Dhaulagiri Trekking

Dhaulagiri Trekking

Dhaulagiri Trekking

Dhaulagiri Trekking is a challenging and an adventurous trek that rewards with nearest view of Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167m), the seventh highest mountain of the world. The name "Dhaulagiri" means "white mountain" which justifies a magnificent peak rising as a giant shoulder of shining ice and snow. Dhaulagiri stands above the Kali Gandaki Valley which separates the Dhaulagiri range from the Annapurna massif. Trekking in this region is relatively strenuous and needs some mountaineering knowledge, with some previous experience of trekking and good physical condition. Dhaulagiri Trek forms a rare combination of snow- capped mountains, crystal clear lakes and turbulent rivers with deep Georges together with Tibetan monasteries, hot springs and picture square village, all inhabitated by simple and friendly people. Dhaulagiri Trekking is one of the best high altitude treks that lead you through very challenging high passes, crossing over French Pass (5,360m) and Dhampus Pass (5,210m). The main destination of Dhaulagiri Trekking is Dhaulagiri Base Camp which blesses us with enthralling views of mountains such as Annapurna, Nilgiri and Tukuche peak. First discovered in 1808, Dhaulagiri was assumed to be the highest mountain in the world for westerners before its place was taken by Mt. Kanchenjunga after 30 years.

Dhaulagiri Trekking begins from Kathmandu where you get to enjoy the modern Nepali culture along with the monuments of the valley.The trek heads towards Beni, 82 km from Pokhara and we set our foot steps on the Dhaulagiri Trekking trail that reaches Dharapani crossing Babichaur as we walk over a suspension bridge above the Kali Gandaki river and walk into the Myagdi Khola Valley. Ascending ahead, we reach Boghara passing the terraced hills and walk around the easy and comfortable trail from Muri. The difficulty of the route slightly increases from Boghara to reach Dhoban which further leads you to the Italien Base Camp.

As a result of rapidly increasing altitude, we spend a day in Italien Base Camp and acclimatize for the trek ahead. From Italien Base Camp we head towards Glacier Camp crossing the glaciers and continue our journey to the foots of Dhaulagiri i.e. Dhaulagiri Base Camp. For the upcoming days we will be trekking at an altitude of 5000-6000 m, so we spend an extra day in Dhaulagiri Base Camp preparing our body for the tough challenges of French Pass which later takes us to the Yak Kharkha climbing over the Dhampus Pass via Hidden Valley. The descend from Yak Kharkha enters the beautiful village of Marpha and the trail heads in the direction of Ghasa which further reaches Tatopani, where you will find natural hot water springs that heals your aching body. After the refreshment we trek to Ghorepani spending a night in Sikha. We hike up to Poonhill to witness the mesmerizing sunrise vie over the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna mountain ranges and we continue walking towards Tirkhedhunga. Finally, we end our trekking at Nayapul from where we drive to Pokhara where you can spend your time with a chilled beer at the lake side or walk around the local shop vendors.

Trip Details

  • Itinerary
  • Details Itinerary
  • Cost details
  • Equipment

Itinerary:

