Dhaulagiri Base Camp Trek

14 Days

We really like the Dhaulagiri Base Camp Trek, and we’d love to help you explore this amazing place in Nepal.

It’s a tough adventure in the Annapurna region called the Dhaulagiri Base Camp Trek. You go to the bottom of the world’s seventh tallest mountain with Glance tours and treks. Like most of our trips, this one is personal – no strict plans, just your own journey.

Dhaulagiri is above the Kali Gandaki valley, which separates it from the Annapurna mountains. The trek is between two huge 8000m peaks – Dhaulagiri 1 and Annapurna 1. We’ll see a lot of things in the area: green valleys, snowy high passes, quiet pine and Rhododendron forests, and exciting glaciers and ice-covered peaks. Mount Dhaulagiri is also known for impressive mountain climbing, and it’s cool to see the mountain up close at base camp.

This trek is harder than others in the area but also more satisfying. The Dhaulagiri Base Camp Trek with Glance tours and treks is great if you want to avoid crowds and experience raw nature. The way people live here makes it even more real. We’ve been doing this trek for over  years, so you’ll benefit from our experience. We handle the details so you can focus on your adventure.

This trip takes about 17 days, giving you time to get used to the altitude and explore. As always, we can change the plan if needed. Contact us for advice and suggestions.

Additional Options Extended Route

If you want to make your journey longer and go on to Annapurna Circuit Trek or Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek or Khopra Ridge Trek or Upper Mustang Trek (Mini Tibet), Upper Dolpa Trek  instead of going back to Kathmandu, we can plan that for you too.

A Journey to Remember

Dhaulagiri Hidden Valley Trek is a trekking experience that combines awe-inspiring mountain views, panoramic vistas, and remote trails. It offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural beauty, diverse flora and fauna, and rich cultural encounters of the Dhaulagiri region. Prepare to be captivated by the hidden valleys, majestic peaks, and the sheer magnificence of the Dhaulagiri Mountain. Embark on this extraordinary journey and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Trip Highlights

  • Breathtaking mountain views of Dhaulagiri throughout the trek.
  • Serene landscapes and hidden valleys to explore.
  • Panoramic vistas that will leave you awe-inspired.
  • Majestic peaks that tower above, creating a dramatic backdrop.
  • Trekking through remote trails, away from the crowds.
  • Encounters with diverse flora and fauna, showcasing nature's wonders.
  • Cultural immersion with warm and welcoming locals.
  • Reaching the legendary Dhaulagiri Base Camp, a true milestone.
  • Experiencing the untouched beauty of the region.
  • Creating unforgettable memories in this hidden paradise.

Dhaulagiri Base Camp Trek Itinerary

We will be heading towards Beni which is also the starting point for our trek. We need to drive on Prithivi Highway from Kathmandu. The drive will last for about 9 hours. The drive will be long but the views along the highway is beautiful and will pass through the famous lake city of Pokhara.
Overnight at teahouse

Let's embark on a captivating journey toward Darbang, immersing ourselves in the beauty of the surroundings. The path unfolds as we stroll for approximately 3-4 hours, unveiling the charming village of Dharapani along the way. Our route shadows the mesmerizing Myagdi Khola river, granting us splendid views of the majestic Dhaulagiri range and the enchanting Gorje Himal.

As we traverse this picturesque trail, we'll encounter vibrant Magar and Gurung villages, adding cultural richness to our adventure. The day's exploration culminates in an overnight stay at a cozy teahouse, providing a perfect blend of comfort and wilderness ambiance.

Today you will cross the river to the lively West Bank upon leaving Phedi. The trail unfolds with a challenging climb, featuring numerous switch-backs until you reach the ridge, where the ascent becomes more manageable. Prepare for a steep ascent leading you to the charming villages of Muri.

As your trek progresses, explore the picturesque landscapes of Sibang and Mattim. Ascend further up to the ridge's snout, descend to the serene Gatti Khola, and finally arrive at the scenic Phalai Gaon (1,810m). Cross the Dhara Khola, reemerging on the west bank of the Myagdi Khola, and embark on a ridge climb to the expansive Magar village of Muri.

Your day of exploration concludes with a comfortable overnight stay at a teahouse, where you can unwind and soak in the experiences of the day.

Embark on an exciting journey from Muri, anticipating a thrilling 6-hour trek to Baghara. Brace yourself as we navigate through the mesmerizing landscapes, crossing the Dhora Khola river. Marvel at the terrace farmlands lining the Dhora Khola, creating a picturesque scene.

