Highlights
Explore the discreet Hidden valley. Witness the amazing Himalayan vistas from the Dhaulagiri Base Camp, Cross demanding French Pass (5360m) and Dhampus Pass (5244m),
Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek
GRADE Strenuous
TRIP DURATION 18 Days
BEST SEASON April to May & Sep. to October.
Maximum Altitude 5360 Meters Meters
The Trek
One of the most overlooked treks in Nepal, the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek involves exploring the Himalayan neighbor of the Annapurna Mountains, the Dhaulagiri provide its scouters with a deep insight into the life of its inhabitants. The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is a remarkable journey offering delights in terms of both culture and nature. Venture into these parts to know the absolute meaning of daily life struggles, tranquility, and natural majesty.
The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek sits at the confluence of the mighty Myagdi River and the Kali Gandaki gorge and is described by many to be the ideal location to witness the sheer magnitude of nature in its untainted wilderness. This trek shows you the dazzling panorama of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Mountains and a brief insight into the lives of the people of the Thakali and Tamang communities that reside in these parts of the trek. The trail takes you through remote, yet amazing, settlements of Muri, Darbang, and all the way to the Dhaulagiri Base Camp. The lowest altitude of the trek is 830 meters which are seen at Beni. As we make our way through the serpentine trails, we arrive at the highest point of 5360 meters at the French Pass. The trail is pretty difficult; so, be prepared to walk through steep and sometimes landslide-prone areas. These trails are predominant in the middle sections of the trip; however, the initial and final days are relatively easier. These areas are chilly so wear warm clothing. The best time to venture in these parts is from April to May and September to December. You’ll need adequate trekking equipment too.
If you are exploring these paths, then be sure to take the Annapurna Circuit Trek and the Dhaulagiri Icefall Trek as well.
Accommodation:
You will arrive in Kathmandu where you will be greeted and 3* hotel accommodation will be provided. On the trek, the accommodation will Lodges or what is known as a teahouse (Mountain hut). All accommodation is on a twin-shared basis. A single supplement will be served on request and at an additional cost. Lodges in most places only have shared washing and toilet facilities. Also, please note that single rooms are readily available in Kathmandu and the trekking regions at lower elevations but it might be difficult to find them at higher elevations. Regarding the budget, the hotel accommodation can be upgraded and downgraded in Kathmandu.
Food:
On your trek, you will experience authentic Nepalese cuisine as well as more common international food (Tibetan, Continental, Italian, Indian, etc.) Breakfast and dinner will be served in the Lodge where we spend the night and lunch will be served on the way to the next destination. All meals will be provided while trekking while only breakfast in Kathmandu.
Electricity facilities in trekking lodge:
Some villages will have hydropower lines but most commonly there will be a solar power system. There are likely to be battery charging facilities in most of the Lodges but for these facilities, there may be a separate charge (a cost of about 1USD for 1hour of charge).
Outline itinerary:
Day 01: Kathmandu Arrival, Transfer to hotel (1310m).
A Hike and Bike staff will receive you as soon as you land at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. A brief drive through the traffic-heavy roads of the city will bring you to your hotel. You can take a light stroll and observe the daily-life hassle of the people in the valley. Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 02: Drive to Beni (830m).
The drive to Beni is a pretty long one and can take about 8 hours to reach there. We make numerous stops along the way to prevent any sort of discomfort. We arrive at Baglung Beni, which is a lovely settlement. After spending some time there, we again catch a local bus that leads to Darbang. Overnight stay at Darbang.
Day 03: Drive to Darbang and Trek from Darbang to Takam (1620m).
The trail for the day leads through narrow paths of jungles of rhododendrons and oak. After crossing a small stream, we climb an ascending trail that takes us to Takam. We cross the Myagdi River and gradually ascend to the Magar Village of Dharapani. We can see a small school en route which signals our arrival in Takam. Overnight stay at Takam.
Day 04: Takam to Muri (1720m).
We will walk on a descending trail initially that goes across dense forests and later ascends to Sibang. The village also hosts a viewpoint to observe the Dhaulagiri Himalayas. From here, we cross Machhim and descend gradually to the flat plains of Muri. This village is mostly inhabited by the Magar communities. The major attraction in these parts is the peacefully tranquil Buddhist monastery. Overnight stay at Muri.
Day 05: Muri to Boghara (2080m).
The trail initially sees a climb to the Gorang Danda. We will walk on the right bank past Naura and later goes across the Myagdi Khola. The trail becomes steep and grassy. We can observe the snout of Boghara from here. After crossing the terraced fields and deviating from the path along the Myagdi River, we arrive at Boghara. Overnight stay at Boghara.
Day 06: Boghara to Dobhan (2520m).
