Dhaulagiri Expedition

Dhaulagiri Expedition - 0 reviews

Max. Elevation

8167m

Accommodation

Hotel, lodge, Tea house and Camp

Best Season

Spring- Autumn

Duration

48 days

Trip Grading

Hard

Activity

Expedition

Meals

Breakfast- Lunch - Dinner

Transport

Private vehicle

Departure Location

Nepal

The Dhaulagiri trek provides a strenuous climb up 8,167 meters, the seventh-highest summit in the world. The mountain, which is well-known for its technical difficulty, leads climbers through isolated and untamed areas in the Annapurna region of Nepal.The ascent requires technical abilities and prior high-altitude mountaineering expertise.Climbers who reach the summit are rewarded with breath-taking vistas of the surrounding valleys and peaks.

An exhilarating mountaineering experience is the Dhaulagiri expedition. At an astounding 8,167 meters (26,795 ft), it is the seventh-highest mountain in the world. The mountain is located in Nepal's Gandaki province. "White Mountain" is the Sanskrit term "dhawala Giri," from which the word "Dhaulagiri" is derived.

Ratio 1 sherpa for 1 participant
Experienced expedition leader
Access to base camp by trekking for acclimatization and team building
Preparation course, live monitoring of the expedition

Travel Style

Adventure Sports

dhaulagiri expedition - conquer the world 7th highest peak.

Embark on the ultimate Himalayan adventure with our Dhaulagiri Expedition (8167m) – a challenging climb to the 7th highest mountain in the world. Located in the remote western Himalayas of Nepal, Dhaulagiri offers serious altitude, technical terrain, and stunning views of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges.

Our fully guided expedition includes expert Sherpa support, acclimatization schedule, and logistics to give you the best chance of a safe and successful summit. Perfect for experienced climbers seeking a true 8000m peak challenge in 2025.

Description

You start your trip in Kathmandu and go to Pokhara before driving to Darbang. This is where your journey will begin. For the expedition, we'll use the Northeast Ridge normal route. You will pass through thick forests, isolated villages, and beautiful scenery along the hike track.

To acclimate, a base camp will be established. Before the climb, you will have plenty time to acclimate. The base camp is situated at a height of 15,420 feet, or 4,700 meters. Typically, Camp I is situated about 5,900 meters (19,356 feet) above the ultimate summit, whereas Camp II is situated at 20,997 feet.Because it requires consistent technical skills in rock and ice climbing, the final peak is difficult.

Throughout the journey, obstacles including avalanches, altitude sickness, and erratic weather will arise. Pre-monsoon (April to May) and post-monsoon (September to November) are the ideal times of year for the adventure.

Additionally, you will have the chance to discover the distinctive culture that enables climbers to engage in dialogue with locals. This is the ideal opportunity to discover firsthand and integrate into their local culture. All things considered, climbers aiming to reach one of the most famous peaks in the Himalayas will have an amazing experience with the Dhaulagiri trip.

Trip Itinerary

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Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, our local team warmly welcomes you at the airport. You will then be escorted to the hotel, where you can enjoy some well-deserved relaxation. The itinerary includes a briefing about the trek's progress and presentation, followed by leisure time. If you arrive in the morning, you'll have the entire day at your disposal. This can be used for rest or for those interested, to explore the surroundings freely. It's an ideal chance to deeply experience Nepalese culture and indulge in the local culinary delights.

Transfer to hotel

Final altitude: Approximately 1350 m

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: Night in the hotel

We reserve this day for sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley and to prepare for trekking. After having a warm breakfast, we will leave the hotel in a private vehicle with an experienced tour guide. We will visit several UNESCO-listed world heritage sites in Kathmandu Valley the famous Swayambhunath stupa, and the Boudhanath stupa. These places are famous for having inherited ancient religious practices, architecture, and culture. But also make the last purchases if necessary and above all optimize the luggage in a mountaineering bag and a trekking bag.

Superb half-hour flight: Langtang, Manaslu, Annapurna, and in the distance, the white pyramid of Dhaulagiri. The afternoon was devoted to the briefing.

