Dhaulagiri Base Camp Trek

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu International Airport and Transfer Hotel, 1345m

As you land at the Tribhuwan International Airport, Kathmandu, our local representative will receive you and drive you to the hotel. As you drive through the capital’s winding streets, you’ll get your first glimpses of Nepal’s eclectic energy, temples on every corner, prayer flags fluttering, and the snow-capped peaks peeking from a distance.

After checking in at the hotel room and getting a quick rest, feel free to take a gentle stroll through nearby streets like Thamel. This lively hub and happening area is perfect for relaxing, recovering from jet lag, and preparing mentally for the epic journey ahead. In the evening, you can return to the hotel for a cozy and comfortable sleep.

Day 2: Kathmandu city tours and Trekking gear preparation for the base camp trek.

Before officially starting the journey towards the Dhaulagiri Base Camp Trekking route, we will set aside the second day for preparation. After breakfast, you’ll embark on a guided tour of Kathmandu’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the sacred Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Boudhanath Stupa, and Pashupatinath Temple.

In the afternoon, it’s time to meet your trekking guide for a detailed expedition briefing. You’ll check your gear, review the itinerary, and make any last-minute purchases in Thamel’s well-stocked shops. This day builds both excitement and confidence, setting the tone for the days ahead.

Day 3: Drive from Kathmandu to Beni (830m./2,723ft.) - 8 to 9 hrs

We officially begin the journey towards the Dhaulagiri region on the third day. After you have breakfast in the hotel, our local representatives will drive you from Kathmandu to Beni, which takes about 8 to 9 hours. This scenic drive goes along the Prithvi Highway and hugs the Trishuli and Marsyangdi rivers. Furthermore, the trekkers will also witness terraced hillsides, rural villages, and the ever-changing backdrop of the mid-hills and snow-dusted peaks.

By the late afternoon, we will reach Beni, a riverside town and the administrative center of Myagdi district. Besides, this town also serves as the gateway to the Dhaulagiri region. After reaching Beni, you can check in at the hotel before strolling around. Interact with the locals, and enjoy the views and experience that Beni offers before having dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 4: Trek from Beni to Babiyachaur (950m / 3,116ft) - Approx. 5-6 hrs

On the fourth day, we start walking on the Dhaulagiri Base Camp Trekking map. Today, the trail takes us from Beni to Babiyachaur, a small farming village at an altitude of 950 meters. Talking about this section of the Dhaulagiri Base Camp Trekking route, this path follows the Kali Gandaki River and passes through charming villages and fertile farmland. Besides, you can also witness that the terrain is gentle but gives you a chance to adjust to the rhythm of daily trekking in Nepal’s countryside.

As we reach Babiyachaur within about 5 to 6 hours of leaving Beni, you can expect warm hospitality from the locals and a peaceful environment. These factors provide a soft introduction to the trek, where you also get chances to relax in the pristine and scenic environment of this lovely village.

Day 5: Trek from Babiyachaur to Dharapani (1,400m / 4,593ft) -Approx. 6-7 hrs

As you wake up on the fifth day and have breakfast, the guides lead you on a trek from Babiyachaur to Dharapani. On this day, the trekkers can expect a gradual altitude gain that heads deeper into the Myagdi Valley. Furthermore, this section of the trek also passes through terraced rice fields, suspension bridges, and waterfalls. In a short while, the trail from Babiyachaur to Dharapani starts to narrow down and grow more rugged. Besides, we will also witness the landscapes shifting, where forested slopes and glimpses of distant peaks tease you from a distance.

It takes about 6 to 7 hours for us to reach Dharapani, a village located at an altitude of 1400 meters above sea level. This village, dotted with traditional houses and prayer flags, starts giving off those culturally rich vibes of the region. Besides, the trekkers can also interact with the locals, delve deep into the scent of burning juniper, and the sounds of the river echoing through the valley. Also, just imagine having dinner with the cool mountain air before heading for a cozy sleep.

