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Dhaulagiri via French pass

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Difficulty

Expert

Duration

17 days

Region

Annapurna

Max Altitude

5360 M


Best Time To Travel

Spring (March - May) ,Fall (September - December) & Winter season (December - February)


Dhaulagiri is the highest mountain located entirely in Nepal. Several attempts were made to reach Dhaulagiri’s summit between the years 1950-1959 by Swiss, French, Argentine and Austrian climbers. Each attempt was made via the north side of the mountain, and each attempt failed. It was not until 1960 when the first successful ascent was made via the Northeast side by a Swiss-Austrian team led by Max Eiselin. Upon its discovery in 1808, Dhaulagiri was thought to be the world’s highest mountain, displacing Mount Chimborazo in Ecuador. Dhaulagiri stands over the great Kali Gandaki Valley, which by some measures is the deepest gorge on earth, as it is flanked by two 8000m (26,250ft) peaks (Dhaulagiri I & Annapurna I).

This is a long, difficult trek around Dhaulagiri that starts from Beni on the Kali Gandaki River. Follow the Myagdi Khola westwards to Darbang and turn north on a tiny trail that leads through forests into the high country. Much of the route is on snow and glaciers as it crosses French Col (5240 meters), traverses the head of Hidden Valley, and crosses 5150 meter Dhampus Pass. The trek ends with a steep descent to Marpha and a return to Pokhara, either via the Kali Gandaki or over the Ghorapani ridge for a panoramic view of the entire Dhaulagiri massif. Dhaulagiri is the 7th highest summit in the world, and though its eastern aspects are a familiar sight to those traveling the Annapurna Circuit, much of the country surrounding this 60km (56 miles) wide massif remains an enigma. Due to its unique position at the western extreme of Nepal’s cluster of really high mountains and the vast valley of the Kali Gandaki which passes right under its highest summit, the Dhaulagiri Himal generates its own unique weather .

  • Day 1: Arrival

    Upon your arrival, our representative from Himalayan Sherpa Adventure awaits you at the airport. We will then proceed towards your hotel and brief you about Nepal and your trek. In the evening, we take you to a traditional Nepali restaurant for dinner where we will give you more information about the trek, your city sightseeing and also answer any questions you may have. Overnight in Hotel Mulberry. (B, D)

  • Day 2 : Sightseeing in Kathmandu and equipment check

    Our guide will check your equipment in the morning to see if everything is fine. We will then start our sightseeing tour, heading to at least 3 major attractions in Kathmandu. Our sightseeing starts in the morning and should finish around 3 pm. Some major sites are Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Swayambhunath and Kathmandu Durbar square. You will have the rest of the day free and also a chance to do any last minute shopping before your trek. Overnight in Hotel Mulberry. (B)

  • Day 3 :Drive to Pokhara. 8 driving hrs

    Today is the day our destinations starts . After breakfast we drive towards Pokhara early in the morning starting at 7 am .It takes about 8 hours drive from kathmandu valley to pokhara . While on drive , we pass thorugh  the hills amd we also get to view beautiful mountains lying towards western region of Nepal . On arrival to pokhara , we stay overnight in the hotel and in the meantime , we get few time for strolling around the lakeside . Incase we take a flight from kathmandu , the flight is around half and hour which gives us plenty of time to roam around the lakeside and also the mesmerizing view of the mountains from pokhara can be seen. (B)

  • Day 4 : Drive to Darbang 1110m 7 hours driving

    Today after breakfast we start our journey by driving towards Darbang via Beni on jeep . We can witness the beautiful views of hills and snow- capped mountains along the way . We drive through the Beni Bazzar and then follow Myagdi Khola to arrive in Darbang while following the flow of Kali Gandaki River on the way . Overnight at tented camp. (B,L,D)

  • Day 5: Trek to Sibang 1780m 7 walking hours

      We start our trek without any modes of transportation by trekking towards Sibang . As we hike uphill to the village of Dharapani , we can get a beautiful view of the Dhaulagiri massif . To reach Sibang , we walk along the ridge on the path above the Marshyangdi river . Overnight at tented camp.(B,L,D)

  • Day 6: Trek to Naura 2080m 8 walking hours

      As we leave Sibang today , we descend to Gatti Khola and then climb up to the village of Muri where two rivers , Myagdi and Dhara meet. After crossing the bridge over Dhola Khola and descending through the terraced farm fields and scattered villages , we reach Naura village. Overnight at tented camp. (B,L,D)

  • Day 7: Trek to Dobhan 2520m 6 walking hours

      Today we leave Naura behind us as we move along the banks of Myagdi Khola through a grassy hill and a steep slope,which takes us to the village of Bagar. We then descend through the dense forest of Jyardan before climbing uphill to Lipshe which shortly takes us to Dobhan. Overnight at tented camp. (B,L,D)