Transport: airplane

Flight duration: approximately 30 minutes

Final altitude: 900 m

Meals: Breakfast at the hotel

Accommodation: Night at a hotel

Many trails under construction modify the landscape and access each year. The classic start is from the village of Darbang, reached from Pokhara by a chaotic dirt track that crosses many villages, in the middle of terraced crops. The Ghurja Himal which adjoins the Dhaulagiri range is in the background.

Transportation: by private vehicle

Duration of transfer/transportation: approximately 4 hours walking: about 5 h

Final altitude: About 1,180 m

Meals: breakfast at the hotel – lunch at the lodge – dinner

Accommodation: Night in a tent

The path begins to climb for two hours to reach the village of Dharapani (1,562 m). Unobstructed view of the Punta Hiunchuli and the Dhaulagiri. Two more hours of climbing and a pleasant balcony path lead to Sabang. Mostly populated by Thakali and Gurung.

Walking: about 5 h

Final altitude: about 1,750 m

Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner

Accommodation: night in a tent

The balcony path continues to join the course of the Dhara Khola which we cross on a solid suspension bridge. Rough climb then the path in the balcony to reach the village of Muri (1,850 m), populated by Kami. The mountains are getting closer. Two hours of descent lead to the bridge over the Myagdi Khola. New suspension bridge. We pass on the orographic left bank. The trail alternates uphill and downhill to the village of Jugapani.

walking: about 6 h

Final altitude: approximately 2,050 m

Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner

Accommodation: night in a tent

The path descends towards the river, a new suspension bridge to go back to the right bank of the Myagdi Khola. Arrival at the village of Boghara (2080 m). The trail becomes more austere, with many narrow passages carved into the cliff where porters must exercise caution with their loads. Descent to Lipshe on the banks of the Myagdi Khola for lunch. The rest of the path continues in the middle of a dense forest and climbs steadily. Dobang, a vast clearing with a few huts, is our camp.

Walking: About 5 h

Final altitude: approximately 2,260 m

Meals: Breakfast -Lunch - Dinner

Accommodation: Night in a tent

The path still runs through the forest. The sturdy bridges give way to more uncertain footbridges, such as the one allowing to cross the Konaban Khola, then again the Myagdi Khola, of which we follow the left bank again.Overnight at Soligari mountain pasture (also called Choriban).

Walking: About 5 h

Final altitude: Approximately 3,100 m

Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner

Accommodation: Night in a tent

We are entering the domain of glaciers and their long moraines. Several base camps are easily accessible: the American, the Italian, the Japanese, the Swiss and finally the French. You are at the foot of Dhaulagiri II (7,751 m), Dhaulagiri III (7,715 m), and Dhaulagiri V (7,618 m) which dominate the camp to the northwest. The camps are installed on the terminal moraine of the Chhonbardan glacier which will soon have to be climbed.

Walking: About 5 hours

Final altitude: 3,650 m

Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner

Accommodation: Night in a tent

Indispensable day to complete our acclimatization.The fittest can walk between the different camps.

Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner

Accommodation:Night in a tent

A long day of strenuous walking in uncomfortable mountainous terrain. An avalanche cone at the foot of the west face of Dhaulagiri must be bypassed. Access to the moraine may require the laying of a few meters of fixed rope to help the carriers, especially if snow is present. A vast cave which sometimes serves as a shelter marks the path. The route then turns east to ascend the lower slopes covered in morainic debris of the Chhonbardan glacier. Around 4,220 meters, a succession of platforms can make it possible to set up an intermediate camp for better acclimatization. If the group is already well acclimatized, we continue on the glacier to reach the base camp of Dhaulagiri, located around 4,750 meters. Used for several years on different expeditions.

Walking: about 7 h

Final altitude: 4,650 m

Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner

Accommodation: Night in a tent

Difficulty level: PD/AD for the entire route, but significant objective dangers in bad weather conditions. AD for the steepest sections that are between Camps 1 and 2 ( Icefall ), II and III, and in the couloir that leads to the summit ridge. Three altitude camps are necessary to make the ascent, along the northeast ridge.

