Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek - 20 Days

Trek Route Summary

Grade:
Challenging
Maximum elevation:
5360m / 17552.49 ft
Destination :
Nepal
Region :
Dhaulagiri Region
Activity :
Dhaulagiri Treks
Duration :
20 Days
Group Size :
Min 02 and Max 10 (For solo, we offer a private package)
Nature of Trek :
Lodge to Lodge and Camping Trek
Best Season:
March, April, May, October and November
Activity Per Day :
About 5-6 hrs walking
Transportation :
Private Transportation (Kathmandu Airport-Kathmandu hotel-Kathmandu Airport, Kathmandu- Beni,) Flight (Jomsom-Pokhara), Tourist Bus (Pokhara-Kathmandu)
Accommodation :
Hotel in Kathmandu, Pokhara, Local Lodge / Teahouse / Camp during the trek
Start / End Point :
Kathmandu / Kathmandu
Required Permits :
Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit and Trekkers’ Information Management Systems (TIMS) Card
Attractions :
Kathmandu (World Heritage Sites), Beni, Muri, Italian Base Camp, Dhaulagiri Base Camp, French Pass, Yak Kharka, Jomsom, Pokhara valley

Trip Overview

One of the paramount trekking destinations for trekkers and travel enthusiasts; Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek renders the ultimate thrilling experience via a walk revolving around awe-inspiring Mt. Dhaulagiri, the world’s 7th highest peak soaring at the elevation of 8,167m asl.

The name ‘Dhaulagiri’ originates from two Sanskrit words, Dhavala and Giri that translates into White Mountain. Categorized as a strenuous and demanding trek, Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek takes you across alpine meadows, high passes, and uninhabited but picturesque terrains.

This very trek is greatly admired by daredevil trekkers for its remote location and venturesome tented camp trekking in the western region of Nepal. During this delightful escapade, Trekkers find themselves surrounded by snow-capped mountaintops in every direction.

After a long drive to Beni from Kathmandu, we initiate our trekking adventure and follow the trail heading towards the northwest. Afterward, we trek along the trail and traverse the native settlements of Babichour, Darapani, and Muri.

The traditional village of Muri extends a dream-like panorama of snowy mountains to trekkers, which is complemented by warm-hearted natives belonging to Thakali, Magar, and Gurung origin.  In addition, Muri is the last key villa in this trial. We then climb uphill in the course of Myagdi Khola and advance across the villages including Baghara, Dobang, Chartare, and Pakoban. It is difficult to detect permanent villages further Pakoban.

We gradually progress uphill and move past the fringe of Chhanbardan Glacier to Italian Base Camp. Here, we’ll have our first acclimatization day to accommodate our bodies according to low levels of oxygen and higher elevations.

Thereafter, we trek to Glacier Camp and eventually set our foot on Dhaulagiri Base Camp and witness the exquisite vistas of snow-capped mountaintops in close proximity. Succeeding a second day dedicated to acclimatization, we advance through an abrupt trail ascending to the French Pass.

From here, we can witness the prepossessing outlook comprising Dhaulagiri I, Dhaulagiri II, Dhaulagiri III, Dhaulagiri V, and Tukche peak. Subsequently, we continue to the east and proceed to the Hidden Valley. From here, pursue the trail, which makes a decent across Dhampus village to Yak Kharka.

Next to the bank of Kali Gandaki River; the trail reaches Marpha. The Marpha Village is famous for its apple orchards and apple products especially apple brandy that is made using raw materials exclusively from Marpha Village.

The apple products of Marpha are renowned around the world, which extends the Himalayan taste of Marpha. In the end, we descend to Jomsom, drive to Pokhara, and finally fly back to Kathmandu.

This very trek lets the trekkers; feel the heart-warming hospitality of native residents. Further, trekkers also get rewarded with glimpses of one of the most treasured mountaintops in Nepal via the circuit trek around the Dhaulagiri region accompanied by professionals.

Experience the euphoria, perceive the unknown terrain, and explore the enchanted land, which displays the wonder of Mother Nature. Contact us right now and secure your spot in a wonderful escapade to nirvana, which most of us only dream of!! Cheers!!

