Talk to us?

Dhaulagiri Expedition

Highlights of the Trip

Activity
Mountaineering
Best Season
September - October
Max Elevation
8,167
Difficulty
High
Location
Annapurna Region
Transpotation
Helicopter - Jeep - Flight
Duration
43 Days
Group Size
2-15
Starting Date
Sept. 10, 2025
Accommodation
Hotel - Tent - Lodge
Price
$ 22,000
Food
Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner

Overview

The Dhaulagiri Expedition is one of the most challanging mountaineering ventures, focusing on reaching the summit of Dhaulagiri I, which is 8,167 meters tall, making it the 7th highest mountain in the world. It sits in the Nepalese Himalayas, and climbers often face harsh weather, steep ridges, and tricky glaciers during the ascent. First summited on May 13, 1960, by a Swiss-Austrian team, Dhaulagiri climbing has since attracted climbers from all over the globe. However, the mountain remains a less-travelled peak compared to Everest or Annapurna, making it an ultimate goal for mountaineers looking for a more difficult challenge.

Climbing Dhaulagiri involves navigating through tough terrain like crevasses, icefalls, and unstable snow, requiring solid skills in technical mountaineering. The expedition itself takes careful planning, and climbers must be ready for the mental and physical exhaustion of high-altitude ascents. The final part of the climb can be incredibly hard, requiring expert ice climbing and the ability to handle extreme conditions. While the success rate isn't as high as with other 8000-meter peaks, the Dhaulagiri expedition continues to call to those who seek to conquer one of the most challenging mountains on Earth.

We have provided the details of our expedition like detail itinerary plan, dates, services, costs and if you have any questions that you would like to ask us feel free to email us at info@himalayanmountaineering.com.

Detailed Itinerary

Outline Itinerary


Day 01:

Arrival in Kathmandu and meet with our representative at the airport and transfer to Hotel. Welcome drink and short briefing about Annapurna I Expedition.

Overnight in Hotel - 1400 meter


Day 02:

Paper work, gear preparation and more briefing about the trip.

Overnight in Hotel – 1400 meter

 

Day 03:

Fly to Pokhara from Kathmandu.

Overnight in Hotel – 960 meters
 


Day 04-05:

Drive to Marpha from Pokhara and acclimatize for one more day. We can explore Muktinath during our acclimatization in Marpha.

Overnight in Lodge – 2670 meters



Day 06:

Trek to Yak Kharka

Overnight in Tent – 4900 meters



Day 07:

Trek from Yak Kharka to Dhampus Base Camp also known as hidden valley. We will go through Thapa pass to reach Base Camp.

Overnight in Tent - 5244 meters
 


Day 08:

Trek from Dhampus Base Camp to Dhaulagiri Base Camp.

Overnight in Tent – 4750m
 


Day 09-30:

This is our time period where we will acclimatize our self to high altitude and know the Dhaulagiri better by rotating from Camp 1, Camp 2 and Camp 3 and base camp. This will help us to understand the mountain better and we will do our religious puja ceremony for our successful expedition.

Overnight in Tent- 4750m – 8167m



Day 30-40:

These 10 days are important days for since we will wait for good weather to approach summit and we will go for the summit looking at the best timing. Once we summit the mountain we will be back to base camp with in these days.

Overnight in Tent- 4750m – 8167m

 

Day 41:

Fly to Pokhara by Helicopter and Rest Day in Pokhara

Overnight in Hotel – 960 meters


Day 42:

Fly to Kathmandu and Rest Day

Overnight in Hotel - 1400

 

Day 43:

Final Departure to International Airport after Breakfast.
 

Include

Our Dhaulagiri Climbing Expedition Package Includes:


1. All airport and hotel transfer domestic, international and Helicopter from Base Camp to Pokhara.


2. 6 nights' accommodation at 4-star hotel with breakfast in Kathmandu and Pokhara.


3. Meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) with Tea & coffee and hot/cold filter water during the trek, base camp and all other places than Kathmandu and Pokhara.


4. Lodge during trek, Private Member Tent in Base camp and tented accommodation during climbing period on sharing basis. We will have a well settled base camp service with western foods, bakery and bar in Base Camp.


5. Mountain Guide and Experienced One climbing Sherpa for One person from Base Camp to Summit and back to Base Camp during the climb of Dhaulagiri who will help you for your summit and take care of you during the whole climbing.

6. One porter for one person during to trek to base camp and back.

7.  Cook, helper, porters and their food & accommodation, salary, equipment’s & insurance for base camp and high camp services.


8. Camping Equipment’s Tents, Kitchen Utensils and Mattresses with high foods.

9. Oxygen Mask and Regulator with 5 liters of Oxygen Bottle is provided to every member and guide for high altitude.

10. 1 Duffle Bag, Radio Set, Satellite Phone, Map, Weather Report, Heater, Solar or Generator in Base Camp for charging mobile, laptop etc.


11. Dhaulagiri Climbing permit, National park fees, local Fees.

12. Waste, members stool and garbage management fees and all necessary permits.

13. Government Liaison officer fees with his equipment, insurance, gears, accommodation and foods.

14. Cost of Rope Fixing Sherpa Team.

15. Training of using gears, climbing ladder, rope and other important knowledge and share experience in base camp.


16. First Aid Medical Kit box, frequent medical checkup and necessary emergency equipment’s.


17. Office Service charge and Certificates.

Exclude

Our Dhaulagiri Expedition Package Cost doesn't include:


1. Any meals (Lunch and Dinner) in Kathmandu and Pokhara.


2. Travel insurance that should cover your accidental, medical and emergency rescue evacuation in case of worst case.


3. International air fare to and from Nepal.


4. Nepal Tourist Visa fees.


5. Items and expenses of personal nature like beer, Any kind of alcoholic drinks, cold drinks, snacks, laundry, phone call, internet.


