Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek – 26 Days
Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is extremely adventurous trek in Nepal that circumnavigates Mt. Dhaulagiri via French Col and Dhampus Pass all the way to Jomsom.
Dhaulagiri is one of the most popular peaks for climbing in the Himalayas which is 8,000m high above the sea level. The seventh highest mountain in the world, Dhaulagiri lies north – west of Pokhara culminating to its highest point at the eastern end. Dhaulagiri is almost unique in the world in terms of its rise above local terrain where it rises to 7,000m over the Kali Gandaki gorge to the south east in about 30 km of aerial distance. In fact, Kali Gandaki is dramatic as two eight thou sanders; Annapurna I & Dhaulagiri both stand near the river facing each other over a deep valley.
Dhaulagiri was first discovered in 1808 and it was thought to be the highest mountain in the world for westerners. It was assumed the highest peak for 30 years before its place was taken by Kanchenjunga. Dhaulagiri literally means ‘White Mountain’ which justifies a magnificent peak rising as a giant shoulder of shining ice and snow.
Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is an extremely challenging trek in Nepal, that winds across two passes of 5,000m plus. The trekking adventure which encounters exceedingly beautiful Hidden Valley allows the trekkers to literally touch the majestic mountain Dhaulagiri at Dhaulagiri Base Camp. Diverse culture treads through different types of forests to treeless zone and gets close to peaks like Dhaulagiri and Dhampus Peak, which are great highlights of Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek.
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
Day 02: Sightseeing tour of Boudhanath, Pashupatinath and Patan
Day 03: Fly or drive to Pokhara
Day 04: Drive to Beni (850m) and Start Trek
Day 05: Trek from Benito Singa Bazaar
Day 06: Trek from Singa Bazaar to Takum
Day 07: Trek from Takumto Muri (1,850m)
Day 08: Trek from Murito Boghara (2,080m)
Day 09: Trek from Boghara to Dobang (2,250m)
Day 10: Trek from Dobangto Italian Base Camp (3,800m)
Day 11: Rest day at Italian Base Camp
Day 12: Trek from Italian Base Camp to Midway Camp (4,500m)
Day 13: Rest day at Midway Camp
Day 14: Trek from Midway Camp to Classic Base Camp (5,000m)
Day 15: Rest day at Classic Base Camp
Day 16: Trek across the French Col (5,100 m) to the camp below Dhampus Pass (5200m)
Day 17: Rest day at French but possibility to climb Dhampus peak
Day 18: Trek across Dhampus pass (5,200m) to Alubari
Day 19: Trek from Alubarito Marpha (2,665m)
Day 20: Drive to Pokhara
Day 21: Fly or Drive to Kathmandu
Day 26: Depart Kathmandu
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu.
It is a panoramic thrill flying into Kathmandu on a clear day. The views of snow-capped mountain peaks sprawling down below you are almost ecstatic, beginning a whole chain of memorable experiences that stay with you for a long, long time. A representative and driver from our office will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. The representative will help you check into your designated hotel. At the hotel, you will be briefed about your daily activities.Overnight stay in Kathmandu.
Day 02: Sightseeing tour of Boudhanath, Pashupatinath andPatan
Kathmandu is the historical and cultural heart of Nepal and has been a popular destination for tourists ever since Nepal opened its door to visitors. The city presents a wonderful mix of Hinduism, Tibetan, Buddhism and Western influence. There will be a guided tour to the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal;Boudhanath and after that to the most popular Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva;Pashupatinath. We take a tour to Patan or Lalitpur (The City of Artisans), which is 5km away from Kathmandu. We walk through Patan Durbar Square, and delight in the architectural wonders of Malla era. Mahaboudha Temple, Kumbeshwor Temple, Krishna Temple and Golden Temple are the major attractions at the square.Overnight stay in Kathmandu.
Day 03: Fly or Drive to Pokhara
From Kathmandu, we take a half an hour scenic flight toPokhara or we drive for approximately 6 hours to Pokhara. You can spend the later part of the day exploring Pokhara. Set amidst the spectacular backdrop of the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Machhapuchhre, the must visit sites of Pokhara including the Phewa Lake, Davis fall, Mahendra cave, the famous Seti Gorge, the beautiful temple of Bindabasini and Pokhara Mountain Museum.Overnight stay in Pokhara.
