Overview
Dhaulagiri region has a reputation for being one of the most remote places in Nepal. The plenty of Himalayan peaks, impressive hidden valleys, high passes, and incredible panoramas combine more with the beauty of this region. This Trans-Himalayan region is calm, friendly, and full of exciting ventures. With the mountain peaks sparkling in broad daylight, Dhaulagiri will never disappoint you with its excellence.
Our agency will bring our beloved trekkers to check out the base of the 7th highest mountain, Mount Dhaulagiri (8167m). Among the various hiking program in Nepal, Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is a challenging and adventurous trek. It will take you to a remote place far from the city to explore the Annapurna Region. This hike will lead you through magnificent snow-covered hills, freezing glaciers, and lateral gorges.
The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is a long, arduous trek that moves through high mountainous fields and isolated valleys. You will travel through a set of magnificent sceneries, experience-rich Himalayan culture, and be in peace in isolation far away from any civilization. On the way, we also could witness exciting mountain caps, lush jungles, and farmed terraced hills.
We will be moving through two passes – The French Pass at 5,360m and Dhampus Pass at 5,200m. We will also visit the Dhaulagiri Base Camp at 4,740m. It is a challenging trek demanding a high level of fitness and commitment. But, with good strength, primary mountaineering skills, and help from our staff, you will be able to complete this Trek. This Trek awards you with astonishing views of Mt. Dhaulagiri I (8,167m), Dhaulagiri III (7,715m), Tukuche Peak (6920m), Dhaulagiri II (7,751m), and Dhaulagiri V (7,618m).
Dhaulagiri Circuit Trekking trail will provide you with as much excitement as you can handle:
Sublime mountains are not the only highlights of our Trek. You will get to see sumptuous valleys, and engage with smiley local people who will welcome you with huge smiles. Also, you will witness dense alpine jungles and so much more. Our agency will take care of your every necessity and make your hike not only delightful but also safe.
Thamel Marga Central Thamel Kathmandu (Google Map)
Maximum Altitude: Kathmandu (1,300 m/ 4265.09ft)
Welcome to the city of greats. Our agents will pick up our lovely clients from Tribhuvan International Airport and transport them to one of the standard hotels in Kathmandu. Dinner in the hotel. After that, you can stroll to the nearby distances yourself, like the Thamel area. Or you can experience the services in the hotel.
Overnight stay in the standard hotel in Kathmandu.
Maximum Altitude: Kathmandu (1300m/ 4265.09ft)
Meals: Breakfast
We hope you had a great sleep at your hotel. Now our agents will come to pick you and stroll you around the heritages of Kathmandu Valley. You will have a fabulous time witnessing the most impressive historical and cultures around the valley. Uphold yourself to be surprised by the wide variety of cultures and traditions of Nepal. We will have a half day tour in Kathmandu. We will be visiting the Pasupatinath & Bouddhanath stupa.
Dinner and Overnight stay in a hotel in Kathmandu.
Maximum Altitude: Kathmandu (1300m/ 4265.09ft)
Traveled Kilometer: 295.7 km
Duration: 8-9 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Welcome your morning with a delicious breakfast. You will commence your day early in the dawn. After breakfast at the hotel, we will take a bus from Kathmandu to Beni. You will get to see scenic forests packed with autumn flowers, roaring Trishuli, and Kaligandaki rivers during this exhilarating hill ride. The entire ride will make you feel good. You will reach Beni in the afternoon or at early twilight.
Dinner and Overnight in the lodge at Beni
Maximum Altitude: Takam (1500m/ 4921 ft)
Traveled Kilometer: 25 km
Duration: 5 to 6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We hope you had a perfect sleep filled with freshening. The drive to Takam begins. Today we will be traveling towards Takam from Beni. This drive will soon drop the noise from the larger human settlement back. From the Myagdi district headquarter we follow a gravel road for 24km to Darbang and start walking. Takam is a three hour walk away with Gurja Himal towering overhead.
Dinner and Overnight at a lodge or teahouse at Takam.
Maximum Altitude: Muri (1850m/ 6069.55ft)
Traveled Kilometer: 15.7 km
Trek Duration: 6 to 7 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We will begin the Trek with a steep ascend from Takam today, descending trails in the early first hour passing through a dense jungle. Then we follow a steep and ascending path passing along a flat land until we reach Muri. After an hour of ascending, we will enter Muri village, the Magar village in the area. The panorama of Dhaulagiri is superb to behold from up here.
Dinner and Overnight Stay in Muri
Maximum Altitude: Bagar (2080m/ 6824.147ft)
Traveled Kilometer: 16 km
Trek Duration: 7 to 8 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy your delicious meal. We will have a quick village tour of Muri early in the dawn and start our Trek again. First, we will be leaving the beautiful village and glancing at Magar culture. Then, we will hike terrace pastures for some time and cross a river. After that, we will ascend furthermore and see the picturesque panoramas of mountains.
Finally, we will cross the grassy hills after stopping at Gustanf South Mountain. After a while, we will reach Bagar.
Dinner and Overnight stay in Bagar.
