Mt. Dhaulagiri Expedition 45 Days Days

The Mt. Dhaulagiri Expedition refers to the journey or mountaineering endeavor aimed at summiting Mount Dhaulagiri, the seventh-highest peak in the world, located in the Himalayas in Nepal. It stands at 8,167 meters (26,795 feet) above sea level. The peak is known for its technical challenges and harsh conditions, which makes it a popular but demanding destination for experienced climbers.

Key Information about Mt. Dhaulagiri:

1. Location: Dhaulagiri is part of the Dhaulagiri mountain range in the north-central part of Nepal, not far from the Annapurna Range.
2. Elevation: 8,167 meters (26,795 feet), making it the seventh tallest mountain in the world.
3. First Ascent: Mt. Dhaulagiri was first summited on May 13, 1960, by an Austrian expedition led by Kurt Diemberger.
4. Difficulty: Climbing Dhaulagiri is considered a challenging feat due to its steep slopes, technical difficulties, and unpredictable weather, especially in the upper sections where the weather can change rapidly.

Major Routes:

1. North Face: The most common route for summit attempts begins from the north side of the mountain, though it is often accessed via the Dhaulagiri Base Camp, which sits around 4,740 meters (15,550 feet).
2. West Ridge: Another important route, though less frequently attempted, is from the west ridge.

Expedition Overview:

A typical Dhaulagiri expedition involves several phases:

1. Trekking to Base Camp:
   The journey to Dhaulagiri Base Camp (around 4,740 meters) starts from Beni, a town that is accessible by road. The trek goes through picturesque villages like Babichaur, Darbang, and Muri, passing through beautiful forests, rivers, and traditional villages.
2. Acclimatization:
   Climbers spend several days at Base Camp and higher camps for acclimatization, gradually moving up to camps positioned at higher altitudes to adapt to the thinner air.
3. Climbing:
   After acclimatization, climbers begin their summit push, moving from Camp I (around 5,700 meters) to Camp II (around 6,400 meters), followed by Camp III (around 7,100 meters) and then the summit attempt.
   The upper parts of the mountain are technical, requiring the use of ice axes, crampons, ropes, and sometimes supplemental oxygen due to the thinning air at high altitudes.
4. Summit Push:
   The final push to the summit from Camp III is physically demanding and requires careful navigation across crevasses, ridges, and snow slopes.
   Weather is a significant factor in any expedition, as storms can cause delays or force climbers to turn back.
5. Descent:
   After reaching the summit, climbers must descend carefully, as accidents often happen during the descent due to exhaustion or unexpected weather changes.

Challenges Faced During the Expedition

• Technical Difficulty: The climb requires strong technical skills, especially in ice and snow climbing, as well as the ability to navigate crevasses and steep rock faces.
• Weather: The mountain's weather is notoriously unpredictable, with sudden snowstorms and strong winds.
• Altitude: Climbers need to contend with the effects of high altitude, which can cause altitude sickness, and many climbers use supplemental oxygen above a certain altitude.
• Avalanches and Rockfalls: The risk of avalanches and rockfalls is a persistent threat, especially in certain sections of the mountain.

Mt. Dhaulagiri’s Significance:

1. Adventure and Challenge: Dhaulagiri attracts climbers who want to test their skills on one of the more difficult 8,000-meter peaks.
2. Stunning Views: The mountain offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Himalayan range, including Annapurna, Machapuchare, and Manaslu.
3. Cultural Experience: The trek to Dhaulagiri passes through culturally rich areas, providing a blend of adventure and immersion in local cultures.

Trip Outline

Day-To-Day Itinerary:
Day 01: Pick up from Kathmandu airport and transfer to the hotel.
Day 02: Official formalities, expedition preparation in Kathmandu.
Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Darbang (920m) for about five hours, camping.
Day 04: Trek from Darbang to Dharapani, camping.
Day 05: Trek from Dharapani to Muri, camping.
Day 06: Trek from Muri to Bagar, camping.
Day 07: Trek from Bagar to Doban, camping.
Day 08: Trek from Doban to Sallaghari, camping.
Day 09: Trek from Sallaghari to Italy base Camp overnight at tent camp.
Day 10: Trek from Italy base camp to Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4700m).
Days 11-39: Climbing Period (Summit Period to Mt. Dhaulagiri 8167m)
Day 40: Preparation to returning (Clean Base Camp).
Day 41: Trek from Dhaulagiri Base Camp to down Yak Kharka(3680m)
Day 42: Trek from Yak Kharka to Jomsom (2710m), about six hours, teahouse.
Day 43: Fly or by Private bus from Jomsom to Pokhara, overnight hotel on BB Plan.
Day 44: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu by tourist bus that takes about seven hours.
Day 45: D-Briefing, Leisure day and shopping in Kathmandu; evening farewell dinner.
Day 46: Final departure, or alternative Join other activities