Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek

Duration: 17 Days
  • Destination: Nepal
  • Trip Difficulty: Very Strenuous
  • Trip Style: Trekking
  • Transport: Private Vehicle / Tourist Bus
  • Food: Full Board Plan
  • Accommodation: Hotel, Guest House & Tented Camp
  • Group Size: 2+
  • Max Elevation: 5180m

As the name suggests, Dhaulagiri Circuit Trekking makes one complete hike around Mt Dhaulagiri (8,176m), the seventh highest peak in the world. Located in western Nepal, the trekking offers a rare view of fifteen seven thousand meter high peaks located in the region.

Dhaulagiri trek is one of the most difficult treks however, our experienced guides will be there to assist you and lead the trek successfully. The hike to Italian Base Camp and Dhaulagiri North Base Camp immediately after is an adventurous one rewarding you with absolutely gorgeous views of Dhaulagiri I, II, III, IV, and V. The highest altitude you will reach during this trek is French Pass (5,350m) and Thapa pass, both providing spectacular close up views of Dhaulagiri, Throng Peak and Annapurna. Since this is a snowline area, you will have to walk through snow and glaciers.

Walk pass beautiful cultivated fields and villages of the Gurung, Chhetri, and Magar people and visit the town of Jomsom, Kagbeni and Marpha, to enjoy the culture and hospitality of Thakali people. This is a wild region full of animal and plant life, so don’t be surprised if you come across semi-wild yak, mountain sheep or the snow leopard.

Why Dhaulagiri Circuit trek for me?

  • Feel an expedition, due to the remote and rough nature of the trails.
  • Experience the green farming villages to snowy glaciers to barren, rocky mountain vistas.
  • Optional activities are available for experienced climber to climb Dhampus Peak (6,060 m).
  • Close-up views of 6th highest Mountain Dhaulagiri (8,167 m) and several other 7000 m-plus peaks.

Best season

September-November are the best time for Dhaulagiri circuit trekking.

The difficulty level of Dhaulagiri circuit trek

The Dhaulagiri Circuit is a hard trek—one of the toughest in Nepal Himalaya-suitable for trekkers who has previous hard trek experience at altitudes above 5,000 m. The optional Dhampus Peak (6,060 m) climbing requires mountaineering skills. Three days in a row are spent trekking over snow above 5,000 m, without an easy way down. Adding to the challenge is the cold and there are no cozy lodges to retreat for night. The Dhaulagiri Circuit trek is not one for beginner trekkers. This trek involves about 7/8 hrs walking into the wilderness.

Highlights

  • Make a complete trek around Mt. Dhaulagiri
  • Spetacular views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges
  • Trek through snow and glaciers
  • Cross two high Himalayan passes: French Pass (5,350m) and Thapa pass
  • Enjoy the culture of Thakali, Gurung, Magar and Chhetri ethnic communities

Outline Itinerary

Open All Days Close All Days
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and Transfer to Hotel 1350 m./4,430 ft./30 min. drive

We will pick you up at Tribhuvan International Airport upon your arrival, and transfer you to the hotel in Kathmandu. Overnight at a 3-star hotel.

  • Hotel
  • 1,350 m./4,430 ft.

We fly to Pokhara, catching our early morning scenic flight from Kathmandu. After a 30-minute flight to Pokhara, we drive to Darbang via Beni on a jeep, relishing the view of lush hills and snow-capped mountains. Following the flow of the Kali Gandaki River, we pass the town of Beni and then follow Myagdi Khola to arrive in Darbang. Overnight at the tent camp.

  • Full Board Meals
  • Tented Camp
  • 1,110 m./

Today, we head towards Sibang ascending to the ridge-top village of Dharapani from where we can get a beautiful view of the Dhaulagiri massif, Gurja Himal (7,193m), and Putha Hiunchuli (7,246m). We continue our trek walking along the ridge on the path above the river to reach Sibang. Overnight at tented camp. 

  • Full Board Meals
  • Tented Camp
  • 1,780 m./5,838 ft.

Leaving behind Sibang, we descend to Gatti Khola then climb up to the village of Muri where Myagdi and Dhara rivers meet. We continue to trek crossing the bridge over Dhola Khola and descend through the terraced farm fields and sparse settlements before arriving in Naura village. Overnight at tented camp. 

  • Full Board Meals
  • Tented Camp
  • 1,570 m./5.149 ft.

Moving alongside the bank of Myagdi Khola through a grassy hill and a steep slope, we arrive in Bagar. We then follow the up and down trail to Dobhan. We continue to descend through a forest to Jyardan before climbing uphill to Lipshe. The route then enters the forested area before ascending up to Dobhan. Overnight at tented camp. 

  • Full Board Meals
  • Tented Camp
  • 2,520 m./8,265 ft

Leaving the last village of Dobhan, we trek towards the Italian Base Camp. Today we pass through the forested trail filled with oaks, bamboo, and pine trees. As we move further and gain altitude, mountains start to surround us from all around. We can get the best view of Tukuche Peak (6920 m), Dhaulagiri Range, and other mountains from Italian Base Camp. Overnight at the tent camp. 

  • Full Board Meals
  • Tented Camp
  • 3,660 m./12,004 ft.

