Trip Planner
Trip Planner

Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek

Route Map

Max. Altitude

5,300m

Best Season

Oct -Dec & March-May

Activity

Trekking & Hiking

Start / End Point

Kathmandu / Kathmandu

Overview of Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek

Mt. Dhaulagiri is the seventh highest mountain in the world. Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek was first discovered by a French expedition team that climbed Annapurna I in 1950.

Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is the Adventurous Dhaulagiri trekking route of Western Nepal, and this is separate from the Annapurna region though it falls in the same region. The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek provides magnificent views of the whole Dhaulagiri range.

Trekking of the main paths is not only promising but can be enormously worthwhile, where you feel a sense of adventure and an increased ability to deal with astonishing Geography since it is a land of dramatic contrast. The trek route is mostly loved by altitude and wilderness lovers. The root requires excellent physical condition and basic mountaineering skills.

Dhaulagiri trekking starts from Beni Bazar however the road reaches Dharapani. Trekking into Italian Base Camp, there is a basic tea house with a striking Mountain View and terrace. After the Italian Base Camp, trekking through the glacier and snow clips. The final trial over French pass (5,355m), also the highest point of the trek, is not too long an ascent but can be challenging.

Downhill from French pass, we enter the lonely but mesmerizing area known as Hidden Valley, this place is one of the few true wilderness areas accessible in Nepal, and the Hidden Valley stretches away to the north, finally narrowing to a harsh gorge that links to Upper Dolpa.

Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek Itinerary

day
01

Drive to Pokhara

We drive early in the morning to Pokhara by tourist bus. We can also fly to Pokhara

Maximum Altitude

2,953 ft

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accomodations

Hotel

Transportation

6 hours Drive

day
02

Drive to Beni.

We drive to Beni from Pokhara. Enjoy the natural beauty on the route and Sightseeing around Beni.

Maximum Altitude

2,723 ft

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accomodations

Hotel

Transportation

4 hours Drive

day
03

Trek from Beni to Babiyachaur.

Trek from Beni to Babiyachaur through rough rubble and steady slopes.

Maximum Altitude

3,116 ft

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek Duration

5 Hours Trek

Accomodations

Camp

day
04

Trek to Dharapani.

Passing through jungles with varieties of oaks, rhododendron and so on and watching birds we trek from Babiyachaur to Dharapani.

Maximum Altitude

4,921 ft

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accomodations

Camp

Transportation

6 hours Trek

day
05

Trek to Muri.

Passing through jungle with varieties of rhododendrons, oaks and Christmas trees at some distance, we teak the narrow path to reach Muri.

Maximum Altitude

5,955 ft

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek Duration

5 hours Trek

Accomodations

Camp

day
06

Trek to Boghara.

Today we go down trail few hours and climb steep path to Boghara.

Maximum Altitude

6,725 ft

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek Duration

6 hours Trek

Accomodations

Camp

day
07

Trek to Dhoban.

Today, the path is pretty difficult and sometimes we will need the aid of the ropes. The trail inclines down to a small ridge then crosses forest to Jyardan. As a final point, we cross the rocky part to arrive at Dhoban

Maximum Altitude

8,629 ft

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek Duration

6 hours Trek

Accomodations

Camp

day
08

Trek to Italian Base Camp.

Today we will reach the Italian Base Camp where we will camp just in front of the West wall of the Dhaulagiri. Passing through stunning forest, we swiftly gain altitude and mountains burst out all around.

Maximum Altitude

12,008 ft

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek Duration

7 hours Trek

Accomodations

Camp

day
09

Acclimatization day.

Today is the first acclimatization day. You can explore around the valley. Make preparation for high passes.

Accomodations

Camp

day
10

Trek to Glacier Camp.

After crossing the first glacier using a rope in tricky spots, you climb onto the main glacier. The surroundings are outstanding which makes up for the jagged and dangerous trail and Reach Glacier Camp. This will be a tough day.

Maximum Altitude

13,779 ft

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek Duration

8 hours Trek

Accomodations

Camp

day
11

Trek to Dhaulagiri Base Camp.

Soon the rough debris gives way to the smooth ice of the white chunk of the glacier. You hike progressively to the rough and alarming but immense Dhaulagiri Base Camp.

Maximum Altitude

15,157 ft

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek Duration

6 hours Trek

Accomodations

Camp

day
12

Acclimatization Day.

Today is second day of your acclimatization in Dhaulagiri Circuit trekking; sightsee around Dhaulagiri Base Camp and save energy for next days.

Maximum Altitude

15,157 ft

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accomodations

Camp

day
13

Trek to French Col.

Getting off the glacier above the base camp often requires rope climbing. Once over the steep moraine barriers we reach calmer, less strenuous country. After a breathless climb to the top of French Col. the views of Hidden Valley open out.

Maximum Altitude

17,388 ft

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek Duration

7 hours Trek

Accomodations

Camp

day
14

Trek to Alubari.

