Trip Type
Mountaineering
Difficulty
Very Severe
SKILLS PROFILE
No Requirements
ACCOMMODATION
Tea House
DESTINATION
Nepal
Start / End Point
Beni / Jomsom
Region
Dhaulagiri (8167 m)
Duration
47 days
Elevation
8167 M
Seasons
Mar-May, Sep-Nov
Group Size
2 - 14
Popularity
GUARANTEED DEPARTURES
Check upcoming trip dates, availability & prices. If you can't see dates that suite you, contact us we will do our best to assist you.
| GUARANTEED DEPARTURES | PRICE | AVAILABILITY | |
| Mar 29, 2026 - May 14, 2026 | $18000 | High | |
| Apr 19, 2027 - Jun 4, 2027 | $18000 | High |
Trek Highlights
- Bounded on the north and southwest by tributaries of Bheri River and on the southeast by Myagdi Khola.
- Mt. Dhaulagiri gets its name from the Sanskrit language ( ancient Indo-Aryan language) which translates into a beautiful white mountain in English language.
- Pronounced as 7th tallest mountain in the world ( 8167 m / 26795 ft), it has more than 6 paths leading to the summit.
- Trek takes you through the Kali Gandaki River, which is the deepest Gorge in the world.
- The best seasons are Spring and Autumn.
- Dhaulagiri is also the highest point of the Gandaki river basin.
- The Dhaulagiri expedition is on of the most difficult expeditions in the world, with the requirement of a lot of technical skills, a high risk of mountain sickness, and possible encounters with life-threatening avalanches.
- To conquer Mt. Dhaulagiri, it's a must to have a climbing experience of 7000m tall mountains.
Why This Trip ?
Dhaulagiri Expedition is one of the best and strenuous journeys in northwest of Nepal that takes you to the Thick Forest Trails, Kali Gandaki Valley, The Hidden Valley of Dolpo, Snowy and Icy Terrain, alluring views of Himalayas along with different communities of Magar, Brahmin and Thakalis inhabit with their own unique culture, tradition, religion and practices.
Photo Gallery
Dive into our gallery to get a glimpse of the awe-inspiring vistas waiting for you on our guided treks across stunning landscapes.
Short Itinerary
Day
1
Arrival
Day
2
Kathmandu Sightseeing
Day
3
Drive to Beni (4hr drive), Trek to Darbang (1110m)
Day
4
Trek to Khamla (1720m)
Day
5
Trek to Dabang (2600m)
Day
6
Trek to Sallaghari (2500m)
Day
7
Trek to Italian Base Camp (3660m)
Day
8
Acclimatization
Day
9
Trek to French Camp (3870m)
Day
10
Trek to Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4700m)
Day
11
11-40 Climbing Period
Day
41
Trek Via French Col (5360m) to Hidden valley (5050m)
Day
42
Free day at Hidden Valley
Day
43
Trek to Alu Bari (3900m)
Day
44
Trek to Marpha (2670m)
Day
45
Trek to Jomsom (2670m)
Day
46
Fly to Pokhara and Drive to Kathmandu
Day
47
Departure
Comprehensive Trek Guide
Standing tall in the altitude of 8,167m, Mount Dhaulagiri is recognized as the seventh highest peak in the world whereas the sixth highest peak in Nepal. It is popular not only because of the highest ranking in the world but also because of the beauty it possesses in itself. Mount Dhaulagiri is one of the most interesting mountain peaks among 8,000m above peaks that is mostly climbed because of its beauty that include the ornate view of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Range and the trail that passes through a wide range of climate, vegetation, cultures, and the Buddhist dwellers.
Dhaulagiri Expedition leaves each of its trekkers mesmerized with views of west and south faces of Dhaulagiri. During the trek, you get to experience the radical changes in the landmarks and also you will pass through the forest full of rhododendron, oaks, and pines. After the Dhaulagiri Base Camp, you have to cross four different camps, Camp I (5,900m), Camp II (6,400m), Camp III (7,200m) and Camp IV (7,500m) and finally reach the summit. This expedition is one of the classic adventures via French Pass and Hidden Valley best for those who seek adventure, high altitude experience and a taste of nature.
Itinerary
Day1
Arrival
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel
The excitement of the upcoming adventure will reach the peak viewing all those snowcapped mountains as you land down in the country where nature speaks to your inner self. When it comes to the excitement; we are on the same boat as we will be eager to take a glance of you at the airport. Check-in at the hotel first and then our representative will be escorting you to the friendly dinner arranged where the discussion of the itinerary will take place.
