Culture guide tour in the Kathmandu Valley. Checking equipment and packaging, introduction between our teams and members on how to communicate with each other. Briefing meeting to the Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation, Tourism Industry Division.

We will be heading towards Beni which is also the starting point for our trek. We need to drive on Prithivi Highway from Kathmandu. The drive will last for about 9 hours. The drive will be long but the views along the highway are beautiful and will pass through the famous lake city of Pokhara. Overnight at teahouse

We will move towards Darbang. From Darbang we will walk about 3-4 hours to reach Dharapani. Following the river(Myagdi Khola). On the way, we will see Dhaulagiri range, Gorje himal. We will cross Magar and Gurung village. Overnight camping. Walking duration: 6 Hours Cumulative Ascend Value: 783 m Cumulative Descend Value: 145 m

After crossing the river to its West Bank as you leave Phedi, the trail starts climbing in earnest and there will be many switch-backs until you arrive at the ridge and the angle of ascent eases. Again the trail climbs steeply to the villages of Muri. Continue your trek to Sibang and Mattim. From here you continue up an incline to the snout of the ridge, descend to the Gatti Khola and reach Phalai Gaon (1,810m). Cross the Dhara Khola to once again emerge on the west bank of the Myagdi Khola and then climb a ridge to the large Magar village of Muri.Overnight camping. Walking duration: 6 Hours Cumulative Ascend Value: 693 m Cumulative Descend Value: 396 m Overnight at teahouse

Starting from Muri it will take us about 6 hours to reach the Baghara. Today we will be crossing a river called Dhora Khola. Alongside Dhora Khola notice terrace farmlands. From here we will climb the mountain right to us until we reach Ghorban Dhara. Ghorban Dhara provides the perfect view of Ghustung south which is elevated at 6465m. We will then start following the path alongside Myagdi Khola until we reach Naura. We will climb right up the mountainside to Ghorban Dhara. From Ghorban Dhara, we will get to see Ghustung South (6465m). Before reaching the Naura we follow the riverbank path of Myagdi Khola. From Naura, we ascend begins on the mountainside. Sometimes of uphill climbing, and a path that traverses the steep grass-covered hills. And trailing further away in a well-constructed zigzag stone steep paths while descending through a forested area, emerging to a ridge snout Bagar becomes visible elevate at 2050m. Overnight camping. Walking duration: 6 Hours Cumulative Ascend Value: 1039 m Cumulative Descend Value: 795 m

The trail first descends through terraced fields to a small ridge, then through a forest to Jyardan which is the most remote permanent settlement in this part. After the settlement, a high winding path crosses a rocky area which then descends before climbing again to Lipshe where there is one single hut. The trail continues through a forest to Lapche Kharka and then climbs to the level area at Dobang. Dobang is a largish clearing in the forest with two huts and a large area for camp. Overnight camping. Walking duration: 5 Hours Cumulative Ascend Value: 892 m Cumulative Descend Value: 503 m

The trail continues through the dense, lush vegetation of ferns, bamboo and rhododendrons. We cross to the east bank of the Myagdi Khola on a new cantilever bridge and then camp at a clearing in the forest at Sallaghari. Overnight camping. Walking duration: 6 Hours Cumulative Ascend Value: 680 m Cumulative Descend Value: 130 m

From Sallaghari we walk through Pine trees, Rhododendron, Birch, once above the tree line heather, juniper and azaleas. The trail traverses through forest and then climbs to a grassy area on the lateral moraine where Italian Base Camp is located. High above camp is the impressive west face of Dhaulagiri with Tsaurabong Peak visible on the other side of the valley. Overnight camping. Walking duration: 4 Hours Cumulative Ascend Value: 1310 m Cumulative Descend Value: 230 m

Today we can go for a walk to explore the Italian Base Camp or relax in camp. This day is essential for acclimatisation before ascending further in altitude towards main Dhaulagiri Base Camp. Overnight camping.

