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Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is an off-the-beaten trek that revolves around Dhaulagiri(8,167m)- the seventh tallest mountain of all. The trek lies quite close to the widely reckoned Annapurna Circuit Trek. But this excitingly adventurous trek is not as popular as the latter one.
“Dhaulagiri” in Nepalese literature means “white mountain.” The whitish beauty is undoubtedly a major highlight of Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek but not the only one. The trek runs via the lush forest, terraced hills, traditional villages, high pastures, striking mountain passes, picturesque valleys, and more.
Likewise, the trek rewards you with the astonishing views of Dhaulagiri I, II, III, Annapurna I, Tukuche Peak, and more. You will probe and witness the hidden natural beauty of the Dhaulagiri Region.
Moreover, the trek also gives you the experience of living around the region’s locals. You will have a close look into the living style and culture of the people in remote but beautiful areas of Nepal. The unjudged smiles on the kids along the trail is another part. If you love meeting new people, those can be good reasons to do the trek.
Yet, there is another special reason to choose this particular itinerary of 20 days. You will trek via Ghorepani Poonhill, one of the major destinations for mountain panorama in Nepal, around the last stretch of the trek.
Also called Dhaulagiri Round Trek, Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek, however, is one of the most demanding treks in Nepal. The ladder to the world’s seventh-tallest peak is full of challenges. There will be times when you will use crampons and ice axes on the trek, like in some expeditions.
Likewise, the maximum altitude gain of the tour is around 5,360m(French Pass), which is high. Existing in places of the trek like Dhampus Pass(5,200m), Hidden Valley(5,200m), and Dhaulagiri Base Camp(5,360m) is a little demanding. Again, the steep terrains, remoteness, rugged trail, and weather are other hurdles. But, you must not forget one thing. There are equal rewards if you can overtake all the hindrances of the Dhaulagiri Base Camp Trek you read above.
For more information, you can directly reach us. For now, there is a detailed itinerary of 20 days of the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek and major highlights of the trek down below. Read them out.
Day 1: Welcome to Kathmandu Airport and Transfer to Hotel
Day 2: Trek preparation and Kathmandu sightseeing
Day 3: Early Morning Flight to Pokhara, Drive to Durbang & trek to Dharpani(1,470m) | 4hrs Drive and 3hrs Trek
Day 4: Trek to Muri(1,850m) | 5hrs
Day 5: Trek to Bagar (2,080 m)| 7hrs
Day 6: Trek to Doban (2,500 m) 6-7hrs
Day 7: Trek to Sallaghari (3,100 m) 5-6hrs
Day 8: Trek to Italian Base Camp (3,660m) 4hrs
Day 9: Acclimatization day in Italian Base Camp
Day 10: Trek to Glacier Camp or Japanese Base Camp(4,100m) | 5hrs
Day 11: Trek to Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4,750 m) 5-6hrs
Day 12: Trek to French Pass (5,360m) and then to Hidden Valley (5,166m) | 5-6hrs
Day 13: Trek to Yak Kharka(3,880m) via Thapa Pass(5,244m) |7hrs
Day 14: Trek to Tukuche (2,590m) |5-6hrs
Day 15: Trek to Ghasa (2,010 m)| 6-7hrs
Day 16: Trek to Tatopani(1,190m)| 6-7hrs
Day 17: Trek to Ghorepani (2,750m)| 8-9hrs
Day 18: Morning visit to Poon Hill (3,200 m) and trek to Nayapul drive to Pokhara 7-8hrs
Day 19: Fly or Drive to Kathmandu
Day 20: Departure
For your welcome, our representatives will be at the airport. You will get a cozy welcome and then transfer to a hotel in the city. You will spend some hours at the hotel for unwinding. Later in the evening, we will invite you for a welcome dinner to know about the team of Sabbatical Explore Nepal and Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek. Overnight in Kathmandu’s hotel.
Our team will look after all the trek arrangements as we visit the cultural and historical sites in Kathmandu. We will walk around the UNESCO heritage sites like Boudhanath Stupa, Swaymbhunath Stupa, Kathmandu Durbar Square, and Pashupatinath Temple. Visiting these sites will let us know Nepal better culturally, architecturally, and historically. Overnight in Kathmandu’s hotel.
We will start the Dhaulagiri Round Trek with an early morning flight of 25 minutes to Pokhara. We’ll get magnificent visions of the Himalayas through our windows. Following, we’ll land in the city and spend some time there before joining a drive to Durbang. The ride to Durbang, the starting point of Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek, is approximately 4 hours away from Pokhara.The trek will start around later afternoon from Durbang through a suspension bridge. To reach Dharapani, we will climb a hill full of terraced fields and settlements. By evening, we’ll reach Dharapani, a village of the Gurung and Chettri tribes of Nepal, to get views of Dhaulagiri. Overnight at a tented camp in Dharapani.
