Dhaulagiri 8K Expedition
A 49-day expedition to Dhaulagiri (8,167m), the world's 7th-highest peak, via the Northeast Ridge.
- Duration 49 Days
- Difficulty Strenuous
- Group Size 8 People
- Max Altitude 8167m
- Region Dhaulagiri
Overview
Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167m) is the world's seventh-highest mountain and one of Nepal's most formidable peaks, situated in the northwest of Myagdi District. The name comes from the Sanskrit 'Dhavala' (white) and 'giri' (mountain peak) — a fitting title for a massif that extends 120km from the Kali Gandaki River west to the Bheri, and whose main summit forms the highest point of the Gandaki River basin. It was first climbed by a Swiss/Austrian expedition on May 13, 1960.
Annapurna I (8,091m) rises just 34km to the east of Dhaulagiri, with the Kali Gandaki flowing between them through what is regarded as the world's deepest gorge. Pokhara, south of the Annapurna range, serves as the gateway city for mountaineers and trekkers heading into both ranges, as well as a major destination in its own right.
Dhaulagiri was the second-to-last of the fourteen 8,000m peaks to be climbed and carries a long-standing reputation for volatile weather and serious storm cycles along its Northeast Ridge standard route. This expedition follows the classic approach through Darbang, Muri, and the Italian Base Camp to Dhaulagiri Base Camp for a full-service, professionally guided summit attempt.
Itinerary
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Day 1 Arrival in Kathmandu
Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, welcomed by a Bonny Himalaya Treks representative, and transfer directly to a 5-star hotel on a bed & breakfast plan.
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Day 2 Sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley
A day of Kathmandu valley sightseeing ahead of the expedition.
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Day 3 Official Formalities & Expedition Preparation
Complete official expedition paperwork, permit processing, and final equipment checks in Kathmandu.
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Day 4 Drive to Darbang
A private vehicle drive from Kathmandu to Darbang, the starting point for the approach trek.
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Day 5 Trek to Dharapani
Trek along the Myagdi Khola through terraced farmland and small villages toward Dharapani.
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Day 6 Trek to Muri
Continue up the Myagdi Khola valley through forested trail to the village of Muri.
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Day 7 Trek to Bagar
Climb further into the valley, with the trail narrowing as it approaches the more remote sections toward Bagar.
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Day 8 Trek to Dobang
Continue through increasingly forested, remote terrain to Dobang.
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Day 9 Trek to Sallaghari
Trek higher into the valley as the vegetation thins toward Sallaghari.
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Day 10 Trek to Italian Base Camp
Continue climbing toward the historic Italian Base Camp, named for the 1970s Italian expeditions that used it as a staging point.
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Day 11 Trek to Dhaulagiri Base Camp
Arrive at Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4,700m), the staging point for the climbing period ahead.
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Day 12 – 42 Climbing Period & Summit Push on Mt. Dhaulagiri
An extended climbing period allowing multiple rotations between Base Camp and the higher camps for acclimatization, rope-fixing, and load-carrying, culminating in a summit push on the Northeast Ridge when the weather window allows.
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Day 43 Preparation to Return & Clean Base Camp
Pack up climbing equipment and clean Base Camp ahead of the return journey.
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Day 44 Trek to Yak Kharka
Begin the descent from Dhaulagiri Base Camp down to Yak Kharka.
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Day 45 Trek to Jomsom
Descend out of the high mountains and into the Kali Gandaki valley to Jomsom.
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Day 46 Fly to Pokhara
A short, scenic flight from Jomsom down to Pokhara.
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Day 47 Drive to Kathmandu
A tourist mini bus journey from Pokhara back to Kathmandu.
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Day 48 Free Day & Farewell Dinner
A free day in Kathmandu valley, followed by an evening farewell dinner celebrating the expedition in traditional Nepali style.
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Day 49 Final Departure
Transfer to the airport for your flight to your onward destination.