Day 04: Drive to Beni (850m) and Start Trek
After breakfast, we drive from Pokhara to Beni, from where our trek commences. The drive might take around 4 hours and it offers good scenic views. Beni is at the confluence of the MyagdiKhola and the Kali Gandaki Camp. Being the districts headquarter, Beni has a police check post where our trekking permits will be examined. Overnight stay in Beni.
Day 05: Trek from Benito Singa Bazaar (853m)
From Beni, we leave the Kali Gandaki and head west along the north bank of the MyagdiKhola through the village of BeniMangalghat to Singa Bazar. Overnight stay in Singa Bazaar.
Day 06: Trek from Singa Bazaar to Takum
Today, from Singa Bazaar we trek along the trail to Takum. Overnight stay in Takum.
Day 07: Trek from Takumto Muri (1,850m)
Today, after crossing a river, we head north to Phedi. As we leave, the trail starts climbing. We come across many switchbacks until we arrive at the ridge. The trail again climbs steeply up to Muri at 1,850m. Moving up along the trail, we trek to Sibang and Mattim. From here, continuing up an incline to the snout of a ridge, we descend to the GattiKhola and reach PhalaiGaon (1,810m). We then cross the DharaKhola to again emerge on the west bank of the MyagdiKhola. After climbing a ridge, we finally reach the large Magar village of Muri. From Muri, we get amazing views of Mt. Dhaulagiri and other surrounding mountains.Overnight stay in Muri.
Day 08: Trek from Muri to Boghara (2,080m)
After a short descend, we cross a stream and continue through terraced fields. Climbing a ridge, we reach the pass from where we can see Mt. Ghustung South (6,465 m). Descending to the MyagdiKhola and trekking along its West Bank to the village of Naura, we climb for a short while. Traversing a grassy hill and climbing a steep slope with switch backs, we then descend through a forest and terraced fields to reach Boghara (2,080m).Overnight stay in Boghara.
Day 09: Trek from Bogharato Dobang (2,250m)
Leaving Boghara, we continue along the trail. We descend through terraced fields to a small ridge and then through a forest to reach Jyardan. After the settlement, a high winding path crosses a rocky area and then descends before climbing up again to Lipshe where there is a single hut. The trail continues through a forest to LapcheKharka and then climbs to Dobang. Today the path is quite difficult and sometimes we might need to use ropes. Overnight stay in Dobang.
Day 10: Trek from Dobangto Italian Base Camp (3,800m)
Crossing a wooden bridge out of Dobang, the trail ascends a forest area. Passing through the beautiful forest, we rapidly gain altitude as mountains surround us. After crossing the MyagdiKhola, we later cross a stream to reach ChoribanKhola. We continue along the trail (which is not very well defined) to the terminal moraine of the Chhonbarban Glacier and enter the glacier from the right. Tukche Peak (6,837m) becomes visible straight on at the far end, while the impressive north flank of Dhaulagiri I (8,167m) dominates the skyline to our right. After a short while, we reach the Italian Base Camp (3,660m). To the west, there are the peaks like Dhaulagiri II (7,751m), Dhaulagiri III (7,715m) and Dhaulagiri V (7,618m). Overnight stay at Italian Base Camp.
Day 11: Rest day at Italian Base Camp
Today is a rest day for acclimatization.Overnight stay at Italian Base Camp.
Day 12: Trek from Italian Base Camp to Midway Camp (4,500m)
Today, we trek along the trail to the Midway Camp. This trail is a little tough, so probably we might need to use a rope in a couple of tricky spots. The surroundings here are spectacular, with magnificent views of the beautiful snow-capped peaks. Overnight stay at Midway Camp.
Day 13: Rest day at Midway Camp
Today is a rest day for acclimatization.Overnight stay at Midway Camp.
Day 14: Trek from Midway Camp to Classic Base Camp (5,000m)
After proper acclimatization, today we climb steadily to the rough and chilling but spectacular Classic Base Camp at 5,000m. This is a vantage point from where we get amazing views of the Dhaulagiri Ranges.Overnight stay at Classic Base Camp.
Day 15: Rest day at Classic Base Camp
Today is a rest day for acclimatization.Overnight stay at Classic Base Camp.
