Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek
Duration
17 days
Max People
20
Min Age
3+
Pickup
Private Vehicle
Overview
The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is a challenging and remote trek in the Dhaulagiri region of western Nepal. This off-the-beaten-path trek takes trekkers on a journey around the massive Dhaulagiri massif, the seventh highest mountain in the world at 8,167 meters (26,795 feet). The trek begins in the Myagdi region, gradually ascending through forests and traditional villages before reaching high mountain passes and valleys surrounded by soaring Himalayan giants. Key highlights include crossing several high passes, some exceeding 5,000 meters in elevation, like the famous French Pass (5,360m/17,585ft). From these lofty viewpoints, trekkers are rewarded with panoramic vistas of incredible peaks like Dhaulagiri I, Tukuche Peak, Nilgiri, and Annapurna I looming overhead. The trek also takes you through remote areas where few foreigners venture, allowing for an authentic experience of the mountain lifestyle and culture of ethnic groups like the Chhetri, Magar, and Thakali people. Basic teahouse accommodation is available along the route, though camping may be required at times due to the remoteness. While physically demanding due to the high altitudes and rugged terrain, the Dhaulagiri Circuit is considered an epic Himalayan trek for experienced trekkers seeking a true adventure off-the-beaten-path. Proper acclimatization, gear, guides, and permits are essential for undertaking this trek through one of Nepal’s most spectacular mountain wildernesses.
Highlights
- Trekking around the massive Dhaulagiri massif, the 7th highest mountain in the world at 8,167m
- Crossing multiple high mountain passes over 5,000m like the famous French Pass (5,360m)
- Panoramic views of towering Himalayan peaks including Dhaulagiri I, Tukuche Peak, Nilgiri, and Annapurna I
- Experiencing authentic mountain lifestyles and cultures of ethnic groups like Chhetri, Magar, and Thakali
- Trekking through remote, off-the-beaten-path regions seldom visited by foreigners
- Diverse landscapes from lush forests to high alpine valleys and glaciers
- Opportunity to spot unique Himalayan wildlife like blue sheep and snow leopards
- Basic teahouse accommodation along the route, with some camping in remote areas
- Far from crowded trekking routes, offering a true adventure in Nepal’s spectacular mountain ranges
Included/Excluded
- Airport pick-up and drop-off service by private vehicle in Kathmandu.
- Three nights 3-star accommodation in Kathmandu with Bed & Breakfast.
- All necessary ground transportation during the trek.
- Accommodation in guesthouses/teahouses during the trek: Beni, Babiachaur, Dharapani, Muri, Boghara, Dobang, Choriban Khola, Italian Base Camp, Glacier Camp, Dhaulagiri Base Camp, Hidden Valley, Yak Kharka, Marpha, and Pokhara.
- Farewell dinners in Kathmandu.
- Government licensed and qualified trek leader (guide).
- One porter for every two trekkers.
- Guides and porters' costs, including meals, insurance, salary, lodging, transportation, and other necessary equipment.
- Dhaulagiri Restricted Area Permit.
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP).
- Water purification tablets for safe drinking water.
- Hairy Yak Adventures Trek achievement certificate.
- International flight airfare.
- Nepal entry visa fees on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport.
- Extra night accommodation and meals in Kathmandu due to early arrival or late departure or early return from the trek.
- Personal clothing and gear.
- Tips for guides and porters.
- Additional costs due to delays caused by circumstances beyond the company's control, such as landslides, bad weather conditions, itinerary modifications for safety concerns, illness, change of government policies, strikes, elections etc.
- All costs and expenses not listed in "What's Included" will be counted as excluded.
Tour Plan
- Activity: Begin with a 9-hour scenic drive from Kathmandu to Beni.
- Altitude: Kathmandu (1,400m), Beni (830m).
- Duration: Full day.
- Accommodation: Overnight stay in Beni.
- Activity: Trek for about 5 hours from Beni to Babiachaur.
