Venture into the heart of the Himalayas on the Dhaulagiri round trek 23 days, a challenging and rewarding journey that circumnavigates the awe-inspiring Dhaulagiri massif, the world's seventh-highest mountain. This 230-kilometer (143-mile) trek traverses through remote landscapes, high-altitude passes, and traditional villages, offering an immersive experience of Nepal's natural beauty and cultural heritage.
As you embark on this adventure, you'll be captivated by the ever-changing scenery, from lush valleys and terraced fields to snow-capped peaks and rugged mountain terrain. The trek takes you through the Dhaulagiri Conservation Area, renowned for its diverse flora and fauna, including the endangered snow leopard and blue sheep.
Along the way, you'll encounter traditional Magar and Dolpo villages, where you can immerse yourself in their rich culture and warm hospitality. The village of Tarakot, nestled amidst stone-walled houses and mani walls, offers a glimpse into the traditional lifestyle of the Magar people.
The Dhaulagiri Round Trek is a challenging yet rewarding experience that demands physical fitness and a willingness to embrace the unpredictable nature of high-altitude trekking. The rewards are immense, offering breathtaking panoramas of the Dhaulagiri massif, a glimpse into the traditional lifestyles of Nepal's mountain communities, and an unforgettable journey into the heart of the Himalayas.
Day 03: Fly to Pokhara and drive to Beni (850m) 25 mins flight and 2 hrs drive
Day 04: Trek from Beni to Babiyachaur (990m) 6-7 hrs trek
Day 05: Babiyachaur to Dharapani (1565m) 6-7 hrs trek
Day 06: Dharapani to Muri (1850m) 6-7 hrs trek
Day 07: Muri to Boghara (2080m) 7-8 hrs trek
Day 08: Boghara trek to Dovan (2540m) 6-7 hrs
Day 09: Dovan trek to Upper Vungini (Italian Base Camp) (3800m) 6-7 hrs
Day 10: Italian Base Camp Acclimatization (3800m)
Day 11: Italian Base Camp trek to Glacier Camp (4,250m) 5-6 hrs
Day 12: Glacier Camp to Dhaulagiri Base Camp I (4750 m) 4-5 hours
Day 13: Dhaulagiri Base Camp to French Col (5100m) - Hidden Valley (5000m) 6-7 hrs
Day 14: Hidden Valley camp (5000m)
Day 15: Hidden Valley trek to Yak Kharka (4400m) 6-7 hrs
Day 16: Yak Kharka to Marpha (2665m) 6 hrs trek
Day 17: Marpha to Ghasa (2000m) 6-7 hrs trek
Day 18: Ghasa to Tatopani (1180m) 4-5 hrs trek
Day 19: Tatopani to Ghorepani (2775m) 6-7 hrs trek
Day 20: Ghorepani to Hille (1495m) 4 hrs trek
Day 21: Hille to Pokhara 3 hrs trek and 1 hr drive
Day 22: Pokhara to Kathmandu 25 min flight
Day 23: Departure Day
Cost Includes:
Airport picks up and drops by private vehicle.
Hotel Accommodation in Kathmandu on a twin-sharing basis including breakfast.
Guided Tour of Kathmandu City with an expert tour guide and private vehicle
Hotel Accommodation in Pokhara on a twin-sharing basis including breakfast.
Tented camp as per itinerary during trekking, meals on full board (breakfast/Lunch/Dinner) with hot drinks tea, and coffee.
All necessary camping gear like two men tent, dining tent, kitchen tent, toilet tent, all kitchen equipment, mattress
An experienced English-speaking trekking guide, cook, and porters(2 trekkers: 1 potter)
All necessary trekking permits
Medical kit (carried by your trek leader)
All ground transportation by bus/private car/van depends on group size
Farewell Nepali Dinner in Kathmandu
All necessary papers works, office Service charges, and all Government Taxes
Cost Excludes:
Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu & Pokhara.
Nepal entry visa fee, you can get a Nepal visa upon arrival at the Airport.
International Airfare/Airport tax
Alcoholic drinks, hot shower
Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, sweets, snacks, beverages and bar bills, and camera battery charging.
Travel Insurance (Essential should include emergency evacuation coverage while trekking up to 5500+ meters).
Personal trekking gears
Tips for tour/ trekking staff and driver
Any other expenses which are not mentioned in the Price Include section.
* This tour can be fully customized as per your requirement.
Day 01: Arrival day in Kathmandu
On the first day after your safe landing at Tribhuwan International Airport (Kathmandu), our agents warmly invite you with awesome regard and brief your upcoming trek/climb with us and introduce our trekking guide.
