Dhaulagiri Region

Introduction

Dhaulagiri, a majestic white mountain, is the seventh-highest mountain peak in the world. The name of the mountain comes from Sanskrit, where Dhavala means dazzling white and beautiful and Giri means mountain. Also, the Dhaulagiri zone is named after this mountain. The height of the mountain is 8167 meters above sea level. It is also the highest peak in Nepal without touching any borders. This massif extends from the Kali Gandaki River west to Bheri, covering 120 kilometers. The beauty of the Dhaulagiri peak is out of this world. Most of the mountains above 8000 meters can be obscured from the plain land of India, but Dhaulagiri is clearly visible from the northern Bihar of India. Trekking in the Dhaulagiri region offers an outstanding view of the Dhaulagiri Range, Annapurna Range, Tilicho Peak, Nilgiri South, Nilgiri North and many more.

The Dhaulagiri range lies in the western part of Nepal. It is a neighboring mountain massif of the Annapurna range. The Kali Gandaki River flows between these two massive massifs, also known as the world's deepest gorge. The trekking trail passes through the hot, humid villages to the high passes above 5000 meters. There are some mentionable small and huge towns before the Dhaulagiri trekking region. Pokhara, the city of lake and Beni Bazaar are the major towns. There are uncountable mountains above 8000 meters, 7000 meters and 6000 meters. Some of the mountains of the region are Konabon Peak, Gurja Himal, Ghustang, Putha Hiunchuli, Churen Himal, Dogari Himal, Dhaulagiri I, Dhaulagiri II, Dhaulagiri III, Dhaulagiri IV, Dhaulagiri V, Jirbang, Manapati, Sita Chuchura, Tukuche Peak, Dhampus peak, Sandache and many other peaks. The weather is pleasant at a lower level, but as trekking leads to the higher elevation, it gets cold and windy.

Trekking in the Dhaulagiri region

Trekking in Dhaulagiri is a highly adventurous journey on one of the off-beaten trekking tracks of Nepal. The trekking initiates from the confluence of the Myagdi River and Kali Gandaki River and leads to the less traveled and crowded location of pure paradise and intact nature. The trail passes through high alpine and uninhabited valleys, dense forests and farming terraced lands. The following days of the trek take you to the uninhabited valley walking through the glaciers and moraines below the massive mountains. This region has a couple of major trekking trails renowned as the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek and Dhaulagiri Sanctuary (Dhaulagiri South Base Camp) trek. Also, the area has significant passes, like the French pass at 5360 meters and Dhampus pass at 5200 meters. This region has the most adventurous and challenging trekking route; however, it is highly possible with the proper gear, an experienced guide, self-determination and courage. However, this region is not famous among trekkers; it is a less crowded and less traveled region of Nepal. The trekking route has fewer numbers of accommodation facilities as well. Trekking in Dhaulagiri is technical and complex; it requires endurance and stamina.  As the elevation increases, it takes us to the uninhabited valley, where trekking is only possible with camping tents and skilled staff. Trekking in Dhaulagiri gives a golden opportunity to stay with the local people of Magar ethnic tribes. In addition, staying in their homestay and learning about cultures and lifestyles is another reward the Dhaulagiri region provides. The lush landscape with the charming local people, high passes with the glorious snow-capped mountains like Mt Dhaulagiri, Mt Annapurna, Mt Manaslu and numerous neighboring peaks, the Dhaulagiri region trek is a blessing for true nature lovers. Besides the passes and mountains, this region is rich in flora and fauna within its hills and unspoiled landscapes. The people living with their lifestyle and unique culture have been preserving the hidden treasures, i.e., pristine nature within this region.

History

When Dhaulagiri was first discovered in 1808, it ought to be the highest mountain in the world, but after 30 years, the honor was taken by Mt Kanchenjunga, followed by Mount Everest in 1958. Dhaulagiri I was first summited by the Swiss Austrian expedition team led by Max Eiselin with his teammates – Kurt Deimbergur, Peter Diener, Ernst Forrer, Albin Schelbert, Nyima Dorje Sherpa and Nawang Dorje Sherpa on 13 May 1960. Many attempts were made to the summit from 1950 to 1960, but none was successful. After the first summit, several expedition teams made it to the top. In 1954 J.O.M Roberts and Ang Nyima Sherpa ascended to the Putha Hiunchuli first. Many attempts were made to summit the peaks of the Dhaulagiri range, but eventually, most made it only halfway but not to the summit. The German expedition group first summited Dhaulagiri III in 1973. In 2008, Fredrick Ericsson attempted to make the first ski descent of Dhaulagiri from 8000 meters. The bad weather forced him to turn back and ski down 3000 meters.