Dhaulagiri Base Camp Trek

The Dhaulagiri Base Camp Trek is one of Nepal’s most spectacular high-altitude trekking experiences, offering close-up views of Dhaulagiri I (8,167 m), the seventh-highest peak in the world. Unlike the longer Dhaulagiri Circuit, the DBC trek focuses on reaching the base of the majestic Dhaulagiri massif, providing a challenging yet achievable adventure for trekkers with good fitness levels.

The trek begins from Beni or nearby access points, following the Kali Gandaki valley and Myagdi River trails through lush subtropical forests at lower elevations, gradually giving way to alpine meadows, moraine valleys, and glacial landscapes. The route passes through several remote villages, such as Bagarchhap, Dana, Chharka, and Mukot, offering opportunities to observe traditional lifestyles of Gurung, Magar, and Thakuri communities. These villages, often nestled on steep hillsides, maintain ancient cultural practices, terraced farming, and local festivals, providing a fascinating cultural context to the trekking experience.

The trek is moderate to strenuous, with elevations ranging from 700 m at the trailhead to over 4,100 m at base camp. Trekkers are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I, Tukuche, Nilgiri, and other surrounding Himalayan peaks. The DBC trek is particularly appealing to trekkers seeking remote, less crowded routes, as the trail sees far fewer tourists than Annapurna or Everest treks.

Highlights

Explore Dhaulagiri Base Camp with glacier and alpine views
Trek through French Pass, Dhampus Pass, and Hidden Valley
Experience traditional Himalayan villages along the route
Stunning panoramic views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and surrounding peaks
Alpine meadows, moraine trails, rivers, and terraced farmlands
Optional photography, wildlife spotting, and glacier exploration

Basic Information

Destination
Duration
Start / End Location
Accommodation Type
Difficulty Level
Max Altitude
Age Limit
Transportation Mode

Dhaulagiri
17 Days
Kathmandu / Kathmandu
Lodges, Teahouses, Tented Camps, Hotels in Kathmandu & Pokhara
Strenuous
5200m
-
-

Best Season

Spring (Mar–May), Autumn (Sep–Nov)

Inclusions

Road transportation Kathmandu → Beni → Pokhara → Kathmandu
3 meals/day during trek (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Lodges/teahouses/tented camp accommodation on trek
Hotels in Kathmandu & Pokhara
Licensed English-speaking guide & porter service
Trekking permits & TIMS
First-aid kit & oxygen support

Tour Plan

Wake-up and breakfast at hotel in Kathmandu
Drive Kathmandu → Beni via Prithvi Highway (approx. 9 hrs)
Lunch en route
Highlights: Riverside scenery, terraced fields, mountain views along the Marsyangdi Valley
Dinner at lodge in Beni
Overnight: Lodge/Guest House in Beni (basic to mid-range)

Wake-up and breakfast
Trek Beni → Babiachaur through forest trails and small villages
Lunch en route
Highlights: Rural village life, terraced fields, local interactions
Dinner
Overnight: in Babiachaur (basic)

Wake-up and breakfast
Trek along mountain trails, river crossings, and farmlands
Lunch en route
Highlights: Terraced landscapes, local villages, Himalayan views
Dinner
Overnight: in Dharapani (basic)

Wake-up and breakfast
Trek through rhododendron forests and ridges
Lunch en route
Highlights: Views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna ranges
Dinner
Overnight: in Muri (basic)

Wake-up and breakfast
Trek along forest trails with gradual ascent
Lunch en route
Highlights: Panoramic mountain views, village settlements
Dinner
Overnight: in Boghara (basic)

Wake-up and breakfast
Trek through mixed forest and river valley
Lunch en route
Highlights: Approaching higher altitudes, first close views of Machhermo and surrounding peaks
Dinner
Overnight: in Dobang (basic)

Wake-up and breakfast
Trek through alpine meadows and ridges
Lunch en route
Highlights: Increasing altitude, Himalayan vistas, glaciers visible in distance
Dinner
Overnight: in Choriban Khola (basic)

Wake-up and breakfast
Trek through high-altitude trails, moraines, and glacial landscapes
Lunch en route
Highlights: Approaching Italian Base Camp, panoramic Dhaulagiri view
Dinner
Overnight: at Italian Base Camp (basic)

Wake-up and breakfast
Optional short hikes for acclimatization (approx. 2–3 hrs)
Lunch at lodge
Highlights: Glacier views, Dhaulagiri panorama, high-altitude photography
Dinner
Overnight: at Italian Base Camp (basic)

Wake-up and breakfast
Trek across moraines and high alpine terrain
Lunch en route
Highlights: Close views of Dhaulagiri Glacier, alpine landscape
Dinner at tented camp
Overnight: at Glacier Camp (basic)

Wake-up and breakfast
Trek through moraine trails to Dhaulagiri Base Camp
Packed lunch during trek
Highlights: Dhaulagiri I views, surrounding peaks, glacier streams
Dinner at tented camp
Overnight: Tented Camp at Dhaulagiri Base Camp (basic)

Wake-up and breakfast
Short hikes nearby (approx. 2 hrs) for acclimatization and photography
Lunch at camp
Highlights: Glacier exploration, mountain views, relaxation
Dinner at tented camp
Overnight: Tented Camp at Dhaulagiri Base Camp (basic)

Wake-up and breakfast
Trek over French Pass to Hidden Valley
Packed lunch during trek
Highlights: Snow-covered peaks, high alpine valley, panoramic Dhaulagiri vistas
Dinner at tented camp
Overnight: Tented Camp in Hidden Valley (basic)

Wake-up and breakfast
Descend via Dhampus Pass to Yak Kharka
Lunch en route
Highlights: Alpine meadows, yak herding areas, mountain views
Dinner at lodge/tented camp
Overnight: Lodge/Tented Camp at Yak Kharka (basic)

Wake-up and breakfast
Trek through lower alpine valleys and forests
Lunch en route
Highlights: Traditional villages, terraced fields, descending towards Mustang region
Dinner at lodge
Overnight: Lodge in Marpha (basic to mid-range)

Wake-up and breakfast
Drive Marpha → Pokhara along Kali Gandaki Valley
Lunch en route
Highlights: Mountain scenery, rivers, villages along the valley
Dinner at hotel in Pokhara
Overnight: Hotel in Pokhara

Wake-up and breakfast
Drive towards kathmandu
Lunch en route
Highlights: rivers, Scenic drive
Dinner at hotel in kathmandu
Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu