Pokhara Departure
Circling the massive, isolated Dhaulagiri I (8,167m) massif. Conquering the high, prayer-flag-strewn French Pass at 5,360 meters. Pure wilderness camping on glaciers and inside the uninhabited, snow-bound Hidden Valley. Transitioning from lush subtropical lowlands directly into alpine ice fields and the high Tibetan-style desert of Mustang.
Elite physical conditioning, excellent leg endurance, and prior high-altitude trekking experience. You must be comfortable navigating steep scree fields, walking on active glaciers, and camping in freezing, high-alpine conditions.
Circling the massive, isolated Dhaulagiri I (8,167m) massif. Conquering the high, prayer-flag-strewn French Pass at 5,360 meters. Pure wilderness camping on glaciers and inside the uninhabited, snow-bound Hidden Valley. Transitioning from lush subtropical lowlands directly into alpine ice fields and the high Tibetan-style desert of Mustang.
Expedition Brief
A scenic drive from Pokhara via Beni to Darbang, where the foot journey begins with a gentle warm-up walk to the village of Dharapani.
Follow the trail along the Myagdi Khola riverbed, passing through terraced fields and traditional villages before a steady climb up to the Magar settlement of Muri.
Descend to the stream, cross a suspension bridge, and trek through lush, subtropical bamboo forests and rocky ridges to reach Boghara.
The trail becomes wilder and more rugged, weaving through dense oak and rhododendron woodlands with steep climbs to the clearing of Dobang.
Leave the heavy tree line behind and pass through Sallaghari to enter the alpine zone, stepping beneath the massive West Face of Dhaulagiri at Italian Base Camp.
A vital rest day to let your body adjust to the thinner air. Spend the day doing short hikes around the towering canyon walls.
Navigate a challenging, narrow gorge prone to rockfall, cross a lateral moraine, and set up your first wilderness tent camp directly on the glacier ice.
Trek slowly and carefully over the active debris-covered glacier, climbing into the spectacular glaciated amphitheater of Dhaulagiri Base Camp I.
A critical rest day before crossing the high passes. Rest, hydrate, and absorb the breathtaking close-up views of Dhaulagiri's icefalls.
A grueling pre-dawn push up steep lateral moraines to conquer French Pass (5,360m). Soak in the 360-degree alpine views before dropping into the snowy, isolated Hidden Valley.
Cross the wide, windswept Dhampus Pass (also known as Thapa Pass), then begin a long, knee-burning descent down steep scree ridges into high pasture lands.
Continue the sharp descent down into the arid Kali Gandaki valley, arriving at the stone-paved, white-washed village of Marpha for a comfortable teahouse stay.
Hop into a private mountain jeep to drive down through the deepest gorge in the world, spending the evening soaking your sore muscles in Tatopani's natural riverside hot springs.
Complete the final overland drive back along the highway, arriving in Pokhara by afternoon to conclude the expedition.
For any multi-day trek in Nepal—especially those exceeding 3,000 meters—it is highly recommended to get a baseline health check, confirm your physical fitness levels, and secure proper altitude sickness guidance or necessary travel vaccinations before departure.
Cross Thorong La Pass (5,416m) — from lush Marsyangdi forests through Manang to the sacred Muktinath valley and Poon Hill sunrise.
Nepal's only dedicated wildlife reserve — blue sheep, isolated Tibetan settlements, and remote marshlands.
A 14-day restricted-area circuit through Budhi Gandaki gorges, Tibetan-Buddhist villages, and Larkya La Pass.
Tell us when you arrive in Pokhara. We'll handle the rest.
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