Our ascent begins as we climb the mountain in front of us, leading to the stunning viewpoint of Ghorban Dhara. From this vantage point, catch an awe-inspiring sight of Ghustung South, towering at 6465m. Our path meanders alongside the Myagdi Khola, guiding us to the charming village of Naura.

Prepare for a challenging climb up the mountainside from Naura, traversing steep grass-covered hills and zigzagging through well-constructed stone paths. As we descend through a forested area, the ridge snout of Baghara comes into view, perched at an elevation of 2050m.

Fuel your trek with included meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner), and unwind in the evening as you settle into your cozy tent for an overnight stay. Get ready for a day filled with diverse landscapes and thrilling adventures.

The path goes down through flat fields to a small hill, then through a forest to Jyardan, which is the farthest permanent village around here. After the village, a steep and winding path goes across a rocky area, then goes down before going up again to Lipshe, where there's only one hut. The trail goes through a forest to Lapche Kharka and then goes up to the flat space at Dobang. Dobang is a big open area in the forest with two huts and a large space for camping.

You'll get meals included (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner), and you'll spend the night in a tent.

Today marks the beginning of the real adventure. The trail might not be very clear, so it's essential to stay balanced and focused. After Dobang, follow along the rushing Myagdi Khola. In some parts, you might need to use your hands to scramble and balance on fallen logs. Soon, you'll cross a bridge and climb up steeply through bamboo and old growth forests. There are two places where landslides washed away part of the trail. Keep an eye out for langurs, monkeys that might be jumping around in the trees.

After walking for about 3-4 hours from Dobang, you'll reach Sallaghari, a spot for lunch. Beyond Sallaghari, the journey continues with a steep climb through thorny aegelia brush. After another 2-3 hours of walking, you'll arrive at Italy Base Camp, which the Italians used when climbing Dhaulagiri.

Your meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) are included, and you'll spend the night in a tent. Get ready for a day filled with challenges and incredible scenery.

The trek is challenging, so taking a break is important if you want to finish it successfully. Today, we're going to pause our hiking and rest. We'll check out the area around the base camp to get used to the high-altitude air. There are tea houses where trekkers leave some stuff you might want to pick up. After exploring the tea houses and soaking in the amazing views of the Dhaulagiri range and Manapathi peak, we'll head back to our camping spot for the night.

Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) are included, and you'll spend the night in a tent. It's a day to recharge and enjoy the surroundings.

Today, our bodies will feel much lighter, making it easier for our trek. We're headed towards Glacier Camp. The path is tougher with lots of rocks, steep slopes, and slippery glaciers. After a while, we'll cross the moraine of the glacier flowing down from Dhaulagiri. We might even need ropes for some climbing during today's trek. After 5 hours of trekking, we'll finally reach our destination, Glacier Camp.

Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) are included, and you'll spend the night in a tent. Get ready for an adventurous day and a night under the stars.

Today is the toughest day of our adventure. The uphill climb will be harder and more challenging. We'll be walking on the glacier, sometimes on the side of the glacier, and the bumpy surface of the glacier itself. We'll carefully and responsibly make our way up to Dhaulagiri Base Camp. Once we reach there, we can enjoy the breathtaking view of all the peaks in the Dhaulagiri range, along with a fantastic icefall coming down from the ridgeline of Dhaulagiri and Tukuche Peak.

Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) are included, and you'll spend the night in a tent. Brace yourself for a tough but rewarding day and a night surrounded by the beauty of nature.

After climbing the glacier, we'll go up two hilly areas with flat steps. The first one goes along the glacier, then across the mountain side and the moraine. We then move to a slightly sloping area on the left from a valley. Climb this gentle slope to reach the French Pass (5,360m). A fantastic view opens up from the French Pass, where we can see Mukut Himal (6,328m), Tashi Kang (6,386m), and Sita Chuchura (6,611m), all surrounding the Hidden Valley. Towards the south is Tukche Peak (6,920m), and farther away is the massive peak of Dhaulagiri I.

Keep going along the right side of the Hidden Valley from the French Pass, slightly losing some height to get to the Thapa Pass (5,250m) between Tukche Peak and Thapa Peak (6,012m). Going down from the Thapa Pass, we'll reach the camp at 5,200m.

Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) are included, and you'll spend the night in a tent. Get ready for stunning views and a night surrounded by nature's beauty.

