17 May 2023 3 min to read
“The Majestic Dhaulagiri: A Saga of 63 Years and 550 Climbers” is indeed a huge accomplishment. May 13, 1960, marked the first successful ascent of Mt. Dhaulagiri by a Swiss-Austrian-Nepali team led by Kurt Diemberger along with other members. On January 21, 1985, Polish mountaineers Andrzej Czok and Jerzy Kukuczka successfully achieved the winter ascent of Mt. Dhaulagiri. May 13, 2023, marked the 63 years completion of the Mt. Dhaulagiri expedition. As per the Department of Tourism, a total of 550 foreigners and Nepalese successfully ascended Mt. Dhaulagiri from the year 1960-2020.
Mount Dhaulagiri is the 7th highest peak in the world with an elevation of 8,167m. Located at approximately 83 degrees east longitude, Mt. Dhaulagiri plays a significant role in separating the climate of the Eastern and Western Himalayas. Its grand presence influences the weather patterns and creates distinct climatic divisions in the region. Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek or Dhaulagiri Round Trek is one of the most exciting trekking in Nepal. It takes 18-20 days to complete the Circuit Trek.
Dhaulagiri Expedition is very challenging and the journey along the Dhaulagiri trail is full of adventure. Trekkers/Mountaineers traverse through rough terrain, steep mountains, forests, and narrow valleys in the vicinity of stunning mountain vistas. The trek route is challenging and it takes 8-10 days to reach the Dhaulagiri Base Camp. Dhaulagiri Expedition may take at least 47-50 days to complete.
Dhaulagiri region is rich in biodiversity and showcases a diverse range of flora and fauna. The region is abundant with an array of vegetation, including deodar, blue pine, cypress, rhododendron, juniper, oak, olive, and pine trees, creating a vibrant ecosystem. The region provides a sanctuary for various wildlife species, including the rare snow leopards and other amazing animals.
According to Dr. Tirtha Bahadur Shrestha, a tourism and botany expert, the circumambulation of Dhaulagiri is possible from multiple locations within Nepal, as the Himalayan range stretches from the Kali Gandaki Gorge in the west to the Brahmaputra Gorge in the east, spanning a vast distance of approximately 2,500 kilometers.
Earlier it was very difficult and takes a long time to complete the Dhaulagiri expedition. But, in recent years the construction of roads by the rural municipality, provincial government, and federal government has facilitated access to the base camp. It has also improved communication that makes it easier for mountaineers and trekkers to complete their Mt. Dhaulagiri trekking or expedition. Especially after the establishment of additional base camps in recent years notable increase in the number of climbers has been observed.
Between 1960 and 2009, a span of 49 years, only 413 climbers achieved the feat of reaching the summit of Dhaulagiri. However, in the next 14 years, including 50 climbers in 2020, an additional 137 individuals completed the challenging climb. It makes a total of 550 climbers between the years 1960-2020. As of now, for the year 2023, during the spring season, a group of 37 mountaineers, comprising 25 males and 12 females, have obtained permits to embark on the challenging ascent of Mount Dhaulagiri.
