Mount Dhaulagiri (8167m) the seventh highest peak in the world and it was first climbed by the Swiss in 1960. Mt. Dhaulagiri rises above the Kali Gandaki River, which flows between the Annapurna Massif and this awesome peak. This trek is one of the most adventurous trekking routes among many of trekking routes in Nepal. This trekking is a real alpine and fantastic for those, who love the mountains in the high altitudes. The trek goes through big challenging mountain passes, crossing over French pass (5240m/17192ft) and Thapa Pass (5155m/16913ft); providing more spectacular views of Dhaulagiri, Throng peak, Annapurna and Kali Gandaki River; the world deepest gorge. It is a challenging walk on an icy track so this trekking 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.

The trek is best started at Beni, the district headquarters of Myagdi district. Myagdi is one of the most easterly of the districts where the Magar people can be found. This group of hill dwellers are similar in many ways to their Gurung neighbors but are thought to have settled in Nepal some time earlier. Like their Gurung cousins, the Magar have a tradition of service in the Gurkha regiments. Regular bus services operate from Pokhara as far as Baglung and from there, are less frequent services to Beni.

The Dhaulagiri trail follows the Myagdi khola, the river that drains the southern side of the Dhaulagiri massif. Passing through the settlements of Darbang and Muri, the country is still quite heavily populated with scattered villages and farming land. Beyond Muri, the Myagdi khola swings north and the landscape becomes much more rugged and sparsely populated. The tree line is reached just below the sit of the, so called, Italian base camp, located at the snout of the Chhonbaraan Glacier, is an ideal place to spend an acclimatization day exploring the hills around about. The next two days are spent on the glacier, the second night being at Dhaulagiri base camp, a rugged spot with some spectacular views of the western face of Dhaulagiri. From here the trial crosses French pass which at 5360 meters is the highest point of the trek. Descending French pass you enter the lonely but fascinating area known as Hidden valley. This place is one of the few true wilderness areas accessible to trekkers in Nepal. The valley stretches away to the north eventually narrowing to a rugged gorge that connects to Upper Dolpa. There are reports of many endangered species residing in this area including the elusive snow leopard. If all the members and the staff of the group are fit then a rest and exploration day spent in hidden valley is well worth while.

From Hidden valley the trial now crosses Dhampus pass. While not as high as French pass, it is roughly 100 meters lower, Dhampus pass has a reputation for bad weather which can make the crossing and subsequent descent something of a problem. Trekkers must be aware of the health of their group members and staff, especially on the section between French pass and Dhampus pass. Any person suffering from the symptoms of AMS must never be taken on over French pass but rather, taken back down the Myagdi khola to a lower altitude. Having a group member suffer from AMS between the passes poses a serious problem as the only way to get the patient assistance is to ascend which would make the problem worse.

Having crossed Dhampus pass the trial descends into the valley of the Kali Gandaki meeting the main trail of Annapurna circuit of Kali Gandaki valley trek. From here you can follow the route of Annapurna classical trek and pass the world’s deepest gorge to your way back to Pokhara or trek upto Jomsom, the district headquarter of Mustang and fly to Pokhara.

   Dhaulagiri Base Camp Trekking – 21 Days (A Challenging Circuit around the World's Highest Mountains)

   Highlights of the trip

• Visit temple, Art/architecture/Pagodas, Heritage sites in Kathmandu

• Scenic road drive to Beni via Pokhara

• Next to the Annpurna range in the mid-west with different panorama of giant Dhaulagiri

• Cultural experience, great nature and high adventure journey\

• Un-spoilt wild life and vegetation and adventurous photographic destination.

• Dhaulagiri and Italian Base Camp

• Stunning views of Dhaulagiri & Annapurna ranges

• French Pass Dhampus Pass and Hidden Valley

• The world's deepest gorge and the Kaligandaki valley

• Different community with majority of Gurungs & Magars, Brahmin, Ksetri and Thakali.

• Scenic fly to Pokhara from Jomsom

• Lake valley of Pokhara