OVERVIEW
The Dhaulagiri Expedition is an awe-inspiring adventure that beckons mountaineers to conquer the towering peak of Mt. Dhaulagiri, the sixth-highest mountain in the world, standing at an impressive 8,167 meters (26,795 feet).
Mt. Dhaulagiri, the White Mountain was the first Dhaulagiri Expedition by the Swiss in 1960. Its name is derived from Sanskrit; Dhavala- means white and Giri is the mountain. The White Mountain. It is an enormous Himalaya massif located in the North Central Nepal. It was first sighted by British surveyors in India in the early 1800s and it remained as highest peak in the world till 1848 AD. Later it was mapped by one of the secret Indian surveyors in 1873 AD. However, the region remained largely unknown until a Swiss aerial survey in 1949. The French Annapurna Expedition, led by Mr Herzog in 1950, had permission to climb either Dhaulagiri or Annapurna but decided on Annapurna after a reconnaissance of Dhaulagiri. A Swiss team failed to climb in 1953 as did an Argentine group one year later.
After four more expeditions, an eight-member of a Swiss expedition reached the summit in 1960. The climb followed a circuitous route around the mountain from Tukuche, over Dhampus pass, French col to approach the summit from the North East col. The peak was then climbed by two Japanese in the 1970s, the Americans in 1973, and the Italians in 1976. There have been many attempts made by various mountaineering expedition teams and recently an Italian team has successfully climbed the mountain during the spring season of 2006. The Indian climbers have many grand successful climbs to Nepal Himalayas peaks in the recent past but they have not climbed Dhaulagiri as yet.
There was a tragedy struck in 1969 when an avalanche swept away and killed seven members of an American expedition on the East Dhaulagiri glacier. Captain Emil Wick airdropped supplies to the US expedition from a Pilatus Porter aircraft, and among the delicacies he dropped were two bottles of wine and a live chicken. The Sherpas would not allow the chicken to be killed on the mountain, so it became the expedition pet. It was carried, snow-blindness and crippled with frostbitten feet, to Marpha, where it finally ended up in the cooking pot.
This is the perfect trip for those who want a more intense experience of the mountains. We will trek deep into the Dhaulagiri region, providing more spectacular views of Mt Dhaulagiri, Throng Peak, Annapurna I, and Kali Gandaki, the world's deepest gorge. We may encounter semi-wild yak herds, Mountain sheep, or the elusive snow leopard in the remote valleys of this region. The standard route typically follows the North East Ridge.
EXPLORING THE ROADS OF THE DHAULAGIRI EXPEDITION
After a short flight from Kathmandu, Pokhara & Jomsom, we will spend the first few days of our walking through cultivated fields connecting mountain villages, enjoying the shops, tea houses, and lifetime of the Gurung, Chhetri, and Magar peoples. We will walk alone on cobblestone paths, over suspension bridges, and through dense forests, taking in the vistas of some of the world's most beautiful mountains. We will continue to explore and fully absorb the beauty of the surrounding peaks. We will climb over the glaciated French Pass and Dhampus Pass and then descend a winding trail to Yak Kharka. We will continue through mountain villages, enjoying the Hot Springs at the Tatopani and views of the majestic peaks of the Annapurna (26539) and Machhapuchhre (22937) as we make our way toward Pokhara, visiting several Monasteries and religious sites en route.
DIFFICULTY LEVEL OF DHAULAGIRI EXPEDITION
The Dhaulagiri Expedition is an awesome mountaineering endeavor, taken into consideration among one of the most challenging 8,000-meter peaks to climb. Dhaulagiri, the world’s seventh highest mountain, stands at 8,167 meters (26,795 feet) above sea level. The expedition demands advanced mountaineering skills, physical fitness, mental resilience, and careful preparation.
The base camp is situated at 4740m on the Chhonbardan glacier. The approach involves crossing high passes like the French Pass (5360m) and Dhampus Pass (5258m), and several days of trekking through rugged terrain. This adds to the expedition’s physical and mental demands.
Climbers are exposed to extreme altitudes, where oxygen levels are significantly lower, increasing the risk of altitude-related illnesses. The ascent involves navigating challenging terrain, including steep ice and snow slopes, crevasses, seracs, and rockfall-prone sections.
Dhaulagiri is recognized for its extreme and also uncertain weather, characterized by high winds, heavy snowfall, and sudden storms. These conditions can significantly affect climbing progress and safety. The mountain is prone to avalanches, particularly on its steep slopes and hanging glaciers. Climbers must carefully assess avalanche hazards and choose safe routes to minimize the risk of avalanche-related accidents.
Organizing a Dhaulagiri Expedition involves complex logistics, including securing permits, arranging transportation, hiring support staff, and coordinating supplies and equipment. Expeditions require a well-equipped and experienced support team to ensure the safety and success of climbers. Do contact Hiking Adventure Treks for further details and ensurance of the perfect adventure.
In conclusion, the Dhaulagiri Expedition presents significant challenges and risks. It requires the best quality of technical equipment, highly motivated and technically sound climbers, and careful planning, preparation, and mountaineering expertise to tackle the demanding conditions encountered on the mountain. Despite these challenges, it remains one of the most sought-after mountaineering endeavors in the world.
BEST SEASON FOR DHAULAGIRI EXPEDITION
The Dhaulagiri Expedition is best embarked throughout the springtime of April as well as May because of favorable conditions. Springtime provides one of the most steady weather conditions in Dhaulagiri, with clear skies, minimized rainfall together with reduced winds offering optimum climbing conditions and improved safety. Temperature levels are milder specifically at greater altitudes reducing the risk of frostbite and cold-related injuries. The combined snowpack as well as the stronger snow problems of springtime help with navigating and ascent reducing avalanche risk and improving climbing effectiveness. Longer daylight hours improve safety by providing better exposure and reducing the need for night climbing.
Avalanches, while still a risk, are generally less frequent and severe due to the stable snowpack. Logistically, springtime accompanies Nepal's peak climbing simplifying arrangements for permits, transportation, and support services. Trekking routes to Dhaulagiri Base Camp are likewise much more accessible and less tough during spring. In general, springtime supplies one of the most desirable problems for a Dhaulagiri Expedition, optimizing mountain climbers' opportunities for success while guaranteeing their safety and security as well as convenience. Trekkers should plan their expedition to coincide with this season to take advantage of these optimal conditions.
