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Dhaulagiri Base Camp Trek

4.9(7)

|Recommended by 99% of travelers

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Destination

Nepal

Grade

Strenuous

Start / End Point

Pokhara

Accommodation

Lodge / Tea House

Best Season

Sep–Nov, Apr–May

Meals Included

B / L / D

Activity

trek

Max. Altitude

4,750m

A serious, committing expedition around the world's 7th highest mountain, high passes, remote valleys and virtually no other trekkers.

Highlights

Circumnavigate Dhaulagiri (8,167m)
Cross French Pass (5,360m) and Dhampus Pass (5,244m)
Hidden Valley camping
Serious high-altitude expedition experience
Strenuous, for experienced trekkers only

Dhaulagiri Base Camp Trek Overview

The Dhaulagiri Base Camp trek is genuinely one of the harder routes our team runs. It begins from Beni in the Myagdi district, a drive from Pokhara, and follows the Myagdi Khola river into increasingly remote terrain, passing through ethnic Magar and Gurung villages before entering the pristine, trail-minimal wilderness beneath Dhaulagiri (8,167m), the seventh-highest mountain in the world.

Unlike the ABC or Manaslu circuits, this route has no teahouse infrastructure above the lower valley. From the Italian Base Camp upward it is a camping trek, requiring a full camp crew, kitchen, and equipment. The approach through the Myagdi Khola is dramatic in its own right: the gorge walls rise steeply, the villages are genuine and unvisited by the tourist economy, and the transition from subtropical forest to high-altitude alpine terrain happens faster than on the Annapurna routes because the valley is narrower and more enclosed.

The Italian Base Camp at 3,660m is where the real alpine character begins; above it, glacier travel on the approach to Dhaulagiri Base Camp at 4,750m requires crampons and basic ice travel competence. The route does not end at base camp. The classic continuation crosses the French Pass at 5,360m into the Hidden Valley, a plateau-like high-altitude terrain between the Dhaulagiri and Tukuche massifs that few trekkers ever visit, and descends through Yak Kharka to Jomsom. This exit via the Kali Gandaki valley is dramatically different from the approach, arriving at the famous apple-orchard town of Marpha and joining what is essentially the western side of the Annapurna Circuit. It is one of the most complete mountain journeys we know, not a loop, but a genuine traverse with radically different terrain on either side.

Note

We recommend you arrive at Kathmandu by 3 PM at least one day before the trek departure date for last-minute preparations.

High Pass

French Pass & Hidden Valley

5,360 m / 17,585 ft

Cross French Pass at 5,360m from Dhaulagiri Base Camp into Hidden Valley, a desolate high plateau that sits above 5,000m for a full day's walking. One of the most committing non-technical crossings in Nepal.

Day-to-Day Short Itinerary

Day 1Pokhara to Beni (830m)
Day 2Beni to Babiyachaur (950m)
Day 3Babiyachaur to Dharapani (1,400m)
Day 4Dharapani to Muri (1,850m)
Day 5Muri to Baghara (2,050m)
Day 6Baghara to Dobang (2,520m)
Day 7Dobang to Italian Base Camp (3,660m)
Day 8Rest and acclimatisation at Italian Base Camp (3,660m)
Day 9Italian Base Camp to Glacier Camp (4,200m)
Day 10Glacier Camp to Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4,750m)
Day 11Base Camp rest or weather day (4,750m)
Day 12Dhaulagiri Base Camp to French Pass and Hidden Valley (5,360m)
Day 13Hidden Valley to Yak Kharka via Dhampus Pass (4,930m)
Day 14Yak Kharka to Jomsom (2,720m)
Day 15Jomsom, fly to Pokhara (820m)

