Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek
Dhaulagiri
Trip Highlights of Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek
- Tour of Kathmandu and Pokhara.
- Trek of small villages such as Muri, Boghara, Dharapani, Jomsom, Beni, and more.
- Walk across mesmerizing waterfalls, caves, green pastures, and deep gorges.
- Take a peek at various mountain ranges, including Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Dampus Peak.
- Walk across the amazing Apple Vineyard in Mustang and Jomsom.
- Take a blissful flight from Jomsom to Pokhara.
Overview of Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek
The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is an epic adventure that stands as one of the most challenging and rewarding trekking routes in Nepal. The trek takes you around the towering Dhaulagiri (8,167 meters), the seventh-highest mountain in the world, offering a blend of thrilling terrain, rich cultural experiences, and awe-inspiring natural beauty. It is renowned for its rugged trails, high-altitude passes, and close proximity to some of the most pristine and untouched wilderness in the Himalayas.
This trek is designed for experienced trekkers as it involves navigating through diverse landscapes, including rocky valleys, lush forests, and glaciers. The journey takes trekkers through iconic spots like French Pass (5,360 meters) and Hidden Valley (5,200 meters), both of which are renowned for their dramatic vistas and provide an unforgettable experience. The trek also allows trekkers to explore small, remote villages like Tukuche, Marpha, and Jomsom, where you can interact with the locals and learn about their rich traditions, customs, and lifestyles.
As you circle the Dhaulagiri massif, you’ll be greeted with magnificent views of the surrounding peaks such as Tukche Peak, Nilgiri, and Annapurna. The trek also crosses high-altitude landscapes, passing through glaciers, rocky terrains, and remote valleys, which offers an immersive trekking experience. The glacial camp at Italian Camp (3,600 meters) is another notable stop where trekkers can rest while surrounded by magnificent mountain scenery.
Key Highlights of the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek:
- Dhaulagiri Peak: The towering seventh-highest peak in the world is a constant companion on this trek.
- French Pass: A challenging pass at an elevation of 5,360 meters, offering panoramic views of Dhaulagiri and the surrounding ranges.
- Hidden Valley: A remote, high-altitude valley surrounded by towering peaks and glaciers.
- Cultural Villages: The trek takes you through isolated villages such as Tukuche, Marpha, and Jomsom, where you can immerse yourself in local traditions and cultures.
- Glacier Camp: A beautiful campsite surrounded by glaciers and dramatic mountain views.
- Italian Camp: A rest stop at a high-altitude camp with mesmerizing mountain vistas.
The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek also offers the opportunity to visit Muktinath, an important pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists, before heading to the bustling town of Jomsom and finally arriving in Pokhara. This trek offers the perfect balance of physical challenge, cultural immersion, and scenic beauty, making it a must-do for experienced trekkers seeking an unforgettable Himalayan adventure.
Itinerary of Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
The first day of Dhaulagiri circuit trekking begins with the arrival at Kathmandu airport. The representative will pick you up from the airport in a private vehicle, take you to your hotel, and help you check-in.
After a long flight, you might be exhausted, so you can rest the whole day or stroll around the local area. Later you will have your dinner organize by Kabru Adventure Holidays, and at that time, you can discuss the trip schedule and meet with your guide and other trekking crew.
Day 02: Kathmandu Valley sightseeing and trek preparation
The second day of the trekking begins with breakfast in the hotel. Today you will be sightseeing Kathmandu valley’s entire cultural and religious world heritage.
Furthermore, you will visit all the durbar square, mainly Kathmandu, Patan, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, and various stupas such as Boudhanath and Changunarayan.
You can also visit the 1000-year-old monkey temple and Nepal national museum, which are popular places.
You will return to the hotel around the evening and start preparing for tomorrow’s trek. Your guide will inform you of the necessary things you can take and make preliminary plans if there is a change in the itinerary.
It is advisable to rest today for the long exhaustive travel tomorrow.
Day 03: Drive to Beni ( 296 Kilometers )
The next day you will have breakfast in the hotel and then head towards Beni on the private vehicle. It will take up to 10 hours to reach Beni; however, the route is quite scenic and beautiful so you won’t feel bored.
Along the way, the private vehicle will stop for snacks, tea, and lunch and click pictures. You will come across tons of beautiful views of waterfalls, hills, and pastures where you can click images and capture the beauty all around.
