Dhaulagiri Expedition (8,167m)

Arrival in Kathmandu (altitude approx. 1,300 m). Meet the expedition team at the airport and transfer to the hotel. Rest and recovery after international travel, followed by a light briefing on the upcoming high-altitude expedition, logistics, and equipment preparation.

Official expedition briefing at the Ministry, followed by a thorough check of personal and group climbing equipment with the expedition leader. Final preparations and documentation review. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner featuring traditional local cuisine, offering a relaxed introduction to the expedition and team.

Final expedition preparations in Kathmandu, including last-minute gear adjustments, equipment checks, and logistics coordination. Free time to explore local streets, traditional markets, heritage areas, and cultural landmarks, offering a relaxed cultural experience before departure to the mountains.

Drive from Kathmandu to Beni (approx. 900 meters), the gateway town for the Dhaulagiri region. The scenic overland journey follows river valleys, terraced hillsides, and rural landscapes, offering a gradual transition from urban surroundings to the Himalayan foothills. This long but rewarding drive is an essential logistical approach for major Himalayan expeditions and allows the team to begin acclimatizing while moving closer to the mountains.

Drive from Beni to Darbang (altitude approx. 1,100 m), the traditional roadhead for expeditions in the Dhaulagiri region. The scenic drive takes around 3–4 hours, following river valleys, terraced hillsides, and remote mountain settlements.

From Darbang, begin the trek toward Baskot (approx. 1,500 m). The trail passes through cultivated farmland, forested slopes, and small villages, offering a gentle start to the trekking phase. The walk takes approximately 3–4 hours, allowing for gradual acclimatization as the expedition moves deeper into the Himalayan foothills.

Trek from Bagar to Dhovan along a remote Himalayan trail commonly used for major mountaineering expeditions. The route follows narrow paths through dense forests, steep river gorges, and rugged terrain, gradually gaining altitude as the landscape becomes more alpine.

The walk takes approximately 6–7 hours and is physically demanding in places, with ascents and descents that test endurance while supporting steady acclimatization. Dhovan sits in a secluded mountain setting and serves as an important staging point before entering higher alpine zones on the approach to base camp.

Trek from Dhovan to Sallaghari through increasingly rugged alpine terrain, following a remote Himalayan trail used by classic high-altitude expeditions. The route involves steady ascents through pine and rhododendron forests, rocky sections, and narrow valleys, with dramatic mountain scenery unfolding along the way.

The trek takes approximately 6–7 hours and represents a key acclimatization stage as the expedition moves deeper into the high mountain environment. Sallaghari is a quiet alpine campsite surrounded by steep valley walls and towering peaks, offering an authentic wilderness experience and preparing climbers for the approach to base camp and higher elevations ahead.

Trek from Sallaghari to Italian Base Camp on one of the most iconic approach routes used for major Himalayan expeditions. The trail ascends steadily through high alpine terrain, crossing rocky paths, glacial streams, and open valleys with increasingly dramatic mountain scenery.

The walk takes approximately 6–7 hours, with noticeable altitude gain as the expedition enters the true high-altitude zone. Italian Base Camp is a historic and strategically important camp used by climbers approaching major peaks in the region. Surrounded by glaciers, icefalls, and towering Himalayan walls, this camp provides an excellent location for rest, acclimatization, and preparation before moving higher toward base camp and advanced climbing terrain.

This stage marks a significant transition from trekking to expedition-style mountaineering.

A full rest and acclimatization day at Italian Base Camp to support safe altitude adaptation and recovery after the approach trek. Light walks around camp and optional acclimatization hikes are recommended to promote blood oxygen adjustment and prepare the body for higher elevations.

During the day, the IFMGA/UIAGM-certified mountain instructor conducts practical theory sessions covering high-altitude safety, expedition strategy, rope systems, glacier travel, and crevasse rescue fundamentals. These sessions reinforce technical skills, improve team coordination, and ensure all members are aligned with expedition protocols before moving toward higher camps.

The day is designed to balance physical rest with technical preparation, strengthening both acclimatization and mountaineering readiness for the next phase of the expedition.

