Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek

26 Days

Dhaulagiri is one of the most popular 8000m Peaks for climbing in the Himalayas. The seventh highest mountain in the world, Dhaulagiri lies north – west of Pokhara culminating to its highest point at the eastern end. Dhaulagiri is almost unique in the world in terms of its rise above local terrain where it rises to 7000m over the Kali Gandaki gorge to the south east in about 30 km of aerial distance. In fact, Kali Gandaki is dramatic as two eight thousenders, Annapurna I & Dhaulagiri both stand near the river facing each other over a deep valley.

Daulagiri was first discovered in 1808, and it was thought to be the highest mountain in the world for westerners. It was assumed the highest peak for 30 years before its place was taken by Kanchenjunga. Dhaulagiri literally means ‘white mountain’ which justifies a magnificent peak rising as a giant shoulder of shining ice and snow.

Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is an extremely challenging trek in Nepal, that winds across two passes of 5000m plus. The trekking adventure, which encounter exceedingly beautiful Hidden Valley allows the trekkers to literally touch the majestic mountain Dhaulagiri at Dhaulagiri Base Camp. Diverse culture, treading through different types of forests to treeless zone and getting as close as possible to peaks like Dhaulagiri and Dhampus Peak are great highlights of Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek.

  • Arrival in Kathmandu
  • Day 2-Sightseeing in Kathmandu
  • Day 3-Fly or drive to Pokhara
  • Day 4-Drive to Beni (850m) and start trek
  • Day 5-Trek to Singa Bazar
  • Day 6-Trek to Takum
  • Day 7-Trek to Muri (1,850m)
  • Day 8-Trek to Boghara (2080 m)
  • Day 9-Trek to Dobang (2250m)
  • Day 10-Trek to Italian Base Camp (3800m)
  • Day 11-Rest day
  • Day 12-Trek to “Midway Camp” (4500m)
  • Day 13-Rest day
  • Day 14-Trek to Classic Base Camp (5000m)
  • Day 15-Rest day
  • Day 16-Trek across the French Col (5,100 m) to camp below Dhampus Pass (5200m)
  • Day 17-Rest day but possibility to climb Dhampus peak
  • Day 18-Trek across Dhampus pass (5200m) to Alubari
  • Day 19-Trek to Marpha (2665m)
  • Day 20-Trek to Lete (2470m)
  • Day 21-Trek to Tatopani (1160m)
  • Day 22-Trek to Ghorepani (2775m)
  • Day 23-Trek to Birethanti (1050m) and drive to Pokhara
  • Day 24-Fly or drive to Kathmandu
  • Day 25-In Kathmandu
  • Day 26-Depart Kathmandu

It is a panoramic thrill flying into Kathmandu on a clear day. The views of snow-capped mountain peaks sprawling down below you are almost ecstatic, beginning a whole chain of memorable experiences that stay with you for a long, long time. A representative and driver from our office will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. The representative will help you check into your designated hotel. At the hotel you will be briefed about your daily activities..

Kathmandu is the historical and cultural heart of Nepal and has been a popular destination for tourists ever since Nepal opened its doors to visitors. The city presents a wonderful mix of Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism and Western influence. There will be a guided tour to the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal Boudhanath and after that to the most popular Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva- Pashupatinath. We take a tour to Patan or Lalitpur (the City of Artisans), which is 5km away from Kathmandu. We walk through Patan Durbar Square, and delight in the architectural wonders of Malla era. Mahaboudha Temple, Kumbeshwor Temple, Krishna Temple and Golden Temple are the major attractions at the square..

From Kathmandu, we take a half an hour scenic flight to Pokhara or we drive for approx 6 hours to Pokhara. You can spend the later part of the day exploring Pokhara. Set amidst the spectacular backdrop of the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Machhapuchhre, the must visit sites of Pokhara include the Phewa Lake, Davis fall, Mahendra cave, the famous Seti Gorge, the beautiful temple of Bindabasini and Pokhara Mountain Museum..