We’ll leave Dharapani to move ahead in the trek. The villages full of terraced fields like Takum and Sibang will come along. Passing through the villages, we’ll get to know the people’s lifestyles. Alongside, the mountains will start to appear. The peaks like Puta Hiunchuli and Gurja Himal will be seen today. We will cross the final suspension bridge of the day on Dhara Khola to reach Muri, a Magar ethnic settlement. Overnight at a tented camp.
From the Muri Village, we will reach Muri Khola to cross the river via a suspension bridge. Then taking a riverbed trail through a Bamboo area at first and then by terrace fields of the villages, we will reach Naura Village. The last section of the day will be uphill via another lush forest and plainlands. At the end of the trek, we will reach Bagar to settle under a tented camp.
Now we’ll follow the Myagdi Khola(River) for some days. The trek will happen via the west bank of the river. Alongside, we’ll walk on a trail full of regular minor ups and downs. En route to Doban, we’ll also come across beehives where the locals collect honey. As we trek through the day, we’ll have a stop at Lipshe for lunch. Next, we’ll continue the remaining trek via the forest area to reach Doban. Overnight in a tented camp.
It will be another trekking day that is full of green woods. We’ll keep on moving ahead across lush and dense vegetation of bamboo, ferns, and rhododendrons. The banks of Myagdi Khola will not leave us any time soon; we’ll keep following and crossing it until Sallaghari. Overnight in a tented camp.
Now, Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is taking some heights. We’ll leave Sallaghari for Italian Base Camp via a dense forest of birch, pine, and rhododendron. It will be one of those days when you will enjoy walking into the woods. The walk via the forest will take us to the lateral moraines before Italian Base Camp. And walking over that, we’ll reach the camping site for the day. While we settle our camps, we’ll get glimpses of Tsaurbong Peak in the backdrop.
In Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek, spending at least two nights around Italian Base Camp is a compulsion. That will help us to acclimatize well for the journey ahead. We’ll use this free time in Italian Base Camp to explore the adjacent beautiful area. Overnight in a tented camp.
We’ll be off to Glacier Camp after breakfast in our camp. The trail ahead is demanding, and we have to use fixed ropes to cross a glacier area. We will gradually cross the glacier enjoying all the sceneries around. Also, we’ll stretch across loose rocks in the Chonbarden Gorge. There will be walking for several hours over the glacier to reach the Japanese Base Camp. We’ll have an expedition-like experience here. Overnight in a tented camp.
We take a rough trail to start the trek to Dhaulagiri Base Camp. While we walk the tiring path, we’ll catch breathtaking sights of Tukuche Peak, Dhaulagiri I, and other peaks. We will also view the starting point of the Dhaulagiri Expedition. The 5 hours of trek will lead us to the base camp. Overnight in a tented camp.
Here comes the most scenic day of the entire Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek. With excitement, we’ll leave the base camp area for French Pass. The first stretch of the day will involve us in climbing using ropes. After that, we’ll be trekking on a more accessible trail to French Pass. From the pinpoint of the pass, we’ll catch more glimpses of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna massifs. Then we’ll drop from the pass to land in the Hidden Valley. Overnight in a tented camp.
Today, we’ll climb past Thapa Pass, another major pass of the Dhaulagiri Round Trek, to arrive in Yak Kharka. Firstly, we’ll do an uphill climb to the Dhampus or Thapa Pass. It will be a tiring one, so we’ll take it slow. And as a reward, we’ll get some of the best views of the trek. Then, we’ll descend to Yak Kharka, a pasture for yak grazing. Overnight in Yak Kharka.
From Yak Kharka’s beautiful vicinity, we’ll trek in the direction of Tukuche. We’ll leave the pasture lands of Yak Kharka to enter a jungle full of green trees. Out of the jungle, we’ll walk across moraines for some hours to reach Tukuche. Overnight in a tented camp in Tuckuche.
Following the Kali Gandaki River banks, we will reach the confluence point of the famous Annapurna Circuit Trek. Then experiencing the trail’s offering of mountains and landscapes, we’ll end up in Ghasa for the night.
To continue the trek, we’ll leave Ghasa for Tatopani, a place with a natural hot spring. While we approach Tatopani, we’ll pass via the world’s deepest gorge, the gorge made by the Kali Gandaki River. We’ll have a hot and healing evening in Tatopani by having a hot spring bath. Overnight in Tatopani’s lodge.
Instead of returning straight to Pokhara, we’ll trek towards Ghorepani. It will be an ascending trek of 8-9 hrs where we’ll climb via stone steps of various villages of the Annapurna Region. This will allow us to see the culture of the locals. And with that, the long trekking day will end in Ghorepani’s lodge.
We’ll do a morning visit to Poon Hill for a striking sunrise view over Annapurna massifs. After the view, we’ll return to Ghorepani to eat our breakfast. And then we’ll trek via Tikhedhunga and Birethani to reach Nayapul. From Nayapul, we’ll take an hour-long drive back to Pokhara. Overnight in the happening setting of Pokhara.
