Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek

from 25 reviews

Price starting from

~~$2,350~~ USD 3,878

per person

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Duration

17 days

Max. Elevation

5360m

Group size

Level

DIFFICULT

Transportation

Private vehicle, Flight, And Deluxe Touristic bus

Best Season

March-may, September -December

Accomodation

Standard Hotel in Kathmandu, Pokhara with the best available lodge on Treks, and overnight in a tented camp on the climb.

Meals

Full board meals (Breakfast+Lunch + Dinner and cup of tea/coffee)

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

Highlights

Exploring Dhaulagiri, the seventh highest peak in the world.
Traverses the head of the hidden valley, crossing French Pass and Dhampus Pass.
Extreme and tiny trekking trail through dense forests into the high country to base camp, snow, and glacier walking for a week.
Experiencing with Thakali culture in Kaligandaki valley.
Taking in the ever-changing and dramatic scenery.
Visiting a region of multi-faceted and intriguing cultures.
Ascending two stunning high passes.
Taking in camping-style trek with porters that seems like a throwback to distant times.

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 north-east 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.

Important Note

You need to be mentally and physically prepared for this trek as it goes through high altitude and one has to have endurance capability to the cold wind.
Customize Your Trek: This is a general itinerary, which can always individually be “tailor-made”. The trek package can be redesigned or redeveloped as per your taste, for more information

Trip Itinerary

Day

Pick up at Tribhuvan International Airport upon your arrival, and transfer you to the hotel in Kathmandu. Overnight at 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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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 Italian Base Camp. Overnight at tented camp.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Inclusions

Airport / Hotel / Airport pick up & transfer by car / Van.
3 night’s accommodation with breakfast at standard hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) with Tea & coffee, and hot water during the trek.
Tented 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
All transportation by private car.
Marpha to Pokhara sharing bus/jeep
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.
Tourist service charge, Vat.
All Government Taxes.

Any meals (Lunch and Dinner) Kathmandu and Pokhara other than breakfast.
Travel insurance.
International airfare to and from Nepal.
Nepal Tourist Visa fee.
Items and expenses of personal nature.
Any kind of alcoholic drinks, cold drinks, laundry, phone calls, internet, and Personal trekking equipment.
Emergency Evacuation (Helicopter Rescue).
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 treks, if needed (to be returned after the trip completion).
Trekking map.
Fresh fruit each day(apple, orange)
Complementary duffel bag/agency T-shirt.
Certificate of achievement.
Comprehensive medical kit