Arrival at Kathmandu; transfer to the Hotel

You arrive in Kathmandu, Nepal's busy capital. A driver takes you straight to your hotel. Settle in after the long flight. This city sits at 1,400 meters above sea level. It serves as the gateway to the Himalayas. Rest up for the adventure ahead.

Stay at Kathmandu for the official procedure

Spend the day in Kathmandu. Handle official tasks like getting permits. These papers let you enter protected areas in the mountains. Visit a local office or agency to sort this out. Nepal requires them for treks near peaks like Dhaulagiri. Without them, you can't start. Use the time to explore nearby streets if needed.

Drive to Beni; starting point of course

Drive from Kathmandu to Beni. The road winds through hills and rivers. It takes about 8 hours by jeep. Beni marks the start of your trek. This small town lies in the Myagdi Valley. From here, you leave vehicles behind. Porters and guides join to carry gear. The drive crosses diverse landscapes, from green fields to steep cliffs.

Trek to Babiyachaur

Begin the trek to Babiyachaur. Walk along the Myagdi River. The path rises gently through forests and villages. Cover around 6 hours of easy terrain. Babiyachaur offers basic lodges for the night. Local people here farm rice and raise goats. This stage builds your stamina for tougher days.

Trek to Phedi

Trek onward to Phedi. The trail climbs higher. Pass suspension bridges over rushing streams. Expect 7 hours of walking. Phedi sits at the base of steeper slopes. Camp here or stay in a tea house. The air grows thinner, hinting at the altitude ahead. Watch for birds like the Himalayan monal.

Trek to Phalai Gaon

Push to Phalai Gaon. The path steepens as you enter denser woods. Trek for 6 to 7 hours. This village clings to a hillside. Stone houses dot the area. Farmers grow corn and potatoes. Share tea with locals who speak basic Nepali. The views open up to distant snow peaks.

Trek to Jugapani

Head to Jugapani. Follow narrow trails lined with rhododendron trees. Walk about 5 hours. Jugapani feels remote, with few signs of people. Set up camp near a stream. This spot tests your footing on rocky ground. Hydrate well; water sources are pure but cold.

Trek to Bagar

Trek to Bagar. The route dips and climbs through open meadows. Cover 6 hours. Bagar means "flat ground" in Nepali. It's a grassy area perfect for tents. Herds of yaks graze nearby. At 3,400 meters, watch for mild altitude effects like headaches.

Trek to Lapche Kharka

Move to Lapche Kharka. Ascend steadily past pastures. Trek 7 hours. Kharka refers to high meadows used by shepherds. Stone walls protect against wind. The Dhaulagiri range looms closer now. Nights here are chilly; pack warm layers.

Trek to Chartare

Continue to Chartare. The trail hugs the hillside. Walk 6 hours over uneven paths. Chartare offers open campsites with mountain vistas. Spot blue sheep on cliffs. This point reaches about 3,800 meters. Acclimatize by resting in the afternoon.

Trek to Pakoban

Trek to Pakoban. Climb through alpine scrub. Expect 5 to 6 hours. Pakoban is a high camp at 4,000 meters. Winds pick up here. Guides check your health daily. The base camp draws near, building excitement.

Trek to Dhaulagiri base camp

Reach Dhaulagiri Base Camp. Hike 7 hours up rocky slopes. At 4,750 meters, this is the heart of the expedition. Tents go up amid glaciers. The peak towers at 8,167 meters, Nepal's seventh highest. Porters haul supplies like ropes and food.

Trek to French pass; enter to hidden valley

Trek to French Pass at 5,360 meters. Cross snowfields carefully. This pass opens to the Hidden Valley. Walk 6 hours with crampons if needed. The valley stays tucked away, shielded by ice walls. It feels like a secret world above the clouds.

Trek to Hidden valley

Explore deeper into Hidden Valley. Trek 4 hours to a safe camp. This high basin at 5,000 meters has minimal life. Winds howl through the stone corridors. It's a staging area for the summit push. Stay alert for weather shifts.

Trek to Yak Kharka

Descend slightly to Yak Kharka. Walk 6 hours down grassy slopes. Yaks roam these pastures at 3,700 meters. The air eases your lungs. Camp near herder huts. This break aids recovery before climbing.

Trek to Tukuche peak base camp

Trek to Tukuche Peak Base Camp. Climb back up for 5 hours. At 5,640 meters, set base for the main ascent. Tukuche, at 7,225 meters, links to Dhaulagiri. Sherpas fix ropes here. The period ahead focuses on the climb.

Climbing period

Enter the climbing phase. Over 11 days, tackle the mountain. Start with acclimatization hikes. Move gear to higher camps. Face icefalls and crevasses. Summit attempts happen around day 24, weather permitting. Guides lead with safety first. Expect long days of effort. Rest when possible. This window allows for delays from storms.

Cleaning base camp

Clean up base camp. Pack out trash and gear. Break down tents carefully. Leave no trace in this fragile area. Porters help carry items down. Reflect on the achievement.

Trek to Marpha

Trek to Marpha. Descend 7 hours through valleys. Marpha is a Thakali village at 2,670 meters. Famous for apple orchards. Taste local brandy or dried fruit. Stay in cozy guesthouses.

Trek to Jomsom

Trek to Jomsom. Walk 5 hours along the Kali Gandaki River. Jomsom sits at 2,700 meters. Winds blow strong in the afternoon. Visit monasteries or shops. Prepare for the flight out.

Fly back to Pokhara

Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara. The short hop takes 25 minutes. Soar over deep gorges. Pokhara offers lakeside rest at 800 meters. Relax with views of Annapurna.

Drive back to Kathmandu

Drive back to Kathmandu. The journey lasts 6 hours by bus or van. Pass terraced fields and towns. Arrive in the evening.

Rest at Kathmandu

Rest in Kathmandu. Recover from the trip. Shop for souvenirs like pashmina shawls. Enjoy a final meal of dal bhat.

Departure on your own destination

Depart for your home or next stop. Head to the airport on your own. Safe travels after this epic journey.