Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek

Trip Facts
Accommodation:	Standard to Deluxe Hotel's Options in Cities & Tented Camp During Trek
Grade:	Challenging
Max Altitude:	5,360 m/17,585 ft
Transportation:	Private Vehicle/Flight
Meals:	As Mentioned In The Itinerary
Duration :	19 Nights/20 Days
Group Size:	1 to 15 People

Highlights of The Trek

Trek to the Dhaulagiri Base Camp at 4,740 m, cross French Pass at 5,360m and Dhampus Pass at 5,244 m
Enjoy close view of Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167 m)- Seventh Highest Mountain and many peaks above 7,000 m
Wilderness Experience due to the Remote and Roughed Trails & trek into Hidden Valley
Sleep on the Snow and Expedition kind Experience
Enjoy Deepest Kaligandaki Valley, Annapurna Range and Dhaulagiri Range
Trek through the Isolated Villages, Farm Lands and Forested Hills
Visit Sacred Pashupatinath Temple and Boudhanath Stupa in Kathmandu
Pay Homage to living goddess, Kumari in Kathmandu Durbar Square
Enjoy Nepali Food, Hospitality and Culture

Outline Itinerary

Day 01: Kathmandu Arrival (1,350 m /4,430 ft)

Day 02: Visit Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa and Kathmandu Durbar Square in Kathmandu

Day 03: Drive or Fly to Pokhara (25 Minutes) and Drive to Beni and to Darbang (1110 m/3,642 ft)- 6 Hours

Day 04: Trek to Sibang (1780 m/5,840 ft)- 6 Hours

Day 05: Trek to Muri Village (1,850 m/6,070 ft)- 5 Hours

Day 06: Trek to Bagar (2,080 m/6,824 ft)-6 Hours

Day 07: Trek to Dobhan (2,520 m/8,268 ft)- 6 Hours

Day 08: Trek to Salla Ghari (3,110 m/10,203 ft)-7 Hours

Day 09: Trek to Italian Base Camp (3,660 m/12,008 ft)-5 Hours

Day 10: Acclimatization Day at Italian Base Camp

Day 11: Trek to Japanese Base Camp (4,200 m/13,780 ft)- 6 Hours

Day 12: Trek to Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4,740 m/15,551 ft)- 7 Hours

Day 13: Acclimatization Day at Dhaulagiri Base Camp

Day 14: Trek to Hidden Valley (5,140 m/16,864 ft) crossing French Pass (5,360 m/17,585 ft)- 6/7 Hours

Day 15: Cross Dhampus Pass (Thapa Pass)- (5,244 m/17,205 ft) to Yak Kharka (3,680 m/12,074 ft)-6 Hours

Day 16: Trek to Marpha and to Jomsom (2,713 m/8,900 ft)- 5 Hours

Day 17: Fly back to Pokhara- 20 Minutes

Day 18: Fly back to Kathmandu-30 Minutes

Day 19: Free Day in Kathmandu- Back up Day for Trek

Day 20: Departure from Kathmandu

Overview

Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is the challenging and adventures trek around Dhaulagiri Massifs for the real adventure seekers. Mt. Dhaulagiri at 8,167 m is the seventh highest mountains in the world and this trek takes you to the base camp at 4,740 m. During this trek, we walk through many farmlands of Himalayan foothills to the Alpine pastures, hidden no-man valley, high passes above 5000 m with the view of many peaks above 7000 m. Dhaulagiri Range consists of around 15 peaks above 7000 m and extends 120 km from Kaligandaki River west to Bheri River. The Kaligandaki River flows between Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Range in Kaligandaki Gorge which is the deepest one.

Our trek starts with scenic flight to Pokhara and 6 hours drive to Darbang via Beni and pass through the beautiful settlements of Magar, Gurung, Thakali and different ethnic group. Trail goes along the Kaligandaki River which separates Annapurna Range and Dhaulagiri Range. During the trek, you reach the different three base camps, Italian Base Camp, Dhaulagiri Base Camp and Japanese Base Camp. From Dhaulagiri Base Camp, you see the stunning views of Dhaulagiri I to IV and icefall between Dhaulagiri Peak and Tukuche Peak. Walking up in the glacier, we cross French Pass at 5,360 m, the highest point of the trek to reach the Hidden Valley behind Dhaulagiri. After crossing Dhampus Pass (5,240 m), we pass Yak Kharka and Marpha and end our trek at Jomsom before we fly back to Pokhara.

Around Dhaulagiri Trek is strenuous and need prior experience of the trekking and not advisable to the beginners. The best season for trekking this area is Spring and Autumn. During the trek, we stay at Tented Camp with kitchen group and sleep few nights above 5000m.

If you want to combine Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek and Dhampus Peak climbing, please refere the link, Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek with Dhampus Peak.

