Overview

This region is new territory for trekkers. Trekking off the main paths is not only possible, but can be immensely rewarding, though you do need a sense of adventure and an increased ability to deal with unexpected. Geographically, Dhaulagiri region is a land of dramatic contrast. From the near tropical Pokhara valley, steep slopes climb to snow-capped Himalayan giants. Dhaulagiri 1, the seventh tallest peak in the world, towers high above the well-trekked Muktinath pilgrim trail up the Kali Gandaki valley. The vast massif screens the hidden land of Dolpo to its north west.

Following the rivers upstream, ferns and forests of oak and other deciduous trees and juniper are interesting. Mountain sides of rhododendron blaze with colour in the spring, and other flowers are abundant on the trail. Even on high mountain passes above the tree line, tiny alpine flowers can be found dotting the windswept ground.

Short Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival Kathmandu
Upon arrival meet and greet at the airport and tranfer to the hotel.

Day 02: Kathmandu – Pokhara
Kathmandu - Pokhara fly and drive to Baglung.

Day 03: Pokhara – Maldhunga
Start trek and arrive at Maldhunga for overnight camping. The first few days are pleasant trekking through thatched Hindu villages and terraced fields.

Day 04: Maldhunga - Darbang

Day 05: Darbang - Takum

Day 06: Takum - Muri

Day 07: Muri - Bagar

Day 08: Bagar – Dovan
Here we leave the villages behind and the trail becomes increasingly challenging.

Day 09: Dovan - Upper Vungini (Italian Base Camp)
Passing through beautiful forest we rapidly gain altitude and mountains burst out all
around.

Day 10: Upper Vungini (Italian Base Camp)
A rest day for acclimatization. Since there is little exploring to be had, bring a book.

Day 11: Upper Vugini (Italian Base Camp) - Glacier Camp
After crossing the first glacier, probably using a rope in a couple of tricky spots, we climb onto the main glacier. The surroundings are spectacular, which makes up for the rough and dangerous trail. We may also use a rope on this section. This is a particularly tough day. We camp on the glacier rubble.

Day 12: Glacier Camp - Dhaulagiri Base Camp
Soon the rough rubble gives way to the smooth ice of the white part of the glacier. We climb steadily to the rough and chilling but spectacular Dhaulagiri Base Camp.

Day 13: Dhaulagiri Base Camp - French Col - Hidden Valley
Getting off the glacier above the base camp often requires a rope, but once over the steep moraine walls we are in safer and more gentle country. After a breathless climb to the top of French Cool (5300m,) the views of Hidden Valley open out. The broad valley is reminiscent of Tibet and Ladakh and so are the temperatures, at least -20C at night.

Day 14: Hidden Valley camp 5000m
A rest day to admire the surrounding peaks and perhaps do some exploring.

Day 15: Hidden Valley - Yak Kharka
After climbing over the 5200m Dhampus Pass, we traverse avalanche-prone slopes and then descend steeply to Yak Kharka.

Day 16: Yak Kharka – Marpha
More steep descent leads to Marpha and a well-deserved beer over lunch.

Day 17: Marpha – Ghasa
We follow the popular Jomsom Trail down.

Day 18: Ghasa - Tatopani

Day 19: Ghorepani – Tadapani
A short early-morning climb to the Deurali pass for a spectacular panorama over Dhaulagiri and the Annapurnas, and all the way south to the plains of India. The trail descends steeply through dense moss-covered forest rich with birdlife to Tadapani (2540m) for beautiful sunset views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhare.

Day 20: Tadapani – Ghandrung
Trail descends steeply through dense damp forest, where you may see monkeys, and continues down over a series of rock-cut steps that follow a leaping stream. Arrive in Ghandrung (1940m) and explore the maze-like streets of this thriving Gurung settlement.

Day 21: Ghandrung – Birethanti
A steady climb down past startlingly green cultivated terraces and picturesque, beautifully-preserved farms to the Modi River, which the trail follows back to Birethanti. Drive to Pokhara.

Day 22: Pokhara - Kathmandu
After breakfast, you will head towards Kathmandu.

Day 23: Final departure
Today, after breakfast you will be dropped to the airport for flight back home or ownward journey.

Trip Facts

Date And Cost

Start Date	End Date	Price In GBP (£)		Status	Booking
2nd Oct, 2013	24th Oct, 2013	GBP 1,499.00 per person
6th Nov, 2013	28th Nov, 2013	GBP 1,499.00 per person

AVAILABILITY OPTIONS

OPENED: This date is available and open for bookings.
LIMITED: There are very limited number of available places on this departure. Immediate booking.
GUARANTEED: We have reached minimum numbers and this trip is guaranteed to depart.
CLOSED: This date is currently unavailable. Please contact us, if you are interested in travelling on this date.
Your Program Duration = 23 Days
All the Prices are in GBP (£) Per Person.

Cost Includes

All arrival & departure transfers
Internal flights and all land transport involved in the itinerary
Hotel accommodation with breakfast in Kathmandu (3 star)
Guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu
Capming accommodation with all meals throughout the trek
Licensed Guide & Porter during trek

Cost Excludes

Travel Insurance
Nepalese Visa Fee
Lunch & Dinner in Kathmandu
Beverage (hot & cold drinks)
Personal equipments
Anything i.e. not stated in Cost Include section