Brief Itinerary

Day Highlight Overnight
Day 1 Welcome to Kathmandu (1,338m) Kathmandu
Day 2 A full day Sightseeing Tour and Trek Preparation Kathmandu
Day 3 Drive to Beni (8,50m) 8-9 hours’ drive Bensishahar
Day 4 Beni to Babiachor (9,50m) 5-6 hours trek Babiachor
Day 5 Babiachor to Dharapani (1,400m) 6-7 hours trek Dharapani
Day 6 Dharapani to Muri (1,850m) 5-6 hours trek Muri
Day 7 Muri to Boghara (2,080m) 6-7 hours trek Boghara
Day 8 Boghara to Dobang (2,520m) 5-6 hours trek Boghara
Day 9 Dobang to Choriban Khola (3,110m) 5-6 hours trek Choriban Khola
Day 10 Choriban Khola to Italian Base Camp (3,660m) 7-8 hours trek Italian Base Camp
Day 11 Italian Base Camp: acclimatize to the surroundings and ease off Italian Base Camp
Day 12 Italian Base Camp to Glacier Camp (4,210m) 6-7 hours trek Glacier Camp
Day 13 Glacier Camp to Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4,740m) 7-8 hours trek Dhaulagiri Base Camp
Day 14 Dhaulagiri Base Camp: Acquire rest, acclimatize and explore the outlandish terrain Dhaulagiri Base Camp
Day 15 Dhaulagiri Base Camp to French Pass (5,360m) trek then advance to Hidden Valley (5,200m) 6-7 hours French Base Camp
Day 16 Traverse Dhampus Pass (5,200m) then continue to Yak Kharka (3,680m) 6-7 hours trek Yak Kharka
Day 17 Yak Kharka to Jomsom (2,710m) 5-6 hours trek Jomsom
Day 18 Flight to Pokhara (8,27m); sightseeing rest of the day Pokhara
Day 19 Bus ride to Kathmandu 6-7 hours Kathmandu
Day 20 Departure

Detailed Itinerary

Open All Days

As you land at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, one of the legislatures of Holy Mountain Treks will be standing with your nameplate. After meeting you, he/she will transfer you to your respective hotel. Be refreshed your long jetlagged. In the evening you can promenade around Thamel Bazaar. Stay overnight at Kathmandu. 

Overnight at:Kathmandu

You will have a guided tour of World Heritage Sites today. After stuffing oneself breakfast, you will be on a private vehicle/tourist bus, then we shall move towards different cultural, historical, and religious sites of the valley including Swyambhunath, Boudhanath, Pasupatinath, and Kathmandu Durbar Square.

After sightseeing, you will meet your trekking guide. He/she will do a small pre-meeting and briefing with you suggesting the needed gears throughout the journey. In the evening, you can pack your duffle bags and get ready for the journey. Stay overnight at the same hotel, Kathmandu.

Overnight at:Kathmandu

Our journey begins today. We take our early meal and start our journey by getting into the vehicle. On the way there, we shall have panoramic views of lavish hills, lush forests, terrains, rivers, and several hamlets of different casts and ethnic groups. After the long drive of around 8-9 hours, we land at Bensishahar, the headquarter of the Magdi district. We spend overnight there.

Overnight at:Bensishahar

Our trek ‘Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek’ commences from this day. Following the Kaligandaki river, we head towards Babiachor after having an early meal. Exploring the typical Nepalese settlements, passing the lush hills and forests, we reach a natural hot spring named Tatopani. Continuing the trek through the ridge, crossing some bridges and springs, we reach the village of Simalchaur then to Babiachor. Stay overnight at Babiachor.

Overnight at:Babiachor

This day our journey begins passing some plateau hills and the valley on the banks of the river. Enduring the journey, we reach the village named Shahasradhara and pass it. After the subsequent walk, we cross the Duk Khola. Walking through the terrains, we reach Ratourunga. Further marching from there, we reach Dharapani village eventually and spend our overnight there.

Overnight at:Dharapani

We shall reach a large Magar village, Muri, this day. For this, we should cross several ups and downs. Somewhere, there is a steep uphill walk. After crossing some rivers such as Ghatti Khola and Dhara Khola and Myagdi Khola, some villages like Takum and Sibang, and encountering many ascends and descends, we reach the settlements of Muri today. Stay overnight at Muri.

Overnight at:Muri

Our journey descends a little till crossing the river.  After crossing the Muri Khola, we transverse through the forest. Passing the forests, terrains, farmlands, and pasturelands, we climb again to reach the village of Boghara. On the way, we shall have the picturesque views of Mt. Ghustung South and several other snow-clad peaks.  The way is quite narrow, steep, and should pass through a lush forest somewhere. Stay overnight at Boghara.

Overnight at:Boghara

After having the first meal at Boghara, we head towards Dobang. At first, we head downhill steeply. Following the riverside, passing the thick forest, we reach Jyardan.

Subsequently, we follow a rocky trail and stormy way. Passing these ups and downs, boulders, we reach Lipshe. Further marching from there, we reach Lapche Kharka encountering some lush forests on the way. Then we climb for Dobang-our final destination of the day. Stay overnight at Boghara.