Once you reach Beni, your permit will be checked by the local authorities. However, your local guide will take care of all of them. Beni is the district headquarters, so checking is quite strict in the area.
You will stay overnight in Beni.
Day 04: Trek to Babiyachour
The fourth day of the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek begins with breakfast in Beni and then a trek towards Babiyachour. The road here could be smoother and filled with gravelly rubble, so the experts recommend a slow and steady walk.
It will take up to 5 hours to reach the small village of Babiiyachour, where you can relax and even start visiting local places.You will stay overnight at Babiyachour and take a rest for your trek the next day.
Day 05: Trek to Dharapani
Another day of the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek begins with breakfast at the Babiyachour campfire. As the destination is Dharapani, which will take 5-6 hours to walk, you must start immediately.
The path is wide, straight, and relatively easy to walk as you pass Dudh Khola and a lovely Shahashradhara village.
The path ahead is filled with green pastures and lovely views, so you will enjoy a bit of your journey till you reach the town of Ratorunga. After only an hour’s walk later, you will get to Dharapani, where you will camp and stay overnight.
Day 06: Trek to Muri
The next day of the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek begins with another sweet breakfast in Dharapani. The road ahead is quite up and down, so you must be fit and strong. You will pass through several small towns during today’s trip but will only rest somewhere once you arrive at the suspension bridge.
After taking a brief break, you will start climbing one more hill, and eventually, you will reach Muri on this hilly road. The village is relatively small, but they have an amicable Magar settlement.
You can either stay in teahouses or start your campfire and tent in the village to stay overnight.
Day 07: Trek to Boghara
The next day of the Dhauligiri trek is the trip to Boghara from Muri. It will take some time to reach Boghara, so you must start trekking early in the morning. While you move forward, you will come across a beautiful river in Dhora Khola.
You can take a short break here as the road is all hills and mountains. After a short walk, you can get the first glimpse of Ghustung mountain, which is over 6400m in height.
Now after descending, you will walk beside beautiful Myagdi Khola before reaching Naura, which is the small step before claiming another side of the hill.
You will come across steep hills, grassy pastures, and stony cliffs until you can see Boghara in the distance. After an hour’s walk, you will reach the quiet town of Boghara, where you will spend overnight.
Day 08 Trek to Dobang
After breakfast in Boghara, you will begin the eighth day of the Dhaulagiri Circuit trek. The destination is Dobang, meaning you are in for a tough trekking day. The roads are small and slippery, and you must ascend and descend, which can constantly make you exhausted.
It will take up to five hours to reach Dobang, but you must walk slowly and steadily not to twist your leg or fall on the slippery road. After some time, you will go to Dobang, where you will be greeted with the most beautiful mountain view.
You will then camp in Dobang and stay overnight.
Day 09: Trek to ChoribanKhola
After breakfast in Dobang, you will start your trek to Choribankhola. Another challenging claiming day awaits as you climb up to 1000m.
You will have lunch in the place called Chartare and then move ahead. Many people suffer from Altitude sickness during this part of the trek, so you and your camp have to be careful.
You can see Dhaulagiri mountain straight from the place, which can be encouraging. After a short walk, you will reach Choribankhola camp, where you will stay overnight.
Day 10: Trek to Italian Base Camp
On the tenth day of the Dhaulagiri circuit trek, you will head toward the Italian base camp, where the climbing preparations start. The fascinating journey begins with the beautiful view of the Himalayan trail and the Glacial moraine far away.
You will even view mountain peaks like Tukuche and Dhaulagiri. After some more hours of trek, you will finally reach the Italian base camp from where the view of the Dhaulagiri is even more magnificent.
You can search for a place to camp and stay overnight underneath beautiful stars and chilly winds.
Day 11: Acclimatization and rest day
Today is the day to rest and get used to the climate of the Dhaulagiri mountain range. Trekking hard and fast can result in sickness and injury that can ruin the fun and adventure.
Moreover, you will have breakfast, lunch, and even dinner in your camp while preparing for another big trek day tomorrow.
You can take unique clicks of the beautiful view around you and take plenty of rest.
Day 12: Trek to Glacier Camp
Today will be the day of significant progress in your camping as you will head towards over 4000m towards Glacier camp.
The road ahead is a narrow snowy path across the glacier mountain, so you must take small steps and look for rocks or stones falling.
