Overview

Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is an off-the-beaten trek in Nepal which is very pristine, beautiful, and full of possibilities. This trek takes you to Dhaulagiri massif (8167 meters) which is the seventh tallest mountain in the world. This trek progresses through dense forests, terraced fields, deep gorges, and alpine grasslands. Through this trek, you will be taken to Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4740 meters), Dhampus Pass (5200 m), French La Pass (5360 m), etc. Hidden valley tucked within the mountains like Mukut Himal (6328 meters), Tashi Kang (6386 meters), Tukuche Peak (6920 meters) is another breath-taking sight of this tour.

Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is a moderately difficult trek with basic accommodations along the trail. However, the great views of Dhaulagiri mountain ranges like Dhaulagiri I (8,167 meters), Dhaulagiri ii (7,751 meters), Dhaulagiri III (7,715 meters), and Dhaulagiri V (7,618 meters) are very rewarding and completely make up for the toughness and challenges of this trek.

A French expedition team was the first to discover the Dhaulagiri circuit trek back in the 1950's. This trekking is utterly preferred and admired by the trekking enthusiasts who prefer silent trekking routes, remote location, tented camping accommodations and untouched natural beauty. This trek is quite strenuous and is a great choice for seasoned trekkers who want to explore remote regions. Even if this trek is quite taxing, with trekking experience, and proper guidance from our proficient guides you are good to go for this adventurous Dhaulagiri Circuit trekking.

This 21 days Dhaulagiri Circuit Trekking brought to you by Greater Himalaya also provides you an opportunity to visit the cultural heritage sites of Kathmandu valley. Plus, you can make minor adjustments to the itinerary.

Main attractions of Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek

• The best possible views of Dhaulagiri chains- Dhaulagiri I (8,167 m), Dhaulagiri II (7,751 m), Dhaulagiri III (7,715 m), and Dhaulagiri V (7,618 m).

• Alpine and scenic pass like French Pass (5360 meters) and Dhampus Pass (5200 meters).

• Beautiful alpine pastures, forests, hills, and lakes.

• Magnificent hidden valley of Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek.

• Dense rhododendron and pine forest.

• Off the beaten trek to explore the pristine and remote regions of Nepal

• Beautiful rivers like Marsyangi, Myagdi khola etc.

• Sightsee across the milestones and attractions of Kathmandu valley like Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, and Kathmandu Durbar Square.

Outline Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu plus shift to hotel

Day 02: Full day sightseeing in Kathmandu and trek preparing

Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Beni (850 meters); 9-hour drive

Day 4: Trek from Beni to Babachur (900 m); 5 hours

Day 5: Trek from Babachaur to Dharapani (1,470 m); 6 hours

Day 6: Trek from Dharapani to Muri (1,850 m); 5 hours

Day 7: Trek from Muri to Boghara (2,080 m); 6 hours

Day 8: Trek from Boghara to Dobang (2,520 m); 5 hours

Day 9: Trek from Dobang to Choriban Khola (3,110 m); 5 hours

Day 10: Trek from Choriban Khola to the Italian Base Camp (3,660 m); 7 hours

Day 11: Acclimatization and explore area of Italian Base Camp

Day 12: Trek to the Glacier Camp (4,210 m); 6 hours

Day 13: Trek from Glacier camp to the Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4,740 m); 7 hours

Day 14: Acclimatization and rest day in Dhaulagiri Base Camp

Day 15: Hike to the French Pass (5,360 m) and trek to hidden valley (5200 m); 6 hours

Day 16: Explore the Hidden Valley

Day 17: Hike to Dhampus Pass (5,240 m) and trek to Yak Kharka (3,680 m); 6 hours

Day 18: Trek from Yak Kharka to Jomsom (2,700 m); 5 hours

Day 19: Flight from Jomsom to Pokhara (30 mins) and transfer to hotel

Day 20: Pokhara to Kathmandu flight and transfer to hotel

Day 21: Final farewell from Kathmandu

Itinerary

Arrival: Kathmandu > Departure: Kathmandu

Arrival in Kathmandu & transfer to hotel

Namaste! Welcome to the country of mountains and temples. Following your advent in Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), Kathmandu, one of our team members (representative of Greater Himalaya) will pick you up. You will be escorted to a room of 3-star category hotel where you shall stay for 2 nights. Take your time, be refreshed in the hotel, and meet us at the dinner party hosted to welcome you and other trekkers.

Full day sightseeing in Kathmandu and trek preparing

This is a spare day in Kathmandu which you will utilize prepping for the trek. Today you shall go on a guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu valley and pay a visit to exemplary landmarks of Kathmandu like Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, and Swayambhunath. All these sites are among UNESCO world heritages and they depict the cultural, historical, and religious values of Nepal.
Kathmandu Durbar Square is an iconic architecture of Kathmandu and was a palace inhabited by Kings Once upon a time. Pashupatinath temple is a 2500-year-old Hindu temple located on the banks of the holy Bagmati river. Boudhanath is the largest stupa of Asia and an important Buddhist pilgrimage site in Kathmandu. Swayambhunath (Monkey temple) is another Buddhist stupa located on a hilltop.
We shall also complete the trek preparation and conduct a session on the dos and don'ts of the trek.

