This region is new territory for trekkers. Trekking off the main paths is not only possible, but can be immensely rewarding, though you do need a sense of adventure and an increased ability to deal with unexpected. Geographically, Dhaulagiri region is a land of dramatic contrast. From the near tropical Pokhara valley, steep slopes climb to snowcapped Himalayan giants. Dhaulagiri I, the seventh tallest peak in the world, towers high above the well-trekked Muktinath pilgrim trail up the Kali Gandaki valley. The vast massif screens the hidden land of Dolpo to its north west. Following the rivers upstream, ferns and forests of oak and other deciduous trees and juniper are interesting. Mountain sides of rhododendron blaze with color in the spring, and other flowers are abundant on the trail. Even on high mountain passes above the tree line, tiny alpine flowers can be found dotting the windswept ground.

Day 01 Kathmandu - Pokhara 
Day 02 Pokhara - Maldhunga
Day 03 Maldhunga - Darbang
Day 04 Darbang - Takum
Day 05 Takum - Muri
Day 06 Muri - Bagar
Day 07 Bagar - Dovan
Day 08 Dovan - Upper Vungini (Italian Base Camp)
Day 09 Upper Vungini (Italian Base Camp)
Day 10 Upper Vugini (Italian Base Camp) - Glacier Camp
Day 11 Glacier Camp - Dhaulagiri Base Camp I

Day 12 Dhaulagiri Base Camp - French Col - Hidden Valley Getting off the glacier above the base camp often requires a rope, but once over the steep moraine walls we are in safer and more gentle country. After a breathless climb to the top of French Col (5300m,) the views of Hidden Valley open out. The broad valley is reminiscent of Tibet and Ladakh and so are the temperatures, at least -20ºC at night.

Day 13 Hidden Valley camp 5000m A rest day to admire the surrounding peaks and perhaps do some exploring.

Day 14 Hidden Valley - Yak Kharka After climbing over the 5200m Dhampus Pass, we traverse avalanche-prone slopes and then descend steeply to Yak Kharka.

Day 15 Yak Kharka - Marpha
Day 16 Marpha - Ghasa
Day 17 Ghasa - Tatopani
Day 18 Ghorepani - Tadapani
Day 19 Tadapani - Ghandrung
Day 20 Ghandrung - Birethanti
Day 21 Pokhara -Kathmandu