

I visited Nepal in September 2006 for the purpose of trekking in the Annapurna Sanctuary area. I was introduced to Clan Treks and Bishwa Chapagain by a mutual friend from the United Kingdom.
The level of service I received from Clan Treks was second to none, in fact a close friendship has developed as a result of the 10 days we spend trekking in the Sanctuary...
Ian Harries Grantham,
Lincolnshire , UK
Dhaulagiri Round is one of the most popular trekking routes in Nepal due to its sensational views and accessibility. The trekking in this area is relatively strenuous but the trekkers who are willing to spend their holidays with nature and natural surroundings full of peace and tranquility choose this better "Off the beaten track" trekking destination.
Dhaulagiri region is basically virgin territory and trekking off the main paths is not only possible, but can be immensely rewarding, though 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 heights of over 8167 meters at the northern border with Tibet. Dhaulagiri I, the sixth tallest peak in the world, towers high above the well- trekked Muktinath pilgrim trail up the Kaligandaki valley. The vast massif screen has hidden land of Dolpa to its north and to the west of I are Nepal’s western hills.
Following the rivers upstream, ferns and forests of oak and other deciduous trees and juniper are interesting. Mountainsides 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 wind swept ground. This is also an opportunity to experience the Tibetan Buddhist culture that is through out the Himalaya.
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Title: | Dhaulagiri Round Trekking |
| Category: | Highly Adventurous | |
| Grade: | Strenuous & Difficult | |
| Total Days: | 21 Days | |
| Group Size: | 2 to 12 Pax | |
| Departure Date: | Everyday During the Season | |
| Maximum Elevation: | 5,258m. (16,825ft.) | |
| Transportation: | Drive and Flights | |
| Accommodation: | Tent (Camping) Trekking | |
| Trekking Hours: | Approximately 5 to 7 hrs. Each Day. | |
| Best Season: | Sep. to Nov. / March to May | |
| Trip cost: | USD 2,640.00 |
| Day 01. | Arrive at Kathmandu, Traditional Nepali Dinner |
| Day 02. | City Tour and freelancing |
| Day 03. | Drive to Beni |
| Day 04. | Trek to Babichour |
| Day 05. | Trek to Dharapani |
| Day 06. | Trek to Muri |
| Day 07. | Trek to Bagar |
| Day 08. | Trek to Dovan |
| Day 09. | Trek to Choriban |
| Day 10. | Trek to Pakoban |
| Day 11. | Rest day |
| Day 12. | Dhaulagiri Base Camp |
| Day 13. | Trek to Hidden valley |
| Day 14. | Trek to Yak Kharkha |
| Day 15. | Trek to Marpha |
| Day 16. | Trek to Jomsom |
| Day 17. | Fly back to Pokhara |
| Day 18. | City tour in Pokhara |
| Day 19. | Fly back to Kathmandu / leisure |
| Day 20. | Rest Day in Kathmandu, Traditional Nepali Dinner |
| Day 21. | Departure |
| Day 01. | ARRIVE IN KATHMANDU: Pick up from the airport, transfer to hotel. While in Kathmandu fascinating Buddhist and Hindu temples and shrines reflecting ancient local traditions are highlighted on our guided tour. There's time to explore the city's scores of charms on your own too. In the evening delicious traditional Nepali welcome dinner will be awaiting you. |
| Day 02. | KATHMANDU CITY TOUR: Which is the oldest of the three major cities in Kathmandu Valley - famous for its Buddhist monuments and Hindu temples, and you can catch the traditional artisans working with wood, stones and metals. Pashupatinath: It is one of the most known holy places for Hindu pilgrims in Kathmandu valley. The whole vicinity of Pashupatinath is densed with ages old pagoda model temples with golden plated roofs and the gorgeous woodcarvings on the doors and windows. To the south of the temple, the holy Bagmati river flows down sweeping the burnt dust of dead bodies produced from the cremation on its side. A small green holy wood forest breeze maintains the site cool all the time. Kathmandu Durbar Square: Around the square there are some temples stood upright piercing the sky canopy and through the thousands of pigeon they spread the message of peace. Kumari temple is one of the most important parts of the square site where the ‘Living Goddess’ resides. Apart from those temples, a museum will be waiting for its visitors with an opportunity to unravel the treasures unabashedly. To visit this site is to know the historical facts of Nepal. Soyambhunath: It is also known as ‘Monkey Temple’. The wide area of Soyambhunath is a hillock surrounded by small forest with some golden temples of Lord Buddha at the western gate and a main temple at the top of the hill. The most interesting thing with Soyambhunath is the nice view of Kathmandu valley to be seen from the top of the hill. Various kinds and sizes of monkeys are seen guarding the hillock. A lot of monasteries with big prayer wheels are the main attraction for the visitors. Boudhanath: It is one of the nice places to visit in Kathmandu valley, which has the biggest stupa. When someone enters the gate the holy prayer to sense peace is heard all around. All the Buddhists want to visit Boudhanath to feel the real sense of Buddhism. Boudhanath Stupa - one of biggest stupas in the valley, has been built on 17th Century. |
| Day 03. | KATHAMNDU – POKHARA – BENI (830m): Early in the morning you will be driven to Beni, which is approximately a 10-hour drive from Kathmandu. Passing through Pokhara, a magical land, catching glimpses of beautiful Himalayan panoramas including the Annapurna and Fishtail on the route you will reach at today’s destination. Beni, the district headquarters of Myagdi valley is situated at the junction of Kaligandaki and Beni Rivers. |
| Day 04. | BENI – BABICHAUR (950m): The trail follows the Myagdi Khola (river) and passes by terraced fields and villages. Some of the houses in these villages are painted red with black windows and doors, indicating a typical Nepalese house. This area is nerve point of Thakali culture. Originally they come from the Thakkhola in the Jomsom area and are from Buddhist caste. It’s a beautiful landscape of a huge valley having mind-blowing sceneries and various geographical attractions including hot springs. Today’s trek is of 6 hours. |
| Day 05. | BABICHAUR – DHARAPANI (1500m): Strike out along a high, winding path out of Babichaur. The village widens and terraced hills develop both sides of the river. Walking through many villages with fields, rivers and streams you will reach Dharapani. This enjoyable trek continues along the Myagdi Khola to Darbang Village, where you cross over to the west bank of the river. Shortly after crossing you will ascent steeply to the ridge, where we can see Mt. Myagumath and Mt. Jirbang. |
| Day 06. | DHARAPANI – MURI (1850m): This part is very nice on walking through the village with little ridges having ethnic mix-up. You pass through a forest, and continue past Mattim up and incline to the snout of a ridge where Mt. Dhaulagiri is observable. With most part of intermittent but short but steep ascents you will get at Sibang. Muri is a congested village consisting of wicker-work houses inhabited by Magar ethnic group, a mongoloid face of people. You will make camp above the village from where you can observe Mt. Manapati, Mt. Jirbang, and a few peaks of the Dhaulagiri Massif including Gurja Himal. You overnight stay will be in tents. |
| Day 07. | MURI – BOGHARA (2,080m): The trek alternates between descent and ascent along the Muri and Myagdi Rivers with a relatively flat section at Naura Bhir (bhir is cliff) through to grassy hills, forests and terraced fields making you fortunate to catch glimpse of Mt. Ghustung South. The trail changes dramatically at this point as we ascend a very treacherous and narrow section of the trail before descending on similar terrain to Boghara, the last village on this route. Overnight stay will be in tents. |
| Day 08. | BOGHARA – DOBANG (2,520m): The trail beyond Boghara descends through terraced fields to a small ridge and then through a forest to Jyardan. After the settlement a high winding path crosses a rocky area and then descends before climbing again to Lipshe. The trail continues through a thick forest with occasional clearings for cow-herding huts to Lapche Kharka and then climbs to Dobang. The valley is narrow and deeply wedged between the peaks of Dhaulagiri massif and Mt. Manapathi. |
