Day 1: Arrival at Kathmandu, transfer to hotel
Flying into Kathmandu on a clear day is in itself an unforgettable experience. You will get your first view of Himalayan peaks as you make the descent to Kathmandu airport.
After clearing immigration, you will pass to the passenger pick-up area outside. Look out for The Himalayan Windhorse signboard and our representative will welcome you. We will drive you to the hotel and at some point in the afternoon your leader will give a full trek briefing.
The rest of the day will be yours to explore Kathmandu and to shop for anything that you might need for the trek. You can leave a bag at the hotel with any items not required to take with you on trek.
Today you will hear the Nepalese word for hello ‘Namaste’. You will never forget the warmth of the hospitality given by the people of Nepal.
Day 2: Fly to pokhara
In the morning we take the flight to the lakeside town of Pokhara. The view of the Himalayas from the right side of the plane is spectacular. After checking to the hotel you have the rest of the day at leisure to explore Pokhara. In the evening the group will meet for a meal together at one of the excellent restaurants near the hotel.
Day 3: Drive to Darbang (1,180M) and Trek Dharapani (1,470M)
In the morning we drive via Beni to Darbang village. We should arrive in Darbang in the early afternoon where we meet the rest of our trek crew. After Darbang we cross the suspension bridge and soon after start the climb to Dharapani. Gurung and Chettri people live in this village. If the weather is clear you will get your first view of Dhaulagiri massif to the north.
Day 4: Trek to Muri (1,850M)
From Dharapani we walk through the villages of Takum and Sibang. These are prosperous place with many terraced fields growing rice and wheat. During the hike today we pass traditional villages framed with mountain views. Many of the men in this area work overseas in the Middle East or in the British and Indian Gurkhas. There are good views of Gurja Himal and Puta Hiunchuli to the West. After crossing Dhara Khola on a suspension bridge we continue to the village of Muri. Most of the people living in this village are from the Magar ethnic caste.
Day 5: Trek to Boghara (2,080M).
From the camp at Muri we descend to the bridge crossing over the Muri Khola. We walk through bamboo stands and clearings with fields and farmhouses. Further North the valley steepens and the trail is steep in places. We camp in the grounds of the primary school in Boghara village.
Day 6: rek to Dobang(2,500M).
For the next few days we trek up the Myagdi Khola river. This valley receives high level of precipitation due to north to south orientation. As clouds approach from India in the South they climb over Mount Dhaulagiri at the end of the valley. The cooling effect of the uplift causes precipitation. You should expect to get some rain in the afternoons although it usually clears off again in the evening. It is for this reason that there is lush sub-tropical forest up to Sallighari camp. Take care walking here as it is often slippery especially when hiking over tree roots.
Day 7: Trek to Sallaghari (2,820M).
The trail continues through dense, lush vegetation of ferns, bamboo and rhododendrons. We cross on a cantilever bridge over to the east bank of the Myagdi Khola. We camp for the night at a clearing in the forest called Sallaghari.
Day 8: Trek to Italian Base Camp (3,660M).
On leaving Sallaghari we walk through forest of pine trees, rhododendron and birch. Later on we are above the tree line and see heather, juniper and azaleas. The trail ascends to a grassy area on the lateral moraine at Italian Base Camp. High above camp is the impressive west face of Dhaulagiri. Tsaurabong Peak is visible on the other side of the valley.
Day 9: Rest and Acclimatisation Day.
We spend two nights at Italian Base Camp at an altitude of 3,660m for essential acclimatisation. In the morning we go for a walk to explore around Italian Base Camp and spend the afternoon relaxing in camp.
Day 10: Trek to Glacier Camp(4,200M).
From Italian Base Camp the trail descends down a steep lateral moraine to the glacier. In the past we have fixed a rope here to help the group and trek crew although the trail has been recently improved.
We cross the glacier and then traverse along the moraine on the left side of the Chonbarden gorge. We hike through the loose rocks in the narrow Chonbarden gorge. In some years at the snout of the Chonbarden glacier we have to cross a fast flowing stream. We walk on the glacier for another hour to Glacier camp. There some ledges levelled in the ice of the glacier for our tents.
Day 11: Acclimatisation day at Glacier Camp.
Today is another essential acclimatisation day before walking to Dhaulagiri Base Camp tomorrow. In the morning we walk up the glacier towards Base Camp to a large moraine ridge. From here there are fine views of Tukuche and the icefall on Dhaulagiri. This morning walk takes four hours return. In te afternoon we recommend you relax in camp as this helps your body adjust to the high altitude.
Day 12: Trek to Dhaulagiri base Camp (4,700M)..
We follow a rough trail along the moraine covered glacier to Dhaulagiri Base Camp. The view is impressive with Dhaulagiri I, Tukuche Peak and Little Eiger. Further to the west lies Dhaulagiri II (7,751m) and IV (7,618m). You can also see the start of the climbing route on Dhaulagiri through the icefall. In climbing season there are likely to be some expeditions camped on the moraine strip at Base Camp. Climbing Dhaulagiri is more popular with mountaineers in Spring season.
Day 13: Rest and acclimatisation day at Dhaulagiri base camp.
