Dhaulagiri Expedition

Altitude: 1400 m

This day marks your arrival in Kathmandu via Tribhuvan International Airport. After you land, you will be greeted by our representatives at the airport, who will guide you to your hotel. Once you’ve reached the hotel, you’re on your own for the rest of the day. You can rest for the remaining part of the day to deal with jet lag.

In the evening, you can go for a short walk to get a brief idea about the city. Followed by that is the delicious Nepali cuisine which you can enjoy for dinner.

Highlights

• Stay in a well-facilitated 3-star hotel
• Taste the authentic and delicious Nepali cuisine for dinner

Altitude: 1400m

You will make preparations before we head towards the mountain. After breakfast, you head out for shopping. You can acquire any items that you may have overlooked. By the end of the day, you will be enjoying dinner with the team for the expedition and get comfortable with them.

There will be a briefing session after dinner. Your guide will brief you on the itinerary and address all your queries about the journey.

Highlights

• Briefly explore the market of Thamel and Durbarmarg.
• Explore the art and architecture of the ancient city of Kathmandu.
• Meet, greet, and dine with the team.

Altitude: 960 m

On this day, enjoy your breakfast and head out to the airport for your flight to Pokhara. For taking you to the airport, we will have a vehicle arranged for you. The flight to Pokhara is a short one that takes just about 20 minutes.

The first thing that catches your eye as you land in Pokhara is the beautiful views of the snow-capped mountains spread across with Machapuchhre posing strikingly.

Reaching Pokhara ahead of schedule will give you the whole day to spend in Pokhara. There is a lot you can do in Pokhara to relax and prepare for the expedition mentally. You might as well go around to visit a few places that are close by and explore the city.

Highlights

• Splendid views of the Himalayan range
• Short, scenic and exciting flight
• A perfect city to clear your head with plenty of options for things to do.
• Well facilitated luxury hotel.

Altitude: 1500m

After an early breakfast, you hit the road from Pokhara towards Beni. The ride is comfortable for most of the part; however, it might be a bit bumpy. It passes through the hills surrounding Pokhara.

For most of the day, you will be driving on this day. The road passes alongside the picturesque Beni river. After a short stop at Beni bazaar,  you head further to Takam.

From here, the landscape and the environment change drastically. You’re now in a Nepali rural village setting where the houses are traditional, and lifestyle is pretty laid back.

Highlights

• Drive through big cities, towns, and villages throughout the day
• Enjoy the scenic beauty of hills, rivers, and forests as you drive
• Picturesque view of Beni Bazaar.

Altitude: 2080 m

This day marks your first day of trekking on the journey. After an early breakfast, you leave Takam and hit the trails passing through the village. You walk by the river crossing terraced slopes and multiple villages.

The picturesque villages with traditional lifestyles reflect the beauty of life in many ways. Free from the bustling noise of the city, you can hear the soothing sound of river and birds singing as you walk past forests and riverbanks.

Besides nature, people here are equally friendly and hospitable too. As you engage with the locals along the trail, you will gain insight into their lifestyles and culture. Your destination for the day is the last village in Myagdi valley, Bagar.

Highlights

• First-hand experience of the rural Nepali lifestyle and culture
• A pleasant walk through nature
• Experience the warm hospitality of locals

Altitude: 2520m

The walk on this day is an easy one comparatively. As you start after an early breakfast, you will be walking through agricultural slopes and terrace fields. As you head forward, you will soon come across a fabulous dense forest. From here, the walk becomes easy as you will be walking up and down through the shades of forests.

By the time you cross the forest, you will be at a similar height as the start of the trek. Thus, the walk is comfortable with minimum altitude gain. You will stop at Dovan, which is our destination for the day.

Highlights

• A peaceful walk through forests and agricultural lands
• Comfortable walking through forests.

Altitude: 3660 m

The trek on this day continues through the rhododendron forests. As you move along, you will notice that the trail is fairly easy going up and down through the woods. A lunch break at the end of the forest will recharge you for the steep climb that follows.

