Trip Overview
Dhaulagiri is one of the most popular 8000m. peaks for climbing in Himalayas . The seventh highest mountain in the world, Dhaulagiri, lies on north west of Pokhara culminating high point at its eastern end. Dhaulagiri is almost uninque in the world in terms of its rise above local terrain, it rises 7000m. over Kaligandaki gorge the south east in about 30 km of aerial distance. In fact, Kali Gandaki is dramatic as two eight thousenders, Annapurna I & Dhaulagiri both stand near the river facing each other over a deep valley.
When Dhaulagiri was first discovered in 1808, it was thought to be the highest mountain in the world for the westerners. It remained as highest peak for 30 years before its place was taken by Kanchanjunga. Dhaulagiri means white mountain which justifies a magnificient peak rising as a giant shoulder of shining ice and snow. The South and West faces of Dhaulagiri both feature massive drops; each rises over 4000 meters from its base, and each has been the site of historical climbs. The peak was first conquered in 1960 by a Swiss / Austrian expedition team via North East Ridge which has been the normal route of ascent for most of the climbings to date. Dhaulagiri is buttresses by five ridges which offers the possibilities of different routes of ascent though six different routes have been established for climbing so far.