NEPAL - Dhaulagiri trekking via the French Pass
One of the toughest and best circuit trekking adventures in the Nepal Himalayas
2 nights hotels and lodges, 17 nights camping, 17 days STRENUOUS trekking, max. altitude - 5360m. All meals included.
strenuous
New and challenging trekking adventure holiday walking a circuit around Dhaulagiri in the Nepal Himalayas. Beginning at Beni on the Kali Gandaki River, this superb trekking route in Nepal ascends the lovely and unspoiled valley of the Myagdi Khola which flows southwards from the heart of the Dhaulagiri Himal. After 8 days of walking, through an ever-changing landscape, with numerous picturesque villages, we reach Dhaulagiri Basecamp and prepare ourselves for the crux of our route - the challenging trekking over the ‘French Pass’ (5360m). This tough, but technically straightforward pass lies close beneath the northern slopes of Dhaulagiri (8167m) and the mountain views of this part of the Himalayas on our ascent and descent are simply sensational. We have a day to explore the remarkable ‘Hidden Valley’ before crossing the Dhampus Pass and making the long descent to Marpha. From here, we follow the final section of the classic Annapurna Circuit trekking route for a couple of days, walking out directly to Beni. This is adventure travel at its best - a brilliant trekking holiday adventure in a rarely-visited part of Nepal Himalayas.
Trip Guide
Much of the trek involves straightforward walking on good trails. The trek has been given the STRENUOUS grade on account of a number of factors including the unavoidably large altitude gains, the committing nature of the pass crossings and because there are a number of long or difficult days. The first few days we find ourselves tracing a way on good paths, through paddy fields and villages. Later, in the upper part of the Myagdi Khola, we will be following narrow tracks through forest, with good underfoot conditions. Approaching and crossing French Pass, we will encounter rough glacial moraine, scree, rock ridges with some degree of exposure (fixed lines may be used), and easy angled snow slopes. All group members will carry harness, crampons and an ice axe and should be competent in their use. Once in the Kali Gandaki valley we will descend the main Annapurna Circuit on well maintained trails. It should be noted that trekking at altitudes above 3000m. / 10,000ft. makes greater demands on the body than walking at low elevations, and is of itself challenging even for fit hikers. Our itinerary is staged to allow the best possible acclimatisation but large steps in altitude are unavoidable because of limited campsite options. You will need to ensure you are physically prepared for the trek and you should be comfortable with walking for 6 or 7 hours each day on a variety of terrain with the occasional longer day, and to maintain this over several days.
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The trip pages are only a brief summary of the details available within our trip dossiers. It is important that you read the full day to day description and further information for this trip before making your booking.
Download a dossier for NEPAL - Dhaulagiri trekking via the French Pass
