General trip description
Trek route: Kathmandu, Beni, Italy BC, Dhaulagiri BC, French Col, Jomson, Pokhara, Kathmandu
A long bus ride brings you to village of Beni, the starting point of this trek. Good, wide trails lead you through little villages, green fields, wild forests, deep gorges across suspension bridges and wild rivers to wide alpine valleys. The trails may get (very) muddy at some stages, while trails in thick forest sections disappear or are very difficult to walk. Athletic moves may be needed. Above the tree line the landscape changes into grassy and rocky alpine areas until you reach Italy BC. A small glacier crossing and several snow fields have to be crossed to reach the Dhaulagiri Gate, a very high and narrow gorge formed by Dhaulagiri I & II. An easy, but tiring climb brings you on top of the main glacier that leads to a rocky moraine just near a glacier junction before Tukuche Peak. This is Dhaulagiri BC. From the base camp you will continue across rocky trails, flat, wide area’s and, steep parts to the French Col. A very windy place. From the pass you will have to descend a long way to the valley bottom before reaching the ‘Hidden Valley’. An easy, but long climb brings you at that last high pass of this trip: Damphus Pass. A long traverse followed by a steep descend will bring you back in the village of Marpha, a popular village on the main trail of the Annapurna Circuit. From here the trails are easy again, almost flat until Jomson. The slopes in this trip can be steep so now and then. Landslides and falling rocks are possible at certain stages.
Team composition
This trek is organized in classic expedition style only or in combination with lodge style. Classic expedition style means that camps will be established (at camp sites) along the trails. Simple guesthouses may be available and used, too.
Within our full trekking service - package, the trek is led by an experienced Nepalese trekking leader, supported by a team of Sherpa’s, cooks and porters or yaks. The trekking leader has managed many treks & expeditions and knows the route very well. The trekking leader and the Sherpa’s lead the way and establish al camps. A strong team of porters or yaks carries all equipment & food. Check the different, available service packages to see what is included and not included.
Well developed and proven trekking and acclimatization schedules with sufficient rest & acclimatization days guarantee the safety and the highest chance to reach the different goals in this trek. The strategy and all options will be discussed on the way.
Minimum / maximum group size:
- Private treks: no limit
- Fixed departure treks: minimum 3 members / maximum:12 members
Experience & skills
This trek does not require specific experience or skills, although you should feel comfortable walking on steep, rocky, slippery and unstable terrain. Crossing high passes may involve some scrambling across rock and snow sections.
This trek is open for anybody who is fit. View the trip’s difficulty for more details. However, as you’re part of a group during demanding activities, you must prepare yourself for working and living in and with a group of people who share the same, common goal! An easy going, flexible attitude is a must.
Equipment list
After booking all members will receive a final equipment list detailing all necessary clothing and (climbing) equipment to be individually provided. You may download an example list on this page (right top).
Best season, climate, temperatures
Indication of best seasons to make this trip (stable weather and clear views):
- Spring: March, April, May
- Autumn: October, November
Indication of temperatures: (depending on weather conditions)
- Below 5000m varying from: Day time: +10ºC / +30ºC. Night time: -5ºC / +15ºC
- Above 5000m varying from: Day time: -5ºC / +10ºC. Night time: -15ºC / -25ºC
Rain may be expected in the lower areas and strong winds are very common. Mountain storms are unpredictable and can arise quickly, changing trekking conditions dramatically. Rain, snow and strong winds are always possible.