Elevation Profile

Highest point: 5,360m (Day 12)Start: 830mEnd: 820m

Dhaulagiri Base Camp Trek Photos

Dhaulagiri Base Camp Trek Itinerary

Day 1
Pokhara to Beni (830m)
Day 2
Beni to Babiyachaur (950m)
Day 3
Babiyachaur to Dharapani (1,400m)
Day 4
Dharapani to Muri (1,850m)
Day 5
Muri to Baghara (2,050m)
Day 6
Baghara to Dobang (2,520m)
Day 7
Dobang to Italian Base Camp (3,660m)
Day 8
Rest and acclimatisation at Italian Base Camp (3,660m)
Day 9
Italian Base Camp to Glacier Camp (4,200m)
Day 10
Glacier Camp to Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4,750m)
Day 11
Base Camp rest or weather day (4,750m)
Day 12
Dhaulagiri Base Camp to French Pass and Hidden Valley (5,360m)
Day 13
Hidden Valley to Yak Kharka via Dhampus Pass (4,930m)
Day 14
Yak Kharka to Jomsom (2,720m)
Day 15
Jomsom, fly to Pokhara (820m)

What is included in this trek package?

Accommodation

Twin-sharing accommodation in tea houses or local lodges throughout the trek
Hotel accommodation on nights before and after the trek where applicable (breakfast included)

Meals & Drinking Water

All standard meals on the trail (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) with one hot drink per meal
Purified drinking water throughout the trek (filter or purification tablets)
Seasonal fruits when available

Transportation

All ground transfers by private or shared tourist vehicle as per the itinerary
Domestic flights where explicitly noted in the itinerary

Guide and Staff

Experienced, first-aid trained, government-licensed, English-speaking lead guide
Assistant guide for groups of 7 or more
One porter per two trekkers for carrying main luggage (up to 10 kg per person)
Wages, accommodation, meals, gear, and insurance for all trek staff

Permits

All required trekking permits and conservation-area fees for the route
TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) card where applicable
All permit paperwork arranged before the trek starts

Safety and Support

Comprehensive first aid kit including pulse oximeter for daily altitude checks
Emergency oxygen on treks above 4,000m
24/7 operational support from our Pokhara office
Trip completion certificate

What is excluded in this trek package?

Flights & Visa

International flights and airport departure tax
Nepal entry visa (USD 30 for 15 days, USD 50 for 30 days, USD 125 for 90 days, on arrival at Kathmandu airport)

Insurance & Personal Gear

Travel insurance with high-altitude and emergency helicopter evacuation coverage (mandatory)
Personal trekking gear, clothing and footwear

Meals Outside the Trail

Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu or Pokhara before and after the trek
Any beverages including alcoholic drinks, bottled and boiled water

Other

Tips for trekking staff and drivers (recommended but not included)
Hot showers, WiFi, and charging fees at tea houses
Any personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls, or souvenirs
Any additional costs caused by natural disasters, political disturbances, or flight delays
Any items not explicitly listed in the Price Includes section

Equipment Checklist

The following is a solid starting point for most multi-day treks we run. Adjust for the season and the maximum altitude of your specific route. Shorter, lower-altitude hikes need far less than this full list. For the key insulation items (down jacket and four-season sleeping bag) we offer rental in Kathmandu or Pokhara for USD 35 each.

General

Four-season (zero degree) sleeping bag (rental available: USD 35)
Insulated down jacket (rental available: USD 35)
Daypack, 30 to 45 litres, with rain cover
Sleeping bag liner

Head & Face

Sun hat or cap
Beanie or knitted hat for colder mornings and evenings
Buff or neck gaiter
Sunglasses with full UV protection
Headlamp with spare batteries

Upper Body

Technical base layer shirts, two
Technical long-sleeve shirts, two
Fleece or synthetic mid-layer
Waterproof and windproof shell jacket

Lower Body

Hiking pants, two pairs
Technical base-layer leggings for cold mornings
Waterproof or windproof outer shell pants
Comfortable pants for evenings in the teahouse

Hands

Lightweight liner gloves
Insulated outer gloves for high altitude or winter conditions

Feet

Waterproof trekking boots with ankle support, broken in before the trip
Hiking socks, three to five pairs
Liner socks if prone to blisters
Comfortable shoes or sandals for evenings
Microspikes recommended November to March on routes above 4,000m

