Description
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Mount Dhaulagiri Expedition / Dhaulagiri Nepal
- Day 1: Kathmandu arrival
Arrival at Kathmandu Airport and transfer to hotel. - Day 2: Kathmandu
Sightseeing in Kathmandu. - Day 3: Kathmandu
Preparation for immigration paperwork and climbing. - Day 4: Kathmandu – Beni
This is the day the “Mount Dhaulagiri Expedition / Dhaulagiri Nepal” begins. Drive from Kathmandu to Beni, overnight at lodge. - Day 5: Beni – Tatopani
Beni to Tatopani. Overnight at lodge. - Day 6: Tatopani – Ghasa
Tatopani to Ghasa, overnight at lodge. - Day 7: Ghasa – Marpha
Ghasa to Marpha, overnight at lodge. - Day 8: Marpha – Yak Kharka
Marpha to Yak Kharka. Overnight at camp. - Day 9: Yak Kharka – Kalopani
Yak Kharka to Kalopani, overnight at camp. - Day 10: Kalopani – French Col
Kalopani to French Col. - Day 11: French Col – Base Camp
French Col to Base Camp. - Day 12-51: Climbing / Expedition
Climbing period. - Day 52: Dhampus
Trek down to Dhampus. - Day 53: Dhampus – Marpha
Dhampus to Marpha. - Day 54: Marpha – Ghasa
Marpha to Ghasa. - Day 55: Ghasa – Tatopani
Ghasa to Tatopani. - Day 56: Tatopani – Pokhara
Tatopani to Pokhara. - Day 57: Pokhara – Kathmandu
Drive back to Kathmandu. - Day 58: Kathmandu
Free day in Kathmandu, evening culture show with Nepali dinner, hotel. - Day 59: See-off. The “Mount Dhaulagiri Expedition / Dhaulagiri Nepal” programme ends. Final departure, transfer to airport.
Dhaulagiri Expedition – Background
The Mount Dhaulagiri Expedition (8,167 m) takes place in the western part of the Mustang District in Nepal. Dhaulagiri means “White Mountain” and is the seventh-highest mountain in the world – one of the most popular eight-thousanders for expeditions. The Dhaulagiri Expedition combines a circuit of the Dhaulagiri massif with the Annapurna region. It is an enormous Himalayan massif in north-central Nepal, and the highest mountain that lies entirely within Nepal. Our itinerary for the Dhaulagiri Expedition allows plenty of time for acclimatisation and preparation for the summit push. Together with its neighbouring eight-thousander Annapurna, Dhaulagiri forms the Kali Gandaki Gorge, the deepest gorge in the world.
Lying north-west of Pokhara, the peak first attracted a French expedition in 1950. Led by Maurice Herzog, the mountaineers looked up at this formidable peak, judged it impossible to climb, and turned their attention to Annapurna I instead, which they went on to climb first. It was only the survey of Dhaulagiri’s true height in 1809 that revealed the Himalaya to be higher than the Andes in South America – until then, Europeans had assumed Dhaulagiri was the highest mountain in the world. In 1808 it had replaced Ecuador’s Chimborazo (6,267 m) as the postulated highest mountain on Earth. Dhaulagiri is also the highest point of the Gandaki river basin.
We take care of all necessary permits and climbing documentation, as well as the complete travel logistics – including flights, ground transportation, porters, and any other individual services mountaineers require. Today, more than six different routes with numerous variations have been established on Dhaulagiri.
Nepal Highlights:
Holiday season in Nepal. Additional info for the “Mount Dhaulagiri Expedition / Dhaulagiri Nepal”.
Nepal can be visited at any time of year. That said, a clear warning is due: there are some natural hazards, such as severe flooding during the monsoon season (mid-July to mid-August) and extreme cold in the Himalaya (late November to mid-December). Nepal has hills and mountains. The high mountains are one of the reasons why Nepal is so rich in water resources (fast-flowing rivers, beautiful lakes). Heavy or even moderate rainfall over 3-4 days can cause flooding in the lowland regions, so caution is needed when visiting those areas during the monsoon. Outside the monsoon, however, the sun shines during the day in the hilly regions even in winter, making for a warm, cosy and comfortable travel season.