After ascending the Dhampus Pass, you navigate avalanche-prone hills and then take on the steep descent to Yak Kharka and continue to Alubari

Maximum Altitude

17,060 ft

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek Duration

7 hours Trek

Accomodations

Camp

day
15

Trek to Marpha.

More steep down leads to Marpha. The way is not much covered with trees. On the route you can see yak herds and sheep herds as well.

Maximum Altitude

8,661 ft

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek Duration

7 hours Trek

Accomodations

Lodge

day
16

Drive through Kaligandaki Valley (Tatopani)

Drive by Jeep or bus following the Kaligandaki valley, crossing Kalapani, the trail descends steeply up to Rukse Waterfall which is astonishing to look at. There lies the deepest gorge of the world between two mountains Annapurna I and Dhaulagiri I facing each other near Rukse Waterfall. The trail again descends to Tatopani through different villages. You can enjoy the hot spring at Tatopani. It is believed that taking bath in Hot Spring helps you to get rid of skin diseases. Along this, it gives you physical and mental refreshment as well.

Maximum Altitude

26,772 ft (World’s Deepest Gorge)

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accomodations

Lodge

Transportation

7 hours Drive

day
18

Drive to Pokhara.

Drive by Jeep or bus to Beni Bazaar and continue drive to Pokhara.

Maximum Altitude

2,953 ft

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accomodations

Lodge

Transportation

6 hours Drive

day
18

Drive back to Kathmandu.

Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu by tourist bus.

Maximum Altitude

4,593 ft

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accomodations

Hotel

Transportation

7 hours Drive

Equipment Checklist

Required Equipments for Trekking in Nepal

  • Breathable Underwear
  • Sports Bra
  • Base Layers
  • Trekking Shirts
  • Trekking Trousers and Shorts
  • Fleece Jacket
  • Down jacket (insulated jacket)
  • Windcheater (water proof)
  • Sun protection Hat
  • Headband or Beanie
  • Scarf or neckband
  • Gloves (inner and outer )
  • Hiking Boots
  • Trekking Shoes
  • Hiking Socks
  • Thermal Socks
  • Gaiters
  • Duffel Bag
  • Day pack
  • Sleeping Bag
  • Trekking poles
  • Sunglasses
  • Hydration bladder or Water bottle
  • Head Lamps
  • Batteries
  • Personal towel
  • Swiss army knife
  • Sun lotion
  • Medical & first-aid kit
  • Woolen socks
  • Waterproof jacket
  • Lip Guard
  • Insulated pants
  • Baby wipers

Required Equipments for Climbing in Nepal

  • Water bottle
  • Batteries and bulbs
  • Flashlight
  • Personal towel
  • Swiss army knife
  • Rucksack
  • Sun lotion
  • Medical & first-aid kit
  • Sewing kit
  • Polypropylene/wool socks
  • Other required equipment
  • Sleeping bag
  • Down Jacket
  • Waterproof jacket
  • Trekking shoes/boots
  • Camp shoes
  • Jumperorpile jacket
  • Hiking pants
  • Hiking shirts
  • Full–sleeves shirt
  • T-shirts
  • Sun hat
  • Gloves
  • Woolen hat
  • Long underwear
  • Goggles or sun glasses
  • Gaiters
  • Sun block for lips
  • Light cotton socks
  • Mountain trekking boots
  • Woolen socks to wear with boots
  • Nylon wind breaker
  • Insulated pants
  • Nylon wind pants
  • Long sleeved cotton/woolen shirts
  • Sun hat
  • Long cotton hiking shorts
  • Fleece/wool for climbing
  • Lightweight fleece
  • Sleeping pad (karri mat) or thermarest
  • Down high altitude sleeping bag
  • Down jacket/trousers/vest
  • Light cotton athletic socks and wool socks
  • Water proof climbing jacket
  • Head torch/batteries/bulbs
  • Climbing sunglasses
  • Lightweight thermal/insulated ski gloves
  • Sun screen
  • Warm climbing trousers
  • Wool long underwear
  • Other required equipment
  • Climbing boots
  • Gaiters
  • Ice axe
  • Harness
  • Crampons
  • Karabiners
  • Tapes/slings
  • Snow bars
  • Ice screws
  • Rock pegs
  • Deadmen
  • Crash hat
  • Day bag
  • Rucksack
  • Lip salve
  • T-shirts
  • Ascenders
  • Ascenders
  • Kit bag

What's Included

  • All ground and air transportation throughout the trek.
  • Best available accommodation and full board meals throughout the trek.
  • One highly experienced, helpful and friendly guide, porters (1 porter for 2 people) and their food, accommodation, salary, equipment, and accidental insurance for all staff
  • TIMS Fee- Trekkers’ Information Management System (Please bring 2 passport size photos for permit)
  • All national park and conservation areas permit fee.
  • Government taxes & office service charge

What's Excluded

  • Meals not quantified in the ‘Meal Inclusions’ in the itinerary’
  • Travel insurance
  • International airfare
  • Nepal entry visa charge.
  • All beverage and others personal expenses.
  • Snacks and other personal expenses
  • Hot shower during the trek.

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