Overnight at:Boghara

Our excursion lead towards Choriban Khola today. At first, we cross a river and hike upwards through the jungle. On the way, we can have picturesque views of Dhaulagiri I. Then, we hike again for Myagdi Khola. As we reach the bank of it, we encounter a timber bridge and pass it. From the eastern side of the river, we continue our hiking for Chartare. Subsequently, we enter the forest again. Passing some stony area and some streams, we reach Choriban Khola at the end of the day and stay a night there. Stay overnight at Choriban Khola.

Overnight at:Choriban Khola

We shall reach at Italian Base camp today. For this, we follow the trial of the glacial deposit of Chhonbarban Glacier passing the arboreal trial covered by bamboos, pines, and oaks. Gradually, we found ourselves surrounded by the Himalayas. We shall have magnificent views of Dhaulagiri massif and Tukuchen from this place. Stay overnight at Italian Base Camp.

Overnight at:Italian Base Camp

Trekking is in the Himalayas is not a race. We should be well acclimatized for the successful trek. After the long days’ trek, this day is scheduled as an acclimatization day. Next, we shall have ample opportunity to explore the base camp area viewing picturesque views of the peaks around. Stay overnight at Italian Base Camp.

Overnight at:Italian Base Camp

Hoping for the perfect weather, passing rocky trials, stone falling areas, and narrow canyon, we reach Glacier Camp today.  We shall face a more challenging way today such as glaciers, steep ups, and downs, etc. Stay overnight at Glacier Camp.

Overnight at:Glacier Camp

One of the most adventure days is ahead. We have to cross the glacier, moraine following the snowy and rocky trail. Encountering some challenges, moving carefully, we reach at Dhaulagiri Base camp eventually. Stay overnight at Dhaulagiri Base Camp.

Overnight at:Dhaulagiri Base Camp

As we are hiking in the higher elevation, we need more time to be adjusted ourselves in the thin air. To be prevented from Acute Mountain Sickness, and to explore Dhaulagiri Base camp therearound, we take rest there.

We can enjoy the first rays of the sun in the Mountain peaks such as Dhaulagiri I, II, III, V, and Tukuche. At the noon we go around the camp and explore it as well. Stay overnight at Dhaulagiri Base Camp.

Overnight at:Dhaulagiri Base Camp

Passing the glacier, you climb to the hills to French Camp today. Gradually climbing above, we wind up at French Pass which is elevated at 5360 meters above sea level. Once you reach there, you will get magnificent views of the different snow-clad peaks including Tashi Kang, Chuchura, Mukut Himal, the southern part of Tukche Peak, and Dhaulagiri I itself.

Having 360-degree views of the snow-clad mountains, we descend gradually towards the Hidden Valley and finally reach there for our overnight stay. Stay overnight at French Base Camp.

Overnight at:French Base Camp

We have another easy pass today. After having our early meal at our tent, we hike towards Dhampus Pass. After the pass, we keep Dhaulagiri massif in the background and head downhill for Yak Kharka. We shall have the sloppy steep descend today. So, we should have a careful walk this day as well. Stay overnight at Yak Kharka.

Overnight at:Yak Kharka

We transverse downhill following the steep way. Following this way, we reach Marpha-the center of several homemade products as well as apples. Along the Kali Gandaki river, we head west reaching Jomsom-the headquarter of Mustang and breezy civic. Stay overnight at Jomsom.

Overnight at:Jomsom

Catching the early flight, we fly to Jomsom in the morning. From the aircraft, you shall have astonishing views of Annapurna ranges, Machhapuchre (Fishtail), and several lush hills and snow-clad peaks.  You will fly over the deepest gorge of the world as well.

As you lad at Pokhara airport, you will be transferred to the hotel. In the day time, you can enjoy the city of lakes-Pokhara. Stay overnight at Pokhara. Included meals: B, L, D.

Overnight at:Pokhara

Having an early meal at the hotel, we move to the bus park to catch the bus for Kathmandu. Around 7 hours of drive, we reach Kathmandu. As you reach there, you shall be transferred to your hotel. In the evening, you can visit Thamel to buy some souvenirs for your beloved ones. You can pack your bags in the evening after dinner organized by our company. Stay overnight at Kathmandu.

Overnight at:Kathmandu

You are leaving this magnificent country today!!!!! Experiencing the thrilling journey of Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek, you are flying back to your country.

You will be transported to the Tribhuvan International Airport via private vehicle/tourist bus 3 hours prior to your scheduled flight.

Hoping for the affirmative recommendations, we bade a farewell. See you again!!!!!!!

Altitude Chart

Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek

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