Annapurna Dhaulagiri Trek

Along the Marsyangdi river, on easy trails and suspension bridges, through rice terraces and forests, we will follow the famous Annapurna Circuit and slowly gain altitude and acclimatize. After Pisang there are stunning up-close views of snowy and glaciated high peaks including Annapurnas II, III and IV. This remote area lies in a rain shadow formed by the Annapurnas, and the landscape supports little in the way of forest apart from pine, juniper and scrub rhododendron. Huge glacial moraines abound, etched by wind erosion into fantastic pillars. The Thorong La (5415m) wilderness is one of the highlights of this trek. After the pass, we reach Muktinath and Marpha, where the Dhaulagiri Circuit starts. This extraordinary route was first discovered by the 1950 French expedition that climbed Annapurna I, and provides stunning views of the whole Dhaulagiri range. It is particularly attractive to people drawn to high mountains and wilderness areas, and requires an excellent physical condition and basic mountaineering skills. After the the Thapa Pass (5230m) and the French Pass (5400m), we will reach the Dhaulagiri base camp (4750m), which is dominated by the gigantic mass of Dhaulaghiri I (8091 m) to the south, and the Dhaulaghiri II (7751m), III (7715m), IV (7661m) and V (7618m) to the west. The trek ends in the Myagdi Khola valley, which offers beautiful rural landscapes and several glimpses of the simple lifestyle of the Nepali peasants.

21 Days Difficulty   Strenuous Maximum Altitude:5415 m
DAY 01	Katmandu-Besishar (750m) by bus.
DAY 02	Besishar - Bahundanda (1310m) in 6hrs.
We trek through Gurung villages mostly. This route is part of the famous Annapurna circuit, one of the best in the Himalayas, certainly the most varied. Superb views of the Natti Chuli (7800m.
DAY 03	Bahundanda - Tal (1670m) in 6hrs.
From Jagat, a former Tibetan customs post, the influence of the Tibetan culture is largely perceptible. View of the Himal Chuli and Baudha summits.
DAY 04	Tal - Chame (2713m) in 7hrs.
To the subtropical forest leads to beautiful areas of blue pines, spruces and oaks.
DAY 05	Chame - Pisang (3185m) in 5hrs.
Magnificent pine forests and stunning sights of the Lamjung and Annapurnas II and IV. From Pisang, a remarkable village due to the woodwork adorning its houses, we can enjoy a 360° panorama: from the Annapurna massif to the south, Mount Tilicho (7134m) to the west and the Chulu East (6584m) towards the Mount Pisang summit (6091m) to the northrs.
DAY 06	Pisang - Manang (3530m) in 5hrs.
Manang is a typically Tibetan village, with numerous stoupas, monasteries and oratories.
DAY 07	Manang - Letdar (4250m) in 4hrs.
This leg and the following one are short to prevent ascending too quickly in altitude.
DAY 08	Letdar - Thorong Phedi (4700m) in 3hrs.
This area of mountain pastures is a yak kingdom. Yaks are reared for their wool, milk and their carrying capacities.
DAY 09	Thorong Phedi - Thorong La (5415m) - Muktinath (3802m) in 8hrs.
Climb up to the Thorong La pass with a stunning panorama of prestigious summits rising above 6000m, then descend to Muktinathrs.
DAY 10	Muktinath - Marpha (2670m) in 6hrs.
This is the route of the Mustang and Tibet caravans.
DAY 11	Marpha.
Rest day before starting to cross the Dhaulaghiri massif.
DAY 12	Marpha – Yak Kharka (4200m) in 6hrs.
Tough climb on a narrow mountainside pathrs.
DAY 13	Yak Kharka – Thapa Pass (5230m) - Camp in the Hidden valley (5050m) in 8hrs.
Second grueling day on a steep and tricky path towards the pass. Magnificent panorama on the Annapurna massif and the Nilgiris. Short descent towards the camp site.
DAY 14	Camp in the Hidden valley - French Pass (5400m) - Dhaulaghiri Base Camp (4750m) in 5hrs.
Easy climb. Splendid view from the pass of Dhaulaghiri I and the peaks surrounding the Hidden valley: Sita Chuchura, Mukut Himal et Tashi Kang. Descent on the Chhonbardan glacier and camp opposite an iced-over waterfall. Dhaulaghiri II, III, IV and V on one side and Dhaulaghiri I and Tukuche Peak on the other.
DAY 15	Dhaulaghiri Base Camp – Italians Camp (3700m) in 6hrs.
Progression on a glacier cluttered with moraine. The glacier valley narrows and ends in steep-sided gorges.
DAY 16	Italians Camp– Dobang (2880m) in 5hrs.
The descent continues across moraines followed by wooded areas. Afterwards we progress along the Myagdi Khola.
DAY 17	Dobang – Boghara (2080m) in 6hrs.
Descents leads to a climb in a narrow valley with an untamed atmosphere, dense forest and impressive waterfalls.
DAY 18	Boghara – Phalai Gaon (1650) in 6hrs.
The path follows a canyon covered withlarge waterfalls, then plunges into the end of the valley. It then climbs towards Phalai Gaon after crossing a bridge over the Dhara Khola.
DAY 19	Phalai Gaon – Darbang (1180m) in 6hrs.
A rich panorama of terraced fields and surrounding mountains: Putha Hiunchuli (7246m), Churen Himal (7371m) and Gurja Himal (7193m).
DAY 20	Darbang – Beni (817m) in 6hrs.
Along the Myagdi Khola are a succession of villages, terraced fields and suspension bridges
DAY 21	Beni – Pokhara – Katmandu (bus) in 10hrs.