Introduction of Dhaulagiri South Base Camp
Dhaulagiri Base Camp is one of the most splendid trekking destinations while looking at the robustness of Dhaulagiri Mountain, the seventh highest mountain in the world, elevated to an altitude of 8,167 meters (26,795 feet). The Dhaulagiri Base Camp trek in Nepal is a challenging and rewarding trek that pulls adventurers, mountaineers, and nature lovers from all corners of the globe. From this camp, during the trek, you head towards Dhaulagiri Base Camp; you get into the panoramic sights of some of the most iconic peaks in the Himalayas that include Dhaulagiri itself, Machapuchare or Fishtail Mountain, Nilgiri, and the Annapurna range. The views are breathtaking of the towering snow-capped mountains, and you will find serenity and majesty of this remote, wild section of the Himalaya.
The trek encompasses anything from the thick forests of rhododendron and oak to deserts and glaciers along high altitudes. The trail cuts across many traditional villages and terraced fields, with detached Himalayan settings that allow close views into local culture and living styles among these people from Gurung and Magar ethnic backgrounds. Dhaulagiri Base Camp itself is a breathtaking destination perched at an elevation of about 4,700 meters (15,420 feet). From base camp, most of the imposing south face of Dhaulagiri can be seen by trekkers. For a mountaineering experience, on the other hand, the Base Camp is often used as an origination or starting point, but this again requires specialized training and experience for the summit.
Dhaulagiri Base Camp Trek is a pretty demanding trek that needs a good level of physical fitness. The route goes through rugged and remote areas, and trekkers must negotiate high-altitude passes, glaciers, and rocky trails. One of the most challenging parts of the trek is crossing the French Pass-5,360 m/17,585 ft, a high-altitude pass offering stunning views but requiring careful acclimatization.
While many of Nepal’s more famous treks-like those in the Everest or Annapurna regions-manage to be lot more accessible, the Dhaulagiri Base Camp trek remains quite a way out and far less crowded. It offers more seclusion, providing the time and tranquility for absorbing natural beauty and traditional Himalayan culture, which does not happen as much on bigger routes.
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Mt.; Dhaulagiri view
Dhaulagiri south Base Camp
Dhaulagiri Base Camp
Itinerary of Dhaulagiri South Base Camp
Day 1. Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to Hotel
Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, our representative or staff will greet you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer you to the hotel. After you settle in, our trek leader will give you a brief explanation about your Dhaulagiri South Base Camp Trek. In the evening, we will make your journey more delighted with warm Nepali cuisine along with a cultural program.
Activity
Drive
Distance
7 km
Max Altitude
1300m
Overnight Stay
Kathmandu
Meals
Welcome Cultural dinner
Accommodation
3 Star HotelDay 2. Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara
After a hearty breakfast, we begin our scenic drive towards the beautiful city of Pokhara. Along the way, you’ll be able to enjoy the picturesque landscapes of Nepal, with fresh mountain air and stunning views of the countryside. As you journey, you’ll follow the Trishuli River, offering glimpses of the majestic Himalayas that surround you.
Upon arrival in Pokhara, we will take you to a comfortable hotel near the serene Phewa Lake, where you can unwind and rejuvenate. This peaceful lakeside setting is perfect for relaxation. If you enjoy vibrant nightlife, Pokhara has plenty to offer. It is a popular spot for tourists from all over the world, allowing you to meet fellow travelers and experience the lively atmosphere of the city.
Activity
Drive
Distance
200km
Max Altitude
850m
Overnight Stay
Pokhara
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
3 Star HotelDay 3. Pokhara to Beni
After spending the wonderful night at Pokhara, your journey to Dhaulagiri South base Camp starts following the Annapurna circuit towards beni, a gateway to Dhaulagiri South Base Camp Trek, following the Kaligandaki River upstream and passing through gorges, desert like landscapes, and small villages which make a journey memorable for travelers and trekkers heading to the Annapurna region.
Activity
Drive
Distance
140km
Max Altitude
1050m
Overnight Stay
Beni
Meals
B/L/D
Accommodation
Tea House LodgeDay 4. Drive and trek to Jhi
Continuing your journey, the drive from beni to Jhi is a combination of trekking and driving. With the bumpy and rough road, the drive will typically takes you around 2 hours. Once you reach the end of the jeep road, you will begin the trek to Jhi which will takes 2 hours walk. The trek involves walking through steep and rocky paths, crossing rivers and forests. Jhi is a great stop for those embarking on the Dhaulagiri Circuit with the facilities of tea houses and homestay.
