DHAULAGIRI CIRCUIT + DAMPHUS PEAK(THAPA PEAK)

A wilderness tour in an isolated place. An easy and highly satisfying summit with outstanding views between Dhaulagiri and Annapunra.

Mount Dhaulagiri (8137m), the seventh highest peak in the world rises above the Kali Gandaki River, which flows between the Annapurna Massif and this awesome peak. The trail extends through one of Nepal’s wildest and most remote areas where the mountain scenery is simply breathtaking. This journey is recommended for experienced high altitude trekkers in very good physical condition. The trek is possible only in autumn due to excessive snow and ice conditions in the winter and spring. The region is practically virgin territory for trekkers providing some extremely dramatic contrasts. We will have hotel accommodation only in Kathmandu, Pokhara and Beni. All other will be camping accommodation. Foods will be provided by our camping team.

The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is rated as “high-advanced” and climbs  Dhampus to 6200m and takes you through some remote and isolated regions, through high altitude passes and around the Dhaulagiri Massif. Mt. Dhaulagiri, also known as “The white mountain”, is the world’s seventh-highest mountain (8,167m).

OUTLINE ITINERARY

  • Day 01: Arrival to Kathmandu & Transfer to the Hotel (1,400m)
  • Day 02: Kathmandu sightseeing and trek preparation
  • Day 03: Fly From kathmandu to pokhara & drive Durbang (1100m)
  • Day 04:Trek from Darbang to Muri (1,850m)
  • Day 05: Trek from Muri to Bagar (2,080m)
  • Day 06: Trek from Bagar to Dovan (2,520m)
  • Day 07: Trek from Dovan to Italian Base Camp (3,660m)
  • Day 08: Acclimatization at Italian Base Camp (rest day)
  • Day 09: Trek from Italian Base Camp to Japanese Base Camp ((4,300m)
  • Day 10: Japanese base camp to Dhaulagiri base camp (4748m) camping
  • Day 11: Trek from Base Camp to Hidden Valley (5,050m) via French Col (5,360m) camping
  • Day 12: Acclimatization to Damphus Base Camp ( camping )
  • Day 13: Damphus Peak ( Thapa peak, 6012 m )or Hidden Valley Rest (camping)
  • Day 14: Trek from Hidden Valley to Kalopani/Yak Kharka (3,837m) Duration: 9-10 hours.(camping)
  • Day 15: Trek from Kalopani/Yak Kharka to Jomsom (2,736m) Duration: 5-6 hours.
  • Day 16: Fly from Jomson to Pokhara and transfer to the hotel
  • Day 17: Drive to Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel
  • Day 18: A free day in Kathmandu for sightseeing and rest
  • Day 19: Transfer to Kathmandu International Airport for final departure

DETAIL ITINERARY

Day 01: Arrival to Kathmandu & Transfer to the Hotel (1,400m): Arrival in Kathmandu. Arrive in the Nepalese capital city. After obtaining the visa to enter the country, transfer to the hotel by private bus. Presentation of the staff, briefing with the guides and verification of the equipment. Need  to collect passport make permits to take permit with Nepal tourism board for dhampus peak. Free dinner and an overnight stay in hotel.

Day 02: Kathmandu sightseeing and trek preparation: Today after breakfast we will start the tour to Kathmandu including famous UNESCO world heritage sites. We will have a choice to do some preparation of trek starts next day morning. Overnight at Kathmandu

Day 03: Fly From kathmandu to pokhara & drive Durbang (1100m): After breakfast we will fly to pokhara and then we leave with a dedicated off-road transfer to the starting destination of our trek, Durbang. A long journey on the great trans-Nepalese road to then enter the mountains up to our valley full of villages in Durbang Overnight at Darbang

Day 04: Trek from Darbang to Muri (1,850m): After breakfast will take us through some small villages beyond the change of direction of the valley. At this point the trail climbs to the north-east along beautiful terraced slopes passing through some other picturesque villages, such as that of Muri where we will camp. The view towards the group of Dhaulagiri II, III and IV is not to be missed. overnight at Muri.

Day 05: Trek from Muri to Bagar (2,080m): We will leave Muri to go up the valley again, which will end only at the Colle dei Francesi after several days of walking. We will descend to take the suspension bridge that crosses the Muri Khola and then cross forests of rhododendrons and bamboo.

Day 06: Trek from Bagar to Dovan (2,520m): After the village of Bagar we will pass some steps with stone steps in a context of subtropical forest up to Lipshe. From here we will pass through picturesque tiny villages where honey is produced and always through the lush forest, we will reach Doban, a small village where we can take a break. A nice suspension bridge over the Myagdi Khola and we will still have a stretch of bamboo and rhododendron forest, after which the clearing of our camp will open.

Day 07: Trek from Dovan to Italian Base Camp (3,660m):We will continue along the path going up the valley with a vegetation that nevertheless changes and reaches the characteristics of a more alpine environment, of rhododendrons but also of pines. The valley changes appearance and leaves room for the glacial moraine on which the path moves. After a while we will have reached the base camp area, where the Italian one also insists, where we will camp. Wonderful first close view of Dhaulagiri.