The steep and uphill trail to Sallaghari is a bit tough one. However, once you reach the top, you will be pleased to enjoy the view sitting under the amazing Cedar trees. Continuing your walk slowly and steadily, you will head towards the Italian Base Camp, your destination for the day.

On reaching the Italian Base Cam, Dhaulagiri welcomes you with a spectacular view of its west side. Take a minute and admire its grandeur.

Highlights

• Breathtaking first glimpse of Dhaulagiri.
• Splendid views of rocky mountains

Altitude: 3660m

Today is the day for rest and acclimatization. Since you’re already above the 3000m mark, you need to rest for the day before heading further ahead. Until and unless your body has adapted with the altitude, walking further ahead, you are at a higher risk of getting altitude sickness. In case you’re not careful, this can result in severe consequences.

Your guide will take you for a short hike to a nearby viewpoint to get you acquainted with the altitude.

Special information

Falling asleep while acclimating will negate the acclimatization and make you prone to altitude sickness. So, make sure not to fall asleep during the process.

Highlights

• Short hike to a nearby hill.
• Outstanding view of the valley.

Altitude: 4,750 m

After two days of acclimatization, you will be leaving the Italian base camp on this day. After an early breakfast, you continue your walk down the moraine for a short while. After that, the trail is fairly easy with plain rocky moraines.

The landscape on this day is different compared to what you have been used to. You will notice very few plants as you walk up ahead. However, the rocky landscape gives you an unreal feeling of being high up in the mountains.

As you walk further, you will come across the Japanese base camp. Take a short break, admire the view, and continue until you reach the Dhaulagiri base camp, your destination for the day.

Highlights

• Rocky landscape with an open sky view
• Snow-covered mountains to keep you motivated

Altitude: 8167m

Starting from this day, you start climbing. On the first day, there’ll be a short briefing session followed by some warm-up before you begin the actual climb. You will mostly be exploring rather than climbing to adjust to the altitude and the surroundings better.

Dhaulagiri has been attempted multiple times from all other sides except the South one. For your climb, you will be using the popular Northeast ridge route. The first expedition team used this route to ascend the peak successfully.

Unlike other peaks, Dhaulagiri has a fascinating structure with towering terrains up to 7000 m high. Between the two of the world’s highest mountains, the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri lie in the world’s deepest gorge, the Kaligandaki gorge. Because of its unique characteristics, Dhaulagiri is an exciting and challenging mountain for veterans who are the ones who mostly attempt it.

Dhaulagiri requires high-level technical skills with plenty of experience of climbing in harsh weather conditions. A successful ascent of Dhaulagiri can earn you a reputation in mountaineering, unlike other mountains. Besides, it has a lot to teach to every climber who climbs it. The technicalities, the determination, and the strategies of climbing a mountain, Dhaulagiri teaches you all.

The view once you reach the top is surreal. Annapurna is close by while Kaligandaki is flowing in between. Other peaks in the Dhaulagiri range include Churen Himal, Gurja Himal, Puthha Hiunchuli, and many others. Multiple ascending and descending across different camps takes you to the top of Dhaulagiri eventually.

By the 40th day, you will be down at the base camp after a successful ascent of one of the world’s toughest mountains to climb.

Highlights

• Climb with the best guides who ensure your safety and security at all costs.
• Reach the summit of the world’s seventh highest mountain.
• Enhance your technical skills of climbing.

Altitude: 4750m

Once you are down at the base camp after a month of climbing Dhaulagiri, you get a day to rest and pack up your belongings before heading back to Kathmandu. Even base camp feels like an ultimate luxury once you’re down there after the ascent.

Pack up your belongings, and our sherpas will pack all the tents and equipment. Pay your homage to the mountain and be prepared to leave the base camp tomorrow after an early breakfast.

Special information

At NST, we focus on how we can contribute to preserving our mountains from the impacts of climate change and pollution. We encourage our clients to clean the basecamp and the surroundings before leaving.

