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Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek
DURATION19 Days | ACTIVITYTrekking | MAX ALTITUDE | TRIP GRADE |
GROUP SIZEMin. Pax. | ACCOMODATECamping | TRANSPORT | BEST SEASONN/A |
Overview
The Dhaulagiri circuit trek is a challenging trek in west-central Nepal. You can explore the Italian base camp, Glacier camp, Dhaulagiri base camp, French pass, and Hidden valley in Dhaulagiri circuit trekking route. Small villages, changing landscape, amazing view of the Dhaulagiri range, and rocky trial on the off-beaten path makes the trekking unique and exciting.
Dhaulagiri circuit trek is difficult trek which requires trekking experience in mountain. The trekking route is moderate to difficult in each day walk. You should walk around 6 hours every day during the trek.
Dhaulagiri circuit trek route begins from Darbang after driving from Pokhara. Day by day we will trek to higher elevation with changing environment and landscape. Walking begins on the third day of your trekking. We will reach Dharapani, following the bank of Myagdi river and passing through magar community on first day of walking.
We will trek through different villages, rivers, passes and basecamps in this single trip. Dhaulagiri circuit trek gives best experience of mountain trek. We will trek to three base camps i.e. Italian base camp, Glacier camp and Dhaulagiri base camp.
The highest elevation we cover in Dhaulagiri circuit trekking is Hidden valley in 5200m. The hidden valley gives amazing view of Tukuche peak, Thapa peak, Dhampus peak, Tashi Kang peak and Sita Chuchure. After a night stay in hidden valley we will trek down to Yak Kharka, Dhampus pass, alu bari and Marpha of Mustang as last destination in trekking site.
We will drive back to Pokhara from Marpha and leave the trekking site on 16th day of trek. Next day fly back to Kathmandu and enjoy the day in Thamel either by shopping or doing short tour or taking rest in hotel.
Mission summit treks and expedition provides best service in best price for all trekking in Nepal. Join with us to explore the Dhaulagiri circuit in best package you deserve.
Brief Dhaulagiri circuit trek Itinerary
| Days | Details | Time |
| Day 1 | Arrival in Kathmandu,1339m/4393.045ft | |
| Day 2 | Drive to Pokhara , 899m/2949.48ft | 6 hrs |
| Day 3 | Drive to Darbang, 1110m/3640ft | 6 hrs |
| and trek to Dharapani, 1560m/5120ft | 4 hrs | |
| Day 4 | Trek to Muri, 1800m/5905ft | 5 hrs |
| Day 5 | Trek to Boghara 2080m/6825ft | 6 hrs |
| Day 6 | Trek to Dobang Kharka ,2520m/8267ft | 5 hrs |
| Day 7 | Trek to Choriban khola, 3110m/10203ft | 6 hrs |
| Day 8 | Trek to Italian base camp, 3660m/12007ft | 6 hrs |
| Day 9 | Rest day in Italian base camp | |
| Day 10 | Trek to Glacier camp, 4210m/13812ft | 6 hrs |
| Day 11 | Trek to Dhaulagiri base camp, 4740m/15551ft | 6 hrs |
| Day 12 | Acclimatization day in Dhaulagiri base camp. | |
| Day 13 | Trek to Hidden valley,5200m/17060ft. | 6 hrs |
| Day 14 | Trek to Yak Kharka,3680m/12073ft | 6 hrs |
| Day 15 | Trek to Marpha, 2670m/8759ft | , 5 hrs |
| Day 16 | Drive to Pokhara, 830m/2723ft | 9 hrs |
| Day 17 | Fly back to Kathmandu, 1339m/4393.05ft | 23 min |
| Day 18 | Departure from Nepal |
Trip Highlights
- Amazing view of Dhaulagiri, Dhampus, Manapathi and Tsaurabong peak
- Glacier camp, Italian base camp, Swiss base camp and Dhaulagiri base camp
- French pass, Dhampus pass and changing landscape
- Myagdi river, Gatti river, Choriban river, pasture, rocky cliffs and glacier
- Magar community, remote villages, off beaten path and mountain life
- Hidden valley, Yak kharka, and Alu bari
Itinerary
After your arrival in Kathmandu international airport, our company member will welcome you and shift you in hotel. In the evening you will meet your guide have welcome dinner and get briefing of the trip.
The Dhaulagiri circuit trek begins with driving to Pokhara from Kathmandu. It takes around 6 hours to reach Pokhara. We will stop in the best restaurant for having lunch on the way before reaching Pokhara.
After having breakfast in Pokhara we will drive to Darbang passing through Beni, tatopani and Babaiyachaur. After reaching Darbang we will start our trek following the bank of Myagdi river. Walking through Magari community along the Annapurna landscape we will reach Dharapani village. The amazing view of Dhaulagiri region welcome us in Dharapani.
After having breakfast in Dharapani we will start our walk towards Takam village following the uphills. We will pass Sibang village with amazing view of snowcapped Dhaulagiri range with Gurja Himal.
