Dhaulagiri Base Camp Trek – 20 Days

Dhaulagiri Base Camp: Dhaulagiri the seventh-highest mountain in the world at an elevation of 8,167 meters/ 26,795 feet above sea level is the highest mountain within the borders of a single country.  Simple, clean, and authentic. The trek takes you to the side of Nepal that you do not think of while planning a trek. Without much buzz about tourism, the trek takes you to landscapes free from all kinds of commercialism. At the foothills of the Himalayas, navigating through jungles, chasing rivers, crossing moraines, and passes head to Dhaulagiri Base Camp. A big territory with very few inhabitants clinging to the mountainside, in the frozen peaks of the Himalayas.

Overview:

Start the adventure with a guided tour of the Kathmandu Valley exploring various attractions around. The following day head on a long drive across lush hill and river networks to Beni. A town located at the confluence of the Kali Gandaki River and Myagdi River at an altitude of 899 meters. Beni is the starting point of your trek, from here following the Kali Gandaki River upstream move to Babiachor. Next traversing across valleys covered with deep wilderness reach Dharapani. Then reach the village of Muri.

From Muri ascending along the ridge section and cliff edges reach Boghara. Thereafter proceed to Dobang Village. Next witnessing the Himalayas and following river networks head to the tiny hamlet of Choriban Khola. Then the trail takes you following moraines at the base of the Chhonbarban Glacier to Italian Base Camp. From the base camp witness splendid views of Dhaulagiri Massif and other peaks.

Dhaulagiri base camp

After acclimatization, excursion explore the base camp and visit various vantage points head towards Glacier Camp. The following day traversing across the lateral moraine of the Dhaulagiri glacier head towards the base camp. Upon reaching the base camp witness views like never before. The north face of Dhaulagiri I dominates the skyline. In the west Dhaulagiri II at 7751 meters, Dhaulagiri III at 7715 meters, and Dhaulagiri V at 7618 meters standing in all their grandeur.

After exploring the base camp and soaking in the grand views of the mountains head to the Hidden Valley on the other side of Dhaulagiri. The trek takes you crossing a high mountain French Pass providing a 360-degree view of the surrounding mountain ranges. Then cross another pass of Dhampus Pass leading to Yak Kharka high alpine pastureland of the region.

Explore Jomsom

Thereafter head to Jomsom. An ancient settlement perched on a hill on the banks of the kali Gandaki river basin. Upon reaching Jomsom explore the region and try various cuisines made of apples a delicacy of the region. Next, catch a picture flight to Pokhara and finally to Kathmandu.

Dhaulagiri Base Camp Trek not only takes you across extraordinary landscapes but is a perfect opportunity to learn about the ancient culture and traditions of rural Nepal. In a world where traditions and culture are vanishing so quickly, here visit communities of rare beauty, great strength, and extreme fragility. Be a part of this classic trek with the Alpine Club of Himalaya capturing your imagination.

Entry Fee and Permits:

The following permits are required for trekking to Dhaulagiri Region.

• ACAP entry permit fee for foreigners: 3,000 NPR (Approx. US $30)
• ACAP entry permit fee for Indian nationals: 2000 NPR

TIMS Permit :

• NRP 1,000 per person for organized treks through an agency
• NRP 2,000 per person for independent trekkers (going without a guide or porter)

Note: All the trekking permits are handled by the Alpine Club of Himalaya.

Accommodation:

You will be accommodated in 3-star hotels in Kathmandu. During the trek, we will be staying at lodges/ teahouses providing basic facilities. At some locations, you will be staying in makeshift camps.

Meals and drinking water:

Along the Dhaulagiri Trek, you will be provided with various Nepali and Tibetan ethnic cuisines. The region has several tea-house along the trail run by local inhabitants providing basic and minimal facilities.

However, drinking water taps are accessible with natural water supplies all along the trekking trail that are untreated. So direct use of the water is not recommended. You may refill boiling water or cold filter water from any of the teahouses along the trail.

If you buy a water purification tablet, chlorine drops or utilize SODIS (sunlight assisted) filtration procedures for further assurance, saving money, and reducing plastic pollution.

Best Time to Visit?

The best season for trekking in Dhaulagiri Region is during autumn and spring.

The months of September, October, November, March, April, and May are the best time to visit. These months are better in terms of visibility and climate conditions.

During the autumn season, the months of September, October, and November are one of the best times for trekking in this region. The clear weather brings great visibility of the endless mountain ranges and lush green forest with warm temperatures. The nights are clear and are a perfect opportunity for stargazing.

The spring season of March, April, and May is also the best time to visit the Annapurna Region, the end of the winter season brings a change in the region, varieties of colorful blooming trees of the sub-alpine forest, high green pasture lands covered with wildflowers, mild temperatures, and clear weather. In this season you will witness herds of sheep and yaks grazing in the green high lands.

Monsoon season is not favorable as the weather gets harsh and it’s hard to get around the country, with frequent rainstorms and landslides. So, monsoon season is mostly avoided by trekkers.

In the winter season. Manaslu Region receives high snowfall covering most of the trails and making it impossible to travel for this reason.

Travel Insurance:

All clients participating in any activity must have travel insurance. Personal injury, death, hospital expenditures, repatriation fees, helicopter rescue. Any other disease covered by the insurance plan will be given. We highly advise you to acquire a comprehensive insurance plan from a trustworthy insurance company.

Passport and Visa:

Every client must have a valid passport from the return date with a 6 months prior validity by the Nepalese consulate in your country or immigration office at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.