What experience and physical condition are required?

Climbers should have: Previous experience above 6,500–7,000 meters (preferably one 8000m peak). Technical skills in glacier travel, crevasse rescue, fixed ropes, and ice climbing. Excellent cardiovascular and muscular endurance. Dhaulagiri is not a suitable first 8000-meter peak.

What is the usual duration of a Dhaulagiri expedition?

The full expedition typically takes 40 to 50 days, including: Travel to/from Nepal, Trekking to Base Camp (9–11 days), Acclimatization rotations, Climbing and summit window (3–4 weeks), Contingency days.

What are the major risks or hazards on Dhaulagiri?

Avalanches: Common on steep slopes and seracs. Altitude sickness: Risk of AMS, HAPE, or HACE. Crevasses: Present on glacier approaches. Extreme cold & storms: Wind chill can drop below -40°C. Technical sections: Exposed ice and rock climbing at high altitude.

What are the costs of a Dhaulagiri expedition?

Costs vary depending on services, but the average price ranges between $18,000 and $28,000 USD, including: Permits, Base camp logistics, Meals and accommodations, Guide/Sherpa support, Oxygen, Transport, etc.

Dhaulagiri Expedition Cost and Itinerary for 2026/2027

Dhaulagiri Expedition (8167m)

Overview And Highlights

Trip Facts

Duration

50 Days

Trip Type

Camping

Grade

Strenuous

Max. Elevation

8167 m.

Transportation

Private Vehicle

Min. Group Size

1 or more

Best Season

Spring & Autumn

Dhaulagiri Expedition (White Mountain) 2026/2027

Dhaulagiri expedition offers an extraordinary piece of climbing, a very demanding and daunting challenge. The views from the top affords a fantastic view of adjacent Dhaulgairi peaks, Annapurna, Macchapuchre, Manaslu and the Kali Gandaki valley including the deepest gorge in the world. 34 kilometres east from Dhaulagiri I, Annapurna I is located and in between these two peaks there exists a gorge known as Kaligandaki Gorge, which is the deepest gorge in the world. Kaligandaki River flows into this gorge.

Dhaulagiri, a highly desirable and fascinating peak to climb, is the 6th highest peak in Nepal and the 7th highest peak of the world. It is located at the northwest corridor of Magdi District. It is one of the above 8000 meters peaks that lie entirely in Nepal. The word Dhaulagiri is derived from two Sanskrit words Dhawala and Giri which means “White Mountain”.

Dhaulagiri region remained largely unknown till a Swiss aerial survey occurred in 1949. The French Annapurna expedition team was granted permission in 1950 to climb either Annapurna or Dhaulagiri, but they decided to climb Annapurna at that time. The first successful ascent of Dhaulagiri Mountain was made on 13th May, 1960 by eight members of a Swiss/Austrian expedition team led by Kurt Diemberger including Peter Diener, Ernst Forrer, Albin Schelbert, Nyima Dorji and Nawang Dorji. Before the first successful summit of Dhaulagiri in 1960, four other expedition teams were unable to keep their foot on the top.

Dhaulagiri expedition requires about four weeks of time including 7-10 days trekking reaching Base Camp located at an altitude of 4748 m. The first camp is located at 5850 meters, second camp is at 6400 meters and third camp is at 7400 meters. Multiple routes are available to scale Dhaulagiri Mountain. However, climbing Dhaulagiri via the North East Ridge is considered as a standard route. It consists of three High Camps above the Base Camp. It is one of the difficult and technical mountains that require special climbing/mountaineering skills. Because of it, only veteran mountaineers keep their eyes on Dhaulagiri Mountain. There are two routes to begin your journey to Base Camp. You can either drive to Marpha and start trekking from there or drive to Darbang from west and start trekking from there. The latter one is more common and popular as it takes few more days which is good for acclimatization. The time duration to complete Dhaulagiri expedition is about 7 weeks for both routes from your arrival to departure.

Nepal Environmental Treks & Expedition commits to provide professional services for Dhaulagiri expedition. We are also flexible to customize the itinerary according to climber’s requirements. If you are in search of reliable, trustworthy, experienced and highly capable agency, you are at the right place to inquire.