Our next destination is Yak Kharka, and the journey involves crossing the Dhampus Pass, which will take around seven hours. The trek to Dhampus is challenging because we have to climb a steep uphill path. It's not just going uphill that's tough; going downhill is equally challenging. While coming down, we'll pass through areas prone to avalanches and rocky slopes. After navigating through this demanding trail, we'll finally reach an open area where yaks graze. This spacious grazing land is called Yak Kharka. We'll set up camp at Yak Kharka for our overnight stay.

Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) are included, and you'll spend the night in a tent. Get ready for a day filled with adventure and a peaceful night surrounded by nature.

Today's trek is going to be the easiest after all those days of hard and tough trekking. Our final destination for the day is Jomsom. After a hot breakfast at the camp, we will walk downhill towards the Kali Gandaki valley, where we can reach the settlement of Allubari (at 3400 meters). Once we descend from Allubari, we will eventually arrive at the village of Marpha, situated at 2667 meters. In Marpha village, you can do some shopping as the village is beautiful and has several craft shops. From Marpha village, we will gain some elevation to reach our last stop for the day, Jomsom. Here, you can enjoy the completion of your trek. We'll have a campfire with local apple Marpha (alcohol) and beers.

You'll spend the night at a teahouse.

We take an early morning flight back to Pokhara, enjoying the breathtaking view of the mountains from the air. Later in the afternoon, we explore the lovely city of Pokhara by taking a boat ride, enjoying the sights of Mt. Machhapuchhre and Phewa Lake, and visiting the famous attractions of Pokhara.

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel in Pokhara, we embark on a scenic drive to Kathmandu via Prithvi Highway. The journey offers picturesque views of rural landscapes filled with lush vegetation and lively rivers, making the drive enjoyable. The ride back to Kathmandu takes approximately 6 hours. Upon arrival, our representative will transfer you to the hotel. You can spend the rest of the day relaxing or indulging in some shopping for gifts and souvenirs.

You'll spend the night at the hotel.

Included and Not Included in Your Dhaulagiri Base Camp Trek

Cost Includes

  • Hike beside a certified climbing Sherpa and an English-speaking government-issued trekking guide.
  • 1 porter (minimum two customers) to help you with your trek baggage (12kg per person) up to a maximum of 24 kg.
  • Sleeping quarters for the duration of the hike at teahouses that have been hand-picked according to the route
  • Between Jomsom and Pokhara, there is a shared bus service, as well as PKR and KTM buses.
  • Campers get a full board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
  • A hiking map and a duffel bag
  • Everyone must have an entry permit to enter the Annapurna Conservation Area.
  • Travelers' Information Management System (TIMS) identification document
  • All federal, state, and municipal taxes, as well as any required paperwork
  • A traditional Nepali cultural restaurant in Kathmandu, hosted by the host family, for a farewell meal
  • A first aid kit, oximeters to measure blood oxygen levels, and a first aid kit for the guide

Cost Excludes

  • International airfare to and from your country Nepal visa (25 USD for 15 days and 40 USD for 30 days)—two passport photos are necessary. Visit the official website of the Nepal Immigration Department for additional details.
  • When you book your excursions with GTT, make sure to provide the following items for insurance:
  • Included in the regular plans that cover trekking activities up to 5,000m, you are need to present a copy of your insurance certificate.
  • Not included in the trip fee is your insurance, which must cover accidents, medical expenditures, and emergency evacuation (including helicopter rescue up to 5,000m).
  • Make sure your needs are covered by reading the policy thoroughly before you get insurance.
  • Additional coverage for cancellation, curtailment, and loss of baggage and personal goods should be included in your insurance policy, according to GTT.
  • While hiking, you can't have any alcoholic drinks, cold drinks, boiling water, snacks, desserts, etc.
  • The people working for you (guides, porters, drivers) in Nepal expect you to leave them a tip.
  • Wi-Fi, hot showers, and battery charging (often free, sometimes an additional fee at lodges)
  • Unexpected expenditures that we cannot control, such as flights being canceled or delayed, weather-related problems, sickness while trekking, rescue fees, etc.
  • Any additional expenditures not clearly covered. When in doubt, please don't hesitate to ask.

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

Dhaulagiri Base Camp Trek

Trip Facts: Dhaulagiri Hidden Valley Trek

  • Kathmandu
  • Hotel
  • Experienced
  • (March to May) (September to November)
  • 5200 meters (17,060 feet)
  • 5-7 Hours
  • Kathmandu