Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek
Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek

Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek 21 days

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Trip at a Glance
Duration21 Days
Trip GradeStrenuous
CountryNepal
Maximum Altitude5360
Group Size2-15
StartsKathmandu
EndsKathmandu
ActivitiesTrekking
Best TimeSpring andAutumn

Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek an awesome adventure that leads you in heart of world’s seventh highest Mt. Dhaulagiri towers high at above 8,167 m, on the least visited areas of Nepal Far North West around the chain of Himalaya range. Around Dhaulagiri will be an interesting walk from low warm paddy fields and terraces to cool alpine temperatures within green vegetation and dense forested of rhododendron, magnolia, oaks, pines and fir tree lines and then heading into remorseless fields of ice and glaciers at Dhaulagiri base camp.

Starting from scenic Pokhara a city blessed with a verdant valley, rolling green hills and Annapurna Himalaya range with stunning Machhapuchare Himal ‘Fish Tail’ where drive leads further west to reach trekking point at Darbang village, where the road ends to begin our marvelous walks into cooler high hills. As walk proceeds visiting rural farm villages of Magar people, the highly populated tribe of Western Nepal of mixed Buddhism and Hindu religions, soon our route heads away from the human settlement and last village of Bagar to enter into a complete wilderness of high mountains and thickly forested country.

Following the raging fast Mygdi River upstream leaving the green forest behind for arctic zone of a moraine, ice and glaciers to reach at Dhaulagiri base camp at above 4,750 m high enclosed within range of peaks, and then crossing highest pass of the adventure over French pass 5,360 m towards wide green Hidden valley. From Hidden Valley, our walk slowly comes to an end as trek follows to cross another high Dhampus / Thapa pass to reach back into the village at charming Marpha around Kaligandaki within Mustang district.

A lovely spot to complete our walks where a short drive takes you at Jomsom, headquarter town of Mustang where sweeping short and the scenic flight takes you to picturesque Pokhara to conclude this awesome adventure on Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek.

What to expect on Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek?

Beautiful views of Annapurna and a massive range of Dhaulagiri mountain range throughout the walks, exploring remote farm villages inhabited mostly by Magar community, the hill tribe of western Nepal. Walking from low warm sub-tropical to cooler alpine hills and ending at the arctic zone of ice and glaciers at Dhaulagiri base camp, this adventure involves walking into deeply forested areas and crossing torrential streams via temporary wooden bridge or logs.

This amazing adventure on least trekked and explored areas where you will find less number of trekkers walking away from human settlement and villages for many days entering into complete wilderness of mountains and glaciers with incredible views of high peaks, a challenging walks over bulk of ice and glaciers and over high French and Thapa pass above 5,200 m.

Places and Culture of interest:

On this adventure around Dhaulagiri with least villages, however, the villages at the beginning of the walk leads through remote farm villages of Magar people the hill tribes of Nepal mostly populated around Mid and Far West Nepal, they are interwoven with both Hindu and Buddhist religion. Around Marpha and Jomsom dominated by Thakali people been on trade with Tibet since early times as Kaligandaki areas located on old Trans Himalayan Trade Route of Nepal and Tibet, which extends beyond Marpha-Jomsom towards upper Mustang area. Thakali are Buddhist with interesting culture and custom related to ancient heritage similar to Tibetans.

Itinerary
Trip PlanExpand all

At Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport, received by View Nepal staff with transfer to respective hotels in the hub of Kathmandu city, after a rest and getting refreshed from jet lag. View Nepal guide / leader will brief on Around Dhaulagiri & Hidden Valley Trek including information on hotels, lodges on treks includes welcome dinner in a nice Nepalese restaurant with cultural environment.

Max Altitude: 1400 m Meals: DinnerAccommodation: Hotel/Lodge

Morning, we start this wonderful adventure to Around Dhaulagiri & Hidden Valley taking a scenic overland drive of near 6 hours to beautiful Pokhara city with its serene Phewa and Begnas Lakes where the high Annapurna Himalaya reflects on its pristine lakes. (Flying options of 30 mins panoramic flight to Pokhara)

Max Altitude: 1,400 m Meals: BreakfastAccommodation: Lodge

From Pokhara, our journey continues on the drive to Beni town and beyond to a farming town at Darbang, the starting point of Dhaulagiri-Dhorpatan and Dolpo trekking. At Darbang time permitting we might walk for few hours to another overnight stop by the river to make the next day walk easier, or just stay at Darbang in a local lodge.

