Dhalughiri & Hidden Valley Trek

Itinerary

Day 1 Kathmandu

You may arrive at the joining-point hotel at any time on Day 1 as no group activities are planned for today except for a group meeting in the early evening followed by an optional dinner. It is important that you arrive in time for this meeting as we will cover important aspects of the trek. Please check the entrance of the hotel for a notice from your leader detailing the location of the meeting.

Day 2 Baglung

We set off early by bus to Baglung – a long, but interesting drive along the Trisuli River before a brief stop in Pokhara. Arrive in Baglung in the late afternoon with time to explore this typical, bustling Nepali township.

Days 3-19 Dhaulaghiri Trek

For the first few days, walk through lowland paddies, subsistence farming areas and forests of acacia, maple, fig and Pipal Trees. This tree is sacred to the Nepalese as Buddha received his enlightenment under one. It is also unwise to tell a lie under a Pipal Tree! Beni, the centre of local government and commerce, is the starting point for the numerous mule trains going north to Mustang, or Little Tibet. Follow the Myagdi Khola (River) west, with its headwaters in the Dhaulagiri glaciers, pass through Gurung and Magar villages and areas of tropical vegetation. Often, there is time for cooling swims in the rushing waters and lunchtime sunbaking.Head to Tatopani - one of the many in Nepal (the name simply means ‘hot water’ or any place that has hot springs). Continue to Darbang, turn north, and start climbing into the remote wilderness of dense rain-forest and high waterfalls. Take care on the narrow trail as it is easy to become absorbed in the grandeur of your surroundings.Day 3: Trek to Bakula (880m) - 6 hours trekDay 4: Trek to Darbang (1220m) – 7 hours trekDay 5: Trek to Sibang (1780m) – 7 hoursOn the approach to Italian Base Camp, the vegetation changes to coniferous forest and beautiful alpine meadows The term “Base Camp” is used to describe any place where an expedition sets up its main camp for a mountaineering attempt. This was the Base Camp for the Italian 1975 attempt, chosen for its flatness and reliable water supply. It also has magnificent views of the mountains; towering walls of ice and snow that take your breath away.Next day, enter true mountain country: moraine, glacial craters and crevasses. Stay close together and the Sherpas will guide you safely through this area. While a ‘hard’ day’s trekking, the rewards are there for the picture-taking as the mountain vistas open up. This is the real heart of the Himalaya and the sense of remoteness is in itself a wonderful experience. Camp in an area of broken rock and scree, where temperatures frequently drop below freezing and snow often falls.Day 6: Trek to Muri (1920m) – 7 hoursDay 7: Trek to Bogara (2510m) – 7 hoursDay 8: Trek to Dobang (3351m) – 6 hoursDay 9: Trek to Chatare (3100m) – 6 hours)Day 10: Italian Base Camp (3580m) – 5 hoursDay 11: Italian Base Camp – rest dayWalk to Dhaulugiri High Camp before crossing French Pass. A slow, steady pace at this altitude is necessary. Tackle the Pass in the morning. The summit is a magnificent vantage point, surrounded by numerous peaks. Below is Hidden Valley, so called because it is only visible from French and Dhampus Passes. Descending, keep an eye out for the famous blue sheep of Nepal and the rare, miniature rhododendron, that only grows here. Explore this fascinating area on a rest day in Hidden Valley, before heading across Dhampus Pass, with its stunning view of the Kali Gandaki. Continue downward to camp in a pasture high above the picturesque village of Marpha.Day 12: Dhalughiri High Camp (4650m)Day 13: French Pass (5240m) Hidden Valley (5025)Day 14: Hidden Valley – rest dayDay 15: Damphus Pass (5156) camp (4900)The tremendous scale of the Kali Gandaki valley and river are obvious here. For centuries it has been a major trade route between Tibet, India and Nepal. the Thakalis who live between Jomsom and Tatopani (another one!) traded sugar, cloth, butter, incense, grain and other luxuries for salt and wool . Their sturdy stone houses, well organized businesses and obvious prosperity testify to their success. The river is a major flow, beginning above Mustang near the Tibetan border, rushing into the Narayani in the Terai where it meets the plains, and slowing down before crossing the Indian border and becoming the mighty Ganges.Further down the valley, there are beautiful villages, notably Marpha with its rock paved streets and hand-built underground water and drainage system. Gradually the vegetation returns as you approach Tatopani, one of the best known hot springs in Nepal and the place to soak away the accumulated trail dust. It also contains the necessary supplies for a successful trek - the best chocolate cake and apple or lemon meringue pies in the area!Day 16: Marpha (2667m)Day 17: Ghasa (2112m)Day 18: Tatopani (1189m)Day 19: Ghorepani (2750m)Turning east, ascend to Ghorepani. The Annapurnas and Dhaulagiris can be seen in all their glory as the rising sun tinges their peaks.

Day 20 Pokhara

The final day of the trek leads down across the Modi Khola, the small but powerful and turbulent stream from the heart of the Annapurna Sanctuary, and walk to Nayapul, through beautiful rhododendron forests.From here drive along the high ridges that were once a very popular trekking trail, with magnificent views of the Annapurnas and to Pokhara – relax and indulge!Pokhara lies on a once vibrant trade route extending between India and Tibet. To this day, mule trains can be seen camped on the outskirts of the town, bringing goods to trade from remote regions of the Himalaya. The enchanting city has several beautiful lakes and offers stunning panoramic views of Himalayan peaks - creating the ambience that has made it such a popular place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature. Relax in a café, or shop for Nepali and Tibetan souvenirs in the endless stalls and shops.

Day 21-22 Kathmandu (Fly Pokhara to KTM)

On Day 21 we take the short flight back to Kathmandu where the rest of the day is free for shopping, sightseeing or relaxing in one of the many rooftop cafés.You may depart at any time on Day 22.

Trip Details

Accommodation	Hotels/guesthouses (4 nts), camping (17 nts)
Departure	Departs every second Saturday, September-May
DepEnd	Sat-Sat
Group Size	Min 4, Max 15
Included Highlights	English speaking local guide and full support team of sherpas and assistants for the Dhaulaghiri trek.
Local Payment	USD300
Meals Included	All meals are included whilst camping. Meals are not included in towns.
StartFinish	ex Kathmandu
Transport	Plane, bus, walking
Brochure Intro	This incredible trek will take you from semi-tropical regions, thick with ferns and forests, through hillsides ablaze with colourful rhododendron into the alpine wilderness of snow capped peaks and glaciers. Come across friendly locals with smiles as big as the country itself.

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