Seasons in Nepal. Additional info for the “Mount Dhaulagiri Expedition / Dhaulagiri Nepal”.
Nepal has six seasons: Basanta Ritu (spring), Grishma Ritu (early summer), Barkha Ritu (summer monsoon), Sharad Ritu (early autumn), Hemanta Ritu (late autumn), and Shishir Ritu (winter).
Apart from the monsoon season (early July to late August), any season is suitable for a holiday. Yetiland-nepal.de advises against travelling in Nepal’s lowland regions during the monsoon.
Summers can be hot, with temperatures rising to around 25-40°C depending on location.
In the upper Himalayan region, summer temperatures can reach up to 30°C, while in the lower Terai region, mainly in the southern part of Nepal, they can even reach 40°C.
Winter days are mostly sunny, with cold mornings and evenings. If you have experienced winter in Greece, it feels somewhat similar to winter in the capital, Kathmandu. That comparison only goes so far, though: from mid-December the sun still shines and keeps you warm during the day, while evening temperatures can drop drastically to around 5°C – and considerably below 0°C in the Himalaya.
Buddha was born in Nepal
This topic has recently become a unique rallying point for all Nepalis. Because neighbouring countries, India in particular, sometimes publish claims that Buddha originated in India, the subject occasionally sparks controversy and strong feelings among Nepalis. In fact, Buddha was born in Nepal.
You should visit Lumbini, his birthplace in Nepal, south-west of the capital Kathmandu. The prince who left his palace in search of eternal peace and meaning in life attained Nirvana, or enlightenment. Since then, the path he set out – and which his followers have continued – has spread in various forms among millions of people around the world. Even in today’s modern world, and in Western society too, Buddhism and meditation (a path to self-knowledge, eternal peace, and ultimately Nirvana) have become popular, everyday practices.
Take a look at our other offers as well (which include a visit to Lumbini).
8 of the 10 tallest mountains in Nepal. Additional info for the “Mount Dhaulagiri Expedition / Dhaulagiri Nepal”.
Nepal contains 8 of the 10 highest mountains in the world. These are: Mount Everest (8,848 m), Kanchenjunga (8,586 m), Lhotse (8,516 m), Makalu (8,485 m), Cho Oyu (8,188 m), Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), Manaslu (8,163 m), and Annapurna I (8,091 m). Yetiland-Nepal offers the following categories in these regions: Category: Expedition for booking an expedition (suitable for professionals only). Category: Trek / Hike for trekking in the region (relatively easier, with views of the mountains from a lower altitude – suitable for people who want to get to know Nepal without climbing the mountains). Category: Holiday (purely to enjoy leisure activities and experience the nature and beauty of Nepal).
One of the most dangerous airports in Nepal. Additional info for the “Mount Dhaulagiri Expedition / Dhaulagiri Nepal”.
One of the most famous airports on the route to Mount Everest, “Lukla”, is considered one of the most dangerous airports in the world. It lies between the hills, which makes landing and take-off a serious challenge. Pilots say there is a point of no return, before which all prior precautions and technical orientation must be complete in order to bring the plane safely into the landing zone. In peak season, thousands of passengers fly into this region every month – a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience. Nepali pilots are highly skilled thanks to their experience across almost all of Nepal’s hilly regions.
New Year in Nepal. Additional info for the “Mount Dhaulagiri Expedition / Dhaulagiri Nepal”.
Nepal has its own calendar system, known as Vikram Sambat. The current year is 2077 (see date conversions for comparison). Nepali New Year falls around mid-April, which is also the start of summer in Nepal. People also follow the lunar calendar for religious processions, ceremonies, and family celebrations. Various old legends explain the origins of the New Year. Nepal is a country of many ethnic groups, and each has its own ancient history – so different local New Year dates exist as well. A well-known example is Losar, also followed by the Sherpas.
A unique flag. Additional info for the “Mount Dhaulagiri Expedition / Dhaulagiri Nepal”.
