Dhaulagiri Basecamp Trek

Dhaulagiri Basecamp Trek

  •   Nepal
  •   Trekking
  •   Mordrate
  •   20 Days
  •   5,360M

Dhaulagiri Basecamp Trek
  • Dhaulagiri Basecamp Trek

Dhaulagiri Base Camp Trekking


The Dhaulagiri Base Camp Trek is a challenging and remote adventure in Nepal, circling the 7th highest mountain in the world, Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167m). This trek is known for its rugged terrain, high-altitude passes, and untouched wilderness, offering an "expedition-style" experience with camping and limited teahouse facilities

Duration: Typically 17–20 days, depending on the itinerary.

Difficulty: Strenuous, suitable for experienced trekkers due to high passes (French Pass at 5,360m and Dhampus Pass at 5,240m) and glacier crossings.

Best Seasons: Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November) for stable weather and clear views.

Accommodation: Primarily camping (tents), with basic teahouses in lower villages

Permits: Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and TIMS Card required.
Fitness Level: Prior high-altitude trekking experience recommended.
Gear: Bring cold-weather camping equipment, microspikes for ice, and a -20°C sleeping bag.
Safety: Acclimatization days are critical; guides/porters are essential for navigation.

No of Day: 17 to 20 Days

Trip Facts

  • Activities

    Trekking

  • Starting Price

    USD 2300 Per person

  • Accommodation

    Tea House and Camping

  • Max. Altitude

    5,360M

  • Best Season

    Autumn and Spring

  • Trip Hours/Day

    5 -6 Hours

  • Trip Grade

    Mordrate

  • Group Size

    02 to 10

Highlights & Attractions

  • Panoramic Mountain Views: Close-up vistas of Dhaulagiri I–VII, Annapurna, Nilgiri, and Tukuche Peak.
  • High Passes: Cross the French Pass (5,360m) and Dhampus Pass (5,240m) into the secluded Hidden Valley.
  • Base Camps: Explore Italian Base Camp, Glacier Camp, and Dhaulagiri Base Camp.
  • Diverse Landscapes: From lush forests to glacial moraines and alpine meadows.
  • Cultural Villages: Pass through Magar, Gurung, and Thakali settlements like Marpha and Jomsom.
  • Remote Wilderness: Less crowded than Annapurna or Everest treks, offering solitude and raw nature.
  • Trip Itinerary
  • Include & Excludes
  • Trip Notes
  • Reviews

Trip Itinerary

  • Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m)
    Airport pickup and transfer to the hotel.
    Briefing about the trek and gear check.
    Optional sightseeing in Kathmandu (e.g., Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa)
  • Day 2: : Drive to Beni (830m) – 8–10 hours
    Day 2: Drive to Beni (830m) – 8–10 hours Scenic drive via Pokhara, following the Trisuli and Kali Gandaki rivers. Overnight in Beni, a gateway town to the Dhaulagiri region
  • Day 3: : Trek to Babiachaur (950m) – 5–6 hours
    Follow the Myagdi Khola River, crossing suspension bridges and terraced farms.
    Pass through villages like Beni Mangalghat and Tatopani
  • Day 4: Trek to Dharapani (1,860m) – 6–7 hours
    Gradual ascent through subtropical forests and Magar villages.
    Views of Gurja Himal and Dhaulagiri peaks .
  • Day 5: Trek to Muri (1,800m) – 4–5 hours
    Steep climbs and river crossings.
    Explore the traditional Magar village of Muri
  • Day 6: Trek to Boghara (2,080m) – 5–6 hours
    Traverse pine forests and a low pass with views of Ghustung South. Camp near terraced fields
    Remote terrain with no settlements
  • Day 7: : Trek to Dobang (2,520m) – 5–6 hours
    Dense forest trails with rhododendrons and bamboo.
    Remote terrain with no settlements
  • Day 8: : Trek to Choriban Khola (3,110m) – 4–5 hours
    Follow the Myagdi Khola, crossing landslide-prone areas. Significant altitude gain; stay hydrated
  • Day 9: : Trek to Italian Base Camp (3,660m) – 5–6 hours
    Enter alpine terrain with views of Dhaulagiri’s west face. Acclimatization day planned for Day 10
  • Day 10:: Acclimatization at Italian Base Camp
    Short hikes to nearby ridges. Rest and prepare for higher altitudes
  • Day 11: : Trek to Glacier Camp (4,210m) – 4–5 hours
    Cross the Chonbarden Gorge and glacier moraines.
    Rugged trail with fixed ropes in sections
  • Day 12: : Trek to Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4,740m) – 4–5 hours
    Stunning views of Dhaulagiri I, II, and Tukuche Peak.
    Camp on the glacier
  • Day 13: : Acclimatization at Dhaulagiri Base Camp
    Explore the area or rest. Critical for adjusting to altitude before French Pass
  • Day 14: Cross French Pass (5,360m) to Hidden Valley (5,050m) – 7–8 hours
    Most challenging day; steep ascent to the pass.
    Panoramic views of Mukut Himal and Dhaulagiri range
  • Day 15: Cross Dhampus Pass (5,240m) to Yak Kharka (3,680m) – 6–7 hours
    Descend into the Kali Gandaki Valley. Views of Annapurna and Nilgiri peaks.
  • Day 16: : Trek to Marpha (2,670m) – 5–6 hours
    Walk through apple orchards and Tibetan-influenced villages.
    Celebrate with local apple brandy
  • Day 17:: Drive to Pokhara (830m) – 3–4 hours
    Scenic drive along the Kali Gandaki River.
    Optional flight to Kathmandu the next day
  • Day 18: Fly or Drive to Kathmandu
    Fly or Drive to Kathmandu,
  • Day 19: Depature
    International Airport Departure

Package Includes

  • Nepal Visa ($30-50 depending on duration)
  • Travel Insurance (mandatory; must cover altitude up to 3,000m + evacuation)
  • Early Termination: Extra transport/hotel if leaving trek early
  • Kathmandu Sightseeing (entrance fees for UNESCO sites ~$20-30)
  • Any costs arising due to a change of the itinerary, landslides, political issue etc
  • .
  • Medical expenses, rescue at high altitudes, trip cancellation and unforeseeable events are excluded.
  • .

    Package Excludes

    • Nepal Visa ($30-50 depending on duration)
    • Travel Insurance (mandatory; must cover altitude up to 3,000m + evacuation)
    • Early Termination: Extra transport/hotel if leaving trek early
    • Kathmandu Sightseeing (entrance fees for UNESCO sites ~$20-30)
  • Any costs arising due to a change of the itinerary, landslides, political issue etc
  • .
  • Medical expenses, rescue at high altitudes, trip cancellation and unforeseeable events are excluded.
  • .

    Trip Notes

    Dhaulagiri Base Camp Trek: 17- 20 Day Itinerary

    Difficulty: Strenuous (requires high fitness and prior trekking experience)
    Max Altitude: 5,360m (French Pass)
    Best Seasons: March–May and September–November 

    Reviews