Dhaulagiri Round 2 Col Pass Trek. The long, difficult trek around Dhaulagiri( 8167 m)starts from Beni on the Kali Gandaki. The first few day follow the Bein to Dolpo treks along the Myagdi Khola, before swinging north on a tiny trail through dense forest into the high country at Italian Camp at around 3650m. much of the next week is on snow and glaciers above 4500m and subject to avalanches as it crosses the Chhonbarang Glacier to French Col (5240m), traverses the head of Hidden Valley and crosses 5250m.
Dhaulagiri rises above the deepest gorge in the world, The Kali Gandaki, and the circuit route provides stunning views of the whole Dhaulagiri range. Discovered in 1808, standing at 8,167m, Dhaulagiri was thought to be the highest mountain in the world until 30 years later when Kanchenjunga took those honors; later to be taken away by Mount Everest! The Dhaulagiri Circuit route was discovered in the 1950s by a French team, hence the French Pass, which leads into a lonely area known as Hidden Valley.
The trek ends with a steep descent to Marpha and a return to Pokhara either via the Kali Gandaki Valley or a flight from Jomsom.
Highlights of Dhaulagiri Round Two High Pass Trek
- For an ‘feel expedition, due to the remote and rugged nature of the trek.
- Varied landscapes, from green farming villages to snowy glaciers to barren, rocky mountain vistas.
- The option for experienced mountaineers to climb Dhampus Peak (6,060 m).
- Close-up views of Dhaulagiri (8,167 m) and several other 7000 m-plus peaks.
- As a circuit trek, there is no retracing of your footsteps in the second half.
Guideline itinerary for Dhaulagiri Round 2 Col Pass Trek
Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu International airport.
Day 02: Drive/Flight to Pokhara and sightseeing around Pokhara.
Day 03: Drive from Pokhara to Darbang.
Day 04: Trek from Darbang to Dharapani [1490m]
Day 05: Trek from Dharapani to Muri [1720m]
Day 06: Trek from Muri to Bagar [2080m]
Day 07: Trek from Bagar to Dobhan [2520m]
Day 08: Trek to Italian Base Camp [3660m].
Day 09: Rest Day at Italian Base Camp[3660m]
Day 10: Trek to Japanese Base camp [3890m]
Day 11: Trek to Dhaulagiri Base Camp [4748m]
Day 12: Trek to Hidden Valley [5141m] via French Pass [5360m]
Day 13: Trek to Yak Kharka[3900m] via Dhampus pass[5244m]
Day 14: Trek to Marpha [2670m]
Day 15: Trek to Jomsom [2720m]
Day 16: Fly to Pokhara.
Day 17: Fly/drive back to Kathmandu
Day 18: Free for personal activities at Kathmandu.
Day 19: Final Departure.
what’s Including ?
- Airport Pick up an drop
- All ground transportation as per the Itinerary.
- Standard Accommodation in the Kathmandu.
- Full-day guided tour of Kathmandu.
- 3 meals a day during the trek.
- Insurance for Nepal trekking stuff.
- One license holder English speaking Guide
- one porter for 2 client
- camping during the trek
- ACAP fees, Trekker’s information management system (TIMS) card fee.
- All taxes and fees are required for the program.
What’s not included?
- your Personal expenses (Laundry, bar bills, water etc.)
- your Travel Insurance
- your Personal trekking gears.
- Lunch and dinner during stay at Kathmandu.
- Tips for staffs.
Detail in programmed
Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu International airport.
Plan a Trek & Expedition staff will be there at the airport to welcome you by holding the company name and transferring you to the hotel. At the hotel, you will have a meeting with the guide where he describes about your trip.
Day 02: Drive/Flight to Pokhara and sightseeing around Pokhara.
In the morning, we take a flight/drive to the Pokhara. If the weather will be good and fine then we would be able to see the descent view of mountains and terraced fields during the flight/drive. After lunch, we will do some sightseeing and prepare ourselves for the trek to Pokhara.
Day 03: Drive from Pokhara to Darbang.
After early morning breakfast, take a drive to Darbang with the magnificent views of Annapurna Himalayas via Beni. Beni is the junction of Kali Gandaki and Myagdi River. From Beni, the road is rough, passing green rice fields and small charming villages, we reach Darbang where we check all the things before, we start our memorable trek.
Day 04: Trek from Darbang to Dharapani [1490m]
After morning breakfast, the trail continues along the Myadgi Khola and crosses the suspension bridge. From here, the trail ascends to Dharapani. Dharapani is a large village mostly inhabited by Gurung communities. With the fabulous views of Dhaulagiri IV, V, and Gurja Himal, the trail gradually ascends up to Dharapani where we stay overnight.
