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Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek - 25 Days

  • Destination: Nepal
  • Duration: 25 Days
  • Trip Grade: Very Strenuous
  • Min person: 2
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About Trip:

The Dhaulagiri Circuit is an exciting trek around the world’s seventh highest peak, Dhaulagiri (26,795 ft, 8167 m) and its broad massif of 7000 m peaks. Few trekkers make this challenging journey, full of adventure and off the beaten path. If you are fit and looking for an exhilarating trek that travels through serene, isolated regions full of natural beauty, crossing through highlands with astonishing viewpoints, then the Dhaulagiri Circuit is perfect for you!.

The highlights of the Dhaulagiri Circuit are as sense of being right in the heart of the Himalaya, away from the troubles and cares of the modern world. The route offers constant mountains views while passing through astonishing landscape including several high passes, dense forests and glaciers.

The route begins by following the newly identified Guerrilla Trek along scenic rivers and tumbling waterfalls, and terraced fields surrounding picturesque villages with people following a rural lifestyle. The last section follows along the Annapurna Circuit and a chance to soak in a natural hot springs.

We start our journey with a scenic drive from Pokhara to Beni which lies at the confluence of major rivers. We begin trekking with a climb to the idyllic Dharapani village and enjoy the sensational views of the snowy peaks to which we are traveling. We continue through more rural landscape with scenic villages surrounded by paddy fields. We then ascend away from human inhabitance to Italian Base Camp, west of Dhaulagiri. As we get closer and closer to the mountains, the views get more and more exhilarating. The next stop is a camp on an actual glacier with mesmerizing views of the Himalayan landscape, and then we reach Dhaulagiri Base Camp where we are face to face with the high peaks.

The route traverses French Pass and into the serene Hidden Valley, and isolated region in the middle of the Himalaya. The route makes a traverse of one more pass and descends to the Annapurna Circuit to the village of Marpha famous for its fruit orchards and locally made brandy. We then follow the Kali Gandaki Valley through the world’s deepest gorge along the west half of the Annapurna Circuit. One final uphill to the famous Poon Hill viewpoint for sunrise on the Himalaya, and we finish the journey off through more lush scenery and picturesque rural villages.

The Dhaulagiri Circuit is a camping trek, and we will have porters to carry supplies, a dining tent, sleeping tent and more for your comfort. The Himalaya Hikes chef will prepare delicious meals and the camp will be a cozy place to reminisce about of the day’s highlights over food and drink, under the heavenly stars.

There are many choices for more trekking in western Nepal including The Guerrilla Trek, Upper and Lower Dolpo, Rara Lake, and Khaptad National Park! If you would like to extend your travels, just let us know and we will arrange according to your schedule!

We have fixed departures and custom treks that can be arranged any day to suit your needs and schedule. Himalaya Hikes looks forward to guiding you into the spectacular Dolpo Region and the most breathtaking scenery in Nepal!

Trip Highlights

  • Traversing through a high remote pass in between the giant snow capped peaks
  • High and Wild country at its best
  • Trek on the Trans Himalayan salt trade route and through the world’s deepest gorge
  • Less frequented settlements with its charming inhabitants.

Outline itinerary

Day 1:Arrive Kathmandu (1350 meters/4450 ft) at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA)

Day 2:Sightseeing Tour of Kathmandu Valley

Day 3:Drive to Beni by way of Pokhara (915 m/3000 ft), 200 km west of Kathmandu- 9-10hrs

Day 4:Trek to Babiyachaur (945 m/3150ft)–4-5 hrs

Day 5:Trek to Dharapani (1400m/4670 ft)–5-6 hrs

Day 6:Trek to Muri (1860m/6195ft) – 5-6 hrs

Day 7:Trek to Baghara (2040 m/6845ft)–5-6 hrs

Day 8:Trek to Baghara (2040 m/6845ft)–5-6 hrs

Day 9:Trek to Italian Base Camp (3655 m/12,185ft)-6-7 hrs

Day 10:Rest and Exploration Day

Day 11:Trek to Glacier Camp (4215m/14,045ft) –4-5 hrs

Day 12:Trek to Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4740 m/15,800 ft)–5-6 hrs

Day 13:Trek to Hidden Valley (5115 m/17,045 ft) via French Col/Pass (5360 m/17,870 ft) – 5 hrs

Day 14:Trek to Yak Kharka (3680 m/12,270 ft) via Dhampus Pass (5,240 m/17,464 ft) –6-7 hrs

Day 15:Trek to Marpha(2650 m/8688 ft) –4-5 hrs

Day 16:Rest and reserve day

Day 17:Trek to Kalopani (2530 m/8425 ft)-4-5 Hours

Day 18: Trek to Tatopani (1190 m, 3970 ft)–5-6hrs

Day 19:Trek to Chitre (2400 m/7875 ft) – 4-5hrs

Day 20:Trek to Ghorepani (2855 m/9357ft) –4-5hrs

Day 21:Visit Poon Hill (3215 m/10,540ft) and trek to Tirkhedhunga (1480 m/4850ft)- 5-6hrs

Day 22:Trek to Nayapul (1050 m/3443 ft) and drive to Pokhara4-5 hrs

Day 23:Drive back to Kathmandu (1345 meters)

