Dhaulagiri Circuit Trekking - 17 Days

DHAULAGIRI CIRCUIT TREKKING

Highlights

  • Adventure on off the beaten tracks away from main trails in complete wilderness.
  • Walking from green hills to remorseless fields of ice and glaciers in the arctic zone.
  • Following the Mygdi River to its glacial source at Mt. Dhaulagiri base camp. Crossing high French pass towards scenic Hidden valley enclosed by high peaks.
  • A traverse over high passes to Mustang district around Kaligandaki River valley.
  • Duration17 Days
  • Max. Altitude5,357m / 17,575ft
  • Trip GradeChallenging
  • Group Size2 - 12
  • Meals Breakfast in Kathmandu/Pokhara. Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner during the trek
  • Accommodation3-star Hotel in Kathmandu/Pokhara, Best Available teahouse/Camp Tent during the trek

Overview

Dhaulagiri Circuit Trekking leads you around the massif range of Mt. Dhaulagiri, the 7th world’s highest peak at 8, 167 m. The adventure leads from low warm paddy fields towards more excellent hills, covered in dense tree lines.

Then reaching the arctic zone terrain at Mt. Dhaulagiri Base Camp, covered in moraine, ice, snow, and glaciers. A great adventure could lead to a sheer challenge in snow conditions, but overall one of the best wild countries. Where one can enjoy walks in tranquil surroundings from green forest to barren wilderness, enclosed by giant snow peaks.

An adventure away from human habitation and villages, on off the beaten trails far from the maddening crowd of civilization. The charm and beauty of Dhaulagiri Circuit trekking are dramatic changes in climate, vegetation, and landscapes.

As walk starts from low warm sub-tropical paddy fields and terraces reaching high cooler green hills. Reaching amidst deeply forested areas lined with tall rhododendron, oaks, and pine trees with grassy meadows. After continuing the trek leaving the last farm village of Bagar around the district of Mygdi.

The climb leads to a serene forest path, hardly used by the main flow of trekkers other than mountaineers for Mt. Dhaulagiri expeditions.

The trek leads through the lush green forest, and then vegetation and tree lines give away for mountainous terrain. On reaching glaciated field of ice and moraine around South West flank of massif Dhaulagiri Himalaya range.

The climb continues over a boulder of rocky moraine and ice, following the right path and routes on the glacial section. The walk finally leads to Dhaulagiri base camp, beneath Mt. Dhaulagiri and its massif flow of Ice-Fall and glaciers.

Spending overnight at the base camp, adventure follows to cross the highest point of the trek over French Pass. Then heading down to scenic Hidden Valley and onwards to Thapa / Dhampus pass. The high pass marks the transition between Mygdi and Mustang districts, and then downhill to Kaligandaki River valley.

Where our adventurous walks complete on reaching the charming village of Marpha and then to Jomsom. The headquarters town of Mustang district for last overnights around the high hills and valleys of Dhaulagiri range.

The next morning a swift short flight brings you to beautiful Pokhara. A renowned tourist city steeped with the natural beauty of Snow Mountains and lakes, a wonderful place to conclude our adventure. After a great mesmerizing experience on Dhaulagiri Circuit Trekking.

 

Extension activities in Pokhara

While in Pokhara, one can enjoy staying longer for some days to enjoy various adventure sports activities like paragliding, Ultra-Light flights, Zip-Flyer or relax and enjoy a tour around Pokhara at its natural wonders. One can extend the holiday by rafting the Kaligandaki River, Seti River, or Trisuli River and stay near Chitwan National Park for exciting wildlife.

Itinerary

  • Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu via respective airlines and transfer to hotel

    On arrival at Kathmandu-Nepal International Airport via various airlines, our guide and staff receive you. From the airport a short drive to the heart of Kathmandu city, where your hotel is located. Checking into your rooms and then joining with other members of the trek at the hotel for trek briefing. The guide will provide useful information to make your holiday in Nepal enjoyable. Evening group welcome dinner in a lovely Nepalese Restaurant with a folk culture program.A nice way to experience Nepalese culture, along with good meals of great variation.

    Altitude: 1350m/4499ft
    Meals: Dinner
    Accommodation: Hotel
  • Day 02: At Kathmandu for trek preparation and tour of heritage sites

    Extra day in Kathmandu, for trek preparation as well for tour around Kathmandu world heritage sites. The city guide takes you to exciting places visiting famous historical monuments and old palaces. After an enjoyable day, back to the hotel for Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek preparation.

