Dhaulagiri Sanctuary trek, also known as Dhaulagiri South Base camp trek, is one of the shortest and newly opened trekking route of Nepal. This trekking gives a perfect introduction of Himalayan culture of western region of Nepal. You can get chance to meet Magar ethnic group, also you can learn about their culture and tradition. Besides that, it is full of natural scenery of green lush forest, massive hills and attractive mountains including Dhaulagiri 8,167 m, the seventh highest mountain of the world. This trekking route is enriched with diverse floras and faunas. This trek is a combination of homestay and camping trek. The first phase starts with the homestay with rich Magar hospitality. As the elevation starts to rise up, there is not any residences so camping is required.

Dhaulagiri Sanctuary trek gives an opportunity to explore unique cultural diversity and beauty of nature. The key highlights of the trip are the terrace farming fields, beautiful villages, forests of rhododendron, pine and bamboo along with the views of Dhaulagiri range, Annapurna range, Nilgiri, Churen, Gurja, Manapathi, Tukuche west peak and many more. With the experience of Magar culture throughout the journey, it could be trekkers’ favourite. It is also one of the less crowded areas of Nepal and shares peaceful environment. The trail is moderate which means trekker need stamina and strength to complete the trek.

While you are here, don't forget to check Dhaulagiri circuit trek too. 

Dhaulagiri Sanctuary trek detailed itinerary
BLD denotes Breakfast Lunch Dinner

DAY 01: Arrival in Kathmandu 1,400 m, Hotel

'Namaste and welcome to Nepal’ this is how our representative welcomes you after arriving in Tribhuwan International Airport. You will be transferred to the respective hotel. We will meet again in the evening to communicate about our Dhaulagiri sanctuary trip and talk over the dinner.

DAY 02: Preparation day and optional sightseeing in Kathmandu, B, Hotel

On this day, you can explore some world heritage sites around Kathmandu valley if you wish to. On the other side, our staffs will be busy on preparing necessary documents and permits. On your free time. you can also buy some trekking equipment and gears.

DAY 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Beni 900 m via Pokhara 9 hours, BLD, Hotel

Today it will be a long driving day. Firstly, we will take a long scenic drive to Pokhara early in the morning. It almost take 7 hours to reach Pokhara from Kathmandu. After reaching Pokhara we will again drive to Beni which takes 2 hours.

DAY 04: Drive and trek from Beni to Jhi 1,680 m 4 hours, BLD, Homestay

From Beni we will take a short drive of 2 hours on the off-road. After then it take 2 hours of walk to reach Jhi from the spot. After reaching Jhi we will stay in homestay with local people. It is golden opportunity to learn about local lifestyle.

DAY 05: Trek from Jhi to Ghyasikharka 1,865 m 7 hours, BLD, Homestay

Trekking to Ghyasikharka is a long way of trekking. But as the elevation gets higher, the view gets more awesome and beautiful. The natural scene with peaceful environment makes this long trek seem easy. Also, today we will stay in wonderful homestay.

DAY 06: Trek from Ghyasikharka to Phedi Camp 2,460 m 6 hours, BLD, Camping

From today onwards, we will be using tented camping as there will not be any accommodation facilities. The walk of 6 hours from Ghyasikharka leads to Phedi Camp. As our team will be preparing the camp, you can have a short visit around the surrounding.

DAY 07: Trek from Phedi Camp to Odar camp 3,190 m 6 hours, BLD, Camping

As we go further and on higher elevation, the view of Dhaulagiri become clearer and so closer. Almost 6 hours of walk is set for Odar Camp. After reaching Odar camp you can explore the surroundings, enjoying the beautiful landscape and mighty mountain.

DAY 08: Trek from Odar Camp to Dhaulagiri South Base Camp 4,055 m 8 hours, BLD, Camping

Today is the big day of the journey. The walk of about 8 hours takes us to the southern part of the seventh highest mountain, Dhaulagiri. Although the way is long but after reaching base camp the stunning view will make you forget about your fatigue. We will enjoy our time in the base camp for successfully making it up to Dhaulagiri South Base camp.

