The Dhaulagiri Circuit trekking is one of the best treks in the Nepali Himalayas. The Dhaulagiri circuit route crosses the French Col and Dhampus passes, both of which are over 5,000 meters high.
Trip info
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19 Nights/ 20 Days
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5,360m/17,581ft.
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Challenging+Demanding
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Hotel/Teahouse/ Lodge and Camping
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17 Dinner, 19 Breakfast, 16 Lunch
Trip Highlights of Dhaulagiri Round Trek
- Experience a deep wilderness of the Dhaulagiri region in Nepal
- Trekking route accompany with the scenic rivers, tumbling waterfalls, and picturesque jungles
- Trek along the Kali Gandaki Gorge, one of the deepest gorges in the world
- Enjoy the magnificent view of Dhaulagiri I, II, III, and V from Italian Base Camp and Glacier Camp
- Relish an astonishing view of Dhaulagiri range from Dhaulagiri Base Camp
- Crossing two high mountain passes, namely French Pass (5,360m) and Dhampus Pass (5,244m)
- Splendid views of the majestic Dhaulagiri range and Annapurna range
- Wander around the least explored and serene Hidden Valley
- An optional ascent of Dhampus Peak if needed
- Variation in the scenery as the trek starts in the Dhaulagiri region and ends in the Mustang region.
- Explore alluring Marpha Village, famous for apple orchards and locally made apple brandy
Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek Vs Dhampus Peak Overview
Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is an extremely adventurous trip around the massive Dhaulagiri range (8,167m/26,780ft), the world’s seventh-highest peak. The relatively long remote trek lies in the Myagdi District, west of the Annapurna range. Also known as Dhaulagiri Round Trek, this is the most challenging yet most utterly beautiful off-beaten trek in Nepal.
Crossing two high passes (French and Dhampus), hiking to three wonderful base camps (Italian, Glacier, and Dhaulagiri), and breathtaking views of Himalayan peaks above 7,000m are major highlights of Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek. In this trek, you can enjoy and come across hilly-terrain, rough boulders, snow-clad glaciers, ice-frozen trekking paths, dense forests, lush green meadows, etc.
The 20 days long Dhaulagiri circuit trek begins with your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu. After the scenic flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara, you’ll drive to Darbang. From here, the real trekking journey commences as you trek towards Dharapani, the first stopover during the trek.
After passing through some attractive settlements such as Takam, Sibang, Phaliyagaon, Mudi, Naura, Bagar, Lipse, etc., you get to Italian Base Camp (IBC). You rest one more day at Italian Base Camp. Reveling yourself in unmatched scenic vistas of amazing meadows, hanging glaciers, and towering peaks, you’ll make your way to Glacier and Dhaulagiri Base Camp. From the base camp, you’ll get a 360-degree breathtaking view of the entire Dhaulagiri range.
There are enough rest days before you cross French Pass and Dhampus Pass to ensure proper acclimatization in the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek itinerary. After enjoying the serenity around the Dhaulagiri Base Camp area, you head towards tranquil Hidden Valley via French Pass. In this trail section, you need to prepare yourself to negotiate your ways through treacherous trails, climbing massive boulders, ascending narrow paths with loose gravel and stones, and crossing large water streams.
Likewise, after spending one wonderful day exploring Hidden valley, the trail eventually leads Alu Bari via Dhampus Pass. Crossing this challenging pass will test your endurance level during the trek. After all this tough climb, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking landscapes and panoramic views of snowy peaks such as the Dhaulagiri range, Annapurna range, Nilgiri range, and Tukuche Peak.
Dhaulagiri Trek is a great way to explore the raw natural beauty of the Dhaulagiri region and get soaked into the rural lifestyle and the rich culture. The next lap of the trail is descending from Aloo Bari to Jomsom via Marpha. From Jomsom, you’ll catch the scenic flight to Pokhara. Enjoying for one last time the view of the exceptionally beautiful Annapurna region, you’ll fly back to the capital city, Kathmandu. You’ll spend one day exploring the culturally rich valley. Thus, after the experience of a lifetime, eventually, you’ll bid farewell to the Himalayan country of Nepal. Keeping the lovely memories in mind, you finally depart from the country.
Is The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek Suitable For You?
The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is a challenging adventure that requires a good level of physical fitness and experience. Before deciding to undertake this adventure, you should consider the following factors to determine if it is right for you:
- The Dhaulagiri Circuit is located at an altitude of [5,360m/17,581ft], and the climb to the passes involves crossing high mountain pass and climbing steep slopes. You should have previous experience trekking at high altitudes and be familiar with the symptoms of altitude sickness, such as headaches, nausea, and fatigue.
- The Dhaulagiri Circuit or Dhampus Peak involves technical climbing skills. You should have prior experience in technical climbing and be comfortable using the necessary equipment.
- The Annapurna region Dhaulagiri has a distinct. You should respect local customs and traditions and be willing to learn and interact with the local people.
- The weather in the Himalayas is unpredictable and can change quickly. You should be prepared for extreme weather conditions such as snow, hail, and strong winds. The Annapurna region Dhaulagiri is a remote area with not amenities such as lodges, tea houses, and medical facilities. You should be comfortable camping in a tent.
Preparation And Tips:
- Physical Endurance: Crossing the Dhaulagiri through the rugged terrain of the Annapurna region Dhaulagiri Circuit trek is no joke. We recommend cardio exercises, outdoor sports, running, cycling, cardio exercises at the gym, and adequate water with nutrients. Additionally, hike to the shortest places near you to create a base for the longer trek.
- Mental Preparation: Mental preparation is essential, just like starting a few-day backpacking tour to the Dhaulagiri Circuit and Dhampus peak. However, when participating in a 17,18-day continuous trek above 5000 meters, unpredictable weather conditions and altitude sickness are expected. Such problems demand a great mindset.
- Gear, Clothing, and Equipment: Physical and mental preparation is inadequate for the Dhaulagiri Circuit trek by road. This is as important as physical and mental preparation. It’s never a bad idea to go hiking with good boots, warm and dry clothes, a rain suit, a proper backpack, a sleeping bag, foam pads, a good and reliable headlamp, a water filter, a first aid kit, etc.
CUSTOMIZE YOUR TREK PACKAGE:
- This is a general itinerary package below, which can always be “customized” individually. The trek package can be redesigned or redeveloped according to your interests, for more information please contact us.
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