Dhaulagiri circuit trek route continues to the Gatti River descending downwards with clear view of Myagdi village. We can view the traditional mill called pani ghatta, using the flowing water to grind the floor. The reduced forest, Mountain View, and Magar settlement welcome you in Muri. We will stay in Muri village with great view of Dhaulagiri range.
Today’s trekking begins from downhill trial towards stream. After crossing the stream, the trial continues towards uphill and to the pass in low elevation of (1607m/5272ft). We can view wonderful scenery of mountains and Dhaulagiri landscape from the pass. The trial takes us to the forest and to the small villages named as Mahatala, Naura and Boghara the last villages for today’s night stay. We can view amazing Manapathi peak, stone roofed houses, handicrafted windows and doors after reaching in the Boghara village.
We will have our breakfast and start trekking on the bank of Myagdi river. Forest trial, small market, terrace farming, diversified landscape makes our walking excited throughout the day. After walking over the rocky terrains, ascending to lipse and forest we will reach the Dobhan.
After having breakfast in tea house we will walk along the dense forest on the bank of Myagdi Khola. Crossing the wooden bridge, pastures and grass land we will reach Choriban khola. Today’s trial will be adventurous forest walk with the view of wild animals and their roaring.
After enjoying the local breakfast we will start our trek towards Italian base camp. The trail welcome you with uphill of dense forest. After passing the forest we will cross glacier and reach Italian base camp. As we walk uphill we become close to glacier and cool breeze with fall in temperature. We can explore the changing landscape, reduced forest and treeline, diversified plants and amazing view of Dhaulagiri Mountain.
We will take rest in Italian base camp for acclimatizing our body with changing elevation and atmospheric pressure. After having breakfast we will do short hike to the small ice cave of Italian base camp. The wonderful view of Mt. Dhaulagiri, blue sheep, rocky cliff and landscape can be seen during the hike.
After having breakfast we will leave Italian base camp with enjoying the magnificent view of Dhaulagiri range. The Dhaulagiri circuit trekking route continues to grassy slopes, glacial moraine, rocky path and reaches the Swiss base camp. Day by day we will reach different base camps and do adventure on the base of Dhaulagiri range. Uphill and downhill, flat path and slippery trial over grass and rocks takes us to Glacier camp. We can enjoy the Chhongardan glacier and amazing view of Dhaulagiri, Dhampus, Manapathi and Tsaurabong peak from glacier camp.
We will leave glacier camp and trek towards Dhaulagiri base camp through the central moraine. Enjoying the view of Tukuche peak, we will reach the valley between Dhaulagiri and Tukuche. The uphill and rocky trial from T junction of the valley takes us to Dhaulagiri base camp. The colorful prayers flag, icefall and panoramic view of Dhaulagiri massif welcome us in Dhaulagiri basecamp.
Today is a resting day, we will take rest in the Dhaulagiri base camp for acclimatizing to adjust our body with changing environmental condition. We will do hiking around the camp for wonderful view of Dhaulagiri range during the day
We will cover long distance passing French pass on the high mountain. The trail will be challenging with rocky, steep path. We will enjoy the panaromic view of Mt Dhaulagiri, Mukut Himal along with Tukuche peak, Thapa peak, Dhampus peak, Tashi Kang peak, Sita Chuchure, and changing landscape of Dhaulagiri circuit. We will reach hidden camp after descending from sloppy path from French pass.
We will leave Hidden valley after having delicious breakfast. The mountain view around the hidden valley remains behind us as we move forward towards Yak Kharka. We will reach Dhampus pass decorated with prayers flag. The amazing view of Tukuche peak, Dhampus peak, Annapurna range, from the Dhampus pass energize us. We will come down to Yak Kharka and take rest.
After having breakfast in yak Kharka we will trek down to Alubari and enjoy the view of Mustang, Annapurna region. We will pass Alu bari, one of the popular place of Dhaulagiri circuit trek. Walking through the oak and pine forest we will reach Marpha village (2667m/8,750ft). We can enjoy the agricultural farm, apple orchards and amazing view of Dhaulagiri peak on the horizon. After reaching Marpha village the Dhaulagiri circuit trekking route for walking will be completed. We will stay in Marpha overnight.
After having breakfast in Marpha we will drive back to Pokhara. It takes around 9 hours to reach Pokhara passing Lethe, Ghasa, Tatopani, Beni, Kushma, nayapul, Kade, and Phedi. We will stay in Pokhara and celebrate the completion of Dhaulagiri circuit trek.
We will return Kathmandu on flight from Pokhara. It takes around half an hour to reach Kathmandu from Pokhara. After reaching Kathmandu you will check in to Hotel and take rest. In the evening we will have farewell dinner.
Depending on your flight time our company member will take you to airport. In this way the long Dhaulagiri circuit trek completes with your departure from Nepal.
FAQs
The Dhaulagiri circuit trek is difficult and challenging trek in Dhaulagiri region. We will cover three base camps: Glacier camp, Italian base camp and Dhaulagiri base camp. We will trek through French pass, Dhampus pass, rocky cliffs and slopy grass land.
Yes insurance is required for Dhaulagiri circuit trek. Since Dhaulagiri circuit trekking route is difficult and you should reach above 5000m elevation. There will be high chance of affecting from acute altitude sickness. Insurance will be helpful for rescuing from difficult situtaton.