DAY 09: Trek from Dhaulagiri South Base Camp to Chhari 2,020 m 7 hours, BLD, Homestay

After we reach the main destination of the journey, it’s time to return back. It follows the same trail back again to Chhari. It is also the long way walk of descending. As we reach the village we will again continue to stay with local people in their homestay.

DAY 10: Trek from Chhari to Dagnam 1,720 m 7 hours, BLD, Homestay

This is the last day of Dhaulagiri South Base Camp trekking. We will walk to beautiful village Dagnam and explore the vicinity. The last night in the mountain will put us in tears probably but no worries, the life will bring us more chances in our laps.

DAY 11: Drive from Dagnam to Pokhara 5 hours, B, Hotel

Another driving day to our favourite city Pokhara. Enjoy the ride and forget about those bumpy chills. What’s there to be afraid of, since we have completed our lifelong memorable journey in Dhaulagiri and Annapurna region! Chill time in Pokhara.

DAY 12: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmanu, BD, Hotel

One can also choose to fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu if he or she wishes to avoid the long journey back to Kathmandu. Whichever suits you, suits us. Farewell dinner is served in the evening by our team.

DAY 13: Goodbye from Nepal, B, Flight.

Nature Lovers Treks and Tours’ team feel disheartened to see you off to the airport. With the promises to meet again, we separate and we wish you a wonderful journey ahead. Goodbye.

Cost for 1 PAX: $2680 /-

Cost for 2 or more PAX: $1990 per person

Note: Trip cost varies with the group sizes.

Dhaulagiri Sanctuary Trek Cost Breakdown

Cost Include

• All ground transfers
• Full sightseeing during trekking
• Hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara on BB basis
• Camping accommodations at mountain and teahouses plus homestays wherever available
• Required camping stuffs, including different tents, other gears and equipment with food supplies
• Full board meals; breakfast, lunch, dinner and tea / coffee and snacks
• Clean drinking water everyday
• Trekking permit
• TIMS Card (Trekkers Information management system)
• An experienced English speaking trekking guide and his expenses, insurance
• Porter service (1 for 2 trekkers) and their expenses, insurances including extra Sherpas for carrying camping stuffs
• First Aid kit Bag
• Company t-shirt/ Certificate of appreciation
• Route map
• Government tax and Vat

Cost Exclude

• Arrival visa fee and international departure
• Extra drinks as alcoholic and non-alcoholic and other personal expenses
• Extra accommodation and meals behind schedule
• Meals and sightseeing in Kathmandu and Pokhara
• Travel and emergency rescue insurance
• Gratuities to the staffs (mandatory)
• Down jacket, walking stick and duffel bag (provided if required but to be returned after)

Dhaulagiri Sanctuary Trek Useful Information

Kathmandu airport pick up and drop services

Nature Lovers Treks and Tours’ staffs will pick you up from the airport as per your flight arrival time and similarly drop you off in the airport for international departure according to your flight schedule. During arrival, please don’t forget to look for your name placard hold by the team, outside the airport arrival gate. Our staff will be impatiently waiting for your arrival to greet you and warmly welcome you in Nepal. ‘NAMASTE’ is the foremost and the most commonly used greeting word in Nepal which you will hear from our staff at the very first moment you meet him.

Customized Trips and Trip departure

Dhaulagiri Sanctuary Trek departs from Kathmandu as per our fixed departure dates. You can join any available fixed departure groups if you are a solo or small group travelers if you wish to, when the trips cannot be customized.

But if you are in a private group, fixed departure dates are not suitable for you and so you need to choose your own dates and packages, when you can customize the trek as per your travel needs. For further information, please kindly contact your own friendly neighbor, Nature Lovers Treks and Tours.

Accommodations in Kathmandu, Pokhara and during trek

You will be staying in the homestays or the tented camps during the trek while in 3 star hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara.

Route Map and Company T-shirt

Nature Lovers Treks and Tours offers you a complimentary trekking map and the company t-shirts.