Max Altitude: 900 m Meals: B-L-DAccommodation: Lodge

The first-day walk of this adventure starts with a climb over a steep ridge, walking past farm villages and then on a pleasant trail along Myagdi River, we follow the river right to its glacier source at Dhaulagiri base camp. After a good walk reaching our first overnight camp by the river, afternoon at leisure with rest or get cooled in the river.

Max Altitude: 1,560 m Meals: B-L-DAccommodation: Tea House/Lodge

Morning walk follows the river for short while reaching a farm village at Jugepani for a possible lunch stop after a rest then leading to a steep climb above a ridge and then downhill through a forest to camp at Bagar, a farm village. Bagar will be the last village till walk joins at popular Kaligandaki route at Marpha.

Max Altitude: 2,375 m Meals: B-L-DAccommodation: Tea House/Lodge

On leaving the last of farm fields at Bagar village walk into forest for an hour and then a climb into forested area of bamboo, oaks and rhododendron trees. After climb then descend to reach at Dovan for overnight camp, Dovan a small temporary settlement with small teahouse and shops.

Max Altitude: 2,600 m Meals: B-L-DAccommodation: Tea House/Lodge

From Dovan morning walk leads to an unstable wooden bridge over a stream at a confluence of Mygdi river, after crossing walking into the forest all the way to overnight stop at Chartare also called Bhainse Kharka.

Max Altitude: 3,000 m Meals: B-L-DAccommodation: Tea House/Lodge

After overnight in the middle of dense forest, today walk leads to complete wilderness on leaving the vegetation and tree lines for few days. Morning walk leads closer to Mt. Dhaulagiri South Face flank, with views of Putha Huinchuli, Manapathi, and Dhaulagiri south flank, after good hours of walk reaching a glaciated area on a clearing named as Italian camp. From here adventure begins as the walk leads on the glacier, moraine with a climb over the rocky ridge to reach Pakhaban also called Japanese camp. This camp offers super views of South West Face of Dhaulagiri and Manapathi, Puttha Hiunchuli with huge ice wall of Tsaurabong Peak.

Max Altitude: 3,750 m Meals: B-L-DAccommodation: Tea House/Lodge

Morning walk follows moraine and iceberg in some section, this morning climb needs a good team work with guides, porters and fellow members to be on right side of the trail over glaciated sections. After a tough walk over glacial section reaching a rocky open area around Dhaulagiri where base camp is located. Overnight camp at base camp the highlight of this adventure with closest view of world 7th highest Mt. Dhaulagiri I at 8,167 m, includes view of tumbling icefalls, glacier and Tukuche peak with West peaks of Dhaulagiri II (7,751 m.), Dhaulagiri III (7,715 m.) and Dhaulagiri IV (7,618 m.).

Max Altitude: 4,750 m Meals: B-L-DAccommodation: Tea House/Lodge

From this unique and wonderful campsite morning walk leads to the highest point of the adventure over French pass at 5,360 meters. After the high pass a short descend to reach a wide grassy meadow a huge field at hidden valley for overnight camp. Offering views of Sita Chuchura, Mukut Himal, and Tashi Kang 5,386 meters, Tukche Peak and Dhaulagiri I.

Max Altitude: 5,360 m Meals: B-L-DAccommodation: Tea House/Lodge

Today a rest and spare or contingency day in case of bad weather condition including physical conditions of members, staff and porters. If all goes well we can carry on to next camp to more safe and nice area to make the next day shorter towards Pokhara. On this day if are not moving just relax and enjoy the views and explore on this least trekked area around Hidden valley.

Max Altitude: 5,360 m Meals: B-L-DAccommodation: Tea House/Lodge

After a pleasant rest, morning starts on a gentle path for few hours to reach last pass of this adventure at Thapa also called Dhampus pass with 5,250 meters high. On reaching the pass with grand rare views of Annapurna Himal, Nilgiris peaks, and then our walk descend to Yak Kharka for overnight camp and back into green vegetation of Juniper, Burberry and rhododendron bushes.

Max Altitude: 5,250 m Meals: B-L-DAccommodation: Tea House/Lodge

Morning walk with long descend back into villages, after being in complete wilderness for past few days. Downhill walk into forest of firs, pines and rhododendron trees, after few hours of easy descend reaching at one of the charming village at Marpha where all houses are painted white, this gem of a village with an interesting monastery. Marpha located in lower Mustang district around Kaligandaki river valley, this area famous for delicious apples and product like cider, brandy local brew, juices, dry apples and apricot fruits. Enjoy the afternoon in the comfort of nice lodges and explore this beautiful village.