    Altitude: 1350m/4499ft
    Meals: Breakfast
    Accommodation: Hotel
  • Day 03: Drive to Pokhara 860 m-06 hours and transfer to hotel

    The morning after breakfast an interesting drive to the renowned tourist city of Pokhara, located Mid-West. The overland journey leads beyond Kathmandu valley towards lower warm farm areas, driving through villages and towns.

    The drive finally ends on reaching Pokhara, and then check into a nice hotel, located close to beautiful Phewa Lake. Have time for a short stroll around the lakeside, where the best hotels, restaurants, and shops are located.

    Pokhara is a renowned tourist destination blessed with natural beauty facing close views of Annapurna Himalayas with serene Fewa and Begnas Lakes.

    (Options for the short flight to Pokhara from Kathmandu of 30 minutes)

    Altitude: 820m/2733ft
    Meals: Breakfast
    Accommodation: Hotel
  • Day 04: Drive to Darbang via Beni 900 m -05 hrs.

    Another exciting drive to the starting point of our trek, depart from the hotel having breakfast. The morning drive leads towards the west enjoying views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri, then reach Beni town. A large town and headquarters of Mygdi district and Dhaulagiri region. From Beni drive continues on dirt tracks following the Mygdi River to Darbang for an overnight stop. A nice farm village, slowly growing into a town, Darbang is an important gateway to various areas of Western Nepal. The guide will find the best available lodge, although simple but good and clean.

    Altitude: 1,200m/3999ft
    Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
    Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Day 05: Trek to Riverside - 05 hrs

    The first-day walk starts following the Mygdi River upstream past smaller farm villages and hamlets. Walk into a cool mixed forest of pine and Sal trees with a few short ups and down and on winding trails. Reaching more farm areas with large paddy fields and terraces, as walk ends for the day for overnight halt. From here onwards in the tented camp, the tents are set close by the river. Enjoy the afternoon having refreshing cool bathing and swimming on the Mygdi River, after walking in the hot sun.

    Altitude: 1,700m/5667ft
    Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
    Accommodation: Teahouse/Tent Camp
  • Day 06: Trek to Bagar- 06 hrs

    After the first overnight in a tented camp, the morning walk starts with having a nice breakfast at the camp. Start the walk following through farm fields and rural villages to Jugepani. For possible lunch stop, served and cooked by our camping chef, after lunch, a steep climb for an hour. Reaching a high ridge, covered in thick forest, from here downhill to Bagar village for overnight camp. Bagar is the last village for a week, after getting organized in the camp, time to explore the last village.

    The Mygdi areas are populated by Magar people, the largest hill tribes of Western Nepal as well spread all around Nepal.

    Altitude: 2,375m/7915ft
    Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
    Accommodation: Teahouse/Tent Camp
  • Day 07: Trek to Dovan- 06 hrs.

    From Bagar short easy walk for a while, and then the climb starts heading due north-west. The path is covered in a forest of tall rhododendron and pine trees with lush vegetation, on leaving the Mygdi River below.

    After an hour climbs, and then downhill on a narrow path reaching a small clearing amidst tall tree lines. Here our camp is set for overnight in a small place called Dovan, having a few cattle herder huts and shades. Which also serves as tea houses and shops in high seasons of the year.

    Altitude: 2,600m/8665ft
    Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
    Accommodation: Teahouse/Tent Camp
  • Day 08: Trek to Chartare / Bhainsi Kharka- 05 hrs.

    On leaving Dovan, from onwards into pure wilderness crossing a small wooden bridge over a tributary stream of Mygdi River. The walk follows through dense tree lines and vegetation past a few summer grazing areas and meadows. After hours of morning pleasant walks reaching a small shelter of local cattle herder at Chartare or Bhainse Kharka. The camp is made on a grassy meadow amidst dense tall tree lines close to a small hut. This camping area is also called as Jungle Camp a quiet spot with only the sound of a bird call.

    Altitude: 3,000m/9999ft
    Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
    Accommodation: Teahouse/Tent Camp
  • Day 09: Trek to Pakhaban (Japanese Camp)- 05 hrs

    Morning on leaving the camp, after a few hours of walks the green vegetation and tree lines give away. A walk leads to mountainous terrain and glaciated valley at a place called Italian camp. From here onward walk on the moraine of ice and glaciers with short steep climb reaching a grassy small field. Here our overnight camp is pitched above the massive glacier also the main source of the Mygdi River.

    From the camp at Pakhaban, also known as Japanese Camp enjoy a close view of Mt. Dhaulagiri South Face. Includes Putha Huinchuli and Manapathi, with giant rock walls of Tsaurabong Peak.

