Trip Details

  • Destination: Nepal
  • Trip Difficulty: Strenuous
  • Trip Style: Camping Trek
  • Transport: Public Vehicle & Flight
  • Food: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge & Camping
  • Group Size: 16
  • Max Elevation: French Pass (5360m)

Highlights

  • You'll be crossing French Pass (5,360 m) and Thapa (Dhampus) Pass (5,234 m).
  • You'll be walking on glaciers and snow for weeks.
  • Narrow and extreme trekking trails through dense forest to high mountains.
  • Amazing views of Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167 m) itself and many snow-covered peaks in your trail ahead.
  • Best experience of trekking in a fun and adventurous way.
  • Lots of beautiful landscapes and scenic flights from Jomsom.
     

Description

Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is one of the adventurous and challenging treks in Nepal. You will be trekking till Dhaulagiri Base Camp from Beni to see the seventh-highest mountain in the world from its lap. Within these 15 days of the trek, you’ll know about the lifestyle and culture of the people living there. During the trek, you will have priceless views of mountains which are above 8,000 meters.

Dhaulagiri (8,167m) rises above the deepest gorge in the world. This trek takes you through some stunning glaciers and adventurous trails that are beyond your imagination. Being one of the famous mountains of the world provides you with a lush landscape and hidden valleys. Along with Dhaulagiri, you see other snow-capped peaks such as Mt. Manaslu, Mt. Annapurna, and many other well-known peaks.

Dhaulagiri Circuit trek takes you from the elevation of  850 meters from Beni to 5,360 meters till French Pass. You’ll be crossing two high mountains French Pass (5,360 m) and Thapa (Dhampus) Pass (5,234 m)in this trek. But, this trek is not all about passing mountains and snow-covered peaks, you will also witness richness in flora and fauna while passing the forest and hills.

From Kathmandu, you will drive towards Beni. On the third day, your actual trekking journey begins. At the very beginning, you will observe the beauty of this trek. While passing through Magar village you'll be trekking over Myagdi Khola's (River) banks along the Chhonbardan glacier. You will be passing through many beautiful villages of Muri, Chariban, Darbang, then towards the Italian and Dhaulagiri Base Camp. Then you'll trek towards Kalopani, Marpha, and Jomsom. After you reach Jomsom your trekking trials will end. Then you'll be taking the flight to Pokhara from Jomsom and back to Kathmandu. That will be your trek for Dhaulagiri Base Camp. 

You'll be heading towards your hometown the day after your arrival in Kathmandu. Hopefully, you'll have lots of memorable experiences and exciting adventures during your trip. Feel free to contact us for more details.

15 Days Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek Itinerary

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On this day after breakfast, you will take a private jeep or tourist bus from Kathmandu and head towards Beni. This will be the beginning of your trip. Beni is the junction of Kali Gandaki and Myagdi and a district headquarter. Police check-post in Beni asks for your trekking permits. It will be a 9 hours drive from Kathmandu to Beni. Overnight stay in a guesthouse at Beni.

  • Meals: Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Guest House
  • Altitude: 850m

On this day you will be trekking from Beni to Babiachaur. After leaving Beni the trail leads out from Kali Gandaki gorge. The trek heads west along the northern bank of Myagdi river towards a well-known place called Tatopani. Tatopani in Nepal is famously known as ‘Hot Springs’. After crossing several bridges you will reach a village in Simalchaur and then trek towards Babiachaur. This trek will be of 5 hours while covering a distance of 20 km. Overnight tented camp in Babiachaur.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Tent
  • Altitude: 950m

On this day you’ll trek from Babiachaur to Dharapani. As the valley widened on both sides of the river, forested slopes and terraced hills welcome you at their territory. The trial after that is fair and you will pass through the village of Shahashradhara and towards Ratorunga. From here the terraces disappear and the path becomes narrower. You will then reach Dharapani and the trek is over for the day. You’ll be trekking for 6 hours and cover a distance of 22 - 24 km. Overnight tented camp in Dharapani.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Tent
  • Altitude: 1400m

On this day you'll be trekking to Muri from Dharapani. The trail begins from Phedi after you cross the river to the west bank. Then you start climbing your way up from Phedi until you reach the ridge and then the ascending part will ease a little.

After switching back and forth several times, it will take you to a small settlement. You then descend from this area and again arise beside Myagdi Khola. You then ascend again for an hour on a narrow path.

