Dhaulagiri Trek

Detailed Itinerary:

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1300m/4265ft):    
Arrival in Kathmandu greeted by Basanta Adventure representative and transferred to Hotel which is usually a walking distance to any good restaurants and shops. We will be given a short briefing on hotel facilities and safety as well as a short introduction to the area.  Next day there will be a comprehensive trip briefing. O/N in Hotel at Kathmandu (BB)

Day 02: Sightseeing of World Heritage sites:
After breakfast, trek briefing will take place around 9 am. All aspects of gear and conditions are discussed to make sure you are fully prepared for the trip, introduce guide and any last-minute questions would be answered. We then visit Boudhanath, also known as little Tibet. Then we visit Pasupatinath one of the revered holy temple of the Hindus, this temple is also known for its cremation ceremonies that take place next to the holy river Bagmati. O/N in Hotel at Kathmandu (BB)

Day 03: Fly or drive to Pokhara then drive to Beni (850m/2788ft), 8 hrs:
We take a half an hour scenic flight to Pokhara or we drive for approx 6 hours to Pokhara. After Lunch, we drive from Pokhara to Beni, from where our trek commences. The drive should take around 4 hours and it offers good scenic views. Beni is at the confluence of the Myagdi Khola and the Kali Gandaki River Camp. Being the districts headquarter, Beni has a police check post where our trekking permits will be examined. O/N Camping in Beni (AP)

Day 04: Trek to Sinja Bazaar (853m/2798ft), 5 hrs:
From Beni, we leave the Kali Gandaki and head west along the north bank of the Myagdi Khola through the village of Beni Mangalghat to Sinja Bazaar. O/N Camping in Sinja Bazaar (AP)

Day 05: Trek to Takum (1123m/3683ft), 5 hrs:
This day also we trek ascend through narrow path for nearly one hour. Now we go along the flat land passing through jungle of rhododendrons, oaks and Christmas trees. After we cross a small stream, our trails suddenly begin to follow ascending path until we reach Takum. There is a Government school before we enter Takum, a small village. Here we camp behind the school located in central Takum. We find a local Hindu temple where the villagers go to submit their offerings. O/N Camping in Takum (AP)

Day 06: Trek to Muri (1850m/6068ft), 6 – 7 hrs:
Today, after crossing a river, we head north to Phedi. As we leave, the trail starts climbing. We come across many switch-backs until we arrive at the ridge. The trail again climbs steeply up to Muri. Moving up along the trail, we trek to Sibang and Mattim. From here, continuing up an incline to the snout of a ridge, we descend to the Gatti Khola and reach Phalai Gaon (1810m). We then cross the Dhara Khola to again emerge on the west bank of the Myagdi Khola. After climbing a ridge, we finally reach the large Magar village of Muri. From Muri, we have amazing views of Mt. Dhaulagiri and other surrounding mountains. O/N Camping in Muri (AP)

Day 07: Trek to Boghara (2080m/6822ft), 6 hrs:
After a short descend, we cross a stream and continue trek through terraced fields. Climbing a ridge, we reach the pass from where we can see Mt. Ghustung South (6465 m). Descending to the Myagdi Khola and trekking along the West Bank to the village of Naura, we climb for a short while. Traversing a grassy hill and climbing a steep slope with switch-backs, we then descend through a forest and terraced fields to reach Boghara. O/N Camping in Boghara (AP)

Day 08: Trek to Doban (2250m/7380ft), 6 hrs:
Leaving Boghara, we continue along the trail. We descend through terraced fields to a small ridge and then through a forest to reach Jyardan. After the settlement, a high winding path crosses a rocky area and then descends before climbing up again to Lipshe where there is a single hut. The trail continues through a forest to Lapche Kharka and then climbs to Doban. Today the path is quite difficult and sometimes we might need to use ropes. O/N Camping in Doban (AP)

Day 09: Trek to Italian Base Camp (3800m/12464ft), 7 hrs:
Crossing a wooden bridge out of Doban, the trail ascends a forested area. Passing through the beautiful forest, we rapidly gain altitude as mountains surround us. After crossing the Myagdi Khola, we later cross a stream to reach Choriban Khola. We continue along the trail (which is not very well defined) to the terminal moraine of the Chhonbarban Glacier and enter the glacier from the right. Tukuche Peak (6837 m) becomes visible straight on at the far end, while the impressive north flank of Dhaulagiri I (8167 m) dominates the skyline to our right. After a short while we reach the Italian Base Camp. To the west are the peaks of Dhaulagiri II (7751m), Dhaulagiri III (7715 m) and Dhaulagiri V (7618 m). O/N Camping in Italian Base Camp (AP)

Day 10: Rest day, Explore local areas:
Today is a rest day for acclimatization and before final push for base camp. Enjoy leisure day or hike to nearby view point.  O/N Camping in Italian Base Camp (AP)

Day 11: Trek to Midway Camp (4500m/14760ft), 6 – 7 hrs:
Today, we trek along the trail to the Midway Camp. This trail is a little tough, so probably we might need to use a rope in a couple of tricky spots. The surroundings here are spectacular, with magnificent views of the beautiful snow-capped peaks. O/N Camping in Midway Camp (AP)

Day 12: Rest day at Midway Camp:
Today is a rest day for acclimatization. Or you can explore around the Midway Camp and take good pictures. O/N Camping in Midway Camp (AP)

Day 13: Trek to Classic Base Camp (5000m/16400ft), 4 hours:
After proper acclimatization, today we climb steadily to the rough and chilling but spectacular Classic Base Camp. This is a vantage point from where we enjoy breath taking views of the Dhaulagiri Ranges. Your guide will organise a prayer and offer Lungta (Prayer flag) for good health and happiness for all the members. O/N Camping in Classic Base Camp (AP)
Note: Offer Lungta or prayers flag (printed prayers for the peace and good health/happiness) together with our Guide. Offering prayer flag in high passes and sacred sites is believed to bring good fortune and long life in Buddhist culture.