Basecamp: 4,650m - Camp 1: 5,800m - Camp 2: 6,800m - Camp 3: 7,400m

From base camp (5,800 m) to camp 1 (5,800 m)

The Icefall (ice waterfall), is avoided by its left bank by rising in the slopes resulting from the "Eiger". The first climbers thus named the wall that dominates the glacier, whose slopes are reminiscent of the north face of the famous Swiss mountain. In the middle of the day, avalanches and rockfalls are frequent. It is imperative to cross at times when the frost is most marked and not to be there just after a snowfall. The camp is on the vast glacial plateau that follows the icefall, below the Northeast Col. It is exposed to the wind.

From Camp 1 to Camp 2 (6,800 m)

It is necessary to circumvent the seracs which defend the access to the northeast ridge. The slope straightens with 50° jumps which may be ice and are very exposed to the wind. Fixed strings. The camp will be set up as high as possible taking into account the seracs and the risk of avalanches. Route entirely in snow and ice, no mixed passages with rock.

From Camp 2 to Camp 3 (7,400m)

Always follow the profile of the ridge, with many sections in ice, around 50° of the slope. Camp 3 is set up where the route leaves the ridge to set foot on the hanging glacier. From camp 3 to the summit (8,167 m) The crossing is exposed to the risk of avalanche where any slip is prohibited. You have to reach the corridor leading to the summit. Steep and avalanche slopes. At the top of the corridor, to gain a foothold on the end of the summit ridge, a cornice can be tricky to cross. We follow the ridge for a hundred meters.

Meals: Breakfast – lunch – dinner

Accommodation: Night in a tent

The time for return has come. You must first cross the "French Pass" (5,360 m) marked with numerous cairns and prayer flags, then cross the long "Hidden Valley". The camp is located on a mountain pasture (Yak Kharka) at the foot of Dhampus Pass.

Walking: about 6 h

Final altitude: 5,180 m

Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner

Accommodation: night in a lodge or a tent

Last and long day of the trek. You must first climb the slopes that lead to Dhampus Pass (5,260 m) which offers a beautiful view of the Tukuche, and the proud Nilgiri on the opposite side (Annapurna). A long steep and uncomfortable descent follows, crossing several ravines, before reaching the last ridge to plunge towards the hamlet of Marpha and the long valley of the Kali Gandaki.

Walking: About 8 h

Final altitude: About 4,100 m

Meals: Breakfast – lunch – dinner

Accommodation: Night in a lodge

We find our vehicles to go down to Pokhara by changing transport three times (each district has its own bus line). Chaotic road to Tatopani, better to Pokhara.

Transportation: By private vehicle/approximately 8 hours

Final altitude: about 900 m

Meals: Breakfast – lunch

Accommodation: Overnight at a hotel

Transfer to the airport and return flight to Kathmandu. Transfer to the hotel and last free hours in Nepal's capital.

Transportation: by plane / 30 minutes

Final altitude: about 1,300 m

Meals: Breakfast Accommodation: at the hotel

Reserve day, free and without a guide.

Meals: breakfast at the hotel

Accommodation: night at the hotel

Free time depending on the departure time of your flight and our representative will drop you at the airport, ending your journey in Nepal. We hope to be of service to you again. Thank you and safe travels.

