Trek’s Overview

At an altitude of 8167 meters above sea level, summiting Dhaulagiri I is one of the most strenuous challenges in the mountaineering world. Trekking to its base camp in itself is a test of your endurance, but with well-prepared acclimatization, proper physical fitness, and enough research of the trails, one can trek to the Dhaulagiri Base Camp. This region has not changed in centuries due to the deep gorges and rivers cutting it off from the reaches of the southern part of the country.

Dhaulagiri is a large massif that extends around 120 kilometers from the Kaligandaki River in the east to the Bheri River in the west. This massif has several smaller peaks, with Dhaulagiri I being the tallest. One of the trek’s major highlights is crossing the French Pass at 5360m. Along the trek, you’ll cross several remote settlements where people are busy with their daily activities. This adventurous trek is one of the most challenging treks throughout Nepal. Let’s learn more about the Dhaulagiri Base Camp Trek.

Features of the Trek

  • Trek across the French Pass at 5360 meters.
  • Trek into the Hidden Valley at Dhaulagiri.
  • Walking through some of Nepal’s most remote trails and landscapes.
  • Magnificent views of Dhaulagiri and several other peaks of the Dhaulagiri Massif.
  • Exploring the native local culture and traditions.

Itinerary

  1. Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Darbang via Beni. On the first day, you will reach Darbang, which is close to Beni. This journey can take around 10-12 hrs.
  2. Day 2: Trek Darbang to Dharapani. The trek continues as you make your way to Dharapani. The trail passes through small villages and lush forests. You can stay the night at Dharapani.
  3. Day 3: Trek from Dharapani to Jugepani. You’ll ascend towards Jugepani on this day.
  4. Day 4: Trek from Jugepani to Boghara. On the way to Jugepani, you’ll first ascend to a ridge and then descend to reach the village of Boghara, where you’ll stay the night.
  5. Day 5: Trek from Boghara to Dobang. The trail becomes a little less tiring, and then you reach Lipshe Village, where you’ll stop for lunch. You’ll stay the night at Dobang village.
  6. Day 6: Trek from Dobang to Sallaghari. As you gain altitude, you’ll see a change in the landscape.
  7. Day 7: Trek from Sallaghari to Italian Base Camp. The trail around this region is very remote, so be well prepared. From this point on, the trail gets more challenging. You’ll trek along the Myagdi River. On this day, you’ll be camping at the Italian Base Camp.
  8. Day 8: Trek from the Italian Base Camp to the Japanese Base Camp. Along the trail, after leaving Italy Base Camp, you will pass several memorials of climbers who perished while attempting to climb Dhaulagiri. You set the camp at the Japanese Base camp.
  9. Day 9: Trek from Japanese Base Camp to Dhaulagiri Base Camp. On the ninth day, you’ll reach the trek’s destination. At 4748 meters, the Dhaulagiri Base Camp offers some of the best mountain views.

This is the Mid-Point of the trek.

  • Day 10: Trek from Dhaulagiri Base Camp to the Hidden Valley. On the tenth day, you’ll cross the trek’s highest point, French Pass.
  • Day 11: Trek from the Hidden Valley to Yak Kharka. The trail is fairly easygoing until you get nearer to Yak Kharka, which descends rapidly to Marpha Village.
  • Day 12: Trek to Marpha and Drive to Pokhara. On the 12th day, after trekking to Marpha, you can enjoy the scenic drive to Pokhara.
  • Day 13: Drive to Kathmandu. On the last day, you’ll drive to Kathmandu from Pokhara.
Dhaulagiri Base Camp
Dhaulagiri Base Camp (Source: Flickr)

 

Practical Information

Best Time to Trek:

Spring and Autumn are favorable seasons for trekking to the Dhaulagiri Base Camp. During spring, clear skies and blooming rhododendrons make it a best option. Stable weather and stunning mountain views after the monsoon make autumn an equally favorable time to visit.

Permits:

To trek in this region, you need an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and a TIMS card for safety and record-keeping purposes.

Altitude Considerations and Difficulty:

The trek reaches elevations of over 5000 meters, so proper acclimatization is essential to avoid altitude sickness. This trek requires a high level of fitness and trekking experience. Gradually ascend towards your destination and stay on the correct trail at all times.

Accommodation:

There are very few tea houses along the route, so you’ll have to camp for most nights. Usually, guides and porters arrange the camping essentials. If you are traveling without a guide, be sure to carry camping essentials as well.

Proper preparation, including physical training and planning for logistics, is required.

Also Read: The Hidden Lake Trek: Journey To The Annapurna Region