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Climbing
Peaks - Dhaulagiri |
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Guide > The Himalayas
> Climbing Peaks |
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Latitude
28° 41'46"
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Longitude
83° 29' 43" |
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Height
8167m |
Zone
Dhaulagiri |
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Status
7th highest in the world |
In 1950 the French declared this mountain was impossible to
climb. Popularly known as the "White Mountain" among
mountaineers it was the first choice of the French climbers.
But finding no way up this formidable peak they turned their
attention to a smaller mountain but no less a challenge, the
Annapurna I.
Dhaulagiri was first summited by a team of six climbers. On
13th May 1960 Kurt Diemberger, Nawang Dorjee, Ernst Forrer,
Albin Schelbert, Peter Diener and Nima Dorjee were the first
to stand atop Mt. Dhaulagiri. The expedition used a Pilatus
Porter named "Yeti" to ferry equipment up to the Dhampus
pass but it later crashed. There had been many assaults on this
difficult mountain since the French aborted their early attempt.
It was left to the Swiss to complete the job.
Like the Annapurna, the trek to Dhaulagiri starts from Pokhara.
The trek starts from Naya Pul (New Bridge), which is an hour's
drive from Pokhara. The trail goes through Ghorepani, Tatopani
and reaches Kalopani on the 4th day. Soon after Kalopani, the
trail crosses the Kali Gandaki at 2560m. The river here is a
fast torrent as the gorge is narrow. The Dhaulagiri route starts
just before reaching Larjung at the Ghatte Khola and goes up
the Kali Gandaki valley. A small trail leads up through a forest
and goes by a tiny lake. Camping is possible near the lake.
The trek goes through pastures and large boulders before finally
arriving at the Dhaulagiri icefall. The climb begins here.
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