Dhaulagiri Base Camp Trek

As you touch down at the welcoming embrace of Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport, our dedicated team from Travel Away Treks will be there to greet you. They’ll escort you to your carefully chosen accommodations, ensuring a smooth start to your adventure.

After settling in, you’ll gather for an informative briefing about the exhilarating Dhaulagiri trek. This session covers essential details such as accommodations along the route, insider tips, and the dos and don’ts to make your journey enjoyable and safe.

To kick off your exploration in style, we invite you to join us for a delightful welcome dinner in the evening. It’s not just a meal; it’s a taste of the culture and warmth that Nepal has to offer, setting the tone for the incredible journey that lies ahead.

Today promises an enriching exploration of the Kathmandu Valley, guided by our experienced local expert. We’ll embark on a cultural journey that unveils the heart and soul of Nepal.

Our first stop is Pashupatinath, a place of profound reverence and the holiest Hindu temple in Nepal. Here, on the tranquil banks of the sacred Bagmati River, pilgrims pay homage to Lord Shiva, creating a spiritually charged atmosphere.

Next, we’ll visit Bouddhanath, a magnificent Buddhist temple often referred to as ‘Little Tibet.’ Its intricate architecture and serene ambiance offer a glimpse into Nepal’s rich Buddhist heritage.

Our adventure continues to Swayambhunath, affectionately known as the Monkey Temple. Perched atop a hill, it offers panoramic views of the valley and is home to a troop of mischievous monkeys.

From there, we’ll drive to Kathmandu’s renowned Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage site, gracing the front of the historic royal palace. Here, ancient architecture and vibrant traditions merge seamlessly.

Returning to your hotel, you’ll have some leisure time to explore the bustling Thamel, Kathmandu’s vibrant tourist hub, for any last-minute shopping.

Back at the hotel, our guide will assist you in preparing for your upcoming trek, ensuring you’re fully equipped and ready for the adventure that awaits. It’s a day filled with cultural immersion and practical preparations, setting the stage for an unforgettable journey.

Following a hearty breakfast at your hotel, we will depart on a picturesque drive that spans eight to nine hours, leading us to the charming town of Beni. Along this scenic route, you’ll traverse a tapestry of quaint villages, and we’ll make strategic pit stops at various rest spots for delightful meals and refreshing breaks.

As the day unfolds, the road unveils its natural beauty and cultural treasures, giving you a taste of Nepal’s authentic charm. Upon reaching Beni, we settle into a comfortable guest house for the night, preparing to continue our adventure in the heart of the Himalayas.

As we bid farewell to Beni and the tranquil Kali Gandaki River, our journey takes us along the northern banks of the Myagdi River. We pass through charming spots like Beni Mangalghat and Singa before reaching the soothing Tatopani hot springs, where relaxation beckons.

Crossing a bridge to the river’s south bank and another near Simalchour Village, we find our resting place for the night. It’s a day filled with natural beauty and cultural exploration, setting the stage for more unforgettable moments on our adventure.

Today’s trek spans five to six hours, guiding us through the picturesque valley along the riverbanks. Our journey begins in Shahashradhara, the first village we encounter. From there, we cross the Duk Khola and continue our trail until we reach Ratorunga Village, where the valley starts to narrow.

We persistently ascend through this enchanting valley until we finally reach Dharapani, our resting place for the night. It’s a day filled with natural wonders and cultural discoveries, setting the scene for a memorable evening in this charming village.

Today’s trek spans around five hours, leading us to higher altitudes as we pass through the scenic villages of Sibang and Mattim. Our journey takes us further, descending to the charming Gatti Khola and Phalai Gaon villages.

We’ll cross the Dhara Khola, finding ourselves on the western banks of the Myagdi Khola. Continuing our descent, we arrive at the welcoming Magar village of Muri, where we’ll spend the night. It’s a day of both uphill challenges and delightful cultural encounters, setting the stage for a memorable evening in Muri.