Some may consider today the most challenging trek part, so always walk together and listen to your guide.
You will reach the glacier camp within six hours, where you can set up your campsite and stay overnight in the glacier camp.
Day 13: Trek to Dhaulagiri Base Camp
Today is the big day of the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek, as you will finally head towards the Dhaulagiri base camp and then the summit.
However, the path is equally stressful and challenging as you have to make way from many glacial moraines. You have to walk six-seven hours; this terrain is significantly tricky.
You will be well above 7000m and can even see the tall Dhaulagiri I, II, and III above 8000m tall.
After a long seven hours trek, you will reach Dhaulagiri base camp, where you will stay overnight and take a break.
Day 14 Acclimatization and Rest Day
Today is another day of resting and taking a break on the cusp of Dhaulagiri mountain. You will embrace all the beautiful scenery around you and relax on your sore leg.
You can click some awesome pictures and even entertain yourselves with fun and games around the campfire.
Day 15: Cross French Pass ( 5360m. ), then trek to Hidden Valley ( 5200m. ).
Another breathtaking day of hiking is upon us on the fifteenth day of the Dhaulagiri circuit trek. Today, you will walk toward Cross French Pass and the beautiful Hidden valley.
You are above 5000 ft high in the air, and you will be trekking towards the second highest peak in the world, but the vista will still be incredible. You will reach Hidden valley after a couple of hours of the walk, where you will stay overnight.
Day 16 Cross Dhampus Pass ( 5200m. ) and trek to Yak Kharka ( 3680m. ).
Another exciting day of the trek today, you will head towards Dhampus Pass or Thapa Peak. The climb is slightly more accessible than before, but you must be cautious as you make your way toward Thapa Pass. You can take a little breather at the top of Dhampus Pass and walk towards Yak Kharka.
After a while, you can see the change in surroundings and landscapes and will even join the Annapurna Circuit trek. You can visit local sightseeing places in Yak Kharka, where you will stay overnight.
Day 17: Trek to Jomsom
You will start your seventeenth day of the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek with a lovely breakfast in Yak Kharka. You will continue to the Annapurna Circuit trek till you reach the beautiful Mustang valley.
After a brief stoppage, you will descend towards Marpha, an excellent place for shopping or clicking pictures. You will trek for another couple of hours to reach the beautiful campsite of Jomsom, where you will stay overnight.
Day 18: Fly to Pokhara
As you complete your memorable Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek, it’s time to leave Jomsom. You will have an excellent breakfast in Jomsom; you will be taken to the airport and fly to Pokhara airport. You will see another magnificent view of the Himalayan ranges from the sky.
As soon as you land in Pokhara, you will check into the hotel, rest, and be fresh. In the evening, you will take a stroll around the lakeside and even do a boat ride on Lake Fewa. You will stay overnight in the Pokhara hotel and then drive to Kathmandu tomorrow.
Day 19: Pokhara to Kathmandu by drive
On the second last day of your Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek, you will travel from Pokhara to Kathmandu. You will board a private vehicle towards Kathmandu, where you can relax and sleep the entire trip or enjoy the scenery and views until you reach Kathmandu, where you will check in at your hotel and Kabru Adventure Holidays arrange a culture dinner.
Day 20: Departure
On the final day of the Dhaulagiri Circuit trek, you will have breakfast in the hotel. After that, you will pack your bags and prepare your documents to check out the hotel.
You will leave for the airport to board your flight. We hope you enjoyed the fantastic Dhaulagiri Circuit Trekking and will return on your next trekking journey.
Includes/Excludes
What's Included?
- All ground transportation with private vehicle.
- Welcome dinner and farewell Nepali culture dinner.
- Hotel accommodation 3-Star category hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara with breakfast.
- Full board meals with tea/coffee (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) during the trek.
- Best available Lodge to lodge accommodation during the trek.
- One highly experienced, helpful and friendly guide, porter (1 porter for 2 people) their food and accommodation.
- Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek Permit and TIMS
- All entrance fee.
- A comprehensive medical kit
- All applicable government and local taxes.
What's Excluded?
- Airfare (Domestic and International) and Nepalese visa fee.
- Travel Insurance.
- Personal expenses (like telephone calls, internet, laundry, soft drinks, beers, and any alcoholic beverages.)
- Extra hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
- Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
- Tips for the guide, porter & driver. (tipping is expected).
- Emergency rescue.
Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek
The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is one of the most challenging and exhilarating treks in Nepal, offering an adventure through rugged terrain, alpine meadows, remote valleys, and majestic mountain vistas. Surrounded by some of the world’s highest peaks, including the mighty Dhaulagiri (8,167 meters), this trek is ideal for seasoned trekkers looking for an unforgettable adventure. The circuit presents an exceptional opportunity to witness pristine landscapes, including glaciers, deep valleys, and traditional villages, all while experiencing the vast beauty of the Himalayas.
Best Seasons for Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek
The best time to trek the Dhaulagiri Circuit is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. These months offer stable weather conditions, clear skies, and moderate temperatures, making them the most favorable for trekking.
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Spring (March-May): The trail is vibrant with blooming rhododendrons and lush greenery, offering magnificent landscapes. Temperatures are moderate, and the skies remain clear, providing perfect visibility of the Dhaulagiri massif and surrounding peaks.
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Autumn (September-November): This is the most popular trekking season. Dry weather, clear skies, and a comfortable climate ensure the best views of Dhaulagiri, Tukche Peak, and the Annapurna Range.
Winter (December to February) can be extremely cold and challenging due to freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall, making higher passes like the French Pass and Dhampus Pass difficult to cross. Monsoon (June to August) brings heavy rains, making the trails slippery and prone to landslides, posing significant risks.
Trek Difficulty and Challenges
The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is considered a difficult trek and requires strong physical fitness, preparation for high altitudes, and resilience to rugged conditions. The trek involves multiple high-altitude passes, glaciers, and extended days of walking through remote regions.
Key Challenges:
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High Altitude: The trek crosses the French Pass (5,360m) and Dhampus Pass (5,244m), where altitude sickness can occur. Acclimatization is crucial to minimize risks.
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Weather Conditions: Weather can change rapidly in the mountains, so trekkers need to be prepared for sudden cold spells and unpredictable conditions, especially in the high-altitude regions.
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Physical Endurance: Though not technical, the trek requires a good level of endurance as trekkers will cover an average of 6-8 hours per day on rugged and sometimes steep trails.
Trek Route and Distance
The Dhaulagiri Circuit is a challenging yet rewarding trek, covering over 160 kilometers (depending on the exact route taken). The journey offers a wide variety of landscapes, from lush forests to glaciers and barren high-altitude deserts.
Route Overview:
- Kathmandu to Beni (Drive): 230 km, 8-9 hours
- Beni to Babiachor: 11 km, 4-5 hours
- Babiachor to Dharapani: 14 km, 5-6 hours
- Dharapani to Muri: 15 km, 5-6 hours
- Muri to Boghara: 16 km, 6-7 hours
- Boghara to Dhaulagiri Base Camp: 18 km, 7-8 hours
- Dhaulagiri Base Camp to French Pass: 12 km, 6-7 hours
- French Pass to Hidden Valley: 12 km, 6-7 hours
- Hidden Valley to Dhampus Pass: 14 km, 6-7 hours
- Dhampus Pass to Jomsom (via Marpha): 25 km, 7-8 hours
- Jomsom to Pokhara (Drive or Flight): 200 km (Drive), 6-7 hours / 25 min (Flight)
The entire trek typically takes 16-20 days, depending on acclimatization days and route variations.
Handling Altitude Sickness
Altitude sickness is a major concern, particularly when crossing the French Pass and Dhampus Pass. Symptoms include headaches, nausea, dizziness, and shortness of breath.
How to Prevent Altitude Sickness:
- Acclimatization: Spend extra time at key points like Dharapani and Manang to allow the body to adjust to the increasing altitude.
- Hydration: Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and smoking.
- Pacing: Trek at a slow and steady pace, especially at higher elevations.
- Medication: Consult a doctor before the trek to see if Diamox (acetazolamide) is suitable to help with altitude adjustment.
- Descent: If symptoms worsen, descend immediately to a lower altitude.
Physical Preparation for the Trek
Good physical fitness is necessary for the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek. Training should focus on cardiovascular exercises (running, cycling, swimming) and strength-building exercises for legs and core. Practice walking on uneven terrain with a loaded backpack to simulate trekking conditions.
What to Expect on the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek
The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek offers a mix of remote wilderness, challenging terrain, and incredible Himalayan vistas. Key highlights include Dhaulagiri Base Camp, the French Pass, and the Hidden Valley, along with cultural experiences in remote villages.