Today is a shorter walk although essential for acclimatization process, unlike most other itineraries we believe in having two nights at Glacier Camp located between Italian Base Camp and main Dhaulagiri Base Camp (otherwise going from 3,660m to 4,740m will result in altitude sickness). From Italian Base Camp, the trail descends steeply down the lateral moraine to gain the glacier, in the past, we have fixed a rope here to help the group and trek crew. We cross the glacier and then traverse along the moraine on the left side of the Chonbarden gorge. We walk along talus in the impressively narrow Chonbarden gorge to the snout of the Chonbarden glacier and then continue for another hour to Glacier camp. There are a number of ledges levelled in the ice of the glacier for our tents. Overnight camping. Walking duration: 5 Hours Cumulative Ascend Value: 695 m Cumulative Descend Value: 124 m

We follow a rough trail along the moraine covered glacier to Dhaulagiri Base Camp. From Base Camp the view is impressive with Dhaulagiri I, Tukuche Peak and Little Eiger and further to the west lay Dhaulagiri II (7,751m) and IV (7,618m). One can also see the start of the climbing route through the icefall. In season there are likely to be expeditions camped on the moraine strip at Base Camp. Overnight camping. Walking duration: 5 Hours Cumulative Ascend Value: 495 m Cumulative Descend Value: 43 m

Climbing period of Dhaulagiri (8167m)

After an early breakfast, we walk out of Base Camp along the moraine strip to cross over to the left-hand side of the Upper Chonbarden glacier. A high lateral moraine ridge is visible further up the valley; we gain this by following a steep trail across the screen and talus. Once on the lateral moraine ridge there are superb views back down the valley to Dhaulagiri I and Tukuche Peak. At a large cairn on the lateral moraine ridge, we turn off to make the final ascent to French pass . The approach to the pass is up easy angled snow slopes and as usual in Nepal, the top is marked by Buddhist prayer flags and cairns. The view from the summit of the pass is superb with Sita Chuchura, the peaks of the Mukut Himal, Tashi Kang, Tukuche Peak and of course Dhaulagiri I. The descent from the pass is on moderate snow slopes as we enter Hidden Valley. After a long descent, you arrive at camp next to the river not far from the base of Dhampus Peak. You will notice once crossing into Hidden Valley there is only sparse vegetation of isolated patches of moss and grass as this area is now in an area affected by the rain shadow effect of Dhaulagiri. Overnight camping. Walking duration: 7 Hours Cumulative Ascend Value: 690 m Cumulative Descend Value: 223 m

This is a long day and by far the toughest on Dhaulagiri Circuit trek. After an early start from camp, we start the climb up a moderate snow slope to gain Dhampus pass. There are fine views of Dhampus Peak to the left of the pass and to the right the beautiful ice flutings of Tukuche Peak. From the summit of the pass, the trail descends pass for about 100m before start to traverse left into Kali Gandaki valley. Depending on the snow and ice conditions crampons may be needed for group & porters at this point. There is a very long traverse on snow usually taking about four hours before starting the steep descent to Kalo pani. Throughout this traverse, there are stunning views of Nilgiri and the western end of the Annapurna Massif. Overnight camping. Walking duration: 7 Hours Cumulative Ascend Value: 164 m Cumulative Descend Value: 314m

There is a very long traverse on snow usually taking about five hours before starting the steep descent to Kalo pani. Throughout this traverse, there are stunning views of Nilgiri and the western end of the Annapurna Massif. There is a long descent today to the village of Marpha located in the Kali Gandaki valley. Marpha village has a Buddhist monastery, Tibetan whitewashed houses and paved streets. It is also famous for its apple orchards so well worth stopping here to get a glass of apple juice at one of the lodges. Overnight in Marpha. Walking duration: 5 Hours Cumulative Ascend Value: 1082 m Cumulative Descend Value: 2332 m

Jomsom is the best place in town located opposite the airport. After hot showers you can explore Jomsom, check emails than in the evening the cooks will produce a special last meal together. Later on, we will hand out tips to our crew as a thank you for all their hard work throughout the trek. Overnight: teahouse lodge. Walking duration: 3 Hours Cumulative Ascend Value: 50 m Cumulative Descend Value: 1233 m

Early morning we will take a short picturesque flight to Pokhara. The view of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountains and the world’s deepest gorge, Kali Gandaki is stunning. Relax whole day in Hotel or wander around Lake Side with fascinating mountains panorama view and nature charming. Explore the various interesting places like Mahendra Cave, David’s fall and the various lakes of course.

After breakfast, we leave the beautiful lake city of Pokhara and drive towards Kathmandu. After reaching Kathmandu, we have the rest of the day off to rest or do some souvenir shopping.