- Overview
- Detail Itinerary
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- Altitiude Sickness
- Equipments
- Departure Date
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Home › Trekking › Dhaulagirl Base camp trek
Dhaulagiri 8,167 meters 7th highest mountain in the world means "white mountain" though many mountains over the world have names, which translate to White Mountain; this is without doubt the most astonishing one. Everyone is familiar with the name Dhaulagiri which is in the western part of Nepal, probably the best spot for remote and adventurous trekking in Nepal. The simple reason behind it is that it consist more than fifteen 7,000 meter magnificent peaks with land of dramatic contrast.
This trekking routes starts after 8 hours scenic drive from Kathmandi to Beni, from Beni you head in a north-westerly direction through the villages of Babichour, Dorbang and Darapani to Muri from where you head north still keeping to the banks of the Myagdi Khola. Muri is the last major settlement on this trail and is inhabited by people of the Magar tribe, of Mongoloid stock and descended from the early settlers of the Nepalese middle hills.
From Muri, you head north along the Myagdi Khola through the villages of Baghara, Dobang and Chartare to Pakoban. Beyond Pakoban there are no permanent settlements. Still heading north you skirt the Chhanbardan Glacier, keeping on its left side, to reach the Dhaulagiri Base Camp from where magnificent mountain vistas are available. Head north-east from the Base Camp and climb the steep incline to the French Pass (5,360 meters), between Tukche Peak (6,920 meters) and Sita Chuchura (6,611meters).
Heading east you descend a little and pass through a portion of the Hidden Valley and climb to Thapa Pass (5,250 meters), between Tukche Peak and Thapa Peak (6,012 meters) from where you begin your descent, heading south-east to Alubari. From Alubari, the trail further descends to the village of Marpha on the banks of the Kali Gandaki River, and then heads north to Jomsom from where you fly back to Pokhara. For those who have got enough time there is an option continuing trek down to Kalopani, Tatopani, Ghorepani then to Pokhara.
Short Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Kathmandu airport (1,337 meters). Day 2 Kathmandu city tour. Overnight at hotel. Day 12 Trek to Glacier Camp (4,210 meters) 6 hours. Overnight at tented camp. |
Detail Itinerary for Dhaulagirl Base camp trek
Day 1 Arrival in Kathmandu airport (1,337 meters). There you will be met by our Airport Representative and transferred to hotel by private tourist vehicle. Overnight at hotel.
Day 2 Kathmandu city tour. Your sightseeing trip will start at 9AM in the morning after your breakfast. We will provide a private vehicle and professional tour guide. Places we visit Pasupatinath temple, Buddhanath, Monkey temple, Bhaktpur durbar square and Kathmandu durbar square. The afternoon includes a final briefing and preparations for the trek. Overnight at hotel.
Day 3 Drive to Beni (850 meters) by bus 8 hours. After your breakfast to your hotel, you drive to Beni this day. The drive should take 8 hours and you’ll find most of the part enjoyable, and offering good scenery. Beni is the district headquarters and has a police check post where your trekking permits will be examined. Beni is at the confluence of the Myagdi Khola and the Kali Gandaki. Overnight at tented camp.
Day 4 Trek to Babiachor (950 meters) 5 hours. Leaving Beni and Kali Gandaki the treks head west along the north bank of the Myagdi Khola through the village of Beni Mangalghat to Singa and Tatopani (hot springs). Crossing the bridge beyond the village to the south bank of the river, the trail makes a little half loop before crossing another bridge, near the village of Simalchour, back to the north bank from where it continues to the village of Babichor. Overnight at tented camp.
Day 5 Trek to Dharapani (1,400 meters) 6 hours. The valley widens and terraced hills develop on both sides of the river. The trail is fairly level and you pass the village of Shahashradhara, cross the Duk Khola and walking through fields arrive at Ratorunga. From here the valley narrows again and the terraces disappear on either side of the river. Continue to the village of Dharapani. Overnight at tented camp.
Day 6 Trek to Muri (1,850 meters) 5 hours. After crossing the river to its West Bank as you leave Phedi the trail starts climbing in earnest and there will be many switch-backs until you arrive at the ridge and the angle of ascent eases. Again the trail climbs steeply to the villages of Muri. Continue your trek to Sibang and Mattim. From here you continue up an incline to the snout of a ridge, descend to the Gatti Khola and reach Phalai Gaon (1,810 meters). Cross the Dhara Khola to once again emerge on the west bank of the Myagdi Khola and then climb a ridge to the large Magar village of Muri. Overnight at tented camp.
Day 7 Trek to Boghara (2,080 meters) 6 hours. Descend a little, cross a stream and continue through terraced fields before climbing a ridge to reach the pass from where you can see Mt. Ghustung South (6,465 meters). Descend to the Myagdi Khola and trek along its West Bank to the village of Naura from where you will climb a little before traversing a grassy hill and climbing a steep slope with switch-backs and then descend through a forest and terraced fields to Boghara (2,080 meters). Overnight at tented camp.