| Day 09. | DOBANG – CHORIBAN (3110m): Getting past a wooden bridge out of Dobang the trail ascends a forested area. Soon the west face of Mt. Dhaulagiri I and Jirbang become visible through breaks in the trees. Descend to the Myagdi Khola, a landslide prone area with at times thick vegetation, cross it via a wooden bridge to the east bank and continue to Chartare. Passing through forests again, you cut across a rocky area and cross a stream to Choriban Khola. |
| Day 10. | CHORIBAN – PAKOBAN (3510m): Follow a not-so-well-defined trail to the terminal moraine of the Chhonbardan Glacier and cross the threshold of\ the glacier from the right. Tukche Peak (6837m) becomes visible straight on; at the far end while the impressive north flank of Dhaulagiri I (8167m) dominates the skyline to your right. To the west are the peaks of Dhaulagiri II (7751m), Dhaulagiri III (7715m) and Dhaulagiri V (7618m). This trek is approximately of 5 hours. The next three trekking days you will be walking through a perpetual snowline. |
| Day 11. | PAKOBAN: Today is a planned rest day for acclimatization. You can hike to the surroundings to satiate your eyes with beautiful sceneries of the wonderland. Overnight stay will be in tents. |
| Day 12. | PAKOBAN – DHAULAGIRI BASE CAMP (4,750m): You begin your trek still following the Myagdi River for a couple of hours before it see-saws over the glacial moraine. As you trek across the glacier you will go over many boulders, avoiding the crevasses. Along the trail, the Tukuche Peak, Mukut Himal, Sita Chuchura and Dhaulagiri I, Dhaulagiri III and Dhaulagiri V become visible straight on from your campsite dominating the skyline to your right. |
| Day 13. | DHAULAGIRI BASE CAMP – HIDDEN VALLEY (5,180m): The 7-hour long trek to Hidden Valley, a very wide meadow where the Thakali people bring their yaks in the summer to graze, passes between Sita Chuchura and Tukuche Peak. Following the first hour of trekking you will get at the top ridge from where the French pass can be seen on the other side of the snow covered slope. Once on the pass you can get spectacular views of Hidden Valley surrounded by an amphitheater of peaks including Dhampus peak, Tukuche and Dhaulagiri I. Overnight stay will be in tents near by a Chorten. |
| Day 14. | HIDDEN VALLEY – YAK KHARKA (3680m): Descend from the high camp, to the Dhumpus pass also called ‘Thapa Pass’ (5,258m) and continue down to Yak Kharka. There is a great campsite to enjoy the surrounding from where the view of the entire Annapurna Range being touched by the sun with the valley resting below in the darkness is amazing. Overnight stay will be in tents. |
| Day 15. | YAK KHARKA – MARPHA (2,667m): From Yak Kharka descending for about 6 hrs along the flank of the mountain to once again will make you reach Kaligandaki Valley. We return to the tree-line, terraced potato, buckwheat fields, and farmhouses. Marpha is famous for its apple orchards and is abode to lovely Tibetan Monasteries. This will be the last night with all of our crews so we will have a celebration to end our journey together. |
| Day 16. | MARPHA – JOMSOM (2,700 m): An easy and lovely day walking along the riverside to Jomsom, the district headquarters of Mustang district, is the most interesting town to visit in this area. The spectacular views of Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri, and Tukuche peak and Dhampus peak will make you buy with some extra rolls of film. Arrive Jomsom, which provides us with a taste of scenes of upper Mustang. You will spend the rest of the day relaxing in Jomson waiting for the success of tomorrow’s flight. |
| Day 17. | JOMSOM – POKHAR: Today the flight to the Pokhara early in the morning, descends through green forests hills, all the way to the valley floor, with biggest gorge, spectacular mountain views, from where we make our way to the city of Pokhara. |
| Day 18. | POKHARA CITY TOUR: After breakfast, our city guide leads the tour to Pokhara valley. We’ve sightseeing around the Pokhara valley to explore the various interesting places like David Falls, Mountain Museum, Barahi Temple, Bindhabasini Temple and many interesting Caves including Mahendra Cave. Boating in Fewa Lake viewing the Mt. Fishtail along with the members of Mt. Annapurna is an exciting and fascinating lifetime experience. This city is really blessed with natural jewels and is regarded as a Shangri-La for nature’s lovers. Every nook and cranny of this place is worth visiting. |