Cost Details
What’s Included
- Full board, all-inclusive service throughout the expedition
- Base camp staff, including a base camp cook and kitchen helper
- Base camp lighting
- Stool shipment transfer and garbage deposit fees
- 4 nights 5-star hotel in Kathmandu on a Bed & Breakfast plan
- Medical and emergency rescue insurance for all staff
- Kathmandu–Pokhara round-trip domestic flight
- Dhaulagiri Expedition Permit
- Porters per member up to Base Camp and their return journey
- 30 kg personal baggage allowance per member
- North Face tents at Base Camp, foam mattresses, dining/kitchen/toilet/store tents, hot showers, tables, chairs, and cooking gear
- Oxygen cylinders, masks, and regulators, plus satellite phones or walkie-talkies if necessary
- Farewell dinner at a standard restaurant in Kathmandu with Nepalese staff
- Air cargo clearance for personal luggage of members and payment of government taxes
- Three meals a day during trekking and at Base Camp, for both members and staff
- One climbing Sherpa per member, plus high camp cooking gas, pots, high-altitude tents, high food, and rope-fixing gear
- Government Liaison Officer, including full equipment, salary, and accommodation
- Comprehensive Base Camp services
- Daily wages, equipment, food, and clothing for all Nepali staff and porters
What’s Excluded
- Personal insurance
- Summit bonus and tips for Sherpa and staff
- Rescue evacuation
- International airfare and arrival visa fee
Highlights
- Remote Myagdi Khola approach: A multi-day trek through Darbang, Muri, and the Italian Base Camp, far from the standard trekking circuits.
- Comprehensive base camp services: North Face tents, hot showers, dining and kitchen tents, and full base camp lighting.
- Full climbing support: A dedicated climbing Sherpa per member, high camp services, and fixed rope support throughout.
- A serious mountaineering objective: One of the most respected 8,000m ascents, often used as advanced preparation for Everest and the full fourteen 8,000ers.
- Views toward Annapurna I: Sweeping high-altitude panoramas across the Kali Gandaki gorge toward Nepal's other 8,000m giant.
- The world's seventh-highest peak: Summit Dhaulagiri at 8,167m via the classic Northeast Ridge route.
Essential Information
Spring (March–May) is the primary commercial season for Dhaulagiri. Autumn (September–November) is climbed less often due to post-monsoon hazards, and winter/monsoon attempts are reserved for elite, specialized expeditions. Dhaulagiri's western position gives it a somewhat extended autumn weather window compared to eastern peaks like Everest and Makalu.
Dhaulagiri is regarded as one of the more serious and storm-prone 8,000m objectives, with a long history of volatile weather on its Northeast Ridge standard route. Prior 8,000m or high-altitude mountaineering experience, technical rope skills, and excellent physical fitness are essential. Nepal's Department of Tourism requires documented ascents above 6,500m for climbers attempting 8,000m peaks.
5-star hotel in Kathmandu on a bed & breakfast basis. Tented camping throughout the approach trek and at Base Camp, with North Face tents, foam mattresses, dining, kitchen, toilet, and store tents, plus hot showers and base camp lighting. High camps use high-altitude tents.
Full board, three meals a day, provided during the trek and at Base Camp for both members and staff. High camp food is provided during the climbing period, along with cooking gas and high-altitude cooking equipment.
As of the September 2025 fee revision, the spring Dhaulagiri climbing royalty stands at approximately USD 3,000 per climber, with lower autumn and winter/monsoon rates. A licensed guide and registered expedition agency are mandatory for all foreign climbers, along with a medical fitness certificate dated within six months of departure.
- TIMS Card: Trekkers' Information Management System card for the approach trek
- Dhaulagiri Expedition (Climbing) Permit: Issued by the Department of Tourism, priced by season, per climber
- Garbage Deposit: Refundable environmental deposit for expeditions on peaks above 8,000m
- Climbing hardware: Harness, crampons, ice axe, ascender, and carabiners for fixed-rope sections
- Headlamp: Essential for the summit push and early camp-to-camp movements
- High-altitude down suit: Full expedition-rated suit for summit push conditions
- Personal kit: Personal medicines, sunscreen, sunglasses, and toiletries
- Sleeping bag: Extreme-cold rated bag for base camp and high camps
- Oxygen mask and regulator: Provided by the expedition for high-altitude climbing
- Mountaineering boots: 8,000m-rated double or triple boots
Dhaulagiri's summit at 8,167m is within the 'death zone' where supplemental oxygen is standard practice. Acclimatization matters above 3,000m — the extended climbing period built into this itinerary allows multiple rotations between camps to acclimatize before the summit push. Watch for headache, nausea, and dizziness as early symptoms of altitude sickness, and take altitude medication only as advised by a doctor.