Safe Drinking Water during Dhaulagiri Sanctuary Trek

Hydrating yourself is the most important thing to do during the trek. You should drink at least 3 liters of water every day or more. The main reason is to avoid the altitude sickness and to avoid other health issues. Nature Lovers Treks and Tours provides you water purification tablets or liquids to purify the water in the mountains. You can even buy mineral water or boiled water on extra cost.

Your trekking guides and porters

Nature Lovers Treks and Tours has the best guides and porters in the whole tourism industry. We can guarantee you on that. Ask yourselves a question. What do you look for in a guide and a porter? Are they fully insured and are they paid well? Well, they are the staffs of Nature Lovers Treks and Tours so they are hundred percent happy with their treatment by the company. They are experienced, licensed and knowledgeable in the field. They are well paid and fully insured for their journey as well as for the medicals.

Now, let’s talk about our backbones. The leader or a guide should have a significant knowledge in the climbing and trekking so that he can wonderfully and safely lead you, clearing any obstacles on the way. We, Nature Lovers Treks and Tours can proudly say that our guides (climbing, assistant, trekking guide) are highly qualified for the role. They are fully trained, experienced and licensed. They have undergone through a whole lot of training to make themselves useful in various situations and to make your journey a smooth and pleasant one.

Our guide knows the local areas, the cultures, the traditions and the lifestyles much more than anyone do. Some of the things he tells you, might even be hard to find in the travel guide books. Depending upon the situations and weather conditions, the daily plans might change slightly which when happens, he will inform you beforehand. You should always be flexibly ready to accommodate to your guides’ instructions. Let him know if you have any health problems as well since he will act accordingly to the situation. Depending upon the group size, we will also provide you assistant guides and extra Sherpas if needed.

Our porters are always fully equipped with the gears they need and as per the company policy, they are always insured and completely looked after. They are our backbone. We allow maximum weight of 25/30 kg to be carried by one porter. They are the strongest in our group with less communication skills. We also closely work with IPPG {International Porter Protection Group} and follow their ethics and guidelines.

Extra personal expenses during and after trek

The clients are responsible for their own personal expenses during or after the treks like, for buying beverages and snacks, WiFi, doing laundry, buying souvenirs & personal equipment, tips for the field staffs, etc. Therefore, we recommend you to bring some extra cash (in dollars or euro, etc.) of about $200-400, and change it into Nepali Rupees since only NPR are accepted in majority of the Nepali market. 

Your safety

Nature Lovers Treks and Tours puts your safety as the top priority. We provide you our own comprehensive first aid medical kit bag along with the professional team of guides and porters. We are always in communication with our field team members to keep track of your safety and concerns. Your entire journey will be monitored by us and we make sure you enjoy your journey in full scale. We are available 24/7 for your health and safety checks during Dhaulagiri Sanctuary Trek.

Dhaulagiri Sanctuary Trek Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the Dhaulagiri Sanctuary Trek cost?

The cost of the Dhaulagiri Sanctuary Trek varies from $1500-$2500 depending upon the number of days you choose to trek. The longer the trek, more expensive it will become. Similarly, the price will differ with the group sizes. Normally, Nature Lovers Treks and Tours offers a comprehensive package which is inclusive of all the cost and expenses for the entire journey from the moment you land in Nepal till the moment you fly back home. However, you could also choose to buy only service-based package from us when we will be providing you only the supporting field staffs plus trekking permits and you have to arrange the rest by yourselves.

How is the Accommodation during the Dhaulagiri Sanctuary Trek?

In Dhaulagiri Sanctuary Trek, we will provide you the homestay accommodations as per availability in some days but for most of the days, you will be sleeping in the tented camps. A homestay is typically a local house with addition of some extra beds and minor facilities to welcome the guest. Homestay is where you can stay and experience the local lifestyles and cultures. Most of the homestays have Asian style of toilets. Hot showers are available but on extra cost. Sleeping blankets are usually provided but we recommend you to carry your own sleeping bags for the hygienic purpose {can be arranged on request}. At the same time, it’s better to carry your own toiletries including the towels.