Trip Included & Excluded

Trip Included

ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE : Airport - Hotel transfers – Airport (Pick Up and Drop), by a private vehicle.
HOTEL ACCOMMODATION IN KATHMANDU : 4-night hotel in Kathmandu (4-star category) - single room on bed and breakfast plan.
WELCOME DINNER : One Welcome Dinner in a tourist standard restaurant in Kathmandu with Office’s Staff.
PERMITS :
Expedition Royalty and permit of Nepal Government to climb Mt. Annapurna Conservation area entry permits and fee
LIAISON OFFICER : 1 Government Liaison officer with full equipment, salary, and accommodation.
GARBAGE MANAGEMENT : Stool Shipment Transfer & Garbage Deposit fees.
INSURANCE :
Medical & Emergency rescue Insurance for all involved Nepalese staff during the trek and expedition.
MAP : Trekking and climbing map.
DUFFLE BAG : One Real Sherpa Adventures Duffle Bag.
MEMBER TRANSPORTATION :
Land Transportation: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara, and while returning Machha Khola to Kathmandu, as per itinerary.
EXPEDITION STUFFS TRANSPORTATION : All necessary equipment transportation for all Members and Staff
MEMBER LUGGAGE :
Up to 30 Kg per member for personal baggage during the trek to be carried by porters or Yaks.
FOOD AND LODGING : 3 meals a day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner; including tea and coffee) along with accessible accommodation at Hotel/Lodge during the trek and at the Basecamp. Hygienic and fresh green vegetables, fresh meat, fruits, soft drinks, and juice will be served regularly during the entire expedition using helicopter flights. Well-managed base camp set up for members & Staff.
PORTER : Porter per member up to and from Base camp (both ways).
BASE CAMP STAFF : Experienced and well-trained Base Camp Cook & kitchen Helpers as required.
STAFF SALARY AND ALLOWANCE : All Nepalese staff & porter’s daily wages, salary, equipment, food & clothing.
BASE CAMP TENT : Each member will have an individual box tent in Base Camp.
BASE CAMP EQUIPMENT :
Single Tent, foam mattresses and pillow per member, 1 Dining Tent, 1 Kitchen Tent, 1 Communication tent, 1 Toilet & 1 Shower Tent, 1 staff tent, 1 Tent for Nepalese base camp staff, Store tents, Tables & chairs & all necessary cooking gears.
HEATER : Heater at base camp in each Dining and other necessary camps.
SOLAR/GENERATOR/LIGHT : 1 Solar panel or Generator for battery charge and light at base camp for use.
TRAINING : Oxygen, Mask Regulator, Ice wall, and Ladder training at Basecamp by a professional guide.
HIGH ALTITUDE CLIMBING SHERPA :
Governments-licensed climbing Sherpa per member (1 Member: 1 Sherpa), during the entire climb from Basecamp to the summit and back, and on each rotation.
ASSISTANCE : Climbing Sherpa to assist in carrying your gear to the high camps.
CLIMBING SHERPA SALARY & ALLOWANCE : Climbing Sherpa Salary, Equipment, Food, and Clothing.
OXYGEN BOTTLE (O2) :
Summit Oxygen: 3 oxygen bottles (4 ltrs.) for each member and 1 oxygen bottle for each high-altitude Sherpa.
OXYGEN MASK & REGULATOR :
1 Set of Summit Oxygen masks and regulator for each member and high-altitude Sherpa, which has to be returned after the expedition.
BACK-UP OXYGEN : Back up the Oxygen Cylinder, mask, and regulator (with appropriate charge).
HIGH CAMP SERVICE (INFRASTRUCTURE AND LOGISTICS) :
High Altitude Tent, Necessary cooking EPI gas, cooking pot, High food for a member, Sherpa, and other crews at (C1) (C2) (C3), and (C4). Group climbing gears, and fixed and dynamic rope during the climbing period as required.
HIGH CAMP KITCHEN AND DINING : Will have one cook, kitchen, and dining tents in Camp I and Camp II.
HIGH ALTITUDE TENT : Members will share tents in high camps (2 members: 1 tent).
ROPE FIXING TEAM :
The team of experienced Sherpas will fix the route on Manaslu (no extra charge will be applied to members).
SATELLITE PHONE :
Satellite Phone for emergency communication carried by Sherpa, is also available for members with appropriate charge.
WALKIE-TALKIE : Walkie–Talkie for communicating from Base Camp to Mountain and Mountain to Base Camp.
PERMITS : Satellite Phone/Walkie-talkie permit for all members and staff.
INTERNET SERVICE: : Internet facility (1 Mbps) will be available at the Base Camp (subject to a charge).
WEATHER FORECAST : Weather forecast report regularly during the entire expedition.
MEDICAL KIT : Comprehensive Medical kit for members and staff.
CERTIFICATE : Mt. Dhaulagiri climbing certificate (after climbing Mt.Dhaulagiri successfully).

