Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek, 15 Days NDh1a

5.0

Imagine yourself standing in the shadow of the world’s 7th highest mountain. The Dhaulagiri circuit trek is a classic expedition-style tour. It offers an exciting adventure and an exclusive, off-the-beaten-path experience in Nepal’s remote and untouched region.

At a Glance
Location

Dhaulagiri Circuit

Duration

15 Days

Activities

Trekking

Accommodation

Hotel/Lodge

Meals

All meals by a private trekking chef

Group size

Min 4 Pax.

Best time

Spring and Autumn

Max. Altitude

5360m.

The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is a demanding journey that guides trekkers through some of Nepal’s most isolated and challenging terrains. This two-week high-altitude trek covers the Dhaulagiri massif, presenting a tough challenge suitable for experienced hikers in high mountain environments.

You will pass through the two passes at over 5000 meters, requiring superior acclimatization and favorable weather conditions. This iconic expedition leads trekkers to the foothills of the seventh-highest mountain in the world, standing tall at an impressive 8,167 meters above sea level.

Moreover, this trek offers the opportunity to visit three base camps- Italian Base Camp, Glacier Camp, and Dhaulagiri Base Camp- all within a single trip. It promises to be a gratifying and enriching experience, especially for trekkers with a determined passion for the Himalayas.

Major Highlights

  • Trek across very isolated regions and less crowded trials.
  • Witness high mountain landscapes, glaciers, lush green farmlands, and high-altitude moraines.
  • Get to experience proximity to an 8000m peak and other neighbor peaks.
  • Spend nights in tents and sharing camp life with the Nepalese team.
  • VIsit the most popular destination Dhaulagiri Base Camp.
  • Crossing challenging passes and descent to the Kali Gandaki.
  • Get a hyperbaric chamber and a satellite phone for your safety
  • Trek with a team of qualified and well-equipped porters.
  • Enjoy the delicious meals prepared by your cook and his assistants.

Your journey to Dhaulagiri Circuit

Your Dhaulagiri Circuit trek will begin in Kathmandu, where you will travel on a scenic bus journey to Darbang. Along the way, you’ll immerse yourself in the local culture as you pass through charming villages such as Phalai Gaon, Mudi, and Bagar.

When the trekking starts, you’ll go through snow-covered slopes, icy glaciers, and the scenic lateral moraines. You will be able to relax while on the quiet trail and appreciate the distinctive nature and culture of the area. The trip will also expose you to a wide variety of plants and animals, thus making the journey more natural.

Similarly, the journey through the trail starts with the ascent of the Myagdi Khola in the remote, uninhabited area until you reach the Italian base camp and then the Japanese base camp at the height of 4300m. Passing these two camps you will reach the final destination Dhaulagiri Base camp. After arriving at the Dhaulagiri Base Camp, the route will be extended northeast towards the Hidden Valley.

Likewise, you’ll also have to spend a night between two passes, Dhampus and French Pass, both of which are situated at over 5000m. The difficult task of crossing these high passes will demand the best possible acclimatization and the optimal weather conditions for a safe and pleasurable journey.

Furthermore, the descent from the passes will lead you to the Kali Gandaki Valley, where you can explore the charming Thakali villages and their welcoming lodges. Finally, the trek will conclude with a return to Pokhara by jeep or plane, completing an unforgettable adventure through the stunning landscapes of the Dhaulagiri Circuit.

Itinerary

Our first day of the trek starts from Kathmandu. We will reserve a bus from Kathmandu to Darbang. The bus journey is expected to last between 12 to 13 hours, during which we can enjoy the scenery along the way.

Upon reaching Darbang, we will take some time to rest and prepare ourselves for the adventures that await us on the following day.

Next day we’ll ascend through a peaceful pine forest filled with numerous monkeys. As you make your way to Phalai Gaon, be prepared to witness the panoramic views of Dhaulagiri II, III, and V. The trek involves 6 hours of trekking, with an elevation gain of 850 meters and a descent of 60 meters.

As you trek along the winding paths, you’ll pass by terraced rice fields that offer a breathtaking view of the majestic Dhaulagiri mountain. The Mudi village, known for its beauty, is home to the welcoming Magar community.

