Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek

5.00/5 from 480 reviews
At a Glance
  • DestinationNepal
  • Duration20 days
  • Trip DifficultyModerate
  • ActivitiesTrekking
  • Max. Elevation5360m.
  • Group SizeMin. 4 Pax
  • Best TimeApril - May and Sept - Oct

Trip Overview

An extremely exciting journey through one of the best off the beaten tracks to applaud the grandeur of Dhaulagiri massif! Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is an adventurous and challenging trek that takes you through some stunning glaciers and high snow clad passes to the Dhaulagiri Base Camp which might possibly be a dream of any travel lover. However, owning to its difficult terrain, secluded and off beaten trail and lack of proper accommodation facility, this trek is suitable only for those fit travellers with high endurance capacity.

Mt. Dhaulagiri, the beautiful mountain that rises at 8167 metres is the sixth highest mountain of the world. The trek that initiates from a small and popular town that lies at the confluence of Myagdi River and Kali Gandaki gorge and takes you to some unspoiled and less travelled regions which has been able to retain its natural beauty and splendour intact. The lush landscape, hidden valleys, High Mountain passes along with many snow-capped peaks like Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Manaslu, Mt. Annapurna and other 23 neighbouring peaks is a natural boon that makes Dhaulagiri trek a natural paradise.

The biggest achievement of Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is the trophy of crossing two high mountain passes namely French pass at an elevation of 5,360 metres and Dhampus pass at an elevation of 5,234 metres. The trek is not just about mountain passes and snow clad peaks but the richness in flora and faunas is a treasure that it holds within its jungle, hills, and unspoiled agricultural lands. The people that live in this remote area are an inspiration in themselves. The lifestyle they live and their unique culture that they have been treasuring since long is beautiful and adorable.

Your journey starts with a scenic drive to Beni from where you initiate your actual trekking journey. You pass the warm and vibrant villages of Darbang, Muri, and Chariban to the Italian and Dhaulagiri Base camp. On the route, you pass the high mountain passes like French pass and Dhampus pass from where you descend down to the Marpha and join the Annapurna Circuit route. Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is the most cherished trekking trail but due to its remoteness and certain criteria to be a capable trekker, it has few travellers who actually opt for this trek. So, if you find yourself capable then feel free to join Nepal Hiking Team.

Detail Itinerary

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  2. accommodationGuest House

You are welcomed by hospitable meeting and then you will be transferred to hotel. Our airport representative will explain briefly the program upon arrival. Overnight at the Hotel.

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Sightseeing of world heritage sites in Kathmandu valley including, Kathmandu Darbar square, Swayambhunath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa & Pasupatinath Temple. Overnight at the hotel, breakfast included.

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  2. accommodationGuest House

After your breakfast, you drive to Beni. The drive should take 8-9 hours and you'll find most of the scenery very enjoyable. Overnight at Guesthouse, full board meals included.

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  2. accommodationGuest House

Leaving Beni and Kali Gandaki the trek heads west along the north bank of the Myagdi Khola through the village of Beni Mangalghat to Singa and Tatopani (hot springs). Crossing the bridge beyond the village to the south bank of the river, the trail makes a little half loop before crossing another bridge, near the village of Simalchour, back to the north bank from where it continues to the village of Babiachor. Overnight at tented camp, full board meals included.

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The valley widens and terraced hills develop on both sides of the river. The trail is fairly level and you pass the village of Shahashradhara, cross the Duk Khola and walk through fields arriving at Ratorunga. From here the valley narrows again and terraces disappear on either side of the river. Continue to the village of Dharapani. Overnight at tented camp, full board meals included.

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After crossing the river to its West Bank as you leave Phedi the trail starts climbing in earnest and there will be many switch-backs until you arrive at the ridge and the angle of ascent eases. Again the trail climbs steeply to the villages of Muri. We Continue trek to Sibang and Mattim. From here you continue up an incline to the snout of the ridge, descend to the Gatti Khola and reach Phalai Gaon (1810meters). Cross the Dhara Khola to once again emerge on the west bank of the Myagdi Khola and then climb a ridge to the large Magar village of Muri. Overnight at tented camp, full board meals included.

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Descend a little, cross a stream and continue through terraced fields before climbing a ridge to reach the pass from where you can see Mt. Ghustung South (6465 meters). Descend to the Myagdi Khola and trek along its West Bank to the village of Naura from where you will climb a little before traversing a grassy hill and climbing a steep slope with switch-backs, then descend through a forest and terraced fields to Boghara. Overnight at tented camp, full board meals included.

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The trail first descends through terraced fields to a small ridge, then through a forest to Jyardan which is the most remote permanent settlement in this part. After the settlement a high winding path crosses a rocky area which then descends before climbing again to Lipshe where there is on single hut. The trail continues through a forest to Lapche Kharka and then climbs to the level area at Dobang. Overnight at tented camp, full board meals included.

