Region
Dhaulagiri
Grade
Modrate
Duration
48-60
Accomodation
Hotel/Tea Houses/Tent
Group size
2-15
Best Seasons
May/October
Maximum Altitude
8091m
Group Size
2 - 12
Trip Type
Budget Travel, Nature Walk, Weekend Trips

Overview

Mt. Dhaulagiri is the sixth highest peak in Nepal and the seventh highest peak of the world with its height 8,167m above sea level. This mountain lies in the northwestern corridor of Nepal in Myagdi District. Mt.Dhaulagiri extends about 120km from Kaligandaki River to the Bheri river in the west. “Dhaulagiri ” is derived from the Sanskrit word, “Dhawala and Giri” which means “White and Mountain” respectively. Mt. Dhaulagiri is also the highest point of the Gandaki River Basin. Annapurna I, which is 34KM east of Dhaulagiri I, in between these two giants a gorge is formed, known as Kaligandaki Gorge. This gorge is the deepest gorge in the world and Kaligandaki River flows in this gorge.

Dhaulagiri is reflected as one of the most fascinating peaks to climb. Mt. Dhaulagiri has 5 ridges and south and west faces, Majority of the scaling has been following the first route, which is known as “Normal Route”. Northeast route is considered as the normal route; However, Mt. Dhaulagiri has been scaled from every direction. It was the team of Swiss /Austrian Mountaineers led by Kurt Diemberger who first reached the top of Mt. Dhaulagiri on 13th May 1960. As all of the Dhaulagiri routes are challenging, only veterans seem to have interest in this mountain.

The base camp is normally set at around 4,750m, and then three camps follow before reaching the top. The first camp is at 5,850m, camp 2 is at 6400m, and the last camp is at 7400m.

Trip Profile

Max. Altitude: 8,167mMt. DhaulagiriHeight: 8,167 m , 26,796 ftLocation: Dhaulagiri ZoneRange: Daulagiri RangeRank: Seventh Highest PeakLatitude: 28°46’49Longitude: 83°27’46

Day 01 :

Arrival in Kathmandu. Transfer to your hotel.

Day 02 :

Stay at Kathmandu for the official procedure, overnight at hotel

Day 03 :

Stay at Kathmandu for the official procedure, overnight at hotel

Day 04 :

Stay at Kathmandu for the official procedure, overnight at hotel

Day 05 :

Trek to Tatopani, overnight at tented camp

Day 06 :

Trek to Ghasa, overnight at tented camp

Day 07 :

Trek to Marpha, overnight at tented camp

Day 08 :

Rest at Marpha, overnight at tented camp

Day 09 :

Rest at Marpha, overnight at tented camp

Day 10 :

Trek to Yak Kharka, overnight at tented camp

Day 11 :

Trek to French Col, overnight at tented camp

Day 12 :

Trek to Dhaulagiri base camp, overnight at tented camp

Day 13 :

13-52 : Climbing period

Day 53 :

Trek to Dhampus col

Day 54 :

Trek to Marpha, overnight at tented camp

Day 55 :

Trek to Jomsom, overnight at tented camp

Breakfast Today you will depart Kathmandu.

Day 55 :

Fly to Pokhara / Kathmandu, transfer to the hotel

Day 56 :

Transfer to airport, departure your own destination

Travel Gear

Equipment lists

It is recommended to carry the basic clothing and accessories needed for the trek. The followings belongings are suggested that should be brought, although we understand that our clients have their own preference for clothing, we have listed some useful clothing during the trek. Porters will be carrying the main luggage which should not exceed more than 18kg (one porter will carry two people’s luggage, 9 kg for each). Equipment can be bought in Kathmandu at a reasonable price.

Shoes

Almost all climbers use Italian OneSport shoes today. The One Sport company has been aquired by Millet – boots still looks the same but the brand tag is different.

Get them oversized (1-2 sizes). This is not your average weekend climbing trip and you need something where your toes have space to move freely, or you’ll get frostbite by rush delivery.

HotTronics make great heating pads and wires that can be used in your boots on your summit attempt. Michael Strynoe rebuilt the battery packs to give more power at a lower weight using AA Lithium batteries.

Crampons

Camp makes the ultralight titanium crampons. They are light, but considered not durable. We took our chances with them and they never broke on us.

Bring spares and carry one spare at the summit attempt. Secure them to the boots with steel wire if they keep falling of. There are however many brands of crampons around. Choose your favorites, remember only that ice climbing crampons differ from glacier crampons.

Clothes

You will need multi-layer clothing for climbing between BC and C3. The temperature changes dramatically when the clouds obscure the sun.

