Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek

Overview

Dhaulagiri circuit trek is a remote setting and physical demands are well suited to experienced trekkers with a deep sense of adventure and the requisite levels of fitness to enjoy the challenge of one of the most extraordinary treks in all of Nepal. It’s a trek for those who are prepared to test the limits of their endurance on all levels, with little of the comforts offered up by the more popular teahouse trails that the majority of trekkers take for granted these days. It’s traditional trekking at its finest, a throwback to a bygone era of expeditions and porters winding their way amidst towering snow-capped peaks, across glaciers, and over high passes used for centuries for trading purposes and to connect to neighboring valleys.

Among the innumerous trekking routes in Nepal, Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is one of the challenging adventures situated in the Annapurna Region which takes the trekkers to the base of the world's seventh-highest peak, Mount Dhaulagiri (8167m). Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek walks through snow-covered slopes, icy glaciers, and lateral moraine. Throughout the journey, the trekking route offers a splendid view of the majestic Dhaulagiri massif along with other mountain peaks that are above 7000m.

Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek begins with your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu. After the scenic flight to Pokhara and drive to Darbang begins the real trekking journey as you pass through densely forested trails and terraced hilly areas. The trekkers also walk past various Magar villages which gives them the opportunity to understand their culture and lifestyle. The trek reaches three base camps; Italian Base Camp, Dhaulagiri Base Camp, and Japanese Base Camp. From Dhaulagiri Base Camp, trekkers can see the stunning icefall descending from the northeast cool between Dhaulagiri and Tukuche Peak.

Walking through the glacial moraines on a white icy track, trekkers gently climb up to the French Pass (5360m) which is the highest point of our trek. The trail then follows to reach the Hidden Valley behind the Dhaulagiri massif. The trekkers also cross Dhampus Pass and Thapa Pass which leads to the town of Jomsom passing the Marpha village, also known as apple city, on the way. Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is perfect for those trekkers who love challenges as this trek includes walking over creaking glaciers and crossing a high mountain pass.

Trip Itinerary

Day 1 : Arrival in Kathmandu:

Pick up at Tribhuvan International Airport upon your arrival, and transfer you to the hotel in Kathmandu. Overnight at the hotel. The evening group welcomes dinner in a lovely Nepalese Restaurant with an introduction to the culture of Nepal with folk dance and music.

Day 2 : In Kathmandu free day for a sightseeing tour at places of interest:

A free day in Kathmandu preparation for the trek includes a sightseeing tour around Kathmandu valley at places of great historical and religious interest. The city is steeped with ancient world heritage sites, where the tour takes you around renowned landmarks, like the old Durbar / Palace Square with old Swayambhunath of more than 2,500 years old Stupa, a Buddhist religious monument. Includes holy Hindu temple of Pashupatinath and large dome stupa of Bouddhanath of great cultural and religious interest.

Day 3 : Fly/ from Kathmandu to Pokhara and drive to Darbang 1110m/6-7 hours:

We fly to Pokhara catching our early morning scenic flight from Kathmandu. After a 45-minute flight to Pokhara, we drive to Darbang via Beni on 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 tented camp.

Day 4 : Trek from Darbang to Sibang 1780m/6-7 hours:

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 (7193m), and Putha Hiunchuli (7246m). We continue our trek walking along the ridge on the path above the river to reach Sibang. Overnight at tented camp.

Day 5 : Trek from Sibang to Naura 1570m/4-5 hours OR Bagar 2080m/7-8 hours:

Leaving behind Sibang, we descend to Gatti Khola then climb up to the village of Muri where the 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.

Day 6 : Trek from Naura OR Bagar to Dobhan 2520m/5-7 hours:

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.

Day 7 : Trek from Dobhan to Italian Base Camp 3660m/7-8 hours:

Leaving the last village of Dobhan, we trek towards 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 (6920m), Dhaulagiri Range, and other mountains from the Italian Base Camp. Overnight at tented camp.

Day 8 : Acclimatization Day:

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

Day 9 : Trek from Italian Base Camp to Japanese Base Camp 3890m/4-5 hours:

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 rewarded with the west face of Dhaulagiri I (8167m) on one side and Tsaurabong Peak (6395m) on the other. Overnight at tented camp.

Day 10 : Trek from Japanese Base Camp to Dhaulagiri Base Camp 4748m/4-5 hours:

Today is the most challenging day out 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 ridgeline. Overnight at tented camp.

