Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek

Challenging Camping Adventure
Around Dhaulagiri trek
Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek
Dhaulagiri Trek
Trip Photos
At a Glance
Duration26 Days
Trip GradeStrenuous
i
Maximum Altitude5380 m
Best TimeSept-Oct, Apr-May

Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek - Remote and Challenging Route in Nepal

Among the many stunning trekking destinations in Nepal, the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek stands out as one of the most challenging and rewarding. This trek takes you to the base camp of Dhaulagiri, the seventh-highest peak in the world, offering an unforgettable journey through some of the most remote and pristine landscapes in the Himalayas.

This less-explored tent camping route takes trekkers through lateral moraines, vast glaciers, and pristine snow-covered slopes, offering a true sense of adventure and solitude. On this Around Dhaulagiri trek, we also enjoy a few days in a cozy teahouse. The raw beauty of the Dhaulagiri region will leave you awestruck at every turn, making this trek a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Overview on Around Dhaulagiri Journey

Upon landing in Kathmandu, your dedicated trek guide will escort you to your hotel, where you will have time for trek preparation and gear management to ensure you are ready for the challenging journey ahead. A short sightseeing tour of Kathmandu's famous World Heritage sites offers a glimpse of the city's rich cultural history before you set off for the mountains.

The adventure begins with a scenic drive to Beni, the starting point of the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek. From Beni Bazaar, the trek leads you toward Darbang, passing through lush, dense forests typical of the hilly terrain. Along the way, you will encounter Magar villages, where you will experience the local culture and hospitality. Trekking through villages like Dharapani, Sibang, Muri, and Naura, you will immerse yourself in the charm of rural Nepali life, surrounded by stunning landscapes.

Italian and Dhaulagiri Base camp

The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek continues with a hike to the Italian Base Camp, passing through Lapche Kharka and Darbang. At the base camp, we take a day for proper acclimatization, allowing your body to adjust to the altitude. This day offers plenty of time to explore and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views, with peaks like Churen Himal, Gurja, Ghustung South, Tsarabang Peak, Jirbang, and Manapati gracing the horizon.

The following day, we set off toward the Dhaulagiri Depot Camp. In this high-altitude region, the air grows thinner, so we hike slowly and steadily to preserve our energy. Our journey leads us along an icy glacier trail toward Dhaulagiri Base Camp, between the towering Dhaulagiri and Tokuche peaks. The majestic icefall surrounding the base camp adds to the wonder of this extraordinary place, leaving trekkers in awe of the raw power and beauty of the Himalayas.

French Pass and Hidden Valley

We continue our Around Dhaulagiri Trek along the icy glacier trail, gradually climbing towards the French Pass at 5,360 meters, a highlight of this trek. From here, we make our way to the Hidden Valley, a serene and secluded area nestled behind Dhaulagiri Peak, offering an unparalleled sense of peace and isolation.

The journey then leads us towards Yak Kharka via Dhampus, where we descend toward Jomsom. We take a drive or flight out to Pokhara. Alternatively, we can trek out to Pokhara on foot. Along the way, we explore the charming Marpha and Letevillages, each offering unique glimpses into the local way of life. Our adventure continues towards Poon Hill and Pokhara, where you will be treated to stunning views of the Annapurna Mountain Range during both sunrise and sunset, making it the perfect ending to an unforgettable trek.

Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek: Prepare for a Challenging Camping Adventure

The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is not for the faint of heart; it is a challenging camping trek that demands both physical and mental preparation. To make the most of your journey, we recommend cardio exercises and long-distance walking to build the stamina needed for this high-altitude adventure. The ideal time to embark on this trek is during late spring and early autumn when the weather is most favorable for trekking.

At Mountain Monarch, we never compromise on the quality of our services. Our well-trained guides are committed to ensuring your safety and comfort throughout the trek. You will have the support of an experienced guide, proper safety backup, oxygen supplies, a medical kit, and a well-equipped trek crew to ensure a smooth and successful journey around Dhaulagiri.

Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek Itinerary
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Day 01

You will land at Tribhuvan International Airport, where our representatives will welcome you warmly. After a brief introduction session, you will relax at the hotel. In the evening, enjoy a local group welcome dinner.

  • Meet the team who will guide you through the Dhaulagiri trek.
  • Discover the rich flavors of Nepalese cuisine.
  • Enjoy the ethnic and cultural program.
Day 02

You will get to explore the rich heritage sites of Kathmandu, the capital city. After breakfast, the guides will take you on an exciting cultural heritage tour of the town. You will visit important landmarks like Pashupatinath and Boudhanath Stupa. These sites are enlisted in the UNESCO World Heritage list. In addition, we can take you to other places of interest.