Day 14: Rest day at Classic Base Camp:
Today is a rest day for acclimatization. O/N Camping in Classic Base Camp (AP)

Day 15: Trek across the French Col (5100 m/16728ft), 6 hrs:
After proper acclimatization, we climb two terraced hills before entering an ablation valley. We then climb to the French Col from where we can see Mukut Himal (6328 m), Tashi Kang (6386 m) and Sita Chuchura (6611 m). To the south is Tukuche Peak (6920 m) and beyond is the massive peak of Dhaulagiri I. From French Pass we continue along the trail towards Dhampus Pass at 5200m. We camp below Dhampus Pass.  O/N Camping in Dhampus Pass (AP)

Day 16: Rest day but possibility to climb Dhampus Peak:
Today is a rest day but there is a possibility for us to climb the Dhampus Peak. O/N Camping in Dhampus Pass (AP)

Day 17: Trek across Dhampus Pass (5200m/17056ft) to Alubari, 5-6 hrs:
Today, after climbing over the 5200m Dhampus Pass, we traverse avalanche prone slopes and then descend steeply to Yak Kharka. From Yak Kharka, we continue along the trail to reach Alubari. O/N Camping in Alubari (AP)

Day 18: Trek to Marpha (2665m/8741ft), 7hrs:
We now begin the descent down the dramatic Kali Gandaki Gorge. After passing through Jharkot and Khingar, villages with typical Tibetan architecture, we follow the valley floor most of the way to Jomsom. Jomsom is sprawled along both banks of the Kali Gandaki and from here we get fine views of the Nilgiri peaks. We continue down to Marpha, a delightful Thakali village, with a well-planned drainage system. Its narrow alleys and passageways provide welcome shelter from the strong winds of the Kali Gandaki Gorge. Marpha is particularly well known for its apples, apple cider and apple, apricot and peach Rakshi. O/N Camping in Marpha (AP)

Day 19: Trek to Lete (2470m/8102ft), 6 hrs:
We continue descending the Kali Gandaki Gorge to Tukuche, a Thakali village with a large Gompa. Beyond Tukuche we walk along the west bank of the Kali Gandaki towards Larjung. Here, as in many of the villages in this area, narrow alleyways and tunnels connect houses with enclosed courtyards, providing protection against the wind blowing up the valley. We make our way through pine, juniper and cypress forests to Kalopani, enjoying fine views of Annapurna I and Fang. We then reach Lete, which lies just twenty minutes beyond Kalopani. O/N Camping in Lete (AP)

Day 20: Trek to Tatopani (1160m/3805ft), 6-7 hours
Our trail descends steeply through forests to Ghasa, the last Thakali village and the southern-most limit of Tibetan Buddhism. We enter the steepest and narrowest part of the gorge shortly after Ghasa. At the hamlet of Rupse a magnificent waterfall tumbles down beside the trail. Continuing on, we come to Dana, a Magar village from where the massive peak of Annapurna South can be seen across the valley. The trail then descends to Tatopani where we can have apple pie and bathe in the hot springs. O/N Camping at Tatopani (AP)

Day 21: Trek to Ghorepani (2775m/9102ft), 7-8 hours
A short distance downstream from Tatopani, we cross the river on a large suspension bridge and leave the Kali Gandaki behind. After passing through the villages of Sikha and Chitre, we climb through the forest to Deorali, a 2834m pass from where one can enjoy some excellent views of Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Annapurna I, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli. Just 10 minutes beyond the pass is the village of Ghorepani. Ghorepani literally means "horse water" and is a welcome watering spot for the packs of mules, which ply the route between Pokhara and Jomsom. This will be our last night with our trekking crew except trekking Guide, this is best time to tip the staff (not compulsory but it’s a customary), an impromptus little ceremony and always enormous Sherpa smiles. Then something of a party is inevitable. You may want to try local drink called “Rakshi”, please be aware; it does not taste good and is very strong. O/N Camping at Ghorepani (AP)

Day 22: Trek to Nayapul and drive to Pokhara, 7 hrs trek and 2 hrs drive:
Overlooking Ghorepani is Poon Hill [3193m]. An hour-long pre-dawn ascent gives us the opportunity to see the fascinating views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri glowing in the morning sun. After breakfast, we begin the long descent to Nayapul through magnificent oak and rhododendron forests. From the village of Ulleri, a long steep stone staircase seems to go on forever before eventually reaching Hille. A more gradual descent then brings us to Nayapul, from where it is a short distance to the road and our transport that takes us to Pokhara. O/N at Hotel in Pokhara (BB)

Day 23: Drive to Kathmandu:
Today we'll have an early morning drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu in a clean & comfortable Tourist Coach. It will take 6-7 hrs to drive through scenic overland journey passing through many villages and Trisuli River famous for white water rafting. We'll reach Kathmandu late afternoon then enjoy our night at Thamel. Upon arrival, any hired gears will be collected and your international flight tickets will be distributed. O/N at Hotel in Kathmandu (BB)

Day 24: Free day in Kathmandu:
Leisure day, you can either relax at hotel or enjoy shopping around the nearby shops.

Day 25: Holiday extension or transfer to airport for final departure:
Today holiday extension for another tour or transfer  to the airport for final departure. Tour concludes.