After an hour you'll find yourself in a flat path and pass through a trial of beautiful trees and jungle. After that you will get onto a ridge and Muri will welcome you. You will be trekking for 5 hours this day. Overnight tented camp in Muri.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Tent
  • Altitude: 1850m

On this day you'll start the trek from Muri. The trial is not so difficult, you'll start by descending downhill from Muri. You'll then ascend towards a ridge for several hours to reach a place where you can see Gustung South (6465 m). Then you will descend towards Myagdi Khola and trek until you reach Naura village.

After climbing one last steep from Naura village, the Boghara village will welcome you. You will be trekking for 6 hours. Overnight tented camp in Boghara.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Tent
  • Altitude: 2080m

On this day you will trek towards Dobang from Boghara. You may come across a rocky trail and need the help of ropes most of the time. But our guide will help you and be with you most of the time. You'll first descend through terraced lands then towards a forest of Jyardan.

Jyardan is one of the remote settlements in the area. You’ll take a short rest and continue through the forest of Lapche Kharka. After you ascend a little, you’ll reach Dobang. You will be trekking for 5 hours. Overnight tented camp in Dobang.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Tent
  • Altitude: 2520m

On this day you’ll trek from Dobang to Choriban Khola. You will ascend from Dobang while crossing a wooden bridge and trek through a forest area. Then you’ll notice Dhaulagiri I (8167 m) and descend towards Myagdi Khola. You’ll cross another wooden bridge and continue until you reach a place called Chartare. You will pass through a forest and cross a stream to reach Choriban Khola. You’ll be trekking for 5 - 6 hours. Overnight tented camp in Choriban Khola.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Tent
  • Altitude: 3110m

You’ll trek towards Italian Base Camp from Choriban Khola on this day. Continue your trek towards Chhonbarban Glacier from Choriban Khola. You’ll be able to see some of the beautiful mountains in your sight.

Straight ahead Tukche Peak (6,837 m) and to your right Dhaulagiri I (8,167 m) will be visible. While enjoying the sight of the beautiful mountains you will reach the Italian Base Camp. This will be a place for your stay tonight. 

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Tent
  • Altitude: 3660m

This day is for your acclimatization to the changing weather conditions. Today is an important day for you because you need to adjust your body with a changing environment. It is necessary so you do not have any difficulties in further altitude. You’ll stay and rest in the Italian Base Camp on this day and enjoy your time. Overnight tented camp in Italian Base Camp.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Tent
  • Altitude: 3660m

This will be one of the most anticipated days of your trip. On this day you will reach towards the main destination of your trip that is Dhaulagiri Base Camp. You’ll start the trek from Italian Base Camp’s rough and uneven trail and you’ll quickly find yourself walking on the smooth glacier.

You will ascend progressively towards Dhaulagiri Base Camp. Before you realize, beautiful Dhaulagiri I (8,167 m), Dhaulagiri II (7,751 m), Dhaulagiri III (7,715 m) and Dhaulagiri V (7,618 m) surrounds you. You’ll be trekking for 6 hours. Overnight tented camp in Dhaulagiri Base Camp.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Tent
  • Altitude: 4900m

On this day you will leave from the Dhaulagiri Base Camp and trek towards French Pass. You’ll ascend towards the French Pass by climbing two terraced fields and some hills. After you climb a moderate slope you’ll reach French Pass. You’ll see a beautiful sight of Mukut Himal (6,328 m), Tashi Kang (6,386 m) and Sita Chuchura (6,611 m). You’ll be trekking for 6 hours and overnight tented camp in French Pass.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Tent
  • Altitude: 5360m

On this day you will trek downhill towards Thapa (Dhampus) Pass (5200m) from French Pass. After you reach Thapa Pass, you’ll rest and enjoy the view of mountains and trek downhill again towards Kalopani.

Kalopani is a Thakali village with Tibetan influence. During this trek, you will learn much more about the Thakali culture and continue to see Annapurna I and Dhaulagiri I. You’ll start to see some civilization and teahouses on your way to Kalopani. You’ll be trekking for 6 hours until you reach Kalopani. Overnight stay in a guest house at Kalopani.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Altitude: 2530m

On this day you’ll start the trek from Kalopani and head towards Marpha. Marpha is an upward journey from Kalopani. Throughout this journey, you will see fascinating trails and observe the sight of beautiful high mountains and villages while passing through Gandaki valley.

You will also see a lot of trekkers from Annapurna Base Camp heading towards Kalopani from Marpha. You’ll be trekking for 6 hours while covering a distance of 20 km. Overnight stay in a guest house at Marpha. 

