Dhaulagiri Base Camp Trek

Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, you will be warmly welcomed by a representative who will assist with your transfer to the hotel. As you journey through the bustling streets of Nepal’s vibrant capital, you’ll get your first glimpse of the city’s lively culture and iconic Himalayan backdrop. Once at the hotel, you can relax and unwind from your journey, preparing for the adventures that lie ahead. Depending on your arrival time, you may have the opportunity to explore nearby attractions or savor a traditional Nepali meal as you immerse yourself in the welcoming atmosphere of Kathmandu.

Begin your journey with a scenic 6-7 hour drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara, enjoying views of lush hills and rivers. From Pokhara, continue a 5-6 hour drive to Darbang, the starting point of the trek. The route passes through beautiful rural landscapes and small settlements, offering a glimpse of local life. Overnight tea house in Darbang.

Start your trek with a gradual ascent through terraced fields, lush forests, and traditional villages. Cross suspension bridges and follow the Myagdi River, enjoying serene views of the surrounding hills. The trail offers a mix of gentle climbs and flat sections, leading to Dharapani, a charming village known for its tranquil ambiance. Overnight in tea house.

The trek from Dharapani to Jugepani begins with a descent through dense forests and terraced hillsides, offering a mix of natural beauty and rural charm. The trail winds alongside the Myagdi River, providing serene river views and the soothing sound of flowing water. Along the way, you’ll encounter small villages and farms, where locals engage in their daily routines, giving you a glimpse into their simple yet vibrant way of life. The trek involves moderate ups and downs, with occasional steep sections that keep the journey exciting. As you approach Judge Pani, the trail becomes more secluded, leading to a tranquil resting spot surrounded by lush greenery. The day’s trek balances effort and relaxation, making it a memorable part of the journey.

The trek from Jugepani to Boghara begins with a steady ascent, weaving through dense forests and rocky paths. The trail is adorned with vibrant flora, especially rhododendron and bamboo groves, creating a refreshing ambiance. You’ll pass small waterfalls and streams, adding to the serenity of the journey. The path includes a mix of steep climbs and gentle sections, offering both challenges and rewarding views.
As you approach Boghara, the landscape becomes more rugged, with terraced fields and distant mountain views dominating the scenery. Boghara, a small yet lively village, serves as an essential stop on the trek, providing a cozy resting place amidst the surrounding wilderness. The day’s trek is demanding but rewarding, setting the stage for the high-altitude adventures ahead.

The trek from Boghara to Dobang starts with a steady climb through dense forests, offering a tranquil atmosphere as you pass through bamboo groves and rhododendron trees. The path meanders alongside the Myagdi River, with the sound of rushing water providing a soothing backdrop. As you ascend, the landscape gradually changes, revealing steeper sections and a mix of rocky and muddy trails.
You’ll pass a few small settlements and terraced fields as you gain altitude, with occasional glimpses of the surrounding mountain peaks. After several hours of trekking, you’ll arrive at Dobang, a quiet and scenic spot at the edge of a dense forest. This village offers a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for relaxing after a day of steady ascent. The views of the surrounding hills and valleys are breathtaking, and the cool, fresh mountain air adds to the feeling of tranquility.

The trek from Dobang to Sallaghari is a steady ascent through dense forested trails, surrounded by towering trees and lush greenery. The path gradually becomes steeper as you climb higher, offering occasional breaks in the forest where you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and mountains. The trail is a mix of rocky sections and dirt paths, making it a moderately challenging day of trekking.
As you continue, you'll pass small streams and waterfalls, adding a refreshing touch to the journey. The hike is relatively peaceful, with few settlements along the way, allowing you to fully immerse in the natural beauty of the area. By the time you reach Sallaghari, a small plateau at around 2,500 meters, the views are spectacular, and the cool, crisp air will make for a restful evening in this serene location.

The trek from Sallaghari to Italian Base Camp is a challenging yet rewarding ascent, as you leave the forested trails behind and move into more rugged terrain. The path gradually climbs through alpine meadows and rocky slopes, offering breathtaking views of the Dhaulagiri mountain range and surrounding peaks. As you ascend, the landscape opens up, revealing more expansive views of glaciers and snow-capped mountains, with the towering Dhaulagiri (8,167m) dominating the skyline.
The trail requires careful navigation over rocky moraines and glacial terrain, but the stunning vistas make the effort worthwhile. As you approach Italian Base Camp, you will be treated to panoramic views of Dhaulagiri, Tukuche Peak, and other nearby mountains, making it a perfect spot for photography and relaxation. The altitude and the rugged landscape contribute to a sense of accomplishment as you settle into this serene high-altitude camp, ready to rest and acclimatize for the next phase of the trek.

On Day 09, you will spend the day acclimatizing at the Italian Base Camp, located amidst breathtaking Himalayan vistas. To aid in acclimatization, you’ll embark on a short local excursion lasting 3 to 4 hours. This hike allows you to explore the surrounding area, enjoy close-up views of towering peaks, and immerse yourself in the pristine alpine environment. The rest of the day is reserved for relaxation and preparing for the higher altitudes ahead, ensuring your body adjusts comfortably for the trek's upcoming challenges.

