Overview
Your journey typically begins from Kathmandu to Pokhara, followed by a drive to Darbang. You will start your trek from here. We will follow the standard route Northeast Ridge for the expedition. The trek trail will take you through picturesque landscapes, remote villages, and lush forests.
A base camp will be set up to acclimatize. You will get enough time to acclimatize before the ascent. The base camp is set up at an elevation of 4,700 meters ( 15,420 feet ). Camp I is normally set up at 5,900 meters ( 19,356 feet ) and Camp II at the elevation of (20,997 feet ) before the final summit. The final summit is challenging as it demands regular technical skills in ice and rock climbing.
Challenges such as altitude sickness, avalanches, and unpredictable weather will be encountered throughout the trail. The perfect seasons for the expedition are pre-monsoon April to May and post-monsoon ( September to November ).
You will also get an opportunity to experience the unique culture that allows the climber to have a conversation to the local people in the community. This is the perfect chance to blend in with their local culture and get first-hand experience. Overall the Dhaulagiri expedition gives an unforgettable adventure for the climbers who are seeking to conquer one of the Himalayas' most iconic peaks.
Itinerary
Expand AllUpon your arrival in Kathmandu, our local team warmly welcomes you at the airport. You will then be escorted to the hotel, where you can enjoy some well-deserved relaxation. The itinerary includes a briefing about the trek's progress and presentation, followed by leisure time. If you arrive in the morning, you'll have the entire day at your disposal. This can be used for rest or for those interested, to explore the surroundings freely. It's an ideal chance to deeply experience Nepalese culture and indulge in the local culinary delights.
Transfer to hotel
Final altitude: Approximately 1350 m
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Night in the hotel
We reserve this day for sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley and to prepare for trekking. After having a warm breakfast, we will leave the hotel in a private vehicle with an experienced tour guide. We will visit several UNESCO-listed world heritage sites in Kathmandu Valley the famous Swayambhunath stupa, and the Boudhanath stupa. These places are famous for having inherited ancient religious practices, architecture, and culture. But also make the last purchases if necessary and above all optimize the luggage in a mountaineering bag and a trekking bag.
Superb half-hour flight: Langtang, Manaslu, Annapurna, and in the distance, the white pyramid of Dhaulagiri. The afternoon was devoted to the briefing.
Transport: airplane
Flight duration: approximately 30 minutes
Final altitude: 900 m
Meals: Breakfast at the hotel
Accommodation: Night at a hotel
Many trails under construction modify the landscape and access each year. The classic start is from the village of Darbang, reached from Pokhara by a chaotic dirt track that crosses many villages, in the middle of terraced crops. The Ghurja Himal which adjoins the Dhaulagiri range is in the background.
Transportation: by private vehicle
Duration of transfer/transportation: approximately 4 hours walking: about 5 h
Final altitude: About 1,180 m
Meals: breakfast at the hotel – lunch at the lodge – dinner
Accommodation: Night in a tent
The path begins to climb for two hours to reach the village of Dharapani (1,562 m). Unobstructed view of the Punta Hiunchuli and the Dhaulagiri. Two more hours of climbing and a pleasant balcony path lead to Sabang. Mostly populated by Thakali and Gurung.
Walking: about 5 h
Final altitude: about 1,750 m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in a tent
The balcony path continues to join the course of the Dhara Khola which we cross on a solid suspension bridge. Rough climb then the path in the balcony to reach the village of Muri (1,850 m), populated by Kami. The mountains are getting closer. Two hours of descent lead to the bridge over the Myagdi Khola. New suspension bridge. We pass on the orographic left bank. The trail alternates uphill and downhill to the village of Jugapani.
walking: about 6 h
Final altitude: approximately 2,050 m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in a tent
The path descends towards the river, a new suspension bridge to go back to the right bank of the Myagdi Khola. Arrival at the village of Boghara (2080 m). The trail becomes more austere, with many narrow passages carved into the cliff where porters must exercise caution with their loads. Descent to Lipshe on the banks of the Myagdi Khola for lunch. The rest of the path continues in the middle of a dense forest and climbs steadily. Dobang, a vast clearing with a few huts, is our camp.
Walking: About 5 h
Final altitude: approximately 2,260 m
Meals: Breakfast -Lunch - Dinner
Accommodation: Night in a tent
The path still runs through the forest. The sturdy bridges give way to more uncertain footbridges, such as the one allowing to cross the Konaban Khola, then again the Myagdi Khola, of which we follow the left bank again.Overnight at Soligari mountain pasture (also called Choriban).