Our day begins with an invigorating ascent to a ridge, followed by a descent leading us to the delightful Juge Pani. Here, we pause for a well-deserved lunch break to refuel for the adventures ahead.

Post-lunch, our journey continues as we ascend along a steep trail, elevating ourselves high above the valley. The path weaves along the edge of cliffs, offering breathtaking views. After approximately an hour, we reach the welcoming Boghara Village, our campsite for the night. Today’s trek spans approximately six hours, promising both challenges and awe-inspiring vistas. It’s a day of adventure and natural beauty that sets the stage for a memorable evening in Boghara.

Our trek for the day kicks off as we traverse lush cultivated fields while making our way uphill towards the ridge. As we progress, the trail eases up a bit, making our journey less strenuous. Our midday stop is at the charming Lipshe Village, where we take a break for a hearty lunch.

Following our meal, we venture deeper into the enchanting wilderness, immersing ourselves in dense forests for approximately two to three hours. Our destination for the night is the welcoming Dobang Village, where we’ll set up camp. It’s a day of diverse landscapes and natural wonders, setting the stage for a cozy evening in Dobang.

Today’s trek spans approximately five hours and unfolds with a picturesque journey. Our adventure commences with the crossing of a quaint wooden bridge, followed by an ascent through a verdant forest. Before long, we’re treated to awe-inspiring vistas of the majestic west face of Dhaulagiri I (8167m), a sight to behold.

Our trail then leads us downhill to the banks of the Myagdi Khola, where we continue our journey to the charming Chartare Village. We’ll meander through more enchanting forested areas before arriving at Choriban Khola, where we’ll spend a night in comfortable tents under the starry skies. It’s a day of natural wonders and mountain views, promising a memorable evening in Choriban Khola.

Today’s trek unfolds over approximately seven hours, promising a day filled with breathtaking sights. We embark on a trail that leads us to the moraine at the foot of the Chhonbardan Glacier. Here, we navigate the glacier from the right side, with the imposing Tukuche Peak (6837m) directly ahead and the majestic north flank of Dhaulagiri I (8167m) to the right.

As we continue our journey, we reach the Italian Base Camp, where we’ll set up our tents for the night. From this privileged vantage point, we are treated to extraordinary vistas of Dhaulagiri II (7751m), Dhaulagiri III (7715m), and Dhaulagiri V (7618m). It’s a day of unparalleled mountain views and natural wonders, promising an unforgettable evening at Italian Base Camp.

Ensuring your safety and well-being in the mountains is paramount, and acclimatization plays a crucial role in this process. To acclimatize effectively before ascending to higher elevations, medical experts advise staying active during the day. A short trek, exploring the surroundings and venturing beyond Italian Camp, can greatly aid in this acclimatization journey.

Embracing this opportunity, we’ll spend the night here at Italian Camp, allowing our bodies to adjust and prepare for the challenges ahead. It’s a strategic and essential part of our trekking adventure, ensuring that we’re in the best shape to tackle the higher altitudes safely.

An early start sets the tone for our day, as we prepare for a six-hour trek ahead. The early morning is often the best time for climbing, with weather conditions working in our favor. Our trail for the day leads us through a narrow gorge, where the occasional rock-fall reminds us to remain vigilant.

Our destination is Glacier Camp, where we’ll spend the night surrounded by the pristine beauty of the mountains. It’s a day filled with adventure and natural wonders, requiring both focus and appreciation for the stunning landscapes that unfold along the way.

Today marks a significant milestone on our trek, as we ascend to the lofty heights of Dhaulagiri Base Camp. Here, the majestic north face of Dhaulagiri I (8167 meters) graces the skyline, an awe-inspiring sight that dominates the horizon. To the west, we’re treated to the remarkable presence of Dhaulagiri II (7751m), Dhaulagiri III (7715m), and Dhaulagiri V (7618m) – an assembly of colossal peaks that stand tall and proud.

