Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek

Dhaulagiri circuit trek is one of the most classic and untouched trekking destinations in Dhaulagiri region. This trek is one of the challenging and adventurous routes in remote Himalayan region.  This fascinating trekking destination is designed for those who seek to trek into the untouched and unseen natural and cultural extract of Nepal. The Dhaulagiri circuit trek is an inspiring trek on an off-the-beaten-trail that circles Mt. Dhaulagiri, the world’s seventh highest mountain. The trek begins in forest and terraced hills inhabited by the Magar people. On the way trekkers can see spectacular views of Machhapuchhre (6,993 m), Mukut Himal (5,970 m), Tashi Kang (6,386 m), Sita Chuchura (6,611 m), Annapurna(8,091 m), Nilgiri (6,940 m), Manaslu (8,156 m), Tukucha (6,920 m), giant Dhaulagiri (8,167 m) and many more.

For this trek we must have good physical condition. We can see dozens of mountains which are more than 7000 m from sea level. To reach our destination the trail moves through dense forests of rhododendron and oak.We see the magnificent views of higher Himalayas, experience the culture and lifestyle of local people which are the interesting features of this trekking.The trail makes more exciting to see the dramatic contrast of lands, ethnic settlements, views of snow covered Himalayas and hidden valley. Most adventurous part of this trek is walking through Italian Base Camp (3,660 m), Glacier Camp (4,210 m), Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4,740 m), Thapa Pass (5,250 m), French Pass (5,240 m) to Dhampus Pass (5,200 m). Hidden valley is one of the main attractions of this route.

Dhaulagiri circuit trek starts with a scenic flight or drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara and then short drive upto Beni. This exotic trek starts from the cultural villages above Beni Bazar all the way to the breathtaking snow-covered region of Dhaulagiri. The trail moves through some of the most beautiful natural landscapes, wilderness of snow-covered mountains, natural scenery and ancient sites. Commencing this fascinating Himalayan trek lets you discover the beauty of Nepal and adventure of the trekking trail. Lastly, we  meet the Annapurna circuit route to the east and fly or drive to Pokhara from Jomsom.

Outline Itinerary

Day 01: Kathmandu (1,400 m) arrival Day

Day 02: Kathmandu sightseeing day

Day 03: Drive to Beni (850 m).~ 304 km, 7-8 hours

Day 04: Trek to Babiochor (950 m).~ 5-6 hours

Day 05: Trek to Dharapani (1,400 m).~ 6 hours

Day 06: Trek to Muri (1,850 m).~ 5-6 hours

Day 07: Trek to Boghara (2,080 m).~ 6-7 hours

Day 08: Trek to Dobang (2,520 m).~ 5-6 hours

Day 09: Trek to Choriban Khola (3,110 m).~ 5-6 hours

Day 10: Trek to Italian Base Camp (3,660 m).~ 7 hours

Day 11: Acclimatization day at Italian Base Camp

Day 12: Trek to Glacier Camp (4,210 m).~ 6 hours

Day 13: Trek to Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4,740 m).~ 7-8 hours

Day 14: Rest day

Day 15: Trek to Hidden Valley (5,200 m).~ 6-7 hours

Day 16: Trek to Yak Kharka (3,680 m).~ 6-7 hours

Day 17: Trek to Jomsom (2,710 m).~ 5-6 hours

Day 18: Fly to Pokhara (835 m).~ 30 minutes flight

Day 19: Pokhara sightseeing day

Day 20: Drive back to Kathmandu (1,400 m).~ 211 km, 6-7 hours

Day 21: Departure day

More Information

Meals:

When you travel to the new place for your holiday, food is the most concerned part of travel. While, traveling with Yarsa treks, you can experience the delightful cuisine of typical Nepali food, continental food, Italian food, Chinese food and different international cuisines. You will be suggested by your guide for good food during your trip. During the trek do not order many dishes and waste food as they have to cater to more trekkers before they run off stock. It is very hard and takes a week or more for caravan and porters to bring the food in these places. You will take lunch in route side, breakfast and dinner will be arranged in the same lodge/Tea house.

Drinking Water:

During the trek you can get the bottled water but it is hard to dispose plastic and it will be the big problem for environment. We will provide purified mineral water during trek. In tea houses you can get bottled water and mineral water in additional cost. It will be better to drink mineral water rather than bottled water.

Accommodations:

We provide you best touristic hotel in Kathmandu/Pokhara with best location. During the trek tea house is main accommodation for trekkers. A tea house is combination of lodge and restaurant. In the tea house lodges are fairly basic, in some tea houses you can get separate room but in the high altitude rooms are spared with two beds with blankets and little additional furniture.  There will be large dining room where you can get the warmth by Bukhara stove. In the tea houses there will be solar electricity but these days most of the tea houses have electricity for charging camera, mobile phones and other small appliances.

Things to take:

This is very active trip we can’t stay in same place. You can take very light and necessary things. You will get a porter who  will carry 30 kg which means 2 trekkers=1 porter. Porters are allowed to carry 30 kg of your stuff. Porters will carry your necessary stuff in a duffel bag.