Day 16: Trek across the French Col (5,100 m) to Camp below Dhampus Pass (5,200m)
After proper acclimatization, we climb two terraced hills before entering an ablation valley. We then climb to the French Col (5,100m) from where we can see MukutHimal (6,328 m), Tashi Kang (6,386 m) and SitaChuchura (6,611m). To the south is Tukche Peak (6,920 m) and beyond is the massive peak of Dhaulagiri I. From French Pass we continue along the trail towards Dhampus Pass at 5,200m. We camp below Dhampus Pass. Overnight stay at Dhampus Pass.
Day 17: Rest day but possibility to climb Dhampus Peak
Today is a rest day but there is a possibility for us to climb the Dhampus Peak. Overnight stay at Dhampus Peak.
Day 18: Trek across Dhampus Pass (5.200m) to Alubari
Today, after climbing over the Dhampus Pass 1 (5,200m), we traverse avalanche prone slopes and then descend steeply to Yak Kharka. From Yak Kharka, we continue along the trail to reach Alubari.Overnight stay in Dhampus Pass.
Day 19: Trek from Alubarito Marpha (2,665m)
We now begin the descent down the dramatic Kali Gandaki Gorge. After passing through Jharkot and Khingar, villages with typical Tibetan architecture, we follow the valley floor most of the way to Jomsom. Jomsom is sprawled along both banks of the Kali Gandaki and from here, we get fine views of the Nilgiri peaks. We continue down to Marpha, a delightful Thakali village, with a well-planned drainage system. Its narrow alleys and passageways provide welcome shelter from the strong winds of the Kali Gandaki Gorge. Marpha is particularly well known for its apples, apple cider and apple, apricot and peach rakshi. Overnight stay in Marpha.
Day 20: Drive to Pokhara
Overlooking Ghorepani is Poon Hill (3,193m). An hour long pre-dawn ascent gives us the opportunity to see the fascinating views of the Annapurnas and Dhaulagiri glowing in the morning sun. After breakfast, we begin the long descent to Birethanti through magnificent oak and rhododendron forests. From the village of Ulleri, a long steep stone staircase seems to go on forever before eventually reaching Hille. A more gradual descent then brings us to Birethanti, from where it is a short distance to the road and our transport takes us to Pokhara. Overnight stay in Pokhara.
Day 21: Fly or to Kathmandu
We fly or drive back to Kathmandu.Leisure day in the evening.Overnight stay in Kathmandu.
Day 22: Depart Kathmandu
Our Nepalese support team will take you to the airport for your flight home. On the other hand, if you prefer to stay longer, you can go for short tours such as Wildlife Safari at National parks, Rafting, Tibet tours,and Mountain biking, etc. You can contact us for further information.
T-house/Camping Trek includes accommodation in lodge, guide, porters and all meals
USD …. per person on twin sharing – minimum of 2 participants
• Note: Single room supplement charge is applicable for Kathmandu Hotel only. During trek, as per the availability we shall provide single/double or dormitory room. In case of special requirement, we shall provide single with an additional room surcharge during trek.
• Airport Pick and Drop by private vehicle
• 3 nights’ accommodation at 3 star hotels in Kathmandu and Pokharaon twin/double sharing with breakfast
• Guide sightseeing tour in Kathmandu with inclusive of monuments entry fees.
• Accommodation during trek available everyday en-route (T-House and Hotel)
• All meals during trek in Local Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
• English speaking local expert guide (ratio: – 2 guide: 4/5 member, 3 guide: 10/15 member)
• Local porters during trek (ratio:- 1 porter = 2 member)
• Dhaulagiri Area permits fees
• Annapurna Conservation Area permits fees
• Trekkers’ Information Management System fees (TIMS)
• Flight Kathmandu/Pokhara/Kathmandu (domestic flight)
• Ground transportation/Airport transfers with an escort by Private Vehicle/Tourist bus
• Equipment clothing for porter & staffs
• Insurance for all staff & porters
• All applicable government tax
• Nepal visa – Multiple Entrée 30 days – USD 40
• International flight
• Lunch & dinner during Kathmandu &Pokhara Hotel stay
• Extra baggage charges (All together only 15 kg is allow for porter)
• Personal gears & clothing (available on hire in Kathmandu)
• Tips for guides, porter, any expenses incurred in emergency evacuation/road block due to any reason, table drinks, snacks while walking
• Any other tours, transfer and service other than mentioned above
• Your insurance and medical Expenses