Day 24:Leisure Day in Kathmandu

Day 25:Transfer to Kathmandu’s international airport (TIA) for departure home

Cost Includes:

    • Fully Organized Camping Trek (FOT) with all meals and drinks (Tea and hot water) included.
    • All ground transfers as per Itinerary.
    • Expert HH trek leader, English speaking local guide, Sherpas and porters.
    • TIMS card and.
    • Restricted area permit fees
    • Domestic airfares
    • 4 nights’ accommodation at 4 star hotel in Kathmandu on twin sharing with breakfast.
    • Half day sightseeing tour in Kathmandu and entry fees
    • Equipment clothing for porter & staffs.
    • Foods and Insurance for all staff & porters.
    • Staffs wages, allowances and their salaries.
    • Himalaya Hikes Kit bag and shirt, City map, 4 seasonal sleeping bag and dawn jacket. Sleeping bag and dawn jacket are to be returned after the completion of trip.
    • Service Charges.
    • A comprehensive medical kit.
    • Rescue arrangements.
    • All government and local taxes.
    • International flight re-confirmation.

Cost Excludes:

    • International flight & departure tax.
    • Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu or on trek for any reason (early arrival or late arrival, early return from the trek or tours).
    • Lunch & dinner in Kathmandu.
    • Personal gears & clothing (available on hire).
    • Tips, any expenses of personal nature, clients insurance.
    • Extra baggage charge

Detail Itinerary

Day 1Arrive Kathmandu (1350 meters/4450 ft) at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA)

Day 2Sightseeing Tour of Kathmandu Valley

Day 3Drive to Beni by way of Pokhara (915 m/3000 ft), 200 km west of Kathmandu- 9-10hrs

Day 4Trek to Babiyachaur (945 m/3150ft)–4-5 hrs

Day 5Trek to Dharapani (1400m/4670 ft)–5-6 hrs

Day 6Trek to Muri (1860m/6195ft) – 5-6 hrs

Day 7Trek to Baghara (2040 m/6845ft)–5-6 hrs

Day 8Trek to Baghara (2040 m/6845ft)–5-6 hrs

Day 9Trek to Italian Base Camp (3655 m/12,185ft)-6-7 hrs

Day 10Rest and Exploration Day

Day 11Trek to Glacier Camp (4215m/14,045ft) –4-5 hrs

Day 12Trek to Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4740 m/15,800 ft)–5-6 hrs

Day 13Trek to Hidden Valley (5115 m/17,045 ft) via French Col/Pass (5360 m/17,870 ft) – 5 hrs

Day 14Trek to Yak Kharka (3680 m/12,270 ft) via Dhampus Pass (5,240 m/17,464 ft) –6-7 hrs

Day 15Trek to Marpha(2650 m/8688 ft) –4-5 hrs

Day 16Rest and reserve day

Day 17Trek to Kalopani (2530 m/8425 ft)-4-5 Hours

Day 18 Trek to Tatopani (1190 m, 3970 ft)–5-6hrs

Day 19Trek to Chitre (2400 m/7875 ft) – 4-5hrs

Day 20Trek to Ghorepani (2855 m/9357ft) –4-5hrs

Day 21Visit Poon Hill (3215 m/10,540ft) and trek to Tirkhedhunga (1480 m/4850ft)- 5-6hrs

Day 22Trek to Nayapul (1050 m/3443 ft) and drive to Pokhara4-5 hrs

Day 23Drive back to Kathmandu (1345 meters)

Day 24Leisure Day in Kathmandu

Day 25Transfer to Kathmandu’s international airport (TIA) for departure home

Equipments List

You are advised to consider the following equipments as essentials while packing for the Trek.
•    Hiking boots
•    Socks
•    Trekking trousers and pants
•    Under Garments
•    Hiking shorts
•    T-shirts
•    Fleece jacket or pullover
•    Waterproofs
•    Sun hat or scarf
•    Warm hat
•    Sunglasses with UV protection
•    Thermal gloves
•    Headlamp or head torch with spare bulbs and batteries
•    Daypack 30 Ltr. (approximately 1800 to 2000 cubic inches)
•    Trekking Poles
•    Basic First Aid Kit
•    Water bottles
•    Deodorants
•    Toiletries (Small wash towel, Toilet papers, Tooth brush/paste etc)
•    Ear Plug (who know some people on group may snore)
•    Face and body moisturizer
•    Feminine hygiene products
•    Tissue /toilet roll
•    Anti bacterial hands wash
•    Reading book & note book
•    Walkman
•    Swimming customs (for the hotel pool in Kathmandu)
•    Extra clothes to wear in Kathmandu, when you come back from Trek

The gears in the list below are also provided by Himalaya Hikes as a part of your package but if you prefer to use your own private piece, we encourage you to bring your own.
•    Down vest and/or jacket
•    4 or 5 season sleeping bag rated to - 10 degrees
•    Trekking Bags/Duffel bag

Trip Note

The above itinerary should be taken only as a guide line; since we will be trekking on some of the most remote terrain on earth, it could change due to weather, availability of clean water and campsite, trail or any other unforeseen conditions. In the event of this happening, your senior guide will make the final decision after consulting with the group.

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