Dhaulagiri Base Camp Trekking - 25 Days

Detail Itinerary

• Day 1Arrive in Kathmandu International Airport and Transfer to hotel:Upon your arrival at the Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA), a representative of Cross-country trekking and travel shall be waiting for you at the airport terminal to welcome you. You shall then be assisted to transfer to the hotel and check into your hotel. Once you are checked into the hotel you will be briefed about the trip. After you are checked in and briefed, you are free to take rest or stroll around the streets of Kathmandu nearby your hotel. Stay overnight in hotel at Kathmandu included Bed, Breakfast.
• Day 2sightseeing in Kathmandu:Today you have a free day so to know the ancient cultural and historical heritages of the medieval city of Kathmandu we shall go for a sightseeing tour of the UNESCO World heritage sites around the city. From the ancient Buddhist Stupas such as Boudhanath and syambhunath (known as Monkey Temple), which ensembles manifest the ancient values and traditions of Buddhism, and the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupati-nath are the highlights of this sightseeing. Besides these heritages the historical Durbar Squares in Kathmandu, and Patan host ancient and unique weary temples and other monuments, carved architectures with rich decorative carvings that makes you wonder about culture and history. Today after the sightseeing, we shall also have a pre-trip meeting where the trekking guide shall instruct you about the trekking to be embarked on and you are expected to use this opportunity to clarify your doubts regarding anything on this trek. Stay overnight in a hotel in Kathmandu included Bed, Breakfast.
• Day 3Kathmandu to Beni -DriveWe leave Kathmandu early in the morning for Beni, the road climbs out of the Kathmandu valley and quickly starts to descend to the Trisuli River, and follows the Trisuli River until we arrive at the junction with the Marshyangdi River. We then follow the Marshyangdi gently up through heavily terraced fields and small hill towns to the Seti River that takes you directly into Pokhara. Blessed with pleasant weather, Pokhara is tourist's paradise full of natural beauty as well as cultural heritage sites that includes lakes, caves, and temples of Buddhist and Hindus along with mountains. You can observe views to the north across the hills and Phewa Tal (lake) to the white peaks of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. The drive from here goes uphill on zigzagged road all the way to Naudanda and then descends through a meandering road up to Nayapul with views of Annapurna South, Fish tail, green hills, terraces and villages. To reach Beni, the road goes on along the bank of Mardi River. This is one picturesque journey by road that most travellers enjoy. On our arrival we spend overnight here at the lodge in Beni included bed, breakfast lunch and dinner.
• Day 4Trek from Beni - Babichoaur (950m, 5/6 hrs):The Trek starts here at Beni and it takes approximately five/six hours. From Beni you head west along the north bank of the Myagdi Khola through several small villages. You then cross two bridges near the village of Simalchour, and head back to the north bank from where it continues to the village of Babichor. On our arrival here we spend overnight at Babichor.
• Day 5Trek from Babichoaur - DharapaniTakes approximately six hours. The trail is wide, smooth and gravelled until you reach Darbang. After passing a small town you then cross a suspension bridge. From there, you hike a flat narrow path, passing through terraces and traditional villages until once again crossing another suspension bridge. The trail is a gentle ascent from this point through sparse forest of rhododendron, pine and oak trees. After a few hours you arrive to a green ridge surrounded by villages, green hills and jungles. To reach Dharapani you need to follow a straight leveled path. Dharapani is quite a big village with traditional but big houses made of thatched straw, wood, tin and other materials found on the mountain itself. The local folks are very hospitable down here. Spend overnight here in Dharapani.
• Day 6Dharapani - MuriThe trekking time is approximately six - seven hours. After descending and walking through villages, you will cross a suspension bridge over the river, and from there the trail starts to ascend. The gentle ascending path continues through villages, sparse forest and terraces until you reach another ridge. You then trek gently over a straight trail until you reach Muri. This is a small village. If the weather is clear, you can get a glimpse of Manapathi peak and the whole Dhaulagiri range and more. Spend overnight here in Muri.
• Day 7Trek from Muri - Baghar (2080m):First, the trail descends on a gentle slope, and crosses a rocky stream until descending a path in the middle of terraced fields to Dhora khola. You then cross the river and climb to the right up the mountainside to Ghorban dhara. The view from this pass on the trail is very pleasant and for the first time you can see Ghustung south (6465m). Follow the right bank past Naura where you begin to ascend the mountainside. After climbing for a short while, take a path that traverses the steep grass-covered hill. The Myagdi Khola assumes a steep-walled V-shape as the traverse ends and a high, winding path climbs the steep, grassy slope. The steep slope will not tolerate any missteps but the path is well-constructed with a great number of zigzagging stone step paths. At last the long climb ends, and you move across to the right-where you must also beware of miss-stepping and falling into the gorge of the Myagdi Khola. Soon you descend through a forested area, emerging to a ridge snout where Bagara (2080m) is visible. Descend through terraced fields to this mountain village where we camp today in people's yards or the terraced fields. Spend overnight at here in Baghar.