Day2
Kathmandu Sightseeing
Meals: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel
Today, we go for Kathmandu sightseeing which has its major attractions including three Durbar Squares (Kathmandu Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square and Patan Durbar Square), Swayambhunath Temple (also known as Monkey Temple), Boudhanath Temple (one of the largest Buddhist Stupa) and Pashupatinath Temple. These all places are listed in world heritage sites by UNESCO. After sightseeing, you can also do some shopping and other formalities of permits will be finalized today.
Day3
Drive to Beni (4hr drive), Trek to Darbang (1110m)
Meals: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Accommodation:
To arrive at our first destination of today's trek (Beni) we drive in our private vehicle. After arriving at Beni, we trek on foot to Drbang.On the trails, we cross through a beautiful and popular place like Tatopani which is one of the most popular places for natural hot spring, and other places like Babiyachaur and Ratodhunga. We then reach our today’s destination Darbang and stay there for the night.
Day4
Trek to Khamla (1720m)
Meals: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Today our trek starts from Darbang to Khamla. During this trek we will go through the Magar village (Dharapani) and Phaliyagaon. After that we cross the suspension bridge and we will reach the Khamla village.
Day5
Trek to Dabang (2600m)
Meals: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Our trek takes us to Dabang today through a quite difficult trail that has ridges, forests, remote villages, Lipshe, Lapche Kharka enjoying the view around of different vegetation, animals, and birds. Upon arriving at Dabang we camp in the middle of the hills and mountains.
Day6
Trek to Sallaghari (2500m)
Meals: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
We leave our campsite early in the morning and head towards Sallaghari by the trail that flaunts a lot of beautiful fast-flowing rivers like the Konaban river, Myagdi river, and Pakite river, exotic forests and offers the west view of the majestic Dhaulagiri II mountain.
Day7
Trek to Italian Base Camp (3660m)
Meals: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Starting the day with breakfast we begin trekking to the Italian Base camp through an absolutely stunning trail covered by glaciers, moraines, gorges, forests, and boulders. After arriving at the base camp you will behold the mesmerizing view of the following mountains
Day8
Acclimatization
Meals: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Today we will take some rest at Italian base camp and prepare for the next day trek. On this day, we will discuss about our further day trek path.
Day9
Trek to French Camp (3870m)
Meals: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Our body is ready to trek towards the French Base Camp after a day of acclimatization. As the trail is narrow and difficult, we walk slowly with a lot of caution, making sure to avoid the probable stone falls. By the end of the day, after a hard and risky trek, we camp near the divine glaciers.
Day10
Trek to Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4700m)
Meals: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Leaving the French Base Camp behind, trekking through one of the most beautiful and adventurous trails, we head for the Dhaulagiri Base camp, which boasts the most breathtaking view of Tukuche peak, Dhaulagiri II, and Dhaulagiri IV. Witnessing the trail that will guide us to the top of the Dhaulagiri peak we camp in the Himalayas for night.
Day11
11-40 Climbing Period
Meals: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
From today our climbing period begins. Leaving the base camp first we will head towards the advance base camp, which is at the altitude (5300m). Then from there we will follow the Climbing Sherpa path to pass the four camps. Camp I (6100m), Camp II (6500m), Camp III (7000m) and Camp IV (7700m). After that, we head to the summit of the Mount Dhaulagiri. Once we reach the summit, we are rewarded with the spectacular views of Mount Dhaulagiri I, II, III and IV. We follow the same path to descend to the base camp from where we started our climbing.
Day41
Trek Via French Col (5360m) to Hidden valley (5050m)
Meals: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Even though we have conquered the Dhaulagiri peak, a little bit of a difficult but adventurous part of the trek is left for today. Despite all the hardships, the entire path will be always accompanied by breathtaking views. The trail to the Hidden valley comprises stunning glaciers, sides or edges of the mountains, beautiful moraines, landscapes, trails with slopes, Thapa pass ( elevates about an altitude of 5200 m / 17060.37 ft), and numerous splendid mountains
Day42
Free day at Hidden Valley
Meals: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
The main objective of the free day is to relieve muscle tension from the weeks-long expedition and acclimatization. We won't participate in any physical activities, just soak in the beauty of Annapurna mountain, Nilgiri mountain and Dhaulagiri mountain, and then just rest.
