6K Nepal Treks

Dhaulagiri Base Camp Trek

4.9
rated 4.9 by 90+ travellers on Google
5+ years guiding in the HimalayaGuests from 30+ countriesBorn-and-raised local guides

Trek at a Glance

Duration

14–18 days

Trip Grade

Strenuous

Max. Altitude

4,750m

Best Season

Sep–Nov, Apr–May

Group Size

1–8 pax

Region

Dhaulagiri

Accommodation

Lodge / Tea House

Meals

B / L / D

Start / End Point

Pokhara

Dhaulagiri Base Camp Trek Overview

Rohit Timilsina

Itinerary designed by Rohit Timilsina, Co-Founder & Lead Guide Verified local guide

A serious, committing expedition around the world's 7th highest mountain, high passes, remote valleys and virtually no other trekkers.

The Dhaulagiri Base Camp trek is genuinely one of the harder routes our team runs. It begins from Beni in the Myagdi district, a drive from Pokhara, and follows the Myagdi Khola river into increasingly remote terrain, passing through ethnic Magar and Gurung villages before entering the pristine, trail-minimal wilderness beneath Dhaulagiri (8,167m), the seventh-highest mountain in the world.

Unlike the ABC or Manaslu circuits, this route has no teahouse infrastructure above the lower valley. From the Italian Base Camp upward it is a camping trek, requiring a full camp crew, kitchen, and equipment. The approach through the Myagdi Khola is dramatic in its own right: the gorge walls rise steeply, the villages are genuine and unvisited by the tourist economy, and the transition from subtropical forest to high-altitude alpine terrain happens faster than on the Annapurna routes because the valley is narrower and more enclosed.

The Italian Base Camp at 3,660m is where the real alpine character begins; above it, glacier travel on the approach to Dhaulagiri Base Camp at 4,750m requires crampons and basic ice travel competence. The route does not end at base camp. The classic continuation crosses the French Pass at 5,360m into the Hidden Valley, a plateau-like high-altitude terrain between the Dhaulagiri and Tukuche massifs that few trekkers ever visit, and descends through Yak Kharka to Jomsom. This exit via the Kali Gandaki valley is dramatically different from the approach, arriving at the famous apple-orchard town of Marpha and joining what is essentially the western side of the Annapurna Circuit. It is one of the most complete mountain journeys we know, not a loop, but a genuine traverse with radically different terrain on either side.

High Pass

French Pass & Hidden Valley

5,360 m / 17,585 ft

Cross French Pass at 5,360m from Dhaulagiri Base Camp into Hidden Valley, a desolate high plateau that sits above 5,000m for a full day's walking. One of the most committing non-technical crossings in Nepal.

Dhaulagiri Base Camp Trek Highlights

  • Circumnavigate Dhaulagiri (8,167m)
  • Cross French Pass (5,360m) and Dhampus Pass (5,244m)
  • Hidden Valley camping
  • Serious high-altitude expedition experience
  • Strenuous, for experienced trekkers only

Dhaulagiri Base Camp Trek Itinerary

DayItinerary
Day 1

Pokhara to Beni (830m)

Day 2

Beni to Babiyachaur (950m)

Day 3

Babiyachaur to Dharapani (1,400m)

Day 4

Dharapani to Muri (1,850m)

Day 5

Muri to Baghara (2,050m)

Day 6

Baghara to Dobang (2,520m)

Day 7

Dobang to Italian Base Camp (3,660m)

Day 8

Rest and acclimatisation at Italian Base Camp (3,660m)

Day 9

Italian Base Camp to Glacier Camp (4,200m)

Day 10

Glacier Camp to Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4,750m)

Day 11

Base Camp rest or weather day (4,750m)

Day 12

Dhaulagiri Base Camp to French Pass and Hidden Valley (5,360m)

Day 13

Hidden Valley to Yak Kharka via Dhampus Pass (4,930m)

Day 14

Yak Kharka to Jomsom (2,720m)

Day 15

Jomsom, fly to Pokhara (820m)