We take this day for acclimatization. We can explore the base camp area or spend the day relishing the spectacular view of surrounding mountains. Overnight at tented camp. 

  • Full Board Meals
  • Tented Camp
  • 2,050 m./12,004 ft.

Leaving behind Italian Base Camp, we trek through the rocky area on a steep slope before crossing the glacial moraines. We then reach a wide grassy area in a shallow ablation valley known as “Japanese Base Camp.”. We have been rewarded with the west face of Dhaulagiri I (8167 m) on one side and Tsaurabong Peak (6395 m) on the other. Overnight at the tent camp.

  • Full Board Meals
  • Tented Camp
  • 3,890 m./12,760 ft.

Today is the most challenging day of our journey. Walking on the glacier, sometimes on the lateral moraine and undulating surface of the glacier itself, we carefully and responsibly make our way up to Dhaulagiri Base Camp. Upon reaching, we can see the stunning view of all the peaks of the Dhaulagiri range, along with an amazing icefall descending from the Dhaulagiri and Tukuche Peak ridgelines. Overnight at the tent camp.

  • Full Board Meals
  • Tented Camp
  • 4,748 m./15,575 ft.

We continue to trek on the north side of Chhondarban Glacier, and gradually climb the steep hillside above the glacier. Following the zig-zag trail across the mountains, we make our way up to French Pass, which gives a 360-degree view of surrounding mountain ranges. We then gently descend through the snowy slopes to finally reach the Hidden Valley. Overnight at the tent camp

  • Full Board Meals
  • Tented Camp
  • 5,140 m./16,859 ft.

We keep the extra day in case the weather conditions become bad. We can also use this day to explore the outskirts of Hidden Valley. Overnight at the tent camp.

  • Full Board Meals
  • Tented Camp
  • 5,140 m./16,859 ft.

We head towards Yak Kharka crossing over Dhampus Pass (5244 m). Relishing the beautiful view of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges in the background, we descend steeply to Yak Kharka through avalanche prone slopes. Overnight at the tent camp. 

  • Full Board Meals
  • Tented Camp
  • 4,200 m./13,776 ft.

We continue to descend steeply from Yak Kharka towards Marpha which is also known as the apple capital of Nepal. Passing through the whitewashed houses, paved streets, and following the flow of the Kali Gandaki River, we move towards the windy town of Jomsom. Overnight at the lodge in Jomsom. 

  • Full Board Meals
  • Guest House
  • 2,720 m./8,921 ft.

We fly back to Pokhara, early in the morning, enjoying an aerial view of the mountains. Later in the afternoon, we explore the beautiful Pokhara city by boating in the Phewa Lake and visiting the famous places of Pokhara. Overnight at a 3-star hotel in Pokhara. 

  • Full Board Meals
  • Hotel
  • 810 m./2,656 ft.

We catch our scenic early-morning flight back to the capital. After landing, we transfer you to the hotel in Kathmandu and give you the rest of the day to yourself. You can either rest or shop for friends and family. Overnight at a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu.

  • Breakfast
  • Hotel
  • 1,350 m,/4,428 ft.

Global Adventure Trekking arranges your final departure to Kathmandu International Airport for the another chapter of your journey.

  • Breakfast

What's included

  • Airport pickup and drop off by private coach
  • Twin sharing accommodation in Kathmandu, including 2 nights lodging with breakfast
  • Two-night twin sharing accommodation in Pokhara, including breakfast
  • TIMS-card (Trekker Information Management System)
  • Dhauligiri Trekking permit
  • Annapurna Conservation Area entry fees
  • All ground transportation by luxury tourist vehicle
  • 14-night accommodation at tea house and Tented camp accommodation during the trek (twin sharing)
  • Experienced English speaking trekking guide with government license
  • Company guarantee for Government Rescue Services
  • Insurance for Nepalese Staff.
  • All government taxes and VAT
  • Complementary duffel or sleeping bag (refundable after the trek)
  • Farewell dinner at typical Nepalese restaurant
  • All meals while in the trek (Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner)
  • Nature of personal expenses
  • All kind of Drinks (alcoholic non alcoholic and hot and cold drinks)
  • personal Shopping.
  • Clients Travel insurance and evacuation cost if needed.
  • Tips to Guide and supported crews.
  • Flight to Pokhara if taken. (company arrange a tickets for an additional cost)
  • Extra night hotel in Kathmandu and pokhara incase of early return from the trek than schedule itinerary.
Request a Private Date

We do not have any fixed departure date for this Dhaulagiri Trek.

Dates can be flexiable, Please contact us for your indivisual suitable date. 

Group discount is available, please kindly let us know the number of people.

 

Useful Info

Dhaulagiri circuit trek is a challanging trek so you should be physically fit. The itinerary is customizable and can be change as per necessary. clients insurasnce is cumplusory. 

Join with us on a Dhaulagiri Cirsuit Trek via French Pass in 2020/2021

Customize Your Trek: This is a general itinerary, which can always individually be “tailormade”. The trek package can be redesigned or redeveloped as per your requirement. For more information please e-mail us 

Note: In case of emergency during the trip, Helicopter will be arranged by GAT. The charges must be paid by the clients themselves or travel insurance company.