Dhaulagiri Region Trekking

Introduction

Dhaulagiri, a majestic white mountain, is the seventh highest mountain peak of the world. The name of the mountain comes from the Sanskrit where Dhavala means dazzling white and beautiful and Giri means mountain. Also, Dhaulagiri zone is named after this mountain. The height of the mountain is 8167 meters above the sea level. It is also the highest peak inside Nepal without touching any borders. This massif extends from the Kali Gandaki River west to Bheri covering 120 kilometers area. The beauty of the Dhaulagiri peak is out of this world. Most of the mountains above 8000 meters mountains can be obscured from the plain land of India but Dhaulagiri is clearly visible from the northern Bihar of India. Trekking in Dhaulagiri region offers the outstanding view of Dhaulagiri Range, Annapurna Range, Tilicho Peak, Nilgiri South, Nilgiri North and many more.

Dhaulagiri range lies on the western part of Nepal. It is neighboring mountain massif of Annapurna range. The Kali Gandaki River flows between these two massive massifs, also it is known as deepest gorge of the world. The trekking trail passes through the hot humid villages to the high passes above 5000 meters. There are some mentionable small and huge towns before Dhaulagiri trekking region. Pokhara, the city of lake and Beni Bazaar are the major towns. There are uncountable mountains above 8000 meters, 7000 meters and 6000 meters. Some of the mountains of the region are Konabon Peak, Gurja Himal, Ghustang, Putha Hiunchuli, Churen Himal, Dogari Himal, Dhaulagiri I, Dhaulagiri II, Dhaulagiri III, Dhaulagiri IV, Dhaulagiri V, Jirbang, Manapati, Sita Chuchura, Tukuche Peak, Dhampus peak, Sandache and many other peaks. The weather is pleasant in lower level but as trekking leads to the higher elevation it gets cold and windy.

Trekking in Dhaulagiri region

Trekking in Dhaulagiri is an extreme adventurous journey on one of the off beaten trekking tracks of Nepal. The trekking initiates from the confluence of Myagdi River and Kali Gandaki River and leads to the less travelled and crowded location of pure paradise and intact nature. The trail passes through high alpine and uninhabited valleys, dense forest and farming terraced lands. The following days of trek takes you to the uninhabited valley walking through the glaciers and moraines below the massive mountains. This region has a couple of major trekking trail renowned as Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek and Dhaulagiri Sanctuary (Dhaulagiri South Base Camp) trek. Also the region has the prominent passes like French pass at 5360 meters and Dhampus pass at 5200 meters. This region has the most adventurous as well as challenging trekking route however with proper gears and experienced guide along with self determination and courage it is highly possible. However, this region is not popular among the trekkers, it is less crowded and less travelled region of Nepal. The trekking route has less numbers of accommodation facilities as well. Trekking in Dhaulagiri is technical and difficult; it requires endurance and stamina.  As the elevation starts to get higher it takes us to uninhabited valley where the trekking is only possible with the camping tents with skilled staffs. Trekking in Dhaulagiri gives a golden opportunity to stay with the local people of Magar ethnic tribes. In addition, staying in their homestay learning about cultures and lifestyles is another reward that Dhaulagiri region provides. The lush landscape with the charming local people, high passes with the glorious snow capped mountains like Mt Dhaulagiri, Mt Annapurna, Mt Manaslu and numerous neighboring peaks, Dhaulagiri trekking region is blessing for the true nature lovers. Beside the passes and mountains, this region is also rich in flora and fauna within its hills and unspoiled landscapes. The people living with their own lifestyle and unique culture have been preserving the hidden treasures i.e. pristine nature within this region.

History

When Dhaulagiri was first discovered in 1808, it ought to be the highest mountain of the world but after 30 years the honor was taken by Mt Kanchenjunga and followed by the Mt Everest in 1958. Dhaulagiri I was first summited by the Swiss Austrian expedition team lead by Max Eiselin with his teammates – Kurt Deimbergur, Peter Diener, Ernst Forrer, Albin Schelbert, Nyima Dorje Sherpa and Nawang Dorje Sherpa on 13 may 1960. Many attempts were made to summit in the period of 1950 to 1960 and none of them was successful. After the first summit, numbers of expedition team made it to the summit. In 1954 J.O.M Roberts and Ang Nyima Sherpa first ascended to the Putha Hiunchuli. Many attempts were made to summit the peaks of Dhaulagiri range but eventually most of them made to the half way only but not to the summit. Dhaulagiri III was first summited by the German expedition group in 1973. In 2008, Fredrick Ericsson attempted to make first ski descend of Dhaulagiri from 8000 meters. The bad weather forced him to turn back and ski down 3000 meters. 

Dhaulagiri Circuit Trekking