Venturing to revel in Dhaulagiri expedition

• HB Thapa

Perhaps venturing to revel in the challenging expedition of Dhaulagiri peak (8167m) in Nepal is one of the world’s adventurous trips you will ever have in your life.

You must be wondering why it is going to the most challenging and adventurous and venturesome trip for a climber.

It is so for the simple reason that first of all it is the seventh highest mountain in the world. Then its main crest rising above 25,000 feet with pyramid shape stretching across 30 miles and its topography of twisting ridges, icefalls and glaciers that undoubtedly seems to be taunting you.

You will have to set aside at least a seven-week to plan this expedition including a weeklong trek to the base camp which is 4750 meters above sea level.

Expedition of Dhaulagiri massif is definitely going to be a difficult and technical climb besides the need for a high-level skill to climb with strong physical strength.

Although there are several climbing routes to reach at the top of this massif, yet the main standard route is taking the route via the North-East Ridge for which setting up three camps above base camps would be enough.

This mammoth massif mountain lies in the northwestern corridor in Myagdi and extends about 120km from the river of Kaligandaki to the Bheri River in the west.

The word, “Dhaulagiri in Sanskrit means “white mountain”. This mountain has been climbed from almost all routes which seem to be equally challenging, difficult and technical enough. So, only an experienced climber can only be truly expected to succeed in scaling this peak.

Despite its technical climb, the expedition is famous in the world. The massif along with other Annapurna render the Kaligandaki the deepest gorge in the world.

The expedition usually starts in Kathmandu after you drive to Beni and Darbang follow trekking trail until you reach the first base camp.

It is important to know that only those who have already attempted peaks above 7000 meters can only be eligible to climb Mt. Dhaulagiri.

You can check out the cost and itinerary of various private trekking agencies who usually operate expeditions to Dhaulagiri in the season.

Reviews 

Jorge Castillo writes, “Mt. Dhaulagiri is an extraordinary mountain, the environment is cold and wild. Ultimately, mythical and amazing.”

Another internal tourist Priyanka Shrestha says, “Mt. Dhaulagiri is beyond beautiful. It has a speechless charm that attracts everyone towards its alluring beauty.”