Dhaulagiri Expedition - 55 Days

About Dhaulagiri Expedition

Dhaulagiri Expedition takes you to the top of the seventh highest mountain in the world, Mt. Dhaulagiri. Standing 8,167 meters above the sea level, Dhaulagiri has 5 ridges and 2 faces in South and Western perspectives. The mountain is surrounded by Churen Himal Main (7,371 m), Gurja Himal (6,342 m), Putha Hiunchuli (7,246 m), and Junction Peak (4,235 m). You can find the exact location of this mountain with coordinates 28°41’48''N latitude and 83°29'42''E longitude. In 1960, a Austrian, Swiss, and Nepali Expedition team first climbed Mt. Dhaulagiri. To become part of this adventurous journey, get in touch with us.

Ama Dablam Expedition route (Northeast Ridge)

Dhaulagiri Advanced Base Camp (4,748 m)

We operate Dhaulagiri Expedition from Southeast, Southwest and the Northwest as well, however northeast ridge is the common route we prefer for climbing Mt. Dhaulagiri. From Majhangdi Khola, you ascend along a gorge between Dhaulagiri I & II to reach the base camp. You will be spending numerous days on the base camp, therefore we will be setting a permanent camp here. While staying on the base camp, you will frequently go on short hikes. Your team leader will teach you the proper use of gears and climbing techniques.

Camp I (5,450 m)

From the base camp, you will walk for around 5 to 6 hours to reach Camp I. Following a mixed terrain, you ascend to a ridge known as Jacob's Ladder. This part of the trail will be moderately technical and involves limestone & snow climb. Further, you will encounter grassy slopes, rock slabs, and moraines before reaching Camp I.

Camp II (6,400 m)

From Camp I to Camp II, it is short and moderate climbing. You have to walk for around three and a half hours to reach Camp II. The trail is safer and more on the easy side today. Ascending along on the snowy path, you pass by steep blue ice at 35-40º slope and reach Camp II, which is suited above a snowy terrace.

Camp III (7,400 m)

To reach Camp III, you have to walk for around 4 to 5 hours. It is the longest distance of 1,000 meters. Your team leader will fix the rope throughout the route to make the walk safer. The trail gradually ascends on sustained slopes with high exposure to cold, sun, and wind as you gain elevation. This area is also prone to avalanches.

Dhaulagiri Summit (8,167 m)

Today, you begin trekking around midnight to reach the summit timely. From Camp III, you slowly ascend towards the summit following the steps of your team leader. Before the final summit lies a false summit. You will walk using a fixed rope of 800 meters below and above the serac. Also, you reach another 100 meters of fixed rope to reach the summit. After reaching the summit, you retrace the same path and descend to lower camps for night stay.

Variation & Custom Itinerary

If you want to explore more parts of the Annapurna region, then we recommend you go for Annapurna Circuit Trek or Annapurna Base Camp Trek. We do offer private expeditions for Mt. Dhaulagiri, where you can create a custom Dhaulagiri Expedition itinerary that will fit your needs and requirements.

Highlights

  • Walk through adventurous trail and beautiful mountain villages
  • Enjoy natural hot spring in Tattapani
  • Taste delicious apple products in Marpha
  • Cross French Col
  • Reach the top of Mt. Dhaulagiri
  • Witness stunning sceneries and panoramic views of western Himalayan mountains
  • Cross Dhampus Col
  • Take scenic flight from Jomsom to Pokhara

Itinerary

Expand All + Collapse All -

After you land at the airport, you complete the necessary documentation and meet our team delegate at the terminal gate. He will welcome you and move you to the hotel. He will leave you after assisting in check-in and quickly brief you about the day program. In the evening, you meet with other team members over a welcome dinner.

  • Hotel
  • Welcome dinner

Today, the day begins early with a delicious cup of coffee and breakfast. After that, you follow your tour guide and visit monuments like Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhnath Stupa, Swayambhunath, Kathmandu Durbar Square, and Patan Durbar Square.

  • Hotel
  • Breakfast only

This day is kept separate for the preparation of the expedition. You will meet with your Sherpa guide, and he will brief you about the trail. Later, in the day, you will check all the gears and do the final packing. You will also arrange all the documents needed for the expedition. 