• Day 8Bagar- Dobang (2520m):Today the trek takes approximately five hours to reach to Dobang. Here the trail leaves the villages behind and the trail becomes increasingly challenging. On your arrival at Dobang you spend overnight here.
• Day 9Dobang - Sallaghari (3110m):Today’s trek takes approximately six hours to reach to Sallaghari. The early part of the gentle ascending trail moves through forest of bamboo, pine trees and rhododendrons. After gently trekking for some hours in which the route goes uphill and downhill respectively, you reach Sallaghari. This becomes our camping spot in between forest surrounded by pine trees at the bank of Myagdi River. Spend overnight here in Sallaghari.
• Day 10Sallaghari - Italian Base Camp (3660m): Today’s the trek takes approximately six to seven hours. The trail is covered by bamboo forest all the way to Italian Base Camp. At some points you cross small bridges and jungles and this makes the trail quite strenuous and difficult. There is an open field at Italian Base Camp. There are couple of small tea houses available hereabouts that provide a minimal supply of trekking items. At this base camp, you will experience breathtaking views of the Dhaulagiri range, Manapathi peak, Dhaulagiri II and other unnamed peaks and mountains. Spend overnight here at Italian base camp.
• Day 11Upper Vungini (Italian Base Camp) - Glacier Camp at (4940mTo reach to Glacier Camp it takes approximately four hours. After crossing the first glacier, probably using a rope at a couple of tricky spots, you climb onto the main glacier. The surroundings are spectacular which makes up for the rough and dangerous trail. You may also use a rope on this section. This is a particularly tough and challenging day. Spend overnight at Glacier camp.
• Day 12Glacier Camp or French Camp - Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4740m.):It takes approximately five hours to reach to Dhaulagiri Base Camp. Soon the rough rubble gives way to the smooth ice of the white part of the glacier. You climb steadily to the rough and chilling but spectacular Dhaulagiri Base Camp. Spend overnight at Dhaulagiri Base Camp.
• Day 13Dhaulagiri Base Camp - French Col (5010m.) or Hidden Valley:Today it takes approximately four hours to reach to Hidden Vally. Getting off the glacier above the base camp often requires rope climbing. Once over the steep moraine walls you reach gentler, less strenuous country. After a breathless climb to the top of French Col (5300m,) the views of Hidden Valley open out. The broad valley is significant of Tibet and Ladakh and so are the temperatures (at least -20ºC at night). Stay overnight at camp in Hidden Valley.
• Day 14Hidden Valley (5200m) - Yak Kharka: Today it takes approximately seven hours to reach to Yak Kharka. You pass through avalanche-prone slopes and then take on the steep descent to Yak Kharka. This day you trek through bare land for some distance. Stay overnight at camp in Yak Kharka.
• Day 15Yak Kharka - Marpha (2670m.): Takes about five hours. More steep descents lead to Marpha. The trail is thinly covered with trees. En route you can see yak and sheep herds. Marpha is a small town mainly inhabited by a mixed community of Buddhist and Hindu. Here you can a visit a monastery. In and around the monastery you can see the many walls and prayer flags fluttering in the mountain winds whispering odes of prayer for the departed. Stay overnight here in Marpha.
• Day 16Marpha - Ghasa: It takes approximately six hours to reach to Ghasa. Your trail descends steeply through forests to Ghasa, the last Thakali village and the southern-most limit of Tibetan Buddhism. The starting point of the trail is stretched at an almost flat level up to Kalopani and then your trail begins descending steeply to Ghasa. The first part of the trek passes through a windy area covered with pine and rhododendron forests and birch trees. The surrounding area of Ghasa is a famous destination for bird watching and wild Marijuana. At this point you will be amazed at the awe-inspiring views of Mount Nilgiri North (7061m.), Nilgiri Central (6940m.), and Nilgiri South (6839m.), Annapurna I (8091m.), Dhaulagiri I (8167m.) and Tukuche peak (6920m.). Stay overnight in Ghasa.
