Dhaulagiri French Pass

Dhaulagiri French Pass

Nepal
Trekking
20 Days

Dhaulagiri French Pass

Overview of Dhaulagiri French Pass Trek
Duration: 17–20 days, depending on the itinerary 1210.
Difficulty: Strenuous to very strenuous, suitable for experienced trekkers due to high-altitude passes, glacier crossings, and remote terrain 1213.
Max Altitude: French Pass (5,360m) and Dhampus Pass (5,240m) 1310.
Best Seasons: Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November) for stable weather 138.
Route: Circles the Dhaulagiri Massif (8,167m), the 7th highest peak globally, traversing lush forests, glacial moraines, and high-altitude deserts

Trip Facts

Activities
Trekking
Starting Price
USD 2000

Highlights & Attractions

French Pass (5,360m): Offers 360° views of Dhaulagiri, Tukuche Peak, and the Annapurna range
Hidden Valley: A surreal high-altitude desert surrounded by towering peaks
Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4,750m): Close-up views of the Dhaulagiri icefall and neighboring peaks
Remote Wilderness: Less crowded than popular treks like Everest or Annapurna

Trip Itinerary
Include & Excludes
Trip Notes
Reviews

Trip Itinerary

Day 1–2: : Arrive in Kathmandu → Fly/Drive to Pokhara (850m) → Drive to Darbang (1,100m).

Arrive in Kathmandu to Fly/Drive to Pokhara (850m), Private Jeep or Bus Drive to Darbang (1,100m).
Day 3: : Trek to Dharapani (1,560m) via terraced farms and riverside trails.

Trek to Dharapani (1,560m) via terraced farms and riverside trails.
Day 4–8: : Ascend to Italian Base Camp

Day 4: Trek to Muri (1,750m) through Magar villages.
Day 5: Muri to Bagar (2,080m), ascending through forests.
Day 6: Boghara to Dobang (2,520m), entering alpine zones.
Day 7: Dobang to Italian Base Camp (3,660m), with first views of Dhaulagiri.
Day 8: Italian Base Camp (3,660m), views of Dhaulagiri.
Day 9–13: : High-Altitude Acclimatization and Base Camps

Day 9: Acclimatization at Italian Base Camp; optional hikes.
Day 10: Trek to Glacier Camp (4,200m) via moraines.
Day 11: Glacier Camp to Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4,750m).
Day 12: Acclimatization day at Dhaulagiri BC.
Day 13: Acclimatization day at Dhaulagiri BC.
Day 14–16: : Crossing French Pass and Hidden Valley

Day 14: Trek to Hidden Valley (5,050m) via French Pass (5,360m)
Day 15: Reserve day for bad weather or exploration
Day 16: Descend to Yak Kharka (3,680m) via Dhampus Pass (5,240m).
Day 17–20: : Return to City ( Pokhara and Next Day to Kathmandu)

Day 17: Trek to Marpha (2,670m), famous for apple orchards.
Day 18: Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara; relax by Phewa Lake.
Day 19: Fly to Kathmandu; farewell dinner.
Day 20: : Departure

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

Considerations
Permits: Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and TIMS card required 711.

Accommodation: Mix of camping (high-altitude) and teahouses (lower elevations) 18.

Challenges: Glacier crossings, avalanche-prone slopes, and rapid altitude gain

Reviews