The trail for a day sees a drastic increase in altitude. Initially walking on stone steps, we reach the pasturelands along the Myagdi River, once again. Thereon, we pass a natural hot spring and head to Lipse. Later, the trail takes us to Pilangkos Kharka before arriving at Dobhan. We arrive at Dobhan and we will interact with the locals residing here to learn about the culture and traditions. Overnight stay at Dobhan.
Day 07: Dobhan to Italian Base Camp (3660m).
Today entails one of the most challenging treks on the entire journey as we venture all the way to the Italian Base Camp. It sits on the front of the western wall of the mighty Dhaulagiri. As we venture through the huge forests, we will be stopped by amazing views of the tranquil mountains. Later, the vegetation begins to see a change and transforms into shrubs and sparse trees. Overnight stay at Italian Base Camp.
Day 08: Acclimatization Day.
Today we shall stay in the Italian Base Camp to brace ourselves for the endearing trail that lies ahead. We can explore these parts and get acquainted with the rise in altitude and Himalayan atmosphere. Short hikes and taking ample rest are the to-dos for the day. The views of the Dhaulagiri massif start to become more remarkable from here. Overnight stay at Italian Base Camp.
Day 09: Italian Base Camp to Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4748m).
From Italian Base Camp, we commence our trek today and, on the way, we go through crevasses and glaciers. We initially rest at Glacier Camp and, later, find ourselves in the rocky rubble that leads all the way to the Dhaulagiri Base Camp. From here, we can catch amazing scenery of the mighty Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna Mountains. Overnight stay at Dhaulagiri Base Camp.
Day 10: Contingency Day.
Today is a day for contingency and is used if the ascent to the Dhaulagiri Base Camp cannot be made on the scheduled day. As we are deep into the company of Himalayas, the weather can get unpredictable and worsen in a short time.If such situations arise, we rest and prepare for the trail that lies ahead and makes the ascent on this day. Overnight stay at Dhaulagiri Base Camp.
Day 11: Dhaulagiri Base Camp to Hidden Valley (5000m).
The trail from the Dhaulagiri Base Camp to the French Col (5360m) takes about 4 hours and as you climb down the pass, you might have to use equipment like ropes and crampons. We will climb to the French Col (5360m) and later observe mesmerizing views of the Hidden Valley. We head to the Hidden valley which resembles the barren lands of Tibet. Overnight stay at Hidden Valley.
Day 12: Hidden Valley to Arubari (3900m).
From the hidden valley, we make our way down to Arubari. The trail sees a drastic decrease in altitude and we can observe amazing views of mountains like Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Manaslu. As the trek for the day involves descending for the majority of times, we advise you to take utmost caution. Crossing Yak Kharka, we reach Arubari. Overnight stay at Arubari.
Day 13: Arubari to Marpha (2670m).
Today too, we undertake some steep descending and make our way to Marpha. It is often called the apple capital of Nepal. We will venture through mud houses and whitewashed houses. Waking in the paved trails signal our arrival in Marpha. Along the way, we’ll be accompanied by the Kali Gandaki River. Overnight stay at Marpha.
Day 14: Marpha to Jomsom (2720m).
From Marpha, we take an easy trek all the way to Jomsom. The road is pretty windy and, at times, can even topple you. We walk through the barren trail along the Kali Gandaki riverbanks. We finally arrive in Jomsom and taste the local cuisines here. The apple-derived alcoholic beverages of Jomsom are also famous throughout the country. Overnight stay at Jomsom.
Day 15: Flight from Jomsom to Pokhara (820m).
From Jomsom, we board a plane and head towards Pokhara. The flight lasts for about 45 minutes and displays the amazing mountains in Dhaulagiri, Tukuche, Annapurna, and Manaslu ranges. In Pokhara, you can either opt to take rest or explore the famous landmarks around the valley. Davis Falls, Mahendra Cave, World Peace Pagoda, and Phewa Lake are few of the tourist attractions around Pokhara. Overnight stay at a hotel in Pokhara.
Day 16: Drive or fly to Kathmandu.
From Pokhara, you have the option of either driving or flying to Kathmandu. The drive lasts for about 6 hours whereas the flight lasts for about 30 minutes. Despite your choice, you’ll be blessed with amazing views of the surrounding mountains and gorgeous landscapes. Upon arrival in Kathmandu transfer to your hotel. Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 17: Kathmandu Sightseeing.
Today we shall explore the major UNESCO world heritage site of the Kathmandu valley which includes Kathmandu Durbar Square and Bhaktapur Durbar square. We can visit other sites like Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, and Swayambhunath too. These sites have withheld the norms and values of the culture and religious influence prevalent in the city. You can also do some shopping in the meanwhile Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 18: International Departure.
As the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek comes to an end, a representative from Hike and Bike Nepal will take you to the airport marking your farewell to the land of Himalayas.