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Dhaulagiri

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Mountain
—°4
Dhaulagiri (Nepal)

Weather…

Dhaulagiri I, rising to an elevation of 8,167 meters, is the seventh highest mountain in the world and the highest peak located entirely within Nepal. It forms the eastern end of the Dhaulagiri massif and is separated from the Annapurna range by the world's deepest gorge, the Kali Gandaki Valley. The name Dhaulagiri is derived from the Sanskrit words 'dhala' (white) and 'giri' (mountain), a fitting description for its massive, snow-clad slopes. For thirty years following its discovery in 1808, it was believed to be the highest mountain in the world until Kangchenjunga took the title. It was not until 1960 that a Swiss-Austrian expedition achieved the first successful ascent, making it one of the last 8,000-meter peaks to be conquered. The South Face of Dhaulagiri is particularly renowned for its immense scale and technical difficulty. Geologically, the peak is composed of sedimentary rocks, including marine limestone, which provide evidence of the mountain's uplift from the ancient Tethys Sea.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Oct.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C02591214141413852
Rain mm162330421032183582641916336

📋 Practical info

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Getting there
Access to the trekking routes usually begins with a flight or long drive to Pokhara, followed by a journey to trailheads like Beni or Darbang to start the trek.
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Best season
The pre-monsoon spring and post-monsoon autumn seasons offer the clearest skies and most stable weather for trekking and climbing in this massive mountain range.
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Terrain & paths
The terrain is exceptionally rugged and challenging, featuring steep mountain paths, glacier crossings, high-altitude passes, and deep river gorges everywhere.
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What to bring
Comprehensive alpine trekking gear is mandatory, including sub-zero sleeping bags, sturdy trekking boots, high-altitude clothing, and specialized climbing equipment.
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Parking
Not applicable in the high mountains; vehicles are typically left at the trailhead towns or in Pokhara before commencing the multi-day trekking expedition.
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Safety
This is an extreme environment where altitude sickness, avalanches, and unpredictable weather are severe threats; traveling with experienced guides is essential.
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Time needed
A typical trekking circuit around the mountain range takes about two to three weeks, while actual climbing expeditions require several weeks of acclimatization.

Geography

Coordinates
28.69720, 83.48970

Facts

  • Seventh highest mountain in the world at 8,167 meters.
  • First climbed on May 13, 1960, by a Swiss-Austrian team.
  • Held the record for the world's highest peak from 1808 to 1838.
  • The name Dhaulagiri means 'White Mountain' in Sanskrit.
  • It is the highest peak located entirely within Nepal.
  • The South Face is one of the tallest rock walls in the world.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Tansen DurbarTansen Durbar12 km · NWExplore →
Ranighat PalaceRanighat Palace13 km · NWExplore →
BaglungBaglung13 km · NWExplore →
TilottamaTilottama14 km · WExplore →
Ostrich Nepal FarmOstrich Nepal Farm15 km · SWExplore →
Bhairahawa Special Economic ZoneBhairahawa Special Economic Zone15 km · WExplore →
Kali Gandaki RiverKali Gandaki River17 km · NWExplore →
Kali Gandaki ValleyKali Gandaki Valley18 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Dhaulagiri (4)

Tukuche Peak🌿 nature

A towering Himalayan peak rising to 6,920 meters, situated near the deep Kali Gandaki gorge.

Sita Chuchura🌿 nature

A glaciated mountain peak in the Dhaulagiri massif, popular among technical mountaineers.

Dhaulagiri🌿 nature

The world's seventh-highest mountain, known for its massive white peak and dramatic vertical rise.

