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The sheer remoteness and two high-pass crossing make it one of the most difficult treks

The world's seventh highest mountain at 8,167m/26,795ft, Dhaulagiri rises above some of the wildest country imaginable. The trek takes you through remote wilderness, less-trekked areas, and over the main trails on the Myagdi Valley. The stunning climatic, cultural, geographical and vegetational variety and, sheer scenic grandeur of this region gives you one of the best treks in Nepal. Also, its sheer remoteness and having to cross two of the highest navigable passes in the world also makes it one of the most difficult treks.

Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive Kathmandu (1,330m)
Day 2 In Kathmandu, sightseeing Kathmandu Valley
Day 3 Drive to Pokhara, Beni (830m) and on to Darbang (1,180m)
 Day 4/11 Slowly ascend Myagdi River Valley on a difficult trail through remote villages, unspoilt alpine forests to Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4,750m) beside the Chonbardan Glacier
Day 12 Difficult traverse along the Chonbardan Glacier and cross French Pass (5,360m) to reach Hidden Valley (5,150m)
 Day 13 Cross Dhampus/ Thapa Pass (5,290m) straddled between Tukuche and Thapa Peak, to enter the Kali Gandaki Valley
Day 14/15 Continue the descent down the world's deepest gorge through yak pastures and steep alpine meadows, to Jomsom (2,710m)
Day 16 From Jomsom take the spectacular mountain flight to Pokhara (820m); optional hike to Peace Stupa for stupendous view of Pokhara and the Annapurnas
 Day 17 Fly Pokhara to Kathmandu
Day 18/19 At leisure in Kathmandu
Day 20 Trip concludes

Trip profile
20 Day Trip
12 days point-to-point trek
5 nights Kathmandu
1 night Pokhara
Accommodation6 nights Hotels, Guesthouses
Trek accommodation 13 nights Camping

Transport Private bus, plane
Type Camping
Style Discovery
When to Visit Oct to Nov, Mar to May
Altitude Max 5,360m/ 17,585ft (French Pass)
Altitude Avg2,800m/ 9,185ft
Grade D+/ STRENUOUS+
-Involves trekking of up to 6-7 hours a day at a steady pace at altitude
-Bumpy ride on a dirt road from Beni to Darbang on the approach to the trek
 This Trek makes a serious challenge:
-Basic glacier skills are called for to trek to Dhaulagiri BC and French Pass as  we negotiate the difficult Chonbardan Glacier for nearly 2 days
-Trails are not always clear
-May require to wade through rivers as bridges are often washed away by  torrential rivers
-From French Pass onwards difficulties could arise in the event of poor visibility
-Crossing of French and Dhampus Passes is difficult, and treacherous when  there's snow
-Risk of altitude problems and exposure
-Two day long, relentless downhill walk to Jomsom from the pass

Highlights
-Kathmandu's ancient temples and markets
-Scenic drive to Beni through deep river valleys
-Interesting villages at lower sections inhabited by  Magar people
-Incredible geographic and cultural diversity: from the  semi tropical to alpine
-Uncrowded trails
-Walking on glacier and moraines
-Dhaulagiri BC and the mountain amphitheatre
-Crossing of French and Dhampus Passes
-Stark beauty of Hidden Valley
-Walk down the world's deepest river gorge
-The view from Dhampus Pass, one of the best you will  ever have
-Try the apple pie and apple brandy at Jomsom
-Jomsom-Pokhara: one of the world's most beautiful  mountain flights
-Beautiful lakeside city of Pokhara

Inclusions
-All meals except main meals in Kathmandu;
-All ground transport, including airport transfers, and  flights as mentioned;
-All accommodations;
-Sightseeing in Kathmandu;
-All applicable permits and entrance fees;
-Full trek staff arrangements including a Trek Leader  and Sherpa guides;
-Porters to carry personal and group  equipments;
-Use of Trek Pack;
-Group medical kit;
-All major group equipments, etc.
-All trekking permit

 
Exclusion
-Presonal expansc
-Tip & Donation
-Drinks
-Air fare

Comments
-This is one of the hardest treks in Nepal
-The trek traditionally started from Beni but there is a dirt  road to Darbang (unfortunately!); although the drive on  this section is far from pleasant, it saves us 2 days of  walking
-This trek could be done reverse too
-It is possible to combine this with a 2-day expedition to Thapa Peak (6,012m)
-It is also possible to walk all the way around Dhaulagiri  massif instead of flying out from Jomsom, completing  the 2nd-half of Ann Circuit route