Day to Day Itinerary

Day1Arrival in Kathmandu.

Accommodation

Hotel

Max Elevation

1400 m.

On your arrival at Kathmandu International Airport, you will be greeted with flower garlands/Khadas. Our representative will then take you to your hotel. If time prevails, you will visit office for paperwork. Stay overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu.

Day2Trip preparation and city tour of Kathmandu or Patan and Bhaktapur.

Food/Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Hotel

Max Elevation

1400 m.

Today, you will visit popular world heritage monuments in Kathmandu including Kathmandu Durbar Square, Boudhanath, Swoyambhunath, and Pashupatinath. Alternatively, you can choose Bhakatapur and Patan sightseeing. By late afternoon you will drive back to your hotel. Stay overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu.

Day3Final preparation day in Kathmandu for expedition.

Food/Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Hotel

Max Elevation

1400 m.

Final preparation day in Kathmandu for expedition. Stay overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.

Day4Drive from Kathmandu to Beni takes about nine hours.

Food/Meals

BLD

Accommodation

Lodge

You follow the Marshyangdi gently up through heavily terraced fields and small hill towns to the Seti River that takes you directly into Pokhara. Pokhara is tourist's paradise with lakes, caves, temples of Buddhist and Hindus along with beautiful mountains. It then descends to Nayapul with views of Annapurna South, Fish tail, green hills, terraces and villages. To reach Beni, your drive moves along the bank of the Mardi River. This is one of the most picturesque road journeys. You can also fly to Pokhara from Kathmandu and drive to Beni. Stay overnight at lodge.

Day5Drive from Beni to Darbang (1110 m.) which takes about 5 hours.

Food/Meals

BLD

Accommodation

Camp

Max Elevation

1110 m.

Same day, you will trek from Darbang to Takum takes about 4 hours. This day your trek ascends through a narrow path for early one hour. Next, you go along the flat land passing through jungle with varieties of rhododendrons, oaks and Christmas trees at some distance. After you cross a small stream, your trail follows an ascending path until you reach Takum. Here, you camp behind the school located in central Takum. Here you will also find a Hindu temple where the villagers go to submit their offerings. Stay overnight at camp.

Day6Trek from Darbang to Muri via Takum takes about 5 hours.

Food/Meals

BLD

Accommodation

Camp

You start trekking on a descending trail for an early one hour passing through jungle. Then you follow an ascending path and before you approach Muri you pass along flat land until you reach Muri. This is a small village mainly inhabited by Gurung and Rai, one of the ethnic communities of Nepal. Stay overnight at camp.

Day7Trek from Muri to Naura (1570 m.) takes about 5 hours.

Food/Meals

BLD

Accommodation

Camp

Max Elevation

1570 m.

Trek from Muri to Naura (1570 m.) takes about 5 hours. Stay overnight at camp.

Day8Trek from Naura to Bagar

Food/Meals

BLD

Accommodation

Camp

Max Elevation

2080 m.

Soon you descend through a forested area, emerging to a ridge snout where Bagar (2080) is visible. Descend through terraced fields to this mountain village where you camp in people's yards or the terraced fields. Stay overnight at camp.

Day9Trek from Bagar to Dobhang

Food/Meals

BLD

Accommodation

Camp

Max Elevation

2520 m.

Here, you leave the villages behind and the trial becomes increasingly challenging. Stay overnight at camp.

Day10Trek from Dovan to Chaur Bag Khola. takes about 5 hours. It is also known as Sallaghari.

Food/Meals

BLD

Accommodation

Camp

Max Elevation

3445 m.

Trek from Dovan to Chaur Bag Khola. takes about 5 hours. It is also known as Sallaghari. Stay overnight at camp.

Day11Trek from Chau Bag Khola to Italian Base Camp takes about 4 hours.

Food/Meals

BLD

Accommodation

Camp

Max Elevation

3660 m.

Passing through the beautiful forest you rapidly gain altitude and mountains burst out all around. You camp for the night.

Day12Trek from Italian Base Camp to Japanese Camp and it takes about 5 hours.