Guru Rinpoche cave📍 landmark

Sacred meditation cave associated with the founder of Tibetan Buddhism, located in a remote mountain valley.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Where is Dhaulagiri?
In western Nepal, one of the most massive mountains.
Can one circle the mountain?
Yes, the Dhaulagiri trek is famous and demanding.
When is it best?
Autumn is the safest time.
Is it safe?
No, high avalanche risk in some areas.
Is preparation needed?
Yes, excellent fitness is absolutely necessary.
Dhaulagiri: where is it located?
Dhaulagiri is located in Nepal.
Dhaulagiri: what is there to see?
Highlights include Tukuche Peak, Sita Chuchura, Dhaulagiri.
Dhaulagiri: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Oct.
Dhaulagiri: why is it worth visiting?
Dhaulagiri I, rising to an elevation of 8,167 meters, is the seventh highest mountain in the world and the highest peak located entirely within Nepal.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Baglung — Dhaulagiri (Nepal)
Baglung
Baglung is the headquarters of Baglung District in Gandaki Province.
Waling — Dhaulagiri (Nepal)
Waling
Waling is a municipality in Syangja District, located on the banks of the Aandhikhola river.
Ghorepani (Poon Hill) — Dhaulagiri (Nepal)
Ghorepani (Poon Hill)
A famous trekking stop renowned for the magical sunrise over the Himalayas from Poon Hill.
Jomsom — Dhaulagiri (Nepal)
Jomsom
The gateway to Lower Mustang, located in the windy Kali Gandaki valley, famous for its apples and rugged beauty.
Ghandruk — Dhaulagiri (Nepal)
Ghandruk
A picturesque Gurung village in the Annapurna massif, famous for its slate houses and mountain views.
Tilicho Lake — Dhaulagiri (Nepal)
Tilicho Lake
Tilicho Lake is one of the highest lakes in the world, a sparkling turquoise gem in the heart of the Annapurna massif.
Begnas Lake — Dhaulagiri (Nepal)
Begnas Lake
Begnas Lake is a serene alternative to Pokhara's Phewa Lake, ideal for relaxation and fishing amidst lush green hills.

History & landmarks

Lo Manthang — Dhaulagiri (Nepal)
Lo Manthang
Lo Manthang is the walled capital of the former Kingdom of Mustang, known for its well-preserved Tibetan culture and centuries-old Buddhi…
Bandipur — Dhaulagiri (Nepal)
Bandipur
A living museum of Newari culture set in a charming, vehicle-free hilltop village.

Nature

Kali Gandaki River — Dhaulagiri (Nepal)
Kali Gandaki River
A mighty Himalayan river known for carving the deepest gorge in the world.
Tilicho Lake — Dhaulagiri (Nepal)
Tilicho Lake
One of the highest lakes in the world, located in the Annapurna massif.
Phewa Lake — Dhaulagiri (Nepal)
Phewa Lake
A picturesque freshwater lake in Pokhara that reflects the peaks of the Annapurna range.

More places

Mustang Apple Orchards — Dhaulagiri (Nepal)
Mustang Apple Orchards
In the dry, windswept region of Mustang, particularly in Marpha, farmers grow juicy apples at high altitudes, famous for their unique, cr…
Muktinath Temple — Dhaulagiri (Nepal)
Muktinath Temple
A sacred pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists, situated at a high altitude in the Mustang district.
Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve — Dhaulagiri (Nepal)
Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve
As Nepal's only hunting reserve, the population of blue sheep and Himalayan tahr is strictly monitored and regulated here to maintain the…
Annapurna Conservation Area — Dhaulagiri (Nepal)
Annapurna Conservation Area
Nepal's largest protected area, encompassing the entire Annapurna mountain range.
Pokhara Industrial Estate — Dhaulagiri (Nepal)
Pokhara Industrial Estate
An industrial area focused on light industry and local crafts in one of Nepal's most important tourist cities.
Gorkha Durbar — Dhaulagiri (Nepal)
Gorkha Durbar
An ancient palace and temple complex on a hilltop, the ancestral home of the Shah dynasty.
Manaslu Conservation Area — Dhaulagiri (Nepal)
Manaslu Conservation Area
Around the eighth highest mountain in the world lies a protected region inhabited by the endangered musk deer and blue sheep herds at ext…