  1. Day 01: Pokhara to Beni (830m)

  2. Day 02: Beni to Babiyachaur (950m)

  3. Day 03: Babiyachaur to Dharapani (1,400m)

  4. Day 04: Dharapani to Muri (1,850m)

  5. Day 05: Muri to Baghara (2,050m)

  6. Day 06: Baghara to Dobang (2,520m)

  7. Day 07: Dobang to Italian Base Camp (3,660m)

  8. Day 08: Rest and acclimatisation at Italian Base Camp (3,660m)

  9. Day 09: Italian Base Camp to Glacier Camp (4,200m)

  10. Day 10: Glacier Camp to Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4,750m)

  11. Day 11: Base Camp rest or weather day (4,750m)

  12. Day 12: Dhaulagiri Base Camp to French Pass and Hidden Valley (5,360m)

  13. Day 13: Hidden Valley to Yak Kharka via Dhampus Pass (4,930m)

  14. Day 14: Yak Kharka to Jomsom (2,720m)

  15. Day 15: Jomsom, fly to Pokhara (820m)

Elevation Profile

Highest point: 5,360m (Day 12)Start: 830mEnd: 820m
830m950m1,400m1,850m2,050m2,520m3,660m3,660m4,200m4,750m4,750m5,360m4,930m2,720m820mDay 1Day 15

Your Trek Is Prepared & Led by a Local Guide

Rohit Timilsina, Co-Founder & Lead Guide at 6K Nepal TreksGovt. License #1497

Rohit Timilsina

Co-Founder & Lead Guide · 6K Nepal Treks

Hi, I'm Rohit Timilsina

I started 6K Nepal Treks to give travellers the trek I would want myself: small groups, honest prices and a guide who actually knows the trail. I have guided across the Annapurna, Manaslu and Everest regions for over five years, and I design every itinerary on this site personally.

Whether it is your first teahouse trek or your tenth Himalayan expedition, I want you back home telling everyone it was the best trip of your life.
Govt. License #14974.9★ from 90+ reviews30+ countries guidedHighest guided: 5,416m
Meet the full team

Dhaulagiri Base Camp Trek Cost & What's Included

Pick a comfort level to see exactly what its package covers. Prices by group size are in the booking card.

What is included in this trek package?

Twin-sharing accommodation in tea houses or local lodges throughout the trek
Hotel accommodation on nights before and after the trek where applicable (breakfast included)
All standard meals on the trail (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) with one hot drink per meal
Purified drinking water throughout the trek (filter or purification tablets)
Seasonal fruits when available
All ground transfers by private or shared tourist vehicle as per the itinerary
Domestic flights where explicitly noted in the itinerary
Experienced, first-aid trained, government-licensed, English-speaking lead guide
Assistant guide for groups of 7 or more
One porter per two trekkers for carrying main luggage (up to 10 kg per person)
Wages, accommodation, meals, gear, and insurance for all trek staff
All required trekking permits and conservation-area fees for the route
TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) card where applicable
All permit paperwork arranged before the trek starts
Comprehensive first aid kit including pulse oximeter for daily altitude checks
Emergency oxygen on treks above 4,000m
24/7 operational support from our Pokhara office
Trip completion certificate

What is excluded in this trek package?

International flights and airport departure tax
Nepal entry visa (USD 30 for 15 days, USD 50 for 30 days, USD 125 for 90 days, on arrival at Kathmandu airport)
Travel insurance with high-altitude and emergency helicopter evacuation coverage (mandatory)
Personal trekking gear, clothing and footwear
Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu or Pokhara before and after the trek
Any beverages including alcoholic drinks, bottled and boiled water
Tips for trekking staff and drivers (recommended but not included)
Hot showers, WiFi, and charging fees at tea houses
Any personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls, or souvenirs
Any additional costs caused by natural disasters, political disturbances, or flight delays
Any items not explicitly listed in the Price Includes section

Private departures, your dates

We run this trek as a private trip on the dates that suit you. Tell us when and we will confirm availability.

Dhaulagiri Base Camp Trek Reviews

JM
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4.9★ from 90+ Google Reviews

Trekkers guided from 30+ countries.

Riding from Pokhara to Upper Mustang over five unforgettable days with Rohit was a true adventure in every sense of the word. As an experienced adventure motorbike rider, including demanding desert expeditions, I can say with absolute confidence that Rohit is a phenomenal rider and an exceptional tour guide. He masters the terrain, understands the mountains, and rides with calm authority and precision. I highly recommend Rohit and his company.

Jacob Mato

Upper Mustang Motorbike Tour · Mar 2026

5.0

Rohit was an excellent guide for my Khopra Ridge trek. From the very first day, he was professional, friendly, and always attentive. He knows the trail extremely well and made sure the pace was comfortable while still keeping good time each day. What I really appreciated was how caring and patient he was, especially on long uphill sections and in changing weather. I highly recommend Rohit to anyone planning the Khopra Ridge trek or any trek in Nepal.

