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Day 1 Arrive in Kathmandu
Once you perch at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will warmly welcome by the team member of Kai Expedition and clear immigration formalities. After completing immigration formalities, you will be transfer to your hotel, where you can relax and recover from the journey. In the evening, there will be a brief orientation session to introduce the team, review the itinerary, and ensure you are fully prepared for the adventure ahead. -
Day 2 Sightseeing and trekking preparation
Today is dedicated to final preparation and sightseeing around Kathmandu. You can check gear, finalize permits, and meet with the guide and discuss route and logistic. Once preparations are complete, there is time to explore Kathmandu’s rich cultural heritage, including visit to UNESCO World Heritage Site like Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Bouddhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath, and the historic Kathmandu Durbar Square. This day also provides time to make final preparations for the trek, ensuring you are well-equipped and acclimatized for the adventure ahead.
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Day 3 Drive to Beni
On the third day, you will embark on a long but scenic drive from Kathmandu to Beni, the gateway to the French Pass trek. The journey takes approximately 9 to 11 hours, covering winding mountain roads, lush hillsides, terraced fields, and small rural settlements. Along the way to Beni, you will pass through major towns like Mugling and Pokhara, offering glimpses of Nepal’s diverse landscapes and daily life. Upon reaching Beni, a bustling two at the confluence of the Kali Gandaki and Myagdi River, you will settle in for the night, preparing for the trekking adventure ahead.
(NOTE: If you think driving from Kathmandu to Beni is too long, then you can take a flight to Pokhara, and from Pokhara you can take a bus toward Beni for the night.)
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Day 4 Drive to Drabang and trek to Dharapani
After an early breakfast in Beni, you will drive for about 2 to 3 hours to reach Drabang, the starting point of your trek. The road is rugged but offers beautiful views of rural Nepal. From Drabang, you begin your trek, gradually ascending through terraced fields, traditional villages, and forested trails. The walk to Dharapani takes around 3 to 4 hours and introduces you to the serene natural beauty and warm hospitality of the region. Upon arrival in Dharapani, you will rest for the night and prepare for the days of trekking ahead.
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Day 5 Dharapani to Muri
The trek continues from Dharapani to Muri, taking you deeper into the remote Myagdi region. The trail descends through lush forests, terraced fields, and traditional villages, offering stunning views of the Dhaulagiri range. The path is a mix of ups and downs, crossing several small streams and ridges before reaching the charming village of Muri. -
Day 6 Muri to Boghara
The journey from Muri to Boghara takes you through more remote and less-traveled terrain. The trail descends steeply to cross the Muri Khola and then climbs through dense forests and terraced hillside. You will pass small settlements and enjoy occasional views of snow-capped peaks peeking through the trees. The trail becomes narrower and surrounded by farmland and forest. This day marks a noticeable shift into more isolated wilderness, setting the tone for the challenging days ahead. -
Day 7 Boghara to Dobang
The journey continues with a scenic trek from Boghara to Dobang. The trail leads through dense forests filled with rhododendron, pine, and bamboo, offering occasional glimpses of surrounding peaks. As you move deeper into the Myagdi Valley, the path becomes more remote and wild, with fewer settlements along the way. After crossing several small streams and enjoying the natural serenity, you will arrive at Dobang, a small forested campsite nestled near the Myagdi Khola, where you rest for the night in preparation for the challenging days ahead. -
Day 8 Dobang to Sallaghari
The trail leads from Dobang to Sallaghari, continuing through lush forests and following the Myagdi Khola upstream. The path becomes more rugged, with several river crossings over wooden bridges and occasional steep sections. As you gain altitude, the vegetation starts to thin, and the views of surrounding cliffs and waterfalls become more dramatic. Sallaghari mean “pine forest” is a serene campsite surrounded by tall trees, offering a peaceful resting spot before entering the alpine zone in the coming days.
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Day 9 Sallaghari to Italian Base Camp
The journey continues with a scenic trek from Sallaghari to the Italian Base Camp. The trail ascends gradually through dense forests of brich and rhododendron before transitioning into more alpine terrain. As you gain altitude, the landscapes open up, offering stunning views of surrounding peaks like Dhaulagiri and Manapathi. Reaching the Italian base cat at around 3660 meters, you will be welcomed by a dramatic mountain amphitheater, marking your first close encounter with the high Himalayan wilderness. The afternoon is typically spent acclimatizing and resting in preparation for higher altitudes ahead.