French pass is located at 5360m/17585.3ft.
A mentally and physically fit person with trekking experience can do the Dhaulagiri circuit trek.
You should do physical exercises, running, cycling, swimming, and short hiking for making your body strong. Regular walking or running for around 2 hours a day should be done before 2 months of trekking.
Yes, experience is required for the Dhaulagiri circuit trek. Since trekking is long and difficult, without experience you cannot complete the trek. New start-ups will face many difficulties, altitude sickness, and unfamiliar with the mountain route. You should do trekking covering an elevation of 4000m - 5000m before doing the Dhaulagiri circuit trek.
More Info
Dhaulagiri circuit trekking is 18 days trek in west central Nepal. Comparatively it is challenging trek than the Annapurna circuit trek. We will spend 13 days in Dhaulagiri region, 2 days in Pokhara, and 3 days in Kathmandu. Exploration begins from Kathmandu and continues to pokhara, Beni, Mustang and entire Dhaulagiri circuit. You will trek for 13 days and remaining 5 days will be used for travelling. Kathmandu to Pokhara and vice versa takes – 2 days, Marpha to Pokhara – 1 day, Arrival day and departure day.
Accommodation
Beyond the difficult path and remote region Dhaulagiri circuit trek route have tea houses in each resting place. We will get clean room and good food in all tea houses. Do not expect attached room as we will get bathroom and rest room outside the bedroom.
Meal
Three meal: breakfast, Lunch and dinner will be provided during the trek. You will get coffee/tea, bread items, egg items, curry during breakfast. In Lunch and dinner we will provide you menu and you can select food items of your choice depending on group number. The food items for lunch and dinner includes Nepali thali with rice, curry, lentils, papad, pickles, salad, momo, noodles, chowmein, macroni, sphagette and porridge.
Drinking water
You will get pure drinking water during Dhaulagiri circuit trek. Mineral water and hot water will be available in tea house. You should pay extra charge for drinking water.
Network and internet
You can take either Ncell or NTC sim card for contacting with your family and friends. Network may not be available in all tea houses of trekking site. You can use mobile data or buy data card for using internet. You can get wifi in Kathmandu, Pokhara and Marpha.
Transportation
Dhaulagiri circuit trek begins with driving from Kathmandu to Pokhara. We will use private vehicle, to reach Pokhara and then to Darbang and complete the trekking on foot. While returning back from Marpha we will use private vehicle until reaching Pokhara and return Kathmandu in flight.
The Best season of the Dhaulagiri circuit trek
Dhaulagiri circuit trek can be done in spring and autumn season. The month of March, April, May, September, October and November are best months for Dhaulagiri circuit trekking. The pleasant weather, moderate temperature and clear view of mountain range occurs during Spring and autumn.
General Clothing
You should have enough clothes for Dhaulagiri circuit trek. Since the trekking site is difficult and cold you should be careful while choosing the clothes for the trek. The required clothing for this trek are listed below:-
- Warm jacket – down jacket,
- Water and windproof jacket (alternatively bring a poncho or umbrella)
- Long sleeved synthetic fleece (windproof material, if possible)
- Thermal underwear.
- Hat, a pair of gloves and a scarf.
- Comfortable hiking trousers. (loose fitting)
- Shorts and trousers, or a skirt.
- 2 pairs of warm wool-blend socks.
- 2 pairs of running socks or liner socks.
- Proper hiking boots.
- Running shoes and flip-flops.
- 2-3 T-shirts.
- Water bottle.
Altitude Sickness
This is a kind of illness that is caused by ascent to high altitudes. The symptoms will occur within 6 to 24 hours of achieving a high altitude. Altitude sickness is fatal and can result in death if not treated in time. You need to stay alert to any of the symptoms that occur.
Symptoms
- Headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dizziness
- Tiredness
- Loss of appetite
- Upset stomach
- Feeling unsteady
- Shortness of breath
- Increased heart rate
- Difficulty sleeping
An effective measure to recover from early AMS
If you happen to notice any of the symptoms, follow the guidelines mentioned below-
- Do not climb any higher for the next 48 hours
- Descend to a lower altitude if possible
- Take complete rest until you feel well
- Do not exercise
- Do not smoke
- Drink plenty of water
- Take external oxygen supply if necessary
- Take anti-sickness medicines
If you see no improvement in your health within 48 hours, you will have to be immediately deported to the city for medical support.
Preventive Measures
There is no way to train your body prior to trekking so as to adapt to the high altitude. Some ways in which you can prevent it are as follows:
- Take plenty of rest
- Ascend slowly and gradually as you reach higher
- keep yourself hydrated
- Eat high-calorie food
- Do not smoke, drink or consume tranquilizing medicines
Insurance
During times of emergencies like acute altitude sickness or a natural calamity, you might have to be immediately deported in a helicopter. The cost of such deportation is covered by health insurance that needs to be purchased before you start the trek.
Trekking option
- Trekking with the Only Guide.
- Trekking with Guide cum porter.
- Trekking with Group with guide & Porter.