Walking: About 5 h
Final altitude: Approximately 3,100 m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: Night in a tent
We are entering the domain of glaciers and their long moraines. Several base camps are easily accessible: the American, the Italian, the Japanese, the Swiss and finally the French. You are at the foot of Dhaulagiri II (7,751 m), Dhaulagiri III (7,715 m), and Dhaulagiri V (7,618 m) which dominate the camp to the northwest. The camps are installed on the terminal moraine of the Chhonbardan glacier which will soon have to be climbed.
Walking: About 5 hours
Final altitude: 3,650 m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: Night in a tent
Indispensable day to complete our acclimatization.The fittest can walk between the different camps.
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation:Night in a tent
A long day of strenuous walking in uncomfortable mountainous terrain. An avalanche cone at the foot of the west face of Dhaulagiri must be bypassed. Access to the moraine may require the laying of a few meters of fixed rope to help the carriers, especially if snow is present. A vast cave which sometimes serves as a shelter marks the path. The route then turns east to ascend the lower slopes covered in morainic debris of the Chhonbardan glacier. Around 4,220 meters, a succession of platforms can make it possible to set up an intermediate camp for better acclimatization. If the group is already well acclimatized, we continue on the glacier to reach the base camp of Dhaulagiri, located around 4,750 meters. Used for several years on different expeditions.
Walking: about 7 h
Final altitude: 4,650 m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: Night in a tent
Difficulty level: PD/AD for the entire route, but significant objective dangers in bad weather conditions. AD for the steepest sections that are between Camps 1 and 2 ( Icefall ), II and III, and in the couloir that leads to the summit ridge. Three altitude camps are necessary to make the ascent, along the northeast ridge.
Basecamp: 4,650m - Camp 1: 5,800m - Camp 2: 6,800m - Camp 3: 7,400m
From base camp (5,800 m) to camp 1 (5,800 m)
The Icefall (ice waterfall), is avoided by its left bank by rising in the slopes resulting from the "Eiger". The first climbers thus named the wall that dominates the glacier, whose slopes are reminiscent of the north face of the famous Swiss mountain. In the middle of the day, avalanches and rockfalls are frequent. It is imperative to cross at times when the frost is most marked and not to be there just after a snowfall. The camp is on the vast glacial plateau that follows the icefall, below the Northeast Col. It is exposed to the wind.
From Camp 1 to Camp 2 (6,800 m)
It is necessary to circumvent the seracs which defend the access to the northeast ridge. The slope straightens with 50° jumps which may be ice and are very exposed to the wind. Fixed strings. The camp will be set up as high as possible taking into account the seracs and the risk of avalanches. Route entirely in snow and ice, no mixed passages with rock.
From Camp 2 to Camp 3 (7,400m)
Always follow the profile of the ridge, with many sections in ice, around 50° of the slope. Camp 3 is set up where the route leaves the ridge to set foot on the hanging glacier. From camp 3 to the summit (8,167 m) The crossing is exposed to the risk of avalanche where any slip is prohibited. You have to reach the corridor leading to the summit. Steep and avalanche slopes. At the top of the corridor, to gain a foothold on the end of the summit ridge, a cornice can be tricky to cross. We follow the ridge for a hundred meters.
Meals: Breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: Night in a tent
The time for return has come. You must first cross the "French Pass" (5,360 m) marked with numerous cairns and prayer flags, then cross the long "Hidden Valley". The camp is located on a mountain pasture (Yak Kharka) at the foot of Dhampus Pass.
Walking: about 6 h
Final altitude: 5,180 m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in a lodge or a tent
Last and long day of the trek. You must first climb the slopes that lead to Dhampus Pass (5,260 m) which offers a beautiful view of the Tukuche, and the proud Nilgiri on the opposite side (Annapurna). A long steep and uncomfortable descent follows, crossing several ravines, before reaching the last ridge to plunge towards the hamlet of Marpha and the long valley of the Kali Gandaki.
Walking: About 8 h
Final altitude: About 4,100 m
Meals: Breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: Night in a lodge
We find our vehicles to go down to Pokhara by changing transport three times (each district has its own bus line). Chaotic road to Tatopani, better to Pokhara.
Transportation: By private vehicle/approximately 8 hours
Final altitude: about 900 m
Meals: Breakfast – lunch
Accommodation: Overnight at a hotel
Transfer to the airport and return flight to Kathmandu. Transfer to the hotel and last free hours in Nepal's capital.
Transportation: by plane / 30 minutes
Final altitude: about 1,300 m
Meals: Breakfast Accommodation: at the hotel
Reserve day, free and without a guide.
