Round Dhaulagiri Trekking
Moderate to Hard
Round Dhaulagiri Trek takes you through various villages and settlement with views of Dhaulagiri I, II, III, IV, and V. Following the glaciers and high passes, this trek is both challenging and strenuous and is recommended for experienced trekkers. Since the trek goes pass snowcapped high passes, it rewards the trekkers with amazing views of Dhaulagiri, Tukuche Peak, Nilgiri, Annapurna, and Machhapuchhre. Know for the dramatic contrast, one can notice the deepest gorge of Kali Gandaki River and the landscape with traditional cultures of the local people residing in the area.
This 22-day trek starts from Beni where we first drive from Kathmandu for about 9 hours. The trek goes pass through different cultivated fields, villages and the forest where we will encounter from different ethnic groups along the way including Gurung, Chettris, and Magar to wild animals such as Himalayan Thar, Red Panda, Leopards and Musk Deer along with various species of birds.
Trip Highlights
- Meet the local ethnic groups in the region and encounter their traditional ways of living of Gurung, Magar, and Chettris.
- View of the 7th highest peak of world, Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m) among many other enchanting Himalayas.
- Experience staying in a mountain tea houses will help to relax our mind and soul
- Challenging high passes along the less traveled trails in the west of Dhaulagiri towards the trade route.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1300m)
Depending on the arrival time, Thamserku representative will be at the airport to receive you and transfer you to your booked hotel.Evening dinner at the Hotel
Meals: D
Hotel: Gokarna Forest Resort
Day 2: Free day in Kathmandu
Today, we will have a free day. Our guide can check our gears if we are not sure we have everything for the trek. We can rent or buy anything more we want today.Meals: BD
Day 3: Kathmandu - Baglung
An early morning starts by bus to Pokhara which takes about 8 hrs drive and then Baglung (1250m) with our Nepalese staffs (cook, kitchen boys, Sherpas, Sirdar). A quite 9h long way in total but the sceneries are great where we get to view big commercial villages, small typical villages, and terraced fields.Meals: BLD
Day 4: Trek to Beni (900m) – 6 Hrs walk
Today we walk alongside the Kali Gandaki on a small path crossing villages. At the bottom of that valley, the scenery is very quiet; Dhaulagiri appears, but little far away.Meals: BLD
Day 5: Trek to Babichor (1000m) – 6 Hrs walk
Leaving the Kali Gandaki valley, we go now alongside the Myagdi Khola crossing 3 suspension bridges along the way. At Tatopani, the sulfurous hot springs allow us the last bath before we return back to Pokhara. As we arrive in a very little busy trekking area, we notice the busy shops which are also the last as they start getting lesser along the way.Meals: BLD
Day 6: Trek to Dharapani (1500m) – 5 Hrs walk
We cross Darbang, a very nice village where we find a post office and some shops. At Phedi, the valley narrows for a long and steep climb on beautiful pine trees covered hilltop. We discover Dharapani and around full of villages scattered on the hillsides and surrounded by terrace fields. Here, house roofs are covered with pumpkins and millet is crushed in mortars.Meals: BLD
Day 7: Trek to Mudi (1940m) – 6 Hrs walk
As we trek from Dharapani, the trail offers an excellent panorama of the surrounding mountains, Gurja Himal (7193m), Dhaulagiri III (7715m), V (7618m). From the path which crosses Takum and Mattim, small villages, we can view the yellow, ochre, green terrace fields. A good balcony path goes on till Mudi. Its settlement unity and concentration make it a very nice village. We might encounter children singing and dancing to collect money for the school.Meals: BLD
Day 8: Trek to Boghara (2100m) – 6/7 Hrs walk
On a little-marked path through the crop fields, we go down in the narrow valley and reach Jugapani. Very nice and sudden 900m height difference climb above the river; a narrow and aerial path allows having a view of Dhaulagiri I along with Myagdi Khola that is sinking into a canyon with big waterfalls. At Boghara, the last village we cross, the settlement is scattered: despite austere surroundings and very hard life here, there are about 250 inhabitants living in autarky. We camp in the much frequented but really destitute school playground.Meals: BLD