Food/Meals

BLD

Accommodation

Camp

Max Elevation

3890 m.

After crossing the first glacier, probably using a rope in a couple of tricky spots, you climb onto the main glacier. The surroundings are spectacular which makes up for the rough and dangerous trail. We may also use a rope on this section. This is a particularly tough day. You camp on the glacier rubble. Stay overnight at camp.

Day13Trek from Japanese Camp to Dhaulagiri Base Camp which takes about 5 hours.

Food/Meals

BLD

Accommodation

Camp

Max Elevation

4748 m.

Soon the rough rubble gives way to the smooth ice of the white part of the glacier. You climb steadily to the rough and chilling but spectacular Dhaulagiri Base Camp. Stay overnight at camp.

Days14–43Climbing period (Base Camp – Summit 8167 m – Base Camp) of Dhaulagiri Mountain.

Food/Meals

BLD

Accommodation

Camp

Max Elevation

8167 m.

high camps will be made before you go for final summit of world’s 7th highest peak. Stay all nights in camp.

Day44Trek from Dhaulagiri Base Camp to Hidden valley via French pass (5010m.) takes about 5 hours.

Food/Meals

BLD

Accommodation

Camp

Max Elevation

5010 m.

You trek along trail covered with ice and soft snow. The stunning views of the Dhaulagiri range completely enchant you. Stay overnight at camp.

Day45Trek from Hidden Valley to Yak Kharka takes about seven hours.

Food/Meals

BLD

Accommodation

Camp

Max Elevation

5200 m.

You traverse avalanche-prone slopes and then take on the steep descent to Yak Kharka. This day you trek through bare land for some distance. Stay overnight in camp.

Day46Trek from Yak Kharka to Marpha takes about five hours.

Food/Meals

BLD

Accommodation

Lodge

Max Elevation

2670 m.

This day the trail moves downhill until Marpha. On the way you pass small forests of juniper and other local vegetation. You will be accompanied by the splendid views of Nilgiri, Annapurna and rocky hills. Stay overnight at camp/lodge.

Day47Drive from Marpha to Pokhara by Jeep/Bus.

Food/Meals

Breakfast & Lunch

Accommodation

Hotel

Max Elevation

914 m.

Drive from Marpha to Pokhara by Jeep/Bus. Stay overnight at hotel in Pokhara.

Day48After breakfast early morning, drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu that takes about seven hours.

Food/Meals

Breakfast & Lunch

Accommodation

Hotel

Max Elevation

1400 m.

En route, you will enjoy the mountain views, green sceneries, rice terrace fields, vegetable fields and people being engaged in their daily life activities. If you choose to fly back to Kathmandu, it takes about 25 minutes. There are several flights from Kathmandu to Pokhara from morning to afternoon. Stay overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.

Day49Free day in Kathmandu for shopping and recreation.

Food/Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Hotel

Max Elevation

1400 m.

Stay overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.

Day50Departure

Food/Meals

Breakfast

As per your flight schedule, our airport representative will transfer from your hotel to the airport for your final departure.

Price includes the following services

Full Board Package Includes

a) Kathmandu

Pick-up and drop-off service
All airport pick-up and drop-off services by private vehicle
Accommodation in Kathmandu
5 night hotel accommodation with breakfast at 3 star standards hotel
Sightseeing in Kathmandu
One full day city sightseeing in and around Kathmandu valley with private A/C vehicle and English speaking tour guide including entrance fees
Farewell Dinner
Farewell dinner in Kathmandu with live cultural performance at authentic Nepali restaurant on the last evening

