The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is a complete journey around Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,176 m), the seventh highest peak in the world. Located in western Nepal, the trek offers a rare view of fifteen seven-thousand-meter-high peaks located in the region.
The 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 towns of Jomsom, Kagbeni, and Marpha to enjoy the culture and hospitality of the 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 the Dhaulagiri Circuit trek for me?
- Feel an expedition, due to the remote and rough nature of the trails.
- Experience the green farming villages, snowy glaciers, and barren, rocky mountain vistas.
- Optional activities are available for experienced climbers to climb Dhampus Peak (6,060 m).
- Close-up views of the 6th highest mountain, Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), and several other 7,000 m-plus peaks.
Best season
September-November is the best time for Dhaulagiri circuit trekking.
The difficulty level of the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek
The Dhaulagiri Circuit is a hard trek—one of the toughest in the Nepal Himalaya—suitable for trekkers who have 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 to the 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
- Spectacular view of the 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
