Dhaulagiri Pass Trek – 17 Days

Dhaulagiri Pass Trek takes you traversing across the foothills of the seventh-highest mountain in the world. At an elevation of  8,167 meters/ 6,795 feet above sea level. Dhaulagiri derives from the Sanskrit word Dhaula meaning white, and beautiful, and Giri meaning mountain. “The white mountain” sits entirely within the borders of Nepal. The Dhaulagiri massif extends 120 km/70 miles from the Kaligandaki River west to the Bheri. The massif is bordered on the north and southwest by tributaries of the Bheri River and on the southeast by the Myagdi Khola. One of the least visited trekking destinations, it is a blend of extraordinary culture and nature.

Overview: 

Dhaulagiri pass Trek/trail is one of the least visited destinations in the country. A region wild, raw, and true here witness the unparallel beauty of nature. Traversing through lush woodlands, chasing river networks, strolling across high alpine meadows, crossing mountain passes and glaciers, and eventually basking under the foothills of the seventh-highest mountain in the world.

The Dhaulagiri Pass Trek starts with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara. Upon reaching Pokhara head on a long drive towards Darbang. Next, move towards Sibang traversing across the lush hills covered with deep wilderness. Along this trail witness grand views of the Dhaulagiri massif, Gurja Himal, and Putha Hiunchuli. Following the trails of the Myagdi Khola Valley trekking across terraced farms and sparse settlements reach Naura village. Next following the forested trails descend to the river network and reach Lapche Kharka a summer herder’s camp.

Italian Base Camp

From Lapche Kharka proceed towards the high alpine grasslands of Sallaghari. Then move towards Italian Base Camp nested at 3,660 meters. From the base camp witness grand views of Dhaulagiri II, Dhaulagiri III, and Dhaulagiri V. Next following the rocky arid steep slope and crossing the glacial moraines reach a wide grassy area in a shallow ablation valley the Japanese Base Camp. After an acclimatization excursion at the Japanese Base Camp move towards Dhaulagiri Base Camp. The following day explores the base camp and witness grand views around.

From Dhaulagiri Base Camp proceed towards the Hidden Valley on the other side of Dhaulagiri crossing the high mountain French Pass. Next day head towards Yak Kharka crossing yet another high mountain pass Dhampus Pass. From the high alpine grassland of Yak Kharka head towards Jomsom. Eventually, Jomsom catch a flight to Pokhara and finally to Kathmandu.

The Dhaulagiri Pass Trek is long and strenuous, a high level is physical and mental fitness is required to complete this trek. Taking you across various landscapes and microclimates this trek is a wonder that all trekkers need to experience. Be a part of this trek with the Alpine Club of Himalaya.

Entry fee and Permits:

The following permits are required for trekking to Dhaulagiri Region.

1. ACAP entry permit fee for foreigners: 3,000 NPR (Approx. US $30)
2. ACAP entry permit fee for SAARC nationals: 200 NPR

TIMS Permit :

1. NRP 1,000 per person for organized treks through an agency
2. 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. As the weather is clear bringing 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.

Important note:

Your safety is of paramount importance to us at the Alpine Club of Himalaya. We have the absolute authority to cancel the trip or change the itinerary, when deemed necessary or when we have reason to believe your safety is at stake. Weather conditions, the health condition of a group member, natural disasters, and such, can contribute to changes in the itinerary when traveling in remote mountainous regions. In these extreme situations, we kindly request that you offer your full co-operation to the trusted leader of the group appointed by the Alpine Club of Himalaya. However, we assure you that we will make every effort to keep to the above itinerary.