Along with the tour, you will also prepare for the trek. If you did not have the necessary items for the walk, you could buy or rent them at shops around Thamel.

  • Discover the rich heritage of Nepalese culture.
  • Try out delicious Nepali cuisines.
  • Preparation for the trek.
Day 03

The day starts early, and the team will arrive in a private vehicle at the hotel early morning. Then, you will head to the Prithivi Highway as you drive to Beni. The drive is scenic, with lush green hills and a gorgeous view of the Trishuli River. Once you enter Pokhara Valley, the views of the Machhapuchhre and Annapurna ranges will welcome you. From the city of Pokhara, it is another 3-hour drive to reach Ben.

  • Scenic drive along the hilly landscape.
  • First glimpse of the Himalayas at Pokhara.
  • Overnight stay in the beautiful town of Beni.
Day 4-10

Trekking to the Italian base camp to savor the stunning beauty of the Himalayan peaks. You witness Churen Himal, Gurja, Ghustung South, Tsarabang, Jirbang, and Manapati peaks.

From Beni, you will venture into the Dhaulagiri region. On the fourth day, you will head to Babiachor (950 m) as you walk along the Myagdi Khola and stay overnight. The route will continue along the banks of the Myagdi Khola. You will pass by villages like Singha Bazar, Babiachor, and Baguwa. From Darbang, the landscape widens into the terraced landscape, and you cross the Duk Khola.

Crossing several villages, you will stay overnight in Dharapani (1,560 m) on the fifth day. From here onwards, the trail will go deep into the valley, and you must climb a steep route. After passing by the villages of Sibang and Mattim, you head to a ridge and cross Dhara Khola to ascend to the Magar village of Muri (1,720 m). Overnight stay at Muri village on the sixth day.

On the seventh and eighth day, you will stay overnight at Bagar (2,080 m) and Doban Kharka (2,520 m). From the seventh day, you will get to see the majestic mountains. After descending and crossing Myading Khola, you see mountains like Ghustung South and Jirbang. The ascending to Bagar goes via green grasslands with steep slopes. On the eighth day, you traverse the terraced fields and walk through lush forests to reach Doban Kharka.

The route will also go through some rocky areas. On the ninth day, the trail will take you through the forests, which open up to scenic views of Dhaulagiri I. After walking along the Myagdi Khola and crossing more forest areas, you arrive at Choriban Khola (3,110 m). From the ninth day onwards, you will stay overnight via camping. Finally, you ascend to Italian Base Camp via the moraines of Chhonbardan Glacier on the tenth day. You will spend two days in this base camp, one day separated for acclimatization.

  • Trek to the rustic villages and settlement areas.
  • Scenic views of mountains like Dhaulagiri, Gurja, and Ghustung.
  • Trek to Italian Base Camp.
Day 11-12

After arriving at the Italian Base Camp, you will spend a day for acclimatization. The weeklong trek to the base camp will tire you, so you can rest before heading out on a short hike to the surrounding area. The panorama of the mountains from this base camp is mesmerizing. Since you need to adapt to higher elevations, you can hike to nearby regions and explore the surroundings. Do some physical activities as it is recommended for acclimatization.

On the twelfth day, you will head to the next camp called Glacier Camp, the Japanese camp. The trail steeply descends into an area filled with moraines and glaciers. So, you must cross the Chhonbardan Glacier to reach the Glacier Camp. Overnight stay in a tented camp.

  • Explore the Italian Base Camp.
  • Overcome the challenging route to Glacier Camp.
  • Witness the pristine beauty of the snowy landscape filled with moraines and glaciers.
Day 13

Today is finally the day when you will ascend to Dhaulagiri Base Camp. The trail to the base camp is a bit rough and is usually covered with moraines and glaciers. En route, you will see the magnificent Dhaulagiri I to IV and other smaller peaks. You will also catch glimpses of the Dhaulagiri Icefall. You have time to explore the surroundings. Overnight stay in a tented camp.

  • Trek to Dhaulagiri Base Camp.
  • Enjoy the picturesque views of the Dhaulagiri range and Dhaulagiri Icefall.
Day 14

The trail will take you on a walk along the glacier and moraines, opening to an ablation valley. It would be best to be careful as you walk on icy and slippery trails. After a short time, you will have to ascend to French Pass. From the pass, the splendid views of Mukut Himal, Tukuche Peak, Dhaulagiri I, and many more will amaze you. All the mountains visible from this pass surround the Hidden Valley. Finally, the trail goes to the valley edge, and you head to Thapa Pass (5,244 m). From there, you descend to the valley and find a suitable spot to camp overnight.

