Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek

Overview

Dhaulagiri (8,167m) meaning the "white mountain" falling in the western part of Nepal is the 7th highest peak in the world. And Dhaulagiri trek is one of the challenging treks, through towering alpine meadows, serene and deserted valleys as well as higher passes. The most fascinating part of the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is it embraces over fifteen magnificent peaks having an altitude of 7,000m.

Dhaulagiri trekking routes begins upon our arrival to Beni after 8-hour scenic drive from Kathmandu. From Beni you will move to north-west direction all the way through the settlements of Babichour, Dharapani and Dorbang to reach to Muri. Muri is the major village inhabited by Magar tribe descended from the early colonizers of the Nepalese mid-hills. You will head north following the Myagdi River and pass through other settlements of Baghara and Chartare to arrive at Pakoban. Then heading further north you go round the Chhanbardan Glacier in order to reach the Dhaulagiri Base Camp which lets you witness splendid mountain views. After that we will climb the vertical incline until we arrive at the French Pass (5,360m) which is located between Sita Chuchura (6611m) and Tukche Peak (6920m). Now, you will climb to Thapa Pass (5250m), between Thapa Peak and Tukche Peak from where you start your way down and walk south-east to Alubari. From Alubari, the track further further moves down to the community of Marpha on the shores of the Kaligandaki River, and then walking north to Jomsom we will fly back to Pokhara.

Trips Facts

Trip Duration: 19 Days
Trip grade: Strenuous
Maximum altitude: 5,360 m
Accommodation: Hotel/ Lodge/ teahouse/ Camping
Transportation: Private Car or Van or Bus/domestic flight

Why different

With the scenic drive to Beni, and walking through Mur Magar village then to French Pass (5300m), Thapa pass (5200m), Dhampus Pass and walk further to the Hidden Valley to reach to Dhaulagiri and Italian Base Camp.

Attractions

The most fascinating part of the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is it embraces over fifteen magnificent peaks having an altitude of 7,000m including Annapurna range, Fishtail, Manaslu, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, etc. Also you will walk all the way through high alpine pastures, serene and deserted valleys and higher passes.

Best Season:

The best season for Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is post-monsoon. These days are clear and warm with the possibility of snow later. Gradually, when the season changes the temperature gets much colder in the evenings in particular at base camp. While climbing the base camp from April to July, you should be well prepared for tackling with any type of weather. Certainly, the evenings will be cold and trekkers will have to be prepared for rain, snow, sleet, heat and leeches.

Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival Kathmandu Airport & Transfer to Hotel.

Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, you will be welcomed by our representative of Peaceful Himalaya Trekking at Kathmandu International airport and then you will be transferred to hotel. You can relax for the rest of the day and in the evening you can enjoy dinner with Nepali cultural dance. Overnight at hotel.

Day 02: Sightseeing Pashupatinath, Bauddhanath, Monkey temple, Basantapur Durbar, Patan Durbar square and Back to Hotel

Today, you will be go around different world heritage sites in Kathmandu valley; the sacred temple of Hindu, Pashupatinath; the world’s biggest Stupa, Boudhanath; Swoyambhunath Stupa which is also known as the monkey temple; and historical Kathmandu Durbar Square where you will also visit Kumari broadly known as Living Goddess in Basantapur, Kathmandu. You will also go around Patan Durbar Square which is rich in historical art and architecture. Overnight at hotel again.

Day 03: Drive to Beni (850m) by bus - 8 hrs

After breakfast, you will drive to Beni by local Bus. Beni is the district headquarters which also has a police check post and your trek permits will be examined. The settlement is at the union point of the Myagdi River and the Kaligandaki. Overnight at tented camp in Beni.

Day 04: Trek to Babiachor (950m) - 5 hrs

Today you will trek heading west direction along the north shore of the Myagdi River through the settlement of Beni Mangalghat to reach to Singa and then to Tatopani (hot springs). Going across the bridge further than the village to the south shore of the river, the track makes a little half circle before going across one more bridge, near the community of Simalchour. Moving back to the north bank we will precede to the village of Babichor. Overnight in Babichor at tented camp.

Day 05: Trek to Dharapani (1,400m) - 6 hrs

The valley today opens and terraced hills come into view on both sides of the river. The track is quite plain and you pass the community of Shahashradhara. Then we will cross the Duk Khola and walk all the way through fields to reach Ratorunga. From here the valley contracted again and terraces vanish. After that we will continue to the community of Dharapani. Overnight at tented camp in Dharapani.

Day 06: Trek to Muri (1,850m) - 5 hrs

After going across the river to the west shore, the trail begins climbing and we will have many switch-backs to arrive at the ridge where our ascent becomes easy. Again the path climbs to the villages of Muri. Continue your trek to Sibang and Mattim. From here you continue up an incline to the snout of the ridge, descend to the Gatti Khola and reach Phalai Gaun (1,810m). Cross the Dhara Khola to once again emerge on the west bank of the Myagdi Khola and then climb a ridge to the large Magar village of Muri. Overnight at tented camp.

