DhaulagiriDhaulagiri at a Glance
About Dhaulagiri
Dhaulagiri is a high Himalayan massif in western Nepal whose main summit, Dhaulagiri I, attains 8,167 metres and ranks among the world’s highest peaks. The mountain forms a massive, glaciated massif rising steeply above surrounding valleys.
Climbing and trekking routes around Dhaulagiri attract mountaineers and experienced trekkers, including long circuit routes that circle the massif. The terrain is rugged and weather can change rapidly.
Dhaulagiri is located in Gandaki Pradesh in north-central to western Nepal, north of the Pokhara valley and west of the Annapurna massif, and it dominates the local topography.
- Height and rank: Dhaulagiri I reaches 8,167 metres and is the seventh-highest mountain on Earth, dominating the local skyline in western Nepal.
Nearby Attractions to Dhaulagiri
Best Time to Visit Dhaulagiri
Best climbed or trekked in pre-monsoon spring or post-monsoon autumn seasons.
Weather & Climate near Dhaulagiri
Dhaulagiri's climate is classified as Ice Cap - Ice Cap climate with freezing summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -29°C to -6°C. Moderate rainfall (508 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -29° - -18° | -35° | 35 mm | partly cloudy | 51% | 5.8 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 10.4h |
| February | Poor | -29° - -18° | -36° | 27 mm | partly cloudy | 54% | 6.8 m/s | 1.2 high | 11.1h |
| March | Poor | -27° - -16° | -34° | 2 mm | partly cloudy | 53% | 8.0 m/s | 1.6 very high | 11.9h |
| April | Poor | -23° - -13° | -30° | 0 mm | partly cloudy | 53% | 7.2 m/s | 2.0 very high | 12.7h |
| May | Poor | -19° - -10° | -26° | 0 mm | partly cloudy | 62% | 9.4 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 13.4h |
| June | Poor | -15° - -7° | -22° | 0 mm | overcast | 76% | 11.0 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 13.8h |
| July | Poor | -13° - -6° | -19° | 170 mm | overcast | 88% | 8.4 m/s | 1.9 very high | 13.6h |
| August | Poor | -13° - -6° | -18° | 147 mm | overcast | 89% | 6.5 m/s | 1.9 very high | 13.0h |
| September | Poor | -15° - -8° | -21° | 69 mm | overcast | 88% | 7.6 m/s | 1.8 very high | 12.2h |
| October | Poor | -20° - -12° | -27° | 22 mm | some cloud | 75% | 7.7 m/s | 1.5 high | 11.4h |
| November | Poor | -25° - -15° | -30° | 3 mm | some cloud | 58% | 4.7 m/s | 1.0 high | 10.6h |
| December | Poor | -27° - -15° | -32° | 33 mm | some cloud | 48% | 5.6 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 10.2h |
How to Get to Dhaulagiri
Approach via Pokhara, then by jeep or foot to the trailheads in the Myagdi district; long approaches and acclimatization treks are required before any attempt on the upper mountain.
Tips for Visiting Dhaulagiri
- Dhaulagiri's access requires careful planning via Pokhara and then local trekking approaches; allow ample time for approach marches and acclimatization.
- Bring objective-hazard-aware planning - Dhaulagiri has large avalanche-prone faces and rapidly changing conditions.