Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek

5.0/5 from 622 reviews
  • Destination
    Nepal
  • Duration
    20 Days
  • Trip Difficulty
    Moderate
  • Activities
    Trekking
  • Max. Elevation
    5360m.
  • Group Size
    Min. 4 Pax
  • Best Time
    April - May and Sept - Oct

An extremely exciting journey through one of the best off the beaten tracks to applaud the grandeur of Dhaulagiri massif! Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is an adventurous and challenging trek that takes you through some stunning glaciers and high snow clad passes to the Dhaulagiri Base Camp which might possibly be a dream of any travel lover. However, owning to its difficult terrain, secluded and off beaten trail and lack of proper accommodation facility, this trek is suitable only for those fit travellers with high endurance capacity.

Mt. Dhaulagiri, the beautiful mountain that rises at 8167 metres is the sixth highest mountain of the world. The trek that initiates from a small and popular town that lies at the confluence of Myagdi River and Kali Gandaki gorge and takes you to some unspoiled and less travelled regions which has been able to retain its natural beauty and splendour intact. The lush landscape, hidden valleys, High Mountain passes along with many snow-capped peaks like Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Manaslu, Mt. Annapurna and other 23 neighbouring peaks is a natural boon that makes Dhaulagiri trek a natural paradise.

The biggest achievement of Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is the trophy of crossing two high mountain passes namely French pass at an elevation of 5,360 metres and Dhampus pass at an elevation of 5,234 metres. The trek is not just about mountain passes and snow clad peaks but the richness in flora and faunas is a treasure that it holds within its jungle, hills, and unspoiled agricultural lands. The people that live in this remote area are an inspiration in themselves. The lifestyle they live and their unique culture that they have been treasuring since long is beautiful and adorable.

Your journey starts with a scenic drive to Beni from where you initiate your actual trekking journey. You pass the warm and vibrant villages of Darbang, Muri, and Chariban to the Italian and Dhaulagiri Base camp. On the route, you pass the high mountain passes like French pass and Dhampus pass from where you descend down to the Marpha and join the Annapurna Circuit route. Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is the most cherished trekking trail but due to its remoteness and certain criteria to be a capable trekker, it has few travellers who actually opt for this trek. So, if you find yourself capable then feel free to join Nepal Hiking Team.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive at Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA) Kathmandu

  1. mealsB.L.D
  2. accommodationGuest House

You are welcomed by hospitable meeting and then you will be transferred to hotel. Our airport representative will explain briefly the program upon arrival. Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 02: Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing Tour.

  1. mealsB.L.D
  2. accommodationGuest House

Sightseeing of world heritage sites in Kathmandu valley including, Kathmandu Darbar square, Swayambhunath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa & Pasupatinath Temple. Overnight at the hotel, breakfast included.

Day 03: Drive to Beni (850m) Duration: 8-9 hrs

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  2. accommodationGuest House

After your breakfast, you drive to Beni. The drive should take 8-9 hours and you'll find most of the scenery very enjoyable. Overnight at Guesthouse, full board meals included.

Day 04: Trek to Babiachor (950m) Duration: 05 hrs

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  2. accommodationGuest House

Leaving Beni and Kali Gandaki the trek heads west along the north bank of the Myagdi Khola through the village of Beni Mangalghat to Singa and Tatopani (hot springs). Crossing the bridge beyond the village to the south bank of the river, the trail makes a little half loop before crossing another bridge, near the village of Simalchour, back to the north bank from where it continues to the village of Babiachor. Overnight at tented camp, full board meals included.

Day 05: Trek to Dharapani (1400m) Duration: 6 hrs

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  2. accommodationGuest House

The valley widens and terraced hills develop on both sides of the river. The trail is fairly level and you pass the village of Shahashradhara, cross the Duk Khola and walk through fields arriving at Ratorunga. From here the valley narrows again and terraces disappear on either side of the river. Continue to the village of Dharapani. Overnight at tented camp, full board meals included.

Day 06: Trek to Muri (1800m) Duration: 5 hrs

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  2. accommodationGuest House

After crossing the river to its West Bank as you leave Phedi the trail starts climbing in earnest and there will be many switch-backs until you arrive at the ridge and the angle of ascent eases. Again the trail climbs steeply to the villages of Muri. We Continue trek to Sibang and Mattim. From here you continue up an incline to the snout of the ridge, descend to the Gatti Khola and reach Phalai Gaon (1810meters). Cross the Dhara Khola to once again emerge on the west bank of the Myagdi Khola and then climb a ridge to the large Magar village of Muri. Overnight at tented camp, full board meals included.

Day 07: Trek to Boghara (2080m) Duration: 6 hrs

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  2. accommodationGuest House

Descend a little, cross a stream and continue through terraced fields before climbing a ridge to reach the pass from where you can see Mt. Ghustung South (6465 meters). Descend to the Myagdi Khola and trek along its West Bank to the village of Naura from where you will climb a little before traversing a grassy hill and climbing a steep slope with switch-backs, then descend through a forest and terraced fields to Boghara. Overnight at tented camp, full board meals included.

