Sherpa Adventure

Overview
Itinerary
Life on Trek
Equipments

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- Duration
  
  22 days
- Group
  
  16 Pax
- Difficulty
  
  Moderate
- Accommodation
  
  Hotel / Lodge
- Max.Altitude
  
  5240
- Season
  
  All Season

The Dhaulagiri Circuit trek is a strenuous yet a highly adventurous opportunity that takes us through high alpine pastures, high passes and serene valleys around the circuit of the Dhaulagiri. Dhaulagiri region is the perfect spot that exudes serenity and remoteness in Nepal and the Dhaulagiri Circuit trek is a one in a million experience which offers views of dramatically contrasted lands and the white glow of more than fifteen 7000 m peaks. The trail passes through connected mountain villages through cultivated lands. This trek gives a chance to explore the lifestyle of ethnic populations like Magar, Chettri, and Gurung people.

Dhaulagiri Circuit trek takes thrill seekers around the less trodden and the less populated paths around the Dhaulagiri (8167m) mastiff, which is the seventh highest peak in the world. The major attractions of the trek are the steep French Pass (5360m), ThapaPass (5250m) as well as the beautiful villages of Marpha and Alubari. Come to experience true, wild and spectacular Nepal with the hidden and less trodden Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek.

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Kathmandu

Today marks the beginning of this exotic adventure into the wild nature of the Everest region in Nepal. The capital of this beautiful mountainous country of Nepal, Kathmandu is the only city with an international airport. Upon arriving in Kathmandu from your respective locations today our representative will transfer you to the hotel.

You have the option to stroll around in the warm and welcoming streets of the throbbing capital. Another option is the relish the unique and the world famous Nepali cuisine. The adventure starts soon, and you should rest adequately and become strong for the adventure to follow.
Day 2

Drive from Katmandu to Pokhara

Drive to the beautiful city of Pokhara on a scenic drive. Follow the roaring Trishuli River and terraced farmlands to reach the relaxed town of Pokhara, situated beneath the Annapurna Range. Pokhara Valley is considered to be one of the most picturesque and revered spots in Nepal. It is rightly called as the lake city due to its abundance of beautiful lakes, the major attraction being the Phewa Lake. These lakes arise from the glaciers of the Annapurna Range. Lakeside is the district situated along the sides of the Phewa Lake. Phewa Lake reflects back the panorama of the beautiful Dhaulagiri, Macchapucchre, Annapurna peaks and other rising above us. Macchapucchre is only 28 kilometers from Phewa Lake and the views of this beautiful mountain are the most alluring from this point.
Day 3

Drive from Pokhara to Beni& trek to Babiachor

The trek starts today. We drive from Pokhara to Beni in a 3-hour drive, followed by a trek to Babaichor. The trail passes through the north bank of MyagdiKhola and transverses through BeniMangalghat, Singa, Tatopani (hot springs) and finally to Babiabhor. Approximately 3 hours of drive & approximately 3 hours of trek.
Day 4

Trek from Babiachor to Dharapani

Through the widened valley, the trail passes through villages of Shahashradhara and Ratorunga. The valley widens at this point and reaches terraced hills. The trail now becomes fairly level as you pass through the DukKhola. We pass again through grassy fields to reach Ratorunga. The valley narrows again and disappears on either side of the river. Finally, the day ends at Dharapani. Approximately 6 hours of trek.
Day 5

Trek from Dharapani to Muri

Cross the river to the West Bank and leave behind Phedi. The trail now becomes earnest and you need to climb at a fast pace with extremely difficult steps. After many switchbacks, we arrive at the ridge of the village of Sibang, Mattim, GattiKhola, PhalaiGaon and finally to the Magar village of Muri. Approximately 5 hours of trek.
Day 6

Trek from Muri to Boghara

Descend, cross a stream and trek through beautiful terraced fields to reach a pass. The ridge offers mind-boggling views of the south face of Mt. Ghustung. Later, we descend down to MyagdiKhola and reach the village of Naura from the West Bank. Later, we transverse through a grassy hill through several more switch-backs to reach Boghara. Approximately 6 hours of trek.
Day 7

Trek from Boghara to Dobang

This day starts with a descent through terraced fields finally reaching a small ridge. We move on to cross a forest to reach Jyardan. Jyardan is the most remote permanent settlement in this part. Through this village, we cross winding paths to reach the village of Lipshe. Lipshe is home to a single hut. We continue further through a forest to the LapcheKharkha. With the expectation of up-close views of the mountain cheering us on, we climb to a leveled area at Dobang. Approximately 5 hours of trek.
Day 8

Trek from Dobang to CharibanKhola

Cross a wooden bridge and descend to a forested area. The west face of Dhaulagiri becomes visible through the breaks in the trees. Descend downwards to the MyagdiKhola and cross a wooden village. We continue onwards to Chartare. The forests greet was again as we continue towards to pass through a rocky area. Finally, after crossing a stream, we reach ChoribanKhola. Approximately 5 hours of trek.
Day 9