Day 05: Trek from Dharapani to Muri [1720m]
Today the trail passes several villages including Sibang village, a village of Magars. We can see the stunning views of snow-capped mountains like Gurja Himal and Putha Hiunchuli and the beautiful greenery terrace fields. After crossing Dhara Khola with a suspension bridge, the path steeply goes to Muri. Muri is a village in the Magar community from where we can see the beautiful view of Mt. Dhaulagiri and other snow-capped mountains. Overnight stay here.
Day 06: Trek from Muri to Bagar [2080m]
From Muri, the trail is easy and steep down to the bridge over Muri Khola. After that, the path steep goes to Bagar with the passes of bamboo forest and the charming terrace fields and farmhouses. We overnight stay there in camp.
Day 07: Trek from Bagar to Dobhan [2520m]
The trail descends down to a small ridge and then follows the west bank of Myagdi Khola through the forest to Jyardan. You can see honeycombs during the trail and get the chance to look, at how they collect the honey and taste too. The trail passes the beautiful village called Jyardan and Lipshe where we take some rest. After a long, steep, and slippery stone staircase into bamboo and rhododendron forest finally, we reach Dobhan and Overnight camping.
Day 08: Trek to Italian Base Camp [3660m].
The trail continues through the dense bamboo and rhododendron forest crosses the Myagdi Khola through a bridge and reaches Sallaghari. From here, the trail passes through the forest of Pine trees, rhododendron, and birch and climbs to grassy greenery areas i.e. Italian Base Camp. You can see the impressive West face of Dhaulagiri with other snow-capped peaks from here. Overnight enjoy at Camp.
Day 09: Rest Day at Italian Base Camp[3660m]
Today is the rest day for the further climb to Dhaulagiri Base Camp. This is given to you for relaxation, exploration, and acclimatization. You can explore the area around the Italian Base Camp. You need to be healthy, fit, and fine for a further climb and to adjust to a higher altitude.
Day 10: Trek to Japanese Base camp [3890m]
Today, the trail descends steeply down the lateral moraine to the glacier. With the help of the ropes, we cross the gorge and the glacier which is the most chilling part of the trek. The trail continues with the spectacular as well as the magnificent face of Dhaulagiri I and reaches at Japanese Base Camp at the height of 4650m.
Day 11: Trek to Dhaulagiri Base Camp [4748m]
Today the trail is rough along the moraine, covered by the glacier. So, we use a rope to reach Dhaulagiri Base Camp. From here, the views are impressive with Dhaulagiri I, Tukuche Peak, and Little Eiger in front of us. Dhaulagiri II and IV can see to the west. You will get outstanding nature views from here that are out of your imagination.
Day 12: Trek to Hidden Valley [5141m] via French Pass [5360m]
Today after having breakfast, the trail ascends to the top of French Pass. During this trial, we often use rope till the steep moraine walls from where you can see the mouthwatering view of the hidden valley down with the fabulous view of Dhaulagiri I & Tukuche Peak. After some climbing from moraine ridge, we summit the French Pass from where we can see the stunning views of the snow-capped peaks of Tukuche Peak, Tashi Kang, Mukut Himal, and Dhaulagiri massif. From here, the trail descends on moderate snow slopes to Hidden Valley. Hidden Valley resembles Laddakh and Tibet and the temperature too. You can see the sparse vegetation, and isolated patches of moss and grass as this valley is under the rain shadow effect of Mt. Dhaulagiri.
Day 13: Trek to Yak Kharka[3900m] via Dhampus pass[5244m]
The trail ascends on the moderate snow slope to get to Dhampus Pass. You can enjoy the beauty of two peaks, one is Dhampus peak to the left and another is Tukuche Peak to the right. Then the trail descends steeply to Yak Kharka where crampons may be needed depending upon snow and ice condition. During the trail, you can see the breathtaking views of Nilgiri and Annapurna Massif.
Day 14: Trek to Marpha [2670m]
The trail descends along the flank of the mountains to reach Marpha, inhabitant by the ethnic group Thakali. Marpha is a well-civilized village that boasts of a Buddhist Monastery, Tibetan whitewashed houses, and flagstone paved streets.
Day 15: Trek to Jomsom [2720m]
The trail is flat along the Kali Gandaki River passing through the beautiful apple garden. You can enjoy a glass of apple juice during the trail with the fabulous views of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri. Once reach Jomsom, you can explore it overnight at camp.
Day 16: Fly to Pokhara.
On the morning flight, we come back to the Pokhara and you will get free time there. You can spend your free time at Pokhara by doing your personal activities and overnight stay there.
Day 17: Fly/drive back to Kathmandu
Depending upon your interest, you can fly or drive to Kathmandu. The flight takes 30 minutes. Dive takes 6-7 hours with the great opportunity to experience the highway of Nepal.
Day 18: Free for personal activities at Kathmandu.
A free day in Kathmandu. In the evening join with Nepali cultural dinner program [Farewell Dinner]
Day 19: Final Departure.
Today, as per your international flight time, plan a Trek staff will transfer you to the airport for your final departure.
Which is the Best season for this trek?
Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) trekking seasons.