Day 8 Trek to Dobang (2,520 meters) 5 hours. The trail first descends through terraced fields to a small ridge and then through a forest to Jyardan which is the most remote permanent settlement in these parts. After the settlement a high winding path crosses a rocky area and then descends before climbing again to Lipshe where there is on single hut. The trail continues through a forest to Lapche Kharka and then climbs to the level area at Dobang. Overnight at tented camp.
Day 9 Trek to Choriban Khola (3,110 meters) 5 hours. After crossing a wooden bridge out of Dobang the trail ascends a forested area. Soon the west face of Dhaulagiri I (8,167 meters) becomes visible through breaks in the trees. Descend to the Myagdi Khola and cross it via a wooden bridge to the east bank continue to Chartare. Passing through forests again, you cut across a rocky area and cross a stream to Choriban Khola. Overnight at tented camp.
Day 10 Trek to Italian Base Camp (3,660 meters) 7 hours. Follow a trail to the terminal moraine of the Chhonbarban Glacier and enter the glacier from the right. Tukche Peak (6837 meters) becomes visible straight on; at the far end while the impressive north flank of Dhaulagiri I (8,167 meters) dominates the skyline to your right. After a short while you will reach Italian Base Camp (3,660 meters), which is also the site of your camp for the night. To the west are the peaks of Dhaulagiri II (7,751 meters), Dhaulagiri III (7,715 meters) and Dhaulagiri V (7,618 meters). Overnight at tented camp.
Day 11 Acclimatization and rest day. We will spend a day here in order to acclimatize and adjust to the thinning of the air. It is recommended that your body acclimatizes to the high altitude and be "tuned" for the even higher altitudes to come. Overnight at tented camp.
Day 12 Trek to Glacier Camp (4,210 meters) 6 hours. Set up early in the morning when the weather is expected to be clear. Trail is bit prone to stone fall, and pass through a narrow gorge. Today we stay overnight near at glacier. Overnight at tented camp.
Day 13 Trek to Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4,740 meters) 7 hours. This is one of our adventurous days to Dhaulagiri base camp. From here you can look up at the impressive north face of Dhaulagiri I (8167 meters) dominates the skyline to your right. To the west are the peaks of Dhaulagiri II (7,751 meters), Dhaulagiri III (7,715 meters) and Dhaulagiri V (7,618 meters). In front of you is the impressive ice fall that descends from the north east col. Overnight at tented camp.
Day 14 Another acclimatization Day. Another rest day, but very important for the acclimatization. Views from this place will be superb and there is plenty to explore. Overnight at tented camp.
Day 15 Cross French Pass (5,360 meters) then trek to Hidden Valley (5200 meters) 6 hours. After the glacier you climb two terraced hills, the first of which runs along the glacier, and then cutting across a mountain flank and a moraine you enter a gentle incline on the left from an ablation valley. Climb this gentle slope to the French Pass (5,360 meters). A great vista opens up from the French Pass and you will be able to see Mukut Himal (6,328 meters), Tashi Kang (6,386 meters) and Sita Chuchura (6,611 meters), all of which surround the Hidden Valley. To the south is Tukche Peak (6,920 meters) and beyond is the massive peak of Dhaulagiri I. From French Pass you continue along the right edge of the Hidden valley losing a little altitude to Thapa Pass (5,250 meters) between Tukche Peak and Thapa Peak (6,012 meters). Descending from Thapa Pass you will make a camp at about 5,200 meters. Overnight at tented camp.
Day 16 Cross Dhampus Pass (5,200 meters), and trek toYak Kharka (3,680meters) 6 hours. Descend from the hidden valley, to the Dhampus Pass and continue to Yak Kharka. There is a perfect camp site to enjoy the surrounding. Overnight at tented camp.
Day 17 Trek to Jomsom (2,710 meters) 5 hours. Descend to the village of Marpha, on the west bank of the Kali Gandaki River. Marpha is home to many apple orchids as well as all the various food products made from the fruit. Apple Brandy is a local specialty that you may be lucky enough to taste en route. Continue to north, up the river valley to the town of Jomsom. Overnight at tented camp.
Day 18 Thirty five minutes morning fly to Pokhara (900 meters) and sightseeing same day. Today 35 minutes morning flight takes us to Pokhara from Jomsom. Once we arrived at Pokhara airport, we then drive to hotel. In the afternoon we will have a sightseeing tour around Pokhara valley, which covers Fewa Lake, Devi’s water fall, Museum, Tibetan refugee settlement and Gupteshower cave etc. Overnight at hotel.
Day 19 Drive or Fly to Kathmandu . Overnight back at the hotel in Kathmandu by bus. Farewell dinner in typical Nepalese Restaurant. If you are interested in continuing on to the Chitwan Jungle Safari, River Rafting Adventure or any other tours you can start today. Overnight at hotel.
Day 20 Transfer to international airport for your final departure. The trip ends, our Airport Representative will drop you to the Kathmandu international airport for your final flight departure from Nepal.