One or two layers of lightweight Gore-Tex over fleece will work well, since the layers will be easy to shed or add. Carry a lightweight down jacket at all times. Use a cap to protect your head in the sun. Wear water-resistant gloves in the icefall and a good pair of down mittens higher up. Carry a spare mitten on your summit attempt.

Use a heavy down suit for the summit. We wear it already from C2 on the summit attempt in order to save weight. If you choose to do that, move early in the morning or you’ll boil.

We have used down suites from both Mountain Hardware and North Face and they all worked equally well. Check that the hood will work together with the oxygen mask, covering your face properly. If possible, bring a spare down suit for cold nights in BC. Bring plenty of lightweight socks to change.

Face mask

Use a heat-exchanging, wired face mask for protection against Khumbu- cough. Use the mask already from Gorak Shep. You’ll get used to it and be protected right from the start. You should find the mask in stores for cross-country skiing. If you don’t, check the gear link list on this web site. The Finnish manufacturer is listed there.

Harness

North Face makes a great no-nonsense harness. Remove the stuff that you don’t need. Tie about half a meter of line with a carabiner for the fixed ropes. Forget screw carabiners, you want them big and simple at Everest. Make a knot halfway up the rope and hook up a jumar with another carabiner. Secure the jumar in the front to your backpack straps or at chest level when not in use, this being the easiest way to get hold of it. Use a repelling device or just a carabiner if you know the technique.

Terms and Conditions for Makalu Expedition

### 1. Booking and Payment:
– **Deposit:** A non-refundable deposit is required to confirm your booking.
– **Full Payment:** Full payment must be made prior to the expedition departure date.
– **Payment Methods:** Accepted payment methods and detailed cancellation policies will be provided by the expedition company.

### 2. Expedition Itinerary:
– **Provision of Itinerary:** A detailed expedition itinerary, including daily schedules and accommodation details, will be provided.
– **Changes:** Itineraries may be subject to change due to weather conditions, unforeseen circumstances, or the expedition guide’s discretion.

### 3. Permits and Documentation:
– **Responsibility:** Participants are responsible for obtaining all necessary permits, including Makalu Expedition Permit, National Park Entry Fees, and any other required documentation.
– **Documentation:** Copies of valid identification (passport) and passport-sized photographs may be required for permit applications.

### 4. Health and Fitness:
– **Health Requirements:** Participants should be in good health and physically fit to undertake high-altitude mountaineering.
– **Medical Disclosure:** Any pre-existing medical conditions or medications should be disclosed to the expedition company.

### 5. Insurance:
– **Mandatory Insurance:** Travel insurance covering emergency evacuation, medical expenses, and trip cancellation is mandatory.
– **Proof of Insurance:** Proof of insurance coverage may be required before the expedition.

### 6. Responsibilities:
– **Guide Instructions:** Participants must follow the instructions and decisions of the expedition guide for safety and itinerary adherence.
– **Local Respect:** Respect local customs, culture, and the environment during the expedition.

### 7. Equipment and Gear:
– **Personal Equipment:** Participants are responsible for bringing appropriate mountaineering gear and clothing suitable for high-altitude conditions.
– **Rental Options:** Rental options for equipment may be available through the expedition company.

### 8. Liability:
– **Personal Risk:** The expedition company and its guides are not liable for any loss, injury, or damage to personal belongings during the expedition.
– **Participation:** Participants join the expedition at their own risk and are advised to exercise caution at all times.

### 9. Force Majeure:
– **Unforeseen Events:** The expedition company is not liable for delays or changes to the itinerary due to natural disasters, political unrest, strikes, or other force majeure events.

### 10. Cancellation and Refund Policy:
– **Cancellation Fees:** Cancellation fees apply based on the timing of cancellation relative to the expedition departure date.
– **Refund Policy:** Refund policies for unused services or changes to the itinerary will be outlined in the terms and conditions.

### 11. Additional Costs:
– **Excluded Costs:** Any additional costs incurred due to changes in itinerary or personal expenses are the responsibility of the participant.

### 12. Travel Documentation:
– **Passports and Visas:** Participants are responsible for ensuring their passports and visas are valid for the duration of the expedition.

### 13. Medical Kit:
– **Personal Medical Kit:** Participants should bring their own personal medical kit, although a comprehensive medical kit will be available with the expedition team.

### 14. Behavior:
– **Conduct:** Participants are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that is respectful to fellow participants and staff.

### 15. Final Authority:
– **Guide’s Decision:** The expedition guide has the final authority on all matters concerning the safety and well-being of the group during the expedition.

By confirming your booking, you agree to these terms and conditions. It is important to review and understand these terms before committing to the Makalu Expedition.