Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek

from 25 reviews

Price starting from

~~$3,765~~ USD 3,267

per person

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Duration

17 days

Max. Elevation

5360m

Group size

+2 above

Level

DIFFICULT

Transportation

Private vehicle, Flight tickets, And Deluxe Touristic bus as per itinerary

Best Season

March-may, September-November

Accomodation

Three-star Hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara; and best available lodge on Treks, overnight in a tented camp on the climb

Meals

Breakfast in Kathmandu, Pokhara; meals such a day (Breakfast+Lunch+Dinner and cup of tea/coffee) on your journey

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 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.

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 most 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.

The Difficulty level of the Dhaulagiri circuit Track:

The difficulty level of the Dhaulagiri circuit trek is difficult to challenge. To complete this walk, you need good physical strength, strong determination, and a positive attitude. The trek starts from Darbang village (1,110 meters) and ends at Marfa village (2,670 meters) in the Mustang district. Hiking trails include long waterfalls, steep climbs on rocky paths, high alpine birds, secluded settlements, off-pit trails, lateral moors, ice glaciers, and high wind passes.

The Dhaulagiri Circuit trek requires crossing two high passes, the French Pass of 5,360 meters and the Dhampus Pass of 5,244 meters. Crossing these passes is challenging but rewarding. Strong physical fitness is required, with the ability to walk 6 to 7 times per day on a closed-beat path. During the trek, most days, you will spend your night at an altitude of over 3,500 meters. So, you need to be more careful about the problem of acute mountain sickness. Previous hiking experience with basic mountaineering skills is beneficial for the Dhaulagiri trek.

Great time for the Dhaulagiri circuit trek:

The most exciting and fun season for trekking in Nepal is the autumn from September to November and the spring from April to May. Probably, this is also the best time for the Dhaulagiri circuit trek. During the spring, you are greeted by lush green forests and blooming rhododendrons. The temperature is lighter and hotter on the lower level, and it gets colder when you climb higher. Anyway, this is the perfect season to see flowering plants with spectacular mountain views. Similarly, in autumn, the sky is generally clear, and views of snow-capped mountains are unprecedented. The daytime temperature is very stable, neither too hot nor too cold. Warm sunny days make walking easier. However, morning and evening can be a bit chilly.

Food and accommodation at Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek:

If you are walking alone or in pairs in the Dhaulagiri circuit, you should carry a light tent for 4/5 nights. You may have basic tea-house accommodation for the first few (4/5) nights with shared bathrooms and the last few (2/3) nights with good internet and hot and cold bathing facilities. For those who are on a full camping trek, accommodation is more expensive than a normal tea house trek. If you are planning to do the Dhaulagiri circuit trek, we suggest that the camping trek is much better than half tea house and half camping.

If you want to trek half camping and half tea-house, the cost will be more expensive than full camping or full tea-house trek, so make sure with your trekking organizing agent that your trek will be camping or tea-house. Trekking Cook offers you the best food during Dhaulagiri Circuit Camping Trek.

They bring all the food with them and cook a variety of foods such as pasta, potato, vegetables, rice, pizza, momo, and other western food. Food is more basic than camping during tea-house. They serve you Nepali dishes (Dal Bhat, boiled potatoes, noodle soup, and basic local dishes).

Equipment and Packing List for Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek:

Every trekking requires certain preparation of gears and types of equipment for the journey to make your trip more comfortable. It is recommended to carry the necessary and light things so that it will be easy while you are walking. The following belongings are recommended that should be brought, although we concede that our clients have their own decision for the clothing. To know what to expect in the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek, we have prepared some useful clothing & gear during the trek.

Important Items: Airline tickets; Valid passport; 2 extra passport size photos; Photocopy of your passport; Insurance paper; Dollars, Pounds, or Euros in cash for purchasing a Nepalese visa at Kathmandu airport, for paying at restaurants and hotels, for gratuities, snacks and to purchase your own drinks and gifts; Credit Card (Visa/ Mater Card) for withdrawing cash from cash machines if needs.

For Head: Sun Hat; Bandana or head scarf; Headlamp with extra batteries; Sun Glasses with UV protection.

For Upper Body: Shirts (1 half sleeve and 2 long sleeves); Lightweight thermal tops; Fleece Jacket or Wool Sweater; Wind Cheater jacket; Down Jacket

For Lower Body: 1 pair of lightweight thermal bottoms; 1 pair of fleece or woolen trousers; 1 pair of waterproof shell pants and 1 pair of hiking trousers.

For Hands: 1 pair of lightweight wool or fleece gloves and 1 pair of lightweight poly liner gloves.

