tail Mountain reflected in the lake we enjoy the dusk at the pristine of nature. We can also take a boat around the Fewa Lake or just can take an hour’s walk to the World Peace Pagoda. At evening, we engage on exploring around the lakeside.
DAY 19: Fly back to Kathmandu