Meals: breakfast at the hotel
Accommodation: night at the hotel
Free time depending on the departure time of your flight and our representative will drop you at the airport, ending your journey in Nepal. We hope to be of service to you again. Thank you and safe travels.
Included & Excluded
| Included Points |
|---|
| ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE : Airport - Hotel transfers – Airport (Pick Up and Drop), by a private vehicle. |
| HOTEL ACCOMMODATION IN KATHMANDU : 4-night hotel in Kathmandu (4-star category) - single room on bed and breakfast plan. |
| WELCOME DINNER : One Welcome Dinner in a tourist standard restaurant in Kathmandu with Office’s Staff. |
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PERMITS :
Expedition Royalty and permit of Nepal Government to climb Mt. Annapurna Conservation area entry permits and fee
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| LIAISON OFFICER : 1 Government Liaison officer with full equipment, salary, and accommodation. |
| GARBAGE MANAGEMENT : Stool Shipment Transfer & Garbage Deposit fees. |
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INSURANCE :
Medical & Emergency rescue Insurance for all involved Nepalese staff during the trek and expedition.
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| MAP : Trekking and climbing map. |
| DUFFLE BAG : One Alpinist club Duffle Bag. |
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MEMBER TRANSPORTATION :
Land Transportation: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara, and while returning Machha Khola to Kathmandu, as per itinerary.
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| EXPEDITION STUFFS TRANSPORTATION : All necessary equipment transportation for all Members and Staff |
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MEMBER LUGGAGE :
Up to 50 Kg per member for personal baggage during the trek to be carried by porters or Yaks.
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| FOOD AND LODGING : 3 meals a day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner; including tea and coffee) along with accessible accommodation at Hotel/Lodge during the trek and at the Basecamp. Hygienic and fresh green vegetables, fresh meat, fruits, soft drinks, and juice will be served regularly during the entire expedition using helicopter flights. Well-managed base camp set up for members & Staff. |
| PORTER : Porter per member up to and from Base camp (both ways). |
| BASE CAMP STAFF : Experienced and well-trained Base Camp Cook & kitchen Helpers as required. |
| STAFF SALARY AND ALLOWANCE : All Nepalese staff & porter’s daily wages, salary, equipment, food & clothing. |
| BASE CAMP TENT : Each member will have an individual box tent in Base Camp. |
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BASE CAMP EQUIPMENT :
Single Tent, foam mattresses and pillow per member, 1 Dining Tent, 1 Kitchen Tent, 1 Communication tent, 1 Toilet & 1 Shower Tent, 1 staff tent, 1 Tent for Nepalese base camp staff, Store tents, Tables & chairs & all necessary cooking gears.
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| HEATER : Heater at base camp in each Dining and other necessary camps. |
| SOLAR/GENERATOR/LIGHT : 1 Solar panel or Generator for battery charge and light at base camp for use. |
| TRAINING : Oxygen, Mask Regulator, Ice wall, and Ladder training at Basecamp by a professional guide. |
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HIGH ALTITUDE CLIMBING SHERPA :
Governments-licensed climbing Sherpa per member (1 Member: 1 Sherpa), during the entire climb from Basecamp to the summit and back, and on each rotation.
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| ASSISTANCE : Climbing Sherpa to assist in carrying your gear to the high camps. |
| CLIMBING SHERPA SALARY & ALLOWANCE : Climbing Sherpa Salary, Equipment, Food, and Clothing. |
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OXYGEN BOTTLE (O2) :
Summit Oxygen: 3 oxygen bottles (4 ltrs.) for each member and 1 oxygen bottle for each high-altitude Sherpa.
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OXYGEN MASK & REGULATOR :
1 Set of Summit Oxygen masks and regulator for each member and high-altitude Sherpa, which has to be returned after the expedition.
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| BACK-UP OXYGEN : Back up the Oxygen Cylinder, mask, and regulator (with appropriate charge). |
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HIGH CAMP SERVICE (INFRASTRUCTURE AND LOGISTICS) :
High Altitude Tent, Necessary cooking EPI gas, cooking pot, High food for a member, Sherpa, and other crews at (C1) (C2) (C3), and (C4). Group climbing gears, and fixed and dynamic rope during the climbing period as required.
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| HIGH CAMP KITCHEN AND DINING : Will have one cook, kitchen, and dining tents in Camp I and Camp II. |
| HIGH ALTITUDE TENT : Members will share tents in high camps (2 members: 1 tent). |
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ROPE FIXING TEAM :
The team of experienced Sherpas will fix the route on Manaslu (no extra charge will be applied to members).
