This region is considered to be one of the most remote places of the kingdom of Nepal. Abundance of Himalayan peaks, hidden valleys, high passes and sweeping vistas. This Trans-Himalayan region is quiet, peaceful and full of curiosity.  The remote western aspect of Dhaulagiri region trekking provides some of the most demanding trekking in Nepal. The trails can be difficult, following glaciers and crossing high snow-covered passes which present a challenge suited only to fit individuals wishing to take on an adventure of a lifetime. Following two days in the fascinating city of Kathmandu, we fly to Pokhara and head to Baglung, the starting point of the trek, in the Kali Gandaki valley. The first few days are spent gaining altitude, through lush terraced hillsides, passing many villages, before ascending to wild and rugged terrain west of Dhaulagiri (8167m). 

The route leads through magnificent gorges and then follows the Chhonbardan glacier to the North Dhaulagiri Base Camp. This white mountain towers in its solitary splendor, a giant shoulder of shining ice and snow. Dhaulagiri is rarely visited and the valleys and villages surrounding it are unspoiled and unchanged. Our trek takes us across the Kali Gandaki River valley and then north into the heart of its Base camp. At the high point of our trek, we cross the traverse of French Pass at 5,360 metres, the hidden Valley and Dhampus Pass at 5182 metres, which brings us to the upper Kali Gandaki Valley in Jomsom. 

About the Trek

Dhaulagiri range lies in the western part of Nepal. It is a neighboring mountain massif of Annapurna range. The Kali Gandaki River flows between these two massive masses, also known as the deepest gorge of the world. The trekking trail passes through the hot humid villages to the high passes above 5000 meters. There are some mentionable small and huge towns before Dhaulagiri trekking region.

Pokhara, the city of lake and Beni Bazaar are the major towns. There are uncountable mountains above 8000 meters, 7000 meters and 6000 meters. Some of the mountains of the region are Konabon Peak, Gurja Himal, Ghustang, Putha Hiunchuli, Churen Himal, Dogari Himal, Dhaulagiri I, Dhaulagiri II, Dhaulagiri III, Dhaulagiri IV, Dhaulagiri V, Jirbang, Manapati, Sita Chuchura, Tukuche Peak, Dhampus peak, Sandache and many other peaks. The weather is pleasant in lower levels but as trekking leads to the higher elevation it gets cold and windy. 

1. Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek

Dhaulagiri Circuit Trekking is a spectacular journey to the remote North West Nepal away from mainstream trekking trails, leading into complete wilderness of ice-snow and moraines in between giant snow capped peaks. Discovered in 1808, the 7th highest mountain in the world, Dhaulagiri is one of the most popular peaks for climbing. This fabulous adventure to the Dhaulagiri Base Camp and Hidden Valley starts with a drive to the popular city, Pokhara and further down to Beni town, followed by trekking past farm areas to reach the high Dhaulagiri mountainous area. Walking on glaciers to base camp located beneath world’s 7th highest. And then traversing over French Pass we will reach Hidden Valley enclosed within high mountains. We will cross another Thapa / Dhampus pass to reach the popular Annapurna circuit route at charming Marpha village.

From there, passing nice villages Tukuche, Ghasa, Tatopani and Ghorepani with a short hike to Poon Hill for stunning sunrise panorama, our journey will be concluded while arriving in Pokhara. Trekking in Dhaulagiri circuit is a very challenging trek since we have to cross two passes of 5000m plus altitude. However, the majestic mountain views, exceedingly beautiful Hidden valley, diverse cultures en route and the sunrise panoramas are sure to keep everyone self-motivated and give a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to enjoy nature. 

2. Dhaulagiri Expedition

Dhaulagiri (8,167 meters) also known as White Mountain is the seventh highest mountain in the world among the most popular 8000 meters peak for Himalayan expedition. It forms the eastern anchor of the Dhaulagiri Himal. A subrange of the Himalaya in the Dhaulagiri Zone of north central Nepal. It lies northwest of Pokhara, an important regional town and tourist center. Across the deep gorge of the Kali Gandaki to the east lies the Annapurna Himal, home to Annapurna I, one of the other eight-thou sanders.

The massif of Dhaulagiri extends from the Kali Gandaki River to Bheri. Bounded on the north and southwest by tributaries of the Bheri River, Mount Dhaulagiri massif is a famous mountain range in the Annapurna region. Dhaulagiri I is the seventh highest mountain in the world. The name of the mountain comes from two combinations of Sanskrit words- “Dhavala” meaning “dazzling, white, and beautiful” and “Giri” meaning “mountain”. Dhaulagiri I is also the highest point of the Gandaki river basin. Annapurna I lies 35 km east of Dhaulagiri I, creating the world’s deepest gorge- the Kali Gandaki Gorge, between these two mountains. The Kali Gandaki River flows through the gorge. The sudden rise of Dhaulagiri I from the lower ridges of the terrain is spectacular. With few trekkers visiting the area, Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is an off-the-beaten-paths trekking journey of the region. 

3. Dhaulagiri Base Camp

A challenging adventure in the Annapurna region: The Dhaulagiri Base Camp Trek. Venture off the beaten track to the foot of the world’s seventh tallest mountain with Incredible Himalayan Sherpa Adventure. As with most journeys, this is often a personal trek – no rigid itineraries, simply your personal journey. Dhaulagiri stands above the Kali Gandaki valley which separates the Dhaulagiri range from the Annapurna massif. The trek is flanked on either side by massive 8000m peaks – Dhaulagiri 1 and Annapurna 1. We will experience the full scope of what the region has to offer: lush valleys, snowy high passes, calm pine and Rhododendron forest and exciting glaciers and ice covered peaks. 

Dhaulagiri itself is well known for some remarkable mountaineering feats and it’s worth experiencing the mountain first-hand. At base camp, you will get a sense of the success as well as drama that has surrounded this remarkable mountain. This trek is certainly more challenging than others in the region but also more rewarding. The Dhaulagiri Base Camp Trek with Incredible Himalayan Sherpa Adventures. Similarly, it is a perfect choice for trekkers who want to avoid any crowds and experience some raw nature. The habitation vogue makes it even a lot of authentic.

4. Dhampus Peak

Dhampus Peak 6012m is also known as Thapa Peak. Located in between the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Himalayan range. Moreover, the peak is technically straightforward and offers a splendid view of the whole upper Kali Gandaki. From the summit, we have a magnificent view of over thirty different peaks. Between Annapurna and Dhaulagiri range with the close view of Tukuche and Dhaulagiri. Dhampus Peak can be summited either by a short route via Jomsom or by following the entire Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek. Dhampus Peak climbing trail follows several traditional villages, rhododendron forests, and crosses numerous passes with the stunning views of Himalayas until reaching Dhampus Peak Base Camp.