  • Hotel
  • Breakfast only

After having breakfast, you drive to Beni. It is going to be 8 to 9 hours long drive. Enjoying beautiful views of the countryside and lush green hills, you reach Beni.

  • Teahouse
  • BLD

Beni is the starting point of the journey. From here, you slowly ascend towards Tatopani. The trail passes through dense forests and small villages. At Tatopani, you will relax in the natural hot spring after paying a few extra bucks.

  • Teahouse
  • BLD

Following the Kali Gandaki gorge route, you ascend and reach Dana. From here, the trail passes by Rupse Chhahara and crossing a suspension bridge, you pass by villages like Ghsa, Lete, and Kalopani to reach Tukuche. On the way, you get to see striking views of the Nilgiri mountains.

  • Teahouse
  • BLD

Leaving Tukuche behind, you continue ascending and pass by Kali Gandaki gorge. The trail will take you to beautiful Marpha village, which is also known as the apple capital of Nepal. Here, you get to taste different food items made from apples. 

  • Teahouse
  • BLD

After having a warm breakfast, you climb through the lush forest. The trail steeply ascends along the side of hills to Yak Khara, a large animal grazing site. The views are fantastic from here. 

  • Camp
  • BLD

The day begins early. Following the rugged and steep path, you ascend to French Col. The trail will be tough, however after reaching the top of the col, you get to see the breath-taking landscape.

  • Camp
  • BLD

After having breakfast, you begin trekking towards the Dhaulagiri Base Camp. The trail from French Col gradually ascends through the rugged and snowy path. Upon reaching the base camp, you get to see panoramic views of western Himalayas.

  • Camp
  • BLD

From here onwards, the adventurous journey to the top of the Mt. Dhaulagiri begins. Climbing Mt. Dhaulagiri is tough, and you have to be extremely careful on the way. Following the guide of your team leader, you ascend towards the summit. Before reaching the top of the mountain, you will establish different camps to spend nights. 

  • Camp
  • BLD

After returning back to the base camp, you will spend a day here relaxing and packing all the stuff. Before leaving the base camp, you will clean it and also pack all waste to decompose them properly on the lower elevation. 

  • Camp
  • BLD

The trail ascends to Dhampus Col today. It is going to be another tough day. The trail to the top of the pass is steep and rocky. Upon reaching the Dhampus Col, you get to see astonishing landscape views.

  • Camp
  • BLD

Today, the trail descends along a rocky trail and takes you to Yak Kharka. From here, you walk downhill on a narrow mountain path. Further, the trail gets zigzagged and takes you to Marpha. On the way, you get to see stunning views of snow-capped mountains.

  • Teahouse
  • BLD

From Marpha, you move to Jomsom. The trail passes by small villages and lovely apple orchards before taking you to Jomsom, a picturesque village.

  • Teahouse
  • BLD

Today, you take a short and scenic flight to Pokhara from Jomsom. Upon landing, you move to the hotel. You will go on a guided sightseeing tour of places like David's Fall, Gupteshwor Cave, etc. Or, you can spend the rest of the exploring around on your own.

  • Hotel
  • Breakfast only

Today, you return to Kathmandu. The flight will offer beautiful scenery. Upon reaching Kathmandu, you head to the hotel. Rest of the leisure, walk around the lively streets of Thamel and do shopping. In the late evening, you meet with team members over farewell dinner.

  • Hotel
  • Breakfast & farewell dinner

After your adventurous journey in the Himalayas, it is time to say goodbye to each other. One of our team members will drop you at the Airport and bid you our good wishes. 

Download Trip PDF (Print)

