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Trip Overview

Dhaulagiri Base Camp Trekking one of the adventurous and challenging treks in all Himalaya, leads you from warm paddy /rice fields to cooler alpine woodlands and farm hill villages to arctic zone of remorseless ice- fields at Dhaulagiri Base Camp, and with spectacular views of towering peaks throughout trekking in the company of excellent guidance of BUNA Treks & Expeditions expert guides and cheerful, friendly staff. Dhaulagiri Base Camp, certainly a mesmerizing adventure which fulfils your adventure of a lifetime experience, on this trek where you will be soaked with fantastic scenery on daily walks enclosed within massive Dhaulagiri range of mountains.

This is an amazing adventure leads you from warm sub-tropic temperature of Pokhara/ Beni to cooler alpine high hills into pristine forest of tall rhododendron-pines-oaks-magnolia and fir tree lines visiting rural farm villages and then towards arctic climatic zone of remorseless ice-fields and glaciers beneath world 7th highest Mt. Dhaulagiri stands at 8,167 m high where it massive peaks extends towards Mustang to Dolpo area.

Dhaulagiri Base Camp Trekking starts with exciting drive to scenic Pokhara located on the beautiful verdant valley of Annapurna Himalaya, from here our journey leads to Far North West Himalaya past Beni and Darbang towns to begin our adventurous walks towards Dhaulagiri base camp, the walk is adventurous and challenging countering over boulders of moraine, ice and snow after leaving the lush green vegetation and entering into pure wilderness at
Mt. Dhaulagiri base camp. From here crossing over high French Pass at 5,360 m the highest spot of the adventure and the to Hidden valley huge pasture fields for Yaks and other animals.

Return journey leads over another pass of Thapa / Dhampus to reach the popular Annapurna circuit route at Marpha, a lovely attractive Thakali people village famous for delicious apples and its various products.

From here take a drive back to Beni and to Pokhara through lovely villages of Ghasa-Tatopani (hot-spring), finally our marvellous adventure Dhaulagiri Base Camp Trekking concludes in picturesque Pokhara for last overnight and then overland drive or fly back to Kathmandu.

Outline Itinerary:
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel
Day 02: In Kathmandu with a sightseeing tour and trip preparations
Day 03: Drive or fly to Pokhara 950m – 06 hours journey 200 k.m
Day 04: Drive to Darbang via Beni 900 m – 06 hrs
Day 05: Trek to Riverside 1,560 m – 05 hrs
Day 06: Trek to Bagar 2,375m – 06 hrs
Day 07: Trek to Dovan 2,600m – 06 hours
Day 08: Trek to Chartare / Bhainsi Kharka 3,000m -05 hrs
Day 09: Trek to Pakhaban (Japanese Camp) 3,750 m – 05 hrs
Day 10: Trek to Dhaulagiri Base Camp 4,750m – 06 hrs
Day 11: Trek to Hidden Valley 4,900m via French Pass 5,360m
Day 12: At Hidden Valley with contingency or spare days
Day 13: Cross Larkya la 5,200m /17,060 ft and to Bimthang 3,720m – 08 hrs
Day 14: Trek to Gho 2,560m – 05 hrs.
Day 15: Trek to Dharapani 1,860 m – 05 hrs
Day 16: Drive to Kathmandu through Besisahar 830 m – 07 hrs
Day 17: International Departure homeward bound

Day to Day Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel
On arrival in Kathmandu Tribhuvan International airport, where BUNA staff receives you with a warm welcome and transfer you to respective hotels in the heart of Kathmandu city around exciting Thamel area, where most of the hotels-shops and world-class restaurants located.

After getting refreshed our guide and staff briefs you with information regarding your stay in Nepal with us includes full details of your trekking to Dhaulagiri base camp, with an evening welcome dinner in an authentic Nepalese restaurant with cultural programs.

Day 02: In Kathmandu with a sightseeing tour and trip preparations
The morning after breakfast our city guide will take you on a tour for few hours where you will be thrilled with interesting historical and cultural places, as Kathmandu valley steeped with history and world heritage sites, after an enjoyable tour back to the hotel with a free afternoon for individual activities and trek preparations for next early morning.

Day 03: Drive or fly to Pokhara 950m – 06 hours journey 200 k.m
Moring travel by overland to Pokhara drive leads on Nepal main busy and interesting highway. This is an interesting drive on the foothills of Himalaya, after an exciting and scenic journey reaching Pokhara, transfer to your hotels by the Phewa Lakeside with the afternoon free for a stroll around the lakeside.

(Flying options 30 mins by air to Pokhara)

Day 04: Drive to Darbang via Beni 900 m – 06 hrs
From Pokhara, drive to Beni a headquarter town of Mygdi district, from here continue drive west towards Darbang, on reaching a farm town located on route to Dhorpatan-Dolpo and around Dhaulagiri.

From Darbang start walking (time permitting) for a few hours to our overnight stop by the river to make the next day an easy and shorter, or just stay at Darbang in a local lodge.

Day 05: Trek to Riverside 1,560 m – 05 hrs
The first day of this adventure starts walking past farm villages and then on the pleasant trail along Myagdi River, following the Myagdi River right to its glacier source at Dhaulagiri base camp.