Altitude Map & Route Map:

Yarsa Treks will provide you complete route map and altitude map. At the end of the trip we will provide you Yarsa Treks T-shirt for the memory of trekking with us.

Health & Fitness:

These treks are some of moderate and some of strenuous.Passionate trekkers should have ability to walk for 4-7 hours a day. Trekking to the high altitude is more challenging than the low altitude. To complete the trip we should have good health, average physical fitness, passion, confidence, determination and positive attitude. If you have past hiking experience or exercising habits it will be the better for your trek. If you have pre-existing health problems such as lungs, heart and other diseases, it is better to consult with your doctor or inform Yarsa treks before booking the trip.

Suitable Time to Trek:

For trekking to the high altitude we should concern about the weather condition. Autumn (Sept-Nov) and Spring (March-May) are the best seasons for trekking in Himalayas. Trekking in Summer and Monsoon (June-Aug) is affected by rain. You can also trek in winter but temperatures could be  harsher for most trekkers.

Trip Dates/Cost:

Check available start date in our site and for cost please contact us.

Important Notes:

If you’re confused to pack up your necessary things just see in the check list tab. Bring light and necessary things. You will need medium size bag to carry your daily usable stuff. The weather is subject to change in high altitude so layered clothing is recommended throughout the trek.

Note: We can customize trip as possible as client’s time frame. We are delighted to take you Himalayan region according to the itinerary.

Day 01: Welcome to Kathmandu (1400 m).
After arrive Yarsa treks will assist you to hotel from international airport. After getting rest and refreshed you can visit big handicraft market in Thamel and rest overnight.

Day 02: Today we take you to a guided trip around the Kathmandu valley.
Today we provide you license holder guide to visit world Heritage sites Swayambhunath (monkey temple), Buddhist holy temple Boudhanath, Hindus most holiest temple Pashupatinath at the bank of the holy Bagmati river, Darbar squares (where we can see the pagoda architecture)of Kathmandu valley and some sightseeing place. Prepare for the tomorrow trip and Rest overnight.

Day 03: Today we drive for 8hours from Kathmandu to Beni (850 m).
Today we travel (304 km) away Kathmandu to Beni by via bus/car. Beni is the head quarter of Myagdi district and it is located in Dhaulagiri zone. On the way beautiful landscape, countryside and the natural beauty will makes your journey more enjoyable and exciting. After 8 hour travel we will be in Beni. If we get more time we will explore Beni at the evening and rest overnight.

Day 04: Today we start our trek from Beni and walk for 5 hours all the way to Babiachor (950 m).
After short brief about route and safety we start trek through north bank of the Myagdi khola. Our trail move through Manglaghat, Singa and Tatopani , we cross bridge to the south bank , again we have to cross bridge to the north bank and before we reach Babichour  we have to cross Simlachour. We explore the Babichour until evening and rest overnight.

Day 05: Today we trek for 6hours from Babiachor to Dharapani (1,400 m).
After breakfast we trek all the way to Dharapani. We can see the green valley on the bank of the river and our trail pass through the Shahashra village, cross the bridge of Duk khola and walk through the field of Ratorunga. From here valley will narrow,  on the way we can see the both side of hill near of us and this narrow valley will lead us to Dharapani. Rest overnight.

Day 06: Today we trek for 5hours from Dharapani to Muri (1,850 m).
After breakfast we start our trekking by crossing the river to its west bank and leave Phedi. Next, trail start climb until we reach the ridge. We continue climb steeply to the Muri village. Our trail moves through Sibang and Mattim, from here we continue up to the snout ridge and descend Gatti khola then we will be Phalai village. Crossing the Dhara khola and emerge the west bank of Myagdi khola , ascend will lead us to Magar village Muri. Rest overnight.

Day 07: Today we trek for 6hours from Muri to Boghara (2,080 m).
We start our trekking descending to terraced field before climbing ridge, from here we can see Mt Ghustung(6,465 m). After ridge climb descend to the Myagdi khola to the bank of Naura village from here we climb grassy hill by steep slope then descend through the forest will lead us Boghara.Explore the village and rest overnight.

Day 08: Today we trek for 5hours from Boghara to Dobang (2,520 m).
We start trekking by descending to small ridge through terraced field. After ridge we continue walk through the forest to reach most remote settlement in this part Jyardan. After Jyardan we walk through windy way to cross rocky part then descend, and climb to Lipshe. We continue our trek through pine forest to Lapche kharka and climb to Dobang. Rest overnight.

Day 09: Today we trek for 5hours from Dobang to Choriban Khola (3,110 m).
We start trail crossing wooden bridge and ascend to forested area here we can see different types of species.  Soon, we will see the west face of Dhaulagiri (8,167 m). After dense forest our trail descends to wooden bridge of Myagdi khola. Crossing bridge to the east bank, passing through forest, cross the rocky area and a stream to reach Choribang khola.rest overnight.

