Mt Dhaulagiri at 8167m is the 7th highest mountain in the world and it was first climbed in 1960 by Swiss, Austrian and Nepali expedition. It is one of the few 8000m+ mountain in Nepal visible from the plains of India and it was initially considered by surveyor to be the tallest before discovery of Kanchenjunga and later Everest. Its rises nearly 7000m from the Kali Gandi river, making the treks here quite demanding.
Dhaulagiri region lies north west of Pokhara with the Kali Gandaki river separating it from Annapurna massif. In contrast to its more popular neighbour, this area attracts fewer trekkers but it will appeal to those looking for challenging trek in the high Himalayan Mountains. All the treks start at Beni, a short drive from Pokhara and ascend through lovely unspoiled valleys, picturesque villages and alpine forest. It is more sparsely populated as you get to higher altitude with fewer encounters with locals or even trekkers. The mountain scenery equals or at times surpasses those available in more popular routes.
