Dhaulagiri, the White Peak of the Himalayas

Dhaulagiri, the seventh highest peak in the world, is renowned for its majestic silhouette and steep slopes. Remote and imposing, it attracts climbers from around the world seeking to challenge one of the most technical mountains in the Himalayas.

Altitude

8167 m

Localisation

28.699° N / 83.487° E

A Mountain of Legends

Dhaulagiri is surrounded by myths and local stories. Its name comes from the Sanskrit dhawala, meaning “white,” and giri, meaning “mountain.” The purity of its eternal snows and its imposing presence make it a symbol of challenge and mystery for adventurers and local inhabitants.

1953

Route Discovery by Air

One of the first aerial explorations of the Himalayas was used to study possible routes on Dhaulagiri — a major innovation at the time.

1960

First ascent

A Swiss expedition led by Max Eiselin reached the summit with Kurt Diemberger and his team.

1979

First Female Ascent

Junko Tabei, a Japanese pioneer, climbed Dhaulagiri, marking a milestone in women’s mountaineering.

1982

First Winter Ascent

A Japanese team succeeded in climbing Dhaulagiri in winter, a feat considered extremely risky.

28.6986° N / 83.4873° E

Nepal

8 167 m

Elevation

7th

Rank among the highest peaks in the world

60km

Distance between Dhaulagiri and Annapurna, its neighboring massif

~40 %

Average success rate of expeditions (very difficult compared to Everest)

The Solo Ascent

The Solo Ascent

In 1985, French climber Jean-Christophe Lafaille attempted a solo ascent of Dhaulagiri, without the aid of fixed ropes or supplemental oxygen. This attempt marked the history of modern mountaineering for its boldness and technical rigor.

Extreme Conditions and Fatality

Extreme Conditions and Fatality

With its violent winds and frequent avalanches, Dhaulagiri has one of the highest mortality rates among peaks over 8,000 meters. Despite this, many climbers continue to attempt the ascent, captivated by its unique challenge and imposing beauty.

The Neighbors of Dhaulagiri

Annapurna I

Nepal

8091 m

From Jomsom or Marpha

The approach is via the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek, a long and demanding route renowned for its traditional villages, suspension bridges, and varied landscapes. The ascent requires several weeks and careful acclimatization.

“Dhaulagiri is not just a mountain; it is a challenge for the soul and the body.”

Nepali proverb

Discover more peaks

8586 m

Kangchenjunga

At 8,586 meters, Kangchenjunga is the third highest peak in the world. Located on the border between Nepal and India, it is also a sacred place for local communities, who consider it the home of protective deities.

Learn more

8188 m

Cho Oyu

At 8,188 meters, Cho Oyu towers over the border between Nepal and Tibet. Its name, meaning “Turquoise Goddess,” evokes the luminous reflections of its glaciers and eternal snows. Less feared than its neighbors, it has nevertheless left a mark on the history of Himalayan mountaineering.

Learn more

8126 m

Nanga Parbat

At 8,126 meters, Nanga Parbat dominates the western Himalayas in Pakistan. Nicknamed the “naked mountain” because of its ice-free slopes on some faces, it is also sadly famous for its tragic history, marked by many losses.

Learn more