Trekking · Beni
Beni: Gateway to Dhaulagiri Base Camp
Beni is the roadhead for the demanding Dhaulagiri Base Camp circuit, the route to the world's 7th-highest peak.
Beni is the classic roadhead and staging town for the Dhaulagiri Base Camp trek, one of Nepal's most demanding wilderness circuits and the route to the foot of Dhaulagiri — at 8,167 metres, the world's seventh-highest mountain. Trekkers organise permits, porters and supplies in Beni Bazaar before heading up the Myagdi Khola valley into high, remote country.
The short answer
The route follows the Myagdi Khola northwest from the Beni area, climbing through forest and gorge to the base of Dhaulagiri, then crosses two high passes — the French Pass (around 5,360 m) and Dhampus Pass (around 5,240 m) — before descending toward the Kali Gandaki valley and Jomsom. It is a strenuous 14-to-18-day camping circuit with glacier travel, serious altitude and no teahouses on the higher stages.
Why start at Beni
As the Myagdi roadhead, Beni is where the road network ends and the trail begins. It is the natural place to finalise logistics — hire porters, buy last supplies, and arrange the jeep that takes you up rough tracks to the trailhead villages beyond town. Many expeditions spend a night here before setting out.
Good to know
- Difficulty: This is a tough, committing trek for experienced, well-equipped parties — not a teahouse stroll.
- Support: A guide and full camping support team are effectively essential; the higher route is remote and uninhabited.
- Season: Go in autumn or spring; see the best time to visit Beni for timing and the high-pass weather window.
- Altitude: Plan careful acclimatisation and read up on altitude sickness in Nepal before the high passes.
Plan the trek
Pair this with the broader Nepal trekking guide, and if you'd rather a gentler wilderness trip from the same roadhead, see Beni as the gateway to Dhorpatan. Sort logistics with how to get to Beni and a base with where to stay in Beni.
Frequently asked questions
Is Beni the start of the Dhaulagiri Base Camp trek?+
Yes — Beni is the traditional roadhead and staging town for the Dhaulagiri Base Camp circuit. Trekkers organise permits, porters and supplies here before heading up the Myagdi Khola valley toward the base of Dhaulagiri, the world's seventh-highest mountain.
How hard is the Dhaulagiri Base Camp trek?+
It is one of Nepal's tougher treks — a strenuous, remote, camping circuit crossing the high French Pass (around 5,360 m) and Dhampus Pass (around 5,240 m), with glacier travel, no teahouses on the higher sections and serious altitude. It suits experienced, well-equipped trekkers with a guided team.
How long is the Dhaulagiri Base Camp trek?+
The full circuit typically takes around 14 to 18 days from and back to the Beni or Pokhara region, depending on the itinerary, acclimatisation days and weather. It is a committing, off-grid trek that requires careful planning and contingency time for the high passes.
Do you need a guide for the Dhaulagiri trek?+
A guide and support team are strongly recommended and effectively essential. The route is remote and largely uninhabited at altitude, involves glacier travel and high passes, and has no lodge infrastructure on the higher stages, so most trekkers go with an organised camping expedition.