| Day 19. | POKHARA – KATHMANDU: Fly back to Kathmandu in the morning. Arriving in Kathmandu you will be free so that you can go for shopping and picking up some last minute souvenirs. In the evening Traditional Nepali Dinner will be awaiting you. |
| Day 20. | FREE DAY IN KATHMANDU: After breakfast you are free on your own in Kathmandu. You can go for shopping and picking up some last minute souvenirs. In the evening, Traditional Nepali Dinner will be awaiting you. |
| Day 21. | DEPARTURE: After the breakfast we transfer you to the international airport for your final destination. |
September to November & March to May is the best seasons for attempting Dhaulagiri Round Trekking and December, Jan & Feb are consider as a good Trekking months. The weather is sunny and warm, although the nights are cold and temperatures can fall to freezing. Weather can change rapidly and be unpredictable. Please note that when climbing to Dhaulagiri Round trip to the pass, you will be moving from warmer climates at low levels to conditions of well below freezing. Be prepared for all eventualities! Summer (June, July & August) is finest temperature and trekking can be done without any problem.
The following basic equipments checklist should help you with your packing before you traveling. Please remember that you should always try to keep the weight of your equipments to a minimum while you are in the Trekking. At the start of the trek your packed trek bag should weigh not more then 20 kg.
01. Sunglasses with UV protection
02. Sun hat / scarf
03. Light balaclava or warm fleece hat
04. T-shirts
05. Light and expedition weight thermal tops
06. Fleece jacket or pullover
07. Fleece Wind-Stopper jacket (optional)
08. Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket
09. Down jacket
10. Heavyweight gloves or mittens with a waterproof shell outer
11. Small wash towel
12. Underwear’s
13. Hiking shorts
14. Lightweight cotton long pants
15. Fleece or wool pants
16. Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell pants
17. Thin, lightweight inner socks
18. Thick, warm wool hiking socks
19. Hiking boots with spare laces
20. Camp shoes (sneakers and/or sandals)
21. Gaiters for hiking in winter to the base camp
22. Sleeping bag rated to zero degrees F
23. Headlamp with spare bulbs and batteries
24. Basic First Aid Kit (see Health and Medicinal)
25. Daypack (approximately 2500 to 3000 cubic inches)
26. Water bottle
27. Toiletries
Pre - Meeting Before Trip
Prior to all our expeditions and treks, we host a Pre-Trip meeting here in Kathmandu on the 2nd day of your itinerary starts in the morning during the breakfast and introduced your trek Leader mean time and it will provide an opportunity for individuals to ask questions about the your trek and to introduce you to other team members.
Accommodation in Kathmandu and Trekking
Accommodations are included in the trip cost and Clan Treks has chosen accommodation options based on the following criteria; standard of hygiene, standard of service, location, food standards and cost. There are two styles of accommodation and this depends on the itinerary you choose. During the Dhaulagiri Round Trekking you will spend six nights at 3-star in Kathmandu or Pokhara and Fifteen nights at the locally best available Tent Camp in your trekking route. All accommodation is based on twin share, and will provide you single supplement if there is different sex; or Group Leader.
Meals during Dhaulagiri Round Trekking
All Meal will be provided during the spent on trekking. There are (Nepali, Sherpa, Tibetan, Continental, Italian and Indian cusion) a day will be provided from our own kitchen. Your cook-man offering various different items in a day and will be different each single day menu. Each day dinner and breakfast are used to take in the same Camp, you spend the night. Lunch will be taken on the way to destination.