First Aid & Medications

Personal prescription medications
SPF 50+ sunscreen and SPF lip balm
Blister care, plasters, and antiseptic cream
Electrolyte sachets or tablets
Note: our guides carry a comprehensive group first aid kit with pulse oximeter

Other Essentials

Passport, two passport-sized photos, and photocopies of travel documents
One-litre reusable water bottle or hydration bladder
Trekking poles (strongly recommended)
Small toiletry kit, quick-dry towel, and toilet paper
High-protein snacks for the trail (bars, nuts)
Waterproof dry bag for documents and electronics

Important Information

We provide a free duffel bag at your pre-trip meeting, used for luggage carried by the porter. The duffel stays yours afterwards.
One porter is assigned per two trekkers. The duffel bag should weigh no more than 10 kg / 22 lbs per person.
Always carry your own daypack with essentials: cash, documents, water, camera, rain gear.
Non-trekking luggage can be stored securely at your hotel in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
Down jacket and four-season sleeping bag are available for rent at USD 35 each. Loss or damage reimbursement is USD 100 per item.

Dhaulagiri Base Camp Trek Package Information

Trip Information

Guide & Porter Services

Every trek is led by a government-licensed, English-speaking lead guide who is also trained in first aid and high-altitude emergency response. For groups of seven or more we add an assistant guide. Porters are assigned one per two trekkers, each carrying up to 10 kg of your main luggage so you only carry a daypack. All staff wages, accommodation, meals, gear, and insurance are fully covered in the package price.

Accommodation Bookings

We pre-book every night's accommodation before you start, so you never arrive at a full teahouse during peak season. Nights before and after the trek are in 3-star hotels in Kathmandu or Pokhara with breakfast included. On the trail you stay in tea houses or local lodges on a twin-sharing basis, with the best available rooms in each village. Private rooms and en-suite bathrooms are available where offered, usually at lower altitudes.

Transportation Arrangements

All ground transfers are arranged by private or shared tourist vehicles as specified in the itinerary. Airport pick-up and drop-off are included. Where a domestic flight is required (for example, Kathmandu to Lukla for Everest, or Jomsom to Pokhara for Mustang routes), the round-trip fare is covered in the package. We monitor flight and road conditions daily and adjust logistics proactively when weather or landslides affect the schedule.

Equipment Rental

A four-season sleeping bag and an insulated down jacket can be rented in Kathmandu or Pokhara at USD 35 per item for the duration of the trek. Trekking poles, microspikes, and additional layers are also available on request. We supply a 75-litre duffel bag for you to keep at your pre-trip briefing. A full packing checklist is sent after you book so you can pack with confidence.

Insurance Requirements

Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for every trek we operate. Your policy must explicitly cover trekking at the maximum altitude of your route and include emergency helicopter evacuation, medical treatment, and trip cancellation. Please send us a copy of your policy at least two weeks before departure. We cannot start the trek without confirmation of valid coverage — this is for your safety and ours.

Difficulty & Preparation

The Dhaulagiri Base Camp trek is rated Strenuous and that is not a marketing label, it is an accurate description of a route that involves glacier travel, two passes above 5,000m, sustained camping at 4,700-5,100m, and remote terrain with no rescue infrastructure above Italian Base Camp. The French Pass crossing at 5,360m requires crampon use on steep glaciated terrain. An ice axe is advisable and your guide will carry one. The Dhampus Pass at 5,155m the following day is on rocky but steep ground. Crossing both passes on consecutive days is the most physically demanding section, legs that have already completed 10+ days at altitude are asked to perform at their hardest. Daily walking hours in the lower gorge run 5-6 hours. Above Italian Base Camp expect 6-9 hour days on technical terrain. The Yak Kharka to Jomsom descent covers over 2,000m in a single day. Mental resilience matters as much as physical fitness on this route, the upper section is remote enough that there is no quick exit, and commitment to the mountain is real.

Permits Required

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): USD 30 per person. Required for the exit through the Kali Gandaki valley toward Jomsom. Obtainable in Pokhara or Kathmandu.

TIMS Card (Trekkers' Information Management System): USD 15 per person (approximately NPR 2,000). Required for trekkers in the Annapurna Conservation Area section of the route.