Birendra T Xettri

Khopra Ridge Trek · Mar 2026

5.0

My first trek with Rohit, who is extremely knowledgeable. He is the mountain man of Nepal. His deep love for the mountains means he wants to give his trekkers the best experience, share his stories but above all make sure you are feeling safe, comfortable and able to complete the trek. We did Mardi Himal Trek, blessed with the weather. Do not hesitate to book with Rohit, I will be back again. Namaste

Ange

Mardi Himal Trek · Jan 2026

5.0

This was my second trek with Rohit, I first did the Manaslu Circuit with him a while ago and came back for Mardi Himal this time. Both experiences were absolutely fantastic. Rohit is professional, kind, and really knows the mountains. He always makes sure you're safe, comfortable, and enjoying yourself. He takes care of all the logistics, finds great tea houses, and adjusts the pace perfectly for everyone. Wouldn't trek in Nepal with anyone else.

Peter Murphy

Manaslu Circuit + Mardi Himal · Jan 2026

5.0

Rohit is a young, energetic, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic guide. He took us up to Annapurna Base Camp. We had bad weather, so Rohit decided to wait a day when other guides kept going up. Due to avalanche-risk, this was the obviously the best decision. Rohit always made sure that we felt comfortable and always in a good mood. We had fun, lots of laughter and great stories. Thanks to Rohit we will never forget: Dahl Baht Power 24 Hour!

Sander Wolters

Annapurna Base Camp · 2025

5.0

Without doubt the best guide in the world... Every part of our trip was a dream. From start to finish Rohit and his team had prepared everything to perfection. I cannot recommend this young man enough, so professional, so fun and so considerate. Thank you so much for making our time so special.

Ryan Chandler

Himalayan Trek · Oct 2025

5.0

Just returned from completing a 2 day trek with Rohit as our guide to Kapuche Glacier lake. It was a challenging but fantastic experience thanks to his professional skills his passion for the mountains and his outgoing and friendly personality. He was always there to guide and motivate us even up the never ending stairs!! His support and sense of humour got us safely to our destination and back again. If we return to Nepal we will definitely meet again.

Karen Smith

Kapuche Glacier Lake · 2025

5.0

We did Austrian Basecamp with Rohit. I thought it was going to be a short and predictable trek but I was surely wrong. We went up and stayed for the night and on the next day we did a long return going through some of the most stunning views I've ever seen in my 37 years of life. I don't think that would have been possible without the guidance of Rohit. Also it's really nice to share with him, he is friendly, respectful and chill. And he knows everything about Nepal, its mountains and its flora and fauna.

Arturo Cuevillas

Australian Camp Trek · Jan 2026

5.0

I recently embarked on the Dhampus-Pothana-Australia Camp trek with Rohit, and it was an experience I'll cherish forever. From the very beginning, Rohit's easygoing nature and ability to connect made the journey incredibly enjoyable. Our conversations ranged from deep discussions about spirituality, mountains, and cultures to sharing our mutual love for rock and metal music. Overall, trekking with Rohit was an incredible experience. His warmth, knowledge, and passion for the mountains truly enhanced the trip.

Fahad Rahman

Dhampus-Pothana-Australian Camp · 2025

5.0

Undertook Annapurna Base Camp Trek along with Rohit in first week of April 2025. His detailed knowledge and experience of the terrain and weather helped us having an awesome experience. He was accommodative of our needs and change in plans. Two days later we undertook a motorbike ride upto Muktinath in Mustang Valley. Again his energy, knowledge and experience in the area resulted in us having a superb n memorable time.

Prateek Johari

Annapurna Base Camp + Mustang · Jul 2025

5.0

Rohit was our guide on the 12 day Manaslu circuit trek. The trek was great, nice scenery, not too hard and Rohit took good care of making sure we had a place to sleep every night, as teahouses were filling up quickly because of high season. Rohit is a cheerful guy, social and he takes good care of his guests. With Rohit you are definitely in good company.

Sara Coessens

Manaslu Circuit Trek · 2025

5.0

Had an amazing 9 day Annapurna Base Camp Sanctuary Trek this June with Rohit and his team. His fantastic organisation, hosting, knowledge and professionalism makes Rohit a fabulous choice of guide. Visiting Nepal and especially the Himalayas is a life changing experience and I will never forget it.