Activity
Drive & Trekking
Distance
45 km
Max Altitude
1699m
Overnight Stay
Jhi
Meals
B/L/D
Accommodation
Tea House LodgeDay 5. From Jhi to Ghyasikharka
Moving towards our next destination, trek from Jhi to Ghyasikharka is a beautiful part of the Annapurna region, with amazing views of the surrounding peaks. This route is relatively moderate, and it’s popular for trekkers aiming to explore the Annapurna Conservation Area. The trek from Jhi to Ghyasikharka takes you through stunning landscapes and traditional villages. The trek involves mostly uphill and downhill sections, offering views of mountains like Annapurna South, Machapuchare (Fishtail), and Hiunchuli. The trek from Jhi to Ghyasikharka takes around 4 to 6 hours, depending on the weather and road conditions.
Activity
Trekking
Distance
9 km
Overnight Stay
Ghyasikharka
Meals
B/L/D
Accommodation
Tea HouseDay 6. Trek from Ghyasikharka to Phedi Camp
Continuing our journey, we will commence our trek from Ghyasikharka towards Phedi Camp. The trek from Ghyasikharka to Phedi takes you through scenic landscapes, with changing altitudes and views of the surrounding mountains and villages. The distance from Ghyasikharka to Phedi is roughly around 10 to 12 kilometers, depending on the specific trails you take. On average, this trek can take 4 to 5 hours, but it varies depending on your pace, weather, and any breaks you take along the way.
Activity
Trekking
Distance
9kmDay 7. Trek to Odar Camp
After having a breakfast, we will begin our journey to our next destination, Odar camp where we will explore more breathtaking landscapes and cultural highlights. The trek from Phedi Camp to Odar Camp presents you with thick rhododendron forests, farmlands, and small Gurung villages.
The distance from Phedi Camp to Odar Camp is about 6-7 kilometers and will take 4-6 hours depending on the trail condition and your pace. You will get stunning views of the Annapurna range, Machapuchhre, Dhaulagiri, and Himalchuli as you ascend gradually. This section is generally rated moderate in difficulty with gradual uphill climbing, so pacing is important.
Day 8. From Odar Camp to Dhaulagiri South Base Camp
After breakfast, begin your ascent towards the Dhaulagiri South Base Camp. The trail will be steep at some points as you ascend through rock-strewn terrain and meadows. With each climb, you‘ll experience increasingly fantastically panoramic views of the Dhaulagiri Range with the breathtaking face of Dhaulagiri I. You‘ll trek through glacial moraines and rocky trails and have close vistas of glaciers and icefalls at the foot of Dhaulagiri. The hike from Odar Camp to Dhaulagiri South Base Camp is a challenging but very rewarding section of the Dhaulagiri Circuit. The scenery, the pure ruggedness of the landscape, and the feeling of accomplishment when arriving at the base camp are all components of the special experience.
Day 9. Trek down to chhari
Descending from Dhaulagiri South Base Camp to Chhari is a scenic and rewarding part of the trek, providing a chance to experience the changing landscapes and cultures of the Annapurna region. The descent will allow your body to acclimatize after the challenging high-altitude section, and you’ll be surrounded by nature’s beauty in the lower hills of Nepal.
Day 10. Trek to Dagnam
After breakfast, begin the trek by descending on foot through a forest of rhododendron and oak.
From base camps or higher camps, this trek provides an opportunity to walk down through alpine meadows, with pine forests and colorful wildflowers.
The Dagnam trek is a lovely section of the Dhaulagiri Circuit trek in Nepal. The trek takes the route that provides stunning views, varied landscapes, and an opportunity to observe the local culture of Gurung and Magar people. Dagnam is a village in the lower Annapurna range, at an elevation that provides a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains while descending from the upper reaches.
Day 11. Drive Back to Beni by Jeep
The drive back to Beni by jeep is an exciting, adventurous, and scenic part of your journey, offering views of rural life, rivers, and the beautiful landscapes of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri regions. It provides a comfortable way to end your trekking experience before heading back to more urban areas.
Day 12. Drive back to Kathmandu
It is time to say goodbye to Himalayans and take a ride that takes you back to Kathmandu. In fact, you may appreciate this more being one more chance of enjoying a scenic countryside as you come down from your trek in the hills.
Day 13. Final Departure
Today marks the end of the Dhaulagiri South Base Camp Trek with Loong Adventures. Our representative will drop you at the airport and bid you farewell.
If you are not happy with our itinerary, you can request for the modification as per your need
Includes/Excludes
What's Included?
- Domestic & International Airport pick up at arrival time and drop off at departure time by our private transportation.