Day43
Trek to Alu Bari (3900m)
Meals: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
We need to be very careful today as the trail is susceptible to dangerous avalanches. Trekking through Dhumpus pass that rises above 5000 m, Yak Kharka ( alpine pastures where yaks graze) you reach Alu Bari which is a beautiful hamlet, by night and camp there.
Day44
Trek to Marpha (2670m)
Meals: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Accommodation: Lodge
Today, through a short (4 hours) and easy trek, we arrive at Marpha ( widely known for one of the best apples and apple wines production ). After getting to Marpha, you will enjoy lunch there and move around to explore every nook and corner possible then, for the night, our team will take you to a lodge.
Day45
Trek to Jomsom (2670m)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Lodge
In the morning, leaving Marpha village, the trek to Jomsom begins through beautiful sceneries. Upon our arrival at Jomsom, a Thakali village, we experience their unique cultures and traditions while enjoying their savory cuisine and then spend the night in a lodge.
Day46
Fly to Pokhara and Drive to Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel
Early morning flight to Pokhara above stunning lakes, mountains, and beautiful settlements starts the day. Then we drive to the Kathmandu valley through many villages and glance at the mountains from afar. After reaching Kathmandu, our team will transfer you to a hotel where you will be well cared for.
Note
Day47
Departure
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation:
This day will be your last day here in Kathmandu. You will probably have time to pack up your things. Our Swotah member will come to pick up you from the hotel and then from hotel, we will drive to the airport in a private vehicle. Our team member will give you a company till your departure time at airport.
What's Included
- All arrival and departure transfer services to and from the Airport
- Assistance at the International Airport by Swotah representative while arriving and departing
- Standard/Deluxe rooms in Kathmandu on B/B basis
- Kathmandu sightseeing
- Local English-speaking Guide for the sightseeing tour
- Necessary staffs including experienced guides and porters(3:1) during the trek
- All trekking and camping equipment’s like camp furniture, kitchenware, dining tents, guest tents, etc.
- 3 meals a day (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner with tea or coffee) along with available accommodation at Hotel/Lodge/Guest House or tents for members
- Per person 30 kg baggage allowance during trekking upward (carried by the porter) and 20 kg baggage allowance while returning from the Base Camp
- Trekking Permit and local permit
- Climbing permit for Dhaulagiri Expedition
- Experienced, Trained and Government Licensed Guide(s) during climbing period as per the group size
- Wages, equipments, medical and accidental insurances for all involved staffs
- First Aid medical kits for the Group and staffs
- 1:1, experienced climbing Sherpa guide
- 3 Oxygen bottle to climbing member and 2 for Sherpa with mask and regulator
- Appropriate food for high altitude to all climbing crew at the base camp and above as required
- Required fixed and dynamic rope during climbing period
- All necessary paper works, service charge and Government taxes levied in Nepal
- Complete pre-departure information, flight ticket reconfirmation and visa extension procedure services (if necessary)
- Satellite phone is available for emergency use and costs $3 per minute
- Solar Panel for batteries and emergency lights
- Sightseeing/Monument entrance fees in Kathmandu (On Day 2 worth $ 100).
What's not Included
- Emergency rescue evacuation if required
- Personal accident insurance or Helicopter rescue (it will be covered by insurance company)
- International flights
- Nepal entry visa; you can obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuvan 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)
- Any kind of hot and cold drinks, hot shower
- Alcoholic beverages, mineral water, laundry, phone calls, internets
- Additional oxygen is availble with additional cost
- Lunch is not included for Kathmandu
- All kind of Personal Expenses
- Ice fall fees, Garbage Deposit fees (Sharing with other member), if applicable
- Wake talkies & Filming permit
- Any others expenses which is not mentioned in the itinerary
- Personal climbing guide if requested
- Optional trips and sightseeing if extended
- Tips for guides and porters
- Excess baggage charges (if you have more than 15 kg of luggage, a cargo charge is around $1.5 per kg)
Tour Map
Frequently Asked Question
1. Will somebody come to pick me up at the airport upon arrival
Yes, our representative will be already there to receive you at the airport and you will be directly transferred to the hotel.
2. Is there an Orientation program
Yes, we will invite you for dinner in a Nepali restaurant on the night of your arrival for briefing the detail itinerary and small orientation program will be held by the tour leader and guides before we embark on our adventure.