As we stand in awe of these immense giants, our gaze falls upon the imposing glacier that descends gracefully from the northeast, a testament to nature’s grandeur. With this remarkable backdrop, we establish our camp at Dhaulagiri Base Camp for the night. It’s a day of monumental beauty and natural wonder, promising an unforgettable evening in the shadow of these towering peaks.

Taking a break at this juncture is not just a choice; it’s a necessity for acclimatization. During this crucial period, staying active remains advisable, allowing us to adapt to the changing altitudes effectively. And trust us, the views from here are nothing short of breathtaking.

As we pause to catch our breath and let our bodies acclimatize, the surrounding vistas unfold in all their glory. It’s a captivating scene that speaks to the heart of nature’s grandeur. This interlude ensures that we’re in the best shape possible for the higher elevations that await. It’s a moment of tranquility and natural beauty that adds depth to our trekking experience.

Today presents a challenging trek of six to seven hours, with the higher altitude demanding more from us physically. Our journey kicks off as we cross a moraine, setting the stage for what lies ahead.

Soon, we arrive at a ridge that guides us up the snowy slopes, leading us towards the formidable French Pass. Crossing this pass is a momentous achievement, and on the other side of Dhaulagiri, we enter the enchanting Hidden Valley, where we’ll establish our camp for the night.

This leg of the trek may be demanding, but it’s also deeply rewarding, offering a sense of accomplishment and a chance to immerse ourselves in the beauty of the Hidden Valley. It’s a day of adventure and natural wonders that adds a unique dimension to our journey.

Our journey today takes us back up to the elevation of French Pass, this time at the opposite end of the valley. From there, we trek at this higher altitude, gradually making our way to the slightly lower Dhampus Pass. Crossing this pass marks a transition point as we commence our descent, heading toward our overnight camp at Yak Kharka.

This part of our trek offers a change of scenery and elevation, creating a dynamic experience that showcases the diverse beauty of the Himalayan landscape. It’s a day of ups and downs, both physically and visually, adding a unique chapter to our adventure.

Today’s trek spans approximately five hours and treats us to a series of unforgettable vistas. To the southwest, the majestic Dhaulagiri Peak graces our view, while to the east, the formidable Annapurna and Nilgiri mountains paint an awe-inspiring picture. In the far-off distance, we catch a glimpse of Mustang in the north, adding to the panorama.

One of the most remarkable sights on this journey is the Kali Gandaki Valley, the deepest gorge on Earth. As we traverse the trail, it initially offers a fairly easy and enjoyable experience. However, as we draw closer to Yak Kharka, it descends rapidly, creating an exciting change in terrain.

Along the way, we have the opportunity to pause for lunch in the charming Marpha Village. After savoring a delightful meal, our journey continues, leading us to Jomson, where we’ll find lodging for the night in a cozy lodge. It’s a day filled with diverse landscapes and breathtaking vistas, making for a memorable evening in Jomson.

Our journey takes to the skies once more as we board a scenic flight above the rugged mountainous terrain, heading back to Pokhara. Upon our arrival, we check into our comfortable hotel, offering a well-deserved rest after our trekking adventure.

In Pokhara, you have choices aplenty. You can kick back and relax, allowing fatigue to melt away, or you can embark on a leisurely stroll around the bustling city’s shopping areas. For a more serene experience, you can choose to sit by the tranquil Phew Tal (lake), where you can gaze at the distant Annapurna Mountains, lost in their breathtaking beauty.

It’s a day of relaxation and exploration, where you can tailor your experience to suit your preferences, making the most of your time in Pokhara.

As we embark on our return journey to Kathmandu today, there’s ample opportunity to relax and soak in the stunning scenery along the way. The drive will span approximately six to seven hours, allowing you to reflect on the incredible experiences of your trek.

Upon reaching Kathmandu, we’ll ensure you’re dropped off safely at your respective hotels. In the evening, we’ll gather for a heartfelt farewell dinner, sharing stories and memories of our adventure.

It’s a day of both reflection and celebration, as we bid adieu to the Himalayas and the wonderful moments we’ve shared during our trek.