Dhaulagiri Circuit trek
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The Dhaulagiri Circuit trek is challenging and a real adventure for experienced trekkers who are looking for an expedition-like experience. From farming villages in the Himalayan foothills to high alpine pastures, uninhabited valleys and close-up views of several peaks over 8,000 meter, this circuit trek is breathtaking and exciting at every stage.
Dhaulagiri 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.
Route Map
Itinerary In Detail
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Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m /4,592 ft.)
Upon arrival in Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport, meet, assist and transfer to hotel. After welcome refreshments and room check in the hotel, there will be a short briefing and orientation about the trek
Eve: Trip briefing followed by welcome dinner at Authentic Nepali restaurant with culture program.
Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu. -
Day 02: Fly to Pokhara and drive to Darbang (1,110m / 3,640 ft.) – 6~7 hours
After early breakfast, transfer to Kathmandu domestic airport to board the 25 min flight to Pokhara. Upon arrival in Pokahra meet waiting vehicle and drive to Darbang via Beni on jeep relishing the view of lush hills and snow-capped mountains. Following the flow of Kali Gandaki River, we pass the town of Beni and then follow Myagdi Khola to arrive in Darbang.
Overnight at tented camp. -
Day 03: Trek from Darbage to Sibang (1,780m / 5,838 ft.) – 6~7 hours
After breakfast, we head towards Sibang ascending to the ridge-top village of Dharapani from where we can get a beautiful view of the Dhaulagiri massif, Gurja Himal (7193m), and Putha Hiunchuli (7246m). We continue our trek walking along the ridge on the path above the river to reach Sibang.
Overnight at tented camp. -
Day 04: Trek from Sibang to Bagar (2,080m / 6,822) – 7~8 hours
Leaving behind Sibang, we descend to Gatti Khola then climb up to the village of Muri where Myagdi and Dhara rivers meet. We continue to trek crossing the bridge over Dhola Khola and descend through the terraced farm fields and sparse settlements before arriving in Naura village.
Overnight at tented camp. -
Day 05: Trek from Bagar to Dobhan (2,520m / 8,265 ft.) – 5~7 hours
Moving alongside the bank of Myagdi Khola through a grassy hill and a steep slope, we arrive in Bagar. We then follow the up and down trail to Dobhan. We continue to descend through a forest to Jyardan before climbing uphill to Lipshe. The route then enters the forested area before ascending up to Dobhan.
Overnight at tented camp. -
Day 06: Trek from Doban to Italian Base Camp (3,660 m /12,004 ft. ) – 7~8 Hours
Leaving the last village of Dobhan, we trek towards Italian Base Camp. Today we pass through the forested trail filled with oaks, bamboo, and pines trees. As we move further and gain altitude, mountains start to surround us from all around. We can get the best view of Tukuche Peak (6920m), Dhaulagiri Range, and other mountains from Italian Base Camp.
Overnight at tented camp. -
Day 07: Acclimatization Day
We take this day for acclimatization. We can explore the base camp area or spend the day relishing the spectacular view of surrounding mountains.
Overnight at tented camp. -
Day 08: Trek from Italian Base Camp to Japanese Base Camp (3, 890m / 12,760 ft.) – 4~5 hrs.
Leaving behind Italian Base Camp, we trek through the rocky area on a steep slope before crossing the glacial moraines. We then reach a wide grassy area in a shallow ablation valley known as “Japanese Base Camp”. We have rewarded with the west face of Dhaulagiri I (8167m) on one side and Tsaurabong Peak (6395m) on the other.
Overnight at tented camp. -
Day 09: Trek from Japanese Base Camp to Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4,748m / 15,573 ft.) – 4~5 hrs.
Today is the most challenging day out of our journey. Walking on the glacier, sometimes on the lateral moraine and undulating surface of the glacier itself, we carefully and responsibly make our way up to Dhaulagiri Base Camp. Upon reaching, we can see the stunning view of all the peaks of Dhaulagiri range along with an amazing icefall descending from the Dhaulagiri and Tukuche Peak ridgeline.
Overnight at tented camp. -
Day 10: Acclimatization Day
Keeping our health in mind, we take another day off from trekking to acclimatize. We can spend the day exploring the areas nearby the base camp. There’s also an option of hiking up a little for the better view of the mountains.
Overnight at tented camp. -
Day 11: Trek from Dhaulagiri Base Camp to Hidden Valley Camp (5,140m / 16,860 ft.) – 6~7 hrs. Via French Pass (5,360m / 17,580 ft.)
We continue to trek on the north side of Chhondarban Glacier, and gradually climb the steep hillside above the glacier. Following the zig-zag trail across moraines, we make our way up to French Pass which gives a 360-degree view of surrounding mountain ranges. We then gently descend through snow slopes to finally reach the Hidden Valley.
Overnight at tented camp. -
Day 12: Reserve Day for bad weather or Rest Day
We keep the extra day in case the weather condition becomes bad. We can also use this day to explore the outskirts of Hidden Valley.
Overnight at tented camp. -
Day 13: Trek from Hidden Valley to Yak Kharka (4,200m /13,776 ft.) – 4~5 hours via Dhampus Pass (5,244m / 17,200 ft.)
We head towards Yak Kharka crossing over Dhampus Pass (5244m). Relishing the beautiful view of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges in the background, we descend steeply to Yak Kharka through avalanche prone slopes.
Overnight at tented camp. -
Day 14: Trek from Yak Kharka to Jomsom (2,720m / 8,921 ft.) – 4~5 hours via Marpha
We continue to descend steeply from Yak Kharka towards Marpha which is also known as the apple capital of Nepal. Passing through the whitewashed houses, paved streets, and following the flow of Kali Gandaki River, we move towards the windy town of Jomsom.
Overnight at lodge in Jomsom. -
Day 15: Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara – 25 minutes
After breakfast walk to the Jomosom Airport after bidding farewell to all Sherpa support team and porters and board the 25 minutes scenic flight to Pokhara city. Upon arrival in Pokhara airport, meet, assist and transfer to the lakeside hotel and check in. The afternoon is free to explore the lakeside, go boating, cycling, shopping or simply relaxing by the lakeside.
Overnight at the hotel in Pokhara. -
Day 16: Morning sightseeing tour of Pokhara and fly to Kathmandu – 25 minutes
After breakfast, go on a sightseeing tour of Pokhara, which includes the visit of Bindabasini Temple, the Seti Gorge and Davis Fall. After sightseeing tour transfer to lakeside for lunch. After lunch transfer to Pokhara domestic Airport to board 25 minute flight to Kathmandu. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, meet waiting vehicle and transfer to hotel. Rest of the day till dinner is free for some rest and refreshment.
Eve: Farewell dinner to celebrate the successful completion of Dhaulagiri Circuit.
Overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu. -
Day 17: Final Departure from Kathmandu
After breakfast, timely transfer to the Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport for onwards flight.
17 Days From
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Other Costs (if Applicable)
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Accomodations
Accomodation (Hotels envisaged or similar)
17 Days From
Any Question?
Feel free to call our travel experts.
+977 9851189018, +977 9801089018
info@asiaticroads.com
17 Days From
Any Question?
Feel free to call our travel experts.
+977 9851189018, +977 9801089018
info@asiaticroads.com
Reviews
In my 2 week stay, John was very professional and took me around to experience all that Kathmandu and surrounding areas has to offer. Sites were seen and many locals were met through John’s network.
Steven Stone
TravellerIn my 2 week stay, John was very professional and took me around to experience all that Kathmandu and surrounding areas has to offer. Sites were seen and many locals were met through John’s network.