Nepal’s flag is unique in being the only double-triangular shape among all the flags of the world. It bears symbols of the sun and the moon, which reflect the character of the Nepali people. People are generally very welcoming to foreigners and show the utmost hospitality – in the hill regions, people even slaughter their own livestock (such as chickens or goats) to show hospitality to their guests. The moon on the flag reflects the modest character of the Nepalis, while the sun reflects their bravery. Even today, many Nepali soldiers serve in various British battalions around the world, known as the Gorkhas.
A unique weapon
A handmade metal knife that is very popular worldwide originates from Nepal. The “khukuri” is a knife carried by Nepali soldiers and used during the World Wars. According to World War veterans, Nepali soldiers were believed to have performed with great efficiency thanks to their bravery and use of the khukuri. You can also buy these knives as a souvenir.
Suspension bridges
Nepal is unique for its suspension bridges. Numerous suspension bridges span the gaps between hills. Since Nepal is such a hilly region, these bridges have long been a convenient way to make life easier for Nepalis living in high hill regions. Even Germany, which regards Nepal’s suspension bridges as a unique example, built its own suspension bridge in the Rhineland-Palatinate region – see the “Geierlay” suspension bridge.
Landslides
Nepal is a very hilly region. During the monsoon season, flooding is possible – mainly in Nepal’s flat lowland region known as the Terai, where vegetation thrives all year round. Nepal is rich in water resources, so large rivers with strong currents grow even larger with continuous rainfall. Heavy rain can sometimes also trigger landslides in Nepal’s hilly regions. It is recommended to avoid travelling during the monsoon season.
Earthquakes
Nepal is one of the countries at high risk of earthquakes. That does not mean major earthquakes happen every day or even every month, but past events have shown that a high earthquake risk recurs roughly every 50 years.
The reason for this earthquake risk lies in the tectonic plates beneath the country. The Indian Plate moves about 5 cm each year relative to the Eurasian Plate, which pushes the Himalaya upward – a process that takes millions of years. The earthquake of April 2015 is one of the most recent major earthquakes (magnitude 7.8, at a depth of 8.2 km) to cause major economic and geographic devastation in this Himalayan country. Around 9,000 people were killed and 22,000 injured in this earthquake.
Flying in Nepal
The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal is the governing body responsible for regulating aviation in Nepal.
CAAN – NEPAL
Nepal is served by a number of different airlines, including:
Yeti Airlines, Buddha Air, Himalaya Airlines, Simrik Airlines, Nepal Airlines, Saurya Airlines, Shree Airlines, Sita Air, Summit Air, Tara Air.
You can also charter a helicopter for private use. Airlines offering such charter services include:
Air Dynasty, Simrik Air, Prabhu Helicopters, Altitude Air, Fishtail Air, Manang Air, Makalu Air, Kailash Helicopter Services, Heli Everest.
Airports in Nepal. Additional info for the “Mount Dhaulagiri Expedition / Dhaulagiri Nepal”.
A number of domestic airlines offer flight services all year round. Nepal covers an area of 147,516 km², about 880 km long (along the Himalayan axis) and 150-250 km wide (across). The average domestic flight duration is 1.5-2 hours, meaning you can fly between the following airports within a maximum of 3 flight hours: Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu; Tenzing-Hillary Airport, Lukla; Pokhara Airport; Simara Airport; Bharatpur Airport; Biratnagar Airport; Surkhet Airport; Nepalgunj Airport; Jomsom Airport.
Of the airports listed above, Lukla Airport is one of the most dangerous airports in the world. It would be a truly fantastic, once-in-a-lifetime experience. Even so, thousands of people fly to and from this airport every month.
If Yetiland-Nepal has already offered you a complete package, there is no need to book anything further.
Keep in mind that during the winter season (November to December), early-morning flight delays are common due to heavy fog and poor visibility at the airports. There have been cases of people waiting for many hours only for the day’s flight to be cancelled anyway. For this reason, yetiland-nepal.de usually does not offer flights during this season, but tourist buses instead.
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