Day 02: Kathmandu Valley sightseeing
On the second day after having breakfast, we begin our sightseeing tour throughout Pashupatinath temple, Boudhanath Stupa, and Swyambhunath Stupa (monkey temple) which are listed on the list of UNESCO world heritage sites. After noticing these wonderful sights, we return to the hotel and spent the night at the same hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 03: Fly to Pokhara and drive to Beni (850m) 25 mins flight and 2 hrs drive
After having your breakfast, we will drive to the airport and take a 25 minutes flight to Pokhara. During the short flight, you will have majestic views of the glorious Manaslu Peaks and the snow-capped Annapurna and Langtang Himalaya range. From Pokhara, we drive to Beni with magnificent views of the Annapurna Himalayas. Beni is a bustling town on a plateau above the junction of the Kali Gandaki and Myagdi rivers. And spend overnight in Beni.
Day 04: Trek from Beni to Babiyachaur (990m) 6-7 hrs trek
We start our Dhaulagiri trekking along the Kali Gandaki River from Beni. Continue along the road past lush green rice fields, multicolored butterflies, and huge nightmarish spider webs. Pass by the villages of Mangalghat, Singa, and Tatopani. Crossing Tara Khet, climb over a small ridge to Babiyachaur and spend the night there.
Day 05: Babiyachaur to Dharapani (1565m) 6-7 hrs trek
Today, our trail crosses the terraced hills, of Shahashadhara Village Dudh Khola Ratorunga village. The river bank at Phedi offers a fine picnic spot. Cross the Danyga Khola on a big suspension bridge and grind up a series of steep switchbacks. Dharapani offers a good view of Dhaulagiri IV and V and Gurja Himal and tonight we spend in one of the lodges in Dharapani.
Day 06: Dharapani to Muri (1850m) 6-7 hrs trek
The path goes steep up to Muri. From here you have spectacular views of Mt Dhaulagiri and other mountains very closely. We spend the night after reaching Muri.
Day 07: Muri to Boghara (2080m) 7-8 hrs trek
From Muri, the trail is easy and goes down for a few hours. After that, you’ll have a steep climb path to Boghara and rest in Boghara.
Day 08: Boghara trek to Dovan (2540m) 6-7 hrs
The trail descends to a small ridge and then crosses the forest to Jyardan. Descend a long, steep, slippery stone staircase into a deep bamboo and rhododendron forest to the village of Dovan. Overnight stay at the guest house in Dovan
Day 09: Dovan trek to Upper Vungini (Italian Base Camp) (3800m) 6-7 hrs
We will reach the Italian Base Camp where we will camp just in front of the West wall of the Dhaulagiri. We’ll pass through a beautiful forest trail and with closer views of the panorama of the mountains to Upper Vungini which is the Italian Basecamp.
Day 10: Italian Base Camp Acclimatization (3800m)
The day is a rest day for the further climbs. We will have a little bit of hiking around or some sort of exercise. Since we are rapidly gaining altitude, keep yourself hydrated and take it easy.
Day 11: Italian Base Camp trek to Glacier Camp (4,250m) 5-6 hrs
Today we will make use of ropes for crossing glaciers in some tricky places. This part is a bit of a dangerous trail so be careful and have patience. Set our camp beyond the glacier.
Day 12: Glacier Camp to Dhaulagiri Base Camp I (4750 m) 4-5 hrs
We will have to climb to the rough and chilling part of this trek with the spectacular view of Dhaulagiri all the way. Enjoy the magnificent face of Dhaulagiri I on the trail. We reach the Dhaulagiri Base Camp at the height of 4650m and spend the night in camp.
Day 13: Dhaulagiri Base Camp to French Col (5100m) - Hidden Valley (5000m) 6-7 hrs
Getting off the glacier above the base camp often requires a rope, but once over the steep moraine walls, we are in a safer and gentler country. After a breathless climb to the top of French Col (5300m,) the views of Hidden Valley will open out. The broad valley is reminiscent of Tibet and Ladakh and so are the temperatures, at least -20ºC at night.
Day 14: Hidden Valley camp (5000m)
This is another rest day to admire the surrounding peaks and perhaps do some exploring in the hidden valley. A hidden snow valley gives you a heavenly test of the white world.
Day 15: Hidden Valley trek to Yak Kharka (4400m) 6-7 hrs
After climbing over the 5200m Dhampus Pass, we traverse avalanche-prone slopes and then descend steeply to Yak Kharka. The Dhampus Pass between Tukuche Peak and Thapa Peak is another heaven in the trip.
Day 16: Yak Kharka to Marpha (2665m) 6 hrs trek
From Yak Kharka we descend along the flank of the mountain to once again reach civilization. Marpha is the main inhabitants of the ethnic group of Thakalis favorite amongst the trekkers. It has kept its traditional narrow paved alleys and passageways and an extensive drainage system flows under the flagstone-paved street. Overnight in Marpha
Day 17: Marpha to Ghasa (2000m) 6-7 hrs trek
The next day's trail follows the Kaligandaki River through the narrow gorge, passing through traditional Thakali villages. We can visit the red-roofed Taglung Gompa, on a hillside beside a huge sacred tree. The village of Ghasa marks a cultural and ecological milestone. We spend our night here in Ghasa.