For Feet: 2 pairs of thin inner socks; 2 pairs of poly or wool socks; 1 pair of Hiking boots (sturdy soles, water-resistant, ankle support); 1 pair of running shoes and/or sandals.

Other Useful Items: 1 sleeping bag (good to -25 degrees C or 40 degrees F); Rucksack and Travel Bags; 1 large duffel bag, A small daypack/backpack for carrying your valuables; Small padlocks for duffel- bags; 2 large waterproof rucksack covers (optional).

Medical: Your daily taking medicine if any; small personal first aid kit; Aspirin, plasters (band-aids); Sunscreen; lip balms; Anti-diarrhea pills; Anti-headache pills; A cough and/or cold medicine; Anti-altitude sickness pills: Diamox or Acetazolamide; Stomach antibiotic: Ciprofloxacin.

Digital camera; 2 water bottles (1 liter each); disposable rubbish sacks; Toiletries: 1 medium-sized quick-drying towel; Toothbrush/paste; Multi-purpose soap; Deodorants; Nail clippers; Face and body moisturizer; Tissue /toilet roll; hiking poles, snack food (chocolate/ biscuits); umbrella; reading book or pack of cards (for leisure time during trekking).

Note: If any items are not available in your hometown you can buy them in Trekking Store in Kathmandu before you on trekking.

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 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

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

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 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 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 and 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 descending 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 the 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 been 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 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 are 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 visit 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 you 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.
4 nights’ accommodation with breakfast at a three-star hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara (Twin sharing basis).
Meals such a day (breakfast, lunch, dinner, cup of tea, 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.
Tourist service charge, Vat.
All Government Taxes.

International airfare & Nepali visa-free.
Any meals (Lunch and Dinner) in 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, strikes, etc.
Any other costs whatsoever, that are not mentioned in the cost included.
Tips for guide, porters

Complimentary

Farewell dinner before departure.
Dhaulagiri Circuit trekking route map.
Complementary duffel bag/agency T-shirt.
Certificate of achievement.
Comprehensive medical kit

Frequently Asked Questions

The best time is from March to May in the spring season, when most days are clear for views and pleasant walks. Days are longer with enough sunlight and warm however morning and night time as well in shade gets colder.

The next best season is autumn/fall from September to November months, days are fine and crystal clear with sunny days, but much colder night and morning time. Days are shorter due to sun-light hours during the autumn season and chances of snow sometimes.

Most part of the trek will be in a tented camp, as this walk takes you away from villages for many days into the absolute wilderness. There are no facilities of good lodge, only at Darbang village at the start of the trek and in the end at Marpha village with facilities of best and nice lodges.

Depending upon the itinerary days set by the local companies, the shortest duration is 11 nights and 12 days, which includes a flight or drive from Jomsom to Pokhara, Jomsom the headquarter town of the Mustang district.

Mt. Dhaulagiri is at 8,167 m high, listed as the world's 7th highest peak, and located Far West Nepal Himalaya, close to Mustang and Dolpo area and at Baglung / Mygdi district.

Starts with moderate walks from the last village of Bagar, steep up and downhill to reach Dovan and Italian Camp. From here onward a gradual climb but facing a few difficulties walking through glacier and moraine of ice, rocks, and snow all the way to Dhaulagiri base camp and near the bottom of high French Pass 5,360m. The rest of the walk from Hidden Valley is on the gradual path but with a short steep climb to Thapa/Dhampus Pass5,244 m high then reaching Marpha village to end the trek.

All camping gear and equipment need to be ferried throughout the trek till the end of the trek at Marpha village around Mustang district. Includes two men's tents, dining tent as per group size, toilet tents as well kitchen tents supported by the cook, kitchen staff, guides, and porters. All food is carried where meals are cooked by our expert chef, providing excellent meals throughout the trekking days.

Depends upon booking season-wise, normally for this adventurous trek with a minimum of 2-3 people, and a maximum of 5 to 12 people.

The last village is at Bagar with facilities of electricity to charge electronic items, from Bagar village, there are no facilities to charge till Marpha village at the end of the trek. For this situation trekkers needs to carry portable solar panel for charging their electronic gadgets.

At the beginning of the trek walking through the Magar people, the hill tribes of Western Nepal. Magar practice Hindu religion as well Buddhism and follows more Hindu culture with their own age-old traditional custom. But on reaching Marpha village around Kaligandaki River valley within Mustang district, the villagers are interwoven to strong Buddhism religion and culture.

Best to carry crampons, which is necessary walking on glaciers of ice and snow from Italian camp all the way to French Pass. Normally our guide will be carrying an ice-ax, where members need not carry only as optional. But walking with a ski-pole will be much better and supports on walks through river, glaciers, and moraine as well on the long steep descent.

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