Max Altitude: 2,630 m Meals: BreakfastAccommodation: Tea House/Lodge

From Marpha an enjoyable walk following Kaligandaki river downstream, reaching Tukuche village, beneath Tukuche peak and Dhaulagiri with Mt. Nilgiris, from here back into tree line of pines, oaks and rhododendron, and then to a nice Kalapani village, after a short stop walk to another lovely village with grand views of Mt. Annapurna I, Nilgiris and Dhaulagiri, a short downhill brings at Lete village for overnight stop.

Max Altitude: 2,480 m Meals: BreakfastAccommodation: Tea House/Lodge

From Lete onwards leads to a dramatic change in landscapes, walking between two high peaks of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna forming world deepest gorge. From Ghasa village a southern end of Mustang area, dominated by Thakali people and then heading at Tatopani (Hot Spring) village with sub-tropic climate. Tatopani another nice village with large hot spring pools just by the bank of the River Kaligandaki.

Max Altitude: 1,190 m Meals: B-L-DAccommodation: Tea House/Lodge

Morning walk leads across a bridge over Kaligandaki River and then our route diverts heading uphill on terraced hillside, dotted with farms and villages, after a steep section through dense alpine forest reaching at Chitre and to Ghorepani- village with super views of Mt. Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South and Vara-Shikar also known Annapurna Fang.

Max Altitude: 2,750 m Meals: B-L-DAccommodation: Tea House/Lodge

Morning an hour hike to Poon Hill at 3,210m, offering stunning sunrise over chain of mountains, including views of Mt. Machhapuchare “The Fish Tail”, after a wonderful time at Poon Hill, walk into rhododendron forest on gradual trail with long descend from Ulleri village to Tirkhedhunga for last overnight stop in the high hills of Himalaya.

Max Altitude: 1,500 m Meals: B-L-DAccommodation: Tea House/ Lodge

From here, ending the last walk of the adventure trekking through farm villages and terraces and into warmer area, walk stops at Nayapul and then few hours’ drives to popular touristic spot of Nepal at Pokhara.

Max Altitude: 1,400 m Meals: B-L-DAccommodation: Hotel/Lodge

Morning a scenic drive to Kathmandu, after a wonderful memorable trip in the high mountains around Dhaulagiri & Hidden Valley, on reaching Kathmandu transfer to respective hotels with afternoon free at leisure. (option by air 30 minutes scenic flight to Kathmandu)

Max Altitude: 1,400 m Meals: BreakfastAccommodation: Hotel

A free and leisure day in Kathmandu after an adventurous journey and tough trekking, on this day if interested book for sightseeing tour around places of interest in Kathmandu-Bhaktapur or Patan with rest of the day free for individual activities and shopping souvenirs.

Max Altitude: 1,400 m Meals: BreakfastAccommodation: Hotel

Today, last day in Nepal with great experience and fond memories of Around Dhaulagiri & Hidden Valley Trekking, as per your time for international flight, View Nepal staff transfer you to airport for your final departure homeward bound or to your next destinations.

Max Altitude: 1,400 m Meals: BreakfastAccommodation: Hotel
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Cost Details
Includes
  • All arrival and departure transportation airport / hotel / airport.
  • Three Star (Tourist Standard) hotel in Kathmandu with bed / breakfast basis.
  • A guide who can speak English and government licensed.
  • Necessary perter as per group size
  • Cook and helpers 
  • Food in Trekking (B-L-D). served by our cook
  • Accomodation in Tent where lodge not available ( mainly in Tent)
  • Kitchen utential and Camping Equipment like tent,dining tent, toilet tent, chair and necessary items.
  • Applicable TIMS (Trekking Information Management Systems) card.
  • ACAP permit
  • Necessary permit for restricted area.
  • Private transportation before and after trek as per the itinerary.
  • Transportation to Pokhara and Darbang/Beni and back to Kathmandu with deluxe tourist
  • Service of trekking guide and porter daily wages-medical insurance, meals, and transportation allowance.
  • Welcome or Farewell dinner in Kathmandu at authentic Nepalese restaurant with cultural programs.
  • Note: We strongly advise you to take out personal travel insurance.
Excludes
  • Nepal Visa-International airfare-personal travel / medical insurance.
  • Emergency evacuation by any means of transportation including Heli services and personal medical kit.
  • Tips for guide and porter.
  • Early return from the trip due to personal / medical problem in this case clients should bear his / her own expenses on return from trek and in Kathmandu including expenses of accompanying guide / porters.
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