Maximum Altitude: Dovan (2520m/ 8267.71ft)
Traveled Kilometer: 11.4 km
Trek Duration: 6 to 7 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We will begin our morning at Bagar with a marvelous sunrise. Then, we will proceed our route to a slight elevation to Jyardan after our breakfast. Jyardan is the last stable village because the only places will be lodges and teahouses for trekkers to stay from now on. After that, the trail starts to get rockier, and we have a high wind moving site next to Lipse. Finally, after an hour of hiking, we will enter Lapche Kharka. Dovan is uphill from Lapche Kharka.
Dinner and Overnight Stay in a small tea-house at Dovan.
Maximum Altitude: Italian Base Camp (3660m/ 12007.87ft)
Traveled Kilometer: 17.2 km
Trek Duration: 7-8 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We will commence our hike with a delicious breakfast, crossing a wooden bridge near the village. After that, the trail slowly leads to a dense forest. The lovely scenery of the western face of Dhaulagiri on the other side of the forest will greet us. We will enter Chatare after we pass the roaring Myagdi Khola. We still have some extra jungles to pass through. Then, we will come across the high rocky route. Then, we will drive through some landslide-prone steep areas. After that, we will conclude our hike for the day by entering the Italian camp. In camp, we will enjoy some of the best scenarios you will ever see in your life.
Dinner and Overnight stay in Italian Base Camp.
Maximum Altitude: Italian Base Camp (3660m/ 12007.87ft)
Traveled Kilometer: No hike.
Trek Duration: No Trek.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We will have a necessary acclimatization day at the Italian Base Camp for a day. We still have some days of trekking in the higher elevations. So, this opportunity at the Italian camp is significant to equip you physically. It will give you the long-expected rest. You can have a heavenly view of Dhaulagiri I, Tukuche Peak, and other mountains of the Dhaulagiri range from the camp.
We will have an overnight stay at the Italian headquarters.
Maximum Altitude: Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4900m/ 16076.12ft)
Traveled Kilometer: 11.3 km
Trek Duration: 4 to 5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After the delicious breakfast, we will begin our Trek towards Dhaulagiri Base Camp. Some portions might need extra precaution with a harness, ropes to cross. Despite this, we will enter you safely, and we will reach the glacier during Mid-day. We will proceed to Dhaulagiri Base camp, stopping briefly in the middle. The last portions of the Trek are very long, arduous, and steep, with a very high chance of being covered with heavy snow. Following the guide’s instructions, eventually, we will enter our end target and seek shelter in Dhaulagiri Base Camp for tonight.
Overnight in the tent in Dhaulagiri Base Camp.
Maximum Altitude: French Pass (5300M/ 17388.45ft)
Traveled Kilometer: 13.8 km
Trek Duration: 5 to 6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We will begin our Trek again at dawn to reach the French Pass in bright weather. The route may get windier throughout the pass. We will get the spectacular panoramas of the Hidden valley of Dhaulagiri from the other side. The sceneries of Dhaulagiri I-VI, Tukuche peak, Junction Peak, Thapa Peak, Dhampus Peak, and others are phenomenal from the valley. We will mark up a camp here and relax for the day.
Dinner and Overnight Stay in French Pass.
Maximum Altitude: Yakkharka (3680m/ 12073ft)
Traveled Kilometer: 13.8 km
Trek Duration: 5 to 6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We will hike for an hour today to access the Dhampus Pass. We retreat for a few hours on the barren terrains beyond the pass, little by little entering the forested region. Then, while enjoying the stunning frontal view of the Nilgiri Range, we move down towards Yak Kharka, and as we approach the valley floor, we see the wonderful Kali Gandaki Valley prosper. We arrive in Yak Kharka and pitch our camp.
Overnight in Yakkharka.
Maximum Altitude: Jomson (2770m/ 9087ft ).
Traveled Kilometer: 13.8 km
Trek Duration: 5 to 6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
You can take a quick tour of Yakkharka before beginning the hike to Jomsom. We begin by ascending steeply downhill on a desert-like trail. We arrive at the bottom section holding a Christmas tree. Marpha village has a spectacular view. We will then descend Marpha village, which has an apple garden as well as a Thakali monastery. It is one of the grand villages of the region. It is a fantastic place to adore the local tradition and distinct cultures. The scenery, streets, and houses here are beautiful and authentic. So, take as many pictures as you desire. You will love the fantastic views during the hike on the trekking trail.
Overnight in Jomson.
Maximum Altitude:Tatopani (1189m/ 3900 ft)
Traveled Kilometer: 284 km
Trek Duration: 5 to 6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After a quick tour of Jomsom early in the morning, we will begin our drive to Tatopani, a natural hot water spring located in the Annapurna region of Nepal. During this local drive, we will be greeted with spectacular views of nature herself and people residing sideways. We will descend through the forests with excellent mountain views to reach Tatopani, the natural hot spring. We shall then dive into the wilderness and an excellent wonder of nature followed by the view to the world-famous Himalaya panorama of Poon Hill.
Overnight in Tatopani.
