AROUND DHAULAGIRI WITH FRENCH PASS & THAPA PEAK
AROUND DHAULAGIRI WITH FRENCH PASS & THAPA PEAK
If you want to avoid the EBC and ABC treks that everyone is talking about, here’s one of those alternate treks you can opt for. The Around Dhaulagiri trek is also a challenging undertaking that requires trekkers to be in good physical condition and well-equipped as well. The remoteness of the area can be an attraction to many trekkers.
At the foot of the White Mountain
Located in a remote area, the Dhaulagiri Circuit is a difficult trek. Hence physical fitness and good equipment are of paramount importance. From the French Pass, there is a magnificent view of the almost perfect pyramid of Dhaulagiri (the ‘White Mountain’ in Sanskrit). Going through varied landscapes from lush green farmland to icy glaciers and moraines, one rarely gets this close to the summit of an 8000m peak. Far away in the wilderness, the trek is less crowded. Thapa (Dhampus) Peak, in the heart of the Dhaulagiri region, is an interesting destination. The ascent to the summit of this peak begins on a gentle slope near Thapa Pass. Although the mountain exceeds 6000 m, no technical difficulty is encountered in climbing it. From the summit, there is a breathtaking panoramic view of several peaks over 8000m and many over 7000m. Overall, more than thirty peaks are visible, including Annapurna and Dhaulagiri (8,167 m) separated by the deepest gorge in the world. Some of the lesser peaks seen are Tukuche, Nilgiri and more.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Old-style self sufficient bivouac trek.
- The most isolated region with remarkable views of peaks over 8000m, and the Hidden Valley, real Shangri-la stuck between two high passes of more than 5000 m.
- Optional climb of Thapa Peak, over 6000 m.
- Views of Dhaulagiri from all angles, terraced valleys at the foot of the glaciers.
Gallery
Itinerary
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Airport pick-up, transfer to hotel.
- Accommodation: Hotel
Free time in the city.
- Accommodation: Same hotel
Drive to Pokhara by private vehicle. Free time and overnight in Pokhara.
- Accommodation: Hotel
We drive by private vehicle from Pokhara to Beni and on to Darbang (1,180m), starting point of our trek.
It’s easy terrain that goes along the Myagdi River. After crossing a suspension bridge, a short climb follows, leading us to the village of Dharapani (1,470m).
- Duration of drive: 5 hr
- Duration of hike: 3 hr
- Accommodation: Bivouac under tent
We walk to the Magar village of Muri from where we enjoy a good view of the Dhaulagiri range.
- Duration of hike: 5 hr
- Accommodation: Bivouac near the village
- Duration of hike: 6 hr
- Accommodation: Bivouac under tent
In the afternoon, we end the day’s hike with a 3 hour walk in the forest.
- Duration of hike: 6 hr
- Accommodation: Bivouac under tent
- Duration of hike: 5 hr
- Accommodation: Bivouac under tent
This is a short day, walking along the river to reach the Italian Base Camp. We stop for lunch and rest in the afternoon and enjoy a superb view of the Dhaulagiri Mountains.
- Duration of hike: 4-5 hr
- Accommodation: Bivouac under tent
- Accommodation: Bivouac under tent
In the morning, we head directly towards two difficult passes. In the afternoon, we climb up for 2 hours to reach the Japanese Base Camp with views of the Tukuche Peak and Dhaulagiri.
- Duration of hike: 4 hr
- Accommodation: Bivouac under tent
We gradually climb to the Dhaulagiri Base Camp passing through cravasses.
- Duration of hike: 5 hr
- Accommodation: Bivouac under tent
In the morning, we embark on a 3 ½ hour ascent followed by a descent. After lunch, walk another ½ hour, then cross the French Pass followed by 3 hours of climbing and descending on snow to reach the Hidden Valley; great views of Dhaulagiri, Tukuche Peak, Thapa Peak and more. We set up camp by the riverside.
- Duration of hike: 7 hr
- Accommodation: Bivouac under tent
- Accommodation: Bivouac under tent
From our camp, the hike begins with a short climb to the Thapa Pass (5,280m) where we enjoy a wonderful, panoramic view of the Annapurna mountains and the Nilgiri area. Overnight at the foot of the Thapa Pass.
- Duration of hike: 6 hr
- Accommodation: Bivouac under tent
- Accommodation: Bivouac under tent
An extra day spent here for safety, rest and acclimatization.
- Accommodation: Bivouac under tent
Descend towards the Kali Gandaki Valley.
- Duration of hike: 6 hr
- Accommodation: Bivouac under tent
An easy descent leads us to Marpha by a narrow trail through the middle of a pine forest. A very beautiful village, Marpha showcases Tibetan culture and is also famous for its cider. We cross the Kaligandaki Valley, a little downstream of Marpha and come across a village full of Tibetan refugees. We reach Jomsom and enjoy superb views of the Kali Gandaki Valley, all the Nilgiri peaks as well as the Tilicho peak and more.
- Duration of hike: 4 ½ hr
- Accommodation: Lodge
- Meals on your own
- Accommodation: Hotel
Transfer to TIA (Kathmandu Airport) for your return flight.
End of our services.
What's included
- 4 nights in Kathmandu at hotel Manaslu*** or similar category on B&B
- 1 night at Lake Side Retreat on B&B
- Full board in camp (light version without table and chair) or lodge as per itinerary
- English-speaking guide for the whole trek
- Porters for personal belongings during the whole trek (15kg max /person)
- Camping team: cook, kitchen boy, assistant, porters (numbers depending on the group size)
- Extra equipment for the staff during the French Pass and the Thapa Pass crossing
- ACAP and TIMS trekking license
- Collective camping and kitchen equipment, caisson hyperbarre
- Staff insurance
- Airport taxes
- Rent of a satellite phone Location d’un téléphone satellite (hors communications)
- Domestic flights
What's not included
- Obtaining Nepali visa at the airport ($50 + Photo)
- International flight
- Compulsary repatriation insurance
- Personal climbing equipment for the mountain-climbers
- Ice axe, crampons and gaiters for each participant
- Tips, personal expenses and equipment, drinks, sleeping bag
