Dhaulagiri Round Trek – 23 Days

Day 01: Arrival day in Kathmandu
On first day after your safe landing on Tribhuwan International Airport (Kathmandu), our agents warmly invite you with awesome regard and brief your upcoming trek/climb with us and introduce our trekking guide.

Day 02: Kathmandu valley sightseeing
On the second day after having breakfast, we begin our sightseeing tour throughout Pashupatinath temple, Boudhanath stupa and Swyambhunath stupa (monkey temple) which are listed on the list of UNESCO world heritage site. After noticing these wonderful sights, we return back to the hotel and spent the night on same hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 03: Fly to Pokhara and drive to Beni (850m) 25 mins flight and 2 hrs drive
After having your breakfast, we will drive to airport and take a 25 minutes flight to Pokhara. During the short flight, you will have majestic views of glorious Manaslu Peaks and the snow-capped Annapurna and Langtang Himalaya range. From Pokhara we drive to Beni with the magnificent views of Annapurna Himalayas. Beni is a bustling town on a plateau above the junction of Kali Gandaki and Myagdi rivers. And spend over night in Beni.

Day 04: Trek from Beni to Babiyachaur (990m) 6-7 hrs trek
We start our Dhaulagiri trekking along the Kali Gandaki River from Beni. Continue along the road past lush green rice fields, multicolored butterflies, and huge nightmarish spider webs. Pass by the villages of Mangalghat, Singa, and Tatopani. Crossing Tara khet, climb over a small ridge to Babiyachaur and spend the night there.

Day 05: Babiyachaur to Dharapani (1565m) 6-7 hrs trek
Today, our trail crosses the terraced hills, Shahashadhara village Dudh Khola Ratorunga village. Tha river bank at Phedi offers a fine picnic spot. Cross the Danyga Khola on a big suspension bridge and grind up a series of steep switchbacks. Dharapani offers a good view of Dhaulagiri IV and V and Gurja Himal and tonight we spend in one of the lodge in Dharapani.

Day 06: Dharapani to Muri (1850m) 6-7 hrs trek
The path goes steep up to Muri. From here you have the spectacular views of Mt Dhaulagiri and other mountains very closely. We spend the night after reaching to Muri.

Day 07: Muri to Boghara (2080m) 7-8 hrs trek
From Muri, the trail is easy and goes down for a few hours. After that, you’ll have some steep climb path to Boghara and rest in Boghara.

Day 08: Boghara trek to Dovan (2540m) 6-7 hrs
The trail descends down to a small ridge then crosses forest to Jyardan. Descend a long, steep, slippery stone staircase into a deep bamboo and rhododendron forest to the village of Dovan. Over night stay at the guest house in Dovan

Day 09: Dovan trek to Upper Vungini (Italian Base Camp) (3800m) 6-7 hrs
We will reach the Italian Base Camp where we will camp just in front of the West wall of the Dhaulagiri. We’ll pass through beautiful forests trail and with the closer views of mountains panorama to Upper vungini which is the Italian Basecamp.

Day 10: Italian Base Camp Acclimatization (3800m)
The day is a rest day for the further climbs. We will have a little bit of hiking around or some sorts of exercises. Since, we are rapidly gaining altitude, keep yourself hydrated and take it easy.

Day 11: Italian Base Camp trek to Glacier Camp (4,250m) 5-6 hrs
Today we will make use of ropes for the crossing of glaciers in some tricky places. This part is a bit a dangerous trail so be careful and have patience. Set our camp beyond the glacier.

Day 12: Glacier Camp to Dhaulagiri Base Camp I (4750 m) 4-5 hrs
We will have climb to the rough and chilling part of this trek with the spectacular view of Dhaulagiri all the way. Enjoy the magnificent face of Dhaulagiri I on the trail. We reach the Dhaulagiri Base Camp at the height of 4650m and spend night in camp.

Day 13: Dhaulagiri Base Camp to French Col (5100m) - Hidden Valley (5000m) 6-7 hrs
Getting off the glacier above the base camp often requires a rope, but once over the steep moraine walls, we are in a safer and gentler country. After a breathless climb to the top of French Col (5300m,) the views of Hidden Valley will open out. The broad valley is reminiscent of Tibet and Ladakh and so are the temperatures, at least -20ºC at night.

Day 14: Hidden Valley camp (5000m)
This is another rest day to admire the surrounding peaks and perhaps do some exploring in the hidden valley. A hidden snow valley gives you a heavenly test of the white world.

Day 15: Hidden Valley trek to Yak Kharka (4400m) 6-7 hrs
After climbing over the 5200m Dhampus Pass, we traverse avalanche prone slopes and then descend steeply to Yak Kharka. The Dhampus Pass between Tukuche peak and Thapa peak is another heaven in the trip.