We have two nights at Dhaulagiri Base Camp as well as Italian Base Camp and Glacier Camp. By ascending to high altitude at a slow pace is to allow time for our body to adjust. It is critical for the group and trek crews’ safety to be well acclimatised to camping in Hidden Valley at 5,000m.
In the past some groups have enjoyed going for a short walk towards French Pass. This can be helpful to check the condition of the trail for tomorrow’s walk.
Your international leader will organise a training session to learn mountaineering skills. This will help those in the group who have no prior experience of using ice axe and crampons. You will need these skills for crossing the high passes to Jomsom.
Day 14: Trek via French col (5,360M) to hidden valley(5,050M).
After an early breakfast we walk out of Base Camp along the moraine strip. We cross over to the left hand side of the Upper Chonbarden glacier. We follow a lateral moraine ridge towards French Pass. From here there are are superb views back down the valley to Dhaulagiri I and Tukuche Peak.
The final ascent up to French Col starts from a cairn on the ridge . The approach to the pass is up moderate angled snow slopes. The summit of the pass marked by Buddhist prayer flags and cairns. The view from the summit of the pass is superb. You can see Sita Chuchura, the peaks of the Mukut Himal, Tashi Kang, Tukuche Peak and of course Dhaulagiri I.
The descent from pass is on snow slopes as we enter into Hidden Valley. After a long descent you arrive to camp next to the river not far from the base of Dhampus Peak. In Hidden Valley there is sparse vegetation of isolated patches of moss and grass. This area is in an area affected by the rain shadow effect of Dhaulagiri massif.
Day 15: Option 1: Exploration walk around hidden valley Option 2: Optional ascent of Dhampus peak (6,012M).
Option 1: Exploration walks around Hidden Valley.
There are several options for day walks around Hidden Valley. One of the best options is to hike up a ridge on the North-Western side of the valley. From the high point on the ridge there are incredible mountain views. You can see of Dhaulagiri, Nilgiris, Annapurnas and down the Hidden Valley. Please take a look at our blog for more information and photos from our day walk in October 2010.
Option 2: Climb Dhampus Peak (6,060m).
We offer the option to climb Dhampus Peak at an altitude of 6,060m. Mountaineering experience and previous experience at high altitude is mandatory. If you would like to climb Dhampus Peak there is an extra cost to cover the climbing permit.
You start in early hours of the morning for climbing Dhampus Peak. This climb is a 1,000m ascent from Hidden Valley at 5,050m to the summit at 6,012m. The route ascends on moderate snow slopes and scree along a ridge to the summit. The view is sensational with views to Dhaulagiri, Annapurnas and into Mustang. For more information take a look at our Blog, Is it worth climbing Dhampus Peak on Dhaulagiri Circuit?
Day 16: Trek via Dhampus pass(5,240M) to alu bari (3,480M).
This is a long day and by far the toughest on this trek. After an early start from camp we walk up a moderate snow slope to gain Dhampus pass at an altitude of 5,240m. There are views of Dhampus Peak to the left of the pass and to the right the beautiful ice flutings on Tukuche Peak.
From the summit of the pass the trail descends for about 100m before starting to traverse left. Depending on the snow and ice conditions crampons might be used for group & porters at this point. There is a long traverse on snow and rock usually taking about four hours. There are excellent views of Nilgiri and the western end of the Annapurna Massif. At a large cairn we start the steep descent to our camp at Alu Bari at an altitude of 3,480m.
Day 17: Trek to Jomsom (2,670M).
There is a long descent today down to Marpha village located in the Kali Gandaki valley. Marpha has a Buddhist monastery, whitewashed houses and paved streets. It is also famous for its apple orchards so well worth stopping here to get a glass of apple juice at one of the lodges.
In Jomsom we stay at one of the lodges located near the airport. After hot showers you can explore Jomsom. In the evening the cooks will produce a special last meal together. Later on we will hand out tips to our crew as a thank you for all their hard work throughout the trek.
Day 18: Fly to Pokhara & Kathmandu.
We take an early morning flight to Pokhara then connect onto another flight to Kathmandu.
Important note: there is a significant safety risk when flying on airlines in Nepal. If you would like to avoid STOL flight from Jomsom to Pokhara there is an option to extend your trek by walking out. The hike to Beni takes three days followed by a 4 hour drive to Pokhara. A public bus from Jomsom to Pokhara takes one day if there are no delays along the way. There are also safety considerations with this option as driving in Nepal is risky too. For information about the flight risk in Nepal read our Trip Dossier. The relevant sections are “Threat and Risk Assessment” and “Jomsom STOL flight”.
Day 19: Sightseeing in Kathmandu
This is a one day guided sightseeing tour of the Kathmandu Valley. We visit three out of the seven World Heritage Sites. You start off by visiting Patan Durbar Square. Afterwards you drive to the Buddhist stupa at Boudhanath. The last stop of the day at the Hindu shrine of Pashupatinath. The tour is likely to finish around 4pm and the rest of the day is free to further explore Kathmandu.
In the streets of Kathmandu there is a constant bustle of activity. In the bazaars and markets the farmers sell their vegetables and fruit. While the city has expanded over the last 10 years it is still possible to see traditional houses.
Day 20: Fly back home.
Himalayan Windhorse staffs Transfer to Kathmandu airport for the flight back home. End of trip.
