Dhaulagiri I is 8,167 m high and is the seventh highest mountain in the world. It stands entirely in Nepal, in the west-central Himalaya. It was first climbed in May 1960 by a Swiss and Austrian expedition with Nepali climbers, and its name means white mountain.
Height and name
The name comes from Sanskrit and means white mountain, or dazzling white. Dhaulagiri I is the highest peak of the Dhaulagiri Himal, which stretches for about 120 km and includes several other peaks above 7,000 m.
Once the highest
In the early 1800s, Dhaulagiri was believed to be the highest mountain in the world, after it was measured from the plains of India. This was true until Kanchenjunga was measured in the 1840s, and later Everest.
The Kali Gandaki gorge
Dhaulagiri faces Annapurna across the Kali Gandaki valley, which is one of the deepest valleys in the world. The river runs between the two giants, and the old trade route to Mustang follows it.
First ascent
A Swiss and Austrian expedition, with Nepali members, made the first ascent on 13 May 1960. It was also the first expedition to use a small aircraft to carry supplies on a high mountain.
The Dhaulagiri Circuit
The Dhaulagiri Circuit is a hard trek that crosses two high passes, the French Pass and the Dhampus Pass, above 5,000 m. It needs experience and good acclimatisation. See the Dhaulagiri Circuit overview and how hard it is.
Easier views of Dhaulagiri
You can see Dhaulagiri from Poon Hill, Muktinath and Jomsom on the Annapurna side. A short trek or a drive gives a good view without a hard circuit.
Weather and season
Spring and autumn are the best seasons. The monsoon is wet on the south side, though the Mustang side is drier. Winter is very cold at the passes.
Why the circuit is hard
The circuit crosses glaciers and snow slopes, camps at high altitude and has few lodges. It is usually done as a camping trek with a full crew and good acclimatisation days.
Common questions
Is Dhaulagiri the same as Dhaulagiri II? No, they are different peaks in the same range. Can I see Dhaulagiri from Pokhara? On very clear days, as a distant white outline. What is the easiest view? Poon Hill at sunrise.
Plan it
Read the full list of 8,000 m peaks or the best time for the circuit.