Day 6: Trek from Dharapani to Muri (1,720m/5,643ft) - Approx. 6-7 hrs

As usual, we begin today's trek after having breakfast in the hotel and preparing for the walk. Today's journey begins with a gentle descent through terraced rice fields and vibrant hillside villages. The starting section of this section of the Dhaulagiri Base Camp Trek crosses a suspension bridge over the Myagdi Khola. Furthermore, the trekkers also climb through forests and open up to sweeping Himalayan views. Besides, we can also expect the lush hills to give way to a more remote landscape as we head deeper into the Dhaulagiri region. On the way, the trekkers also pass through several other villages with traditional houses, where you often listen to the pleasant sounds of birds chirping.

Within the next 6 to 7 hours, we will finally reach Muri, a village perched high above a river gorge. Here, the trekkers can expect to witness stunning vistas of Dhaulagiri South and Gurja Himal. Furthermore, this beautiful village also offers a peaceful stop and warm hospitality with comparatively fewer trekkers. In the evening, we rest in a basic teahouse, surrounded by the sounds of nature after having a fulfilling dinner.

Day 7: Trek from Muri to Baghara (2,080m/6,824ft) - 6 hours

After a fulfilling and delicious breakfast, we leave Muri and walk towards another section of the Dhaulagiri Base Camp Trek. This part of the trek begins by descending steeply through pine forest, crossing a narrow suspension bridge. Besides, the trekkers also get a chance to climb gradually through terraced hillsides and thick woodland. Throughout the seventh day of the trek to Dhaulagiri Base Camp, we pass small pastures, waterfalls, and vibrant rhododendron clusters. Moreover, as we dive deeper into today's trail, the journey becomes quieter and more remote. Furthermore, let us also tell you that you will start noticing fewer settlements while the landscapes feel wild and pure.

Talking about Baghara, it's a secluded settlement surrounded by steep hills and thick forest. Moreover, this village also feels like stepping into an untouched corner of Nepal, where the lodging is basic, but the views and atmosphere are rich in peace. Along with that, the quiet allows you to fully appreciate your surroundings. The Nepal Unique Treks & Expeditions team arranges both dinner and overnight stay in Baghara before we continue the trek further.

Day 8: Trek from Bagar to Dobang (2,520m/8,268ft) - Approx. 5-6 hours

Today’s trail takes us deeper into the forested heart of the Dhaulagiri wilderness. We hike through dense bamboo groves, pine forests, and lush moss-covered terrain. Furthermore, this section of the Dhaulagiri Base Camp Trek starts narrowing while also crossing several small rivers and landslide zones. Let us warn you that this section of the trail might be slippery. Therefore, we recommend all the trekkers to wear good boots and keep proper balance while walking on the trail. As we ascend higher on the map, we can notice the landscape opening up to rugged cliffs and snowy peaks.

Within about 5 to 6 hours, we finally reach Dobang, a village that sits on the edge of a wide, forested river valley. Also, reaching this village means we stand at an altitude of 2520 meters above sea level. Besides, this beautiful village also offers a peaceful and shaded rest stop with basic shelter and meals. One of the best things about this village is that it is perfect for good acclimatization for trekkers looking to hike up to the Dhaulagiri Base Camp.

Day 9: Trek from Dobang to Italian Base Camp (3,660m/12,008ft), Approx. 6-7 hours

Starting from the ninth day, we will be crossing different camps until the twelfth day, which is when we reach the Dhaulagiri Base Camp. On the ninth day, our journey begins early, following the Myagdi Khola as we trek steadily uphill into more alpine terrain. Besides, the trekkers can expect cooler and thinner air as we walk past glacial rivers, moraines, and sharp ridgelines, all framed by massive peaks. As we ascend to a significant altitude, the trekkers can notice Dhaulagiri's imposing north face coming into view, one of the major highlights of the journey.