Maximum Altitude: Pokhara (1400m/ 4593ft)
Traveled Kilometer: 158 km
Trek Duration: 5 to 6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We will have an early drive from Tatopani to Pokhara right after the breakfast. In this short drive, the glowing Himalayas will greet you back again. On the way to the tourist hub of the country, Pokhara, you will be blessed with the panoramic views and roadways along the hill.
Overnight in Pokhara.
Maximum Altitude: Pokhara (1400m/ 4593ft)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy your awake time in the comfy hotels of Pokhara. It has loads of exciting places to visit. Pokhara is one of the significant tourist hubs of Nepal also known as the city of lakes. There are a lot of aesthetic cafes and restaurants where you could enjoy a good cup of coffee. Our agents will help you travel around this valley. We will take you to Lakesides, Gupteshowr Mahadev, Davis Fall, Rupa Lake, Begnas Lake, Bat Cave, etc. You could enjoy some services at your hotel or explore the nightlife of Pokhara.
Overnight Stay in Pokhara.
Maximum Altitude: Kathmandu (1300m/426.509ft )
Traveled Kilometer: 200.5 km
Trip Duration: 6-7 hours
Meals: Dinner
After breakfast, we bid farewell to the stunning lake city of Pokhara and towards our drive for Kathmandu. Experience the scenic trip with hills while traveling to Kathmandu. After arriving in Kathmandu, we have the rest of the day off to rest or do some souvenir shopping. To mark the successful completion of our journey, we will have a farewell dinner in the evening. Enjoy a delicious farewell dinner in Kathmandu on behalf of our agency.
Dinner and Overnight Stay in Kathmandu.
Meals: Breakfast
Enjoy your last day in Nepal. We hope you had good memories with us. At the time of the flight, our people will drop you at the airport. Have a great flight, and choose us if you want to revisit Nepal.
The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek takes 18 to 22 days with Nepal Mountain Adventure, completing a full circuit around Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), the seventh highest mountain in the world, crossing the French Pass at 5,360 m and the Dhampus Pass at 5,180 m on one of the most technically demanding trekking circuits in all of Nepal.
The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek with Nepal Mountain Adventure starts from USD 2,299 per person including a licensed guide, porter, camping equipment and cook staff, all meals, ACAP permit, TIMS card, and domestic flights from Pokhara to Dolpo or road transport to the Myagdi trailhead.
The Dhaulagiri Circuit is rated extremely strenuous and is considered one of the three most physically demanding trekking circuits in Nepal alongside Kanchenjunga and Upper Dolpo. Trekkers cross two high passes above 5,100 m, spend over a week above 4,000 m in fully remote terrain with no teahouses and mandatory camping, and cover extremely rugged glacier moraine terrain near the Dhaulagiri icefall. that will provide you the best trekking experiences.
Three factors make the Dhaulagiri Circuit exceptionally demanding. First, both the French Pass (5,360 m) and Dhampus Pass (5,180 m) involve glacier travel requiring basic crampon skills. Second, the Dhaulagiri icefall section above base camp passes through active glacial terrain. Third, there are no teahouses or rescue infrastructure on the high circuit requiring complete camping self-sufficiency for over 10 consecutive days.
Two permits are required which are the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP, USD 30) and the TIMS card (USD 20). Nepal Mountain Adventure also carries additional insurance and emergency communication equipment as Dhaulagiri circuit emergencies require helicopter rescue which must be coordinated in advance.
Spring (April to May) and autumn (October to November) are the only reliable seasons. The French Pass and Dhampus Pass carry significant snow from November through March and become extremely dangerous in monsoon conditions from June to September. May is the preferred month as the previous winter snowpack has largely consolidated making glacier travel more predictable.
The French Pass at 5,360 m is the highest point of the Dhaulagiri Circuit and was named after the French expedition team that first crossed it during reconnaissance for the first ascent of Dhaulagiri in 1960. The crossing involves technical glacier travel on crampons, steep snow slopes, and demanding altitude. Nepal Mountain Adventure provides crampons and ice axes as standard equipment for all Dhaulagiri Circuit departures.
The Dhaulagiri Circuit delivers the most complete and intimate views of Dhaulagiri (8,167 m) available on any Nepal trek, seeing the mountain’s north, east, south, and west faces from different angles as the circuit progresses. From the French Pass and Dhaulagiri Base Camp the mountain’s towering northeast pillar fills the entire sky creating one of the most dramatic mountain perspectives anywhere in the Himalayas.
Yes, full camping is required throughout the high circuit from Dobang on the north side to Beni on the descent. Nepal Mountain Adventure provides all expedition grade tents, sleeping bags rated to extreme cold, a professional mountain cook, and complete camp management for the entire duration of the Dhaulagiri Circuit with no reliance on teahouse infrastructure.
Dhaulagiri Base Camp at approximately 4,750 m sits directly below the northeast face of the mountain where the vast Dhaulagiri icefall cascades down from the summit plateau. The camp is surrounded by ice towers, seracs, and glacial streams creating one of the most dramatic and raw base camp environments in all of Nepal trekking, completely unlike the populated expedition base camps at Everest or Manaslu.
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