b) Trekking and Climbing

All permits
Expedition royalty and permit from Government of Nepal to climb Dhaulagiri (8167 m), Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), and TIMS card
Liaison Officer
1 Government Liaison officer with full equipments, salary, accommodation, transportation and insurance as per government rule
Garbage Management Fee
Garbage transfer & garbage disposal fees
Insurance
Medical & Emergency rescue insurance for all involved Nepalese staffs during the entire trip as per government rule
Expedition Stuffs Transportation
All necessary equipments transportation for all climbing members and staffs from Kathmandu – Beni – Darbang by public bus, Marpha to Pokhara by public jeep and Pokhara – Kathmandu by a/c deluxe tourist bus
Member Luggage
Up to 50 Kg per member for personal baggage during the trek carrying by porters /yaks
Food
3 meals a day (breakfast, lunch and dinner) including tea and coffee during the trek and Base Camp, appropriate foods for high altitude to all climbing crews at Base Camp and above
Lodging
Camping accommodation for the most of nights
Porters
Porter per member up to Base Camp from Beni and from Base Camp to Marpha
Base Camp Staffs
Experienced and well-trained Base Camp Cook & kitchen helpers as per group size
Staff Salary and allowance
All involved Nepalese staffs & porter’s daily wages, salary, equipments, foods & clothing
Base Camp Tent
Each member will have individual tent in Base Camp
Base Camp equipments
Foam mattresses and pillow per member, 1 Dinning tent, 1 Kitchen tent, 1 Communication tent, 1 Toilet & 1 Shower tents, 1 Staffs tent, 1 tent for Nepalese Base Camp staffs, store tents, Tables, chairs & all necessary cooking gears like Epi gas, high pots, stove, etc.
High Camp services
High altitude tents at (C1), (C2), and (C3) high altitude appropriate food for member, Sherpa and all climbing and cooking crews
Ropes
All required fixed and dynamic rope during the climbing
Rope Fixing Team
The team of experienced Sherpa will fix the route on Dhaulagiri (no extra charge will be applied to members)
Oxygen (O2) Bottle
2 oxygen bottles (4 ltrs.) for each member and 1- oxygen bottle for each high-altitude Sherpa
Oxygen Mask & Regulator
1 Set of Oxygen mask & regulator for each member and high altitude Sherpa
Back up Sets
Back up Oxygen Cylinder, mask and regulator at Base Camp (with appropriate additional charge)
Heater
Heater at Base Camp in each Dining and other necessary camp
Solar/Generator
1 Solar panel and generator for lights and battery charge for laptop and other electronic devices at Base Camp
Satellite Phone
Satellite Phone for emergency communication available for members with appropriate charge
Walkie-Talkie
Walkie –Talkie for communication from Base Camp to Mountain and Mountain to Base Camp
Permits
Satellite Phone / walkie-talkie permits
First Aid Kit
Comprehensive Medical kit for members and staffs
Certificate
Certificate for Dhaulagiri (8167 meters) climbing issued by Tourism Ministry after climbing Mt. Dhaulagiri successfully
Tax and VAT
Tax, VAT and our service charge

Full Board Package Excludes

Lunch & Dinner
Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu (also in case of early return from trekking / expedition than the scheduled itinerary)
Extra night in Kathmandu
Extra nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu (even in case of early arrival or late departure, early return from trekking / expedition due to any reason than the scheduled itinerary)
Travel Insurance
Medical and personal high risk travel insurance which should cover helicopter evacuation cost and medical treatment cost incase required
Rescue Evacuation
Medical and emergency rescue evacuation cost if required (Rescue, Repatriation, Helicopter, Medication, Medical Tests and Hospitalization costs)
Personal Expenses
Telephone calls, internet, toiletries, battery recharge, hot shower, laundry, soft drinks, beers and any alcoholic beverages (However we will provide soft drinks for members at base camp)
Personal Equipments
Clothing, packing items or bags, personal medical kit, personal trekking /climbing Gears
Toiletries
Soaps, shampoos, toilet and tissue papers, toothpaste, and your other personal items used to keep yourself clean
Filming
Permit fee for special filming by using camera or drone
Internet
Internet service is available with extra charge during the trek and Base Camp
Summit Bonus
Summit bonus for climbing Sherpa
Tips
Tips for Base Camp and other involved staffs
Service above Base Camp
If you are taking just Base Camp services, then there will be zero service from company above base camp
Rope Fixing
The cost for using fixed rope during the expedition will apply to base camp service users
Extra services
Any other services or activities which are not mentioned in the itinerary

