A novel dehydrocyclization process for the conversion of C.sub.6 -plus paraffins to their corresponding aromatics is presented. This process is characterized by a unique catalytic composite which contains a nonacidic L-zeolite, a Group VIII metal component and sufficient surface-deposited alkali metal to provide a surface-deposited alkali metal index of from about 40 to about 500. A further characterization is that the catalyst is prepared without subjecting the L-zeolite to a solution having a pH of greater than 9, and without appreciable loss of SiO.sub.2 from the L-zeolite.