3. What is the overnight accommodation like
For nights in cities, we use standard/superior standard/deluxe rooms whereas, during the trek, we use lodges/tea houses/guesthouses/home stay for our clients or whatever is available and accessible. We also arrange sleeping bags for our clients, as per their request.
4. How big are the groups
We believe in operating small intimate group to provide personal attention and services to our guests. Small groups can enjoy the trek hassle free and enjoy the customized trip according to their need and suitability. We do not incorporate more than 14 People in a group, unless we get special requests from our clients.
5. How do you rate the difficulty for this mountain, on a scale of 1 to 10, compared to other mountains over 8000 m
This is certainly one of the highest mountains in the world. In terms of technical difficulty, we'd rate 'Mount Dhaulagiri' as 8.
6. Who can climb Mount Dhaulagiri
Only mountaineers who have adept mountaineering skills, adequate strength and previous experience in high mountains can climb this mountain.
7. What about security during climbing
We make sure to take security measures during climbing to make your expedition successful. We hire experienced and authorized Guides/Sherpas to safeguard your life in the mountains. We strongly recommend that you follow the guide’s instruction with utmost care.
8. What sort of food can I expect during this expedition
During Camping, our expert camping cooks prepare a wide range of delicious meals empowering you with enough strength for your strenuous climbing. All the cooking materials will be carried by our porters.
9. Can we get drinking water during climbing
Yes, you will get purified, filtered water in many tea houses. You can also get a hot water during camping.
10. What mode of transportation do you use
We use a private vehicle for sightseeing inside Kathmandu Valley and to drive to Beni, we use car/van/ Mini Bus depending on the number of traveler and your comfort.
11. What is the best season for Mount Dhaulagiri
September to October and April to May are best seasons for Dhaulagiri Expedition.
12. Will I be taken care of during emergency
Before coming to Nepal, make sure that you are totally insured. In case of emergencies like altitude sickness, dehydration or any medical conditions let your Guide know about your problem and subsequently, as soon as we are informed of a situation, we'll send an emergency helicopter rescue team. You will be transferred to the hospital for the treatment.
13. What are the appropriate outfits we should possess
Climbing is a hard and tiresome activity that requires a lot of physical movement so pack your active wears and trekking pants for at lower altitudes. Weather at high altitude is unpredictable, so carry a lightweight waterproof jacket along with thick down jacket, pant and thermal inner wear to escape the severe cold. Needless to say that, Good shoes are very important for climbing in rough and snowy terrain, so invest in good quality shoes or rent it from us at a minimum price. For mountaineering, you will require special clothes that can be bought or hired from us.
14. Is it possible to alternate or change the day trips
In cases emergency, you can change the day trips but it’s better to not change it. Still, we customize the trip according to your preference, but if you need to change plan during the trek, consult the guide and company.
15. How long will it take to complete the expedition
It will take almost 1 and half months to climb it and to return only a few days so to complete this expedition; you need at least 40-45 days in total.
16. Are your Sherpas reliable and certified
Yes, Our Sherpas are mountaineering experts and also authorized license holders from Nepal Government. The Sherpas know the climbing route like the back of their hand and use their expertise in ensuring your safety in the mountains.
17. Do I need climbing permit
Yes, you need climbing permit. It's not legal to climb without it.
18. Is there any possibility of telephonic - communication while we are on this expedition
Yes, for the first few days, it's possible to have telephonic communication. In some villages, you can make local and international calls from telephone provided by the guesthouse owner after paying the price directly. For higher altitude climbing, we usually have satellite phones with our Sherpas.
19. Can I add extra days to my trip
If you need extra day to complete the trekking, you'll need to inform the guide in advance and the guide will let the company know. Adding a day to trekking can result in many changes in other arrangements such as transportation, guide’s schedule, flight details, hotel bookings and all, so we really don't recommend this to our clients unless there's an emergency cases. But it's true that those changes could be made but it will cost extra. The best way to do it is to inform the agent company about it.
20. What immunizations will I need
Before coming to Nepal, make sure you are covered for diphtheria & TB, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, malaria, typhoid, polio and tetanus. Make sure you are in best shape to complete the trekking without any complications.
21. How will my booking be processed
To confirm your booking, a non-refundable deposit of minimum of 15% of total trip amount is required, which can be made by bank transfer. The due balance is payable on arrival in Kathmandu with cash or card.
22. Can we use the credit card during the climbing
No, you cannot use credit card during the climbing. You have to exchange the money in Nepali Rupees before you start the trip. You can use credit card only in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
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