Trekking in the Dhaulagiri region is challenging as well as rewarding because one should face some of the extreme challenges in the trail but also can get an opportunity to see the mighty Dhaulagiri range from a closer view. Trekking in the shadow of the world’s seventh highest mountain is a lifetime dream for all the trekkers and mountaineers of the world. Dhaulagiri Circuit trek takes the trekkers to one of the remote, isolated, and unbeaten land of our country in the Himalayan region. Starting from the sightseeing of magnificent Himalayan ranges to getting an opportunity to explore the wildlife and wide vegetation, the Dhaulagiri region has lots of things to offers to its visitors.
Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek offers some of the majestic vies of Himalayan ranges including the highest mountain of the world Sagarmatha, Annapurna I, II, III & IV, Ganesh Himal, Langtang ranges, and closer and majestic view of Dhaulagiri ranges. You will also get an opportunity to explore the lifestyle and culture of people living in the Dhaulagiri region. The main objective of our circuit will be to cross two high mountain passes, the French pass (5360m) and the Dhampus pass (5234m). Sightseeing the rare animals and birds found in this area is also another major attraction of this circuit.
Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek starts with a short drive to Beni. We will start our trek from Beni and pass many ancient villages and settlements to reach the base camp of Mt. Dhaulagiri. One can do the sightseeing of snow-capped mountain ranges from the base camp. Leaving the base camp behind, we will trek to cross the French Col pass and reach the Hidden Valley. Trekking ahead will take us to Dhampus pass and then crossing this pass will take us to Jomsom from where we will fly to Pokhara and then end our tour in Kathmandu.
Highlights
Witness the challenging adventure that circulates the 7th highest snow-capped peak in the world, Mt Dhaulagiri (8,167).
Opportunity to witness the stunning view of Manapathi Peak, Dhaulagiri I, Tukuchen Tsaurabong Peak, Gurja Himal, and Dhampus Peak
Chance to explore 3 major base camps in a single trip, Dhaulagiri Base Camp, Glacier Camp, and Italian base Camp.
Crossing two high passes, Dhampus Pass (5,240 meters) and French Pass (5,360 meters)
Experience an adventurous camping in the hidden valley at 5,200 m
Passing different scenic trekking trails with different landscapes, tumbling waterfalls, and soaring rivers.
Explore the traditional and cultural settlements of the Magars, Chhetri, Gurung, and ThakaliCommunities.
Observe the vastly diversified endangered flora and fauna of the Himalayan region.
Itinerary (21D, 20N)
Nepal Intrepid Treks will be your dedicated travel companion until you return to your home country. Once you arrive at Kathmandu airport, we will be there to pick you up and take you to your hotel. Accommodation for our valued customers includes room and breakfast in a three star hotel in Kathmandu. Take in the impressions of Nepal as we drive you from the airport to your hotel. We will assist you with the check-in and provide you with further information regarding your Everest Base Camp Trek. You may then have a rest or stroll through the bustling, colorful streets and alleys of Kathmandu.
Before starting your trekking journey, we have set aside a day in Kathmandu to help you learn about the unique art, culture, and architecture of Nepal. You will be guided to the UNESCO-listed heritage sites in Kathmandu. First, you will be escorted to Kathmandu Durbar Square, where you can visit the museum, palace, its premises, and the temples built around it. Next, you will be escorted to the monkey temple – Swayambhunath. We walk up the stairs to the stupa. From the height, we can get an excellent view of Kathmandu city. Then, we visit a popular Hindu temple – Pashupatinath temple and head towards the largest stupa in the world – Boudhanath stupa. In the evening, we return to our hotel for an overnight stay
Morning, we start this wonderful adventure to Around Dhaulagiri & Hidden Valley taking a scenic overland drive of near 6 hours to beautiful Pokhara city with its serene Phewa and Begnas Lakes where the high Annapurna Himalaya reflects on its pristine lakes. (Flying options of 30 mins panoramic flight to Pokhara)
From Pokhara, our journey continues on the drive to Beni town and beyond to a farming town at Darbang, the starting point of Dhaulagiri-Dhorpatan and Dolpo trekking. At Darbang time permitting we might walk for few hours to another overnight stop by the river to make the next day walk easier, or just stay at Darbang in a local lodge.
The first-day walk of this adventure starts with a climb over a steep ridge, walking past farm villages and then on a pleasant trail along Myagdi River, we follow the river right to its glacier source at Dhaulagiri base camp. After a good walk reaching our first overnight camp by the river, afternoon at leisure with rest or get cooled in the river.
Morning walk follows the river for short while reaching a farm village at Jugepani for a possible lunch stop after a rest then leading to a steep climb above a ridge and then downhill through a forest to camp at Bagar, a farm village. Bagar will be the last village till walk joins at popular Kaligandaki route at Marpha.
