- Good Karma Trekking - https://goodkarmatrekking.com -

 Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek-19 Days

  • Region

    Annapurna/ Dhaulagiri Region

  • Trip Grade

    Grade 3: Hard/challenging

  • Accommodation

    Tea House

  • Total Distance

    205 km

  • Start / End Point

    Kathmandu/Kathmandu

  • Durations

    19 Days

  • Max. Altitude

    5416m/17769.03ft

  • Meals Included

    Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

  • Group Size

    above 1 pax

  • Best Season

    March to May/sept to Nove

  • Activity per day

    8 hr

  • Transportation

    Hiking/Drive/flight


The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek offers an adventurous and physically demanding experience for trekkers seeking a remote and thrilling journey in the Himalayas. With stunning mountain views, alpine landscapes, and cultural immersion in remote villages.

The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is one of the most challenging and rewarding treks in Nepal. Located in the Annapurna region, the trek circles the majestic Dhaulagiri Mountain (8,167 meters), the seventh-highest peak in the world. The route takes trekkers through remote valleys, high-altitude glaciers, pristine forests, alpine meadows, and rugged mountain terrain. The trek offers stunning views of the Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and other surrounding peaks, along with an opportunity to experience the culture of various ethnic groups along the way.

The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is an 18-to-19-day expedition offering an “expedition experience” in a remote, rugged, and less-crowded region of the Nepalese Himalayas. It involves traversing challenging high-altitude passes like French Pass (5,360m) and Dhampus Pass (5,240m), trekking across glaciers and moraines, and experiencing diverse landscapes from lush forests to barren mountain vistas. Key highlights include stunning views of the Dhaulagiri massif, the serene Hidden Valley, and the culture of the Thakali community. This challenging trek is best suited for experienced and resilient trekkers with good physical fitness and acclimatization abilities.

 

 

Highlights

  • Dhaulagiri Massif: Enjoy unparalleled close-up views of Dhaulagiri I (8,167m), the seventh-highest peak in the world, and other peaks over 7,000m.
  • High Passes: Conquer the French Pass (5,360m) and Dhampus Pass (5,240m), which offer breathtaking panoramas.
  • Hidden Valley: Trek through the serene Hidden Valley, a snow-covered area behind the Dhaulagiri massif.
  • Glaciers & Moraines: Experience trekking on white icy tracks and glacial moraines.
  • Dhaulagiri Base Camp: A stunning base camp that provides dramatic views of Dhaulagiri and its glaciers.
  • Views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri: The trek offers incredible views of these massive peaks from different angles.
  • Remote Villages and Culture: Trek through traditional villages with a rich cultural heritage of Magar and Thakali people.
  • Marpha Village: End the trek in the apple-famous town of Marpha, located on the Annapurna Circuit route.
  • Kaligandaki Gorge: Explore parts of the world's deepest gorge, the Kaligandaki Gorge.

Outline Itinerary

  • Day1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m)(welcome Dinar).
  • Day2: Drive to Beni (830m) – 7-8 hours(B,L,D).(285km).
  • Day3: Trek to Babichaur (1,100m) – 5-6 hours(B,L,D).
  • Day 4: Trek to Dharapani (1,500m) – 6-7 hours(B,L,D).
  • Day5: Trek to Muri (1,850m) – 6-7 hours(B,L,D).
  • Day6: Trek to Boghara (2,080m) – 6-7 hours(B,L,D).
  • Day7: Trek to Dobang (2,520m) – 6-7 hours(B,L,D).
  • Day8: Trek to Choriban Khola (3,110m) – 6-7 hours(B,L,D).
  • Day9: Trek to Italian Base Camp (3,660m) – 5-6 hours(B,L,D).
  • Day10: Acclimatization Day at Italian Base Camp(B,L,D).
  • Day11: Trek to Glacier Camp (4,200m) – 6-7 hours(B,L,D).
  • Day12: Trek to Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4,740m) – 5-6 hours(B,L,D).
  • Day13: Exploration Day at Dhaulagiri Base Camp(B,L,D).
  • Day14: Trek to Hidden Valley (5,200m) via French Pass (5,360m) – 7-8 hours(B,L,D).
  • Day15: Trek to Yak Kharka (3,680m) via Dhampus Pass (5,200m) – 7-8 hours(B,L,D).
  • Day16: Trek to Jomsom (2,720m) – 5-6 hours(B,L,D).
  • Day17: Fly to Pokhara (820m) – 25 minutes(B).
  • Day18: Drive/Fly to Kathmandu(B,D).
  • Day19: Departure from Kathmandu(B).

