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Dhaulagiri Base Camp Trek | High Passes & Glacial Wilderness
Overview
The Dhaulagiri Base Camp Trek is one of Nepal’s most challenging and remote high-altitude treks, offering unmatched adventure through rugged wilderness, alpine glaciers, and untouched valleys. Dominated by the presence of Mount Dhaulagiri (8,167 m)—the world’s seventh-highest mountain—this trek is ideal for seasoned trekkers seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience in the heart of the Himalayas.
The route circles the entire Dhaulagiri massif, passing through Magar villages, dense forests, and across two dramatic high passes—French Pass (5,360 m) and Dhampus Pass (5,200 m). You’ll journey through remote terrain and spend several days above 5,000 meters, including at the stunning Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4,740 m), located beneath massive icefalls and hanging glaciers.
Unlike the popular Everest or Annapurna trails, the Dhaulagiri region sees very few trekkers, offering rare solitude and immersion in raw Himalayan wilderness. This trek demands good physical fitness, high-altitude experience, and proper logistical support.
🌟 Key Highlights
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Remote and Unspoiled Wilderness:
Trek through isolated valleys with minimal human settlement, far from commercial trekking routes. -
Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4,740 m):
Camp beneath the icy flanks of Mount Dhaulagiri, surrounded by glaciers and towering walls of ice. -
French & Dhampus Passes:
Cross two of Nepal’s most dramatic and demanding alpine passes with views over Mustang and Annapurna. -
Hidden Valley Exploration:
A rarely visited plateau above 5,000 m offering Himalayan silence and stark beauty. -
True Himalayan Expedition Style:
Fully camping-based trek supported by guides, porters, and crew—ideal for adventure purists. -
Spectacular Mountain Vistas:
Uninterrupted views of Dhaulagiri I, II, III, V, Tukuche Peak, Nilgiri, and the Annapurna range. -
Authentic Culture:
Interact with the Magar and Gurung communities in the lower villages, preserving age-old traditions.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m)
- Activities: Airport pickup, hotel check-in, welcome dinner.
Day 2: Kathmandu Cultural Tour
- Activities: Visit UNESCO sites (Boudhanath, Pashupatinath); trek briefing.
- Key Sights: Sacred Buddhist and Hindu landmarks.
Day 3: Drive to Beni (830m)
- Activities: 8-9 hour scenic drive through the Kali Gandaki Valley.
- Key Sights: Terraced farms, Trishuli River.
Day 4: Trek to Babichaur (1,300m)
- Distance: 22 km (7-8 hours)
- Activities: Follow the Myagdi River; pass Magar and Thakali villages.
Day 5: Babichaur to Dharapani (1,500m)
- Distance: 14 km (6-7 hours)
- Activities: Ascend through forests; cross suspension bridges.
- Key Sights: Waterfalls, terraced fields.
Day 6: Dharapani to Muri (1,850m)
- Distance: 12 km (5-6 hours)
- Activities: Steep climb through pine forests; views of Dhaulagiri.
- Elevation Gain: +350m
Day 7: Muri to Boghara (2,080m)
- Distance: 14 km (6-7 hours)
- Activities: Traverse rocky trails; cross the Ghustung River.
- Key Sights: Lush rhododendron forests.
Day 8: Boghara to Dobang (2,520m)
- Distance: 15 km (7-8 hours)
- Activities: Enter dense jungles; spot langur monkeys and pheasants.
Day 9: Dobang to Choriban Khola (3,110m)
- Distance: 10 km (5-6 hours)
- Activities: Ascend through glacial valleys; first views of Dhaulagiri glaciers.
Day 10: Choriban Khola to Italian Base Camp (3,660m)
- Distance: 8 km (4-5 hours)
- Activities: Trek alongside the Chhonbardan Glacier; set up camp beneath Dhaulagiri.
- Key Sights: Italian Base Camp, Dhaulagiri I views.