Myagdi District Entry Permit: Approximately NPR 2,000-3,000 per person. Required for the Myagdi Khola valley approach. Obtainable at the district office in Beni. Your guide will handle this locally.

Altitude & Acclimatisation

The Dhaulagiri Base Camp route has a steep and sustained altitude profile above the Italian Base Camp. The sleeping altitude sequence is: Dobang 2,520m, Italian Base Camp 3,660m (two nights), Glacier Camp 4,200m, Dhaulagiri Base Camp 4,750m (two nights), Hidden Valley 5,100m, Yak Kharka 4,930m. The route spends three consecutive nights above 4,700m, a demanding cumulative exposure that our team treats very seriously. The jump from Italian Base Camp (3,660m) to Glacier Camp (4,200m) is a 540m gain in a single day following only two acclimatisation nights at 3,660m.

Our team uses the acclimatisation day at Italian Base Camp specifically to hike toward glacier camp and back, the 'climb high, sleep low' principle is essential here. Anyone showing AMS symptoms at Italian Base Camp does not continue upward until they resolve. The Hidden Valley at 5,100m and Yak Kharka at 4,930m both present ongoing AMS risk. Descent from the Hidden Valley to Jomsom covers over 2,000m in two days, which provides relief but the first night at Yak Kharka is still above 4,900m. Pulse oximeter readings and symptom checks are part of our morning routine above Italian Base Camp.

Food & Accommodation

The lower Myagdi Khola section (Beni to Dobang) has basic teahouse accommodation in the villages, simple guesthouses with mattress beds, local meals, and no hot showers. The food here is honest valley cuisine: dal bhat, potato curry, rice, lentils. Portions are large and the cooking is real. Above Italian Base Camp there are no teahouses. The camp crew, cook, kitchen assistant, and porters, provides full meals: breakfast, lunch (sometimes hot, sometimes packed snacks), and dinner. High-altitude camp cooking has limits; expect pasta, noodle soup, lentil soup, rice dishes, and omelettes rather than complex meals. Calorie density matters more than variety at altitude. The camp cook carries a stove fuel supply, and we always plan for one extra day of food beyond the itinerary as a weather buffer. Hydration is the management challenge on the upper section, water must be sourced from snowmelt and glacier streams, treated or boiled. Budget approximately 3-4 litres of treated water per day above Italian Base Camp. The camp kitchen always has hot water available morning and evening.

What to Pack

This is a camping trek above Italian Base Camp. Everything you need for 5-7 nights at altitude, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, tent, kitchen equipment, must come with the camp crew. Your personal sleeping bag should be rated to -20°C for the French Pass and Hidden Valley nights. A down jacket rated for sub-zero temperatures is essential; multiple insulating layers are required.

Glacier equipment: crampons (10-12 point, compatible with your boots), ice axe. Your boots must be crampon-compatible, soft hiking boots will not work. Mountaineering boots are ideal; stiff mountain trekking boots are the minimum. Bring glacier glasses with full UV protection, the glare on the glacier approach is intense. Sun protection is critical at this altitude; lips, nose, and chin can burn severely.

Additional camping considerations: a lightweight bivy sack as emergency backup, chemical hand warmers for the coldest nights, a power bank to keep phone and headlamp batteries viable, and a satellite communicator (InReach or similar) given the remote terrain.

Why Book With 6K Nepal Treks

Licensed & Insured

Registered with Nepal Tourism Board, TAAN and NMA. Fully insured for trekking, climbing, and high-altitude emergencies.

Expert Local Guides

Every trek is led by a licensed, first-aid trained Sherpa or Gurung guide, born and raised in these mountains.

Safety First

Pulse oximeter and emergency oxygen carried on all high-altitude treks. Helicopter evacuation protocol on standby.

Small Groups

Maximum 12 trekkers per group. One porter per two guests. You are a person, not a tour number.

Fair & Transparent Pricing

No hidden fees. Permits, guides, porters and taxes are all included and itemised in your quote.

