Dhaulagiri Expedition - 55 Days

Detail Itinerary

Day 1Arrive Kathmandu (1350 meters/4450 ft) at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA)Welcome to Kathmandu, where the gods and mortals intermingle. Our representative meets you at the airport and will usher you to the hotel. The first evening is free to do as you like, perhaps refresh and then explore or rest and relax at the hotel. (B,L,D)

Day 02-03Kathmandu ValleyThese days we will get to know the other participants and crew, with briefings by our Lead and Assistant Guides and gear and equipment checks and final formalities.

Day 4Drive to PokharaAfter having breakfast, we transfer to the Domestic Airport for a short and scenic flight to the lakeside city of Pokhara or a 6-7 hour ride in a Tour Bus as to your preference. We will have a chance to explore some of Pokhara’s attractions and highlights.(B,L,D)

Day 5Drive to Darbang (1,100 m/3610 ft)The drive from Pokhara to Beni is scenic and pleasant but becomes a rough dirt track from Beni up to Darbang above the Myagdi River.(B,L,D)

Day 6Trek to Muri (1860 m/6195 ft)We cross the Myagdi River and continues up the valley on a pleasant trail before a steep climb with to the charming village of Dharapani. The route continues to remote Muri village, populated by Magar people. The panorama from this serene village is unforgettable. Overnight at Tented camp.(B,L,D)

Day 7Trek to Baghara (2040 m/6845 ft)The route climbs up through more terraced fields, crossing streams and we traverse Ghorban Dhara, a pass with a scenic view of Ghustung Peak (6465m) and much more. The route continues steeply through fertile landscape and the narrow canyon up to a forested ridge where we make our tranquil camp. (B,L,D)

Day 8Trek to Dobang (2535 m/8425 ft)As we leave the villages behind, we have a challenging day of ups and downs and continue over rugged landscape. We gain elevation as we make our way to our pleasant camp at Dobang. (B,L,D)

Day 9Trek to Italian Base Camp (3655 m/12,185 ft)We have a long day today as we climb through pine, rhododendron, birch, bamboo and juniper forests into ever more remote terrain. The route ascends to an open meadow known as Italian Base Camp where we have breathtaking views of the west aspect of Dhaulagiri and more!(B,L,D)

Day 10Rest and Exploration DayToday is a rest day as we allow our bodies to acclimatize before climbing higher. We take the chance to hike around the enchanting area around the camp site or relax and soak it all in from the camp itself. (B,L,D)

Day 11Trek to Glacier Camp (4215 m/14,045 ft)Today we have a relatively short day with a bit of adventure! The route begins with a descent to a glacier and it gets a bit technical and fixed ropes are employed, especially for the porters. We then ascend along the glacier up to our mesmerizing camp on the glacier itself. (B,L,D)

Day 12Trek to Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4740 m/15,800 ft)The route begins with another challenging section and then the path is more level as we take a steady ascent with continuous views upto Dhaulagiri Base Camp. The astonishing panorama includes our objective, Dhaulgiri and Tukche peaks and much more, including the spectacular ice fall! (B,L,D)

Day 13-14Rest and Acclimatization day at Base CampWe take the essential time for rest and acclimatization and preparing gear with optional hikes to surrounding viewpoints before moving on higher to ground.

Day 49Base Camp

Day 50Trek to Hidden Valley (5115 m/17,045 ft) via French Col/Pass (5360 m/17,870 ft)After a warm drink to start the morning, we say final goodbye to our home for the past month.Today will be a bit technical as we use ropes to make our way through a rugged section and up and over the moraine wall. The trail is then more pleasant as we ascend to the pass with a broad panorama of the astonishing Himalayan landscape. The Hidden Valley to the north receives less rainfall and is drier than the area to the south of the pass. We drop down to our camp near the riverbank.(B,L,D)

Day 51Trek to Yak Kharka (3680 m/12,270 ft) via Dhampus Pass (5,240 m/17,464 ft)We have a long day with an ascent from the remote valley over another pass and into the massive Kali Gandaki Valley. The challenging day calls for an early start and we will have a well-earned evening of rest at Yak Kharka. (B,L,D)

Day 52Trek via Marpha to Jomsom (2715 m/8900 ft)The trail descends down into the wide valley to the charming village of Marpha. At this point our journey meets up with the Annapurna Circuit. Marpha has a Buddhist Gompa to explore and is and surrounded by groves of fruit trees.We can sample the locally made fruit juice and brandy before making our way to Jomsom, headquarters of Mustang District and location of an airport.

Day 53Early morning flight to Pokhara and flight back to Kathmandu.The morning flight to Pokhara passes through the Kali Gandaki Valley .We then connect with a flight back to the ancient city of Kathmandu. The rest of the day is free to explore as you wish and perhaps shop for souvenirs and keepsakes to bring home with you.

Day 54KathmanduFree day in Kathmandu. The evening isreserved for a special celebratory farewell meal at a fine dining establishment.(B,L,D)

Day 55Transfer to Kathmandu’s international airport (TIA) for departure homeOur team representative will transfer you to the airport to see you off on your departure home. On your flight homeward, we hope you will remember this adventure of a lifetimeand your experience in the mountains with us with great pleasure. We look forward to seeing you on your next journey to the Himalaya!