Best time for Dhaulagiri Base Camp with Circuit Trek via French Pass
Dhaulagiri Base Camp with Circuit Trek via French Pass trek is accessible in all seasons however the spring and the autumn seasons are considered the best seasons when the weather is clear and the temperature is pleasant. In Nepal, the Autumn Seasons range from September to November, and the Spring season falls from March to May. These periods offer the most favorable weather conditions and stunning views of the Himalayan peaks. The weather during these seasons is favorable, with clear skies and mild temperatures. Spring season is accompanied by the bloom of rhododendron flowers whereas autumn offers dry and easy trails after the monsoon season.
Monsoon (June to August) and Winter (December to February) are also accessible but are quite avoided as there are extreme weather conditions like heavy snowfall or rainfall. The visibility is also decreased during summer due to the clouds and the trails might be blocked because of snowfall at higher elevations.
Location
Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167m/26,795ft) lies at the western crest of the world's deepest gorge - Kali Gandaki. The Dhaulagiri Circuit via French Pass is located in Myagdi district, Nepal. It is a lovely community with stunning mountain vistas, a diverse spectrum of cultural traditions, and a variety of natural landscapes. While trekking, you may discover the breathtaking Himalayan panoramas and the valleys in Nepal's high mountains by undertaking the Dhaulagiri Circuit trek. Starting from the Beni (850m), crossing Babia Chaur (950m), Dharapani (1,400m), Muri (1,850), Boghara (2,050m), Dovan (2,520m), and Sallaghari (3,110m), Italian Base Camp (3,660m), Glacier Camp (4,940m), Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4,750m), Hidden Valley via French Pass (5,360m), Yak Kharka (3,680), Jomsom and ending after a scenic flight to Pokhara - this entire route falls under Dhaulagiri Base Camp with Circuit via French Pass trek. The seventh-highest mountain in the world, Mt. Dhaulagiri, is renowned for its breathtaking beauty. Wonderful trekking is made possible by a lovely synergy of unmatched natural beauty and cultural diversity along the route.
Difficulties
While trekking, there might be various factors that make difficult in trekking such as high altitude, cold weather, limited facilities, unpredictable weather, physical fitness, and altitude-related issues. The trek reaches an elevation of 5,360 meters. At such high altitudes, harsh weather, and altitude sickness are a significant concern, and acclimatization is crucial to prevent severe effects.
For doing Dhaulagiri Base Camp with Circuit via French Pass, previous trekking experience is advantageous. If not it is essential to be prepared physically and mentally. The temperatures can drop significantly at high altitudes, so proper clothing and gear are important to stay warm, be prepared to face any weather changes such as rain, snow, and strong winds, and finally, as the trekking requires a long day of walking, build the solid level of physical fitness to handle challenging routes at high altitudes.
It is recommended to join gym classes or participate in physical exercises such as running, jogging, swimming, cycling, and a long day hike 3 months before attempting Dhaulagiri Base Camp with Circuit via French Pass trek.
Safety and Security
The Dhaulagiri Base Camp with Circuit and French Pass trek is recognized as a safe trekking destination and the presence of experienced guides and porters ensures that trekkers receive expert guidance and support throughout the journey. The gradual ascent and acclimatization, along with communication facilities and emergency evacuation services, ensure safety and security in case of unforeseen circumstances.
To ensure your safety, our guide diligently checks the weather conditions every day before embarking on the trek. Group trekking also adds overall safety and trekkers are encouraged to be cautious, follow the guidance of their guides, and respect the environment and local customs to ensure a safe and memorable trekking adventure in the majestic Dhaulagiri region.
Guide and Porters
For Dhaulagiri Base Camp with a circuit via French pass trek, Bold Himalaya provides you with an experienced and license holder guide. They provide enormous support and assistance and help with navigation while on trekking. They offer valuable insights into the surroundings ensure proper acclimatization to prevent altitude-related issues, and help with food and accommodation facilities.
Porters are the right choice for light and comfortable trekking as they will carry your gear, equipment, and luggage throughout the trekking trail. Energetic, dedicated, and experienced porters are hired as they carry a maximum weight of 20 kg ensuring you have a comfortable journey.