Day 01:
Arrival Kathmandu .
Day 02: Full day guided city tour PM free.
Day 03: Drive to Beni (850m) by bus - 8 hrs. O/N Tent.
Day 04: Trek to Babiachor (950m) - 5 hrs. O/N Tent.
Day 05: Trek to Dharapani (1,400m) 6 hrs .O/N Tent.
Day 06: Trek to Muri (1,850m) - 5 hrs. O/N Tent.
Day 07: Trek to Boghara (2,080m) - 6 hrs. O/N Tent.
Day 08: Trek to Dobang (2,520m) - 5 hrs. O/N Tent.
Day 09: Trek to Choriban Khola (3,110m) - 5 hrs. O/N Tent.
Day 10: Trek to the Italian Base Camp (3,660m) - 7 hrs. O/N Tent.
Day 11: Acclimatization and rest day. O/N Tent.
Day 12: Trek to the Glacier Camp (4,210m) - 6 hrs. O/N Tent.
Day 13: Trek to the Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4,740m) - 7 hrs. O/N Tent.
Day 14: Another acclimatization and rest day. O/N Tent.
Day 15: Cross the French Pass (5,360m), then trek to the Hidden Valley (5,200m) - 6 hrs. O/N Tent.
Day 16: Cross Dhampus Pass (5,200m), and trek to Yak Kharka (3,680m) - 6 hrs. O/N Tent.
Day 17: Trek to Marpha (2,670) - 5 hrs. O/N Tea House.
Day 18: Trek to Ghasa (2,084) - 5 hrs. O/N Tea House.
Day 19: Trek to Tatopani (1,190) - 5 hrs. O/N Tea House.
Day 20: Trek to Shikha (1,980) - 5 hrs. O/N Tea House.
Day 21: Trek to Ghorepani (2,810) - 4 hrs. O/N Tea House.
Day 22: Trek to Trikhedhunga (1,520) - 6 hrs. O/N Tea House.
Day 23: Trek to Nayapul drive to Pokhara (970 m).
Day 24: Rest day in Pokhara. O/N at hotel.
Day 25: Fly to Kathmandu (1,345m). O/N at hotel.
Day 26: Trip ends ! fly back home, taking with you the memory of a life time.

Note: If the above itinerary does not meet your needs, we can design individualized travel plans based on your preferences.

Itinerary:

Day 01:
Arrival Kathmandu .
Day 02: Full day guided city tour PM free.
Day 03: Drive to Beni (850m) by bus - 8 hrs. O/N Tent.
Day 04: Trek to Babiachor (950m) - 5 hrs. O/N Tent.
Day 05: Trek to Dharapani (1,400m) 6 hrs .O/N Tent.
Day 06: Trek to Muri (1,850m) - 5 hrs. O/N Tent.
Day 07: Trek to Boghara (2,080m) - 6 hrs. O/N Tent.
Day 08: Trek to Dobang (2,520m) - 5 hrs. O/N Tent.
Day 09: Trek to Choriban Khola (3,110m) - 5 hrs. O/N Tent.
Day 10: Trek to the Italian Base Camp (3,660m) - 7 hrs. O/N Tent.
Day 11: Acclimatization and rest day. O/N Tent.
Day 12: Trek to the Glacier Camp (4,210m) - 6 hrs. O/N Tent.
Day 13: Trek to the Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4,740m) - 7 hrs. O/N Tent.
Day 14: Another acclimatization and rest day. O/N Tent.
Day 15: Cross the French Pass (5,360m), then trek to the Hidden Valley (5,200m) - 6 hrs. O/N Tent.
Day 16: Cross Dhampus Pass (5,200m), and trek to Yak Kharka (3,680m) - 6 hrs. O/N Tent.
Day 17: Trek to Marpha (2,670) - 5 hrs. O/N Tea House.
Day 18: Trek to Ghasa (2,084) - 5 hrs. O/N Tea House.
Day 19: Trek to Tatopani (1,190) - 5 hrs. O/N Tea House.
Day 20: Trek to Shikha (1,980) - 5 hrs. O/N Tea House.
Day 21: Trek to Ghorepani (2,810) - 4 hrs. O/N Tea House.
Day 22: Trek to Trikhedhunga (1,520) - 6 hrs. O/N Tea House.
Day 23: Trek to Nayapul drive to Pokhara (970 m).
Day 24: Rest day in Pokhara. O/N at hotel.
Day 25: Fly to Kathmandu (1,345m). O/N at hotel.
Day 26: Trip ends ! fly back home, taking with you the memory of a life time.

Note: If the above itinerary does not meet your needs, we can design individualized travel plans based on your preferences.