Day 9: Trek to Dolang (2600m) – 6 Hrs walk
We will enjoy the sunrise on Jokang today. The trekking path goes through a dense forest where we can see very typical and isolated huts of the last autochthones breeding buffaloes and big waterfalls.Meals: BLD
Day 10: Dolang - Pine Trees Camp (3200m) – 6/7 Hrs walk
We will enjoy the sunrise on Dhaulagiri IV early morning. After a steep and sometimes slippery way down towards Konaban Khola, we will notice the first river after which we cross the Myagdi Khola on a small risky bridge. Humid and dense vegetation disappears for leaving the place to high pines.Meals: BLD
Day 11: Trek to Italian Base Camp (3700m) – 3/4 Hrs walk
Way out of the forest is followed by a moraine crossing before entering again pines forest, after a steep climb to the foot of Manapati. We camp at west face foot, last vegetation line. The sunny spot is comfortable for acclimatization facing a beautiful mountain panorama.Meals: BLD
Day 12: Dhaulagiri I Base Camp Climbing (4700m) – 9 Hrs Trek
Today we will experience the Glacier crossing before entering a deep gorge, the old Chhonbardan glacier bed where we can easily walk although the trails is a very long and rocky route. We will have our eyes constantly looking at the Sita Chuchura (Blumlisalp at 6600m). The last moment seeing pass is facing Dhaulagiri north face.Meals: BLD
Day 13: Rest day at Dhaulagiri Base Camp
Rest day or walking around Base Camp.Meals: BLD
Day 14: Dhaulagiri BC - French Pass - Tukuche Bc (5200m) – 6 Hrs walk
We quickly leave the glacier to reach a crest and continue towards the French Pass (5360m). From that pass, the way goes down towards the Hidden Valley where it is generally settled Tukuche Base Camp, a wide and open place amidst pleasant green places. Panorama of Sita Chu Chura (6611m) and Tukuche (6920m).Meals: BLD
Day 15: Tukuche Base Camp - Thapa Peak (6012m) - Tukuche Basecamp.
Today we can take on the optional climb on Thapa Peak. That day is devoted to Thapa Peak south face optional climbing (6012m). Members who are too tired can rest or enjoy walking around the base camp.Meals: BLD
Day 16: Exploration at Tukuche Base Camp
We can use this day as a contingency day in case the weather is not good the other day. If the weather is good then this day can be used as a second climbing (there are many possible peaks around), or to a rest day for those who have climbed Thapa Peak on the previous day.Meals: BLD
Day 17: Tukuche BC - Thapa Pass - Yak Kharka (4850m) – 6 Hrs walk
Leaving Tukuche BC, we ascend towards the Thapa Pass or Dhampus Pass (5250m). Along hillside crossing till the 5092m point where we have a wonderful panorama over Annapurna range and Nilgiri massif. That crossing day may be delicate in case of bad weather, with possible use of crampons.Meals: BLD
Day 18: Yak Kharka - Marpha (2700m) – 5 Hrs Trek
A steep way down on a small path, with that little and pleasant feeling of a bird gliding! We reach Marpha, a very nice Tibetan village that is well known for its apple brandy.Meals: BLD
Day 19: Marpha - Jomosom (2710m) – 2 Hrs Trek
Through a wide valley, we go up alongside the Kali Gandaki river, before arriving at Jomsom, the main village of that valley with many shops. Here is the small airport allowing going to lower valleys.Meals: BLD
Day 20: Jomsom – Pokhara – Kathmandu
We take an early flight from Jomsom to Pokhara and then take a connecting flight to Kathmandu. On arrival in Kathmandu, we’ll transfer to hotel. We will have free time to relax or head into the city.Meals: B
Day 21: Kathmandu
Today after the breakfast we’ll be touring around the Kathmandu valley. The Durbar Square, Swoyambhunath Stupa, Pashupatinath temple and Boudhanath Stupa are the major sight-seeing areas around the Kathmandu valley. These all are listed in a world heritage sites. The Durbar square shows us the real life of ancient periods. Pashupatinath temple is one of the most sacred Hindu pilgrimages. Swoyambhunath temple and Boudhanath stupa is the Buddhist temple which is very popular around the globe. Swoyambhunath is also known as money temple stands on the hilltop west of the Kathmandu valley. It can also be known as the viewpoint of Kathmandu valley. Boudhanath temple is the biggest Chorten ever made around the world.Later on, after the sight-seeing, we will introduce to our fellow participants and discuss our trip preparations.
