Adventure Friendship
Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek
Trip Overview
Trip Highlight
- Trek around the 7th highest mountain in the world, Dhaulagiri (8,167m/26,780ft).
- Cross French Pass and Dhampus Pass with panoramic Himalayan views.
- Explore Italian Base Camp, Glacier Camp, and Dhaulagiri Base Camp.
- Walk through Hidden Valley and experience remote alpine terrain.
- Witness majestic peaks such as Tukuche, Nilgiri, Annapurna, and Dhampus.
- Interact with local Magar and Thakali communities.
- Experience Nepal’s raw natural beauty and rural Himalayan culture.
Detailed Itinerary
- Day 1 : Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m/4,592ft)
Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu. Transfer to your hotel and meet your trekking guide for briefing. Prepare for the journey ahead.
Overnight: Kathmandu - Day 2 : Scenic Drive or Fly to Pokhara (800m/2,624ft)
Take a scenic drive or flight to Pokhara. Enjoy breathtaking aerial views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Optional sightseeing in Pokhara Valley and relax at the lakeside.
Overnight: Pokhara - Day 3 : Drive to Darbang and Trek to Dharapani (1,560m/5,120ft)
Drive via Beni Bazaar, passing small settlements and rivers. Start trekking along Myagdi Khola, reaching Dharapani Village, your first stop.
Overnight: Dharapani - Day 4 : Dharapani to Muri (1,720m/5,650ft)
Trek through terraced fields and Magar settlements, passing Takam, Sibang, and Phaliyagaon. Enjoy views of Dhaulagiri and Gurja Himal before reaching Muri.
Overnight: Muri - Day 5 : Muri to Boghara (Bagar) (2,080m/6,830ft)
Descend along steep trails, cross streams, and climb to a ridge offering views of Mt. Ghustung South. Trek through jungles and reach Bagar Village.
Overnight: Boghara - Day 6 : Boghara to Dobhan Kharka (2,520m/8,270ft)
Follow the forested trail along Myagdi River, pass seasonal tea shops, and traverse isolated rocky terrain before arriving at Dobhan.
Overnight: Dobhan - Day 7 : Dobhan to Sallaghari (2,820m/9,250ft)
Trek through dense forests, cross wooden bridges, and pass waterfalls and pastures, reaching Sallaghari.
Overnight: Sallaghari - Day 8 : Sallaghari to Italian Base Camp (3,660m/12,007ft)
Climb through lush vegetation, cross glacial terminals, and reach Italian Base Camp. Enjoy magnificent views of Dhaulagiri I and surrounding peaks.
Overnight: Italian Base Camp - Day 9 : Acclimatization at Italian Base Camp
Hike to nearby moraines and ice caves, observe wildlife, and enjoy close-up views of Dhaulagiri’s west face.
Overnight: Italian Base Camp - Day 10 : Italian Base Camp to Glacier Camp (4,200m/13,780ft)
Trek on moraines and rocky terrain, passing Chhongardan Glacier with vistas of Dhaulagiri, Dhampus, and Tukuche peaks.
Overnight: Glacier Camp - Day 11 : Acclimatization at Glacier Camp
Explore glaciers, frozen lakes, and waterfalls, preparing for Dhaulagiri Base Camp ascent.
Overnight: Glacier Camp - Day 12 : Glacier Camp to Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4,750m/15,590ft)
Steep trek along central moraine leads to Dhaulagiri Base Camp. Witness the icefall, prayer flags, and 360-degree mountain views.
Overnight: Dhaulagiri Base Camp - Day 13 : Acclimatization at Dhaulagiri Base Camp
Optional short climbs around the base camp for panoramic views or relax and soak in the scenery.
Overnight: Dhaulagiri Base Camp - Day 14 : Dhaulagiri Base Camp to Hidden Valley (5,140m/16,870ft) via French Pass (5,360m/17,590ft)
Cross French Pass, enjoy 360° Himalayan views, and descend to the serene Hidden Valley.
Overnight: Hidden Valley - Day 15 : Exploration around Hidden Valley
Rest and explore Hidden Valley or opt for a Dhampus Peak (6,012m/19,730ft) climb (mountaineering experience required).
Overnight: Hidden Valley - Day 16 : Hidden Valley to Alu Bari (3,900m/12,780ft) via Dhampus Pass (5,244m/17,200ft)
Cross Dhampus Pass, trek downhill through forests to reach Alu Bari, enjoying views of Tukuche, Dhampus, and Annapurna ranges.
Overnight: Alu Bari - Day 17 : Alu Bari to Jomsom (2,670m/8,760ft)
Descend through oak and pine forests, pass Marpha Village, and reach Jomsom. Enjoy Thakali culture and cuisine.
Overnight: Jomsom - Day 18 : Fly to Pokhara and Kathmandu
Catch scenic flights back to Pokhara and onward to Kathmandu. Relax or explore nearby areas.
Overnight: Kathmandu - Day 19 : Free Day in Kathmandu
Optional sightseeing: Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Swayambhunath, and shopping. Rest and rejuvenate after the trek.
Overnight: Kathmandu - Day 20 : Final Departure
Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport, concluding your Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek adventure. Optional extension: Chitwan safari, paragliding, rafting, or travel to Bhutan, India, and Tibet.
Trip Cost Inclusion
- International and domestic airport pick-up and drop-off.
- All ground transportation within Nepal as per the itinerary.
- Twin-sharing accommodation in 3-star hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara with breakfast.
- Twin-sharing accommodation in teahouses/guesthouses or camping (depending on package type).
- All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) at teahouses or camps.
- English-speaking licensed trekking guide, experienced porter (1 porter for every 2 trekkers), and necessary support staff.
- All necessary trekking permits and entry fees: (ACAP), Dhaulagiri Restricted Area Permit, TIMS Card.
- Shared trekking and camping equipment (for camping packages): kitchen utensils, dining tent, and mess tent.
- Emergency support including first aid kits and communication devices for safety.
- Complete trip planning and preparation, pre-trek briefing, and 24/7 customer support throughout your journey.
Trip Cost Exclusion
- International flights to/from Kathmandu.
- Mandatory travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation.
- Personal expenses such as beverages, snacks, laundry, phone/internet use, tips, and souvenirs.
- Dhampus Peak Climbing Permit and associated fees (if attempting the optional Dhampus Peak ascent).
- Single supplement charge for private accommodation in hotels.
- Any personal medical expenses or emergency evacuations not covered by the trekking agency.
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