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Day 10 Acclimatization day at Italian Base Camp
Today is reserved for acclimatization at the Italian Base Camp to help your body adjust to the increasing altitude. Surrounded by towering peaks and glaciers, it is a perfect place to rest, hydrate, and take short hikes around the camp. This gentle walk not only aids acclimatization but also offers incredible views of Dhaulagiri and the surrounding Himalayan Landscapes. The day is essential for preparing both physically and mentally for the more challenging and remote sections of the French Pass trek ahead. -
Day 11 Italian Base Camp to Glacier Camp
From Italian Base Camp, the journey continues with a scenic and challenging trek towards Glacier Camp. The trail ascends gradually over rocky and glacial terrain, offering stunning views of surrounding peaks like Mt Dhaulagiri. As you gain altitude, the landscapes become more rugged and remote. The path may involve crossing moraine fields and icy sections, requiring careful footing. Glacier camp, set at the foot of the Chhonbarden Glacier, serves as the gateway to the higher alpine zone and is a crucial acclimatization stop before reaching the French pass. -
Day 12 Acclimatization day at Glacier Camp
Today is another acclimatization day of French Pass trek at Glacier Camp that allows your body to rest and adjust to the high attitude before the ascent to French Pass. It is an ideal time to explore the area with short hikes, check gear, and prepare mentally and physically for the challenging days ahead. This rest day is crucial for minimizing the risk of altitude sickness and ensuring a safe and successful crossing of the pass. -
Day 13 Glacier Camp to Dhaulagiri Base Camp
The journey continues with a challenging yet rewarding trek from Glacier camp to Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4740m). The trails navigate across rugged glacial terrain, with stunning views of Dhaulagiri massif towering above. As you mover deeper into the high Himalayas, the landscapes becomes increasingly dramatic, with icefalls, moraine fields, and snow-covered peaks surrounding the route. The altitude and terrain make this demanding day, but the arrival at Dhaulagiri Base Camp offers an unforgettable experience amidst one of Nepal’s most remote and awe-inspiring mountain setting. -
Day 14 Acclimatization day at Dhaulagiri Base Camp
This day is reserved for acclimatization at Dhaulagiri Base Camp to prepare for the upcoming high-altitude crossing of French Pass. This rest day allows you to recover, adjust to the elevation, and explore the stunning glacial environment. Light hikes around the base camp area help with acclimatization while offering breathtaking views of Dhaulagiri I and its neighboring summits. It is crucial day to build strength and ensure safety before tackling one of the trek’s most challenging sections.
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Day 15 Dhaulagiri Base Camp to Hidden Valley via French Col
The trek leads from Dhaulagiri Base Camp to Hidden Valley via the challenging French Pass (5360m). The ascent to the pass is demanding, with steep, snow-covered trails and high altitude conditions testing your endurance. Upon reaching the top of French Pass, you are rewarded with panoramic views of the Dhaulagiri range, Mukut Himal, and Tukuche Peak. After a brief rest, the trail descends gently into the remote and windswept Hidden Valley, a surreal, high-altitude plateau surrounded by towering peak, which offers a stark contrast to the icy terrain left behind. It is a long but spectacular day in the heart of the Himalayas.
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Day 16 Rest day at Hidden Valley
Today you will take a rest at Hidden Valley, allowing your body to adjust high altitude. It is an ideal place to rest, explore short hikes, and enjoy the raw beauty of this remote alpine environment. This day also helps build strength and stability for the next stage of the trek, especially the upcoming Dhampus Pass crossing.
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Day 17 Hidden Valley to Yak Kharka
The trek from Hidden Valley to Yak Kharka takes you across rugged, high-altitude terrain with stunning views of the Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri ranges. The trail involves a gradual descent, passing through alpine meadows and rocky landscapes as you leave the remote Hidden Valley behind. Though it is less demanding than previous days, the hike still requires caution due to possible snow and loose paths. After several hours of trekking, you reach Yak Kharka, where you can rest and enjoy the serene mountain surrounding. -
Day 18 Yak Kharka to Jomsom
The trek from Yak Kharka to Jomsom marks the final stretch of your journey, descending steadily through barren hills and windy valleys. As you leave high alpine region, the trail lead you the past sparse vegetation and traditional villages eventually joining the Kali Gandaki River valley. The landscapes become drier and more rugged, with afternoon wind which is common in this area. After several hours of trekking, you will reach Jomsom where you will rest and spend overnight.
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Day 19 Fly back to Pokhara
You will take an early morning flight from Jomsom to Pokhara, where this short flight, typically takes around 20 minutes, marks the end of your trek to French Pass. Once in Pokhara, you can relax by the lakeside, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere, and take in the dramatic contrast from the high mountain terrain of the past few days.
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Day 20 Drive back to Kathmandu
Today, you will drive back to Kathmandu from Pokhara, a journey of approximately 6 to 8 hours through scenic hills, rivers, and traditional Nepali villages. Along the way to Kathmandu, the drive offers a chance to reflect on your Himalayan adventure while enjoying the diverse landscapes of central Nepal. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you can unwind, explore the city’s vibrant streets, or shop for souvenirs in Thamel.
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Day 21 Departure day
After a final breakfast in the Kathmandu Valley, the team member of Kai Expedition will take you to Tribhuvan International Airport of your onwards flight, carrying with you lasting memories of Nepal.