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.


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Gallery

Itinerary

  • Level of Trek: Very Difficult
  • Best Period: September - October & April
  • Duration: 21 Days
  • Number of walking days: 15
  • Highest Altitude: 6012 Meters
  • Flights: Jomsom - Pokhara - Kathmandu
  • Accomodation: Hotel in Kathmandu & Lodge/Camp during trek
Leave No Trace

For your next trek with us in the Himalayas, travel light and aware: Base Camp offers you a biodegradable soap made in Nepal, to leave no trace ...

Day

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

In the morning, we start a 3 hour easy hike on flat terrain to a small village of 2/3 houses where we stop for lunch. The walk in the afternoon calls for a 3 hour steep climb and then we come down to the village of Bagar. The path may be dizzying, but we get to enjoy a beautiful view of Dhaulagiri and the surrounding cornfields.
- Duration of hike: 6 hr
- Accommodation: Bivouac under tent
In the morning, we embark on a 30 min descent followed by a 2 ½ hr ascent and another descent. We stop for lunch.
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
In the morning, we take a 3 hour hike in the forest, following the river. We stop for lunch by the riverside. The afternoon hike is a 2- hour gradual climb to Jumla Kharka.
- 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

Day of rest at Italian Base Camp for acclimatization.
- 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

Take a short walk in the Hidden Valley for acclimatization.
- 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

This day is dedicated to climbing the Thapa Peak and return to camp. An extra day has been planned, for safety, rest or acclimatization.
- 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

In the early hours of the morning, we take an exhilarating mountain flight and fly between Annapurna and Dhaulagiri from Jomsom to Pokhara. We then catch a connecting flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu. Free time in Kathmandu.
- Meals on your own
- Accommodation: Hotel

Transfer to TIA (Kathmandu Airport) for your return flight.
End of our services.

What's included

- All transfers by private vehicle as per itinerary
- 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

- Meals in Kathmandu & Pokhara (except breakfast)
- 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
Question? Make an inquiry or call (977-1) 451 55 73