Dhaulagiri 8,167m - the 7th highest mountain in the world - means the "white mountain" though many mountains over the world have names, which translate to White Mountain. This is a strenuous trek, through high alpine pastures, higher passes and serene and uninhabited valleys. 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 consists of more than fifteen 7,000m magnificent peaks with land of dramatic contrast.

Dhaulagiri trekking routes start after an 8-hour 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 along 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 (5,360m), between Tukche Peak (6,920m) and Sita Chuchura (6,611m). Heading east you descend a little and pass through a portion of the Hidden Valley and climb to Thapa Pass (5,250m), between Tukche Peak and Thapa Peak (6,012m) 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 of continuing to trek down to Kalopani, Tatopani, Ghorepani then into Pokhara.

The above information is a guide and standard template of what we provide. Our trip can be customized at your request to accommodate your specific requirements.

NOTE: During the trip; weather, local politics, transport or a multitude of other factors, that are beyond our control can result in a change of itinerary. It is, however, very unlikely that the itinerary would be substantially altered; if alterations are necessary the leader will decide what is the best alternative, taking into consideration the best interests of the whole group. Where a change does occur, we do everything we can to minimize its effect, but we cannot be responsible for the results of changes or delays.

Read more

Day 01 :     Arrival Kathmandu and transfer at Hotel.
Day 02 :     Kathmandu Free.
Day 03 :     Fly or Drive to Pokhara.
Day 04 :     Drive to Darbang. Trek to Dharapani 
Day 05 :     Dharapani to Muri 
Day 06 :     Muri to Baghara (Bagar)
Day 07 :     Bagar to Dobhan Kharba
Day 08 :     Dobhan to Sallaghari
Day 09 :     Sallaghari to Italian BC.
Day 10 :     Acclimatization Day
Day 11 :     Italian BC to Glacier Camp
Day 12 :     Glacier Camp to Dhaulagiri BC
Day 13 :     Explore Day at Dhaulagiri Base Camp
Day 14 :     Dhaulagiri BC to Hidden Camp
Day 15 :     Hidden Camp to Dhampus Pass / Yak Kharka
Day 16 :     Yak Kharka to Marpha
Day 17 :     Marpha to Pokhara by Drive
Day 18 :     Drive or Fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu
Day 19 :     International Departure

The above itineraries are subject to change due to condition beyond our control. This is guideline showing tea house or tentative camp night stops. Physical, Technical and Natural condition may change this above itineraries.

Read more

Cost Includes

- Airport / Hotel / Airport pick up & drop by private tourist vehicle.
- Standard twin sharing accommodation in a three star hotel in Kathmandu; Breakfast included. (3 nights)
- Standard twin sharing accommodation in three star hotel in Pokhara; Breakfast included. (2 nights)
- Guided city tour in Kathmandu and Pokhara by private tourist vehicle.
- All your standard Meals Cooked by our expert camping cook and kitchen team during the trek (Breakfasts, Lunches and Dinners) .
- Tented accommodation and equipment during the trek. (We will provide fully water proof two men tents, dining tents, kitchen gear, dining table, chairs, toilet tents, shower tent etc. and Climbing rope to cross the Passess.)
- Local Himalayan Trail Blazer licensed English speaking guide.
- The required number of local staff and porters to carry your luggage and camping equipment during the trek.
- Food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment and medicine for all staff.
- All trekking permits & fees.
- Sleeping bag by Himalayan Trail Blazer (which need to be returned after the trek).
- Flight cost from Jomsom to Pokhara including airport departure taxes in Jomsom airport.
- Surface transfer from and to Kathmandu(Local bus transfer from Ktm to Beni and Tourist Bus transfer form Pokhara to Ktm).
- Sightseeing/Monument entrance fees in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
- Farewell dinner in typical Nepali Restaurant with cultural dance show on second last day (On Day 20th).
- All our government taxes, vat, tourist service charges.
- Official expenses.