• Day 17Ghasa - Tatopani (1189m.):Once again it is about five hours journey. The trail descends steeply to Rukse Chhahara (Rukse Waterfall) which is amazing to see. The deepest gorge in the world is situated here between two mountains Annapurna I (8091m.) and Dhaulagiri I (8167m.) which face each other near Rukse Waterfall. Now the trail ascends slightly to Tatopani through different human settlements. You can enjoy the hot springs at Tatopani as the word 'Tatopani' is termed after the natural hot spring situated at the bank of the Kali Gandaki River. It is popularly believed that taking a bath in the Hot Spring helps you get rid of skin diseases. Besides this, it also gives you physical and mental relaxation. Spend overnight in Tatopani and relax in hot-spring in the evening
• Day 18Tatopani to Ghorepani (2853m.): Today we have uphill trekking, all the way through villages and rhododendron trees to Ghorepani for about seven hours journey. Your trail passes through flat level land for some distance until the trail begins ascending steeply for at least one hour. The path then goes up through different villages inhabited by people of different ethnic caste and who survive through the agricultural lands that they own and they are involved in tourism business as well. The majority of the people around here serve in the Nepalese, Indian and Gorkha regiments. While trekking you cross through the Kali Gandaki River with stunning views of Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna range. The trail ascends gently all the way to Ghorepani passing through small villages like Phalate, Chitre and picturesque landscapes. While trekking you pass through rhododendron forests and come across wild life such as monkeys and birds of various species. You are presented with more panoramic views of different mountains. Ghorepani (Water outlets for Horses) is a small pass near the village of Deurali. Although there is time enough to continue, it is better to stay here overnight so that you can make the morning trip to Poon Hill (3180m.) for an outstanding panoramic view of Dhaulagiri , Tukuche peak, Dhampus peak, Nilgiri ranges, Annapurna I, Bahra Sikhar (Twelve peaks or renowned as French Fang), Annapurna South, Himchuli, Fishtail and Mardi Himal. The views you get from here are probably the best in the world. Poon Hill is usually crowded by visitors from different parts of the world who swarm here to enjoy the stunning landscapes seen from the sunrise and sunset over the snow-capped mountains. We spend over night here overnight in Ghorepani.
• Day 19Trek from Ghorepani to Tadapani: Wake up early in the morning and climb up to Poon hill from where you can see the vast Dhaulagiri range that stretches up to the Mustang Himalaya. Again walk down to the hotel and after breakfast walk uphill towards Tadapani. We climb with mountain views again through Rhododendron forest. After the top path goes along the ridge, the trail descends steeply through dense moss-covered forest, rich with bird life. We then do a short early-morning climb to the Deurali pass for a spectacular panoramic view over Dhaulagiri, Annapurna and Tadapani for beautiful sunset views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhare. We arrive at Tadapani and spend overnight in Tadapani.
• Day 20Tadapani to Ghandruk: This is short trek to Ghandruk. The trail descends steeply through dense damp forest, where you may see monkeys, and continues down over a series of rock-cut steps that follow a leaping stream. We arrive in Ghandruk early enough to explore the maze like streets of this thriving Gurung Settlement. We will stay overnight in Ghandruk.
• Day 21Ghandruk (1950m.) to Pothana (1990m.):Today the journey should take approximately six hours. First part of your trek is steeply down following a stone staircase to Kimbu (Bee hive). Kimbu or Bee hive is located at the elevation of 1200 meters on the bank of Modi Khola. Now, your trail steeply ascends following the stone staircase up to Landruk. The trail ascends gently for first two hours and then ascends steeply for an hour to Deurali (2150m.) passing through Tolkha village (1850m.). From this point you can see panoramic views of Dhaulagiri I (8167m.), Annapurna South (7219m.), Hiunchuli (6441m.), Fishtail (6997m.), Annapurna III (7755m.), Annapurna IV (7525m.), Annapurna II (7937m.) and Lamjung Himal (6930m.). Now on, the rest of the trail descends gently down to Dhampus passing through Pothana village (1900m).
• Day 22Pothana - Dhampus - Phedi (1113m.) - Pokhara:Dhampus to Phedi the journey takes about four hours. Your trail descends gradually for at least an hour and then follows gravel road for two hours until steeply descending to Phedi passing through Dhampus village, paddy fields and forest protected by local community. Upon your arrival at Dhampus Phedi, you take a vehicle to reach Pokhara. Up on arrival in pokhara the rest of the day is free for leisure and stay overnight at hotel in Pokhara.
• Day 23Pokhara to Kathmandu: Drive to Kathmandu by a tourist mini bus takes about seven hours. While driving from Pokhara to Kathmandu, you head up to Damauli, Dumre, Mugling and Kurintar where Nepal's first Cable car is operated to reach to the Manakamana Temple. En route, you can enjoy the mountain views, green sceneries, rice terrace fields, vegetable fields and people happily engaged in their daily chores. From Naubishe, you climb up to Thankot, gateway to the capital city of Kathmandu. You can also fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu which takes about 25 minutes. Stay overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.We have dinner with our trekking team to celebrate the achievement of this trip.
• Day 24Free day in Kathmandu:Today is free of activities for leisure proposes, you may wish to do Morning activities such as Mountain flight, go for sunrise view from Nagarkot or just take easy and wonder leisurely around Kathmandu and prepare for departure. Stay overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.
• Day 25Final Day in Nepal: Transfer to airport for return or onward flight:Depending on your return flight time, you will be assisted to transfer to airport. Wishing you a safe onward or return journey and Hope to see you soon here in Nepal for another challenge. Namaste and good bye!