Day 08: Trek to Dobang (2520m) Duration: 5 hrs

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  2. accommodationGuest House

The trail first descends through terraced fields to a small ridge, then through a forest to Jyardan which is the most remote permanent settlement in this part. After the settlement a high winding path crosses a rocky area which then descends before climbing again to Lipshe where there is on single hut. The trail continues through a forest to Lapche Kharka and then climbs to the level area at Dobang. Overnight at tented camp, full board meals included.

Day 09: Trek to Choriban Khola (3110m) Duration: 5 hrs

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  2. accommodationGuest House

After crossing a wooden bridge out of Dobang the trail ascends a forested area. Soon the west face of Dhaulagiri I (8167 meters) becomes visible through breaks in the trees. Descend to the Myagdi Khola and cross via a wooden bridge to the east bank continue to Chartare. Passing through forests again, you cut across a rocky area and cross a stream to Choriban Khola. Overnight at tented camp, full board meals included.

Day 10: Trek to Italian Base Camp (3660m) Duration: 7 hrs

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  2. accommodationGuest House

Follow a trail to the terminal moraine of the Chhonbarban Glacier and enter the glacier from the right. Tukche Peak (6837 meters) becomes visible straight on; at the far end while the impressive north flank of Dhaulagiri I (8167 meters) dominates the skyline to your right. After a short while you will reach Italian Base Camp (3660 meters), which is also the site of your camp for the night. To the west are the peaks of Dhaulagiri II (7751meters), Dhaulagiri III (7715 meters) and Dhaulagiri V (7618 meters). Overnight at tented camp, full board meals included.

Day 11: Acclimatization and rest day

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  2. accommodationGuest House

We will spend a day here in order to acclimatize and adjust to the thinning of the air. It is recommended that your body acclimatizes to the high altitude and be "tuned" for the even higher altitudes to come. Overnight at tented camp, full board meals included.

Day 12: Trek to Glacier Camp (4210m) Duration: 6 hrs

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  2. accommodationGuest House

Set up early in the morning when the weather is expected to be clear. This Trail is prone to stone fall, which passes through a narrow gorge. Overnight at tented camp, full board meals included.

Day 13: Trek to Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4740m) Duration: 7 hrs

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  2. accommodationGuest House

This is one of our adventurous days to Dhaulagiri base camp. From here you can look up at the impressive north face of Dhaulagiri I (8167 meters) dominating the skyline to your right. To the west are peaks of Dhaulagiri II (7751meters), Dhaulagiri III (7715 meters) and Dhaulagiri V (7618 meters). In front of you is the impressive icefall that descends from the north east col. Overnight at tented camp, full board meals included.

Day 14: Acclimatization and Rest Day

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  2. accommodationGuest House

Another rest day, but very important for the acclimatization. Views from this place are superb and there is plenty to explore. Overnight at tented camp, full board meals included.

Day 15: Cross French Pass (5360m) then trek to Hidden Valley (5200m) Duration: 6 hrs

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  2. accommodationGuest House

After the glacier you climb two terraced hills, the first of which runs along the glacier, then cuts across the mountain flank and the moraine you enter a gentle incline on the left from an ablation valley. Climb this gentle slope to the French Pass (5360 meters). A great vista opens up from the French Pass and you will be able to see Mukut Himal (6328 meters), Tashi Kang (6386 meters) and Sita Chuchura (6611 meters), all of which surround the Hidden Valley. To the south is Tukche Peak (6920 meters) and beyond is the massive peak of Dhaulagiri I. From French Pass you continue along the right edge of the Hidden valley losing a little altitude to Thapa Pass (5250m) between Tukche Peak and Thapa Peak (6012m). Descending from Thapa Pass you will make it to camp at 5200 meters. Overnight at tented camp, full board meals included.

Day 16: Cross Dhampus Pass (5200m), and trek to Yak Kharka (3680m) Duration: 6 hrs

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  2. accommodationGuest House

Descend from the hidden valley to the Dhampus Pass and continue to Yak Kharka. There is a perfect camp site to enjoy the surroundings. Overnight at tented camp, full board meals included.

Day 17: Trek to Jomsom (2710m) Duration: 5 hrs

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  2. accommodationGuest House

Descend to the village of Marpha, on the west bank of the Kali Gandaki River. Marpha is home to many apple orchids as well as all the various food products made from fruit. Apple Brandy is a local specialty that you may be lucky enough to taste en route. Continue north, up the river valley to the town of Jomsom. Overnight at tented camp, full board meals included.

Day 18: Fly to Pokhara (910m) Duration: 20-minutes

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  2. accommodationGuest House

Today 20 minutes morning flight takes us to Pokhara from Jomsom. Once we arrived at Pokhara airport, we then drive to hotel. Overnight at hotel, breakfast included.

Day 19: Pokhara to Kathmandu

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  2. accommodationGuest House

Scenic drive back to Kathmandu by tourist vehicle, 6 hrs. Overnight at the hotel, breakfast included.

Day 20: Farewell

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  2. accommodationGuest House

Approximately 3 hours before the scheduled flight a representative from Nepal Hiking Team will take you to the airport.