Day 11: Acclimatization at Italian Base Camp
- Activities: Short hike to nearby viewpoints; glacier exploration.
- Key Sights: Panoramic views of Dhaulagiri and Tukuche Peak.
Day 12: Italian Base Camp to Glacier Camp (4,210m)
- Distance: 6 km (5-6 hours)
- Activities: Navigate crevasses and moraines; technical trail sections.
Day 13: Glacier Camp to Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4,750m)
- Distance: 5 km (4-5 hours)
- Activities: Final ascent to Base Camp; explore the icy amphitheater.
- Key Challenge: Thin air and rocky terrain.
Day 14: Cross French Pass (5,360m) to Hidden Valley (4,800m)
- Distance: 12 km (8-10 hours)
- Activities: Pre-dawn climb over French Pass; descend into the surreal Hidden Valley.
- Key Sights: Views of Annapurna I, Nilgiri, and Tukuche peaks.
Day 15: Hidden Valley to Yak Kharka (3,680m) via Dhampus Pass (5,240m)
- Distance: 14 km (7-8 hours)
- Activities: Cross Dhampus Pass; descend to alpine pastures.
Day 16: Yak Kharka to Marpha (2,670m)
- Distance: 18 km (6-7 hours)
- Activities: Enter the Kali Gandaki Valley; explore apple orchards.
Day 17: Drive to Pokhara (820m)
- Activities: 8-9 hour drive via Tatopani; relax by Phewa Lake.
Day 18: Fly to Kathmandu
- Activities: Morning flight to Kathmandu.
What's included
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🚐 Ground Transportation: Private jeep transfers from Kathmandu to Pokhara and onward to Darbang. Return private jeep or tourist vehicle from Marpha to Pokhara.
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🛂 Permits & Fees: Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), TIMS Card (Trekking Information Management System)
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🧑🏫 Trekking Guide: Government-licensed, English-speaking trekking guide with high-altitude experience
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🏕️ Camping Logistics: Sleeping tent, dining tent, toilet tent, kitchen tent, and all camping gear
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👨🍳 Support Crew: Experienced cook, kitchen assistants, and strong porters (1 porter per 2 trekkers)
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🍽️ Meals: All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during the trek, hygienically prepared by the trekking chef
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💧 Drinking Water: Boiled/filtered water provided during trek
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🩺 First Aid & Safety: First-aid kit, pulse oximeter, satellite phone (for emergency communication)
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🏨 Accommodation in Kathmandu & Pokhara: 3-star hotel with breakfast (twin-sharing basis)
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🧳 Luggage Allowance: 15–20 kg per person (including duffel bag and daypack)
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🎒 Trip Briefing & Equipment Check: Pre-departure orientation in Kathmandu
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🌐 Government Taxes & Service Charges
What's not included
- International Airfare: Flights to/from Nepal
- Nepal Entry Visa Fee: Payable upon arrival at Kathmandu airport
- Travel Insurance: Mandatory—must include helicopter evacuation and high-altitude coverage
- Personal Trekking Gear: Sleeping bag, down jacket, trekking boots, crampons (available for rent in Kathmandu)
- Meals in Kathmandu & Pokhara: Lunch and dinner not included unless specified
- Beverages & Personal Expenses: Bottled drinks, snacks, alcoholic beverages, personal purchases, battery charging, etc.
- Tips & Gratuities: For guide, cook, porters, and support team (customary in Nepal)
- Extra Accommodation: Due to early return, weather delays, or itinerary changes
- Emergency Evacuation: Any medical evacuation costs, including helicopter (if required)
- Optional Extensions: Side trips to Mustang, Annapurna Circuit, or Tilicho Lake (can be arranged at additional cost)
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Book Your Dhaulagiri Adventure!
📞 +977- 9856011727 | ✉️ info@amazingnepaladventure.com
Extend your trip with an Annapurna Circuit Trek or a Bhutan cultural tour!