After a good walk reaching our first overnight camp by the river, afternoon at leisure with rest or enjoy the cool river.

Day 06: Trek to Bagar 2,375m – 06 hrs
Morning walk follows the river reaching a farm village of Jugepani for lunch stop, afternoon climb above a ridge and then descend through forest to camp at Bagar, a farm village, Bagar the last village till our walk joins at Marpha village.

Day 07: Trek to Dovan 2,600m – 06 hours
On leaving the last of farm fields at Bagar village walk into the forest for an hour and then a climb into forested area of bamboo, oaks and rhododendron trees.

After climb then descends to reach at Dovan for overnight camp, Dovan a small temporary settlement with small teahouse and shops.

Day 08: Trek to Charter / Bhainsi Kharka 3,000m -05 hrs
From Dovan morning walk leads to an unstable wooden bridge over a stream at a confluence of Mygdi River, after crossing walking into the forest all the way to overnight stop at Charter also called Bhainse Kharka.

Day 09: Trek to Pakhaban (Japanese Camp) 3,750 m – 05 hrs
After overnight in the middle of dense forest, today walk leads to complete wilderness on leaving the vegetation and tree lines for a few days.

Morning walk leads closer to Mt. Dhaulagiri South Face flank, with views of Putha Huinchuli, Ganapathi and Dhaulagiri south flank, after good hours of walk reaching a glaciated area on a clearing named as Italian camp.

From here adventure begins as the walk leads on the glacier, moraine with a climb over the rocky ridge to reach Pakhaban also called Japanese camp.

This camp offers super views of South West Face of Dhaulagiri and Manapathi, Puttha Hiunchuli with huge ice wall of Tsaurabong Peak.

Day 10: Trek to Dhaulagiri Base Camp 4,750m – 06 hrs
Morning walk follows moraine and iceberg in some section, this morning climb needs good teamwork with guides, porters and fellow members to be on right side of the trail over glaciated sections.

After a tough walk over glacial sections to reach a rocky exposed area at Dhaulagiri base camp for overnight camp and main highlight of the adventure with close views of world 7th highest Mt. Dhaulagiri I at 8,167 m, includes view of tumbling icefalls, glacier and Tukuche peak with West peaks of Dhaulagiri II (7,751 m.), Dhaulagiri III (7,715 m.) and Dhaulagiri IV (7,618 m.).

Day 11: Trek to Hidden Valley 4,900m via French Pass 5,360m
From this unique and wonderful campsite morning walk leads to the highest point of the adventure over French pass at 5,360 meters.

After the high pass, a short descend to reach a wide grassy meadow a huge field at hidden valley for overnight camp.

Offering views of Sita Chuchura, Mukut Himal, and Tashi Kang 5,386 meters, Tukche Peak and Dhaulagiri I.

Day 12: At Hidden Valley with contingency or spare days
Today a rest and spare or contingency day in case of bad weather condition including physical conditions of members, staff and porters.

If all goes well we can carry on to next camp further on-route Marpha making next day shorter to reach Kaligandaki area and beyond to Pokhara.

On this day if are not moving just relax and enjoy the views and explore on this least trekked area around Hidden Valley.

Day 13: Cross Larkya la 5,200m /17,060 ft and to Bimthang 3,720m – 08 hrs
Starting much earlier this morning for the Big and long day reach over Larkya-la at 5,200 meters / 17,060 ft high pass, walk leads to steep climb with views of mountains, then leading pasts four frozen ponds then last haul to Larkya La top, the highest point of this adventure with magnificent views of Mt. Manaslu, Larkya peak, Himlung Himal and Ganesh Himal towards east. From the top downhill for few hours to reach back into tree lines of rhododendron, pines and firs forest, the walk continues to reach at Bhimthang for an overnight stop after a long day walk, Bhimthang a nice spot with large green meadow surrounded by tall coniferous trees.

Day 14: Trek to Cho 2,560m – 05 hrs.
From this wonderful place, Bhimthang with a number of small and neat lodges walk continues to reach Annapurna circuit route at Dharapani for last overnight stop, Morning an easy walk to Go through a beautiful forest on reaching Gho, a small settlement in the middle of enchanting woodland.

Day 15: Trek to Dharapani 1,860 m – 05 hrs
Morning downhill all the way till Tilje village, walking into dense rhododendron, pines and oaks forest and then reach Tilje, a nice village located by the Marysangdi River beneath Dharapani village, after rest and lunch break. From here climb to Dharapani village for an overnight stop, this village has many good lodges along the popular Annapurna circuit trail.

Day 16: Drive to Kathmandu through Besar 830 m – 07 hrs
Ending the walk at Dharapani, morning taking a jeep ride on the winding downhill road above Marysangdi river reaching the warmer area, and back into farm terraces of rice paddies to Beshisar a headquarter town of Lamjung district. From here a change of vehicles for the drive back to Kathmandu taking another 5 hours of exciting journey to reach city life of Kathmandu.
(BUNA services completes on this day after reaching your respective hotels in Kathmandu)

Day 17: International Departure homeward bound
Today your last day in Nepal the land of amazing Himalaya depart for your international flight homeward bound after a fond memory and overwhelming experience on Around Manaslu Trekking with the expert guidance of BUNA Treks & Expeditions.

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