6. Personal Trekking and climbing Equipment’s needed for climbing. We recommend you to check all gears before heading to Dhaulagiri. Our guide will help you in organizing your personal gears.


7. Emergency Evacuation (Helicopter Rescue).


8. Any costs which arise due to a change of the itinerary, because of landslides, political disturbance, and strikes etc.

 

9. Summit Bonus to Climbing Sherpa of minimum 1500 USD and Tips of minimum 400 USD to base camp staffs like cook, porters, helpers etc.


10. Any other costs whatsoever, that is not mentioned in the cost included.


11. Tips for guide, porters, driver and other staff.



Customize Your Climbing: This is a general itinerary, which can always individually be “tailor-made”. This package can be redesigned or redeveloped as per your taste, for more information please email us at info@himalayanmountaineering.

Note: In case of emergency during the trip, Helicopter will be arranged by Himalayan Mountaineering Expedition. The charges must be paid by the clients themselves.

Gear Checklist

Here's a gear checklist for the Dhaulagiri Expedition, broken down by categories. This list covers essential equipment for high-altitude climbing, keeping in mind the technical challenges and severe conditions you may encounter during the climb.

Clothing:

  1. Base Layers (top & bottom)

    • Merino wool or synthetic material (moisture-wicking)

  2. Mid-Layer (top & bottom)

    • Fleece or down jacket for warmth

  3. Outer Layer (jacket & pants)

    • Waterproof and windproof (Gore-Tex or similar)

  4. Insulated Down Jacket

    • High-quality down jacket for summit push

  5. Climbing Suit (Optional)

    • One-piece suit for extreme cold conditions

  6. Gloves

    • Liner gloves, insulated gloves, and waterproof outer gloves

  7. Hats

    • Warm hat, balaclava, and sun hat

  8. Socks

    • Merino wool or synthetic socks (several pairs)

  9. Neck Gaiter or Buff

    • To protect from wind and cold

Footwear:

  1. Mountaineering Boots

    • Insulated, crampon-compatible, high-altitude boots (double boots recommended)

  2. Crampons

    • 12-point, steel crampons

  3. Gaiters

    • To protect against snow and ice

Climbing Gear:

  1. Ice Axe

    • Lightweight and durable, suitable for technical climbs

  2. Climbing Harness

    • Comfortable, adjustable harness for glacier travel and technical ascents

  3. Carabiners

    • Locking and non-locking (at least 6-8)

  4. Ropes

    • 50-60 meter dynamic rope for fixed ropes and rescue

  5. Prusik Loops

    • For ascending ropes and safety

  6. Ascender/Descender

    • For technical climbing sections

  7. Piolet

    • Ice tool for climbing technical terrain

  8. Slings and Webbing

    • For setting anchors and protection

Camping & Sleeping Gear:

  1. Sleeping Bag

    • Down-filled, rated for temperatures up to -30°C or lower

  2. Sleeping Pad

    • Insulating pad for comfort and warmth

  3. Tent

    • Four-season, high-altitude mountaineering tent (double-wall preferred)

  4. Cooking Gear

    • Lightweight stove (liquid fuel or gas), pots, and utensils

  5. Cooking Fuel

    • Enough for the duration of the expedition

  6. Headlamp with Extra Batteries

    • LED, preferably adjustable beam

  7. Backpack

    • 60-80L mountaineering backpack (with reinforced straps)

  8. Daypack

    • Small, 30L for summit push

Technical & Safety Equipment:

  1. GPS and Maps

    • High-quality GPS device, maps, and compass for navigation

  2. Altimeter

    • For altitude tracking

  3. Avalanche Beacon (if required)

    • For avalanche-prone areas

  4. First Aid Kit

    • Basic medical kit with altitude sickness meds (Diamox), pain relievers, bandages, etc.

  5. Oxygen System

    • For high-altitude use (if required by your itinerary)

  6. Communication Device

    • Satellite phone, walkie-talkie, or InReach for emergencies

Food & Hydration:

  1. Water Bottles / Hydration System

    • Insulated bottles or hydration system to prevent freezing

  2. Energy Bars & Snacks

    • High-calorie snacks for energy during climbs

  3. Freeze-Dried Meals

    • Lightweight, high-calorie meals for camping

Miscellaneous:

  1. Sunscreen and Lip Balm

    • High SPF for sun protection at altitude

  2. Sunglasses / Goggles

    • UV-protective sunglasses, ski goggles for summit day

  3. Trekking Poles

    • Adjustable poles for better balance on lower slopes

  4. Personal Hygiene Items

    • Toothbrush, wet wipes, hand sanitizer, etc.

  5. Camera and Extra Batteries

    • For documenting the journey

  6. Climbing Permit and Documents

    • Trekking and climbing permits, passport, insurance

Emergency & Survival Gear:

  1. Multi-tool / Knife

    • For repairs or emergencies

  2. Survival Blanket / Bivy Bag

    • Lightweight emergency shelter

  3. Whistle

    • For signaling in case of emergency

This checklist will help ensure you have the proper gear for your Dhaulagiri Expedition. Depending on the season and specific route, additional gear might be required. Always double-check with your expedition leader or guide for any personal or specific needs.

More Experiences to Discover

Handpicked Adventures to Match Your Interests

Associated With

Logo 1 Logo 2 Logo 3 Logo 4 Logo 5