After 6 to 7 hours of walking, we will finally reach the Italian Base Camp, situated at an altitude of 3660 meters above sea level. This base camp is set against a massive wall of ice and rock, offering a surreal and majestic experience. Moreover, the snow-dusted cliffs also surround the Italian Base Camp, making it one of the most scenic spots on the trek. So, just take as many photos and videos as you want to. Despite the altitude, it’s a comfortable place to sleep and prepare. As you take your time to stroll around the base camp, the porters and staff set up tents and meals in this stunning setting.

Day 10: Rest day at Italian base camp

If you are familiar with trekking, you must have an idea about how important acclimatization is. Acclimatization or rest is very important while trekking to prepare one's body for higher altitudes ahead. However, this does not mean that we sit idly in the base camp. Instead, the Sherpa guides take you for some short hikes to nearby ridges and viewpoints. These active rests support adaptation and improve blood oxygenation while showcasing Dhaulagiri's massive ice wall dominates the skyline. Moreover, the Italian Base Camp also offers space to reorganize gear and enjoy hot meals.

As the trekkers return from the short hike, the Sherpa guides monitor everyone for altitude-related symptoms and provide safety briefings for upcoming glacier travel. Do you know what that results in? Well, it makes the tenth day a great day for reflection, photography, or simply soaking in the mountains. Moreover, you can also notice prayer flags fluttering above us as the sun lights up snow-capped ridges. Overnight stay will again be organized in tents as on the previous night.

Day 11: Trek from Italian base camp to Glacier camp (4,200m/13,779ft) Approx. 5-6 hours

Leaving the Italian Base Camp, we head into wild glacier terrain on the eleventh day. The trail becomes more technical, with rockfall-prone areas and narrow ridges, where we also cross loose moraines and small creeks. As we ascend higher on this section of the Dhaulagiri Base Camp Trek, you can witness stunning glacier views unfolding beneath Dhaulagiri’s towering cliffs. Compared to any other day of this trekking journey, today's journey is shorter but more demanding due to altitude and shifting terrain.

Within the next 5 to 6 hours of an amazing ascending walk, we reach the Glacier Camp, a camp set on a rugged moraine by the Chhonbardan Glacier. Besides, the trekkers can expect the location to feel remote and surreal, surrounded by glacial silence. Also, let us tell you that today's tonight will also be spent in tents, wrapped in extreme wilderness and snow-draped peaks. Nevertheless, the Nepal Unique Treks & Expeditions' guides ensure every camper’s safety and comfort here.

Day 12: Trek from Glacier camp to Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4,740m/15,551ft) - Approx. 6-7 hours

The twelfth day sits as the most awaited day of the entire Dhaulagiri Base Camp Trek as we finally reach the Dhaulagiri Base Camp. This section of the trail requires us to walk along the glacier’s edge, carefully navigating rocky, icy ground. Remember that the cold bites harder as we gain altitude, which means that you must wear multiple layers of clothes to keep yourself warm and safe from extreme temperatures. Besides, the towering flanks of Dhaulagiri also dominate the landscape throughout.

It takes us about 6 to 7 hours to finally reach the Dhaulagiri Base Camp, located at an altitude of 4740 meters above sea level. This base camp sits in a massive glacial amphitheatre with panoramic views of Dhaulagiri I and surrounding peaks. Besides, the remote, stark, and awe-inspiring experience of the Dhaulagiri Base Camp offers a different calmness and feeling of accomplishment. As you take your time to collect memories, our Serpa guides prepare meals and tents for an overnight stay. Tonight will be spent in the base camp itself, under the shadow of the seventh massive peak in the world.

Day 13: Trek from Dhaulagiri base camp to French Col (5360m), Hidden Valley

On the thirteenth day, we finally ascend to the highest peak of the entire Dhaulagiri Base Camp Trekking map. Early in the morning, the Sherpa guides lead you towards the French Pass (5360 meters). Remember to get ready with headlights, trekking poles, and multi-layer clothes as we will be walking in the dawn. Besides, the hike to French Pass also ascends over snow-covered terrain and a high-altitude glacier. Therefore, we recommend the trekkers to go for a slow and steady walk where the weather is cold and the wind intensifies with almost every step.