- Offer with warm Nepali Cultural welcome dinner
- Best 3- star hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast buffet
- Best 3- star hotel in Pokhara with breakfast buffet
- Mountain accomodation tea house lodge & Tent camping ( Twin Sharing Basis)
- Meals including breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the Dhaulagiri south base camp trek as per itinerary.
- We offer seasonal fruits along with caffeine and cookies during the trip.
- Salary, Food, Drinks, Accommodation, Transportation, and Insurance for the Guide and driver.
- Local transportation pokhara to Naura and Marpha to pokhara
- Professional government license holder English speaking tour guide and supporting staff porter.
- National Park and TIMS permits
- Dhaulagiri Circuit Trekking Map
- Kathmandu – Pokhara – Kathmandu flight
- Company Duffle bag , Sleeping bag & Down Jacket ( Subject to refund after finished trek)
- Government tax & company service charge
What's not Included?
- Nepalese Visa fee
- Insurance of Traveler
- International flight fare
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- All food and beverages other than on the itinerary
- Personal gear and expenses
- Tips and gratitude provided to staff.
Trip Information of Dhaulagiri South Base Camp
The best season for trekking Dhaulagiri is autumn from September to November and spring, which runs from March to May. Spring-March to May: Warm weather, longer days, and comfortable trekking conditions. The wildflowers, especially rhododendrons, are in bloom along the trail during this season.
Avoid trekking in the monsoon season (June to August) due to heavy rainfall, which can make trails slippery and dangerous. The winter (December to February) can also be quite harsh, with freezing temperatures and snow at higher altitudes.
If you’re planning your Dhaulagiri South Base Camp Trek, spring and autumn seasons offer the best combination of good weather and stunning views.
This needs proper preparation and physical pre-conditioning as the Dhaulagiri South Base Camp is located in high-altitude trekking region.
Dhaulagiri offers steep ascents with high altitude; hence, cardiovascular fitness needs to be improved. Running, hiking, swimming, or cycling should be done at least 3 to 4 times a week. Prepare yourself mentally for the effects of altitude sickness. Make sure you understand its symptoms and how to manage it, such as by taking rest days at higher altitudes.
With physical and mental preparation, proper equipment, and an understanding of the logistical aspects of the trek, you will be well-prepared for this fantastic journey to Dhaulagiri South Base Camp.
Equipment List for Dhaulagiri South Base Camp
- Large trekking backpack (50–70 L) with rain cover — main kit.
- Daypack (20–30 L) for daily essentials (water, snacks, camera, documents).
- Waterproof duffel bag (often provided by trekking company).
Upper Body
- Base layers: moisture-wicking T-shirts and thermal tops.
- Mid layers: fleece jacket or pullover.
- Down jacket (insulated) for high camps.
- Windproof/waterproof shell jacket with hood.Lower Body
- Trekking pants (2–3 pairs) — quick‑dry.
- Thermal underwear (top & bottom).
- Waterproof/windproof pants.
???? Accessories
- Sun hat / cap and warm beanie/hat.
- Buff / neck gaiter.
- Sunglasses with strong UV protection.
- Sturdy, waterproof trekking boots — broken in before the trek.
- Thick hiking socks + liners.
- Camp sandals / slippers for evenings.
- Gaiters (optional but helpful in snow/mud).
- 4‑season sleeping bag (rated to at least ‑15 °C).
- Sleeping bag liner (adds warmth/cleanliness).
- Sleeping pad (optional but adds comfort/insulation).
- Trekking poles — adjustable, sturdy.
- Headlamp with spare batteries.
- Water bottles / hydration bladder.
- Water purification tablets or filter.
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+) and lip balm with SPF.
- Toiletries: toothbrush/paste, soap, quick‑dry towel, wet wipes, hand sanitizer.
- Toilet paper (often not available in higher areas).
- Personal towel.
- Small lock for your backpack/duffel.
- Personal first‑aid kit (plasters, antiseptic, painkillers).
- Blister care (moleskin/second skin).
- Altitude sickness medication (Diamox) — if advised by a doctor.
- Rehydration salts and basic meds (anti‑diarrhea, throat lozenges).
- Passport + copies (used for permits).
- Travel insurance details with high‑altitude coverage.
- Cash (Nepalese rupees) for teahouse purchases and tips.
- Mobile phone + charger.
- Power bank (very useful where power is limited).
- Camera with spare batteries/memory cards.
- Binoculars for distant peak views.
- Journal & pen for notes and reflections.
- Energy snacks (bars, nuts, dried fruit).
- Dry bags to organize and waterproof clothes/documents inside your backpack.