This part of the trek involves a 4-hour journey with an ascent of 250 meters and a descent of 150 meters.

Today’s walk starts at Muri (Mudi) and we go down a steep path to cross the Mudi Khola bridge. The journey will be more challenging than the hike of the previous day. The route involves descending into the valley to reach Jagapani, followed by an 800-meter climb along a cliffside trail. Overall, we will spend approximately 7 hours trekking, gaining 1200 meters of elevation, and descending 1040 meters.

On the expedition, you will have an exciting roller coaster experience through a jungle populated by monkeys and bears. The trail also has a steep stone path that leads to the dense forest of rhododendrons and bamboo. The hike will be 5 hours long with difficult terrain, a climb of 900 meters, and a descent of 450 meters.

The trek continues ascent along the beautiful Myagdi Khola, passing through a lush rhododendron forest. Moving forward, you’ll encounter bridges that become more and more dangerous, adding an extra layer of adventure to your trek.

Similarly, the journey will involve approximately 5 hours of trekking, with a vertical ascent of 1000 meters and a descent of 350 meters.

On this day, the plan is to trek for approximately 4 hours from Pakoban. The lush vegetation slowly starts to disappear as the trail progresses and then enters the moraine where the Base Camp is located.

Additionally, it will be a relatively short day, allowing us to reach the base of the west face of Dhaulagiri. You can witness the captivating view of Dhaulagiri III (7715 m), Dhaulagiri II (7751m), and Dhaulagiri V (7618 m).

Before ascending to heights exceeding 4,000 meters, it is essential to give an extra day for acclimatization to the high altitude. This day should be dedicated to resting and allowing the body to adjust in preparation for the challenging days ahead.

It’s important to allow your body to acclimatize to the lower oxygen levels in the Himalayan atmosphere. Depending on your physical condition, you may want to take it easy on this day and spend some time exploring the beautiful surrounding area.

We will trek from Italian Base Camp to Japanese Base Camp, navigating through the challenging terrain of Dhaulagiri North Glacier Canyon. The trek involves traversing rocky paths and steep ridges.

After crossing the glacier moraine from Dhaulagiri Peak, we will reach Japanese BC. This trek takes approximately five hours, ascending 600 meters.

You will traverse the Chonbarang Glacier on your way to the Dhaulagiri base camp. The trek involves a 4-hour journey with a 300-meter ascent. This challenging route offers beautiful views and demands physical endurance and precise navigation.

Upon reaching Dhaulagiri Base Camp, it is advisable to take a buffer day for acclimatization and safety in case of unfavorable weather conditions for crossing two passes. During this time, you can observe the amazing icefall that descends from the col between Dhaulagiri and Tukuche Peak.

Additionally, you can enjoy views of the Himalayas, lush valleys, and the high-altitude village of the Dhaulagiri region. The Dhaulagiri Base Camp is situated at the base of Dhaulagiri, the seventh-highest mountain globally.

Today is a notable day as you will cross the highest point of the entire Round Dhaulagiri trek. We will continue our journey along Glacier Moraine, followed by a steep ascent to the French Pass at 5,360 meters.

Along the way, you will encounter stunning views of various mountain ranges, including Tukuche Peak, Mukut Himal, and Dhaulagiri II.

After taking in the breathtaking scenery, we will descend into the “Hidden Valley,” a vast and remote mountain part that was hidden behind the massive Dhaulagiri until its recent discovery. Due to its location in the shadow of Mt. Dhaulagiri, the Hidden Valley features sparse and tundra vegetation.

Furthermore, we will set up camp before reaching the Dhampus Pass. Today’s trek involves approximately seven hours of hiking, with an elevation gain of 760 meters and a descent of 210 meters.

After crossing the Dhampus Pass at 5240m, you will experience a breathtaking change in landscape and culture as you enter the Thakali region. The trek offers magnificent views of the Annapurna, Nilgiri, and Kali Gandaki Valley. The journey involves 6 hours of trekking, with an ascent of 90m and a descent of 1440m.

Back on the way, you will head towards Jomsom, passing through the scenic Marpha Village. The village is famous for its apple orchards and is also called the “city of apples. ” The trail will take you along the zig-zag paths to the steep hills, offering beautiful views of the surrounding scenery.