    Altitude: 3,750m/12498ft
    Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
    Accommodation: Teahouse/Tent Camp
  • Day 10: Trek to Dhaulagiri Base Camp- 06 hrs

    An exciting day, having breakfast and carrying pack lunch for the day trek to Dhaulagiri base camp. The walk leads to short descent reaching the moraine and glaciers of Dhaulagiri and Tukuche peaks. From here the real adventure begins crisscrossing over the boulders of ice and boulders. Tracing the right path crossing smaller icy streams, then finally ending the walk reaching Dhaulagiri base camp. Tents are set on available level ground away from rocks, facing close views of towering Mt. Dhaulagiri-I and Ice Fall. Enjoy the closest look at the world’s 7th highest peas with adjoining Tukuche peak.

    The camp includes grand views of Dhaulagiri - II (7,751 m.) and Dhaulagiri - III (7,715 m.). The view extends as far as Dhaulagiri - IV (7,618 m.) in the southwest direction.

    Altitude: 4650m/15345ft
    Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
    Accommodation: Tent Camp
  • Day 11: Trek to Hidden Valley via French Pass 5, 360 m

    After an enjoyable overnight stop at dramatic landscapes close to Mt. Dhaulagiri and the glacier. Having breakfast, the morning walk starts heading north over rocky moraine with some ice, as the climb continues to a steep ridge. Reaching on top of French Pass at 5, 360 m, the highest point of the adventure. Rewards excellent views of surrounding peaks with Mt. Dhaulagiri North Face and Tukuche peaks.

    Enjoying the grand mountain scenery, a short descent to Hidden Valley for overnight camp. Hidden Valley, a summer grazing field for Yaks and other cattle of Kaligandaki villagers and Lower Mustang areas. A great spot for extra days amidst arrays of snow peaks that surrounds the Hidden Valley.

    Altitude: 4,900m/16317ft
    Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
    Accommodation: Tent Camp
  • Day 12: At Hidden Valley free day for excursion.

    Spending another day at Hidden Valley after a great adventurous walk of some days. Enjoy the day relaxing and marvel at the grand incredible scenery of the mountain range. Interested energetic people can take a short hike and explore the unexplored areas of scenic Hidden Valley.

    Altitude: 4,900m/16317ft
    Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
    Accommodation: Tent Camp
  • Day 13: Trek to Yak Kharka- 05 hrs.

    After an enjoyable rest day, slowly our adventure nears an end with one more overnight camp at Yak Kharka. Walking on a gradual winding path on the screen of stones can be pretty tough on deep snow. The narrow trail leads to climbing over the last high Thapa / Dhampus pass at 5,250 m high. A short steep climb to the top, facing grand close views of Dhaulagiri and Tukuche peaks. The view includes Nilgiri’s and Annapurna Himalaya range towards North-East across Kaligandaki valley.
    Enjoying the glorious panorama of high snow peaks, a slow downhill to Yak Kharka for overnight camp. The area also called Alu Bhari means a potato garden, where herders grow potatoes. During yak, grazing times spends a few months around this area up to Hidden Valley.

    Altitude: 4,915m/16,366ft
    Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
    Accommodation: Tent Camp
  • Day 14: Trek to Marpha - 04 hrs.

    From here our adventurous walk comes to an end on reaching down at Kaligandaki River valley in Marpha village. Located around Mustang district, a charming lovely village full of apple orchards. The walk starts downhill and back into tall tree lines and green vegetation, the walk continues on a long descent.
    Then finally reached Marpha village within civilization, after being in complete mountain wilderness for several days. At Marpha stay overnights in the comfort of a nice lodge, and enjoy the last day party among members.
    As well as trekking staff and porters a great place to celebrate last night's dinner party by enjoying the local brew. Marpha is famous for apples and its products.

    Altitude: 2,670m/8,811ft
    Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
    Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Day 15: Drive to Jomsom 2,715 m and fly to Pokhara 820 m transfer to hotel

    After an enjoyable overnight at Marpha village, morning a short drive to Jomsom airport for a flight to Pokhara. Jomsom is the headquarters town of Mustang district with a small airport, located on route to Upper Mustang.

    Morning is time for the flight to Pokhara, get in on a smaller aircraft for a short scenic flight to beautiful Pokhara. During the flight enjoy great views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna peaks, as the plane lands at Pokhara airport. Transfer to respective hotels close to famous lovely Phewa Lake.

    The rest of the afternoon is free for individual activities, or enjoy boating on the lake and hiking to Peace Stupa located on a hilltop opposite side of the lake.

    Altitude: 820m/2,733ft
    Meals: Breakfast/Dinner
    Accommodation: Hotel
  • Day 16: Drive to Kathmandu -06 hours (via air 30 minutes scenic flight)

    After breakfast, depart from Pokhara for an exciting and interesting drive to Kathmandu, as the journey heads on the main highway past many farm villages and towns. The drive follows the Trisuli River for some hour and then climbs to reach the suburb of Kathmandu valley. Finally, the ride heads down to enter the hustle, and bustle of city life of Kathmandu, and then transfer to your respective hotel.