Day 16: Yak Kharka to Marpha (2665m) 6 hrs trek
From Yak Kharka we descend along the flank of the mountain to once again reach civilization. Marpha is the main inhabitants of the ethnic group of Thakalis favorite amongst the trekkers. It has kept its traditional narrow paved alleys and passageways and an extensive drainage system flows under the flagstone-paved street. Over night in Marpha

Day 17: Marpha to Ghasa (2000m) 6-7 hrs trek
The next day trail follows the Kaligandaki River through the narrow gorge, passing through traditional Thakali villages. We can visit the red-roofed Taglung Gompa, on a hillside beside a huge sacred tree. The village of Ghasa marks a cultural and ecological milestone. We spend our night here in Ghasa.

Day 18: Ghasa to Tatopani (1180m) 4-5 hrs trek
A lovely day walks along Kaligandaki riverside, gradually ascending with the transition into subtropical vegetation. Very interesting suspension bridges to be crossed which gives you the exciting sense of trekking. Tatopani is famous for natural hot springs and spend overnight in Tatopani

Day 19: Tatopani to Ghorepani (2775m) 6-7 hrs trek
The trail descends steeply through dense moss-covered rhododendron forest. We pass some small villages and walk alongside the Ghaja Khola. It’s about 7 hours trek all the way up to Ghorepani. Ghorepani provides an unobstructed view of the sunrise over the high Himalayas.

Day 20: Ghorepani to Hille (1495m) 4 hrs trek 
Early morning trek up to Poonhill, One of the best Himalayan viewpoints in Nepal Poonhill provides an unobstructed view of the sunrise over the high Himalayas. From Poonhill one can enjoy the spectacular view of Dhaulagiri I (8167m), Tukuche Peak Nilgiri (6940m), Annapurna South, Annapurna I (8091m), Hiunchuli (6441m) and Tarke Kang (7193m), Gangapurna (7454m), Lamjung Himal (6986m), Mt Fishtail ( Machhapuchhare 6997m), Tent Peak and many more High Himalayas. Trek down to Ghorepani and after breakfast start downhill trekking to Hille and spend the night there.

Day 21: Hille to Pokhara 3 hrs trek and 1 hr drive
We start our journey to Pokhara from Hille (1510m) early morning. The trail follows the main street of Birethanti, winding through the bamboo forests and past waterfalls with plunge pools appealing you for a refreshing swim. From Nayapul we drive for about 1 and half hour through large village Lumle to Pokhara city.

Day 22: Pokhara to Kathmandu 25 min flight
We fly early morning from Pokhara to Kathmandu and drive back to hotel. After getting fresh today we host a farewell dinner in one of the famous restaurant and relive the memories made while treking in himalayas.

Day 23: Departure Day
On last day managing your short time, you can go shopping to collect souvenir for your friends and family members.  We help you with your necessary arrangements and flight booking along our private vehicle transfers you to the airport focusing departure time. Well-wishers and representatives will be there with greetings to wish for you and your safe steps ahead. 

Visa Information

All visitors are required to arrange a visa in order to enter Nepal. A Nepalese visa can be easily obtained upon arrival on arrival in Kathmandu at the airport or Nepalese embassy abroad. But nationals from Afghanistan, Iraq, Cameroon, Ghana, Somalia, Swaziland, Palestine, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Ethiopia and Liberia cannot secure the Nepalese Visa upon arrival. The Visa can also be secured at entry point at Nepalese borders. A valid passport for at least six months, recent digital photo (size: 1.5" x 1.5") will be required and you can obtain visas for Nepal from the Nepalese Consulate in your country or up on arrival in Kathmandu Airport. Nepalese visas cost USD 25 for 15 days and USD 40 for 30 days till date.

Official Papers

Some of the required official documents are your valid passport, 4 extra passport sized photographs (for trekking permits), travel insurance, airline tickets and luggage tags. Visas can be obtained upon entry into Nepal.

Weather Information

Weather in the mountains is pretty difficult to predict.  Nights are generally cooler and days are warm.  Months of winter (January and February) are bit colder but the days can be quite beautiful and warm if the sun is out. It snows during the month of January, February and December in Himalayan areas.

Best time to travel

Nepal offers diversified geographical regions and so as the climatic condition differs from the Himalayas to the plains. The climate varies as per the season. Nepal generally offers 4 seasons amongst which autumn and spring are the two most favorable ones for visiting Nepal. It is always wise to know about the weather and climatic condition of the place you visit. The best time to travel really depends on your destination, activities and season of travel. Our destination specialists will recommend certain travel times after learning more about your preferences. The favorable months for trekking and climbing are usually September – November, and February – April. The monsoon season is June – August.

