Dhaulagiri Sanctuary Trek Overview
Dhaulagiri Sanctuary Trek is an off-the-beaten-path trekking in Nepal. Officially launched in October 2015, it takes you to the South Base Camp of Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167 m). It is the 7th highest peak in the world located west of Mt. Annapurna (8,091 m).
Mount Dhaulagiri was first successfully climbed by an Austrian Mountaineer Kurt Diemberger on 13 May 1960. He was a member of a joint expedition team of Swiss, Austrian, and Nepali climbers led by Max Eiselin.
As it is a newly introduced Nepal trekking destination of Nepal, teahouses are not fully developed en route. Dhaulagiri Sanctuary trek is a combination of homestay and camping trekking in Nepal. On the first few days, you will get the organic food served in the best hospitality in the Magar ethnic villages.
During this trek, you can have a breathtaking view of Mt. Annapurna (8,091 m), Mt. Nilgiri (7,061 m), and Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167 m) itself. Other peaks you see during this trek are Churen Himal (7,385 m), Gurja Himal (7,193 m) Putha Himal (7,246 m) and many more The route moves along the Myagdi Khola most of the time.
While walking along the less crowded Nepal trekking trails, you will get to see a variety of animals and birds in the forests of pine, oak, and rhododendrons. This moderate Nepal trek takes you along the scenic Rāhu Khola and the Myagdi Khola valleys.
The attractions of the Dhaulagiri Sanctuary trek are the cultivated farmlands and high-altitude villages surrounded by green forests. The traditional houses made up of stones and locally available materials are also worthy of visiting.
Dhaulagiri Sanctuary Trek Highlights
- Less crowded trails and off-the-beaten-path trek
- Combination of homestay and camping trekking
- Reaching Dhaulagiri South Base Camp (4,055m)
- Amazing view of Mt. Annapurna (8,091m), Mt. Nilgiri (7,061m), Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Churen Himal (7,385m), Gurja Himal (7,193m) and Putha Himal (7,246m)
- Newly discovered trekking destination around the 7th highest peak of the world
- Lifestyle, culture, and tradition of the mixed ethnic communities having the Magar community dominant
Dhaulagiri Sanctuary Trek Itinerary
The Dhaulagiri Sanctuary trek itinerary ranges around 14 days. Out of which you spend around 8 days in Dhaulagiri region and 6 days out of it. During this duration, you will witness the mesmerizing view of the snow-capped peaks of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Himalayan Ranges.
The ethnic villages of mixed communities like Chhetri, Brahmin, Gurung, Thakali and Magar. The Magar people are the dominant ethnic community of this region. Most of the male members of this community have been recruited in the British and Indian Army since before the First World War.
Dhaulagiri Sanctuary Trek Cost
Dhaulagiri Sanctuary trek is primarily a camping trekking in Nepal except for some homestay sites en route. As you need to carry the camping equipment and foodstuffs, you need to hire a crew. The crew consists of a team leader, a cook, a kitchen helper, a guide, and a few porters.
Dhaulagiri Sanctuary trek cost happens to be comparatively higher than a teahouse trekking in Nepal. The cost of any Nepal tour and trekking package depends upon a few factors. The factors are Nepal trekking duration, the size of crew, Nepal trek permits as well as food and accommodation services you use.
The homestay sites of the ethnic villages provide you with basic facilities for food and accommodation. The cost of food and lodging is not as high as in those teahouses and lodges.
Dhaulagiri Sanctuary Trek Difficulty
The Dhaulagiri Sanctuary trek is a moderate type of trek to Dhaulagiri South Base Camp (4,055 m). You have to walk for about 6/7 hours along the rugged trails going up and down.
There is no high pass on the trail to the south base camp of Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167 m). The highest altitude you have to reach is Dhaulagiri South Base Camp (4,055 m).
You have to walk and spend the nights above 2,500 m only two days of the total itinerary. Before trekking to Dhaulagiri South Base Camp, you have to stay a night in Odar Camp (3,189 m). The next morning, you trek to the base camp and spend another night there.
Due to the low altitude, there is not much threat of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). When there is not any risk of AMS, you can do this trek easily.
The services of food and accommodation are the only factors responsible for Dhaulagiri Sanctuary trek difficulty. You can’t choose a large variety of food items from the menu. However, you can load the food items of your choice and get the crew to carry them.
Dhaulagiri Trek Map
The Dhaulagiri trek map begins from Beni, the gateway to the Guerrilla Trek and Upper Dolpo Trek. Then, it moves along Jhi, Gyashikharka, Phedi Camp, and Odar Camp to Dhaulagiri South Base Camp. After getting the lifelong memories of the Dhaulagiri Sanctuary trek, you climb down to Chhari. Thereafter, you spend a night at Dagnam and drive back to Pokhara via Beni.