Trip Cost Includes:

  • Arrival and Departure Transport.
  • Accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara as mentioned with breakfast.
  • Sightseeing tour in Kathmandu with an entrance fee.
  • Trekking Duffle Bag using for Trekking.
  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner during the Trekking.
  • Accommodation in Tea house (mountain lodge) and Tent while trekking.
  • Kathmandu Beni drive.
  • Pokhara - Kathmandu flights with airport Tax.
  • Trekking Porter with Insurance. (We Provide 01 Porter for 02 Pax).
  • Trekking Guide with insurance.
  • Dhaulagiri Region map.
  • Tims, entry Permit fees.
  • Government taxes.
  • Office services charge.

Trip Cost Excludes:

  • International Airfare.
  • Your travel insurance of any kind
  • Nepal entry Visa fee (US$ 50 for 30 days), you should get visa Upon your arrival)
  • Drinks, Dessert, Juice, Mineral Water, Heater charge, Hot Shower during the Trekking and main meals in cities.
  • Tips for Guide, Porter and driver.

Weather information

We offer trekking in Nepal from mid-September to May. However within this period there are clear seasons in the weather. From early September the monsoon rains decrease. By mid-October through to December the weather is usually stable with mild to warm days, cold nights and clear views. Daytime temperatures can reach 25-30 deg C at low altitude in October and nights can drop to below 0 deg C at higher altitudes.

Winter trekking, from December to February, offers cool to mild and clear days with often very cold nights. Daytime temperatures at low altitudes will be mild, around 20 deg C and at night may drop to 0 or as low as -10 deg C at the higher points. Occasionally winter storms can bring snow as low as 2500m.

In March the cold, dry winter season begins to give way to warmer, wetter spring conditions. Mornings are usually clear with cloud build-up occasionally bringing afternoon rainstorms. Daytime temperatures increase quickly in March, with temperatures of up to 30 deg C and mild nights at low altitudes. The increase in rainfall in the hills is more than compensated for by the spectacular displays of rhododendrons and other wildflowers at this time of year. Late spring conditions, as in April and May, are generally hot at low elevations and as the clouds build up to the next monsoon, daily afternoon rainstorms are common. This is a period that generally has clear weather at the higher altitudes and is traditionally a time when mountaineering expeditions commence their ascents.

The monsoon creates a rainy season in Nepal, which lasts from mid-June to mid-September. During this time the Nepal Himalaya is unsuitable for trekking, with the exception of a few remote valleys. We offer treks during this period in Low altitude Treks in the Nepal Himalaya, Tibet & India (Kulu, Ladakh).

The post-monsoon period: From early September the monsoon rain starts to decrease. By mid-October through to mid-December the weather is usually stable with mild to warm days, cold nights and clear views. Daytime temperatures can reach 25-30 degrees Celsius at lower altitudes and decrease as you gain height. Over 3000 meters the daytime temperatures can vary as much as 10 to 20 degrees Celsius, and may be hotter or colder, depending on whether it is sunny or windy etc. At night at lower altitudes, temperatures do not normally drop much, although as you approach November it does get colder and the days shorter. Up high it can drop sharply at night, from 0 to minus 10 or 15 and more when camped on the ice or snow.

The pre-monsoon period:In March the cold, dry winter season begins to give way to warmer, wetter spring conditions. Mornings are usually clear with cloud build-up bringing occasional afternoon rainstorms. Views of the mountains in the middle of the day and afternoon may often be obscured. Daytime temperatures increase quickly in March with temperatures of up to 30 degrees Celsius and mild nights. At higher altitudes it is similar to the conditions of the post-monsoon period, however there is usually more snow, which has accumulated over the winter period. There are spectacular displays of rhododendrons and wildflowers at this time of year. Late spring conditions ie April and May, are generally hot at low elevations and as the clouds build up to the next monsoon, daily afternoon rainstorms are common.