Meals: B
Day 22: International Departure
Depending on your flight time you will be transferred to the airport. The airport check-in is 3 hours prior to the departure time and the hotel checkout time is 12 PM.Essential Info
Visa
Most nationalities require a visa for Nepal, which can be obtained in advance or on entry. If you wish to apply before departure the current visa cost is £20 for a 15 day visa and £35 for a 30 day visa for UK passport holders. The current cost of a visa on arrival is US $25 for 15 days, US $40 for 30 days or if extending your stay $100 for 90 days. All are multiple entry. The visa on arrival fee can be paid for in cash in US Dollars, Pounds Sterling or Euros. You will also need a passport photo. Application forms are available in the immigration hall (or for electronic passports there are visa registration machines which, after inserting your passport, automatically fill out a form for you). You must firstly join the queue to pay the visa fee, and then go to the relevant immigration desk to obtain your 15, 30 or 90 day visa stamp. There can be long queues for visas on arrival.Non UK nationals should check requirements with their nearest embassy (a few nationalities are not permitted visas on arrival).
Vaccinations
There are no mandatory vaccination requirements. Recommended vaccinations are: Polio, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Typhoid, Hepatitis A. The risk of malaria is present in certain regions only (such as Chitwan); you may wish to consult your GP or travel health clinic for further advice. Dengue fever is a known risk in places visited. It is a tropical viral disease spread by daytime biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available for Dengue, and therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. We recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites. Most of our trips to Nepal go to high altitudes where there is a risk of being affected by Acute Mountain Sickness. Our itineraries are designed to enable everyone to acclimatise to these altitudes, but you should be aware that it is still possible for you to be affected. Please refer to the TRIP NOTES for complete advice on AMS.Eating & Drinking
Breakfast is included throughout the trip and all meals are provided while camping (all breakfasts, 3 lunches and 2 dinners).Breakfast is included throughout the trip and all meals are provided while camping. On trek the breakfast will be a set menu usually consisting of porridge and toast. Any additional items that are not included in the set menu should be ordered and paid for separately. We do not include lunch and dinner in the tea-houses, allowing you to choose what you want to eat and when. Although most lodges have almost identical menus, they are reasonably extensive and offer a varied selection, ranging from traditional Nepalese dal bhat to pizza and apple pie.
Although meat is available in the tea houses, we advise against eating it on trek. The meat has often been carried in the heat from lower altitudes for several days before reaching the lodges, and can cause stomach upsets or illness. Germs can also be spread by handling dirty money - we recommend using hand sanitiser.
If you buy imported food and drink whilst on trek you will spend more than the suggested amount.
Drinking Water
Staying hydrated is important when undertaking any physical activity but particularly so at altitude where it is generally recommended to drink at least 3-4 litres per person per day.
We strongly encourage you not to buy bottled water on trek as this contributes to the growing problem of plastic pollution in Nepal’s trekking areas.
All tea houses will provide cold water free of charge, if requested. Although this should not be drunk untreated, we recommend that you bring a reusable bottle with a wide opening (Nalgene or similar) with you and use a SteriPEN to treat it with. A SteriPEN is a handheld UV water purifier – small, lightweight and battery powered so easy to pack for a trek. In Nepal’s trekking regions most of the bottled water isn’t strictly ‘mineral water’ anyway but is UV treated, so it’s exactly the same technology. It’s quick to use, far more effective than purification tablets, and the water is ready immediately. It’s fine to use a SteriPEN on non-boiled water so long as it isn’t cloudy or full of sediment (which is uncommon in these regions).
