The Dhaulagiri massif extends 120kms. (70 miles) west from the Kali Gandaki river to the Bheri river. The massif is bounded on the north and south west by tributaries of tributaries of Bheri river and on the southeast by Myagdi river.

The mountain’s name is ‘in Dhaulagiri’ in Nepali. This comes from ‘sanskrit’ where ‘Dhawala’ means dazzling white, beautiful and ‘Giri’ means mountain. Dhaulagiri’s sudden rise from the Kali Gandaki almost unequaled. It rises 7000m. (22970ft.) from the Kali Gandaki river 30km. to the south east. Dhaulagiri VI and Gurja himal are on a ridge extending south from Junction peak. Its best views generally hidden by Gurja himal.