As you reach the French Col, Hidden Valley offers mind-blowing views of Dhaulagiri I, Tukuche, and Hidden Valley. Besides, the Hidden Valley is a vast, wind-swept alpine plateau surrounded by snowy giants. Moreover, this place also feels desolate and majestic. The Nepal Unique Treks & Expeditions sets up tents for the trekkers to have dinner and spend the night in the Hidden Valley itself. Besides, you can also expect a silence which is profound, broken only by wind and crunching snow.

Day 14: Trek from Hidden Valley (5200m) to Yak Kharka (3,680m/12,073ft) - Approx. 6-7 hours

After so many days of an ascending journey, the fourteenth day finally marks the beginning of the descending part. Today's journey begins with a steady ascent over Dhampus Pass (5,240m), the last high-altitude challenge of the trek. Furthermore, the trekkers can also expect the path to be icy and exposed to strong winds. Also, let us tell the trekkers to get their crampons and micro spikes ready for this section of the Dhaulagiri Base Camp Trek. From the top, views stretch to the Annapurna and Nilgiri ranges. After summiting, we descend through alpine ridges and rocky slopes.

After about 6 to 7 hours of a descending journey through a drier terrain with grazing fields and sparse vegetation, we finally reach Yak Kharka. It's a quiet pastureland with yak sheds and a simple lodge setup where the oxygen levels rise and your body starts feeling better. After several days of spending the night in tents, we spend tonight in a hotel or lodge.

Day 15: Trek from Yak Kharka to Jomsom (2,720m/8,924ft), Approx. 5-6 hours

After a delicious breakfast in the lodge, we steadily along a dry, windy trail into Mustang’s desert-like landscape. This section of the Dhaulagiri Base Camp Trek also curves through hillside trails, apple orchards, and small settlements. After a few river crossings and ridge turns, Jomsom greets us with stone-paved streets and prayer flags. The landscape feels instantly more populated and accessible.

Jomsom, a small settlement with an airport, lodges, and warm local eateries, also serves as the district hub of Mustang. At an altitude of 2720 meters above sea level, the trekkers can enjoy a hot shower, a clean bed, and a well-earned meal. Besides, the dry, breezy town sits beside the Kali Gandaki River with Nilgiri rising behind it. Overnight stay and dinner will be arranged by our guides at Jomsom before we descend any further.

Day 16: Flight from Jomsom to Pokhara

Depending on the flight schedule, the Nepal Unique Treks & Expeditions guides will take you to the small airstrip at Jomsom for our scenic flight to Pokhara. This short but unforgettable flight follows the Kali Gandaki Gorge, the deepest in the world. Besides, the trekkers can also enjoy outstanding panoramic views of Annapurna, Nilgiri, and Dhaulagiri soaring above. What we recommend the trekkers do is to keep their cameras or smartphones ready to capture all the views this flight has to offer.

Upon landing in Pokhara, the warmth and greenery feel almost surreal after the stark alpine wilderness. Check in at the hotel room before spending a day off by the lakeside and do whatever you like. For example, you can get a massage or sip coffee while watching paragliders overhead. Overnight stay and dinner will be arranged in Pokhara for the night.

Day 17: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu

Today, we travel back to Kathmandu via a scenic drive along the Trishuli and Marsyangdi Rivers. The journey offers rolling hills, farm terraces, bustling roadside towns, and distant mountain glimpses. After days of trekking, the drive allows you to fully process the magnitude of what you’ve accomplished.

We reach Kathmandu by evening and settle back into our hotel in the lively Thamel district. This is a great time to do last-minute shopping or simply enjoy a celebratory dinner with your trekking team. Share stories, exchange photos, and toast to the epic memories forged in the high Himalayas. The city lights feel both familiar and distant after your remote alpine adventure.

Day 18: Final Departure

Finally, it's the last day of the 18-Day Dhaulagiri Base Camp Trekking package. After you have breakfast in the hotel, our local representatives will drive you to the Tribhuwan International Airport based on your flight schedule. However, if you have any other adventures planned in Nepal itself, you can book another package simultaneously.