Responsible Travel

Fair wages for all staff, eco-friendly practices on the trail, and direct support for the mountain communities we work with.

Dhaulagiri Base Camp Trek Reviews

4.9★ from 90+ Google Reviews

Trekkers guided from 30+ countries.

“Riding from Pokhara to Upper Mustang over five unforgettable days with Rohit was a true adventure in every sense of the word. As an experienced adventure motorbike rider, including demanding desert expeditions, I can say with absolute confidence that Rohit is a phenomenal rider and an exceptional tour guide. He masters the terrain, understands the mountains, and rides with calm authority and precision. I highly recommend Rohit and his company.”

Jacob Mato ★

Upper Mustang Motorbike Tour · Mar 2026

5.0

“Rohit was an excellent guide for my Khopra Ridge trek. From the very first day, he was professional, friendly, and always attentive. He knows the trail extremely well and made sure the pace was comfortable while still keeping good time each day. What I really appreciated was how caring and patient he was, especially on long uphill sections and in changing weather. I highly recommend Rohit to anyone planning the Khopra Ridge trek or any trek in Nepal.”

Birendra T Xettri ★

Khopra Ridge Trek · Mar 2026

5.0

“My first trek with Rohit, who is extremely knowledgeable. He is the mountain man of Nepal. His deep love for the mountains means he wants to give his trekkers the best experience, share his stories but above all make sure you are feeling safe, comfortable and able to complete the trek. We did Mardi Himal Trek, blessed with the weather. Do not hesitate to book with Rohit, I will be back again. Namaste”

Ange ★

Mardi Himal Trek · Jan 2026

5.0

“This was my second trek with Rohit, I first did the Manaslu Circuit with him a while ago and came back for Mardi Himal this time. Both experiences were absolutely fantastic. Rohit is professional, kind, and really knows the mountains. He always makes sure you're safe, comfortable, and enjoying yourself. He takes care of all the logistics, finds great tea houses, and adjusts the pace perfectly for everyone. Wouldn't trek in Nepal with anyone else.”

Peter Murphy ★

Manaslu Circuit + Mardi Himal · Jan 2026

5.0

“Rohit is a young, energetic, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic guide. He took us up to Annapurna Base Camp. We had bad weather, so Rohit decided to wait a day when other guides kept going up. Due to avalanche-risk, this was the obviously the best decision. Rohit always made sure that we felt comfortable and always in a good mood. We had fun, lots of laughter and great stories. Thanks to Rohit we will never forget: Dahl Baht Power 24 Hour!”

Sander Wolters ★

Annapurna Base Camp · 2025

5.0

“Without doubt the best guide in the world... Every part of our trip was a dream. From start to finish Rohit and his team had prepared everything to perfection. I cannot recommend this young man enough, so professional, so fun and so considerate. Thank you so much for making our time so special.”

Ryan Chandler ★

Himalayan Trek · Oct 2025

5.0

“Just returned from completing a 2 day trek with Rohit as our guide to Kapuche Glacier lake. It was a challenging but fantastic experience thanks to his professional skills his passion for the mountains and his outgoing and friendly personality. He was always there to guide and motivate us even up the never ending stairs!! His support and sense of humour got us safely to our destination and back again. If we return to Nepal we will definitely meet again.”

Karen Smith ★

Kapuche Glacier Lake · 2025

5.0

“We did Austrian Basecamp with Rohit. I thought it was going to be a short and predictable trek but I was surely wrong. We went up and stayed for the night and on the next day we did a long return going through some of the most stunning views I've ever seen in my 37 years of life. I don't think that would have been possible without the guidance of Rohit. Also it's really nice to share with him, he is friendly, respectful and chill. And he knows everything about Nepal, its mountains and its flora and fauna.”

Arturo Cuevillas ★

Australian Camp Trek · Jan 2026

5.0

“I recently embarked on the Dhampus-Pothana-Australia Camp trek with Rohit, and it was an experience I'll cherish forever. From the very beginning, Rohit's easygoing nature and ability to connect made the journey incredibly enjoyable. Our conversations ranged from deep discussions about spirituality, mountains, and cultures to sharing our mutual love for rock and metal music. Overall, trekking with Rohit was an incredible experience. His warmth, knowledge, and passion for the mountains truly enhanced the trip.”

