Dhaulagiri Expedition

Trip ID: UM6059
Destination Dhaulagiri
Duration 40 Days
Difficulty Challenging Persons
Group Size 2-30
Maximum Altitude 8167m.
Best Time Spring and Autumn
Activities Expedition/Climbing/Trekking
Accommodation Hotel, Tea House & Tent
Meals Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Transportation Private Transport
Start from Kathmandu
End at Kathmandu

Trip Overview

Trip Highlight

  • Summit the 7th highest peak in the world (8,167m)—a true Himalayan giant.
  • One of Nepal’s most remote, dramatic, and challenging 8,000m expeditions.
  • Traverse iconic high passes including French Pass (5,360m) and Dhampus Pass (5,200m).
  • Experience diverse landscapes—from warm villages to glacial wilderness.
  • Professionally managed Base Camp with dining tent, kitchen crew, and communication setup.
  • Highly skilled Sherpa climbing team ensuring safety and success.
  • Perfect expedition for experienced mountaineers aiming for advanced high-altitude challenges.
  • A rewarding combination of trekking, technical climbing, and breathtaking mountain scenery.

Detailed Itinerary

  • Day 1 : Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m)

    Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, where our team greets you and transfers you to your hotel. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner and a brief introduction to the expedition plan.

  • Day 2 : Day 02: Kathmandu – Expedition Preparation

    Attend an official briefing at the Department of Tourism, complete permit procedures, and conduct a thorough gear check. You’ll have time for last-minute shopping and to meet the full expedition team.

  • Day 3 : Day 03: Drive Kathmandu → Darbang (1,180m)

    Enjoy a long scenic drive through Pokhara and Beni, following the Kali Gandaki corridor. The journey ends at Darbang, the gateway to the Dhaulagiri region. Overnight camping.

  • Day 4 : Day 04: Trek Darbang → Dharapani (1,560m)

    Begin the trek through warm lowlands, villages, and terraced fields. A gentle ascent leads to Dharapani, where you set up camp near the local settlement.

  • Day 5 : Day 05: Trek Dharapani → Muri (1,850m)

    Follow stone-paved village trails and terraced farms as you ascend to Muri, a charming Magar village with exceptional views of Gurja Himal and surrounding peaks.

  • Day 6 : Day 06: Trek Muri → Bagar (2,080m)

    Descend to the Myagdi Khola and cross suspension bridges. Continue through thick forests and steep trail sections before reaching the riverside settlement of Bagar.

  • Day 7 : Day 07: Trek Bagar → Doban (2,520m)

    A more demanding day with steep ascents through dense forest and narrow paths. Camp is set near the river at Doban.

  • Day 8 : Day 08: Trek Doban → Sallaghari (3,100m)

    Gradual elevation gain through rhododendron, birch, and pine forests. The trail opens into alpine terrain, and you camp in the serene meadows of Sallaghari.

  • Day 9 : Day 09: Trek Sallaghari → Italian Base Camp (3,660m)

    Enter the high-alpine zone with dramatic views of glacier walls and ice cliffs. Italian Base Camp sits below the west face of Dhaulagiri—an ideal spot for acclimatization.

  • Day 10 : Day 10: Trek Italian Base Camp → Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4,700m)

    Cross glacier moraines, rocky terrain, and icy paths to reach the main Dhaulagiri Base Camp. Settle into the expedition camp with full logistics, dining tents, and climbing support setups.

  • Day 11 : Days 11–33: Climbing Period – Summit Phase (Dhaulagiri 8,167m)

    Dhaulagiri Camp I (5,900m):

    Reached via a steep snow and ice slope. Climbers complete rotation climbs between Base Camp and Camp I to acclimatize.

    Dhaulagiri Camp II (6,400m):

    Located on an exposed snowy plateau. Fixed ropes may be needed due to crevasses and ice sections.

    Dhaulagiri Camp III (7,400m):

    A high and exposed camp on a ridge, often extremely cold and windy. Final acclimatization and summit push preparation happen here.

    Dhaulagiri Summit Push (8,167m):

    A midnight or early morning start. The route ascends steep ridges, ice slopes, and exposed sections leading to the spectacular summit of Dhaulagiri—one of the world’s most dramatic 8,000m peaks.
    After summit success, climbers descend carefully to lower camps and return to Base Camp for rest.

    Rotations:

    Multiple acclimatization rotations between camps take place before the summit window opens.

  • Day 12 : Day 34: Return Preparation at Base Camp

    Rest, reorganize personal equipment, and clean Base Camp. Celebrate the summit and prepare for the descent.

  • Day 13 : Day 35: Trek Base Camp → Yak Kharka (3,680m)

    Cross the iconic French Pass (5,360m) and enter the secluded Hidden Valley. Continue descending to Yak Kharka for overnight camping.

  • Day 14 : Day 36: Trek Yak Kharka → Jomsom (2,720m)

    Cross the second high pass, Dhampus Pass (5,200m), then descend into the drier Mustang region. Reach Jomsom and stay at a lodge.

  • Day 15 : Day 37: Fly Jomsom → Pokhara (820m)

    Take a scenic morning flight to Pokhara and enjoy the lakeside ambiance. Hotel stay.

  • Day 16 : Day 38: Drive Pokhara → Kathmandu

    Return to Kathmandu by tourist bus or flight. Transfer back to your hotel.

  • Day 17 : Day 39: Free Day in Kathmandu + Farewell Dinner

    A relaxing day for sightseeing, shopping, or rest. In the evening, enjoy a cultural farewell dinner with Nepali music and dance.

  • Day 18 : Day 40: Final Departure

    Transfer to the airport for your international flight. End of the expedition.

Trip Cost Inclusion

  • 3 nights in a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast
  • Climbing permit for Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167m) – Normal Route
  • All land transfers: Kathmandu → Beni → Darbang (bus), trek to Base Camp, and return
  • 1 bottle of 4L oxygen with mask & regulator for summit day
  • Personal Sherpa guide (1:1 ratio) with climbing food above Base Camp
  • Trekking & Base Camp meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) and climbing food above BC
  • 1 personal tent (North Face or similar) at Base Camp
  • 3 high-altitude tents (V-25 or similar) at Camp I, II & III
  • Dining tent, shower tent, toilet tent, table & chairs at Base Camp
  • Cooking equipment (pots, stoves, fuel) above Base Camp
  • Fixed ropes, main climbing ropes for the expedition route
  • Porters for loads: Darbang → Base Camp → Darbang
  • Insurance (life, medical, rescue) for Nepali staff & liaison officer
  • Expedition allowances for liaison officer and staff
  • Solar panels for charging devices at Base Camp
  • Welcome/farewell dinner in Kathmandu with cultural program

Trip Cost Exclusion

  • International flight ticket.
  • Nepal visa fees
  • Lunch & dinner in Kathmandu
  • Personal climbing gear & equipment
  • Personal life, medical & travel insurance
  • Emergency evacuation by helicopter (if required)
  • Alcoholic drinks, beverages & personal expenses
  • Climbing Sherpa summit bonus (USD 1,000 per climber)
  • Tips for Base Camp expedition staff (USD 200 per climber)

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