After breakfast, we drive from Pokhara to Beni, from where our trek commences. The drive should take around 4 hours and it offers good scenic views. Beni is at the confluence of the Myagdi Khola and the Kali Gandaki Camp. Being the districts headquarter, Beni has a police check post where our trekking permits will be examined. .

From Beni, we leave the Kali Gandaki and head west along the north bank of the Myagdi Khola through the village of Beni Mangalghat to Singa Bazar..

Today, from Singa Bazar we trek along the trail to Takum..

Today, after crossing a river, we head north to Phedi. As we leave, the trail starts climbing. We come across many switch-backs until we arrive at the ridge. The trail again climbs steeply up to Muri at 1850 m. Moving up along the trail, we trek to Sibang and Mattim. From here, continuing up an incline to the snout of a ridge, we descend to the Gatti Khola and reach Phalai Gaon (1810m). We then cross the Dhara Khola to again emerge on the west bank of the Myagdi Khola. After climbing a ridge, we finally reach the large Magar village of Muri. From Muri, we get amazing views of Mt. Dhaulagiri and other surrounding mountains..

After a short descend, we cross a stream and continue through terraced fields. Climbing a ridge, we reach the pass from where we can see Mt. Ghustung South (6465 m). Descending to the Myagdi Khola and trekking along its West Bank to the village of Naura, we climb for a short while. Traversing a grassy hill and climbing a steep slope with switch-backs, we then descend through a forest and terraced fields to reach Boghara (2080m)..

Leaving Boghara, we continue along the trail. We descend through terraced fields to a small ridge and then through a forest to reach Jyardan. After the settlement, a high winding path crosses a rocky area and then descends before climbing up again to Lipshe where there is a single hut. The trail continues through a forest to Lapche Kharka and then climbs to Dobang. Today the path is quite difficult and sometimes we might need to use ropes. .

Crossing a wooden bridge out of Dobang, the trail ascends a forested area. Passing through the beautiful forest, we rapidly gain altitude as mountains surround us. After crossing the Myagdi Khola, we later cross a stream to reach Choriban Khola. We continue along the trail (which is not very well defined) to the terminal moraine of the Chhonbarban Glacier and enter the glacier from the right. Tukche Peak (6837 m) becomes visible straight on at the far end, while the impressive north flank of Dhaulagiri I (8167 m) dominates the skyline to our right. After a short while we reach the Italian Base Camp (3660 m). To the west are the peaks of Dhaulagiri II (7751m), Dhaulagiri III (7715 m) and Dhaulagiri V (7618 m). .

Day 11 :
Rest day

Today is a rest day for acclimatization..

<p>After proper acclimatization, today we climb steadily to the rough and chilling but spectacular Classic Base Camp at 5000m. This is a vantage point from where we get amazing views of the Dhaulagiri Ranges..</p>

Day 13 :
Rest day

<p>Today is a rest day for acclimatization..</p>

<p>After proper acclimatization, we climb two terraced hills before entering an ablation valley. We then climb to the French Col (5100 m) from where we can see Mukut Himal (6328 m), Tashi Kang (6386 m) and Sita Chuchura (6611 m). To the south is Tukche Peak (6920 m) and beyond is the massive peak of Dhaulagiri I. From French Pass we continue along the trail towards Dhampus Pass at 5200m. We camp below Dhampus Pass. .</p>

<p>Today is a rest day but there is a possibility for us to climb the Dhampus Peak. .</p>

<p>Today, after climbing over the 5200m Dhampus Pass, we traverse avalanche prone slopes and then descend steeply to Yak Kharka. From Yak Kharka, we continue along the trail to reach Alubari..</p>

<p>We now begin the descent down the dramatic Kali Gandaki Gorge. After passing through Jharkot and Khingar, villages with typical Tibetan architecture, we follow the valley floor most of the way to Jomsom. Jomsom is sprawled along both banks of the Kali Gandaki and from here we get fine views of the Nilgiri peaks. We continue down to Marpha, a delightful Thakali village, with a well-planned drainage system. Its narrow alleys and passageways provide welcome shelter from the strong winds of the Kali Gandaki Gorge. Marpha is particularly well known for its apples, apple cider and apple, apricot and peach rakshi. .</p>