List of Clothing Equipments & Personal Effects

  • Lightweight Trekking (walking) (Waterproof) boots and spare laces. If new one is being bought, “walk then in” to avoid blisters. Also bring spare laces.
  • A pair of track shoes for evening and walk around campsite.
  • Warm Jackets (Fiber fill or down) down should be adequate.
  • A rainproof jacket with hood or ponchos (Get guaranteed Waterproof)
  • Woolen shirts and thick sweaters.
  • A pair of lightweight/heavyweight trousers. Jeans are unsuitable to wear on treks.
  • Thermal underwear.
  • A tracksuit.
  • 2 pair of loose fitting long shorts/skirts.
  • Few pairs of cotton T-shirts.
  • At least 1 lightweight long sleeved shirt is particularly to avoid sun born.
  • A woolen hat for morning and evening and Sun cap (Hat) during the day and ensure it has a wide brim to cover the face and neck..
  • A pair of gloves.
  • A pair of sandals to shower and campsite.
  • Few pair of thin and thick woolen socks.
  • Underwear: normal quantity and swimming costume.
  • Sleeping bags for night. (At least -20 Celsius)

Equipment and Accessories

  • Duffle bag or kit bag to carry gears while trekking. (We provide)
  • Daypack to carry personal day requirements. (25-30 Ltr) This is a small rucksack to carry personal requirement for the day
  • Water bottle.
  • Snow glasses and sunglasses.
  • 2-5 large plastic bags to separate clean and dirty clothes. Some small plastic bags for garbage.
  • Toiletries with large and small towels. Toilet paper can be by in Kathmandu and some villages in the mountains.
  • Wallet or money belt with compartment for coins.
  • Headlamp or torch light with spare batteries and bulbs.Candles or lighter to burn toilet paper and to lit on.
  • Snow gaiters essential during winter and High Altitude trekking.
  • Walking poles. (If you like to have).
  • Camera with spare batteries and films
  • Reading materials, game items (optional), note book, rubber band, pen and pencil, envelopes, a diary, a calendar, a pocket knife, binoculars (optional), a small pillow or headrest (optional). Thermoses (optional)- an inflatable sleeping mat, trekking map, adequate quantities of
  • passport photograph
  • First aid kit with enough Personal medicine.

Physically prepare yourself: It is important that your body is adequately prepared for the physical challenges of trekking. It is thus important that you assess your own condition and train accordingly. In general, the fitter you are, the easier it will be for you to handle the rigors of the trek. A well-rounded training program would include strength training, aerobic cross training, and hiking (ideally at high altitude but not necessary).

Mentally prepare yourself: Mental preparation is often overlooked. You should always keep a positive state of mind, but not ignore the signals your body sends you. Your mental stamina will, without a doubt, make the most difficult parts of the trekachievable.

We will keep the packing list update asnew equipment becomes available. If you have reviews or suggestions please send us an email.

Trekking in Nepal need not be considered risky affair as far as your health is concerned. Nevertheless, preventive measures such as a through medical checkup and inoculations before you start trekking can save you from unexpected hazards. Since the remote places of Nepal are not supplied with necessities that are essential for modern medical facilities and as the rescue and evacuation are measured in days, it is imperative to make a comprehensive first aid box consisting of basic drugs and accessories as part of the paraphernalia for trekking. Modern dentistry is unknown in the hill of Nepal so it is advised to have a checkup before departure from home. Tooth fillings; sometimes loosen in cold temperatures and high altitudes, so it is recommended to have them checked. Travelers are requested to bring medicine prescribed by their doctor at home. Common medicine for stomach problems, headache, and malaria is available in Kathmandu. Medicine is usually not available in remote areas. So necessary medicine is advisable to carry with you. Before going to Nepal, it is advised to get injections against typhoid, meningitis and hepatitis.

OVERCOMING ALTITUDE PROBLEM:
This is often known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), which is particularly a matter of important medical consideration while trekking in the Himalayas. Altitude Sickness means the effect of altitude on those who ascend too rapidly to elevations above 3000 meters. Early mountain sickness will manifest itself in headache, nausea, shortness of breath, fatigue; etc can be encountered as initials of the sickness. The major information source on prevention and treatment of the sickness is Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA) and Adventure Treks Nepal (P). Ltd. is the confide life member of it. We assure every trekker that all our guides have followed the training conducted by HRA with the understated information.