- Altitude: Beni (830m) to Babiachaur (1,480m).
- Duration: Half day trek.
- Accommodation: Overnight stay in Babiachaur.
- Activity: Continue trekking for 6-7 hours from Babiachaur to Dharapani.
- Altitude: Babiachaur (1,480m) to Dharapani (1,860m).
- Duration: Full day trek.
- Accommodation: Overnight stay in Dharapani.
- Activity: Trek for approximately 5 hours from Dharapani to Muri.
- Altitude: Dharapani (1,860m) to Muri (1,850m).
- Duration: Half day trek.
- Accommodation: Overnight stay in Muri.
- Activity: Proceed with the trek for 5 hours from Muri to Boghara.
- Altitude: Muri (1,850m) to Boghara (2,080m).
- Duration: Half day trek.
- Accommodation: Overnight stay in Boghara.
- Activity: Trek from Boghara to Dobang in about 5 hours.
- Altitude: Boghara (2,080m) to Dobang (2,520m).
- Duration: Half day trek.
- Accommodation: Overnight stay in Dobang.
- Activity: Continue trekking from Dobang to Choriban Khola, approximately 5 hours.
- Altitude: Dobang (2,520m) to Choriban Khola (3,110m).
- Duration: Half day trek.
- Accommodation: Overnight stay in Choriban Khola.
- Activity: Trek for 5 hours to Italian Base Camp.
- Altitude: Choriban Khola (3,110m) to Italian Base Camp (3,660m).
- Duration: Half day trek.
- Accommodation: Overnight stay at Italian Base Camp.
- Activity: A day to rest and acclimate at Italian Base Camp.
- Altitude: Italian Base Camp (3,660m).
- Duration: Full day for rest and acclimatization.
- Accommodation: Overnight stay at Italian Base Camp.
- Activity: Trek to Glacier Camp, about 6 hours from Italian Base Camp.
- Altitude: Italian Base Camp (3,660m) to Glacier Camp (4,750m).
- Duration: Full day trek.
- Accommodation: Overnight stay at Glacier Camp.
- Activity: Continuing for 7 hours to Dhaulagiri Base Camp.
- Altitude: Glacier Camp (4,750m) to Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4,750m).
- Duration: Full day trek.
- Accommodation: Overnight stay at Dhaulagiri Base Camp.
- Activity: A rest day at Dhaulagiri Base Camp for acclimatization.
- Altitude: Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4,750m).
- Duration: Full day for rest and acclimatization.
- Accommodation: Overnight stay at Dhaulagiri Base Camp.
- Activity: Trekking via French Pass to Hidden Valley, around 7 hours.
- Altitude: Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4,750m) to French Pass (5,360m) to Hidden Valley (5,000m).
- Duration: Full day trek.
- Accommodation: Overnight stay in Hidden Valley.
- Activity: Trek from Hidden Valley to Yak Kharka via Dhampus Pass, approximately 7 hours.
- Altitude: Hidden Valley (5,000m) to Dhampus Pass (5,200m) to Yak Kharka (3,680m).
- Duration: Full day trek.
- Accommodation: Overnight stay in Yak Kharka.
- Activity: A 5-hour trek from Yak Kharka to Marpha.
- Altitude: Yak Kharka (3,680m) to Marpha (2,670m).
- Duration: Half day trek.
- Accommodation: Overnight stay in Marpha.
- Activity: Concluding the trek with a scenic 7-hour drive from Marpha to Pokhara.
- Altitude: Marpha (2,670m) to Pokhara (827m).
- Duration: Full day drive.
- Accommodation: Overnight stay in Pokhara.
- Activity: The journey concludes with an 8-hour drive from Pokhara back to Kathmandu.
- Altitude: Pokhara (827m) to Kathmandu (1,400m).
- Duration: Full day drive.
- Accommodation: End of the trek in Kathmandu.
Tour Map
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