SteriPENs are widely stocked on Amazon, outdoor shops and other online retailers; look for the latest models but avoid USB charging ones. Better still, a SteriPEN will pay for itself over the course of the trek and you won’t leave behind a single plastic bottle – you will end up spending the same or even less than you would on bottled water, plus you can keep it for future trips.
If you prefer not to invest in a SteriPEN, the tea houses also sell boiled water for approx. Rs150-300 per litre (the price increases the higher you trek) which should not require treating. This is also perfect for a bedtime refill as it can double up as a hot water bottle.
While camping boiled water is supplied for drinking.
Weather
The main trekking season in Nepal is from October to mid-May when daytime temperatures at most altitudes are generally comfortable for walking, the sky is clear much of the time and rain and snow are occasional occurrences. Daytime temperatures will vary from 15ºC to 35ºC in the Kathmandu Valley to around 10ºC at 3,600m and progressively lower the higher we go.Different seasons offer different advantages for trekking.
Post Monsoon/autumn: Mid-September to November. This is the main trekking season in Nepal. Day temperatures in Kathmandu are approximately above 20ºC. Skies are usually clear and days on trek are sunny and mild with clear mountain views. At the highest altitudes although the days can be nice and sunny the temperatures can drop to 10ºC and much lower. Nights will be colder with temperatures dropping as low as minus 10ºC and lower at the highest altitudes.
Pre-monsoon/spring: March to May. Both day and night temperatures will be warmer in general but haze will often build up in the afternoons. It is very hot in the lowlands and temperatures rise to 35ºC in Kathmandu. Flowers bloom in this season and this is one of the reasons people chose to trek in spring.
Snow can be expected on any departure, usually at the higher altitudes. Summit day will be a very early start (usually about 2am) and will be extremely cold. Although mostly it is calm and clear on summit day the mountain does occasionally get high winds. You need to be equipped for temperatures as low as minus 25ºC plus wind chill on summit day.
Please remember that in any mountain area the weather is never wholly predictable and you should be prepared and equipped to deal with any differences in weather beyond the conditions described above.
More Info
This is a Tough+ trek. It is activity level 9 with 16 days walking and full porterage throughout. The maximum altitude is 6,189m (or 5,545m without Island Peak) and the average is 3,680m. There are some steep ascents and descents and some narrow trails. As this trek also ascends to very high altitudes participants should be confident of their physical fitness and must have previous experience of trekking at altitude and in snow.Although it is not compulsory to participate in the climb (the summit attempt is optional), anyone who does must have previous ice axe and crampon experience and know how to use a jumar and abseil device. There will be equipment checks and practice sessions for rope use, ice axe, crampon and harness use, abseiling and crevasse rescue. For safety reasons it is compulsory to participate in these sessions. If you do not take part the leader and climbing Sherpas will not allow you to take part in the climb.
Though technically harder than Mera Peak, for those with the necessary experience this expedition is within the reach of those seeking their first Himalayan summit. The climb requires strong lungs and a great deal of will power - it is graded alpine PD+ and starts with some rocky scrambling to a glacier. We cross the glacier roped up (there is one ladder to cross), and then come to a 200m steep 40-45 degree headwall, which leads to a 20m summit ridge. We will rope up to cross the glacier and you will be walking with an ice axe, crampons and plastic boots. There are fixed ropes up the headwall (approximately 200m) and along the summit ridge. On the ascent you will need to use a jumar and on the descent you will need to use an abseil device.
Please be aware that altitude can have a significant affect on your physical state. It is important that you take heed of the leader's advice and decisions at all times. The leaders are trained in first aid and are well aware of AMS symptoms and will keep a close eye on the group. We ask you to refer to the altitude warning within the Trip Notes.
The climb itself is not recommended for anyone with a fear of heights or vertigo and the main trail itself crosses three modern suspension bridges over rivers and valleys - all of these have mesh sides but some are quite long and high.
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