On leaving the last of farm fields at Bagar village walk into forest for an hour and then a climb into forested area of bamboo, oaks and rhododendron trees. After climb then descend to reach at Dovan for overnight camp, Dovan a small temporary settlement with small teahouse and shops.
From Dovan morning walk leads to an unstable wooden bridge over a stream at a confluence of Mygdi river, after crossing walking into the forest all the way to overnight stop at Chartare also called Bhainse Kharka.
After overnight in the middle of dense forest, today walk leads to complete wilderness on leaving the vegetation and tree lines for few days. Morning walk leads closer to Mt. Dhaulagiri South Face flank, with views of Putha Huinchuli, Manapathi, and Dhaulagiri south flank, after good hours of walk reaching a glaciated area on a clearing named as Italian camp. From here adventure begins as the walk leads on the glacier, moraine with a climb over the rocky ridge to reach Pakhaban also called Japanese camp. This camp offers super views of South West Face of Dhaulagiri and Manapathi, Puttha Hiunchuli with huge ice wall of Tsaurabong Peak.
Morning walk follows moraine and iceberg in some section, this morning climb needs a good team work with guides, porters and fellow members to be on right side of the trail over glaciated sections. After a tough walk over glacial section reaching a rocky open area around Dhaulagiri where base camp is located. Overnight camp at base camp the highlight of this adventure with closest view of world 7th highest Mt. Dhaulagiri I at 8,167 m, includes view of tumbling icefalls, glacier and Tukuche peak with West peaks of Dhaulagiri II (7,751 m.), Dhaulagiri III (7,715 m.) and Dhaulagiri IV (7,618 m.).
From this unique and wonderful campsite morning walk leads to the highest point of the adventure over French pass at 5,360 meters. After the high pass a short descend to reach a wide grassy meadow a huge field at hidden valley for overnight camp. Offering views of Sita Chuchura, Mukut Himal, and Tashi Kang 5,386 meters, Tukche Peak and Dhaulagiri I.
Today a rest and spare or contingency day in case of bad weather condition including physical conditions of members, staff and porters. If all goes well we can carry on to next camp to more safe and nice area to make the next day shorter towards Pokhara. On this day if are not moving just relax and enjoy the views and explore on this least trekked area around Hidden valley.
After a pleasant rest, morning starts on a gentle path for few hours to reach last pass of this adventure at Thapa also called Dhampus pass with 5,250 meters high. On reaching the pass with grand rare views of Annapurna Himal, Nilgiris peaks, and then our walk descend to Yak Kharka for overnight camp and back into green vegetation of Juniper, Burberry and rhododendron bushes.
Morning walk with long descend back into villages, after being in complete wilderness for past few days. Downhill walk into forest of firs, pines and rhododendron trees, after few hours of easy descend reaching at one of the charming village at Marpha where all houses are painted white, this gem of a village with an interesting monastery. Marpha located in lower Mustang district around Kaligandaki river valley, this area famous for delicious apples and product like cider, brandy local brew, juices, dry apples and apricot fruits. Enjoy the afternoon in the comfort of nice lodges and explore this beautiful village.
From Marpha an enjoyable walk following Kaligandaki river downstream, reaching Tukuche village, beneath Tukuche peak and Dhaulagiri with Mt. Nilgiris, from here back into tree line of pines, oaks and rhododendron, and then to a nice Kalapani village, after a short stop walk to another lovely village with grand views of Mt. Annapurna I, Nilgiris and Dhaulagiri, a short downhill brings at Lete village for overnight stop.
From Lete onwards leads to a dramatic change in landscapes, walking between two high peaks of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna forming world deepest gorge. From Ghasa village a southern end of Mustang area, dominated by Thakali people and then heading at Tatopani (Hot Spring) village with sub-tropic climate. Tatopani another nice village with large hot spring pools just by the bank of the River Kaligandaki.
Morning walk leads across a bridge over Kaligandaki River and then our route diverts heading uphill on terraced hillside, dotted with farms and villages, after a steep section through dense alpine forest reaching at Chitre and to Ghorepani- village with super views of Mt. Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South and Vara-Shikar also known Annapurna Fang.
Morning an hour hike to Poon Hill at 3,210m, offering stunning sunrise over chain of mountains, including views of Mt. Machhapuchare “The Fish Tail”, after a wonderful time at Poon Hill, walk into rhododendron forest on gradual trail with long descend from Ulleri village to Tirkhedhunga for last overnight stop in the high hills of Himalaya.
From here, ending the last walk of the adventure trekking through farm villages and terraces and into warmer area, walk stops at Nayapul and then few hours’ drives to popular touristic spot of Nepal at Pokhara.