  • Traverse through glaciers and moraines.
  • Panoramic views of the Dhaulagiri range, Tukuche Peak, etc.
  • Trek to the Hidden Valley Camp and cross the French pass.
Day 15-16

On the fifteenth and sixteenth day, you will explore the Hidden Valley and trek to Yak Kharka via Dhampus Pass. The climb to the Dhampus pass is a bit strenuous, so you must start climbing early in the morning. En route, you can see the spectacular views of Dhampus Peak and Tukuche Peak. The scenery gets more stunning once you reach the pass. Then, you gradually descend from the pass that takes you into the Kali Gandaki Valley. Finally, you arrive at Yak Kharka for overnight camping.

  • Explore the Hidden Valley.
  • Trek to Dhampus Pass.
  • Traverse into the Kali Gandaki Valley and enjoy the pristine nature.
Day 17-23

From the seventeenth day onward, you will descend to lower elevations and enjoy the lush vegetation. Then, you will steeply descend to the Kali Gandaki gorge and pass by villages like Jharkot and Khingar. Walking into the valley, you will notice the Tibetan influence on architecture and lifestyle. On the seventeenth day, you stay overnight at Jomsom (2,670 m). On the eighteenth day, you head to the nearby village of Marpha (2,665 m) and enjoy the apples. You can also interact with the local community and other trekkers during these two days. Finally, on the nineteenth day, you will head to Lete (2,470 m) following the Kali Gandaki River. Crossing the juniper and pine forests, you arrive at Lete, renowned for its Thakali culture and cuisine.

From the twentieth day, you will head into the Annapurna region. After leaving Lete, you arrive at the last Thakali village, Ghasa. Then, you head into the narrowest part of the Kali Gandaki Gorge and descend to Tatopani (1,160 m). This place is famous for its natural hot springs, so take a bath at the springs once you arrive here. Finally, on the twenty-first day, you will head to Ghorepani (2,775 m).

Walking through the rhododendron forest, you arrive at Deurali, where the Annapurna range greets you. You then arrive at Ghorepani for an overnight stay at a lodge. The next day, we hiked to Poon Hill (3,210 m) to see the sunrise over the mountains like the Annapurna range, Machhapuchhre, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Nilgiri, Tukuche, Gangapurna, etc. The view from here is unforgettable. The next day, we hiked out to Nayapul and drove to Pokhara.

  • Discover the unique taste of Jomsom organic apples.
  • Visit Poon Hill, one of the best viewpoints in the country.
  • Trek to various rustic villages that reflect the hospitable culture of the local communities
Day 24-26

The long trek has finally come to an end. From Pokhara, you drive or catch a flight back to Kathmandu. An extra day in Kathmandu will give you time to explore the city before you take the flight out of Nepal.

Dhaulagiri Circuit Itinerary:

Day-to-Day Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek Itinerary. Check out the hiking trail conditions, walking hours, and elevation. Know stunning peaks and diverse cultures.

Cost Details
Included
  • Arrival and departure transfers on both domestic and international flights.
  • Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara on a twin share with breakfast.
  • Welcome dinner as listed in the Dhaulagiri circuit trek itinerary.
  • Half-day guided city tour with world heritage entrance fees as in the itinerary.
  • Private transportation to and from the starting and ending points of the trek as applicable.
  • Responsible trekking of 01 Trekker: 01 Porter on Dhaulagiri trek
  • Freshly cooked Full board meals prepared by our cook while on Dhaulagiri trekking.
  • Accommodation is in a tent camp while trekking around Dhaulagiri.
  • All required camping gear, including the member tents on the Dhaulagiri trek
  • Mountain Monarch Trip Gears - sleeping bag, fleece liner, down jacket, rain poncho for a trip.
  • Professional and experienced Trek Leader / Guide trained in Wilderness First Aid.
  • Supplementary Oxygen tank or Gamow Bag (A life-saving device for acute mountain sickness) along with a comprehensive First Aid Kit.
  • Professional and experienced Trek Leader / Guide trained in Wilderness First Aid.
  • Trekking cook, kitchen staff, Trek Sherpa, and trek porter with proper insurance and required trek gear
  • Complementary trek Duffle bag, Mountain Monarch T-shirts, Dhaulagiri region trek map
  • TIMS / Dhaulagiri trek permit, National park / Conservation entry fees.
Excluded
  • Nepal entry Visa fees, Your travel insurance of any kind
  • International Airfare and Airport Tax
  • All Drinks and main meals in cities.
  • Tips and Items of personal expenses like a hot shower, battery charge, telephone, beverage drinks, and water.
Route Map
Trek map Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek
Altitude Chart
elevation chart of Dhaulagiri trek