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SATELLITE PHONE :
Satellite Phone for emergency communication carried by Sherpa, is also available for members with appropriate charge.
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| WALKIE-TALKIE : Walkie–Talkie for communicating from Base Camp to Mountain and Mountain to Base Camp. |
| PERMITS : Satellite Phone/Walkie-talkie permit for all members and staff. |
| INTERNET SERVICE: : Internet facility (1 Mbps) will be available at the Base Camp (subject to a charge). |
| WEATHER FORECAST : Weather forecast report regularly during the entire expedition. |
| MEDICAL KIT : Comprehensive Medical kit for members and staff. |
| CERTIFICATE : Mt. Dhaulagiri climbing certificate (after climbing Mt.Dhaulagiri successfully). |
| Excluded Points |
|---|
| AIRFARE : International flight airfare (from and to Kathmandu). |
| NEPAL ENTRY VISA FEE : The Nepalese Visa fee is USD 125 for 90 Days. |
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LUNCH & DINNER :
Lunch & dinner during the stay in Kathmandu (also in case of early return from Trekking / Expedition than the scheduled itinerary).
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EXTRA NIGHTS IN KATHMANDU :
Extra nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu. In case of early arrival or late departure, early return from Trekking / Expedition, or domestic flight cancellation (due to any other reason) than the scheduled itinerary.
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INSURANCE POLICY :
Insurance covering both medical and high-altitude evacuation costs (for the trip cancellation, interruption, high altitude rescue & air evacuation, medical treatment, repatriation, etc.) *Mandatory
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PERSONAL EXPENSES :
Telephone Calls, Internet, Toiletries, battery recharge, hot shower, laundry, soft drinks, beers, and any Alcoholic beverages (during the trek and in Kathmandu but we will have soft drinks for members at base camp).
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PERSONAL CLIMBING EQUIPMENT :
Clothing, Packing Items, Bags, Personal Medical Kit, and all kinds of Personal Trekking / Climbing Gear.
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TOILETRIES :
Soaps, shampoos, toilet and tissue papers, toothpaste, and other items used to keep yourself clean.
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| FILMING : Special Filming, Camera, and Drone permit fee. |
| INTERNET SERVICE : Not included during the trek. |
| SUMMIT BONUS : Summit bonus for climbing Sherpa- Minimum 1500 USD. |
| TIPS : Calculate some tips for Basecamp staff – Minimum 400 USD. |
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EXTRA :
Any other services or activities, which are not mentioned in the itinerary and other items not listed in the “Cost Includes” section
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Trip Organization
Your Guide and Team Dhaulagiri Expedition Your guide, from your arrival in Kathmandu until your departure, is responsible for the success of your trip and oversees your team. Do not hesitate to ask him questions, respect his position as the team leader, and above all follow his advice! Often your guide is the only English-speaking member of the team. In the mountains and, especially when during high-altitude travels, your guide is responsible for the safety of the group. The instructions he gives and the remarks he makes to all participants must be carefully followed. The interest and safety of the trekking group must be preserved, even when it may be to the detriment of an individual member of the group.
Read MoreYour Nepalese team may consist of several people, each with different responsibilities. They are:
The Guide Leader (Sirdar) is responsible for and leader of the whole team and is treated with respect by all. Often he has earned his position by starting as a porter and rising through the ranks.
climbing sherpa: who fixed the rope and guide you to the summit
The Cook is responsible for all meals and is on a trek that doesn’t use lodges for meals.
The kitchen boy is an assistant to the cook.
The Assistant Guide is actively helping clients under the leader’s direction and set camp.
The Porter is the load carrier for the trekking group. As Nepal is a mountain country with few roads, porters are employed to carry loads. Compliance with regulations and common courtesy dictates the maximum weight carried and the minimum wage paid. Porters are provided with gear based on the routes they follow and with insurance for alpine treks.
Each trekker is allotted the following maximum weights per person: Lodge (tea house) Accommodations: 15 kg maximum; Tent Camping: 22 kg maximum; Expeditions/summit ascents: 20 kg maximum. The porters are given a premium wage for carrying loads over 30 kg. In addition, the Nepal Alpinist Club takes care to take out insurance for the Guide and porters. Specific equipment is allocated to them for crossing passes at altitude (even if wearers often refuse to put on shoes due to lack of habit).