Morning a scenic drive to Kathmandu, after a wonderful memorable trip in the high mountains around Dhaulagiri & Hidden Valley, on reaching Kathmandu transfer to respective hotels with afternoon free at leisure. (option by air 30 minutes scenic flight to Kathmandu
We will thank you with a token of love from the departure section of Tribhuwan International Airport. Before your departure, as per your choice, we can have a group farewell dinner where you can taste Newari food items. At last, we will wish best of luck for your wonderful journey to the new chapter of your life
Trekking Map
Altitude Profile
Inclusions & Exclusions
What's Included
Airport pick up & drop
Transportation by bus
Two/three star catagory hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara on twin sharing bed and breakfast basis
Fooding, lodging ,insurance and other expenses of trekking crew
Accommodation in Guest house with breakfast during the trek
Two nights camping with all meals
Nayapul to Pokhara by car
Necessary permit ,Tims and national park fees
Guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu
All necessary equipments during the trek
All the Meals including breakfasts, lunch and dinner during the trek (except in Kathmandu and Pokhara)
What's Excluded
Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu.
Nepal entry visa fee.
International Airfare/Airport tax, City tour Sightseeing entry fees.
Personal expenses laundry, telephone calls, WiFi, alcoholic and cold drinks, hot showers, snacks, camera, and mobile battery charging.
Health and travel Insurance.
Personal trekking gears.
Tips for trekking staffs.
Any others expenses which are not mentioned on Price Includes section.
Equipment List
Clothing
Footwear & Sleeping Gear
Trekking Gear
Personal Essentials
Electronics & Food
Frequently Asked Questions
The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is a challenging high-altitude trek in Nepal that circumnavigates Mount Dhaulagiri (8,167 meters / 26,795 feet), the seventh-highest peak in the world. It offers dramatic landscapes, rugged terrain, and stunning views of the Himalayan range.
The trek typically takes 14-20 days, depending on the itinerary, pace, and acclimatization needs.
The Dhaulagiri Circuit is considered a highly difficult trek due to its demanding terrain, high altitudes, and challenging weather conditions. It requires good physical fitness and previous trekking experience.
The trek reaches altitudes up to 5,360 meters (17,585 feet) at the French Pass and 5,250 meters (17,220 feet) at the Dhampus Pass.
Proper acclimatization is crucial. Allow time for rest and gradual ascent, stay hydrated, eat well, and monitor for symptoms of altitude sickness. It's advisable to have previous high-altitude trekking experience.
Card (Trekkers' Information Management System).
Dhaulagiri Conservation Area Permit.
ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit) if passing through parts of the Annapurna region.
Permits can be obtained in Kathmandu at the Tourism Department or through a registered trekking agency.
The standard itinerary includes traveling from Kathmandu to Darbang/Beni, trekking through various villages, crossing high passes, reaching Dhaulagiri Base Camp, and ending in Marpha or Jomsom before returning to Pokhara and Kathmandu.
Accommodation includes teahouses and guesthouses in some areas, while camping is required in remote sections of the trek.
Food options typically include traditional Nepali dishes such as dal bhat, as well as basic Western food. Meals are generally prepared by local cooks at teahouses or camps.
If you experience symptoms of altitude sickness (headache, nausea, dizziness), descend to a lower altitude, rest, stay hydrated, and seek medical attention if necessary. Acclimatization is crucial to prevent severe altitude sickness.
Medical facilities are limited in remote areas. It’s advisable to carry a basic first aid kit and be prepared for emergencies. In severe cases, evacuation may be required.
The best times to trek are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) for stable weather and clear views.
Essential gear includes trekking boots, warm clothing, sleeping bags, a down jacket, trekking poles, a hat, gloves, sunglasses, and a good-quality backpack. Be prepared for cold temperatures and variable weather conditions.
Follow Leave No Trace principles, avoid littering, and use eco-friendly products. Respect local customs and culture, and support local businesses.
Be respectful of local traditions and customs, particularly in remote villages. Dress modestly and ask for permission before taking photos of people or religious sites.
While it is possible to trek independently, it is highly recommended to hire a guide and/or porter for safety, logistical support, and local knowledge, especially given the trek's difficulty and remote areas.
Start: Typically accessed by driving o from Kathmandu to Darbang/Beni.
End: The trek often concludes in Marpha or Jomsom, with drives available to Pokhara and then Kathmandu.
While it is possible to trek independently, it is highly recommended to hire a guide and/or porter for safety, logistical support, and local knowledge, especially given the trek's difficulty and remote areas.
The trek is challenging, with long days of trekking, high altitudes, and rough terrain, making it suitable for experienced trekkers only.