  • Day 8: Trek to Italian Base Camp 3660m 8 walking hours

      Today we trek towards Italian Base Camp which takes us about 8 hours, hence we will start early .We pass through the forested trail of oaks, bamboo, and pine trees . As we go higher and higher , the mountains start to surround us from all around . We can view Tukuche Peak (6920m) closest , as well as Dhaulagiri Range and other mountains . Overnight at tented camp.(B,L,D)

  • Day 9: Rest day at Italian base camp

      Today is a rest day or a day to acclimatize with the weather as we move up ahead in higher altitude . Today we explore around the Italian base camp and prepare for the day ahead .(B,L,D)

  • Day 10 : Trek to Japanese Base Camp 3890m 5 walking hours

    After Italian Base Camp and its exploration , we move through the rocky area on a steep slope before crossing the glacial remains to reach the valley known as “Japanese Base Camp” . From Japanese Base Camp we get to see the surreal beauty of Dhaulagiri I (8167m) on one side and Tsaurabong Peak (6395m) on the other. Overnight at tented camp. (B,L,D)

  • Day 11: Trek to Dhaulagiri Base Camp 4748m 5 walking hours

      Today is a challenging day and also one of the highlight os this trek . We completely depend on the glacier and its remains that are around to complete our sternious way to Dhaulagiri Base Camp . Upon reaching, we get to experience the stunning view of all the peaks of Dhaulagiri range along with an amazing icefall descending from the Dhaulagiri and Tukuche Peak ridgeline. Overnight at tented camp. (B,L,D)

  • Day 12: Trek to Hidden Valley 5140m via French Pass 5360m 7 walking hours

    Today we trek to the northern part of Chhondarban Glacier, and slowly ascend the steep hillside above the glacier to move towards Hidden valley . Moving along the glacial remains , we make our way up to French Pass which is the highest point of our trek and provide us a 360 view of the mountains . We then slowly descend through snowy slopes to finally reach the Hidden Valley. Overnight at tented camp. (B,L,D)

  • Day 13: Trek to Yak Kharka 4200m via Dhampus Pass 5244m 6 walking hours

    Today we move to Dhampus Pass which takes about an hour from Hidden valley . As we cross the pass behind , we descend on barren terrains and move to the forests. On the descend , we get to view the Nilgiri Range and Kali Gandaki Valley. Upon reaching Yak Kharka we then set our camps. . Overnight at tented camp. (B,L,D)

  • Day 14: Trek to Jomsom 2720m 5 walking hours

    We continue to descend steeply from Yak Kharka towards Marpha which is also known as the apple capital of Nepal. Passing through the whitewashed houses, paved streets, and following the flow of Kali Gandaki River, we move towards the windy town of Jomsom. Stay overnight in Jomsom. (B,L,D)

  • Day 15 : Fly from JOmsom to Pokhara and transfer to Hotel

    After breakfast , we bid goodbye to our trekking team and tart our scenic flight from Jomsom till Pokhara . Our flight passes through Mt, Annapurna and Mt Dhaulagiri . After landing in Pokhara , we drop you to your hotel . Rest of the day is free to explore the beautiful city of Pokhara . Pokhara has many beautiful sites to visit . Phewa lake is one of the main attraction .Overnight in Mt. Kailash Resort . (B)

  • Day 16 : Fly back to Kathmandu

    Today we fly back to Kathmandu. As we reach Kathmandu in the afternoon, you have the rest of the day free. Overnight in Hotel Mulberry. (B)

  • Day 17 : Final Departure

    We bid final farewell and drop you to the airport for final departure. (B)

What's Included ?

• All airport and hotel transfers
• 3 nights of hotel stay in Kathmandu on Bed & Breakfast basis
• Professionally trained and experienced tour guide and assistant guides
• Welcome/or Farewell Dinner
• Transportation in our private company vehicle
• Entrance permit and fees for all the Heritage sites
• All government and local taxes

What's Excluded ?

• Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu
• Tips for guides and drivers
• Personal expenses
• Personal Insurance– travel and rescue insurance
• Airfare for international flights to and from Kathmandu
• Rescue services
• Nepalese visa fee
• Services not mentioned in the “Included” section

  • hats/beanie

  • Sunglasses

  • Scarf/Buff.

  • Candies/sweets

  • Headlights.

  • Lip balm

  • Sunscreen

  • A warm fleece

  • fewT shirts/ long and short sleeve shirts.

  • Daun Jacket

  • Windstopper jacket

  • ponchos/Raincoat

  • A few pieces innerwear.

  • few pairs ski underwear

  • windproof trouser

  • pairs of Trekking Socks

  • pairs woolen socks.

  • Slipper & Sandals

  • trekking shoes

  • one comfortable shoes

  • thin gloves & think gloves

  • backpack / Rucksack (waterproof)

  • Sleeping bag -10* C

  • Duffel bag

  • Water bottle

  • Pocket knife

  • thermos

  • Towel & hand towel

  • Toiletries

  • Trekking poles

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