Dhaulagiri Expedition

Duration: 45 Days

Climb one of the highest peaks on the planet! Traverse through a vast array of landscapes before arriving to the peak of the 7th highest peak on Earth – Dhaulagiri (8,167 meters/26,795 feet). In fact, it is the tallest mountain that lies entirely inside Nepal’s borders. The famous peak lies adjacent to the Annapurna region. En route to the top (and back), enjoy trekking through the distinctive Mustang region. The Dhaulagiri Expedition is considered to be one of the most technically difficult in Nepal, but our team ensures the highest potential for making a successful ascent. 
Dhaulagiri was first summited in 1960 by a team of Swiss, Austrian, and Nepali mountaineers. Join the list of legends who have braved the behemoth peak of Dhaulagiri. The journey begins in Marpha, after a scenic and often bumpy ride from Pokhara. Marpha is famous for its fruit orchards and local apple products (including the sought-after apple brandy). 
From Marpha, we move up to Yak Kharka, where we camp in a tent under the stars. The following day, we head to Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4740 meters), far above the tree line. From Base Camp, we slowly make a couple more ascents to acclimatize before the final push to the summit. Camp I is at about 6,050 meters/19,049 feet. Camp II is at about 6,400 meters/20,997 feet. Camp III is about 7,400 meters/24,278 feet. The Final Camp, from where we head to the summit, is at nearly 7,800 meters/25,591 feet. It takes us about a month in total to go from Base Camp to Summit and back to Base Camp.
With your determination and skill, and our guidance, you are sure to have a successful attempt and one of the greatest natural highs possible. Live with the personal accomplishment for the rest of your life. There are view greater feelings than standing near the top of the world. It is truly a mental and physical test, in which you will succeed! From the summit, we head down over the Thorong La Pass (5416m) and then to Muktinath – a famous mountainside Hindu pilgrimage site. We descend further through the Mustang region, surrounded by an otherworldly landscape of barren hills, reddish rocky structures, and high cliffs. 
Back in Jomsom (and Pokhara and Kathmandu as your heart desires), a celebration is in store! We hope you enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime Himalayan expedition with us! We are more than happy to have you along and share a wonderful memory with you. 
The best time to take Dhaulagiri Expedition is during the autumn season, when the skies are clearer. However, spring is another viable option. During the spring, the ice is still frozen and there is a lower chance of an avalanche. Also, to avoid an avalanche, we ascend on the northeast ridge. 

 

Trip Highlights

  • Stand on the peak of the 7th highest mountain in the world – Dhaulagiri (8,167 meters/26,795 feet)
  • A true alpine adventure that leaves you constantly surrounded by Himalayan peaks
  • Live with the sense of achievement of summiting a Himalayan peak
  • Traverse an array of landscapes, including the orange-red cliffs and barren hills of Mustang
  • Try some local apple cider, pie, or brandy straight from the orchards of Marpha

 

Day to Day Itinerary

  • Day 01:Arrival at Kathmandu airport and transfer to hotel.
  • Day 02:Sightseeing tour around Kathmandu.
  • Day 03:Preparation Day.
  • Day 04:Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (1400m).
  • Day 05:Drive to Marpha (2670m).
  • Day 06:Rest day in Marpha.
  • Day 07:Trek from Marpha to Yak Kharka (4050m).
  • Day 08:Trek from Yak Kharka to Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4740m).
  • Day 09:to 39 : Climbing Period.
  • Day 40:Trek down to Yak Kharka from Base Camp.
  • Day 41:Trek from Yak Kharka to Jomsom (2750m).
  • Day 42:Fly back to Pokhara.
  • Day 43:Drive to Kathmandu.
  • Day 44:Leisure day in Kathmandu.
  • Day 45:Departure from Nepal.

Detail Itinerary

  • Day 01:Arrival at Kathmandu airport and transfer to hotel. A representative of Roar Himalaya Adventure heartily welcomes you at Tribhuvan International Airport and takes you to your hotel. Take a rest or wander around the winding streets of Kathmandu. In the evening, we give you the lowdown on your upcoming trek. Overnight at hotel on B&B basis.

