This region is a new territory for trekkers. Trekking off the main paths is not only possible,but can be immensely rewarding, though you need a sense of adventure and it increases ability to deal with the unexpected. Geographically Dhaulagiri region is a land of dramatic contrast. From the near tropical Pokhara valley to steep slope climb to snow capped Himalayan giant. Dhaulagiri I, is the sixth highest peak of Nepal; It towers high above the well- trekked Muktinath pilgrim trail up to the Kaligandaki valley. The vast massif screens the hidden land of Dolpo to its north west.
Following river up stream, ferns and forest of oak and other deciduous trees and juniper are interesting. Mountain side of rhododendron blaze with color in the spring, and other flowers are abundant on the trail, even in the high mountain passes above the tree line, tiny alpine flowers can be found dotting the windswept ground.
» Itinerary Details:
Day 01 Kathmandu – Pokhara,
Kathmandu to Pokhara by fly or by drive.
Day 02 Pokhara – Maldhunga,
Start 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 Dhauligiri Base Camp – French Col – Hidden Valley.
Getting off the glacier above the Base Camp often requires a rope, but once over the steep morainewalls we are in safer and more gentle country. After 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 temperature, at least –20 degree at night.
Day 13 Hidden Valley camp 5000m,
A rest day to admire the surrounding peak and perhaps do some exploring.
Day 14 Hidden valley – Yak Kharka,
After climbing over the 5200m Dhampus pass, we traverse
avalanche- prone slopes and the descend steeply to Yak Kharka.
Day 15 Yak Kharka – Marpha,
More steep descent leads to Marpha and a well- deserved beer
with over lunch.
Day 16 Marpha – Ghasa,
We follow the popular Jomsom Trail down.
Day 17 Ghasa – Tatopani
Day 18 Tatopani – Ghorepani
Day 19 Ghorepani – Ghandrung
A short early morning climb to the Deurali pass for a spectacular pannoramic views over Dhauligiri and the Annapurnas, and all the way south to the plains of India. The trail Descends steeply through dense moss- covered forest rich with bird life to Tadapani (2540m) and explored the maze- like streets of this thriving Gurung village settlement and then trail descends steeply through dense damp forest, where you may see monkeys, and continues down over a cerise of rock- cut step that follow a leaping stream. Arrive in Ghandrung (1940m) and explore the maze- like streets of this thriving Gurung settlement.
Day 20 Ghandrung – Dhampus
Climb down to Dhampus from where you can see spectacular views
of Annapurna south and Mt. Fishtail just front of your eye.
1. Airport pick up & drop by Ghale Treks and Tours Private Vehicle.
2. A Professional Tour/Trekking guide
3. One porter each two clients in tea-house trek, required cook, trek crews & porters in tent trek
4. Insurance, lodging, food & allowance to your trek crews
5. Tent & mattress for tent and camping trekking
6. All meals during trekking (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
7. Land transportation as per itinerary
8. All accommodation as per itinerary
9. Trekking Permit, TIMS, National Park / Conservation Entry Fees.
10. Domestic Flight Ticket as per itinerary.
11. All applicable taxes and service charges of Ghale Treks and Tours.
12. Farewell Dinner at Nepali Cultural dance restaurant.
1. International Airfares and airport departure taxes as applicable.
2. The cost of personal items like laundry & all kind of soft & hard drinks
3. Optional excursions
4. Cost of visas, travel insurance
5. Tips
6. Gratuities for services provided on a personal basis
7. The single supplement payable on all bookings where only one person is traveling
8. All others except committed to provide in cost included section above.
In addition to obvious items such as hiking boots, warm clothing, UV sunblock etc., here is list of things that you might not have considered taking along, but that can greatly enhance the quality and comfort of your journey.
Soft and light shoes (sneakers or kung-fu shoes are perfect) -
after a long hike in inflexible hiking boots, you will be extremely happy to have some light and soft footwear to to wear around the lodge or in the village.
Lightweight knapsack -
this is very useful for short trips away from your lodge, and will save you having to lug your large backpack along. It should be big enough for your camera and a change of clothes and sleeping bag, if you plan to spend a night away.
Lightweight sleeping bag -
as most (all?) lodges can offer you blankets, a light sleeping bag should be sufficient for the journey. Taking a light bag will save you valuable space in your backpack.
Fabric bandaids -
blisters on the feet can turn a wonderful walk into a hell. Bandaids (sticking plasters) should be immediately applied to any area of the foot that there is irritation and friction - don't wait for the blister to develop before doing this. However, only fabric made bandaids will stick to a sweaty foot. Others (even those that claim to be water-proof) will fall off in minutes. A good alternative to bandaids is duct tape. Works great for blisters and also proves invaluable in many other ways.
Personal First Aid and Emergency Gear -
First aid kit with moleskin and bandages designed to cover blisters Sunscreen lotion.
Energy snacks. So many different types are available buy a variety and sample them to learn which brand gives you the biggest boost.
An emergency kit in case you get lost. Include a whistle, compass, space blanket, string, duct tape, matches and iodine tablets.
Flashlight and extra batteries
Binoculars
Knife
Extra pair of prescription glasses
Bug Repellent
Are You in Good Enough Shape?-
You may walk a mile or two on pavement comfortably, but can you walk four or five miles a day ? or more? on varied terrain without collapsing on the couch for the rest of the afternoon? Once you've chosen a trip, Ghale Treks and Tours will inform you, what level of physical fitness you should be at to take the trip. Then, create a plan to ensure you are ready physically.
Ways to Get in Shape for Walking and Hiking -
For many trips it's okay to start your training a month or two before you leave for vacation. Spending time at the gym working with weights and on a treadmill, StairMaster or stationary bike is one route. Supplement the training with long walks or hikes on weekends, preferably on dirt trails instead of pavement. Jogging on toughens you up and increase your agility and stamina.
Bring the Right Pack -
Bring a pack that fits your body comfortably? whether it's a day pack to hold your water bottle, snacks, sunscreen lotion and jacket ? or a pack designed to hold enough gear for a multi-day hike through the mountains.
Travel time from September to May (but not June/July/August, because then it is rainy-monsoon season in Nepal)
After every meal (three times a day), tea/coffee will be served during the trekking. Apart from this, every morning we provide clients with either boiled water or soft black tea to carry with them on their Thermos Bottle. For the supplement of extra drinks, clients have to buy mineral water themselves which is available at all places.
Recommended equipment list: sleeping bag, a warm jacket, good trekking shoes, sunglasses/sun cream, an insulated bottle for hot drinks and basic medicines.
Maximum luggage weight 20 kg per person.
There are always 1 or 2 additional porters with the crew who take care of clients who get sick or unable to even carry their daily private luggage.
Shower possibilities every 3-4 days during the trek but the cost in not included at trip, no laundry service available.
A prepayment of 30% has to be paid directly after reconfirmation at our company bank account. Final payment becomes upon arrival in Kathmandu before starting date of the tour.
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