Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek Details

Main Attractions:

  • Mt. Dhaulagiri, 7th highest in the world
  • Offbeat track
  • Dhampus Peak (Non-technical)
  • Home to endangered species like Snow Leopard

Difficulty Level: Hard | Days: 20 | Max. Altitude: 5050m (French Col)

The Dhaulagiri trek explores a wild, remote and low-frequency non-tourist area of the Himalayan range. It is one of the most challenging trek in Nepal, that offers 2 passes (French and Dhampus pass) to complete the circuit. The Dhaulagiri massif is the seventh highest mountain in the world at 8167 metres above sea level. The trek starts from the enormous Kaligandaki River said to be the world’s deepest gorge. The unique aspect of this trail is that the route is less travelled, offers plenty of off-beaten tracks.

As one of the most challenging trekking circuit, it offers hidden beyuls along the Chonbarden Gorge. On top of that, its exclusivity crossing the French Passes gives this trek an amazing expedition feeling that few of the trekking routes in Nepal offers. After crossing French pass you enter the Hidden valley, from where there is an option to climb the non-technical Dhampus Peak (6060 metres). The Dhaulagiri Circuit is considered as one of the toughest trek, suitable for trekkers with previous experience of trekking at an altitude above 5,000m. The optional ascent of Dhamphus Peak (6,060m) requires basic ice axe and crampon skills. This place is one of the few true wilderness areas accessible to trekkers in Nepal.

Dhaulagiri Circuit Trekking on the way

The Dhaulagiri region possesses a variety of flora and fauna. Mountain sides filled with rhododendrons are ablaze with colours during springtime. Many species of flowers are abundantly found on the trail. Even in the high mountain passes above the tree line, tiny alpine flowers can be found dotting the windswept ground. This Trans-Himalayan region is quiet, peaceful and full of nature with tranquillity. There are reports of many endangered species residing in this area including the elusive snow leopard. Although rare, the snow leopard and Danphe bird are many talked-about sights amongst the visitors.

The people in this region produce and sell cheese besides working as mountain guides and porters. Many also trade in Tibet and across the border to sell their goods. These areas are inhabited by several ethnic minorities such as Magars, Thakalis and Gurungs who speak their own languages and still adhere to local customs.

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    • Two passes (French and Dhampus pass)
    • Less travelled, off beat tracks
    • Dhampus non-technical peak (6060m)

    Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek Itinerary

    Day

    Itinerary

    Altitude(m)

    Duration

    1. Arrive KTM. Transfer to Hotel 1300
    2. Kathmandu to Pokhara flight

    Drive to Beni

    827

    870

    25mins

    6-7 hrs

    3. Trek to Dharapani 1470 6-7 hrs
    4. Trek to Muri 1850 6 hrs
    5. Trek to Boghara 2080 6 hrs
    6. Trek to Dobang 2500 6 hrs
    7. Trek to Sallaghari 2820 7 hrs
    8
    Trek to Italian Basecamp
    3660
    6-7 hrs
    9
    Acclimatization day – Italian Basecamp
    3660
    10
    Trek to Glacier Camp
    4200
    5-6 hrs
    11
    Rest and acclimatization day at Glacier Camp
    4200
    12
    Trek to Dhaulagiri Base Camp
    4700
    5-6 hrs
    13
    Rest and acclimatization day at Dhaulagiri Base Camp
    4700
    14
    Trek via French Col (5360m) to Hidden Valley
    5050
    5-6 hrs
    15
    Exploration walk around hidden valley
    5050
    16
    Trek Via Dhampus Pass (5240m) to Yak Kharka
    3680
    6-7 hrs
    17
    Trek to Jomsom
    2670
    6-7 hrs
    18
    Fly to Pokhara & Kathmandu
    1300
    25 mins
    19 Kathmandu site seeing and Farewell dinner 1300
    20 Airport Drop
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      Included

      Pick Up and Drop

      Three Star Accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara

      All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)

      All ground transportation in comfortable vehicle

      Two way flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara

      Guided City Tour

      Entrance fee for the routes

       An experienced, licensed trek leader and assistant trek leader (4 trekkers: 1 assistant guide –Himalayan Glacier Site)

      Porters (2 trekker: 1 porter)

      Down jacket and sleeping bag (should be returned)

      All paper works and trekking permits

      All government and local taxes

      What’s not included

      Nepalese visa fee

      Excess baggage charge

       Private transportation apart from those in itinerary

      Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu or Pokhara due to early/late arrival/departure, or early return from the trek.

       International flights

       Travel and Rescue insurance

       Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, extra porters, bottled/boiled water, shower)

      French pass through Dhaulagiri Circuit Trekking
      Dhaulagiri Circuit Trekking
      Dhaulagiri Circuit Trekking
      French pass through Dhaulagiri Circuit Trekking
      Dhaulagiri Circuit Trekking on the way