DHAULAGIRI TREKS & EXPEDITIONS IN NEPAL

This region is new territory for trekkers. Trekking off the main paths is not only possible, but can be immensely rewarding, through 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 snowcapped Himalayan giants. Dhaulagiri I, 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 northwest.

Following the rivers upstream, ferns and forests of oak and other deciduous trees and juniper are interesting Mountian sides of rhododendron blaze with color 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.

Day 1 Kathmandu - Pokhara
Kathmandu - Pokhara fly and drive to Baglung.

Day 2 Pokhara - Maldhunga
Start treks and arrive at Maldhunga for overnight camping. The first few days are pleasant trekking through thatched Hindu villages and terraced fields.

Day 3 Maldhunga - Darbang

Day 4 Darbang - Takum

Day 5 Takum - Muri

Day 6 Muri - Bagar

Day 7 Bagar - Dovan
Here we leave the villages behind and the trail becomes increasingly challenging.

Day 8 Dovan - Upper Vungini (Italian Base Camp)
Passing through beautiful forest we rapidly gain altitude and mountains burst out all around.

Day 9 Upper Vungini (Italian Base Camp)
A rest day for acclimatization. Since there is little exploring to be had, bring a book.

Day 10 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 rope n this section. This is a particularly tough day. We camp on the glacier rubble.

Day 11 Glacier Camp - Dhaulagiri Base Camp I
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 12 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 gentler country. After a breathless climb to the top of French Col (5300m) the views of hidden valley open out. The broad valley is reminiscent of Tibet and Ladakh and so are the temperatures, at least - 20 degree Celsius at night.

Day 13 Hidden Valley camp 5000m
A rest day to admire the surrounding peaks and perhaps does some exploring.

Day 14 Hidden Valley - Yak Kharka
After climbing over the 5200m Dhampus Pass, we traverse avalanche - prone slopes and then descend steeply to yak Kharka.

Day 15 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 startling 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