During the camping days, you will be sleeping in the camps set up by our field Sherpa staffs. There will be separate kitchen and dining tents. Your meals will be freshly cooked and you will be served day and nights by our Sherpas. Our staffs will carry the sleeping bags, pillows and mattresses for you to sleep in the tents. Undoubtedly, you will have a perfect camping trek experience with Nature Lovers Treks and Tours.

What are the permits that I need for Dhaulagiri Sanctuary Trek ?

For Dhaulagiri Sanctuary Trek , you will need to make two permits: ACAP permit (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) and TIMS Card (Trekkers' Information Management System).

How does this tipping system in Nepal works and do I have to tip?

Tipping is not compulsory for Dhaulagiri Sanctuary Trek however tipping is all about showing your gratitude and appreciation. We care about our staffs in the fields so we expect you to look after them in return for them looking after you throughout your journey. They are your closest friend in the remotest parts and also your protector whenever anything seems to happen to you. So tipping is highly expected and we’ve made it mandatory too. The amount of gratuities can be determined by yourselves. Normally, a guide expects around $5 or more per day per person while a porter expects $4 or more per day per person.

Can I charge my phones, batteries or other electronic devices in Dhaulagiri Sanctuary Trek?

You can hardly charge your electronic devices during Dhaulagiri Sanctuary Trek.

Is there WiFi and mobile signal on the Dhaulagiri Sanctuary Trek?

Dhaulagiri Sanctuary Trek route has poor mobile network coverages. But you can buy one of the NTC or Ncell Sim cards from any local phone shops in Kathmandu or Pokhara which has coverage in most parts of the country. It is wiser to buy a sim card with around 4 GB data in Kathmandu or Pokhara and use the mobile data in the trek whenever available.

WiFi is also available on some homestays in Dhaulagiri Sanctuary Trek route but if it does, you need to pay extra.

When is the best time to trek to Dhaulagiri Sanctuary?

Dhaulagiri Sanctuary Trek can be done throughout the year. However in average, Spring {March, April and May} and Autumn {September, October and November} are the best times or seasons to trek to Dhaulagiri Sanctuary. Spring and Autumn are known as the Peak season or Busy season in Nepal. It’s because the temperature is moderate during these seasons and the best panoramic mountain views are guaranteed while during other Summer {June, July and August} and Winter {December, January and February} season, the clear weather is not guaranteed. But if you are an explorer, a photographer and a peace lover, less busy season can also be the right time to do Dhaulagiri Sanctuary Trek.

Do I have to worry about the altitude sickness in Dhaulagiri Sanctuary Trek?

The itinerary of our Dhaulagiri Sanctuary Trek is perfectly designed by Nature Lovers Treks and Tours and has separated enough time in the places to let the body acclimatize well in high altitudes. As long as you follow the guide, you should be fine. Altitude sickness in fact can affect anyone regardless of the age or the fitness level, so it is very important to walk slowly and gradually as you go higher. Learn more in details about Altitude Sickness to prepare yourselves for the upcoming Dhaulagiri Sanctuary Trek.

Do I need to be healthy and physically fit for Dhaulagiri Sanctuary Trek?

When it comes to trekking in the mountains, health and fitness of a person plays a vital role. If you are a healthy person without any serious medical problems, Dhaulagiri Sanctuary Trek is for you but if you have any sorts of medical issues, please consult to your doctor before coming to Nepal for the trek. We will be gaining the high altitude of 4055 m or more above the sea level which is not a joke. People normally start to have breathing problems above 3000 meters from the sea level, if they have pre-existing health conditions.

Now when it comes to the fitness level required, Dhaulagiri Sanctuary Trek demands moderate physical fitness. The trekking includes daily walks of about 4-8 hours and involves many ascents and descents which means you need at least some practices before you start the trekking journey. If you do not have the previous trekking experience, that’s fine but obviously if you have previous experiences, it will be lot easier. For those not having previous trekking experiences, please exercise regularly for at least a month prior to your trekking departure. Go for the morning walks, do some jogging as you get time, participate in some cycling activities, etc. This way, you will be good to go for trekking to Dhaulagiri Sanctuary trip.

What kind of food items or meals can I eat on Dhaulagiri Sanctuary Trek?