Cost Does not Include

- Lunch and dinner whilst in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
- Travel insurance which covers emergency Rescue and Evacuation.
- International airfare and airport departure tax.
- Nepal entry visa; you can obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu. (Tourist Visa with Multiple Entries for 30 days can be obtained by paying US $ 40 or equivalent foreign currency. Similarly, Tourist Visa with Multiple Entries for 90 days can be obtained by paying US $ 100. Please bring 2 copies of passport size photos).
- Alcoholic and cold drinks.
- Personal trekking Equipment (See the trekking equipment page).
- Tips for trekking staff and driver (Tipping is expected).
- Any others expenses which are not mentioned on 'Price Includes' section.

Read more

What type of shape do I need to be in, is this trip for me?

Dhaulagiri trek is more demanding than any of our other treks. Crossing the high passes in this trek can be technical so, climbing rope may be required in presence of heavy snow. You need good stamina for a long day effort while crossing the high passes in this trek. You can do this trek without any previous climbing experience and skills. The knowledge on using climbing rope and other equipment would be beneficial although not mandatory because our guide will provide you the necessary training on using climbing gears such as ropes, ice pick, crampons.

To prepare for a strenuous trek you should begin training at least three to four months before your departure. As a guideline, an hour of aerobic exercise three to four times per week would be considered a minimum requirement. The best preparation is bushwalking involving relatively steep ascents and descents. If you can manage a couple of valley floor to ridgeline ascents per comfortable and able to enjoy the trek to the fullest. They are physically strong, sharp-witted and have an incredibly positive attitude towards a life that we would consider extremely tough. There is something about a trek in the Himalaya that draws you back time and time again. For keen walkers it is a paradise and even avowed non-walkers find that one foot just seems to follow the other, drawn by the appeal of what lies beyond.

Will somebody come to pick me up at the airport upon my arrival?

Yes, our airport representative will be there to greet you at the airport. S/he will be displaying an Himalayan Trail Blazer sign board outside the airport terminal. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel by our tourist vehicle.

What sort of accommodation can I expect in Kathmandu, Pokhara and in trekking?

We use standard rooms at three star hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara with breakfast included.

Along the trekking routes we provide the best possible camping service complete with comfortable two person tents with good mattresses. A kitchen, dining, shower, toilet tents, chairs with tables are also provided. Refer to the equipment list for items you will need to bring. We usually camp in or near a village, which allows you to buy sweets and drinks, which we do not carry with us.You will also get a small bucket of hot water each morning in your tent for a quick scrub up.

What sort of food can I expect in trekking?

There are whole lot of good restaurents in Kathmandu and Pokhara where you can find any delight of your choice. During your stay in Kathmandu and Pokhara, please note that this package doesnt include any meals.

During the camping our expert camping cook can prepare normal and special meals upon request. There is a wider variety of food available, including Western-style food, and you may request to eat at any point of the day. The camping price includes an all-you-can-eat food service.

What mode of transportation do you use?

Himalayan Trail Blazer is all about providing you with local insights, lifestyle as well as adventure. Depending on the nature of the travel, the transportation to and from the destination varies from domestic flights to vehicular transportation to even piggyback rides on mules and yaks. We provide you only those options which enhance your local experience while allowing you to travel comfortably and efficiently. We use private tourist vehicles for sightseeing, city tours and pickups.

There are no any tourist bus transfer service from Kathmandu to Beni so we provide local bus transfer to Beni (trek starting point) and tourist bus transfer from Pokhara to Kathmandu after the trek. Alternatively you can book private 4WD SUVs transportation, please contact us for the price.

What is the best season for this trekking?

Our trekking season extends from mid- September to May. From early September the monsoonal rains decrease. By end of September through to December the weather is usually stable with mild to warm days, cold nights. March, April, May, June, October, November, December are the best time to do this trek.

It is not possible to do this trek in winter i.e December, January and February.

What is the weather & temperature like in trekking?

Weather in the mountains is notoriously difficult to predict. At night it is generally colder the days are generally warm. Expect the unexpected! The temperature could be as high as 20 deg C to -20 deg C low.