The trek from Italian Base Camp to Japanese Base Camp is a relatively short but strenuous ascent, leading you higher into the rugged alpine environment. The trail takes you through rocky moraine fields, glaciers, and narrow ridges, offering spectacular views of the Dhaulagiri range, Tukuche Peak, and the surrounding mountains. The path is less defined in some sections, requiring careful navigation, but the breathtaking landscape makes the challenge rewarding.
As you ascend, the altitude increases, so the trek becomes more physically demanding, with the air getting thinner. The Japanese Base Camp, located at 4,300 meters, is a peaceful and sheltered spot offering sweeping views of Dhaulagiri and other towering peaks. The camp offers a quiet and picturesque place to rest and acclimatize, providing a perfect opportunity to take in the beauty of the area and prepare for the more demanding stages of the trek ahead.

The trek from Japanese Base Camp to Dhaulagiri Base Camp is a demanding and exciting journey that takes you closer to the towering Dhaulagiri massif. The trail begins with a steep climb, crossing rocky moraines and glacial terrain, requiring careful footing and attention. As you ascend, the views become more dramatic, with closer views of the glaciers, icefalls, and rugged cliffs surrounding you.
The route takes you through high-altitude landscapes, offering breathtaking vistas of Dhaulagiri, Tukuche Peak, and other surrounding mountains, which create a spectacular backdrop for your trek. You’ll pass through rocky ridges and crevassed areas, but as you approach Dhaulagiri Base Camp, the terrain opens up, offering expansive views of the ice fields below.
Dhaulagiri Base Camp, located at 4,748 meters, is a magnificent spot to rest and take in the raw beauty of the surroundings. The atmosphere here is serene and awe-inspiring, with towering peaks and glaciers dominating the view. It's an ideal place to acclimatize and reflect on the impressive journey you've undertaken so far.

This is one of the most challenging and rewarding days of the trek, as you make your way from Dhaulagiri Base Camp to Hidden Valley, passing through the famous French Pass. The day begins with a steep ascent, navigating rocky and morainic terrain as you approach the pass. The climb to French Pass at 5,360 meters is physically demanding, but the effort is well worth it as you’re rewarded with stunning panoramic views of the Dhaulagiri massif, Tukuche Peak, and the vast surrounding glaciers.
From the pass, you’ll descend gently into the Hidden Valley, an expansive and remote high-altitude area that feels like a hidden oasis surrounded by towering peaks. The terrain here is marked by rocky outcrops and snowfields, adding to the sense of isolation and tranquility. Hidden Valley, located at 5,120 meters, offers breathtaking views of Dhaulagiri and the surrounding mountains, with the serene atmosphere making it a perfect place to rest and acclimatize. This day’s trek requires stamina and determination, but the incredible vistas and sense of achievement make it unforgettable.

The trek from Hidden Valley to Yak Kharka is a long descent, taking you from the high-altitude terrain of Hidden Valley down to a lower, more tranquil part of the trail. The day begins with a steady descent from Hidden Valley, passing through rocky landscapes and moraines. As you lose altitude, the environment becomes less harsh, transitioning from snowfields and glaciers to alpine meadows and grazing lands.
You will encounter some steep sections as you descend, but the path gradually becomes more gentle. Along the way, you'll pass yak herders' camps, providing a glimpse into the nomadic lifestyle of the region. As you continue, the surrounding views of distant peaks like Dhaulagiri and Tukuche remain stunning, and the lower altitude makes the trek more manageable.
Upon reaching Yak Kharka, a small settlement at 3,837 meters, you can relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. The place offers a picturesque view of the nearby hills and the opportunity to rest and prepare for the next day's journey.Overnight in Tent.

On Day 13, you will trek to the charming village of Marpha, renowned for its apple orchards and distinct Thakali culture. The trail winds through picturesque landscapes, offering a blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences. After exploring Marpha and perhaps sampling its famous apple delicacies, you will board a vehicle for the scenic drive to Pokhara. As you descend towards the city, the road unveils breathtaking views of terraced fields, gushing rivers, and distant mountains. Once in Pokhara, you can relax by the tranquil Phewa Lake, reflecting on the incredible journey through the Himalayas.

Mark returns to Kathmandu as you set off on a 6-7 hour drive from Pokhara. The journey takes you through picturesque countryside, with terraced fields, meandering rivers, and charming hilltop villages providing a constant backdrop. As you travel along winding roads, you’ll have the chance to soak in the beauty of Nepal’s diverse terrain one last time. Once you arrive in Kathmandu, you can unwind at your hotel or venture out to experience the city’s bustling energy and cultural richness, reflecting on the incredible experiences of your trip.

On this day the journey concludes as you are transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure. Reflecting on the unforgettable experiences and breathtaking moments of your trip, you bid farewell to Nepal with cherished memories. As you head to the airport, the vibrant spirit of the country lingers, leaving you inspired by its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and warm hospitality.