    The rest of the afternoon is free for individual activities and shopping for souvenirs or enjoy rest with grand memories of the adventure on the high mountains of Annapurna Himalaya.

    (Flying options half-hour on-air to Kathmandu with a sweeping panorama of mountains)

    Altitude: 1350m/4,499ft
    Meals: Breakfast/Dinner
    Accommodation: Hotel
  • Day 17: Depart Nepal for international departure homeward bound.

    Last day in Nepal, a country of Himalayan wonders. As per your international flight time transfer to the airport for the final flight departure homeward bound. After a great wonderful adventure and experience on Dhaulagiri Circuit Trekking.

    Meals: Breakfast

Tailor Made Holiday

You can change the itinerary, services, accommodation, and duration of this trip to suit your needs, budget. The choice is your.  Let us help you tailor-make your precious Vacation.

Inclusion

What's included ?

  • Three-night hotel in Kathmandu on B/B, with breakfast.
  • Two-night hotel in Pokhara on B/B, with breakfast.
  • Airport / Hotel / Airport pick up & drop by private vehicle.
  • All your Meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) with a cup of tea or coffee during the trek
  • Tea House and camping accommodation during the trek with all the camping arrangements.
  • A highly experienced, helpful and friendly Government license holder Guide, his food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment, medicine.
  • Sightseeing for World Heritage site in Kathmandu with Tour Guide.
  • Required number of porters including all expenses with insurance.
  • Farewell dinner with cultural program in Kathmandu
  • Airfare from Jomson to Pokhara
  • All necessary paperwork(ACAP PERMIT, TIMS CARD)
  • All ground transportation as per itinerary
  • National Park permits.
  • Medicine box, including Oximeter and pulse meter checker.
  • All ground transportation.
  • All our government taxes.
  • Official expanse

What's not included ?

  • Food and extra night at hotel and activities in Kathmandu.
  • Your travel insurance. (compulsory)
  • International air fare.
  • Nepal entry visa fee.
  • Items of a personal nature such as alcoholic drinks, cold drinks, laundry.
  • Personal trekking Equipment.
  • Satellite Phone.

FAQs of Dhaulagiri Circuit Trekking

  • Is Dhaulagiri Circuit a tough and difficult trek?

    Not exactly, depends upon how you take or face it, regarded as a tough and adventurous trek but not as difficult as you have heard from other people's stories. The area around Dhaulagiri at present is gaining more popularity as the trek offers complete wilderness, away from mainstream trails, as well as villages. The only tough days are walking over glaciers to reach Dhaulagiri base camp, where the rest of the walk is normal, but if it snows can make the walk tough and much more difficult. So choosing the right season will be great for this trek.
  • Do we need to keep fit with good exercise for the treks?

    Best to be physically fit and in good medical health, before and after booking this adventure, good exercise is required to keep in shape as the walk involves steep ups and downhill and a touch of high altitude.
  • Which is the best time for Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek?

    April and May during late springtime are best, as well as autumn or fall season starting from September till November. The best season is April to May and September till November. Days are fine and clear for excellent views of beautiful landscapes and high snow-capped peaks. But cold morning and late afternoon till night time as well in the shades. Can get snow sometimes even in good times of the season, especially on higher areas and on passes.
  • Do we need crampons for Dhaulagiri Circuit?

    Normally does not require, however, it is best to carry as best options one never knows, what befalls on the route ahead, good especially to reach Dhaulagiri base camp from Pakhaban camp, as walking will be on moraine and glaciers.
  • How far the medical facilities on trek if someone gets very sick?

    On this adventure, the nearest hospitals and medical posts are located in Beni and Pokhara, as well at Jomsom town, which is the end of the trek. In serious situations for a very sick person from other medical reasons or accidents, as well as altitude sickness. If the person cannot complete the trek the sick person needs to be taken back to Pokhara or Kathmandu. The fastest transport is calling for helicopter service. In this emergency case where victims have to bear all the expenses to be claimed from health and medical insurance.
  • Are there any facilities to charge electronic appliances and gadgets?

    Very limited only in some big villages and towns after Darbang the starting point of the trek, there are no villages with facilities to charge your electronic gadgets except at the end of the trek in Marpha village. Where you need to pay a certain amount for charging each item. Best to carry portable solar panel and place it on the back of your day pack, to catch more sun energy, by the time you reach campsite you can charge your gadgets.

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