I m a Vegeterain, is that a Problem ?

No problem at all because our camping cooks will mostly serve the vegetarian meals. We always recommend our clients to eat vegetarian meals to avoid the food poisoning, eating heavy meals and non- vegetarian meals at the high altitude is not really safe for the stomach.

Do your guides have trekking guide certificates from the Hotel Management and Tourism Center? Have they received first aid training for high altitude?

Yes, they have all received a 45-day training from the Hotel Management and Tourism Center in Nepal. The guides have also received high altitude first aid training from KEEP (Kathmandu Environmental Education Project).

Do we book our own international flights to and from Nepal?

Yes, you need to book your own International flights. We are a local agent and it would cost you significantly higher to book through us.

Can I charge my digital camera or other equipments on my trip?

These facilities will be available only in few towns by paying some service charges. Remember to bring TWO and THREE pin travel adapters! Please bring the spare batteries

Is there any communication while we are on trekking?

There are telephones in some villages along the trekking routes from which you can make international calls. All our guides are equipped with the local mobile phone. You may wish to pass the number of our guide to your family for the callback or you can make a call from the guide’s mobile and pay him directly for the international call too.

Can I use credit cards in the places I visit in trekking?

In the cities, yes - to some extent. Once you are out of the cities, all you need is cash. Please change the currency in local Nepali Rupees before you go to the mountains.

How much additional money do I need per day?

It depends on your spending habits. Generally, in Kathmandu and Pokhara, you can allocate USD 10 to USD 15 for a lunch and a dinner.

During the trekking all the meals, hot drinks are included, however USD 8 to USD 12 per person a day will be enough to buy chocolates, few drinks during the trekking.

Do I need to tip my guide and porters? How much would that be?

This is a difficult thing to gauge. We have seen everything from USD 20 to USD 1000 per person for guides and porters. Tipping is not required, but a small gesture of thanks to your guides and local porters. The level of the tip should reflect the level of satisfaction from and personal involvement with your guide. However, we recommend you to spend minimum 10% of your total trip cost for tipping entire local staffs, the ratio of tipping guide and porter will be given to you at the pre-trip meeting in Kathmandu before starting the trek.

What opportunities will I have for shower along the trek?

Yes, we make a seperate shower tent and provide you bucket of hot water. Please ask the guide about 30 minutes prior to your shower for Hot water, so this will give the kitchen team enough time to Boil  the water.

What is the toilet like in trekking?

We will provide the toilet tent during the trekking at the camps every day.

Is Himalayan Trail Blazer's staff insured?

Our company insures all our trekking staff members, including guides, cooks, Sherpas and porters.

Can I add extra days to my trekking trip?

Holiday should never be about making it to the final point quickly. Along your trek we can add days at your request with additional costs to cover guides, porters, accommodation and food.

Do you use yaks/porters on the trek or do we carry all of our own gear?

Depending on the season we use porters/yaks or both to carry your luggage. All you need to carry is your small day bag for your personal belongings like camera, water bottle, sun cream etc only.

I would like to extend my holiday, any recommendations?

Yes, there are a plenty of options and choices to extend your holiday before or after your main trip.

Can I obtain the visa for Nepal upon on arrival at the airport?

YES, US$ 25 or equivalent foreign currency is required to obtain Tourist Visa with Multiple Entry for 15 days. Likewise, tourist Visa with Multiple Entry for 30 days can be obtained by paying US $ 40 or equivalent foreign currency. Similarly, Tourist Visa with Multiple Entry for 90 days can be obtained by paying US $ 100. Please bring 2 copies of passport size photos.

What immunizations will I need?

No vaccinations are compulsory in Himalaya, but we do recommend you are covered for diphtheria & TB, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, *malaria, typhoid, polio and tetanus.

We also recommend:

    A dental check-up prior to travelling.
    That you know your blood group in case of emergency.

If you have any per-existing medical conditions which might affect you on tour, you make these known to your tour leader and Himalayan Trail Blazer at the time of your booking.

Read more

Read more