Trek from ChoribanKhola to Italian Base Camp

Follow a trail to the moraine of the Chhonbarban Glacier. Enter the glacial moraine from the right as you are cheered on by the views of the Tukuche Peak. We walk on for a short time more and reach the Italian Base Camp. This is the site of camping for the night and is home to the magnificent panorama of peaks like the Dhaulagiri II, Dhaulagiri II and Dhaulagiri V. Approximately 7 hours of trek.
Day 10

In Italian Base Camp

As we have reached an altitude exceeding 3000 m, we will use this day to acclimatize with the increase in altitude. Acclimatize with the thinning air as views of Dhaulagiri II, Dhaulagiri V, and Dhaulagiri III appear before us and cast a whitish, beautiful, glow all around. We need to be fully tuned for the increasing altitudes, as we move on to explore more mind-boggling views of the Dhaulagiri range.
Day 11

Trek from Italian Base Camp to Glacier Camp

Walk through treacherous paths, prone to stone fall. We will need to be on the lookout for the strenuous path today. Through a narrow gorge, the trail takes us near a glacier before ending in the Glacier Camp. We need to move out in the better part of the morning, to reach the Glacier Camp by the evening when the weather is clear. Approximately 6 hours of trek.
Day 12

Trek from Glacier Camp to Dhaulagiri Base Camp

An adventure filled day as we reach the Dhaulagiri Base Camp today. We set off early today, as this day is an interesting one. Cross rocky paths in order to reach the Base Camp. Look up to the impressive mastiff od the Dhaulagiri I which dominates the skyline. Dhaulagiri II, Dhaulagiri II, and Dhaulagiri V also appear in the scene and an impressive icefall descending down from the northeast col makes up for a heavenly and picturesque experience. Approximately 7 hours of trek.
Day 13

Trek from Dhaulagiri Base Camp to Hidden Valley via French Pass

We start off the day by crossing a glacier. Cut through the mountain flank and cross the moraine as you climb terraced hills and walk across the moraine to reach the French Pass. The French Pass opens up a magnificent vista which offers views of the MukutHimal, Tashi Kang, SitaChuchura and the Tukuche Peak. Continue further to cross the Thapa Pass and descend down to the Hidden Valley with mind-boggling sights of the mountain peaks on the way. Approximately 6 hours of trek.
Day 14

Trek from Hidden Valley to Yak Kharka via Dhampus Pass

We descend down from the Hidden Valley in order to reach the Champions pass. As you drop down to the Dhampus Pass, which offers scenery of the white tops of mountains shining and smiling at us in their full glory. Descend downwards to Yak Kharka which has a perfect camping site which offers views of the surrounding panorama. Approximately 6 hours of trek.
Day 15

Trek from Yak Kharka to Jomsom

Continue downwards to the village of Marpha, known for its abundance of apples. We pass through the west bank of the Kali Gandaki River in order to reach this beautiful village. Taste the local Apple Brandy as you continue north the river valley to the dry, arid and mystical Jomsom. Jomsom is a beautiful town situated in between the two giants of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna and has its mystical beauty of its own.

Jomsom spreads over both banks of the Kali Gandaki River and is a perfect spot to witness the views of the towering backdrop of the Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri peaks. You can find merchants and local inhabitants going about their daily work there. The awesome splendor of the mountain peaks glistening all around, combined with the mystique of the people living in Jomsom, makes this town a perfect mixture of beauty and splendor. Jomsom is the gateway to Mustang and is also home to a small airport.Approximately 5 hours of trek.
Day 16

Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara& drive to Kathmandu

It is finally time to bid farewell to the beautiful Annapurna region as we fly back to Pokhara from Jomsom. Bid goodbye to the exceptionally beautiful Annapurna region and reach Pokhara. From Pokhara, we head back to Kathmandu on a 6 hours’ drive. Approximately 20 minutes of flight. Approximately 6-7 hour drive.
Day 17

Optional sightseeing in Kathmandu

This day is separated for optional sightseeing in Kathmandu. There are many places in the capital of Nepal, like the Boudhanath, Syambunath as well as Pashupati, which are worth visiting. Boudhanath is the largest stupa in the world while Syambunath is commonly called as the Monkey Temple for the huge number of monkeys found there. Pashupatinath is the holy temple of Hindu people and a sacred spot which cannot the accessed by foreigners. The rest of the evening can be spent by doing some souvenir shopping for loved ones back home. Thamel is the perfect location to shop for supplies and souvenirs. You will spend the night in the hotel.
Day 18

Depart transfer

After the experience of a lifetime, you will finally bid farewell to the Himalayan country of Nepal. Keeping the memories of this adventure in mind and with a promise to come back for more, you can finally depart from the country. You will be transferred to the airport for your safe flight back home.

Life on Trek

Trekking staff

Whilst on the trek, the Nepali guides and porters will ensure that you are well looked after. Every trek has an English speaking guide, known as the Sirdar, who is in overall charge. It is his responsibility to organize the trek en route and manage the guides and porters and deal with the local peoples and they are experts in trek organization, as well as being able to discuss the local culture, religion, and landscape. In addition there will be other guides, sometimes referred to by the generic term Sherpa, who will be your walking companions on the trek and will assist the Sirdar in organizing the logistic of the trek. On camping treks there will be full kitchen crew who are responsible for all aspects of catering. And finally there will be porters who are the transportation system of the Nepali mountains. They will carry the duffle bags and other equipment as necessary.