Only breakfast in available in Kathmandu and Pokhara but full board meals or full meals are included during the trek. Tea and coffee will also be provided during the entire trip. During the trek, you will have your breakfast and dinner in the same homestays or tented camps where you spend the night while the lunch will be served en route towards the next destination of the day. Freshly cooked meals will be served in most of the days and usually the foods are basic and with few choices but they will certainly be healthy and nutritious. During homestays, there will be some good choices from Nepali, Tibetan to Continental dishes.

Do I need a travel insurance for Dhaulagiri Sanctuary Trek?

Travel insurance is a must when you trek to Dhaulagiri Sanctuary. Therefore before you come to Nepal, please make sure you have your insurance documents with you since our insurance companies cannot insure foreign nationals. Because of the reason that they cover all the expenses, if you face some unfortunate happenings and you have to be rescued or medically assisted during the trip or if your belongings are lost or stolen. We strongly advise you to take out an insurance which covers any medical risks up to 4000 meter as well as the medical evacuation from the mountains.

Can I use my debit or credit cards during the trek?

In general, most of the places in Nepal don't accept the card payments as they are remote and of limited use to them. So, we recommend you to withdraw some cash before departing for the journey. ATMs will charge you minimal service fee for withdrawing money and you will also get good exchange rate from the banks. 

How much weight of luggage can I take during the trek?

Our porter is allowed to carry maximum of 25 kg so, since 2 clients will share one porter, both of your combined weights shouldn't be more than 18-20kg. We care about our porters and he also has his personal belongings to carry as well. 

For the important things and your personal items, you might have to carry your own backpack. But please, only carry the essentials and you will have to leave the rest of the unimportant items, either in the hotel's locker room or in our office store for free. 

Is there any age limit for Dhaulagiri base camp trek?

Not, at all. No matter if you're 5 years old or 85, you can trek as long as you can. In fact, the children seem to adapt to the high altitudes faster than an adult. So, as long as you're willing to hike the Himalayas, you can hike no matter what your age is. 

How do you take the remaining balance on arrival in Kathmandu? Do I need to pay you by cash or I can use my card?

On arrival in Kathmandu, you can pay the remaining balance either on cash or by card. We prefer to be paid in cash (doesn't matter which currency) rather than by card but however, you can also swipe your card which will incur you extra 3.5% charge from the bank.

How big should my backpack be?

It all depends on what you wish to carry on your day pack. We recommend a backpack between 20-40 liter or roughly the size of a school bag. 

Can I leave my luggage in Kathmandu?

Definitely, you can leave your excess stuffs in Kathmandu. Either you can leave them on the hotel's locker room or in our office store for free. 

What about extra days and nights in Kathmandu?

For any extra days and nights in Kathmandu which is outside of your schedule, you can let us know beforehand and we can book the hotels for you and also other add-ons or activities as you may like. If under unforeseen circumstances you get extra days in Kathmandu after the trek, we shall work out the right solution for you.

What if I get sick or injured during the trek?

Like we said earlier, we, Nature Lovers Treks and Tours puts your safety as the top priority. Our professional team is always with you and monitoring you to ensure your wellness and safety. Our experienced and well-trained guide will use his emergency skills in case of emergency; either if you get injured or if you get sick. If it's regarding a symptom of altitude sickness or AMS, you will have to go down to the lower altitudes as fast as possible in order to gain your energy back. You can always continue in the later days or retreat as per your choice. In case of necessity, he will arrange the rescue helicopter for you as well to get the quick medical attention in Kathmandu. 

How cold is it during the Dhaulagiri base camp trekking?

The places in the mountainous region are always cold no matter which season or what time. But the temperatures vary depending on the season and altitude. 

What gears and equipment do I need to pack for Dhaulagiri Sanctuary Trek?

Choosing the right gear and equipment is important as well for the successful trek to Dhaulagiri Sanctuary. Pack the right gears and equipment but remember, packing as light as possible is the best way to go when trekking to Dhaulagiri Sanctuary. You should read this What to take for travel to get all the details on what you need to pack or carry.