Trip Excluded

AIRFARE : International flight airfare (from and to Kathmandu).
NEPAL ENTRY VISA FEE : The Nepalese Visa fee is USD 125 for 90 Days.
LUNCH & DINNER :
Lunch & dinner during the stay in Kathmandu (also in case of early return from Trekking / Expedition than the scheduled itinerary).
EXTRA NIGHTS IN KATHMANDU :
Extra nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu. In case of early arrival or late departure, early return from Trekking / Expedition, or domestic flight cancellation (due to any other reason) than the scheduled itinerary.
INSURANCE POLICY :
Insurance covering both medical and high-altitude evacuation costs (for the trip cancellation, interruption, high altitude rescue & air evacuation, medical treatment, repatriation, etc.) *Mandatory
PERSONAL EXPENSES :
Telephone Calls, Internet, Toiletries, battery recharge, hot shower, laundry, soft drinks, beers, and any Alcoholic beverages (during the trek and in Kathmandu but we will have soft drinks for members at base camp).
PERSONAL CLIMBING EQUIPMENT :
Clothing, Packing Items, Bags, Personal Medical Kit, and all kinds of Personal Trekking / Climbing Gear.
TOILETRIES :
Soaps, shampoos, toilet and tissue papers, toothpaste, and other items used to keep yourself clean.
FILMING : Special Filming, Camera, and Drone permit fee.
INTERNET SERVICE : Not included during the trek.
SUMMIT BONUS : Summit bonus for climbing Sherpa- Minimum 1500 USD.
TIPS : Calculate some tips for Basecamp staff – Minimum 400 USD.
EXTRA :
Any other services or activities, which are not mentioned in the itinerary and other items not listed in the “Cost Includes” section

Organization

Your Guide and Team Dhaulagiri Expedition Your guide, from your arrival in Kathmandu until your departure, is responsible for the success of your trip and oversees your team. Do not hesitate to ask him questions, respect his position as the team leader, and above all follow his advice! Often your guide is the only English-speaking member of the team. In the mountains and, especially when during high-altitude travels, your guide is responsible for the safety of the group. The instructions he gives and the remarks he makes to all participants must be carefully followed. The interest and safety of the trekking group must be preserved, even when it may be to the detriment of an individual member of the group.

Trip FAQ's

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Dhaulagiri expedition can be done during pre-monsoon ( April – May ) and post-monsoon season( September- November ). These months are favorable due to the conditions and clear skies.

Yes, you need to acquire several permits for Dhaulagiri peak climbing. You need to pay for Nepal’s Government Expedition Royalty, trekking permits, and other conservation area entry permits for these this peak climbing.

Training will be provided to you based on acclimatization strategies, technical climbing techniques, and high-altitude safety protocols.

Our guide members carry satellite phones and walkie – talkies to communicate between climbers and emergency services.

Our guide members ensure the safety of the climbers is the priority. Regular health check ups, emergency response preparation, evacuation plans, and access to medical personnel and equipment.

As Dhaulagiri peak climbing is the high altitude peak climbing, it has various challenges. Challenges such as extreme weather conditions, high altitude sickness, technical climbing sections, crevasses, and avalanches during the expedition.

Yes, you need to have a prior mountaineering experience for the Dhaulagiri expedition. The Dhaulagiri peak climbing demands high technical and physical skills from the climbers. The climbers must have prior experience in high-altitude mountaineering.

The Dhaulagiri Expedition's time can change based on several variables, including the acclimatization process, team experience, and weather. The expedition takes, on average, six to eight weeks to finish.

Yes, for the Dhaulagiri Expedition, it is strongly advised to hire a knowledgeable guide or participate in a guided trip. Throughout the trip, a guide will offer crucial assistance, information, and safety precautions.

Climbers participating in the Dhaulagiri Expedition must be in peak physical shape. Frequent strength and cardio training, along with high-altitude acclimatization, are required to meet the physically demanding demands of the climb.