Cost Includes

  • All ground transportations by private vehicle including airport transfers
  • Three nights’ accommodation with breakfast at a 3-star category hotel in Kathmandu
  • Guided sightseeing tours in Kathmandu including tour guide, entry fees and vehicle
  • Meals on full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea & coffee) prepared by our expert cook
  • Twin sharing tented accommodation during the trek
  • An experience guide, required number of porters, their food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment
  • Trekking equipment (two men tent, dining tent, kitchen tent, table with chairs, kitchen utensils, and other necessary equipment during the trek)
  • Jomsom to Pokhara flight including departure tax
  • Nepal Hiking Team duffle bag, down jacket and sleeping bag during the trek
  • Nepal Hiking Team T - Shirt (yours to keep)
  • Safe drinking water, boiled/iodine tablets.
  • First aid medical kit bag
  • All necessary permits for trek
  • All government and local taxes
  • Office service charge

Cost Excludes

  • Meals not specified in the 'Meal Inclusions' in the itinerary'
  • Travel insurance
  • International airfare
  • Nepal entry visa:
  • All cold drinks such as: alcoholic beverages, mineral water, Coke, Fanta, juice, etc.
  • Personal shopping and laundry, phone, internet bill etc.
  • Personal trekking equipment
  • Tips for trekking crews

Travellers‘ Reviews

Read our genuine feedback from past travelers with Nepal Hiking Team sourced from TripAdvisor, Google, Facebook, and Trustpilot.

  • Exciting and most memorable experience

    Experience of a lifetime! Leading up to the trip, I felt some excitement and uncertainty because I was traveling from New Jersey to Nepal, so it was a trip to the other side of the world. Also knowing we were going to trek to the highest region in the world.

    Once we arrived in Kathmandu, we met up with our guide (Bhim). After a few minutes of talking with him, I felt a sense of calm and my excitement of joy grew from there. And I was right he and his team made sure we had the best experience possible.

    The full trek going and coming was incredible. Our guide, Bhim, made sure we had the best experience. Can’t say enough of how wonderful he and his team made this one for the books!

    I highly recommend booking with this company and Bhim! Namaste!

    O
    - Excellent

    Mr. Oscar A

    12th Nov 2024
  • Solo Traveler

    I just completed trekking in Nepal together with another solo traveler. The service of Nepal Hiking Team was exemplary from the start till the end. Nothing beats word-of-mouth good reviews. 

    Mr. Ganga has been very responsive to queries from Day 1 and was physically present even on the last day to officially close the loop for the package tour.

    Our guide Bibek was very patient and sincere as he led us through the trek. He resolved issues with his heart and people skills and gave assurance whenever plans suddenly changed.

    He ensured things were changed for the better. Our porter, Rajendran, was also good and always arrived ahead of time to ensure our rooms were confirmed.

    - Guided by Bibek Dhamala

    N
    - Excellent

    Ms. Norleen A

    21st Oct 2024
  • Amazing experience thanks to our 5-star guide/porter team

    We had the best time in Nepal. The beautiful views and warm hospitality of the Nepali people are truly unparalleled.

    Instrumental to our amazing experience were our guide, Netra, and porter, Vasu.

    We were super well taken care of. Netra was quick to assess our physical abilities and was able to effectively set the pace for our hikes. He had very good knowledge of the route and terrain. Importantly, this was our first time attempting a hike at a high altitude, so he took extra care to check on us regularly.

    On a personal note, proper gear, including a powerful down jacket for -20 degrees Celsius and a proper hiking backpack, is super essential.

    Overall, I would highly recommend the Nepal Hiking Team and Netra/Vasu for your Nepal adventure!

    G
    - Excellent

    Ms. Gen T

    14th Oct 2024
  • Fabulous Trip – Excited for Many More with NHT

    We were a group of 17 people from California who had been preparing for a year for this trip. Nepal Hiking Team was referred to us by one of my friends. After talking to & interviewing several companies, NHT seemed very responsive, cost-effective & experienced. After the trip, they proved us nothing less.

    Their guides are top-of-the-line, very kind, and helpful. They made sure we all were prepared for the next day, set our expectations rights, & guided us through managing altitude sickness.

    We all made it to Nepal and came back happy and healthy.

    We all thank NHT for making our dream come true, and looking forward to many more with them.

    S
    - Excellent

    Ms. Shaili A

    8th Oct 2024
  • Highest praise for Nepal Hiking Team

    I highly recommend the Nepal Hiking Team for anyone planning to trek in Nepal. My spouse and I had a fantastic time on our trek and greatly credit our positive experience to the thought and care put into it by Nepal Hiking Team in coming up with a personalized plan that would enable us to succeed.

    Every detail was considered to match us based on our abilities and interests. We also could not have felt more cared for minute to minute by the team that supported us from the minute we arrived in Kathmandu until our departure.

    Our guide, Nim, was amazing -- so careful, thoughtful, warm, and supportive. And our porters, Sabin and Ganesh, were delightful. They were all unbelievably generous in terms of how much they worked to ensure we were comfortable and prepared. They thought of every detail along the way.

    - Guided By Nim Dahal

    J
    - Excellent

    Ms. Jlevi

    14th May 2024
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