Day 08: Acclimatization at Italian Base Camp (rest day): Acclimatization to the Italian base camp. Acclimatization is a very important phase of the climb to high altitudes in order to reduce or cancel the effects of altitude sickness. We will explore the surroundings of the base camp with a small hike at high altitude or simply by staying at the base camp to rest.

Day 09: Trek from Italian Base Camp to Japanese Base Camp ((4,300m): We will leave the Italian field early in the morning for a day that is not a little tiring even for the altitude. Initially, our path descends steeply along the slippery glaciers making the path particularly challenging and then resuming the path along the moraine up to the Chhonbardan gorge where we will soon find accommodation at the Japanese base camp.

Day 10: Japanese base camp to Dhaulagiri base camp (4748m) camping: We will climb the edge of the moraine where, depending on the season, we will probably find a light layer of snow and we will alternate the path between the moraine and the glacier, enjoying the splendid views of the mountain ranges and walking in an environment of absolute value. Once we arrive at the Dhaulagiri case camp, the porters have set up the camp, we will rest and cheer up.

Day 11:  Trek from Base Camp to Hidden Valley (5,050m) via French Col (5,360m) camping: Dhaulagiri Base Camp – Colle dei Francesi – Hidden Valley. After waking up early in the morning we will go up the Chhonbardan glacier and continue along its lateral moraine, always with Dhaulagiri and Tukuche in mind. One last effort and we will reach the challenging Colle dei Francesi where we will spend some time observing the peaks of Dhaulagiri, Tukuche, Mukut Himal (5970m) and many other mountains. We will then descend along the steep icy slopes to Hidden Valley where we will camp.

Day 12: Acclimatization to Damphus Base Camp ( camping ): It will be another very important acclimatization day to adjust our bodies to the increasing altitude. We will make one or more small hikes around Dhaulagiri base camp exploring and enjoying the breathtaking view of Dhaulagiri (8167m), that of Tukuche peak (6920m) and the other mountains of the Dhaulagiri range.. Difference in altitude: +400 m, -400. Maximum altitude: 5100 m. Walking time: 4 h

Day 13: Damphus Peak (Thapa peak, 6012 m )or Hidden Valley Rest (camping): After having checked the equipment the previous evening, we will leave early in the morning waiting for the light of dawn on the way, to slowly climb the path that leads to the high fields of Dhaulagiri I. Following our mountain guide we will climb to the top of Dhampus Peak where we will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Nilgiri and Annapurna massifs, the peaks of Dhaulagiri, the peak of Tilicho and the Tukuche (but also on an infinite series of peaks covered with ice. After the usual photos and having enjoyed the moment and of the exceptional panorama, we will begin the descent that will take us back to the Hidden Valley camp.Here, we will reunite the group with those who have preferred to rest and we will spend the last night at high altitude.. Difference in altitude: +920 m, -920 m. Maximum altitude: 6035 m. Walking time: 9 h

Day 14:Trek from Hidden Valley to Kalopani/Yak Kharka (3,837m) Duration: 9-10 hours.(camping): For those who wish to climb Dhampus Peak (6,060m) there will be an early start at around 3 am. The climb to Dhampus Peak and return to Kalopani will take about 10 hours. Tonight we set up camp at Kalopani.

Day 15: Trek from Kalopani/Yak Kharka to Jomsom (2,736m) Duration: 5-6 hours: The trek today has some memorable views of Dhaulagiri Peak in the southwest, Annapurna and Nilgiri in the east, and far off Mustang in the north as well as the deepest gorge on earth – the Kali Gandaki Valley. The trail is fairly easy going until we get nearer to Yak Kharka when it descends rapidly to Marpha Village where we can stop for lunch. After lunch we continue to Jomsom where we stay the night in a lodge.

Day 16: Fly from Jomson to Pokhara and transfer to the hotel: We fly above the mountainous terrain and head back on a scenic flight to Pokhara and check in to our hotel. We can either put our feet up and rest or stroll around the city shopping area or alternatively sit beside Phew Tal (lake) and admire the distant Annapurna Mountains.

Day 17: Drive to Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel: Our morning flight takes us back to Kathmandu where we will check-in at our hotel and then have time to wander around the tourist area of Thamel catching up on some last-minute shopping, or maybe have a drink at one of the many bars to celebrate our unforgettable mountain experience.

Day 18: A free day in Kathmandu for sightseeing and rest: Kathmandu. Guided tour of the city and free activity

Day 19: Transfer to Kathmandu International Airport for final departure: After breakfast, transfer to Kathmandu international airport for the return flight your country.

INCLUDED

  • All airport transfers from arrival to departure
  • Internal transfers
  • 15kg baggage during trekking
  • Porter service
  • Airport transfers
  • English-speaking, government-licensed trekking/climbing guide
  • All applicable trekking and climbing permits
  • Nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu on b&b plan
  • Government taxes, entrance fee, equipment fee, and other applicable fees
  • Farewell dinner

NOT INCLUDED

  • International flight ticket
  • Nepali visa fee
  • Personal equipment for climbing (if necessary)
  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
  • Personal expenses
  • Emergency evacuation by helicopter
  • Any other service not mentioned in “included” section