<p>We continue descending the Kali Gandaki Gorge to Tukuche, a Thakali village with a large gompa. Beyond Tukuche we walk along the west bank of the Kali Gandaki towards Larjung. Here, as in many of the villages in this area, narrow alleyways and tunnels connect houses with enclosed courtyards, providing protection against the wind blowing up the valley. We make our way through pine, juniper and cypress forests to Kalopani, enjoying fine views of Annapurna I and Fang. We then reach Lete, which lies just twenty minutes beyond Kalopani..</p>

<p>Our trail descends steeply through forests to Ghasa, the last Thakali village and the southern-most limit of Tibetan Buddhism. We enter the steepest and narrowest part of the gorge shortly after Ghasa. At the hamlet of Rupse a magnificent waterfall tumbles down beside the trail. Continuing on, we come to Dana, a Magar village from where the massive peak of Annapurna South can be seen across the valley. The trail then descends to Tatopani where we can have apple pie and bathe in the hot springs. .</p>

<p>A short distance downstream from Tatopani, we cross the river on a large suspension bridge and leave the Kali Gandaki behind. After passing through the villages of Sikha and Chitre, we climb through the forest to Deorali, a 2834m pass from where we can get excellent views of Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Annapurna I, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli. Just 10 minutes beyond the pass is the village of Ghorepani. Ghorepani literally means "horse water" and is a welcome watering spot for the packs of mules, which ply the route between Pokhara and Jomsom..</p>

<p>Overlooking Ghorepani is Poon Hill [3193m]. An hour-long pre-dawn ascent gives us the opportunity to see the fascinating views of the Annapurnas and Dhaulagiri glowing in the morning sun. After breakfast, we begin the long descent to Birethanti through magnificent oak and rhododendron forests. From the village of Ulleri, a long steep stone staircase seems to go on forever before eventually reaching Hille. A more gradual descent then brings us to Birethanti, from where it is a short distance to the road and our transport that takes us to Pokhara. .</p>

<p>We fly or drive back to Kathmandu..</p>

<p>Today is a day for relaxing. In the later part of the day, you can go for shopping, sightseeing or do whatever you please..</p>

<p>Our team will take you to the airport for your flight home. On the other hand, if you prefer to stay longer, you can go for short tours such as game drive at National parks, rafting, Tibet tours, mountain biking, etc.- ask us..</p>

The Trip Cost Includes

  • All airport and hotel transfers.
  • Three nights in a 4-star hotel in Kathmandu ( Hotel Shanker or another hotel of similar standard) with breakfast.
  • Welcome and farewell dinners.
  • Teahouse/Lodge accommodation during trek.
  • A full day sightseeing tour in Kathmandu valley including tour guide and entrance fees.
  • Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu flight and airport departure taxes.
  • An experienced English-speaking trek leader (trekking guide), assistant trek leader (4 trekkers: 1 assistant guide) and Sherpa porters to carry luggage (2 trekkers:1 porter) including their salary, insurance, equipment, flight, food and lodging.
  • Down jacket, four seasonal sleeping bag, duffel bag, t-shirt, and trekking map (down jacket and sleeping bag are to be returned after trip completion).
  • All necessary paper work and permits (National park permit, TIMS ).
  • A comprehensive medical kit.
  • All government and local taxes.

The Trip Cost Excludes

  • Nepal Visa fee (bring accurate USD cash and two passport photographs).
  • International airfare to and from Kathmandu.
  • Excess baggage charges.
  • Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu(and also in the case of early return from the mountain than the scheduled itinerary).
  • Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, and early return from the mountain(due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary.
  • Travel and rescue insurance.
  • Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower etc).
  • Tips for guides and porters.

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek
13% Off
From $4,000 $3,500
/ Adult
  • Nepal.
  • 1-12 people.
  • 5,100 m
  • Moderate.
  • Kathmandu, Nepal.
  • Kathmandu, Nepal.
  • Breakfast in Kathmandu and all meals during the trek.
  • Hotel accomodation in Kathmandu and teahouses during the trek.
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