Base Camp Service Package Includes

a) Kathmandu

Pick-up and drop-off service
All airport pick-up and drop-off services by private vehicle
Hotel Accommodation in Kathmandu
5 night hotel accommodation with breakfast at 5 star standards hotel
Sightseeing in Kathmandu
One full day city sightseeing in and around Kathmandu valley with private A/C vehicle and English speaking tour guide including entrance fees
Farewell Dinner
Farewell dinner in Kathmandu with live cultural performance at authentic Nepali restaurant on the last evening

b) Trekking/Climbing

Land transportation
Drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola and Soti Khola to Kathmandu by 4 –WD Jeep
All permits
Expedition Royalty and permit of Nepal Government to climb Mt. Manaslu, Restricted area permit for Manaslu region, Entry Permits for Manaslu Conservation Area and TIMS card
Porters
Porter per member up to Base Camp from Soti Khola and from Base Camp to Arughat
Base Camp Staffs
Experienced and well-trained Base Camp Cook & kitchen helpers as per group size
Staff Salary and allowance
All involved Nepalese staffs & porter’s daily wages, salary, equipments, foods & clothing
Insurance
Medical & Emergency rescue insurance for all involved Nepalese staffs during the entire trip as per government rule
Liaison Officer
1 Government Liaison officer with full equipments, salary, accommodation and insurance (US$2500) as per government rule
Garbage Management Fee
Garbage transfer & garbage disposal fees as per government rule
Base Camp equipments
Foam mattresses and pillow per member, 1 Dinning tent, 1 Kitchen tent, 1 Communication tent, 1 Toilet & 1 Shower tents, 1 Staffs tent, 1 tent for Nepalese Base Camp staffs, store tents, Tables, chairs & necessary cooking gears like Epi gas, high pots, stove, etc.
Heater
Heater at Base Camp in each Dining and other necessary camp
Solar/Generator
1 Solar panel and generator for lights and battery charge for laptop and other electronic devices at Base Camp
Satellite Phone
Satellite Phone for emergency communication available for members with appropriate charge
Walkie-Talkie
Walkie –Talkie for communication from Base Camp to Mountain and Mountain to Base Camp
Permits
Satellite Phone / walkie-talkie permits
Internet Service
Internet facility (1 Mbps) will be available at the Base Camp with additional charge
First Aid Kit
Comprehensive Medical kit for members and staffs
Certificate
Certificate for Manaslu (8163 meters) climbing issued by Tourism Ministry after climbing Mt. Manaslu successfully
Tax and VAT
Tax, VAT and our service charge

Base Camp Service Package Excludes

Lunch & Dinner
Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu (also in case of early return from trekking / expedition than the scheduled itinerary)
Extra night in Kathmandu
Extra nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu (even in case of early arrival or late departure, early return from trekking / expedition due to any reason than the scheduled itinerary)
Travel Insurance
Medical and personal high risk travel insurance which should cover helicopter evacuation cost and medical treatment cost incase required
Rescue Evacuation
Medical and emergency rescue evacuation cost if required (Rescue, Repatriation, Helicopter, Medication, Medical Tests and Hospitalization costs)
Personal Expenses
Telephone calls, internet, toiletries, battery recharge, hot shower, laundry, soft drinks, beers and any alcoholic beverages (However we will provide soft drinks for members at base camp)
Personal Equipments
Clothing, packing items or bags, personal medical kit, personal trekking /climbing Gears
Toiletries
Soaps, shampoos, toilet and tissue papers, toothpaste, and your other personal items used to keep yourself clean
Filming
Permit fee for special filming by using camera or drone
Internet
Internet service is available with extra charge during the trek and Base Camp
Summit Bonus
Summit bonus for climbing Sherpa
Tips
Tips for Base Camp and other involved staffs
Service above Base Camp
If you are taking just Base Camp services, then there will be zero service from company above base camp
Rope Fixing
The cost for using fixed rope during the expedition will apply to base camp service users
Extra services
Any other services or activities which are not mentioned in the itinerary

Explore the route

Altitude & route map

Select a preview to open a large, zoomable view.