Cost Includes

  • Airports pick up and drop off by private vehicle
  • All Transportation
  • Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara BB (Bed & Breakfast) basis
  • Internal domestic flights
  • All meals (Breakfast, Lunch & dinner) each day during the trek
  • Best accommodation at tea houses during trek period
  • Capmping equipment during the trek.
  • Professional English-speaking guide service trained by government of Nepal.
  • Experience trekking staffs (2 guest = 1 porter basic) to carry your backpack and Extra port to carry camping equipments.
  • All necessary paperwork, trekking permits (ACAP, TIMS) and local taxes
  • Travel and rescue arrangements if require

Cost does not Include

  • International Flight Ticet.
  • Nepal visa fees.
  • Personal expenses such as drinks, postage, laundry.
  • Lunch & Dinner in Kathmandu & Pokhara.
  • Travel insurance.
  • Emergency evacuation.
  • Tips and gratuities.
  • Costs arising from unforeseen events outside the control of our company.

Dhaulagiri Trekking Information

Difficulty Level: This trek is considered challenging and is suitable for experienced trekkers who are comfortable with high-altitude trekking. The route involves technical sections, high passes, and rocky terrain. Accommodation: Most of the accommodation is in basic teahouses and camping (especially at high altitudes). The teahouses offer basic meals like dal bhat, momos, and noodles. Permits: Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and Dhaulagiri Restricted Area Permit are required. The trek is in a restricted area, so trekkers must travel with a licensed guide.

Safety and Health Tips

Altitude Sickness: This trek reaches altitudes over 5,000 meters, so it’s crucial to acclimatize properly. Trek slowly and hydrate well. Physical Fitness: A high level of physical fitness is necessary for this trek due to the steep ascents and high-altitude conditions. Weather: The weather in the mountains can change rapidly, so be prepared for cold temperatures, especially at higher altitudes. Gear: Bring proper trekking gear, including warm clothing, waterproof jacket, good trekking boots, and sleeping bag.

 Dhaulagiri Circuit Characteristics

Challenge & Adventure: The trek provides a true "expedition experience" with significant physical demands, including walking over creaking glaciers and crossing high passes. Remote & Rugged: It traverses some of Nepal's wildest and most remote areas, offering a sense of true wilderness. Cultural Exposure: Trekkers experience the local culture of the Thakali community in the Kaligandaki Valley and pass by Buddhist Gompas and temples. Diverse Landscapes: The route showcases a variety of environments, from subtropical forests and terraced fields to high-altitude alpine meadows and stark, icy glacial landscapes.

Best Time Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek

Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November): These seasons offer clear weather, making walking safer and allowing for the best panoramic views. Avoid: Winter and the monsoon (rainy) seasons are not recommended due to heavy snow, risk of crevasses, and potential landslides.

Who is Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek for?

Experienced Trekkers: The trek is designed for intrepid and experienced trekkers who enjoy challenges and can endure several days of walking in rough terrain. Physically Fit Individuals: A good level of physical endurance and stamina is required for the high-altitude and demanding nature of the trek.

Detail Itinerary

Day1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m)(welcome Dinar).

  • Arrive in Kathmandu, Nepal.
  • Complete trekking permits and preparations.
  • Overnight in a hotel.
  • Altitude:1400m / 4,393ft
  • Duration:1 hr
  • Accommodation:Hotel

Day2: Drive to Beni (830m) – 7-8 hours(B,L,D).(285km).

  • Take a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Beni, a small town in the Myagdi District.
  • Overnight in a teahouse.
  • Altitude:822m/2696ft
  • Duration:8 hrs
  • Accommodation:Tea House

Day3: Trek to Babichaur (1,100m) – 5-6 hours(B,L,D).

  • Begin the trek with a gentle walk through villages and terraced fields.
  • Cross the Myagdi Khola and reach Babichaur.
  • Overnight in a teahouse.
  • Altitude:1100m/3904ft
  • Duration:6 hrs
  • Accommodation:Tea House

Day 4: Trek to Dharapani (1,500m) – 6-7 hours(B,L,D).

  • Continue trekking through forests and villages.
  • Enjoy views of Gurja Himal and Dhaulagiri.
  • Overnight in Dharapani.
  • Altitude:1500m/5000ft
  • Duration:7 hr
  • Accommodation:Tea house

Day5: Trek to Muri (1,850m) – 6-7 hours(B,L,D).