Day 07: Trek to Boghara (2,080m) - 6 hrs

Move down a little, then cross a stream and go on walking through the terraced fields prior to climbing an edge to reach the pass from where Mt. Ghustung South (6,465m) appears in front of us. Descend to the Myagdi River and trek all along its West shore to the village of Naura. After that you will climb a little before going across a grassy hill and mountaineering a vertical slope with switch-backs, then go down all the way through a forest and via terraced fields to arrive at Boghara (2,080m). Overnight at tented camp.

Day 08: Trek to Dobang (2,520m) - 5 hrs

The trail descends all the way through terraced pastures to a small ridge, then all the way through a forest to reach Jyardan which is the most isolated settlement in this area. We will then move to a high winding path which crosses a rocky region which then moves down ahead of climbing again to Lipshe. The trail continues via a forest to reach Lapche Kharka and afterward climbs to the plain area at Dobang. Overnight at tented camp.

Day 09: Trek to Choriban Khola (3,110m) - 5 hrs

After crossing a bridge moving ahead from Dobang the track ascends a wooded area. Quickly the west face of Dhaulagiri I at an altitude of 8,167m appears. Descending to the Myagdi River and cross through a bridge to the east shore continue to Chartare. Passing via forests again, you cross a rocky area and traverse a river to Choriban Khola. Overnight at tented camp near Choriban River.

Day 10: Trek to the Italian Base Camp (3,660m) - 7 hrs

Follow a trail to the terminal moraine of the glacier, Chhonbarban. Tukuche Peak at an altitude of 6,837m appears in front at the far ending while the exciting north edge of Dhaulagiri I (8,167m) overlooks the skyline to the right side. After a short walk you will arrive at Italian Base Camp at 3,660m. To the west are the mountains of Dhaulagiri III (7,715m), Dhaulagiri II (7,751m), and Dhaulagiri V (7,618m). Overnight at tented camp.

Day 11: Acclimatization and rest day

To be accustomed with the environment, we will have a rest day at Italian Base Camp. We can either relax for the whole day or go around the camp. Overnight at tented camp.

Day 12: Trek to the Glacier Camp (4,210m) - 6 hrs

Today we will walk to Glacier Camp and the path is prone to stony way down which passes via narrow gorge. Today we will stay overnight near the glacier at tented camps.

Day 13: Trek to the Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4,740m) - 7 hrs

This is one of our challenging days to Dhaulagiri base camp. From here we can witness the inspiring north face of Dhaulagiri I (8,167m) dominating the skyline to the right side. To the west region, the peaks of Dhaulagiri III (7,715m), Dhaulagiri II (7,751m), and Dhaulagiri V (7,618m). At the front of you is the striking icefall that moves down from the north-east col. Overnight at tented camp.

Day 14: Another acclimatization and rest day

Today you have another day to have some rest and acclimatize to the higher altitude. From here the stunning views will be visible and there is abundance to walk around. Overnight at tented camp.

Day 15: Cross the French Pass (5,360m), then trek to the Hidden Valley (5,200m) - 6 hrs

You will climb two terraced hills, then traverse the peak flank and the moraine you go into a tender slope on the left. Climb this mild slope to arrive at the French Pass (5,360m). A great panorama opens up from the French Pass and you can witness Mukut Himal (6,328m), Sita Chuchura (6,611m) and Tashi Kang (6,386m) all of which skirts the Hidden Valley. To the south region we can observe Tukche Peak (6,920m) and further than is the gigantic peak of Dhaulagiri I. From the French Pass you will go on along the right border of the Hidden valley to the Thapa Pass (5,250m) lying between Thapa Peak and Tukuche Peak. Overnight at tented camp.

Day 16: Cross Dhampus Pass (5,200m), and trek to Yak Kharka (3,680m) - 6 hrs

Today we will have down from the Hidden Valley to arrive at the Dhampus Pass and go on to reach Yak Kharka. There is an ideal camp site to take pleasure from the surroundings. Overnight at tented camp.

Day 17: Trek to Jomsom (2,710m) - 5 hrs

We today have a long walk. We will ascend vertically and have an easy way toward the top, even though the altitude makes the way hard-hitting. Eventually, after quite a few summits, we reach to the pass (5416m). Then a wonderful panorama of snow-capped peaks extended north up to Tibet, and at the backside we can see a several major peaks of Annapurna range. After that a long way downward turns out to be vertical before a tender drop to Muktinath (3802m).

Day 18: Jomsom to Pokhara to Kathmandu

We take a flight to Pokhara from Jomsom which takes us down to the Kali Gandaki Valley with splendid views of Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri. We then take a flight to Pokhara, where we catch another flight back to Kathmandu.

Day 19: Final Departure

You will drive to airport by our representative of Peaceful Himalaya Trekking and take the flight to reach your destination from Kathmandu.