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Altitude: 2670m

This will be your last trek towards Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek. On this day you will start your trek from Marpha and end in Jomsom. While you ascend towards Jomsom, you will enjoy the interesting geographical landscape of Mustang district.

After a short period of time, you’ll reach Jomsom. This trek will be short, so you can enjoy your leisure time in Jomsom Bazaar. You can buy lots of interesting artifacts and snacks. This trek will last for 3 hours while covering a distance of 13 km. Overnight stay at Jomsom.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Altitude: 2743m

On this day you will take a flight from Jomsom, which takes about 28 minutes to reach Pokhara. Then you will be taking another flight to Kathmandu from Pokhara which takes about 25 minutes.

Your flight will be according to your flight schedule. The whole process might take about 2 hours. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Altitude: 1320m

What to Expect

Cost Includes

  • Airport Pickup and Drop (Both Domestic and International)
  • Camping and Teahouse accommodation during the trek
  • Three meals a day (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) during the trek
  • Flight Ticket (Jomsom to Pokhara and Pokhara to Kathmandu)
  • Local Bus (Kathmandu to Beni)
  • English Speaking Trekking Guide with Insurance, Transportation, Food and Accommodation
  • Porter, Cook, Helper with Insurance, Transportation, Food and Accommodation
  • All Trekking Permits (TIMS Card and ACAP)
  • Use of sleeping bag & Duffel bag (if you don’t have your own, To be return after trip completed)
  • Daily seasonal fresh fruits after dinner 
  • A first aid kit carried by the guide (Oximeter to measure your oxygen and pulse in high altitude) 
  • All Government and Local taxes

Cost Excludes

  • International Flight Ticket and Nepalese Visa Fee
  • Hotel & Meals in Kathmandu
  • Extra night accommodation in Pokhara in case of early arrival, late departure, and early return from the trek (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
  • Personal expenses (WiFi, Phone calls, Laundry, Bar bills, Battery Recharge, Water, Shower, and Tea / Coffee)
  • Other costs not mentioned in 'Cost Includes' section
  • Travel and Rescue Insurance
  • Tips for Guides, Porters, and Drivers

Useful Information

Best Time 

The best time to do the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is during Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November). In these seasons, the skies and mountains are clear and you can take some beautiful pictures. It is not possible to trek during the winter season (December to February). In the monsoon season(June to August), the trek is still possible but there may not be clear views and skies. There is also a high chance of rainfall.

Trek Difficulties

Dhaulagiri circuit trek is one of the most challenging treks in Nepal, but it is not that harsh. However, this trek offers you an adventurous and memorable experience. The difficulties of this trek depend on your physical fitness and your trekking experience. If you are physically fit, have a strong mentality and experience in trekking then you can complete this trek with ease. But, if you are just starting out it might be difficult for you. We suggest you stay fit and healthy 2 or 3 weeks before your trek. You can train yourself to increase your stamina by running, swimming, etc before your trek. It will be very helpful to you during this journey. 

We provide you with our best guides for your trekking journey. Guides who will lead you towards the success of the trek and who has lots of experience in trekking. You might face some difficulties in altitude but the guides will help you in every step of your trekking journey. The trek will go at a slow pace and you’ll take lots of short rest in your trek. So, our guides will help you finish the trek even if you are just starting out. You will only need to keep yourself fit and healthy with a strong mentality, then you can finish your trek without any hindrance.

Sometimes the weather can get harsh during this trip so better prepare yourself. So, you’ll need useful and handy equipment for your trek. You need to be careful while packing your bag at that moment. Besides your personal accessories and must-have items such as medicine, sleeping bags, and many more, you should not pack unnecessary items in your bag. You must remember that packaging plays an important role in your trekking journey. We will help you with that during your preparation day. 

Accommodation and Food

We try to provide you some of the best accommodation facilities, while you stay in Nepal. You’ll be staying in a 3-star hotel with clean and comfortable rooms in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Your stay in Beni, Kalopani, Marpha, and Jomsom will be in average guest houses. But, don’t expect any kind of accommodation facilities during your trek. During your trek in most of the places, you will be staying under the tented camp. Be sure to carry a sleeping bag with you for your comfort during your trek.

There are wide varieties of food in Nepal. But you will get typical Nepali food during your trek.  Most of the time you will get and eat Dal Bhat. While you are trekking, your body needs lots of energy. So, Dal Bhat really helps you in this trek. We suggest you carry snacks and energy bars. If you are a vegan or have a personal preference in our food then be sure to inform us about it before your trek. In the trek, cook will prepare food. We will be buying all your snacks and drinks in Kathmandu or Beni.