Group Size for Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek
The trek is typically undertaken in small groups of 2-12 trekkers. Smaller groups allow for more personalized experiences and flexibility with the itinerary.
Accommodation, Food, and Drink
Accommodation on the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is primarily in tea houses or basic lodges. The food along the trek typically includes:
- Dal Bhat: Traditional Nepali meal (rice, lentils, vegetables, and curry)
- Momo: Tibetan-style dumplings
- Pasta, soups, and bread: Common options for trekkers
Water: Boiled, filtered, or bottled water should be consumed to avoid stomach issues.
Helicopter Service
Helicopter services are available from Jomsom or Muktinath for quicker returns or in case of emergencies. Helicopter evacuations ensure a safe and fast way to leave the trek in case of health concerns.
Safety on the Trek
Safety is a priority. Guides and porters are trained in first aid and altitude sickness management. Always trek with a licensed guide and ensure your group is insured.
Safety Tips:
- Trek with a licensed guide and insured porters.
- Carry a first-aid kit and necessary medications.
- Have travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation.
Entry Permits for the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek
To trek the Dhaulagiri Circuit, you’ll need the following permits:
- Dhaulagiri Conservation Area Permit (DCAP)
- Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Card
These permits are arranged by trekking companies to ensure a smooth trekking experience.
Conclusion
The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is one of Nepal’s most challenging and rewarding treks, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty, physical endurance, and cultural experiences. It’s an ideal trek for experienced trekkers who seek a truly remote adventure. Whether you’re crossing the French Pass or soaking in the views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, this trek promises memories that will last a lifetime.
Most Asked Questions by Travellers
The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is considered a challenging trek due to its steep ascents, high altitude, and remote terrain. It requires good physical fitness and prior trekking experience. The trek takes you through rugged landscapes and high passes, such as French Pass (5,360 meters), so proper acclimatization is crucial.
The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek typically takes around 14-16 days to complete. The trek includes rest days for acclimatization and allows time to explore the unique surroundings. The duration may vary depending on the pace of trekking and weather conditions.
The best time for the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. During these months, the weather is stable, and the views are clear. Avoid trekking during the monsoon season (June to August) and winter (December to February) due to the risk of snowstorms and difficult conditions.
Yes, it is highly recommended to have a guide for the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek. Due to the remote nature of the trail, a guide will help with navigation, ensure safety, assist with acclimatization, and provide valuable insights into the local culture. Our experienced guides ensure a safe and enjoyable trek.
The main highlights include:
- Views of Dhaulagiri, the world’s 7th highest peak.
- Crossing the challenging French Pass and Dhampus Pass.
- Exploring the Hidden Valley, a beautiful and remote area.
- Trekking through scenic villages and diverse landscapes, from subtropical forests to alpine meadows.
- The chance to experience local culture in isolated villages like Muri, Boghara, and Babiachor.
Yes, altitude sickness can be a concern as you will be trekking at high altitudes, especially near French Pass and Dhaulagiri Base Camp. It is crucial to follow a gradual acclimatization schedule, drink plenty of fluids, and listen to your body. Our guides are trained to monitor symptoms and provide assistance if needed.
Accommodation along the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek typically includes tea houses and lodges, although they are more basic compared to other popular trekking routes. In some remote areas, accommodation may be simpler, and you may need to stay in tents or basic guesthouses. We provide comfortable arrangements where possible.
Meals during the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek include a variety of local Nepali dishes like Dal Bhat, rice, lentils, vegetable curry, momos, and noodle soup. You will also have some international options such as pasta, eggs, and sandwiches. Our guides ensure that the food is hygienic, nutritious, and helps with energy during the trek.
It is essential to pack light but bring all necessary gear. Important items include:
- Warm clothing (layers for cold weather).
- Trekking boots and a good sleeping bag.
- A rain jacket and waterproof gear.
- A water bottle and water purification tablets.
- Sunscreen, hat, gloves, and sunglasses.
- A camera to capture the stunning landscapes. We will provide a detailed packing list to ensure you don’t miss anything important.
The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek begins with a drive from Kathmandu to Beni (approximately 8-9 hours). From Beni, you will start your trek, passing through various villages and scenic landscapes. We provide transportation from Kathmandu to Beni, ensuring a smooth transfer to the trekking starting point.
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