Trek from Italian Base Camp to Dhaulagiri Base Camp, entering the true high-altitude expedition zone beneath one of the world’s highest mountains. The route follows rugged glacial terrain, moraines, and rocky trails with increasing exposure to alpine conditions and dramatic Himalayan scenery.

The trek takes approximately 5–6 hours, with steady altitude gain and spectacular views of surrounding icefalls, glaciers, and towering Himalayan faces. Reaching Dhaulagiri Base Camp marks a major milestone of the expedition, where the focus shifts fully to high-altitude mountaineering, acclimatization rotations, and summit strategy under IFMGA-led guidance.

This day represents the transition from approach trekking to full expedition climbing on an iconic 8000-meter peak.

The climbing period on Mount Dhaulagiri (8,167 meters) is the core phase of the expedition, combining structured acclimatization rotations, high-altitude summit training, and the final summit attempt. This period is carefully planned to maximize safety, physical adaptation, and summit success on one of the most challenging 8,000-meter peaks.

Climbers complete multiple acclimatization rotations between Base Camp and higher camps, progressively ascending to increasing altitudes. These rotations involve carrying loads, establishing and using fixed ropes, and spending nights at higher camps before descending for recovery. This process allows the body to adapt to extreme altitude while building strength and confidence on the route.

Throughout the rotation phase, summit-specific training is conducted under the supervision of an IFMGA/UIAGM-certified mountain guide. Training focuses on high-altitude movement, fixed-line techniques, crampon and ice-axe efficiency, pacing and energy management, oxygen system use, cold-weather survival, and emergency response procedures.

Once acclimatization is complete and suitable weather conditions align, the expedition enters the summit push phase, which is carried out during this same climbing period. The IFMGA-led team closely monitors weather forecasts, snow stability, and individual climber readiness to identify the safest and most favorable summit window. The summit ascent typically begins from the highest camp and involves a long, sustained climb in extreme alpine conditions.

This combined period of rotations, training, and summit attempt is essential for preparing climbers both physically and mentally, ensuring they are fully equipped to attempt the summit of Mount Dhaulagiri with confidence and discipline.

Descend from Dhaulagiri Base Camp to Yak Kharka, following a rugged high-altitude trail across glacial moraines, rocky terrain, and alpine valleys. This section of the trek offers impressive mountain scenery and a gradual loss of elevation, supporting recovery after the intense climbing period.

The trek takes approximately 6–7 hours and marks the transition from expedition climbing back to trekking terrain. Yak Kharka provides a comfortable alpine setting for rest and rehydration while continuing the journey out of the high Himalaya.

Trek from Yak Kharka to Marpha, descending steadily through alpine valleys, glacial riverbeds, and open landscapes as the terrain transitions from high-altitude wilderness to traditional mountain settlements. This scenic route offers expansive views of surrounding peaks and a comfortable loss of elevation, supporting recovery after the expedition’s climbing phase.

The trek takes approximately 5–6 hours, leading into the culturally rich village of Marpha, known for its traditional stone houses, narrow lanes, and relaxed mountain atmosphere. This day marks a rewarding return to lower elevations and a smooth transition from expedition trekking to the final stages of the journey.

Take a scenic domestic flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu, offering final aerial views of the Himalayan landscape. The flight duration is approximately 25–30 minutes.

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, transfer to the hotel for rest and recovery. Free time to relax, enjoy the city atmosphere, or prepare for departure after the completion of the expedition.

A free day in Kathmandu focused on recovery and well-being after the expedition. Enjoy optional rejuvenation activities such as yoga sessions, therapeutic massage, and sound healing, designed to relax the body, restore balance, and support post-expedition recovery.

In the evening, experience a traditional cultural show accompanied by a farewell dinner, celebrating the journey with local music, dance, and cuisine. This day offers a perfect blend of wellness, relaxation, and cultural immersion to conclude the Himalayan expedition.

Transfer from the hotel to the international airport for final departure. The expedition concludes with assistance for airport check-in and farewells to the team, marking the end of a successful Himalayan mountaineering journey