Accommodation

Fully equipped Camping treks - accommodation is provided in spacious 2 person tents. We use this method for our climbing trips and some treks where lodges are less frequent.
Lodge trek - accommodation is provided in the local Nepali lodges, some times known as tea- houses. It is usually necessary to share a double room. We use this method for our treks in the Annapurna and Everest regions.

Food

On camping treks, all food is prepared by the trek cook - an expert in preparing delicious camp food. And most importantly, special care is taken to provide well - boiled, purified drinking water. On lodge treks, food is provided in the lodge and this ranges from delicious local specialties to common western dishes. If necessary, bottled water can be purchased from the lodges for a small fee, although many trekkers prefer to use fresh water with the added precaution of a purifying agent. You could bring some Chocolate or special energy drinks for yourself as these are hard to get in the Himalayas.

A typical trekking day

A typical day revolves around the Nepal sunrise and sunset. The day starts with an early wake up call. You then pack up your gear and enjoy a rousing breakfast before starting your morning's walk. The Sirdar will already be organized loads to porters and or animals, and your group will then set off on the trail at a leisurely pace, enjoying the view and stopping to take photographs. After 2-3 hours walk you stop for lunch. This lasts for about 90 minutes which gives you time to relax, or explore the local village. The afternoon's walk is usually shorter and we arrive at the campsite or tea-house in plenty of time to relax and savour the surroundings. Later in the evening dinner is served, giving you an opportunity to sample the delicious food, talk over the day's events, and look forward to another special day on the trails of Nepal.

Health and safety on the trek General

A comprehensive first aid kit is carried on the trek. However we advise that you also carry your personal first aid kit which includes specific items of preference.
We will, in an emergency, arrange for helicopter evacuation. (Note that you are required to hold insurance for this unlikely eventuality).
All meals on our camping trips are prepared to strict hygiene standards specifically for our groups, under the supervision of the trekking staff.
We use tea-houses that we now have strict hygiene standards and provide a broad menu.

High Altitude

Anyone can be affected by Altitude Sickness. However, our itineraries are specifically designed to minimize the risks associated with trekking to high altitudes by building in acclimatization and rest days. In the event of any symptoms we will ensure that the individual descends to a lower altitude to gain a quick recovery.

And finally……….. It must be stressed that whilst trekking in the Nepal Himalaya is challenging and rewarding, you must be prepared for he occasional inconvenience or discomfort. The correct mental attitude to trekking is as important as being physically prepared.

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Equipments

All equipment and food, and your own personal backpacks are carried by the porters or pack animals. It is only necessary to carry a camera or small daypack ! On camping treks all necessary camp equipment is provided - this includes dining tent, dining table and chairs, toilet tent, foam mattresses, and all cooking equipment. The only kit that you will need to bring is your own personal equipment and clothing.

Recommended Trekking Kit

The following is a list of clothing and accessories that we recommend that you take with you. This is not intended to be a comprehensive clothing and equipment list, rather it is intended to act as a reminder of those items that we feel are essential for your comfort and convenience. However we recognize that you may have your own personal preferences for clothing which may be equally as suitable.

Footwear

Walking boots with suitable ankle support that have been worn - in prior to the trek, and which are waterproof.
Trainer or casual shoes, for trekking andor for traveling
Warm socks for colder areas.
Gaiters ,,in case of rain or snow.

Leg wear

Loose, casual trousers for trekking.
Thermal leggings for colder areas.
Long skirt for women as an alternative to trousers
Waterproof trousers

Body

Selection of T-shirts, and long sleeved shirts, preferably not cotton.
Thermal shirt for colder areas.
Warm shirt, possibly fleece, for colder areas.
Fleece jacket or warm wool jumper.
Windproof, waterproof outer shell garment for higher altitudes.
Down jacket (optional for cold nights & mornings: can be hired in Kathmandu cheaply)

Head Hands

Wool or fleece hat, or balaclava.
Hat or cap for sun protection while trekking.
Sunglasses or goggles.
Sunscreen lotion and lip balm
Warm gloves.

Other Items

Strong rucksack, or large holdall to be carried by porters
Day sack to be carried personally.
Plastic bags or stuff sacks to storeseparate trekking gear inside your main bag.
One liter water bottle.
Personal first aid kit to include essential items.
Sleeping bag 4 season.
Torch, ideally head torch.
Camera and film! - for those not to be forgotten shots of the Himalaya.
Toilet items and towel.
Large handkerchief bandana for neck.

Recommended Mountaineering Kit

In additional to the items mentioned above for trekking the following is a list of the additional specialist items which are required for the trekking peaks.

Plastic or Leather mountaineering boots, with gaitors & crampons that have been tested for a good fit.
Fleece trousers or salopettes.
Additional mitts and gloves suitable for climbing.
Ice ace, and ski poles (Note: ice axe can hired in Kathmandu)
Climbing harness
2 X tape slings
2 X screw gate karabiners.
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