Dhaulagirl Base camp trek
Dhaulagirl Base camp trek
Altitude Sickness
Many people are concerned about altitude sickness. This problem, often known as acute mountain sickness (AMS), is a particularly important medical consideration while trekking in Nepal and Tibet. AMS rarely occurs lower than 2800 meters (9520ft) and only minor symptoms occur below 3000 meters (9,800ft). AMS occurs when the body does not adapt well to the lack of oxygen present at higher altitudes. At 5490 meters (18,000ft), there is just half the oxygen available as there is at sea level, while there is only a third available at the summit of Mount Everest. The itineraries of the treks of Itreknepal are designed to reduce the risk of altitude sickness as much as possible, although individual susceptibility to altitude sickness seems to be genetically determined. What happens to the body during altitude illness? The body tries to adapt to having less available oxygen by increasing the rate and depth of breathing, as well as the heart rate. Fluids accumulate in between the cells in the brain, the lungs or both, creating mild to severe symptoms. Mild symptoms include headache, loss of appetite, nausea, fatigue, insomnia and dizziness. These symptoms are usually resolved by spending one or two extra nights at the same altitude. If symptoms worsen, descent to lower altitudes is warranted. If you are resting at the same altitude and your symptoms worsen, then it is also necessary to descend. More serious symptoms of AMS include increased tiredness, severe headaches, vomiting, loss of coordination, shortness of breath and coughing fits. These extremely dangerous symptoms are called high altitude cerebral edema (or HACE). They can lead to unconsciousness and death within 12 hours. Increasing shortness of breath, cough and tiredness may also be signs of high altitude pulmonary edema or HAPE. This condition can rapidly prove to be fatal if ignored. Respiratory depression (the slowing down of breathing) can be caused by various substances, and may be a problem at altitude. The following substances can do this, and should never be used by someone who has symptoms of altitude illness:
1. Alcohol
2. Sleeping pills (acetazolamide is the sleeping tablet of choice at altitude)
3. Narcotic pain medications in more than modest doses
To prevent AMS and respiratory depression, drink at least three liters of liquid a day and avoid getting cold. Altitude sickness can to a certain extent be prevented by acetazolamide (Diamox SR), 750mg per day. Some experts suggest a two-day trial of acetazolamide before the trip. Please seek the advice of your personal physician. Please note that taking Diamox SR does not mean that you can ignore advice about proper acclimatization.
To recap, serious symptoms of altitude sickness include:
1. A severe, enduring headache, which is not cured by ordinary painkillers
2. Nausea and repeated vomiting
3. Irritating dizziness or actual difficulty with balance and direction
4. Visual disturbances with flickering vision and problems judging distance
5. Pressure in the chest, rapid breathing and pulse rate,
crackles in breathing and shortness of breath
6. Swelling beneath the skin (edema), typically around the eyes
7. Swollen ankles and hands
8. Confusion
9. Convulsions
In the presence of these symptoms, medical attention must be sought immediately in conjunction with descent to the lowest possible height. We have guides trained at the High Altitude Medical Training Center. Our staff is very experienced in dealing with the effects of higher altitudes. As they are natives of Nepal, they easily acclimatize and therefore can care for their clients. They are equipped with necessary medical supplies and will assist with basic first aid treatment. We design our tours to ensure clients are ready for high altitude, and arrange alternative itineraries for those at risk. For more information, please contact your doctor or hospital.
Clothing
1. Down- or fibre-filled jacket for cold seasons (winter treks)
2. Pile jacket or jumper (sweater)
3. Hiking shorts (for men) or skirt
4. Waterproof jacket, poncho or umbrella
5. Hiking pants
6. T-shirts or blouses
7. Underwear
8. Sun hat
9. Swimwear (optional)
10. Footwear
11. Trekking or running shoes
12. Camp shoes or thongs
13. Socks (polypropylene)
Other equipment
1. Backpack or daypack
2. Sleeping bag (optional)
3. Maps, compass & guidebook (optional)
4. Water bottle
5. Torch (flashlight) and batteries
Miscellaneous items
1. Toiletries
2. Towel
3. Laundry soap
4. Toilet paper & cigarette lighter
5. Pre-moistened towelettes
6. Sunscreen (SPF 15+)
7. Small knife
8. Sewing kit
9. Iodine, water purification tablets or filter
10. Medical & first-aid kit *
11. Duffel bag (if you have a porter)
12. For treks with longer stay above 4000m
13. Clothing
14. Insulated pants
15. Nylon windbreaker
16. Nylon wind pants
17. Long underwear
18. Woolen hat (or balaclava)
19. Gloves
20. Gaiters
21. Footwear
22. Mountain trekking boots
23. Socks (wool) to wear with boots
24. Socks (light cotton) to wear under wool socks
25. Down booties (optional)
Miscellaneous items
1. Goggles or sunglasses
2. Sunscreen for lips
3. Optional equipment
4. Photographic Gear
5. Camera & lenses
6. Lens cleaning equipment
7. Film (about 20 rolls)
8. Navigation Aids
9. GPS unit
10. Altimeter
11. Thermometer
Miscellaneous items
1. Binoculars
2. Books/magazines
3. Small duffel bag or suitcase (to leave behind in Kathmandu)
4. Padlock
5. Stuff sacks & plastic bags
Departure Date for Dhaulagirl Base camp trek
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