CAUSE/FACTOR OF ALTITUDE SICKNESS
1. Less Oxygen
2. Low Pressure i.e. Barometric Pressure
3. Rapid Ascent
4. Possible Dehydration
5. Hypothermia TYPE OF ALTITUDE SICKNESS

  TYPES ALTITUDE SICKNESS
1. AMS - Acute Mountain Sickness
2. HAPE - High Altitude Pulmonary Edema
3. Hace - High Altitude Cerebral Edema

SYMPTOMS
1. (AMS) ACUTE MOUNTAIN SICKNESS
Mild symptom feels like hangover/not feeling good
a. Headache
b. Fatigue/Tiredness
c. Nausea
d. Shortness of breath
e. Loss of appetite
f. Sleep disturbance
g. Dizziness

2. (HAPE) HIGH ALTITUDE PULMONARY EDEMA (Water in lungs)
a. Increasing shortness of breath even at rest
b. Severe cough-dry/Productive
c. Very tired-Unusual fatigue while walking
d. High Pulse rate i.e. 110
e. Blueness of face, lips, finger nails that means inability to transport Oxygen into the blood

3. (HACE) HIGH ALTITUDE CEREBRAL EDEMA (Water in the head)
Severe symptoms of altitude sickness
a. Severe Headache
b. Vomiting
c. Walking like a drunk (Ataxia)
d. Mental confusion/Altered mental status
e. Irritable-Does not want to be bothered by other people
f. Unconsciousness or Coma
TEST - Tandem walking test, Heel to toe step fall off from the line.

DECISION MAKING
1. Find out the main problem i.e. at altitude. Assume all problems are Altitude Sickness unless proven otherwise.
2. If it is an altitude problem with mild symptoms, stay at the same altitude until the symptoms are completely gone. Take an Aspirin tablet, try to go up but listen to your body. If symptoms are worsening, go down.

PREVENTION
1. Acclimatization: - After a 1000m. Ascent, stay one more night for acclimatization.
2. Do not make RAPID ASCENT; don't go too fast too high.
3. No alcohol, sleeping pills and smoking.
4. Drink more fluid 3-4ltrs a day… clean, boiled or treated water/tea/coffee/soup/juice etc.
5. Do not carry heavy packs.
6. Climb higher sleep lower.
7. Do not travel alone.

TREATMENT
1. DESCENT is the best medicine; do not wait for the Helicopter.
2. Medicine:
a. Oxygen.
b. Diamox…for AMS 125mg. Before dinner, for sleeping problem if feeling suffocated.
c. Nafedipine for HAPE
d. Steroids/Dexamethasone for HACE
3. Hyperbolic Bag - Gammow Bag
4. Golden Rules
a. Awareness of ALTITUDE SICKNESS
b. If you have mild symptoms, do not go higher. Take Aspirin.
c. If you have worsening symptoms, go down.
d. Do not leave your team member behind unattended, either trekker or porter.
5. IMPORTANT
a. Go up slowly.
b. Drink plenty of fluids (at least 3 liters per day)
c. Get all information about Altitude Sickness before your trekking tour that will make you confident to make your tour successful.

Our advice: Drink 3-4 ltr of water minimum a day, don't exhaust yourself so much and breathe deep and take rest more than usual.

Physically prepare yourself: It is important that your body is adequately prepared for the physical challenges of trekking. It is thus important that you assess your own condition and train accordingly. In general, the fitter you are, the easier it will be for you to handle the rigors of the trek. A well-rounded training program would include strength training, aerobic cross training, and hiking (ideally at high altitude but not necessary).

Mentally prepare yourself: Mental preparation is often overlooked. You should always keep a positive state of mind, but not ignore the signals your body sends you. Your mental stamina will, without a doubt, make the most difficult parts of the trekachievable.

We will keep the packing list update asnew equipment becomes available. If you have reviews or suggestions please send us an email.