Dhaulagiri Base Camp Trek
A quieter camping trek to the foot of the world's seventh highest peak
Dhaulagiri Base Camp Trek overview
For trekkers who want the dramatic scale of Dhaulagiri without committing to the full 18-day circuit and its two high passes, the Dhaulagiri Base Camp Trek follows the same approach up the Myagdi Khola valley to Japanese Base Camp (4,750 m), directly beneath the mountain's colossal north face, before retracing the route back down. It's an out-and-back camping trek through remote, sparsely populated forest and moraine terrain, culminating in a close encounter with Dhaulagiri I (8,167 m) and its neighboring peaks, Tukuche and Churen Himal. Because it skips French Pass and Dhampus Pass, this version is considerably less committing while still delivering some of the most dramatic close-range mountain views available on any trek in Nepal.
Country
Nepal
Duration
12 Days
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Max. altitude
4,750 m (Japanese Base Camp)
Best season
Mar–May / Sep–Nov
Difficulty level
Challenging
Itinerary
Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, transfer to hotel. Equipment check and trek briefing.
Price includes
- Airport pick-up and drop-off transfers in Kathmandu
- Kathmandu–Pokhara–Darbang ground transport
- Experienced English-speaking licensed trekking guide
- Full camping crew: cook and porters, with all tents and camping equipment
- All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner) prepared by the trek kitchen
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and TIMS card
- First aid kit and pulse oximeter carried by guide
- Emergency high-altitude rescue coordination
- Trek completion certificate
What's not included
- International airfare to/from Kathmandu
- Nepal entry visa fee
- Accommodation and meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Travel and rescue insurance with high-altitude coverage (mandatory)
- Personal camping gear (down sleeping bag, warm layers)
- Alcoholic drinks, snacks, and other personal expenses
- Wi-Fi and communication costs (unavailable for most of the route)
- Tips for guide, cook, and porters (customary)
Packing tips
Packing right is half the battle on any Himalayan trek. Keep your main bag under 15 kg — your porter will thank you. Everything in your daypack should be accessible on the trail.
Clothing & Layers
- Moisture-wicking base layers (2–3 sets)
- Insulating mid-layer — fleece or down jacket
- Waterproof and windproof outer shell jacket and trousers
- Trekking trousers (convertible zip-off recommended)
- Warm hat, sun hat, and buff/neck gaiter
- Thermal gloves and waterproof over-gloves
- Woollen or synthetic trekking socks (5–7 pairs)
Footwear
- Sturdy, ankle-supporting trekking boots (broken in before the trip)
- Camp sandals or lightweight shoes for evenings at tea houses
- Waterproof gaiters for snow sections
Gear & Equipment
- 30–40 L daypack with rain cover
- Trekking poles (reduces knee stress on descents)
- Headlamp with extra batteries
- Sleeping bag rated to −10°C (tea house blankets are provided but can be thin)
- Sunglasses with UV400 protection
- Reusable water bottle or hydration bladder (3 L capacity recommended)
- Water purification tablets or a portable filter
Health & Safety
- Personal first aid kit with blister plasters, antiseptic, and pain relief
- Altitude sickness medication (Diamox) — consult your doctor before
- High-SPF sunscreen and UV-protective lip balm
- Insect repellent (lower elevations)
- Hand sanitiser and wet wipes
Frequently asked questions
Starting from