Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu.
You will be greeted at the airport by a representative from Outdoor Expeditions and transported to your hotel. Unwind from your flight and meet us in the evening for a welcome dinner at a traditional Nepalese restaurant.
Day 2: Kathmandu sightseeing and trip preparations.
Relax for the afternoon and enjoy a guided tour of Kathmandu’s unique attractions. We’ll spend the day exploring several of the city’s most famous cultural landmarks like the sacred Hindu pilgrimage site Pashupatinath on the banks of the Bhagamati, Swayambunath (Monkey Temple), and Bouddhanath, Nepal’s largest and most revered Buddhist stupa. In the evening we’ll meet with your trekking guide and team members for a trip briefing and preparations for the journey.
Day 3: Drive from Kathmandu to Beni 830m/2731ft: 8 – 9 hours drive
Depart Kathmandu in the morning by private van or bus, following the banks of the Trishuli and Marsyandi Rivers toward Pokhara. The scenic road continues on to Beni, about 80 kilometers from Pokhara. We spend the night in tents at Beni.
Day 4: Trek from Beni to Babichaur 1000m/3280ft: 6 – 7 hours walk
Our first trekking day will take us through picturesque hillsides along the banks of the Kali Gandaki River. An pleasant stroll through a string of rural settlements will take us to our overnight stop at Babichaur.
Day 5: Trek from Babichaur to Dharapani 1565m/5134ft: 7 hours walk
After a gradual climb through pastoral hillsides and the small villages of Shahashadhara and Ratorunga we will arrive in Dharapani.
Day 6: Trek from Dharapani to Muri 1850m/6068ft: 6 – 7 hours walk
A steep climb today through lush forests of rhododendrons and oak takes us further above the Kali Gandaki river. Ascending a tree lined hillside to the village of Muri, the peaks of the Dhaulagiri range appear visible beyond the verdant hills.
Day 7: Trek from Muri to Boghara 2050m/6724ft: 7 – 8 hours walk
A gradual descent through subtropical forest marked by cascading waterfalls takes us to Phedi. After a lunch break, we ascend steeply to Boghara for our overnight stop.
Day 8: Trek from Boghara to Dhoban 2630m/8626ft: 6 hours walk
A challenging day of navigating steep ridgelines awaits today. Fixed ropes may be required in some sections of the trail. Emerging from thick forest in the afternoon, we’ll cross a bare rocky plain to Dhoban.
Day 9: Trek from Dhoban to Italian Base Camp 3500m/11480ft: 6 – 7 hours walk
Today’s dramatic change in altitude will prove a bit challenging. We’ll encounter a change in scenery as well, with subtropical conditions giving way to the harsh rocky terrain. As we approach Italian Base Camp, the peaks of the Dhaulagiri Himal tower around us. We’ll camp for the night at Italian Base Camp before Dhaulagiri’s west face.
Day 10: Rest day at Italian Base Camp
We spend the day acclimatizing for the coming altitude increases today. Relax and prepare for the tough day ahead.
Day 11: Trek from Italian Base Camp to Glacier Camp 4250m/13490: 5 hours
Our approach to Glacier Camp will take us across the Magdi glacier, encountering challenging terrain along the way that will require the use of ropes and technical maneuvers. Fantastic scenery abounds as we traverse the ice and rock to Glacier Camp.
Day 12: Trek from Glacier Camp to Dhaulagiri Base Camp 4650m/15252ft: 4 hours walk
Our glacier traverse continues en route to Dhaulagiri Base Camp, situated beneath the spectacular north face of Dhaulagiri 1.
Day 13: Rest day at Dhaulagiri Base Camp
We stop for another acclimatization day in preparation for the coming days in which we’ll remain above 5000m.
Day 14: Trek from Dhaulagiri Base Camp across French Pass 5360m/17585ft: 4 hours walk
The highest point of the trek occurs today in our crossing of the French Pass. You will need all the stamina you can muster to complete this challenge. The breathtaking scenery along the way will encourage you to continue. After the high pass, our trail levels for an easy descent into Hidden Valley.
Day 15: Rest day at Hidden Valley Camp 5000m/16400ft
Spend the day in wonder admiring the untouched and impossibly serene Hidden Valley. This pristine snowy world, hidden amongst the soaring Dhaulagiri Himal’s peaks will be an enchanting respite after the previous days’ challenges.
Day 16: Trek from Hidden Valley to Yak Kharka 4200m/13776ft: 6 hours walk
The trail today takes us over Dhampus Pass 5200m/17060ft, a spectacular crossing between the peaks of Thukuche and Thapa. We descend from the pass down steep, snowy slopes to Yak Kharka.
Day 17: Trek from Yak Kharka to Jomsom 2715m/8910ft: 7 – 8 hours walk
A further descent will take us Marpha, Nepal’s apple capital and a great place to stop for a local treat after our long journey. We continue via Thapa Pass to arrive at our final destination in Jomsom.
Day 18: Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara: 30 minutes flight
We depart in the morning for an amazingly scenic flight to Pokhara between the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs. Arrive in Pokhara in the afternoon and enjoy the evening relaxing by Fewa Lake.
Day 19: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu: 6 hours
Depart by private van or bus this morning for Kathmandu. Spend the evening in Thamel reminiscing after an amazing journey.
Day 20: Depart Kathmandu
Take care of any last minute shopping or sightseeing as time permits. You’ll be picked up at your hotel three hours prior to your departure flight. Thanks for traveling with Outdoor Expeditions. Farewell and Namaste.