After reaching Jomsom, you can rejoice in the successful finish of the Dhaulagiri circuit trek. Today’s travel takes about six hours with a descent of 1090 meters.

After having breakfast in Jomsom, we will fly to Pokhara. Throughout the 25-minute flight, you can catch an aerial view of Mt. Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and the Manaslu region. From Pokhara, you can return to Kathmandu by private vehicle. Alternatively, you can also return by flight.

Cost Includes
  • English-speaking guide
  • Meals and accommodation in tents (including cooks and assistants, tents for personal use, mess tents, toilet tents, mattresses, and kitchen utensils)
  • National Park entry fees and TIMS registration
  • Private bus transfer from Kathmandu to Darbang
  • Private vehicle transfer from Pokhara to Kathmandu
  • Roundtrip flight from Jomsom to Pokhara
  • Insurance for Nepalese staff
  • Airport transfers (international airport to hotel and vice versa)
  • Satellite phone without communication capability
  • Hyperbaric Chamber
Cost Excludes
  • Personal rescue insurance for mountain emergencies
  • Nepalese visa fees
  • Personal expenses: drinks, tips, etc.
  • Entrance fees to sites
  • Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu
Book your spot

Starting from

€1,6,28

160$ for flights

Instant Booking

Secure Payments

No Hidden Costs

Trip Difficulty

Extreme

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Recent Traveler Reviews

star rating  Excellent voyage et découverte du Népal - Que du bonheur ce tour du Manaslu en 15 Jours. Apres un tour du Solou fait l'année dernière, c'était notre 2eme voyage avec GST au Népal. Circuit adapté à nos... read more

avatar thumb Arnaud B
14/11/2023
Richmonda
Richmonda

Jul 01, 2024

Fantastic Trek- Annapurna Circuit Trek

My Annapurna Circuit trek with GST was amazing. Our guide knew a lot about the local culture and terrain. We trekked through beautiful rhododendron forests, and under clear blue skies.

Arnaud B
Arnaud B

Jun 06, 2024

Manaslu Trek - Incredible Journey

Wonderful Manaslu trek experience. The local people were welcoming, and our guide made the trek safe and enjoyable. Thank you, GST, for this incredible journey.

Harry Kc
Harry Kc

Jun 06, 2024

Excellent trek

I have used GST services multiple times over the past five years, in Kathmandu and Tibet. They are a highly reputable agency, and I highly recommend their services.

Christina Perri

Jun 06, 2024

Langtang Valley trek- Unforgettable experience

GST made our Langtang Valley trek unforgettable. Beautiful scenery, great guides, and perfect organization.

Alexander White

Jan 05, 2024

Dhaulagiri Circuit Trekking

The 15-day Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek was well-organized with a friendly guide. It offers challenges, breathtaking views, and diverse scenery. We highly suggest GST for anyone looking to discover Nepal’s beauty.

FAQs

For the Dhaulagiri circuit trek, trekkers typically require three main permits: TIMS card, Annapurna Conservation Area Permit(ACAP), and Dhaulagiri Restricted Area permit. You can get these permits from Nepal Tourism Board office in Pokhara or Kathmandu.

Yes, helicopter tours to Dhaulagiri Base Camp are available, offering a convenient and scenic alternative to trekking. The main attraction of this heli ride package is exploring the base camp of Mount Annapurna, Dhaulagiri massif, and the surrounding Himalayan landscape.

The safety of the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek depends on factors like weather, altitude sickness, and trekker experience. It's generally safe for experienced trekkers with proper preparation and acclimatization, but it involves challenging terrain and high altitude. Therefore, trekking with a guide and sticking to protection guidelines can enhance safety.

No, the Dhaulagiri circuit trek is not suggested for beginners. It is due to its challenging nature, high altitude, rugged terrain, and technical challenges. Prior trekking experience, excellent physical fitness, and high-altitude trekking experience are recommended before attempting this challenging trek.

The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek typically takes around 15 to 20 days to complete, depending on the specific itinerary chosen and the trekker's pace. This duration allows for acclimatization, exploration of stunning landscapes, and crossing high mountain passes while enjoying the journey through the Dhaulagiri region.