Cost Details

Included Excluded
  • Airport pick-up and drop-off services by private A/C car or van
  • All ground transportation
  • Entry permits for National Park/Local permit/Garbage deposit
  • All climbing permits
  • Experience Sherpas
  • Hotel in kathmadu/bb
  • Trekking guide/Porter salary their insurance and equipment
  • Three meals a day =breakfast/lunch/dinner/tea/coffee
  • Lodge accommodations/Camping arrangements overall
  • All domestic ticket for your destination
  • Entrance fees while sightseeing
  • International airfare and airport tax.
  • Medical and personal high risk insurance
  • Nepal entry visa fees
  • Personal equipment and climbing gears.
  • Applicable permit fees and custom charge for Sat phone, communication equipment and commercial filming while on expedition.
  • International flight airfare
  • Excess baggage charges
  • Accommodation and meals (breakfast, meal and dinner) in Kathmandu
  • Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu due to early arrival, late departure, early return from trekking.
  • Personal expense such as shopping, snacks for trek, beverages, laundry, telephone call, extra porters etc.
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips for guide and porters
  • Additional costs or delays cause by out of management control for example, landscape, weather condition, itinerary modification due to safety concerns, illness, change of government policies, strikes etc.
  • Personal clothing and gear

Useful Information

Dhaulagiri Expedition difficulty & Altitude Sickness

Dhaulagiri Expedition is a strenuous journey that demands strong physical fitness and previous climbing experience. The trail is trodden and steep with numerous ascends and descends. Climbing Mt. Dhaulagiri requires high endurance capacity as you have to spend many days away from human settlement. You need to cross crevasses, moraines, gorges, ice walls, and glacial paths to reach the path.

During the Dhaulagiri Expedition, you will be gaining significant altitude, which can trigger high altitude sickness if your body did not acclimate properly. High altitude sickness is also known as acute mountain sickness. Well-planned Dhaulagiri Expedition itinerary with ample rest days in between the journey is crucial for successful climbing. Likewise, make sure to keep yourself hydrated, which will help you a lot to avoid AMS.

Best time to go on Dhaulagiri Expedition

March to April, the spring season is considered the best time to scale Mt. Dhaulagiri. Many climbers go on climbing at this time of the year. Bright blue sky, mild climate, and warm day make the journey pleasant. Likewise, the weather remains mostly stable during this time of the year, which is essential for a successful summit. Autumn (September to November) is also considered a good time to go on the Dhaulagiri Expedition.

Accommodation & Meals

Teahouses are available in the villages. The teahouse offers quite basic services like small rooms with double beds and often shared washrooms. As the elevation and remoteness of the region increase, the facilities will get limited. During climbing, you stay overnight in tents. We will provide you high-quality tents that will help you to survive the harsh cold nights in the Himalayas. Every member of the group will get single sleeping tents with shared washroom and dining tents.

Three meals a day will be provided as per the menu of the teahouse. You can expect to get dishes like rice, veggies, curries, soup, bread, pudding, porridge, cereals, milk, toast, meat, egg, momo, pasta, sandwich, etc on the menu. Similarly, the meals will be cooked and prepared by our team members during climbing. We will offer you a variety of food to choose from, which will be delicious, healthy, and nutritious.

Communication & Electricity

Dhaulagiri Expedition travels a very remote and rarely visited part of the western Himalayas, which has resulted in the poorest availability of communication service. You might find the cellular networks and a wifi connection in a few villages, however the connection might not be stable all the time. From base camp onwards, you will use satellite phones to connect with the team in the city and on the base camp. Your team leader will be equipped with a satellite phone. Likewise, electricity is available in all villages. You might have to pay extra money to charge your devices because many families depend on solar power. Therefore, we highly suggest you carry extra batteries and solar charger with you.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is mandatory to join the Dhaulagiri Expedition. In case of emergency, travel insurance will come handy and the officials can take action on time. You travel should cover medical bills, hospital bills, airlift, flight cancellations, and loss or theft of property. Foreigners are not allowed to get travel insurance in Nepal, therefore you are requested to take out travel insurance in your home country.

Guide & Porter

While climbing with us, we will provide you an experienced and licensed Sherpa guide who will accompany you throughout the journey. Our guides and porters are well-trained and have years of experience in the field. Likewise, our guides are also certified in various outdoor activities from rock climbing, safety & first-aid to climbing. You will be in safe hands with our guides.

Environmental Contribution

We have designed our Dhaulagiri Expedition itinerary keeping sustainable tourism in mind. We only run eco-friendly tours and treks. To preserve the environment, we have adopted many measures like collecting our wastage on the trail and cleaning the base camps before returning. Likewise, we discourage the use of plastic water bottles on the way. We also have our small organization that supports education for kids who come from underprivileged families. While trekking with us, you will be only leaving your footprint behind.