Trekking Staff:
The Guide is in overall charge of your trip and of looking after you. This is the person you should go to with all problems, concerns and questions. All our guides are highly trained in all aspects of trekking, conservation, and high altitude medicine, first aid and emergency procedures. They are professionals selected for their knowledge and passion for Nepal and its peoples. Remember the trekking guides are local citizens and their English may be basic and limited to trek related topics while the city guide have the excellent English with the broad knowledge of the destination involved. Porters transport your luggage – one porter between every two trekkers.
Clan Treks currently train all their Guides in the following courses and your trek leader will be one of the fully train Trek Leader.
Acceptance of risk:
The Client acknowledges that the nature of the tour is adventurous and may involve a significant amount of personal risk. The Client hereby assumes all such risk and does hereby release the Company from all claims and causes of action arising from any damages of injuries or death resulting from these inherent risks.
INSURANCE:
It is mandatory that all Clients obtain travel insurance with a minimum coverage of US$ 50,000 while travelling with the Company and this insurance must cover personal injury, medical expenses, repatriation expenses and emergency evacuation expenses. It is strongly recommended the coverage be extended to include cancellation, curtailment, loss of belongings and all other expenses, which might arise as a result of loss, damage, injury, delay or inconvenience occurring to the Client. The Company shall have no liability for loss, theft of or damage to baggage or personal effects
Climate:
Nepal has a generally temperate climate, however altitude makes distinct variations.
The monsoon sweeps up from India each summer, making mid June to mid September humid and wet. The three other distinct seasons are all suitable for trekking and each has its own advantages. Changing global weather patterns have had their effect on the Himalayan climate making mountain weather notoriously changeable. Always be prepared for a change in conditions and note that if severe or dangerous weather conditions occur your guide’s decision on any course of action is final.
Autumn (September – November): This season offers excellent weather and tantalizing mountain views.
Winter (December – February): This season is noted for occasional snowfall only at higher elevation. Hence it is ideal for trekking at lower elevations, generally below 3000 meters.
Spring (March – May): Different varieties of wild flowers, specially the rhododendrons make the hillside above 5000 meters a haunting paradise during this season. It is mildly warm at lower elevations and at higher elevation over 4000 meters the mountain views are excellent and temperature is quite moderate.
Summer (June – August): Summer months, continues up to mid September making travel wet and warm. These times are blessed for the keen botanist as the higher valleys and meadows blossom with flowers and lush vegetation. It is recommended to carry insect repellent when trekking during summer months.
Health:
There are no specific health requirements for entry into Nepal. Nevertheless, preventive measures such as a thorough medical check up can save you from unexpected hazards. Nepal does not require any particular inoculation but Cholera, Meningitis, Tetanus and Diphtheria, Typhoid and Gamma Globulin are some of the vaccinations that should be considered for your trip. Since the remote places of Nepal are not supplied with necessities that are essential for modern medical facilities, it is imperative to make a comprehensive First Aid Box consisting of basic drugs and accessories as part of the paraphernalia for your trip. Modern dentistry is unknown in the hills of Nepal, so it is advised to have a checkup before departure from home. Tooth fillings sometimes loosen in cold temperature and at high altitudes, so it is recommended having them checked
Altitude Sickness:
Altitude sickness often known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is particularly an important medical consideration while trekking in Nepal. Altitude sickness means the effect of altitude on those who ascend too rapidly to elevation above 3000 meters. The initial symptoms of AMS are as follows:
These symptoms are to be taken very seriously. In case of appearance of any of the above symptoms, immediately contact your travel guide.
Client Details:
In order for the Company to confirm and guarantee the Client’s travel arrangements the Client must provide all Client details with their final payment as per the dates specified. Client details include passport number; passport expiry date and medical form (where applicable), full name as it appears in the passport you are travelling with, date of birth and nationality.