Acclimatization Day
To adjust the body at higher altitudes and prevent altitude sickness, trekkers take an acclimatization break for a certain day. For the Dhaulagiri Circuit trek, trekkers acclimatize at the Italian Base Camp (3,660m) on the 11th day as per our itinerary. Trekkers can explore the area by doing short hiking around the trail surrounded by beautiful laden flowers. Other best options for a day include visiting the surrounding camps like Puchhar Base Camp, Swiss Base Camp, French Base Camp, American Base Camp, and Japanese Base Camp.
A Day for French Pass
On this day, trekkers pass through French Pass (5,360m) - the highest elevation to experience during the Dhaulagiri Circuit trek. The trekkers wake up early in the morning and start climbing over steep moraine walls to avoid strong wind. The breathtaking climb leads the trekkers to French Pass from where trekkers witness the best view of Hidden Valley, Annapurna, and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. Trekkers will encounter the view of Tashi Kang Peak (6,386m), Mukut Himal (6,328m), and Sita Chuchara (6,611m).
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is essential for Dhaulagiri Base Camp with Circuit via French Pass trek as it assists with medical and evacuation facilities. Make sure your insurance covers the costs of air ambulance, treatment, and all the travel-related risks such as lost, stolen, damaged, or delayed baggage and flight delays. Your insurance policy should cover entire activities during your stay. Also, ensure that your insurance policy covers all unexpected expenses up to the height of 5,500 meters.
Altitude Sickness and Prevention
After reaching an altitude higher than 3,000 meters, trekkers are at risk of suffering altitude sickness if the body doesn't get enough time to adjust to the environment. To avoid altitude sickness, it is recommended to take a gradual ascend and acclimatize properly.
Similarly, keeping the body hydrated by drinking enough water, avoid smoking and alcohol, spending some nights at lower altitudes, consuming high calorie foods, not gaining an altitude more than 500 meters a day also can prevent trekkers from altitude sickness.
Facilities
Drinking Water
Normally, trekkers must drink around 3 to 4 liters of water per day to stay hydrated and save energy. Drinking enough water can reduce the risk of high-altitude sickness. Teahouses or lodges along the trail offer bottled water or boiled water at some price, but the price rises with altitude.
Some locals drink water directly from the tap, but we recommend trekkers use a water purifier before drinking the water from streams or taps. To clean water from natural sources, trekkers can also utilize water sterilizing pills or portable filters. It is advised to carry 3 or 4 water bottles for refilling purposes.
Food and Accommodation
During the Dhaulagiri Base Camp with Circuit Trek via French Pass trek, typical foods such as noodles, rice, pasta, potato dishes, fresh vegetables, eggs, Tibetan bread, pancakes, porridge, and chicken items are served.
The accommodation takes place at teahouses, lodges, or tents along the trail.
Electricity and Internet
Along the trekking trail, the availability of electricity and internet may decrease with the ascend to higher altitudes. However, charging electronics such as mobile, phones, and cameras and the access to the internet through WiFi routers in the teahouses come with some additional charges.
It is recommended to bring power banks, universal adapters, or portable chargers along with you.
ATM and Money Exchange
ATM and Money exchange facilities can be found while at Kathmandu and Beni. The trekking trail does not have any ATMs or money exchange facilities so it is recommended to withdraw enough money and carry enough Nepali rupees for your Dhaulagiri Base Camp with Circuit via French Pass trek.
Packing List
Clothing
Base layer t-shirts, waterproof or windproof jackets, down jackets, waterproof trousers, underwear, base-layer trousers, trekking shorts, gloves, sunhat, bandana, or scarf.
Footwear
Trekking boots, thick woolen socks, gaiters, and lightweight inner socks
Accessories
Trekking poles, duffel bag 50L, and sleeping bag
First Aid
Sunglasses, sunscreen, hand sanitizer, towel, and water bottles
Toiletries
Toilet papers/tissue, contact lenses, toothbrush, toothpaste, face and body moisturizer, small mirror, and feminine hygiene products.
Miscellaneous items
Binoculars, cameras, power banks, universal adapters, and portable chargers