Fahad Rahman ★

Dhampus-Pothana-Australian Camp · 2025

5.0

“Undertook Annapurna Base Camp Trek along with Rohit in first week of April 2025. His detailed knowledge and experience of the terrain and weather helped us having an awesome experience. He was accommodative of our needs and change in plans. Two days later we undertook a motorbike ride upto Muktinath in Mustang Valley. Again his energy, knowledge and experience in the area resulted in us having a superb n memorable time.”

Prateek Johari ★

Annapurna Base Camp + Mustang · Jul 2025

5.0

“Rohit was our guide on the 12 day Manaslu circuit trek. The trek was great, nice scenery, not too hard and Rohit took good care of making sure we had a place to sleep every night, as teahouses were filling up quickly because of high season. Rohit is a cheerful guy, social and he takes good care of his guests. With Rohit you are definitely in good company.”

Sara Coessens ★

Manaslu Circuit Trek · 2025

5.0

“Had an amazing 9 day Annapurna Base Camp Sanctuary Trek this June with Rohit and his team. His fantastic organisation, hosting, knowledge and professionalism makes Rohit a fabulous choice of guide. Visiting Nepal and especially the Himalayas is a life changing experience and I will never forget it.”

Rupert Potts ★

Annapurna Base Camp · Sep 2025

5.0

“Rohit (Haku) was one of the many blessings we received from Nepal. He is not only a great guide who knows how to make trips and expeditions fun and flowy. He is also an incredibly fun human to be around. It was delightful to spend some days riding to the temple of Muktinath with him. Jamming, and discovering a new young friend, full of kindness, values and knowledge.”

David Sanchez ★

Muktinath Motorbike Tour · 2025

5.0

“I called Rohit just before 8hrs of starting our Khumai Danda trek. Even after being tired he said let's meet in morning at 6am. He knows English, Hindi, French and Nepali. He not only guided the trek route but made the whole stretch very memorable and interesting. We told stories to each other. He became more like a friend. It was complete fun trekking with Rohit. And yes, Rohit has his own band. Quite an interesting guy.”

Shreyassh Verma ★

Khumai Danda Trek · 2024

5.0

“Had an amazing trek, Rohit is a perfect guide especially when dealing with the unpredictability of the trek, someone who's very easy going and social however extremely professional and even other guides would come to him for advice. 100/10”

Louis Anderson ★

Himalayan Trek · 2024

5.0

“Rohit is the guy to go trekking with! He knows a lot and can tell you a lot about life in the mountains but also about his amazing family. This drummer of a band can show you around, but also knows that silence in walking is good when doing a hike. Super chill and easy going.”

Rutger Dankelman ★

Himalayan Trek · 2024

5.0

“We had an amazing time with Rohit and Yuddha. Rohit was quick to reply when planning the trip and clearly explained the route options, and on the trip his enthusiasm and knowledge were very appreciated. He seems to know all the best tea houses for food too.”

Ben Ashby ★

Himalayan Trek · 2024

5.0

“What an amazing experience! Highly recommend Rohit to guide you through the Himalayas. Nothing was too much trouble for him and his team and they went out of their way to ensure we had an unforgettable trip. And most importantly. SO MUCH FUN!!!”

Richard Hilliard ★

Himalayan Trek · Sep 2025

5.0

“Just had the most fantastic trek with Rohit and his team. An incredible experience that has created amazing memories and hit the reset button for me in such a positive way. Thank you Rohit.. Namaste”

Jonathan Marriott ★

Himalayan Trek · Sep 2025

5.0

“Our experience in Nepal was nothing short of extraordinary, thanks to our incredible friend. He truly is a superman! From the very beginning, the tour was meticulously personalized to cater to our every need and interest, ensuring that we always had exciting activities to look forward to.”

Minhaj Ul Islam ★

Nepal Tour · 2025

5.0