Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek

Trip Duration 19 Days
DestinationNepal
Trip Difficulty Technical Challenging
Trip StyleTrekking
AccomodationHotel + Teahouses + Lodges

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About Trip

The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is one of Nepal’s most challenging treks. The 19-day journey leads you over technical high passes and barren, isolated valleys. You will feel like you’re on a true Himalayan expedition. The trail,situated just west of the Annapurna region, circumnavigates Dhaulagiri (8167m), the 7th highest peak in the world. In the process, you’ll have spectacular views of several other 8000m+ heavenly peaks. This trek is not for the faint of heart. It is for experienced trekkers who enjoy being pushed to their mental and physical limits. For those who brave the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek, you will be rewarded with the hidden treasures of the world’s greatest mountain range.

From the start of the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek in Beni, the beauty is immediately seen. As we climb along the bank of the Myagdi Khola River and the Chhonbardan Glacier, we pass through quaint, charming Magar villages. We get to experience typical mountain village lifestyle as we carve from terraced hillside to terraced hillside. The path then follows glaciers and goes through difficult, but thrilling mountain passes, including the French Pass (5360 meters) and Thapa Pass (5200 meters). It’s a bit of a challenge to walk on the icy glaicers, but our guides will make sure you are comfortable and prepared. The colossal Dhaulagiri mountain range consists of fifteen 7000+ meter peaks and there is nothing like it anywhere else. At the end of our journey, our trai llinesup with that of the Jomsom Muktinath Trek in the Mustang region via the Kali Gandaki river gorge. This area, lying in the Mustang district,has a completely different landscape than that of our previous days, characterized by rolling red-orange hills with caves and unique rock structures scattered throughout. Reaching Jomsom, the district headquarters of Mustang, we fly back to Pokhara and conclude the trek by either driving back to Kathmandu.

Trekking is possible throughout the year, but Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) provide the best weather. During the Spring, there is a bit more color and the rhododendrons are blooming, and in the Autumn months, the skies are generally clearer. The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek requires fitness and acclimatization to avoid acute mountain sickness. Shikhar Adventure arranges the trek with complete management. Please, feel free to contact us for more detailed information.

Detailed Itinerary:

Day 01: Arrive at Tribhuvan International airport (1345m).

A representative from Shikhar Adventure will welcome you our hotel. We will prepare you with information and gear for your trek. Overnight at hotel.

Day 02: Pre-trip Meeting and Sightseeing around Kathmandu valley.

After breakfast, we’ll brief you on our upcoming adventure and then go on a sightseeing tour around Kathmandu, including several UNESCO World Heritage sites. You can spend the rest of the day freely or prepare for your upcoming trek. Overnight at hotel.

Day 03: Drive to Beni (850 meters). About 8 hours.

After breakfast, we drive from uphill from Pokhara, zigzaggingall the way. It then descends through zigzag road passing, Nayapul and other villages, while having views of Annapurna South, Macchapuchhre, and more. This is an exciting road to build our anticipation for the trek. Overnight in guest house.

Day 04: Trek to Babiyachaur (950 meters). About 6 hours.

We begin our day after breakfast in the guest house. Soon, the rough trail gives way to the smooth ice of the white part of the glacier. We climb steadily to Babiyachaur, through forests and villages along the way. It takes about 6 hours in total.Overnight in tented camp.

Day 05: Trek to Dharapani (1400 meters). About 6 hours.

Today ourtrail gently ascends for the first hour, passing through jungles with varieties of oaks, rhododendron and more. Hear the birds chirping, giving you peace throughout the journey. The trail then goes flat and passes a stream and several villages. Soon, we arrive to Dharapani. Overnight in tented camp.

Day 06: Trek to Muri (1850 meters). About 6 hours.

Today we trek from Dharapani to Muri which takes about six hours. We ascend along a narrow path for one hour, and then through a flat trail passing through a mixed tree jungle. Overnight in tented camp.

Day 07: Trek to Boghara (2080 meters). About 7 hours.

From Muri, the trail is easy and goes down for few hours. Before we reach Boghara, though, we must climb a steep path for a couple of hours. The trail descendsagain before reaching Phedi and then ascends once again until we reach Boghara.Overnight in tented camp.

Day 08: Trek to Dobang (2520 meters). About 6 hours.

Today, the path is quite difficult and sometimes we will need the help of the ropes. The trail descends to a small ridge then crosses forests to Jyardan. Finally, we cross the rocky part to arrive at Dobang.Overnight in tented camp.

Day 09: Trek to Sallaghari (3110 meters). About 5 hours.