Physical Fitness

Even though the physical fitness plays an important role in trekking you don’t have to be super athletes or a marathon runner to trek in Nepal.  Many people of good fitness for their age can complete the trek. You can prepare yourself before hand by doing some yoga which will prepare you in your breathing as you will be going to the higher altitude. Running or hiking to hills, going for a long walk will also help you. And if you live in urban area running in the stairs of a tall building will also work better in keeping you fit for trekking. All though these preparations aren’t strictly compulsory, you can do well even when the preparations you do aren’t rigorous like that of some ultra-athletic person. Do these things in moderate pace for two months or even less.  And you are set to complete any trekking to Nepal.

Travel Insurance

Doing the insurance while trekking is Nepal is not compulsory but will surely help you a lot if you do one, as it covers any comprehensive expenses possible to acquire due to medical issues or accidents. Your travel insurance must protect air ambulance, treatment charge, rescue and evacuation, product cancellation and refundable charges, flight delay and cancellations. We suggest you to bring you travel insurance certificate or send us scan copy and it must be issued from your home land. We do not arrange or sell insurance so you can find your local travel insurance for this.

Vaccination for Nepal

All travelers should consult with their physician or update on vaccination requirements before travel. (Your doctor or health-care provider will determine what you will need, depending on factors such as your health and immunization history, areas of the country you will be visiting, and planned activities) For traveling to Nepal; we recommend you to take a vaccination of Polio, Tetanus, Typhoid, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Rabies etc, it is not really must but recommended.

Booking Process

While you chose which trip you wanted to go with, contact us to our head office Thamel Marg, Kathmandu Nepal by email or phone, email is more easy and clear options, as soon as we get your email or call we will process for your booking. We need 20% booking amount to confirm your booking, the payment can be made through the Bank transfer, Credit card payment (Master/Visa card) or through online money transfers also Money Gram, Western Unions or others. After we get the 20% amount we will confirm your booking and you will get the official booking and payment receipt. The final balance for the tour will be paid upon arrival in Kathmandu.

Safety Guidelines

• Do proper research about the company that you are planning to trek with and make sure they are legally registered travel agency.
• You should be well acquainted about the travel health and travel insurance before travelling.
• Have idea about the climate, geography, temperature and environment of Nepal before starting your trip.
• Using credit cards instead of cash is a wiser idea.
• Majority of the Nepalese people are nicer but there are few scammers you will come meet on your way and need to avoid them, for example ‘holy men’ who will try to plant a tika (a red paste denoting a blessing) on your forehead demanding a payment for it on streets.
• Be careful while buying the medicinal herbs as some may be illegal for you t take home and also be aware of duplicate products.
• Never get yourself involve in doing drugs, trafficking and sexual relations with children as there is a strict rules for these cases and might get yourself into a big problem.
• Take copies of your passport, visa, air ticket and trekking permits and keep them separately from the originals.
• Prepare yourself for altitude sickness and be familiar with its symptoms so that you can follow the guidelines for safe acclimatization.

Where is Nepal?

Nepal is a landlocked country located in Southern part of Asia sharing the border with China form north and India from the south, east and west. It is especially known for its multi-cultural, multi-racial, multi-linguistic and multi-ethnic diversity in unity. It is a small country with many world's most beautiful mountain ranges, art, culture, and wildlife, no wonder it is the paradise for the trekkers from all around the world. Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal is also known for its most unique culture and heritages which directly grabs the attention and takes you to the time of old civilization from 12th century.

What is Nepal known for?

Nepal is mostly known for Mt.Everest, highest peak in the world. It is also known as the birthplace of Lord Buddha, who was the pioneer of the Buddhist religion. Eight of the fourteen eight-thousanders are located in the country, either in whole or shared across a border with China or India. Besides that, it is also known as multi-ethnic, multiracial, multicultural, multi-religious and multilingual country. Overall, Nepal is known for its hospitality as there is a saying in Sanskrit  “Atithi Debo Bhaba”. (Guest are god).

How can I obtain a Visa?

All visitors are required to arrange a visa in order to enter Nepal. A Nepalese visa can be easily obtained upon arrival on arrival in Kathmandu at the airport or Nepalese embassy abroad. But nationals from Afghanistan, Iraq, Cameroon, Ghana, Somalia, Swaziland, Palestine, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Liberia cannot secure the Nepalese Visa upon arrival. The Visa can also be secured at the entry point at Nepalese borders. A valid passport for at least six months, recent digital photo (size: 1.5" x 1.5") will be required and the following fees either in USD dollars cash or the equivalent local currency:

Is the country politically safe and stable?

