Dhaulagiri Expedition – Conquer the Seventh Highest Mountain on Earth

Dhaulagiri Mountaineering Expedition
“An exceptional journey to the summit of the world’s seventh-highest peak, Mt. Dhaulagiri, through the untouched wilderness of Far North-West Nepal.”

Highlights

• Summit the world’s 7th highest and magnificently remote peak, Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167m).

• Venture into the isolated Hidden Valley, far removed from human settlements.

• Cross the iconic French Pass and traverse rugged alpine landscapes.

• Experience pristine Himalayan wilderness surrounded by towering snow-capped peaks.

• Trek along rarely traveled routes, ideal for seasoned mountaineers and explorers.

Expedition Summary

• Mode of Accommodation: Lodges and fully supported camping (from Marpha onwards)

• Trek Grade: Adventurous and Demanding

• Climbing Grade: Full-scale Mountaineering Expedition

• Activities: Scenic flights, trekking, and mountaineering

• Region: Far Mid-Western Nepal (Mustang & Myagdi Districts)

• Trek and Climb Duration: 31 nights / 32 days (trekking and climbing period)

• Total Duration: 41 nights / 42 days (including arrival and departure)

Best Seasons for Dhaulagiri Expedition

The ideal seasons for the Mt. Dhaulagiri Expedition are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November).

• Spring: Characterized by longer daylight hours and generally clear weather, making it optimal for trekking, climbing, and mountain views. Although mornings and nights can be cold, occasional snowfall is expected above 3,000 meters.

• Autumn: Offers stable weather with clear skies, though shorter daylight hours and colder conditions prevail, especially during mornings and evenings. Snowfall may occur in higher altitudes.

Geographical Landscape & Vegetation

Nepal’s topography ranges from the lowland Terai plains to the towering peaks of the Himalayas. The Dhaulagiri region, situated in the Far Mid-West Himalayas bordering Mustang and Myagdi, is surrounded by dramatic peaks including the Annapurna and Nilgiri ranges.

Vegetation varies with altitude—ranging from dense forests of rhododendron, pine, fir, and oak in the mid-hills to alpine shrubs such as juniper and azalea above 3,000 meters.

Religion, Culture, and History

Nepal is predominantly Hindu (approx. 70%) with Buddhism (approx. 25%) and other minor religions. Higher altitude communities—particularly in Mustang and the Dhaulagiri region—are deeply rooted in Tibetan Buddhism, evident in their monasteries, chortens, and prayer walls.

The local Thakali people, believed to be of Tibetan descent, traditionally inhabit the Kali Gandaki Valley and migrate to the Hidden Valley with their livestock during the summer monsoon season.

The name “Dhaulagiri” originates from Sanskrit: “Dhaula” meaning dazzling or white, and “Giri” meaning mountain.

Expedition Overview

The Dhaulagiri Expedition is a remarkable journey through one of Nepal’s most remote and rugged Himalayan regions. Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167 m / 26,795 ft), the 7th highest peak in the world, lies near the Myagdi District and Lower Mustang, across the Kali Gandaki Gorge—the world’s deepest gorge.

Mt. Dhaulagiri forms part of a larger massif comprising Dhaulagiri I, II, III, IV, Gurja Himal, Putha Himal, Tukuche Peak, and others. The first successful ascent was made on May 13, 1960, by a Swiss-Austrian expedition with Nepali Sherpa guides Nima and Nawang Dorje. The most popular ascent route is via the North-West ridge.

Route and Itinerary

The expedition begins in Pokhara, followed by an overland journey through the lower Myagdi region, ascending through forested hills and into the Kali Gandaki Valley to reach Marpha Village.

From Marpha, the route leads through alpine wilderness, crossing Thapa (Dhampus) Pass, into the Hidden Valley, and over the French Pass, descending to Dhaulagiri Base Camp.

Here, climbers spend several days acclimatizing and preparing for the summit. Twenty days are allocated for the climb, with at least four high-altitude camps, including Camp III at 7,400 m (24,278 ft). The final ascent push is made from this high camp.

After summiting, climbers descend to Base Camp and retrace their steps to Marpha, concluding with a drive back to Pokhara, marking the end of a truly life-changing Himalayan expedition.

Optional Flights

For added convenience, participants may opt for flights to Pokhara and Jomsom during the approach or return journey, at an additional cost. Interested individuals are advised to inform Native Everest at the time of booking.