Dhaulagiri is an enormous mountain, rising about 7,000 m above the Kali Gandaki river, and its summit rocks are limestone and dolomite, not granite like most of the other 8,000 m peaks. It is the highest mountain lying wholly inside Nepal.
The name
The name comes from the Sanskrit words dhawala (white) and giri (mountain).
An old height record
A survey in 1808 showed Dhaulagiri to be the highest mountain measured up to then. It held that rank until Kangchenjunga replaced it in 1838. Everest took over in 1858.
Scale
Dhaulagiri rises about 7,000 m above the Kali Gandaki river. The Kali Gandaki runs in a deep gorge between Dhaulagiri and Annapurna I.
Limestone, not granite
Most Himalayan 8,000 m peaks are made of granite, but Dhaulagiri's summit is limestone and dolomite. This gives the mountain a pale colour and a different shape.
Where to see it
The most popular view for trekkers is from Poon Hill at sunrise. Dhaulagiri also appears from Tatopani, Marpha and Jomsom in the Kali Gandaki valley. See the Poon Hill sunrise guide.
Questions people ask
- What rank is Dhaulagiri? Seventh highest in the world, at 8,167 m.
- Is it made of granite? No. Its summit rocks are limestone and dolomite.
- Where is the best view for trekkers? Poon Hill at sunrise.
Plan it
Read routes, difficulty and avalanches or the first ascent story.