Nepal is one of the newly democratic countries in the world with many active political parties, ideas, ideologies, and leaders. Now Nepal has the communist government elected with 2/3 of the majority so, now it has the fully stable government it does not affect the daily life of the residents and the tourist. Life moves on, as usual, unperturbed.

When Is The Best Time To Travel?

Nepal offers diversified geographical regions and so as the climatic condition differs from the Himalayas to the plains. The climate varies as per the season. Nepal generally offers 4 seasons amongst which autumn and spring are the two most favorable ones for visiting Nepal. It is always wise to know about the weather and climatic condition of the place you visit. The best time to travel really depends on your destination, activities and season of travel. Our destination specialists will recommend certain travel times after learning more about your preferences. The favorable months for trekking and climbing are usually September – November, and February – April. The monsoon season is June – August.

What kind of weather (how cold does it get) can we expect during trekking?

Weather in the mountains is pretty difficult to predict. Nights are generally cooler and days are warm. Months of winter (January and February) are bit colder but the days can be quite beautiful and warm if the sun is out. It snows during the month of January, February, and December in Himalayan areas.

Are Vaccinations Required?

Immunizations are not required to visit Nepal. (Exception: if you are traveling from an area infected with Yellow Fever, you must have a certificate.) Depending on the season and region of travel, certain vaccinations and/ or medications are suggested and we will recommend preventative measures. We do encourage all travelers to be current on routine immunizations. Also, we recommend the vaccines for polio, Diphtheria, Tetanus, typhoid, yellow fever, hepatitis A/B, Influenza (Flu), Japanese encephalitis, and Tuberculosis. Meantime, it is better to consult your professional doctor about your travel and he/s might recommend you properly. You can also take the suggestion of local travelers who have traveled Nepal before and know more about the required precautions. Please note that the protection that can be gained from vaccines varies from 50% to almost 100%. So remember that even if you have taken a vaccine you might still get the disease, although you will have greatly reduced your chances of getting ill.

How fit do I need to be for the trek?

You don’t have to be a super athletic person but despite the ages should be moderately fit. We recommend to running, hiking to hills and long walk as a preparation.

Are ATM booths easily available?

Yes, ATM booths are easily available around the major city area where you can use both credit and debit cards. But there are only few ATM booths on the way to your trek, so it’s better you withdraw your cash before to trek.

What type of food to expect during the trek? 

Nepal is rich in cultural diversity. Meal habits of the Nepalese vary with the ethnicity and the geographical differences. Normally, the local has a habit of taking milk/black tea in the morning, before noon take lunch after mid-day take light snacks as Khaja and Dinner in the evening. The lunch and dinner comprise Dhido (short of porridge), Dal, Bhat, Tarkari, Achar (Lentil, Rice, Curry, and Pickles). However, you can have a choice of Indian/Continental/Italian/ Chinese food even in some trekking regions.

Is drinking water safe while trekking? 

Drinking water should be treated by boiling and water purification by medicine or with filtered. We suggest carrying a water purifier while trekking to be on a safe side.

Are there any tourist police in Nepal?

Of course, there is tourist police located near the Nepal Tourism Development Board's Office. Also, there are complaint counters at the airport, Basantapur Durbar Square, Thamel and so many other places. Tourist police are specially trained in English and have the detailed local knowledge to assist tourists. For security and travel related assistance, you can reach any of the officers from telephone 4-247041, 4-4268969 from 11 am to 5 pm.

Is Nepal safe? Is a woman traveling alone safe with your company?

Absolutely Nepal is safe for the traveler. Firstly, Nepal is considered as one of the peaceful countries in the world (chances are it's safer here than your home-country). Secondly, while you're on one of our trips, we take personal responsibility for your well-being, a responsibility we commit very seriously.

What about Time in Nepal?

Nepal is +5 hours 45 minutes ahead to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT: +0545). For example, when it is noon in Kathmandu, the standard time of London is 6.15am, 4.15am in Sydney, 1.15am in New York and 10.15 pm the previous night in San Francisco. The strange 15-minute difference is said to be a reflection of the exact time at the summit of Mt. Gaurishankar.

Travel Insurance

Doing the insurance while trekking in Nepal is not compulsory but will surely help you a lot if you do one, as it covers any comprehensive expenses possible to acquire due to medical issues or accidents. Your travel insurance must protect air ambulance, treatment charge, rescue and evacuation, product cancellation and refundable charges, flight delay and cancellations. We suggest you bring your travel insurance certificate or send us scan copy and it must be issued from your homeland. We do not arrange or sell insurance so we suggest you to do a research on the company and do the travel insurance.