Dhaulagiri Expedition (8167m) Altitude Graph

Frequently Asked Questions for Dhaulagiri Expedition (8167m)

Dhaulagiri is located in the Dhaulagiri Himal range of north-central Nepal, west of the Annapurna range. It lies within the Myagdi District and is part of the western region of the Himalayas. The closest major town is Pokhara, though the actual starting point for expeditions is typically Beni or Marpha.

Dhaulagiri I stands at 8,167 meters (26,795 feet). It is considered a technically and physically demanding 8000-meter peak due to avalanche-prone slopes, steep icefalls, unpredictable weather, and high exposure to altitude sickness. It’s not recommended for beginners; prior experience above 7,000m is typically expected.

The pre-monsoon (spring) season from April to early June, and the post-monsoon (autumn) season from late September to early November are the most suitable. Spring is more popular because of stable weather and longer daylight hours.

The Northeast Ridge Route is the standard and most commonly used route. It involves a glacier approach to Dhaulagiri Base Camp (~4,750m), then ascending via Camp I (~5,850m), Camp II (~6,400m), Camp III (~7,200m), and a final summit push.

Yes, a climbing permit is required. The Nepal Ministry of Tourism issues it. Additionally you need to acquire trekking permits (TIMS), Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP).

Climbers should have:

Previous experience above 6,500–7,000 meters (preferably one 8000m peak).
Technical skills in glacier travel, crevasse rescue, fixed ropes, and ice climbing.
Excellent cardiovascular and muscular endurance. Dhaulagiri is not a suitable first 8000-meter peak.

The full expedition typically takes 40 to 50 days, including:

Travel to/from Nepal,
Trekking to Base Camp (9–11 days),
Acclimatization rotations,
Climbing and summit window (3–4 weeks),
Contingency days.

Avalanches: Common on steep slopes and seracs.
Altitude sickness: Risk of AMS, HAPE, or HACE.
Crevasses: Present on glacier approaches.
Extreme cold & storms: Wind chill can drop below -40°C.
Technical sections: Exposed ice and rock climbing at high altitude.

While some experienced climbers attempt Dhaulagiri without supplemental oxygen, most use bottled oxygen for safety above Camp III. High-altitude Sherpa support is common, especially for carrying loads, fixing ropes, and setting camps.

Historically, the summit success rate is around 35–50%, depending on weather and season. The fatality rate has ranged from 9–13% in earlier decades but has improved with better gear and support. It remains one of the more dangerous 8000ers.

While it’s not legally required, almost all climbers join organized expeditions through licensed trekking/climbing agencies, which provide logistics, permits, Sherpa support, and base camp services. Solo attempts are rare and discouraged due to risks.

Costs vary depending on services, but the average price ranges between $18,000 and $28,000 USD, including:

Permits,
Base camp logistics,
Meals and accommodations,
Guide/Sherpa support,
Oxygen,
Transport,
etc.

Additional Information

Mountaineering Equipments
Crampons, Ice axe, Helmet, Harness, Lock and unlock Carabineers, Shovel, Climbing pack, Rope, Ski poles, Desender/abseil device, Jummer (Asender) , Tapes, Prusik Loops, Rappel device, Hand Warmer (if possible)

Clothing and Wears
Trekking shoes with spare laces, Mountaineering Boots, Plastic or leather for mountaineering boots, Gore-Tex pants, Long shorts, Insulated Parka, Jumper, Waterproof Jackets, Down Jacket, Fleece Vest, Wool cap, Neck Gaiter, Gloves, Climbing Socks, Thermal Underwear, Sandals, Snow Goggle

Essential Gears
Backpack, Duffle bag, Sleeping Bag, sleeping pad, Tents

Gadgets
Map, Compass, Camera, GPS, Two way radios, Binoculars, Head Lamp, Flashlight

Sun Protection Items
Sun glasses, sun scream, Lip balm,

Medical
First aid Kit (Brufen / Ibuprofens, Antibiotic, Diamox, Paracetamol, Handy Plaster, Crack Bandage, Tincture Iodine, etc.)

Other Essentials
Energy Bars, Water bottle, Water Purification Tablets, Toiletries, Trekking poles, Pocket knife, raincoat, Satellite Phone, Altimeter