Rupert Potts

Annapurna Base Camp · Sep 2025

5.0

Rohit (Haku) was one of the many blessings we received from Nepal. He is not only a great guide who knows how to make trips and expeditions fun and flowy. He is also an incredibly fun human to be around. It was delightful to spend some days riding to the temple of Muktinath with him. Jamming, and discovering a new young friend, full of kindness, values and knowledge.

David Sanchez

Muktinath Motorbike Tour · 2025

5.0

I called Rohit just before 8hrs of starting our Khumai Danda trek. Even after being tired he said let's meet in morning at 6am. He knows English, Hindi, French and Nepali. He not only guided the trek route but made the whole stretch very memorable and interesting. We told stories to each other. He became more like a friend. It was complete fun trekking with Rohit. And yes, Rohit has his own band. Quite an interesting guy.

Shreyassh Verma

Khumai Danda Trek · 2024

5.0

Had an amazing trek, Rohit is a perfect guide especially when dealing with the unpredictability of the trek, someone who's very easy going and social however extremely professional and even other guides would come to him for advice. 100/10

Louis Anderson

Himalayan Trek · 2024

5.0

Rohit is the guy to go trekking with! He knows a lot and can tell you a lot about life in the mountains but also about his amazing family. This drummer of a band can show you around, but also knows that silence in walking is good when doing a hike. Super chill and easy going.

Rutger Dankelman

Himalayan Trek · 2024

5.0

We had an amazing time with Rohit and Yuddha. Rohit was quick to reply when planning the trip and clearly explained the route options, and on the trip his enthusiasm and knowledge were very appreciated. He seems to know all the best tea houses for food too.

Ben Ashby

Himalayan Trek · 2024

5.0

What an amazing experience! Highly recommend Rohit to guide you through the Himalayas. Nothing was too much trouble for him and his team and they went out of their way to ensure we had an unforgettable trip. And most importantly. SO MUCH FUN!!!

Richard Hilliard

Himalayan Trek · Sep 2025

5.0

Just had the most fantastic trek with Rohit and his team. An incredible experience that has created amazing memories and hit the reset button for me in such a positive way. Thank you Rohit.. Namaste

Jonathan Marriott

Himalayan Trek · Sep 2025

5.0

Our experience in Nepal was nothing short of extraordinary, thanks to our incredible friend. He truly is a superman! From the very beginning, the tour was meticulously personalized to cater to our every need and interest, ensuring that we always had exciting activities to look forward to.

Minhaj Ul Islam

Nepal Tour · 2025

5.0

Why Book With 6K Nepal Treks

Licensed & Insured

Registered with Nepal Tourism Board, TAAN and NMA. Fully insured for trekking, climbing, and high-altitude emergencies.

Expert Local Guides

Every trek is led by a licensed, first-aid trained Sherpa or Gurung guide, born and raised in these mountains.

Safety First

Pulse oximeter and emergency oxygen carried on all high-altitude treks. Helicopter evacuation protocol on standby.

Small Groups

Maximum 12 trekkers per group. One porter per two guests. You are a person, not a tour number.

Fair & Transparent Pricing

No hidden fees. Permits, guides, porters and taxes are all included and itemised in your quote.

Responsible Travel

Fair wages for all staff, eco-friendly practices on the trail, and direct support for the mountain communities we work with.

Know Before You Go

The Dhaulagiri Base Camp trek is rated Strenuous and that is not a marketing label, it is an accurate description of a route that involves glacier travel, two passes above 5,000m, sustained camping at 4,700-5,100m, and remote terrain with no rescue infrastructure above Italian Base Camp. The French Pass crossing at 5,360m requires crampon use on steep glaciated terrain. An ice axe is advisable and your guide will carry one. The Dhampus Pass at 5,155m the following day is on rocky but steep ground. Crossing both passes on consecutive days is the most physically demanding section, legs that have already completed 10+ days at altitude are asked to perform at their hardest. Daily walking hours in the lower gorge run 5-6 hours. Above Italian Base Camp expect 6-9 hour days on technical terrain. The Yak Kharka to Jomsom descent covers over 2,000m in a single day. Mental resilience matters as much as physical fitness on this route, the upper section is remote enough that there is no quick exit, and commitment to the mountain is real.

Good to know. Arrive in Pokhara at least one day before departure so there is time for your pre-trip briefing and any last-minute gear hire. We can store spare luggage while you trek.

FAQs for Dhaulagiri Base Camp Trek

FromUS$ 1679 / person