Day 11 : Acclimatization Day:

Keeping our health in mind, we take another day off from trekking to acclimatize. We can spend the day exploring the areas nearby the base camp. There's also an option of hiking up a little for a better view of the mountains. Overnight at tented camp.

Day 12 : Trek from Dhaulagiri Base Camp to Hidden Valley 5140m/ 6-7 hours walking via French Pass 5360m:

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 moraines, we make our way up to French Pass which gives a 360-degree view of surrounding mountain ranges. We then gently descend through snow slopes to finally reach the Hidden Valley. Overnight at tented camp.

Day 13 : Reserve Day for bad weather or rest day:

We keep the extra day in case the weather condition becomes bad. We can also use this day to explore the outskirts of Hidden Valley. Overnight at tented camp.

Day 14 : Trek from Hidden Valley to Yak Kharka 4200m/5-6 hours walking via Dhampus Pass 5244m:

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

Day 15 : Trek from Yak Kharka to Jomsom 2720m/4-5 hours walking via Marpha:

We continue to descend steeply from Yak Kharka towards Marpha which is also known as the apple capital of Nepal. Overnight at lodge in Marpha.

Day 16 : Drive from marpha to Pokhara and transfer to hotel.9/10 hours:

We early in the morning, enjoying an aerial view of the mountains. Later in the evening, we explore the beautiful Pokhara city in Phewa Lake and visiting the famous places of Pokhara. Overnight at a hotel in Pokhara. End our trek.

Day 17 : Fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu:

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

Day 18 : Final Departure from Kathmandu:

Our team representative drops you at Tribhuvan International Airport for final departure hoping to see you again.

Inclusions

What is included?

Airport / Hotel / Airport pick up & transfer by car / Van.
3 nights’ accommodation with breakfast at a three-star hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara (Twin sharing basis).
Meals such a day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) with Tea & coffee, and hot water during the trek.
Tented/teahouse accommodation during the trek.
1 experienced, helpful, and friendly guide, 1 cook and 1 helper, porters their (minimum 5 people staff during the trek) food & accommodation, salary, equipment, and insurance.
Professional climbing sherpa guide.
Kathmandu to Pokhara flight ticket.
Pokhara to Darbang transportation by private vehicle.
Pokhara to Kathmandu transportation by deluxe touristic bus.
Jomsom to Pokhara flight ticket.
All trekking equipment (Tent, mattress, dining tent, kitchen tent, toilet tent, kitchen utensils, etc.)
Annapurna Conservation Permit and all necessary permits.
First Aid Medical Kit box.
Farewell dinner before departure.
Tourist service charge, Vat.
All Government Taxes.

What isn't included?

International airfare & Nepali visa-free.
Any meals (Lunch and Dinner) Kathmandu and Pokhara other than breakfast.
Travel insurance.
Items and expenses of personal nature.
personal expenses (phone calls, internet, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle water, hot shower, treks equipment, etc).
Any kind of alcoholic drinks, cold drinks, laundry, phone calls, internet, and Personal trekking equipment.
Emergency Evacuation (Helicopter Rescue).
Jomsom to Pokhara private vehicle transportation.
Pokhara-Kathmandu flight tickets and private vehicle transportation.
Any costs which arise due to a change of the itinerary, because of landslides, political disturbance, and strikes, etc.
Any other costs whatsoever, that are not mentioned in the cost included.
Tips for guide, porters

Complimentary

Sleeping bag during the trek. (to be returned after the trip completion).
Dhaulagiri Circuit trekking route map.
Complementary duffel bag/agency T-shirt.
Certificate of achievement.
Comprehensive medical kit

Trip code	DCT-54
Package name	Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek
Duration	17 Days
Max. elevation	5360 Meter
Level	DIFFICULT
Transportation	Private vehicle, Flight, And Deluxe Touristic bus as per itinerary
Accomodation	Three-star Hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara; and best available lodge on Treks, overnight in a tented camp on the climb
Starts at	kathmandu
Ends at	kathmandu
Trip route	Kathmandu-Pokhara-Darbang-Sibang-Naura-Bagar-Dobhan-Italian Base Camp-Japanese Base Camp-Dhaulagiri Base Camp-Hidden Valley French Pass-Yak Kharka-Dhampus Pass-Marpha-Jomsom-Pokhara-Kathmandu
Cost	USD 3,267 per person