Day 10: Today early in the morning we trek for 7hours all the way to the Italian Base Camp (3,660 m).
After breakfast and short brief about route and safety we fallow trail to moraine of the Chhonbarban glacier to enter glacier from its right. From here we can see perfect view of Dhaulagiri (8167 m) to our right and Tukche peak (6,837 m) straight ahead. Then short walk will lead us to Italian base camp. Here we can see the panoramic view of Dhaulagiri Himalayan range. Rest overnight.

Day 11: Acclimatization day at Italian base camp.
At the high altitude there will be the thin air. So, we spend a day in Italian base camp to intimate with the high altitude otherwise we will caught by acclimate sickness. We explore around the base camp enjoy with the view of highest peak. This day we should active instead of passive. Rest overnight.

Day 12: Today we trek for 6hours from Italian base camp all the way to the Glacier Camp (4,210 m).
We should wake up early in the morning when weather is clear . Trail start to stone fall through the narrow gorge and the snowy way. We stay near at glacier. Rest overnight at tented camp.

Day 13: Today we trek for 7hours all the way to the Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4,740 m).
We trek all the way to Dhaulagiri base camp and one of the adventurous and exciting trek day among the trip. From here we can get the view of impressive dominating face of Dhaulagiri Himalayan range. We can see impressive ice fall in front of us which descend from the north-east. Next, we will be Dhaulagiri base camp. Rest overnight.

Day 14: Acclimatization and rest day.
Today is one of the important acclimatization day at highest altitude. We explore around the base camp and observe the view of Dhaulagiri from the base camp and take some snap of the view. Rest overnight.

Day 15: Trek for 6 hours from Dhaulagiri base camp to the Hidden Valley (5,200 m) via French Pass (5,360 m).
After passing glacier we climb 2 hills (first which runs along the glacier), enter the moraine on the left from an oblation valley and climb the gentle slope to the French la pass (5,360 m). We can see the view of Mukut himal (6,328 m), Tashi kang(6,386 m) and Sita chuchura (6,611 m) all around the hidden valley, to the south we can see Tukuche peak, beyond can see giant Dhaulagiri first. After reaching hidden valley we pass to Thapa pass (5,250 m) between Thapa peak(6,012 m) and tukuche peak. This has little low altitude. Rest overnight.

Day 16: Crossing Dhampus Pass (5,200m) all the way to Yak Kharka (3,680 m).
We trek for 6 hours all the way to Yak kharka through Dhampus pass. Trail descends to from hidden valley to Dhampus pass and walk to Yak Kharka.  When we reach Yak kharka, We explore around and Rest overnight.

Day 17: Today we trek for 5hours from yak Kharka all the way to Jomsom (2,710m).
Our trail continues to the top of the Marpha village located on the west edge of the Gandhaki River. In Marpha we can see the beautiful garden of apple. You can get variety of fruit product which is made from apple. Here apple brandy is famous local product.  We continue walk to reach Jomsom. Tonight is the last night with your local crew. Celebrate your last night at Jomsom.  Rest overnight.

Day 18: Today early in the morning we fly for 30 min from Jomsom to Pokhara.
Today morning we fly to Pokhara and we will pick up you to the hotel and after lunch. Sightseeing around  Pokhara.  Rest overnight.

Day 19: Full day Sightseeing.
Explore paradise city of Nepal. Visit the famous lakes and fishtail view. We will explore beauty of Pokhara Phewa lake, Mahindra cave, Sarangkot, white Gumba, Chamare cave, Davi’s falls, Begnash lake and many more. Rest overnight.

Day 20: Today we drive back to Kathmandu (1,345 m).
We drive all the way to Kathmandu. Tonight is your last night at Nepal. There will be the celebration about completion of your journey. Yarsa treks will arrange dinner in Nepali restaurant with cultural show. Enjoy the cultural show and rest overnight. 

Day 21: Final departure.
Today after your lunch Yarsa treks will drop you to international airport before 3hour for your final departure and there will be the farewell program before your departure.

Cost Include

• Transportation for Kathmandu / Pokhara / Kathmandu by Tourist Coach
• Accommodation for two nights in Pokhara with breakfast.
• All trekking permits
• Transportation form Pokhara to Nayapul and from Phedi to Pokhara by private vehicle.
• Lodge trek with all meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) and accommodation in tea house lodge.
• Services of English-speaking trekking guide and porter (We will provide one porter for two ople and the maximum weight carried by porter is 25 Kg in total)
• Accommodation, meals, transportation, equipments, and allowances of guide and porter
• Insurance for Guide and Porter.
• Sleeping bag and down jacket if necessary. 
• All applicable government taxes and service charges.

Cost Exclude

• Any accommodation, meals and other services in Kathmandu
• Lunch and dinner in Pokhara
• Bottled drinks (mineral water, any cold drinks, and alcoholic drinks).
• Your travel insurance.
• Expenses of personal nature such as tips for guide, porter and driver, laundry, bar bill, lephone calls etc.
• Any airfare and departure airport tax
• Liability for expenses against sickness, flight cancellation, road blockage, accidents and other occurrence beyond our control
• Any other cost not mention above in cost includes.