Detail Itinerary

Day 01: Kathmandu Arrival (1,350 m /4,430 ft)

After arriving at Kathmandu International Airport, our office representative welcomes you with Garland and takes you to hotel in Kathmandu. In the evening, we will have briefing on trek and equipment check by our Trek Manager and Trek Guide. Then, we will take you for dinner to make you introduced with Nepalese food habits and Culture.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.

Meals: D

Activity Duration:

Day 02: Visit Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa and Kathmandu Durbar Square in Kathmandu

After breakfast, we will take you for guided tour of Kathmandu city. We will begin with Pashupatinath Temple which is famous Hindu Temple of Lord Shiva at the bank of holy Bagmati River. After this, we continue to Boudhanath Stupa, which is giant Stupa in Asia and a focal point of Tibetan Buddhism in Kathmandu. Then, we drive to Kathmandu Durbar Square where Nepalese Kings used to get Throne. Interesting places to see here are Taleju Temple, Statue of Kal Bhairabh and Hanuman, Temple of Jagannath (Erotic Temple) and Kastamandap Temple from which Kathmandu got its name. We visit Kumari Temple and pay homage to the living goddess, Kumari and also walk around the Freak streets which was famous during Hippie Era in 60's and 70's.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.

Meals: B

Activity Duration:

Day 03: Drive or Fly to Pokhara (25 Minutes) and Drive to Beni and to Darbang (1110 m/3,642 ft)- 6 Hours

After breakfast, we drive to domestic airport for 25 minutes scenic flight to Pokhara. From Pokhara, we drive to Beni at the bank of Kaligandaki River, the headquarter of Myagdi district. From Beni, we drive further to Darbang which takes another 2 hours. Beni was the starting point of the trek earlier but now we start at Darbang as motorable road connects.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tented Camp at Darbang.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 04: Trek to Sibang (1780 m/5,840 ft)- 6 Hours

Today is our first day of trek. We head to the north crossing the bridge over Dang Khola and ascend to the ridge of Magar village of Dharapani which gives us the beautiful view of Dhaulagiri Range, Gurja Himal and other peaks. And we again continue ascending to Sibang.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tented Camp in Sibang.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 05: Trek to Muri Village (1,850 m/6,070 ft)- 5 Hours

We descend for a while and walk passing though settlements until we cross suspension bridge and continue uphill. We walk through forest and other settlements and reach a Magar village of Muri.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tented Camp in Muri.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 06: Trek to Bagar (2,080 m/6,824 ft)-6 Hours

From Muri, our trail descends until we cross the river. And we continue passing by terraced fields, descend to Myagdi khola and continue to its west bank until we reach Naura village. From Naura village, we walk on lush green hill and climb a steep slope and descend through the forest and meadow to reach Bagar.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tented Camp in Bagar.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 07: Trek to Dobhan (2,520 m/8,268 ft)- 6 Hours

Our trail descends through the terraced fields to a small ridge and through the forest to Jyardan which is the most remote village in this part. Then we continue on winding trail on rocks and descend for a while before we climb uphill to Lipshe. From Lipshe, we walk on forest to arrive at Lapche Kharka and climb to the flat area of Dobang.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tented Camp in Dobhan.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 08: Trek to Salla Ghari (3,110 m/10,203 ft)-7 Hours

We begin on the ascending trail through the forest of Bamboo, Pine and Rhododendron. Today’s trail requires many uphill and downhill walk and has great view of Dhaulagiri Range and Tsaurabang peak. We reach at the bank of Myagdi River in the forest and settle for overnight.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tented Camp in Salla Ghari.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 09: Trek to Italian Base Camp (3,660 m/12,008 ft)-5 Hours

Today we trek close to the beneath the west side of Dhaulagiri. Our first leg starts on the moraine and then enter the Bamboo forest before getting more moraine and boulders. Then we arrive at the Italian Base Camp beneath the West Face of Dhaulagiri I.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tented Camp in Italian Base Camp.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 10: Acclimatization Day at Italian Base Camp

Today we spend extra night at Italian Base Camp for acclimatization and rest. We can walk around and do excursion to Swiss Base Camp, Japanese Base Camp and American Base Camp.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tented Camp in Italian Base Camp.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 11: Trek to Japanese Base Camp (4,200 m/13,780 ft)- 6 Hours

Today we walk on moraine of the Glaciers which comes straight from Dhaulagiri itself on rough and unsteady trail. Then we arrive at wide grassy area which is known as Japanese Base Camp and also called Glacier Camp. From the camp, we will be rewarded with the view of west face of Dhaulagiri I and Tsaurabang Peak on the other side. For the first time, we feel that we are approaching to the heart of the mountains.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tented Camp in Japanese Base Camp.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 12: Trek to Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4,740 m/15,551 ft)- 7 Hours