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After crossing a wooden bridge out of Dobang the trail ascends a forested area. Soon the west face of Dhaulagiri I (8167 meters) becomes visible through breaks in the trees. Descend to the Myagdi Khola and cross via a wooden bridge to the east bank continue to Chartare. Passing through forests again, you cut across a rocky area and cross a stream to Choriban Khola. Overnight at tented camp, full board meals included.

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Follow a trail to the terminal moraine of the Chhonbarban Glacier and enter the glacier from the right. Tukche Peak (6837 meters) becomes visible straight on; at the far end while the impressive north flank of Dhaulagiri I (8167 meters) dominates the skyline to your right. After a short while you will reach Italian Base Camp (3660 meters), which is also the site of your camp for the night. To the west are the peaks of Dhaulagiri II (7751meters), Dhaulagiri III (7715 meters) and Dhaulagiri V (7618 meters). Overnight at tented camp, full board meals included.

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We will spend a day here in order to acclimatize and adjust to the thinning of the air. It is recommended that your body acclimatizes to the high altitude and be "tuned" for the even higher altitudes to come. Overnight at tented camp, full board meals included.

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Set up early in the morning when the weather is expected to be clear. This Trail is prone to stone fall, which passes through a narrow gorge. Overnight at tented camp, full board meals included.

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This is one of our adventurous days to Dhaulagiri base camp. From here you can look up at the impressive north face of Dhaulagiri I (8167 meters) dominating the skyline to your right. To the west are peaks of Dhaulagiri II (7751meters), Dhaulagiri III (7715 meters) and Dhaulagiri V (7618 meters). In front of you is the impressive icefall that descends from the north east col. Overnight at tented camp, full board meals included.

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Another rest day, but very important for the acclimatization. Views from this place are superb and there is plenty to explore. Overnight at tented camp, full board meals included.

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After the glacier you climb two terraced hills, the first of which runs along the glacier, then cuts across the mountain flank and the moraine you enter a gentle incline on the left from an ablation valley. Climb this gentle slope to the French Pass (5360 meters). A great vista opens up from the French Pass and you will be able to see Mukut Himal (6328 meters), Tashi Kang (6386 meters) and Sita Chuchura (6611 meters), all of which surround the Hidden Valley. To the south is Tukche Peak (6920 meters) and beyond is the massive peak of Dhaulagiri I. From French Pass you continue along the right edge of the Hidden valley losing a little altitude to Thapa Pass (5250m) between Tukche Peak and Thapa Peak (6012m). Descending from Thapa Pass you will make it to camp at 5200 meters. Overnight at tented camp, full board meals included.

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Descend from the hidden valley to the Dhampus Pass and continue to Yak Kharka. There is a perfect camp site to enjoy the surroundings. Overnight at tented camp, full board meals included.

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Descend to the village of Marpha, on the west bank of the Kali Gandaki River. Marpha is home to many apple orchids as well as all the various food products made from fruit. Apple Brandy is a local specialty that you may be lucky enough to taste en route. Continue north, up the river valley to the town of Jomsom. Overnight at tented camp, full board meals included.

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Today 20 minutes morning flight takes us to Pokhara from Jomsom. Once we arrived at Pokhara airport, we then drive to hotel. Overnight at hotel, breakfast included.

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Scenic drive back to Kathmandu by tourist vehicle, 6 hrs. Overnight at the hotel, breakfast included.

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Approximately 3 hours before the scheduled flight a representative from Nepal Hiking Team will take you to the airport.

Cost Includes

  • All ground transportations by private vehicle including airport transfers
  • Three nights’ accommodation with breakfast at a 3-star category hotel in Kathmandu
  • Guided sightseeing tours in Kathmandu including tour guide, entry fees and vehicle
  • Meals on full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea & coffee) prepared by our expert cook
  • Twin sharing tented accommodation during the trek
  • An experience guide, required number of porters, their food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment
  • Trekking equipment (two men tent, dining tent, kitchen tent, table with chairs, kitchen utensils, and other necessary equipment during the trek)
  • Jomsom to Pokhara flight including departure tax
  • Nepal Hiking Team duffle bag, down jacket and sleeping bag during the trek
  • Nepal Hiking Team T - Shirt (yours to keep)
  • Safe drinking water, boiled/iodine tablets.
  • First aid medical kit bag
  • All necessary permits for trek
  • All government and local taxes
  • Office service charge

Cost Excludes

  • Meals not specified in the 'Meal Inclusions' in the itinerary'
  • Travel insurance
  • International airfare
  • Nepal entry visa:
  • All cold drinks such as: alcoholic beverages, mineral water, Coke, Fanta, juice, etc.
  • Personal shopping and laundry, phone, internet bill etc.
  • Personal trekking equipment
  • Tips for trekking crews

Cost and Date

Start Dates refer to your arrival date in Nepal. End Dates correspond to your return date from Nepal.

The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek set departure dates are tailored for the group joining option. If the 20 days Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek departure dates don’t fit your schedule, we can include alternative dates that better suit your needs.

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