Highlights

• Clean up session before heading out of base camp.
• Celebration with the team.

Altitude: 3680m

On this day, you descend the base camp after a successful ascent with a heart full joy and a sense of achievement. As you trek your way down, you enter into the deepest valley of the world, the Kali Gandaki valley.

Kali Gandaki is also the world’s deepest gorge. Walking here feels unreal with the Kali Gandaki river flowing and outstanding views of snow-white mountains in the backdrop. Prayer flags add beauty and serenity to the place.

As you descend further, you will notice meadows where sheep and yak graze in peace. Once you enter the pastureland, you are now in Yak Kharka, your destination for the day.

Highlights

• Excellent view of the peaks like Annapurna and Dhaulagiri.
• Unrealistic deserted landscape
• Walkthrough the deepest gorge in the world

Altitude: 2650m

After an early breakfast, you will continue your walk down to the valley of Mustang. You will notice the villages here are advanced in facilities. The journey on this day is particularly easy, as you will be descending most of the time.

You will come across a few small settlements before arriving in Marpha, one of the major tourist attractions in Marpha. Walking through the traditional white stone houses with narrow alleys, here is something special. You will notice the Tibetan cultural influence as you wander around.

Besides that, Marpha is famous for its apples and all kinds of apple products. Apple brandy produced here is not only popular across the country but has made its name around the globe. Do not forget to treat yourself to some apple wine or just apples while you’re here.

Highlights

• Experience the Tibetan mountain lifestyle and culture.
• Taste the most delicious and organic apples.
• Traverse through the picturesque settlements admiring the traditional architecture.

Altitude: 985m

Today is the day to pack your trek boots as you will be heading to Pokhara on a ride. Enjoy a delicious breakfast with a view and get your stuff packed and ready to be loaded on a 4-wheeler.

After breakfast, it is time to hit the road again, passing through villages of Mustang valley. The road will be bumpy for a while, before reaching the road leading to Pokhara.

Once you reach Pokhara, you can enjoy all the comfort that you have been missing throughout the journey. You might as well enjoy the nightlife at Lakeside if you wish to. Celebrate your success with some good music in a restaurant or bar.

Highlights

• A comfortable ride back to Pokhara
• Enjoy the views of villages, deserted landscapes, and mountain vistas
• Celebrate your success and party in Pokhara

All meals included.

Overnight in a 3-star hotel in Pokhara.

Altitude:  1400m

The next day, you will be headed for the airport as soon as you’ve had breakfast. An early morning flight to Kathmandu gives you plenty of time to rest throughout the day. The flight itself is exhilarating with peaks like Machapuchhre standing tall in its glory.

It takes only twenty minutes for you to reach Kathmandu by air. Again, your guide will drop you at your hotel and leave you to rest. You can then choose to do whatever you wish once you’re in Kathmandu.

Highlights

• Short and exciting flight over the Himalayas
• Get to spend your time on your own

Altitude: 1400m

This day is totally for you. After a month-long expedition, you’re free to explore the capital city Kathmandu on your own. It is better to plan ahead of time on what and how to do what you want to do in Kathmandu. That’s because time is short and there’s a lot to do in Kathmandu. You may get a little confused.

You can visit the marketplaces and buy souvenirs or visit the World Heritage Sites around the capital. You will see a perfect balance between the centuries-old culture, the traditions, and the modern lifestyle.

You can also explore eateries and treat yourself to some good food. All in all, this is your day, so enjoy it the way you like. If you feel like chilling with a beer, go around Thamel, find a cool bar with some good music, grab a beer and sit back and relax.

Highlights

• Experience the centuries-old culture and tradition.
• Explore the culture, art, and architecture.
• Taste some delicious Nepali food.

Altitude: 1400m

This day marks your final day in Kathmandu. After breakfast, our representative will pick you up at the hotel and drop you at the airport. You will wave your last goodbye to Nepal and head home.

Breakfast included.