  • Trek through lush forests and cross several streams.
  • Reach Muri, a small village with stunning mountain views.
  • Overnight in a teahouse.
  • Altitude:1860m/6102ft
  • Duration:7 hr
  • Accommodation:Tea House

Day6: Trek to Boghara (2,080m) – 6-7 hours(B,L,D).

  • Trek through rugged terrain and dense forests.
  • Pass through small settlements and terraced fields.
  • Overnight in Boghara.
  • Altitude:2080m/6824ft
  • Duration:7 hr
  • Accommodation:Tea house

Day7: Trek to Dobang (2,520m) – 6-7 hours(B,L,D).

  • Continue ascending through forests and cross the Myagdi Khola.
  • Reach Dobang, a small settlement surrounded by forests.
  • Overnight in a teahouse.
  • Altitude:2,520m/8,328ft
  • Duration:7 hr
  • Accommodation:Tea house

Day8: Trek to Choriban Khola (3,110m) – 6-7 hours(B,L,D).

  • Trek through dense forests and cross several streams.
  • Reach Choriban Khola, a campsite near the river.
  • Overnight in tents.
  • Altitude:3110m/10230ft
  • Duration:7 hr
  • Accommodation:Tented Camp

Day9: Trek to Italian Base Camp (3,660m) – 5-6 hours(B,L,D).

  • Trek through rocky terrain and glacial moraines.
  • Reach Italian Base Camp, with stunning views of Dhaulagiri.
  • Overnight in tents.
  • Altitude:3660m/12007ft
  • Duration:6 hr
  • Accommodation:Tented Camp

Day10: Acclimatization Day at Italian Base Camp(B,L,D).

  • Rest and acclimatize to the altitude.
  • Explore the surrounding area and enjoy the views.
  • Overnight in tents.

Day11: Trek to Glacier Camp (4,200m) – 6-7 hours(B,L,D).

  • Trek across the Dhaulagiri Glacier.
  • Reach Glacier Camp, a high-altitude campsite.
  • Overnight in tents.
  • Altitude:4200m/13717ft
  • Duration:7 hr
  • Accommodation:Tented Camp

Day12: Trek to Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4,740m) – 5-6 hours(B,L,D).

  • Trek through challenging terrain to reach Dhaulagiri Base Camp.
  • Enjoy breathtaking views of Dhaulagiri and surrounding peaks.
  • Overnight in tents.
  • Altitude:4740m/1551ft
  • Duration:6 hrs
  • Accommodation:Tented Camp

Day13: Exploration Day at Dhaulagiri Base Camp(B,L,D).

  • Spend the day exploring the base camp and surrounding areas.
  • Rest and acclimatize.
  • Overnight in tents.

Day14: Trek to Hidden Valley (5,200m) via French Pass (5,360m) – 7-8 hours(B,L,D).

  • Cross the challenging French Pass, the highest point of the trek.
  • Descend to the Hidden Valley, a remote and beautiful area.
  • Overnight in tents.
  • Altitude:5200m/17060ft
  • Duration:7 hrs
  • Accommodation:Tented camp

Day15: Trek to Yak Kharka (3,680m) via Dhampus Pass (5,200m) – 7-8 hours(B,L,D).

  • Cross the Dhampus Pass and descend to Yak Kharka.
  • Enjoy views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.
  • Overnight in tents.
  • Altitude:3730m/12180ft
  • Duration:8 hr
  • Accommodation:Tent House

Day16: Trek to Jomsom (2,720m) – 5-6 hours(B,L,D).

  • Descend through the Kali Gandaki Valley to Jomsom.
  • Celebrate the completion of the trek.
  • Overnight in a teahouse.
  • Altitude:2750m/9022ft
  • Duration:6 hrs
  • Accommodation:Tea house

Day17: Fly to Pokhara (820m) – 25 minutes(B).

  • Take a scenic flight from Jomsom to Pokhara.
  • Relax and explore Pokhara.
  • Overnight in a hotel.
  • Altitude:822m/2696ft
  • Duration:25 min
  • Accommodation:Tea house

Day18: Drive/Fly to Kathmandu(B,D).

  • Drive or fly back to Kathmandu.
  • Enjoy a farewell dinner.
  • Overnight in a hotel.
  • Altitude:1400m/4593ft
  • Duration:35min flight/5 hrs drive
  • Accommodation:Hotel

Day19: Departure from Kathmandu(B).

Transfer to the airport for your departure.