Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek

Overview

The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek offers an unparalleled adventure around the awe-inspiring Dhaulagiri range, the seventh-highest peak in the world. This off-the-beaten-path trek promises a challenging yet profoundly rewarding experience through remote and rugged terrain.

The trek spans 20 days, beginning with your arrival in Kathmandu and a scenic flight to Pokhara, followed by a drive to Darbang, where the real adventure begins. As you trek towards Dharapani, the first stopover, you’ll pass through a variety of stunning landscapes, from hilly terrain to lush forests and picturesque settlements.

The major highlights of the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek include crossing two high passes, the French Pass and the Dhampus Pass, and visiting three incredible base camps: the Italian Base Camp, Glacier Base Camp, and Dhaulagiri Base Camp. Each base camp offers breathtaking views of hanging glaciers, towering peaks, and the expansive Dhaulagiri range.

Proper acclimatization is ensured with ample rest days before tackling the challenging passes. Crossing the French Pass and Dhampus Pass requires navigating treacherous trails, climbing massive boulders, and crossing water streams, but the reward is unparalleled panoramic views of the surrounding snowy peaks.

Exploring the tranquil Hidden Valley and descending to Alu Bari via Dhampus Pass provides further opportunities to immerse yourself in the raw natural beauty of the Dhaulagiri region and experience the rural lifestyle and rich culture of the local communities.

The trek concludes with a descent to Jomsom via Marpha, followed by a scenic flight to Pokhara and a return flight to Kathmandu. As you bid farewell to Nepal, you’ll carry with you memories of a lifetime, cherishing the breathtaking landscapes, cultural experiences, and the incredible adventure of the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek.

Package Highlights:

• Sightseeing of Kathmandu and Pokhara Valley
• A scenic drive from Pokhara to Darbang
• Variation in the scenery as the trek starts in the Dhaulagiri region and ends in the Mustang region.
• Experience a deep wilderness of the Dhaulagiri region in Nepal
• Trekking route accompany with the scenic rivers, tumbling waterfalls, and picturesque villages
• Trek along the Kali Gandaki Gorge, one of the deepest gorges in the world
• The isolated trail leads to the traditional villages such as Dharapani, Phaliyagaon, Muri, Lipsaba, Dobhan Kharka, etc
• Enjoy the magnificent view of Dhaulagiri I, II, III, and V from Italian Base Camp and Glacier Camp
• Captivating sight of Chhongardan Glacier on the way to Dhaulagiri Base Camp
• Relish an astonishing view of Dhaulagiri range from Dhaulagiri Base Camp
• Crossing two high mountain passes, namely French Pass (5,360m) and Dhampus Pass (5,244m)
• Splendid views of the majestic Dhaulagiri range and Annapurna range
• Wander around the least explored and serene Hidden Valley
• An optional ascent of Dhampus Peak
• Get wind into the remote culture and lifestyle of charming inhabitants such as Magar, Gurung, Thakali, and Chettri people.
• Explore alluring Marpha Village, famous for apple orchards and locally made apple brandy
• Jomsom, the capital of the Mustang district
• Scenic and a short flight from Jomsom to Pokhara

Tour Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m/4,592 ft), Transfer to Hotel and Trek Preparation

Day 2:Fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara (800m/2,624ft) – 25 minutes flight

Day 3:Drive from Pokhara to Darbang (1,110m/3,640ft) and Trek to Dharapani (1,560m/5,120ft)- 5 to 6 hours drive and 3 to 4 hours trek

Day 4:Trek from Dharapani to Muri (1,720m/5,650ft) – 6 to 7 hours trek

Day 5:Trek from Muri to Boghara (Bagar) (2,080m/6,830ft) – 6 to 7 hours trek

Day 6:Trek from Boghara to Dobhan Kharka (2,520m/8,270ft) – 5 to 6 hours trek

Day 7:Trek from Dobang to Sallaghari (2,820m/9,250ft) – 5 to 6 hours trek

Day 8:Trek from Sallaghari to Italian Base Camp (3,660m/12,007ft) – 5 to 6 hours trek

Day 9:Acclimatization Day: Hike around Italian Base Camp

Day 10:Trek from Italian Base Camp to Glacier Camp (4,200m/13,780ft) – 5 to 6 hours trek

Day 11: Acclimatization Day: Hike around Glacier Camp

Day 12: Trek from Glacier Camp to Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4,750m/15,590ft) – 5 to 6 hours trek

Day 13: Acclimatization Day: Hike around Dhaulagiri Base Camp

Day 14: Trek from Dhaulagiri Base Camp to Hidden Valley (5,140m/16,870ft) via French Pass (5,360m/17,590ft) – 6 to 7 hours trek

Day 15: Exploration walk around Hidden Valley (5,140m/16,870ft)

Day 16: Trek from Hidden Valley to Alu Bari (3,900m/12,780ft) via Dhampus Pass (5,244m/17,200ft) – 6 to 7 hours trek

Day 17: Trek from Alu Bari to Jomsom (2,670m/8,760ft – 4 to 5 hours trek

Day 18: Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara and Kathmandu – both 50 minutes flight

Day 19: Free Day in Kathmandu

Day 20: Final Departure from Kathmandu

Package Includes:

• Airport pickup and drop off in private vehicle
• Hotel with included breakfast in Kathmandu
• Private transportation and government-licensed guide while sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley
• Entrance fees for attractions (UNESCO World Heritage sites, museums, etc.) during sightseeing in Kathmandu
• Daily meals the written at tour programs.

Package Excludes:

• Lunch and dinner while in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
• Personal insurance or cost of air rescue in the event of emergency
• Air ticket to and from Nepal from your point of origin
• Visa fee for entry into Nepal
• Personal expenses (souvenirs, alcoholic beverages, hygiene items, staff tips, etc.)
• Tip for driver. Guides, and other staff.