Accommodations in Kathmandu
In Kathmandu, you will be accommodated in a hotel. We use different hotels depending on availability. The two preferred hotels are:
Hotel Ramoda: Located in the heart of Thamel, this hotel is ideal for walking the bustling streets of Kathmandu. The spacious rooms all have a bathroom, air conditioning, and Wi-Fi. A fully equipped and active dining room is available for all meals, and the breakfast buffet offers a wide choice of foods. The hotel offers currency exchange, laundry services, and luggage storage.
Sampada Garden: Located just 20 minutes on foot from Thamel and Durbar Square, this hotel is convenient for exploring Kathmandu. The rooms have all the necessary comforts for your stay: air conditioning, bathroom, and Wi-Fi. Breakfasts are served as a generous buffet. The hotel provides currency exchange, laundry services, and luggage storage.
Accommodation during the Trekking and Expedition
For camping, accommodation during the expedition: during the expedition, breakfasts, Lunch, and Dinner are prepared by the kitchen team. They are taken to the mess tent. additional energy food is provided. Purchased locally, they offer a more limited. You can, if you wish, bring some complementary cereal bars adapted to your taste.
Here is a typical one-day menu:
Breakfast: eggs, toast or chapati, or Tibetan bread or pancakes, or pancakes, butter/jam, tea or coffee
Lunch: a main course, tea or coffee
Dinner: soup, main course, fruit (fresh or canned), tea or coffee
During the trek, tea or coffee is served with meals. Two cups per person are included. Apart from these included menus, other drinks and foodstuffs will be at your expense.
Water: provide tablets (Hydroclonazone, Micropur, or another type) to disinfect the water you put in your water bottle, depending on the source and on the advice of your guide. It is sometimes possible to buy purified water and refill your water bottle without having to buy bottled water. You can also buy mineral water in the cities (not included in the price) but its ecological balance is poor, as you know. Also, we do not recommend it.
Preparation for the Trek
Preparing for the trek requires several months of preparation with 4 to 6-hour walks every weekend for stamina and participating in a sport that requires short periods of high exertion.
Medical check-up
Being in good health is essential to fully enjoy your Alpinist Club trip. If your last medical visit was more than four years ago, please get another general physical exam and tell your doctor the nature of your trip (climate, altitude, difficulty, etc.). The altitude also has the effect of reviving dental problems or other chronic pain, so getting a dental checkup is also prudent. If you are undertaking a high-altitude expedition, we advise you to consult a mountain medicine specialist.
Acute Mountain Sickness
This trip takes place at high altitudes, so some people may experience altitude-related discomforts like headaches, loss of appetite, and swelling of limbs. Most of these symptoms usually go away within a few days, but sometimes they can develop into a serious illness: pulmonary or cerebral edema. There are no preventive drugs for AMS. Diamox diuretic is often effective for symptomatic relief, but you should first check with your doctor to verify that it is not contraindicated for you. Think about it before you go.
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Trip Map
Trip Gallery
FAQ's
Expand AllDhaulagiri expedition can be done during pre-monsoon ( April – May ) and post-monsoon season( September- November ). These months are favorable due to the conditions and clear skies.
Yes, you need to acquire several permits for Dhaulagiri peak climbing. You need to pay for Nepal’s Government Expedition Royalty, trekking permits, and other conservation area entry permits for these this peak climbing.
Training will be provided to you based on acclimatization strategies, technical climbing techniques, and high-altitude safety protocols.
Our guide members carry satellite phones and walkie – talkies to communicate between climbers and emergency services.
Our guide members ensure the safety of the climbers is the priority. Regular health check ups, emergency response preparation, evacuation plans, and access to medical personnel and equipment.
As Dhaulagiri peak climbing is the high altitude peak climbing, it has various challenges. Challenges such as extreme weather conditions, high altitude sickness, technical climbing sections, crevasses, and avalanches during the expedition.
Yes, you need to have a prior mountaineering experience for the Dhaulagiri expedition. The Dhaulagiri peak climbing demands high technical and physical skills from the climbers. The climbers must have prior experience in high-altitude mountaineering.
The Dhaulagiri Expedition's time can change based on several variables, including the acclimatization process, team experience, and weather. The expedition takes, on average, six to eight weeks to finish.
Yes, for the Dhaulagiri Expedition, it is strongly advised to hire a knowledgeable guide or participate in a guided trip. Throughout the trip, a guide will offer crucial assistance, information, and safety precautions.
Climbers participating in the Dhaulagiri Expedition must be in peak physical shape. Frequent strength and cardio training, along with high-altitude acclimatization, are required to meet the physically demanding demands of the climb.