This day is the most challenging day of our adventure as we will be walking on glacier all the day on the very rough steep and slippery trails. Once we reach at the Dhaulagiri Base Camp, we will be compensated with the jaw dropping north face of Dhaulagiri I and to the west Dhaulagiri II, III and IV along with Tukuche Peak ridgeline. Just opposite of our camp is the impressive icefall which descends from the col between Dhaulagiri and Tukuche Peak.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tented Camp in Dhaulagiri Base Camp.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 13: Acclimatization Day at Dhaulagiri Base Camp

Today we spend another night for proper acclimatization and rest before we cross the French Pass. We walk around the Camp area.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tented Camp in Dhaulagiri Base Camp.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 14: Trek to Hidden Valley (5,140 m/16,864 ft) crossing French Pass (5,360 m/17,585 ft)- 6/7 Hours

Today is another challenging day as we are crossing French Pass which is the highest point of the trek. We walk on the north side of Chhondarban Glacier and gradually climb the steep hillside above the glacier. Then we climb to the French Pass on vertical trail on moraines. From the top, we get the best 360 views of Sita Chuchura, the peaks of the Mukut Himal, Tashi Kang, Tukuche Peak, and the huge Dhaulagiri I. We spend some time at the top admiring the view of mountain vistas before we descend on snow slope to the head of Hidden Valley which has remained undiscovered until before few decades behind Dhaulagiri Massifs.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tented Camp in Hidden Valley.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 15: Cross Dhampus Pass (Thapa Pass)- (5,244 m/17,205 ft) to Yak Kharka (3,680 m/12,074 ft)-6 Hours

This day we trek to Yak Kharka crossing Dhampus Pass also known as Thapa Pass admiring the view of Annapurna Range in the background. Dhampus Pass between Tukuche Peak and Thapa Peak gives the best view of peaks of Annapurna Range however Dhaulagiri peak is blocked by Tukuche peak. After crossing the pass, we descend to Yak Kharka which gives us again the great view of Dhaulagiri I.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tented Camp in Yak Kharka.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 16: Trek to Marpha and to Jomsom (2,713 m/8,900 ft)- 5 Hours

From Yak Kharka, we descend to Kali Gandaki Valley which separates Annapurna Range and Dhaulagiri Range and also hosts the deepest Kali Gandaki Gorge. After passing Aloo Bari, we reach to Marpha which is famous for Apple Orchards. After having lunch and walk around the Marpha town, we continue to Jomsom and end our trek. In the evening, you may treat your team at the lodge.

Accomodation: Overnight at Lodge in Jomsom.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 17: Fly back to Pokhara- 20 Minutes

Early morning, we walk to the Jomsom airport for flight back to Pokhara. In Pokhara, the whole day is free for rest and relaxation.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Pokhara.

Meals: B

Activity Duration:

Day 18: Fly back to Kathmandu-30 Minutes

After breakfast and spend some free time, we will fly back to Kathmandu in the afternoon. In the evening, we will organize grand dinner to mark the success of your Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.

Meals: B D

Activity Duration:

Day 19: Free Day in Kathmandu- Back up Day for Trek

After breakfast, we will go for sightseeing of Patan Durbar Square and Swyombhunath Stupa. In the evening, you can walk around Thamel for shopping. We put one extra day as a backup if incase we could not cross the French Pass because of weather and other unfavorable condition. Jomsom/Pokhara flight is also depends on weather.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.

Meals: B

Activity Duration:

Day 20: Departure from Kathmandu

After breakfast, we will drop to you to the airport before 3 hours of your flight time.

Accomodation:

Meals: B

Activity Duration:

Cost Info

Cost Includes:

Garland Arrival transfers and departure transfers with Office Representative.
4 Nights accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast inclusive of Taxes and Service Charge.
1 Night Accommodation in Pokhara inclusive of breakfast and applicable taxes.
All Inclusive Dhaulagiri Circuit Camping Trek (14 Nights / 15 Days) with Deluxe Camping, Experienced Trek Guide, Cook and Kitchen Team, porters and other necessary support team.
Kathmandu/ Pokhara/Kathmandu by flights with all necessary transfers.
Jomsom/Pokhara flight with transfer in Pokhara.
Pokhara/Beni/Darbang by Private Vehicle as per the group size.
Comprehensive First Aid Kits and Duffel Bag.
Meals, Accommodation and Insurance for Trek Team.
All necessary permits for Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek including Annapurna Conservation Fees (ACAP)
24/7 Assistance from Kathmandu Office.

Cost Excludes:

International Airfare to/from Kathmandu.
Nepal Visa fee, USD 50/- for 30 Days.
Personal nature of expenses like bar bills, laundry and personal expenses.
Tips to Guides and Porters (It is not mandatory but highly recommended).
Cost may arise of natural calamities, flight cancellation, illness, hospitalization, tour cancellation, blockade etc.
Cost for Emergency Helicopter Evacuation Charges in case of emergency.
Other than in our include section.