Day 18: Ghasa to Tatopani (1180m) 4-5 hrs trek
A lovely day walks along the Kaligandaki riverside, gradually ascending with the transition into subtropical vegetation. Very interesting suspension bridges to be crossed which gives you an exciting sense of trekking. Tatopani is famous for its natural hot springs and spends overnight in Tatopani
Day 19: Tatopani to Ghorepani (2775m) 6-7 hrs trek
The trail descends steeply through dense moss-covered rhododendron forest. We pass some small villages and walk alongside the Ghaja Khola. It’s about a 7-hour trek up to Ghorepani. Ghorepani provides an unobstructed view of the sunrise over the high Himalayas.
Day 20: Ghorepani to Hille (1495m) 4 hrs trek
Early morning trek up to Poonhill, One of the best Himalayan viewpoints in Nepal Poonhill provides an unobstructed view of the sunrise over the high Himalayas. From Poonhill one can enjoy the spectacular view of Dhaulagiri I (8167m), Tukuche Peak Nilgiri (6940m), Annapurna South, Annapurna I (8091m), Hiunchuli (6441m), and Tarke Kang (7193m), Gangapurna (7454m), Lamjung Himal (6986m), Mt Fishtail ( Machhapuchhare 6997m), Tent Peak and many more High Himalayas. Trek down to Ghorepani and after breakfast start downhill trekking to Hille and spend the night there.
Day 21: Hille to Pokhara 3 hrs trek and 1 hr drive
We start our journey to Pokhara from Hille (1510m) early morning. The trail follows the main street of Birethanti, winding through the bamboo forests and past waterfalls with plunge pools appealing to you for a refreshing swim. From Nayapul we drive for about 1 and a half hours through the large village of Lumle to Pokhara city.
Day 22: Pokhara to Kathmandu 25 min flight
We fly early morning from Pokhara to Kathmandu and drive back to the hotel. After getting fresh today we host a farewell dinner in one of the famous restaurants and relive the memories made while trekking in the Himalayas.
Day 23: Departure Day
On the last day managing your short time, you can go shopping to collect souvenirs for your friends and family members. We help you with your necessary arrangements and flight booking along with our private vehicle transfers you to the airport focusing on departure time. Well-wishers and representatives will be there with greetings to wish you and your safe steps ahead.
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Where is Dhaulagiri?
Dhaulagiri is located in the western-central part of Nepal, within the Dhaulagiri Himal section of the Himalayas. It is the world's seventh-highest mountain, reaching 8,167 meters (26,795 feet). The Dhaulagiri massif stretches for approximately 30 kilometers (19 miles) along the border between the Myagdi and Mustang districts.
When is the best time for the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek?
The best time for the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is during the autumn (September-November) and spring (March-May) seasons. These seasons offer favorable weather conditions with clear skies, mild temperatures, and minimal rainfall. During the monsoon season (June-August), the trails can become muddy and slippery due to heavy rains, and the high-altitude passes may be covered in snow. During the winter (December-February), the trek is extremely challenging due to extreme cold and snowy conditions.
What are the required permits for the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek?
To embark on the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek, you must obtain the following permits:
Dhaulagiri Conservation Area Permit: This permit is required for entering the Dhaulagiri Conservation Area, which covers the entire trekking route.
TIMS Card (Trekkers Information Management System): This card is mandatory for all trekkers in Nepal and is used to track the movement of trekkers and ensure their safety.
ACAP Permit (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit): If your trek includes a side trip to the Annapurna Conservation Area, this additional permit is required.
How to prepare for the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek?
Proper preparation is essential for a successful and enjoyable Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek. Here's how to prepare:
Physical Fitness: Train consistently for several months, focusing on cardiovascular endurance and strength training. The trek involves long ascents and high altitudes.
Altitude Acclimatization: Gradually acclimatize yourself to high altitudes before starting the trek. Spend a few days in Kathmandu (1,400 meters) before ascending to higher elevations.
Permits and Insurance: Obtain the necessary permits (Dhaulagiri Conservation Area Permit, TIMS Card, ACAP Permit if applicable) and purchase comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies and high-altitude evacuation. All our packages include all the required permits and paperwork.
Gear and Clothing: Pack appropriate gear for high-altitude trekking, including warm clothing, waterproof layers, hiking boots, a backpack, trekking poles, a headlamp, and toiletries.
How difficult is the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek?
The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is considered a challenging trek, requiring a moderate level of fitness and experience. It involves strenuous ascents, high altitudes, and rugged terrain. The trek reaches a maximum elevation of 5,416 meters (17,769 feet) at the French Pass, demanding physical endurance.
How fit do you need to be for the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek?
To tackle the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek, you should be in moderately good physical condition. Regular aerobic exercise, such as running, swimming, or cycling, will help you build the stamina required for long, uphill treks. Additionally, strength training will prepare your muscles for the demands of the trek.
What should you pack for the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek?
Here's a basic packing list for the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek:
Warm clothing: Down jacket, fleece layers, woolen socks, beanie, gloves