Drive from Kathmandu to Beni (850 meters); 9-hour Drive

We will move out of Kathmandu valley on our conquest to Beni which will take 8 to 9 hours. We will take a trail on the edge of Marsyangdi River looking at the serene hills and sparse villages. As we follow the Marsyangdi River, we pass through many terraced fields and minor hill towns. We will eventually come across the Seti River and continue until Pokhara. The scenic drive from Pokhara reveals the fantastic views of Annapurna South (7219 m) and Machhapuchhre/Fishtail (6997 m). We will enjoy a scenic drive along the edge of Modi River and Kali Gandaki river to finally arrive at Beni. We shall stay overnight at a lodge in Beni.

Trek from Beni to Babiachur (900 m); 5 hours

We will begin the day with a warm and tasty breakfast in Beni before leaving for Beni. We will trek alongside the edge of the Myagdi river. Today you will see the dense sub-tropical forest, countless small and big waterfalls. We will also cross some human settlements, lush jungles, meadows, perennial rivers, etc. We will trek past the lovely village of Simalchaur to arrive at Babiachaur where we shall stay the night.

Trek from Babiachaur to Dharapani (1,470 m); 6 hours

As you commence trekking leaving Babachaur, you will witness the valley widening and get extensive views of verdant hills. We will pass the Shahashradhara village and cross the Duk river. Continuing trekking, we will reach Ratorunga, and the valley will seem to narrow down again. We will continue trekking until we arrive at the village of Dharapani. Overnight you shall stay in a tented camp or homestays,

Trek from Dharapani to Muri (1,850 m); 5 hours

We shall ascend and descend plenty of time today as you head to Muri located at an altitude of 1850 meters. We will be transferring through several forests, terraced meadows, beautiful villages today. After crossing some rivers like Ghatti Khola and Dhara Khola and Myagdi river, some villages (Takum and Sibang) we reach the village of Muri after trekking for 5 hours from Dharapani. Stay overnight at Muri.

Trek from Muri to Boghara (2,080 m); 6 hours

We will enjoy a hot and tasty breakfast in Muri in the morning and leave Muri. For this, we will first cross a river and cultivated lands. We will trek down to the Myagdi river and trek alongside its west bank which will lead us to Naura Village. From this village, we will have to ascend in rugged terrain via a forested trail. You shall witness thick forest and lush hills today as you trek to Boghara. You shall get a glimpse of Mount Ghustung South (6465 meters) on your way to Muri. We shall stay overnight in Boghara.

Trek from Boghara to Dobang (2,520 m); 5 hours

After breakfast, we will trek down a descending trekking trail amidst the terraced fields. We will pass a remote settlement called Jyardan and trek in a rocky area that requires us to descend for a while. We will make a climb to Lipshe and continue trekking amidst the forest to arrive at Lapche Tharka. Trekking for about 5 hours will bring us to Dobang at 2520 meters. Overnight stay in Dobang.

Trek from Dobang to Choriban Khola (3,110 m); 5 hours

As we head out of Dobang (After breakfast of course!), we will cross a wooden bridge and reach a forested trail. As we trek in the forest of rhododendron and pine, we will get an occasional glimpse of majestic Dhaulagiri I west standing high at 8167 meters. We will descend down to the Myagdi river and trek in its east edge until Chartare. This brings us to a thick forest (woodland of rhododendron, pine, and bamboo) again, passing this forest will lead us to a stream. On crossing this stream, we will approach Choriban Khola at 3110 meters where we shall stay the night

Trek from Choriban Khola to the Italian Base Camp (3,660 m); 7 hours

We will follow a trail getting an extensive view of the bamboo forest as we curve towards the Italian Base Camp located at 3660 meters. We will follow this forested trail to the moraine of the impressive Chhonbarban Glacier and eventually approach the glacier. As we inch towards Italian Base Camp via Choriban Khola, we will be bestowed with impressive and rather vivid views of Tukche Peak (6837 meters). We will also get a view of the impressive north face of Dhaulagiri I (8167 meters) dominating the skyline as we trek. On reaching Italian Base Camp (3660 meters), Manathani peak (6380 meters) along with the peaks of Dhaulagiri mountain ranges like Dhaulagiri II (7751meters), Dhaulagiri III (7715 meters), and Dhaulagiri V (7618 meters) become evident. We will set a camp and stay overnight in the Italian Base Camp.

Acclimatization and explore area of Italian Base Camp

We have much higher to go. So, we will take an acclimatization day and explore the regions around the scenic Italian Base Camp. We will hike to surrounding milestones like American Base Camp, French Base Camp, Swiss Base Camp Puchhar Base Camp, and Japanese Base Camp. All of these base camps offer mesmerizing views of Tsaurabong (6395m) and the Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. We shall stay overnight in Italian Base Camp.

Trek to the Glacier Camp (4,210 m) 6 hours

After a day of acclimatization, we will commence trekking to Glacier camp located at 4210 meters. We will begin trekking in the morning to steer clear of the breeze and wind. Today is quite tough since we will gain some serious altitude and use ropes to cross glaciers. However, the exotic view of the Dhaulagiri glaciers, alpine lakes, and Dhaulagiri peaks completely makes up for it. The trekking trail today is mostly covered in icy trails so be careful. We will stay overnight in Glacier Camp (4210 meters).

Trek from Glacier camp to the Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4,740 m); 7 hours

We will hike to Dhaulagiri Base Camp from Glacier camp. The views from here include Dhaulagiri I (8167m), II (7751m), III (7715m), and IV (7661m) which is so stunning that you shall be spell-blinded. We shall stay the night at a tented camp in Dhaulagiri Base Camp.

Acclimatization and rest day in Dhaulagiri Base Camp

We will explore Dhaulagiri Base Camp some more today. Overnight stay in Dhaulagiri Base Camp.

Hike to the French Pass (5,360 m) and trek to hidden valley (5200 m); 6 hours

We will trek a gentle climb and reach French Pass (5360 meters). In addition to the Dhaulagiri mountain chains, a great panorama of other mountains like Mukut Himal (6328 meters), Tashi Kang (6386 meters), Tukuche Peak (6920 meters), etc. These mountains surround the hidden valley which we trek from here.

Explore the Hidden Valley

The hidden valley opens up on trekking to French pass. Surrounded by the mountains of the Dhaulagiri region, a Hidden valley located at 5200 meters, is a wonderful place to explore.

Hike to Dhampus Pass (5,240 m) and trek to Yak Kharka (3,680 m); 6 hours

We will descend down from Hidden valley and inch towards Dhampus Pass which provides great views of the Dhaulagiri region; its lakes, glaciers, and mountains. Thapa Pass/ Dhampus pass is located between Tukuche Peak (6920 meters) and Thapa Peak (6012 meters). After this adventurous trek, we will trek to Yak Kharka and stay there overnight at a tented camp that we will set in Yak Kharka.

Trek from Yak Kharka to Jomsom (2,700 m); 5 hours

From Yak Kharka, we will descend to Marpha village via the west edge of the Kali Gandaki river and eventually reach Jomsom. Marpha and Jomsom are popular for apple production. Jomsom is a beautiful town tucked between mountains and beautiful valleys. It is also quite tourist-friendly given the good accommodation options, nice lodges, good meal options, etc. We will stay overnight in Jomsom.

Flight from Jomsom to Pokhara (30 mins) and transfer to hotel

Finally, we will take a 25-minute scenic flight from Jomsom to Pokhara. Upon arrival, you will be escorted to the hotel in Pokhara. You can explore the lakeside in Pokhara or even go boating. Overnight stay at Pokhara.

Pokhara to Kathmandu flight and transfer to hotel

You can explore some attractions of Pokhara like Davis falls or Sarangkot (a hill that provides awe-inspiring valleys of Pokhara valley). You shall take a domestic flight to Kathmandu from Pokhara. Upon arrival at the airport, you shall be picked and escorted to the hotel room where you can rest and refresh. We will conduct a farewell dinner for you tonight.

Final farewell from Kathmandu

On the final day of the tour, we will bid you goodbye and arrange a private vehicle or a tourist bus that will escort you to Tribhuvan International Airport. Thank you for choosing Greater Himalaya.

Accommodation

Meals and Accommodation in Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek

Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is still not as commercialized as Everest Base Camp Trek. This trek offers tented camps, basic tea houses to highly luxurious hotels as a 3-star category hotel. We, the Greater Himalaya team, provide to our clients, a wide range of tourists’ friendly accommodation through the trail, and tented camp service including hygienically prepared meals and hot drinks.

During your stay in Kathmandu and Pokhara, you will be accommodated in a 3- star category hotel. You get to choose meals from the menus as you like without any limitations. You will be served with both national/local as well as international cuisines and beverages in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Jomsom. As the altitude increases, and we attain Italian Base Camp, we will set tented camps for the accommodations. Since the Dhaulagiri circuit trek is still among the “off-the-beaten” trekking route so the options for meals and accommodations are rather limited as the altitude increases in the trekking route. The meals and accommodation are subjected to compensate for your requirement rather than provide you the extravagance of a star hotel. However, we assure you that the hospitality, local cuisines, and remote accommodations will satisfy you as you live up to the most thrilling experience of your life.