From Dobang, the route heads through dense rhododendron and bamboo forests. We then cross the Myagdi Khola over a bridge and follow the trail along the east bank of the Myagdi Khola. Following the deep lush forest, we head on the relaxing trail towards Sallaghari. Overnight in tented camp.

Day 10: Trek to Italian Base Camp (3660 meters). About 5 hours.

After breakfast, we follow the trail through the dense rhododendron, pine and birch forests before climbing up to an open area on the lateral moraine. Heading a little further, we arrive at the Italian Base Camp from where we can see the up-close west view of Mt. Dhaulagiri. Overnight in tented camp.

Day 11: Rest day for acclimatization.

Today we spend the day exploring the valley. This day is important to acclimatize properly and prevent altitude sickness. Overnight in tented camp.

Day 12: Trek to Australian Base Camp (4210 meters). About 4 hours.

It takes about four hours to reach Australian Base Camp from the Italian Base Camp. After crossing the first glacier, probably using a rope in a couple of tricky spots, we climb onto the main glacier. The surroundings are spectacular which makes up for the rough and dangerous trail. This is a particularly tough, but memorable day. Overnight in tented camp.

Day 13: Trek to Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4740 meters). About 5 hours.

We leave our camp after having a tasty breakfast. Soon after leaving, the rough trail gives way to the smooth ice of the glacier. We climb steadily to the chilly but mesmerizing Dhaulagiri Base Camp. You’ll notice that this place has a very special feeling about it.Overnight in tented.

Day 14: Trek to Hidden Valley (5110 meters) via French Pass (5360 meters). About 6 hours.

Departing from the glacier above the base camp often requires using the ropes. Once over the steep moraine walls, we reach a calmer terrain, the Hidden Valley. The broad valley is reminiscent of Tibet. The temperatures are quite cold, though. Overnight in tented camp.

Day 15: Trek to Yak Kharka (3680 meters) via Dhampus Pass (5200 Meters) About 7 hours.

After climbing over the 5200m Dhampus Pass, we traverse the avalanche-prone slopes and then take a steep descent through barren land to Yak Kharka. Overnight in tented camp.

Day 16: Trek to Jomsom (2710meters). About 6 hours.

Today we enjoy our final day of trekking, surrounded by the surreal landscape of the Mustang district. We descend along the Kali Gandaki river, enjoying the unique geological formations along the way. Soon, we arrive in Jomsom, the district headquarters of the region. Overnight in guest house.

Day 17: Fly back to Pokhara from Jomson.

The 20-minute flight from Jomsom Airport through the cleft between Annapurna and Dhaulagiri will take us to Pokhara. There will be enough time to spare to unlock the mysteries of Pokhara. In the evening, we will stay overnight at one of the hotels in lakeside.

Day 18: Drive back to Kathmandu. About 6 hours.

From Pokhara, we drive the 6 or 7 hours back to Kathmandu via the Prithvi Highway. Upon reaching Kathmandu, we take you to your hotel. Take a rest and spend your day freely. Overnight at hotel.

Day 19: Transfer to the international airport for your onward destination.

Transfer to Tribhuvan Airport. Thank you for choosing Shikhar Adventure as your trekking guide! We look forward to your next adventure with us.

Cost Details:

Cost Includes

Transportation to and from Tribhuvan Airport.
Three nights in a 2-3 star hotel in Kathmandu, breakfast included.
All transportation for the trek.
Local guest house accommodation in mountain.
Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) fees
Dhaulagiri trekking permit
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit
Government-authorized, experienced guide and porters
Insurance, food, accommodation, and wage for guides and porters
Hygienic meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek.
All equipment (sleeping bag, warm layers, etc.)
First Aid Kit
Maps
Service charge and government taxes
Post-trek celebration dinner in Kathmandu

Cost Excludes

International airfare
Meals in Kathmandu (besides breakfast)
Your personal expenses, shopping, etc.
Shower and electronic charging fees at guest houses during the trek
Alcoholic drinks, chocolates, tea and coffee
Tips for guide and porter
Extra accommodation and meals outside of itinerary
Costs from unexpected occurrences (i.e. cancellations, weather problems, damages of property, illness, etc.)

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Note:

Shikhar Adventure is not responsible for any problems due to weather, damages of property, etc. However, we will help you manage your inconveniences to the best of our abilities. Flights to Pokhara from Jomsomcan be delayed due to weather conditions. It is best to book flights to and from Kathmandu with a several day margin to avoid missing a flight back to your home country. If flights go smoothly, we will help arrange activities for you during your margin days.

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