We’ll choose between Flight and drive to Kathmandu as per our comfort. The drive is around 6 hours long whereas the flight is only 25 minutes. Both ways, we’ll have something beautiful to enjoy through our windows. Upon reaching Kathmandu, we’ll transfer to our hotel for a deserving rest. Overnight in Kathmandu.
As the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek will be done from our side by this day, the time for departure is upon you. If there is time, we will take you for shopping in the morning. Otherwise, or next, we’ll assist you with an airport transfer as per your flight schedule. Farewell!
What kind of meals should I expect during the trek ?
You will get hygienic, energetic, and well-cooked meals three times a day. The food items available on the trek are the most common ones from Nepali, Indian, Chinese, and Western but local style.
What are the odds of getting altitude sickness during the trek ?
If you do not follow health precautions and take mountain sickness lightly, you never know when. You have to be careful up in the higher areas and follow what your guide has to say. This way, you can lower the chances of sickness.
Will I get WiFi on this trek?
Yes, but not in all the places. The teahouses of the lower areas have WiFi services. But the higher areas teahouses may lack the service.
What is the best time for this Trek ?
March till May and September till November are the two-time intervals that are best for the trek.
Is it necessary to have training for the trek ?
If you are an experienced trekker, you do not need that. But if you are an amateur, it is helpful to have training like cardio, hiking, and running. Those sorts of activities will make you ready for the rugged trails of the trek.
Do I need a visa to visit Nepal?
Yes, a visa is necessary to visit Nepal for all tourists except Indian nationals. You can get a visa from the Nepalese Embassy in your country or an on-arrival visa from Kathmandu (TIA) Airport. For that, you will need a valid passport before 6 months, some passport-sized photos, and a visa fee.
How much is a Nepalese Visa fee?
The up-to-date visa fees (as of 6/6/2024) for a Nepalese visa is: US$30 for 15 days, US$50 for 30 days, US$125 for 90 days. For Visa Extension: 3 USD per Day(minimum 15 days) 5 USD per day as late fine in the case of delay
Which time is best for a Nepal tour?
The best times to visit Nepal are September to November and March to May. If you are not doing any high-altitude tours, you can visit Nepal all year round, including Monsoon and Winter.
What is Nepal best known for?
Nepal is known for multiple reasons. The country is geographically, culturally, architecturally, and religiously a gifted one. It is the birthplace of Buddha, home of Mt Everest and eight other world & highest peaks, the world best trekking trails, the land of brave Gurkhas, and more. Therefore, multiple reasons make Nepal popular across the globe.
Dec-2022
Chitwan Jungle Safari was a great experience with good value for money. We hired the Car from Kathmandu and stayed for 02 Nights. Our trip was well organized with good service on time. It was rainy and animals were scarce but the driver and Guide worked hard to spot them for us. 01-hour canoeing ride in the middle of hundreds of Crocodiles & Gharial followed by Elephant Breeding Center was an amazing experience. Our Jeep Safari of 04 hrs of continuous rides on the main Jungle was quite a good experience. The excitement level goes up when any kind of Wildlife creature is spotted. We saw Peacock, One Horn Rhino, and different species of Birds but with no luck Royal Bengal Tiger missed out. Overall it was a lovely and memorable experience with good Food and will highly recommend this tour. The best season would be in Winter with good Nature.
Philip
I had an amazing experience with Sabbatical Explore Nepal when I visited Nepal during my Gap year 2018. Our guide and driver were so experienced and helpful. I remember seeing many animals like tigers, deers, rhinos during Jungle Safari in Chitwan. I even went to the Elephant Breeding Centre and that was amazing. In Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha I visited Maya Devi Temple and other monasteries. I was mesmerized by the architectural designs of the Temples and Monasteries built by different countries. I was a little sad that I couldn't visit other amazing places but the 6 days I spent in Nepal were very meaningful and memorable. I am looking forward to my next trip to Nepal.
Felix
The trip was well worth it! I was in Nepal last Autumn with the team of Shiva and Kiran, whom I knew from my colleagues. I was confused about where to go. But my expert friends, Shiva and Kiran, suggested I do their best-selling Nepal Panorama Tour. I'm glad they suggested it. I am not a hiking person, my body does not let me be. So I went on a tour of Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan. In Kathmandu, I saw a lot of historical and time-traveling sites. Pokhara was so much vivid by Fewa Lake; I enjoyed the boat riding there. And Chitwan was unimaginably full of nature. I saw rhinos, elephants, birds, crocodiles. I was expecting the Bengal Tiger, but luck did not favor me. Except for that, Chitwan treated me quite well. Overall, the trip felt so smooth and rewarding. I traveled around Nepal panoramically. Thanks!
Dr. M.H. ALHAMRAN
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