  • Day 02:Sightseeing tour around Kathmandu.After breakfast, we invite you on a sightseeing tour around Kathmandu. A visit to Nepal would not be complete without visiting the country’s most beloved tourist destinations, all of which are UNESCO World Heritage sites. Spend the rest of the day as you please. Overnight in hotel on B&B basis.
  • Day 03:Preparation Day.Together, we spend a couple hours getting all the permits and documents necessary for taking the Dhaulagiri Expedition. Take the rest of the day to relax and get caught up on rest. Overnight in hotel on B&B basis.
  • Day 04:Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (1400m).Drive for 6-7 hrs from Kathmandu to the fun lakeside city of Pokhara. Taking the always adventurous Prithvi Highway, we cruise along rivers and terraced hillsides to reach the city. The landscape along the drive is entertaining and builds our anticipation for the upcoming trek. Pokhara has a laid-back vibe and is surrounded by lush greenery and the gorgeous Phewa Lake. Overnight at hotel on B&B basis.
  • Day 05:Drive to Marpha (2670m).Drive along the Kali Gandaki River on the rocky road to Marpha. At certain points, the road clings alongside a canyon wall. It is a thrilling ride to say the least. Arrive in Marpha in the late afternoon/early evening, with time to wander the narrow, stone roads. Try some of Marpha’s famous apple cider or apple pie (or even apple brandy if you’re up for it). Overnight in teahouse lodge.
  • Day 06:Rest day in Marpha.Take some day hikes around Marpha to acclimatize. There are lots of fruit orchards to explore, and we can make the short hike up to Jomsom as well if you have interest. Otherwise, enjoy the peace and quiet of the Himalayan foothills. Overnight in teahouse lodge.
  • Day 07:Trek from Marpha to Yak Kharka (4050m).Have a filling breakfast and begin the ascent. Marpha is a sweet village inhabited mostly by the Thakali people. It’s been an enjoyable time here, but we look forward to moving up and onward. After a day of hiking up through forests and then arid, rocky terrain, we arrive in Yak Kharka. Overnight in tent camp.
  • Day 08:Trek from Yak Kharka to Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4740m).Today is another heavy ascent up to Dhaulagiri Base Camp. Now you are in a true alpine fortress, surrounded by majestic towering peaks. We brief you on the upcoming month-long climbing period. Overnight in tent camp.
  • Day 09:to 39 : Climbing Period.The real mountaineering adventure begins! The next weeks might just be life-changing. You will be challenged mentally and physically in ways that positively influence you. It takes a while to properly acclimatize and prepare our bodies and minds for the ascent. Tasty meals during this period are cooked by the team chef. Each night is spent in our tent under the mesmerizing Himalayan peaks. At this point, all other necessary information is given to you and our gear is double and triple checked. The climbing period is long and drawn out, but this is necessary to have a successful summit attempt. Overnight in a tented camp.
  • Day 40:Trek down to Yak Kharka from Base Camp.Congratulations! A successful climb leads us back down to Yak Kharka, which seems full of life compared to the desolate, yet magical mountain landscape where we have been for the last month. We are full of happiness and relief as we begin our descent back from the mountain. The journey takes about 6-7 hours. Overnight in tent camp.
  • Day 41:Trek from Yak Kharka to Jomsom (2750m).Today we wake up early to cross the high Thorong La Pass. We’re well acclimatized, so that is an advantage. Drop by Muktinath and pay homage to this spiritual pilgrimage site. Regardless of your religious, it is fascinating to see all the pilgrims visiting the site. Then, continue towards Jomsom. Overnight in teahouse lodge.

  • Day 42:Fly back to Pokhara.Head to the airport after breakfast and hop on a flight to Pokhara. From the window, you can see the peak of the mountain you have just summited, but with a much different perspective. Spend the day in Pokhara relaxing, taking a stroll on lakeside, or sightseeing. Overnight in a hotel on B&B basis.
  • Day 43:Drive to Kathmandu.The epic adventure is capped off with a pleasant drive through Nepal’s countryside along the Prithvi Highway. Time goes by quickly on the 6-7 drive because we are distracted by the beauty. When we arrive in Kathmandu, spend the evening freely exploring the side streets or buying some souvenirs in Thamel. Overnight in hotel on B&B basis.
  • Day 44:Leisure day in Kathmandu.Kick back, relax, and enjoy the capital city of Nepal. Check out the cultural heritage sites, try some of the various traditional dishes/drinks, and celebrate a successful trek. Overnight in hotel on B&B basis.
  • Day 45:Departure from Nepal.Before your flight, we take you to the airport and say farewell. We hope you had a blast with us and we appreciate you choosing Roar Himalaya Adventure as your trekking guide! Looking forward to seeing you again.

Cost Includes:

  • Airport transfers before and after trek
  • Hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara (on Bed & Breakfast basis) as per itinerary
  • Transportation to and from the trailhead as per itinerary
  • Accommodation (twin sharing basis) at local teahouse lodges during the trekking portion
  • Climbing Sherpa (01 Sherpa: 01 climber)
  • Experienced, government-authorized guide
  • Base camp cook, kitchen helper
  • Liaison officer with all his expenses Insurance and wage for guide and porters
  • Oxygen with regulator and mask for Emergency or Medical Purpose
  • Full board meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the expedition
  • Tent camping setup (sleeping tent, kitchen tent, toilet, etc.)
  • First Aid Kit
  • Roar Himalaya Duffle Bag
  • Annapurna Trekking Map
  • Service charge and government taxes
     

Cost Excludes:

  • International airfare
  • Nepal entry visa fee
  • Insurance (must cover rescue evacuation in case of emergency)
  • Meals and drinks in Kathmandu and Pokhara (besides breakfast)
  • Personal expenses, shopping, etc.
  • Sightseeing entrance fees
  • Alcoholic drinks, chocolates, tea and coffee
  • Tips for guide and porter
  • Extra accommodation and meals outside of itinerary
  • Costs from unexpected occurrences (i.e. cancellations, weather problems, damages of property, illness, etc.)
     
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Trip Fact

  • Destination: Nepal
  • Trip Grade: Technical Challenging
  • Trip Style: Expedition
  • Transportation: Private Vehicle / Aeroplane
  • Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge + Camping
  • Max Elevation: 8167 meters/26,795 feet