The Dhaulagiri Circuit is a tough and demanding trek for trekkers who can handle a challenge.
A jeep will bring you to the starting point of the trek. During the first days, you will walk on partially secluded paths in continuous Nepali flat through fascinating terraced landscapes. From time to time, the snow-white peaks of the Dhaulagiri group sparkle behind the lush green valley. Slowly, you climb higher into these mountains. You can see Dhaulagiri South and the Annapurna mountains with the recognizable Machapuchare. Later, you will see the entire Dhaulagiri mountain range. You then follow the Myagdi Khola to its source at the Chhonbardan Glacier below Dhaulagiri.
You will spend an acclimatization day at Italian Base Camp (3640meters) and later at Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4660 meters). From here, at the foot of the north face, you trek up the side of the glacier and over the French Col to enter “Hidden Valley”. This is an extremely remote hanging valley; the crossing of this valley gives this trek more of an exciting expedition feel. With the French Col (5360 meters), you reach the highest pass of the trek. Walking at these higher altitudes, the route leads you over pathless terrain.
The French Col – Dhampus La – Marpha tour section is quite challenging due to the high altitude at which you are staying for several days and due to the length of the stages. If the French Col is crossed, there is no way to reverse, and you must also cross the high Dhampus La pass (5250 meters). After Dhampus La pass, you’ll follow the descending trail towards Jomsom.
After this challenging trek, it is very pleasant to relax at Lake Phewa in Pokhara.
Our itineraries are designed to be flexible. If you would like to modify this plan, let us know, and we will work with you to create a personalized trip.
Day 1: Arrival Nepal; pick up at the international airport and drop off at a hotel in Thamel Kathmandu
Day 2: Free day at leisure in Kathmandu and final preparations for the trek
Day 3: Drive Kathmandu to Pokhara (6 hrs.)
Day 4: Drive Pokhara to Dharapani (1860 m – 9 hrs.)
Day 5: Trek to Muri (1850 m – 6,30 hrs.)
Day 6: Trek to Bagar ( 2080 m – 7 hrs.)
Day 7: Trek to Sallagari (3100 m – 6 hrs.)
Day 8: Trek to Italian base camp (3640 m – 4 hrs.)
Day 9: Resting day at Italian Base Camp for acclimatization.
Day 10: Trek to Glacier Japanese Camp (4250 m – 4 hrs.)
Day 11: Trek to Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4660 m – 4 hrs.)
Day 12: Resting day at Dhaulagiri Base Camp.
Day 13: Cross the over French Col Pass (5360 m) to Hidden Valley (5120 m – 8 hrs.)
Day 14: Resting day
Day 15: Cross over Dhampus La pass (5250 m) to Yak Kharka (4000 m – 8 hrs.)
Day 16: Trek to Jomsom (2750 m – 5 hrs.)
Day 17: Flight Jomsom to Pokhara (1 hrs.)
Day 18: Drive Pokhara to Kathmandu (6 hrs.)
Day 19: Free day at leisure in Kathmandu
Day 20: Departure; pick up from the hotel and drop off at the international airport
During the trekking season, prices may rise. The final price depends on the trekking season, group size and the cost of local transfers.
Cost includes:
– Pick up and drop off from Kathmandu International Airport to hotel
– 3 nights in a hotel room in Kathmandu; breakfast included
– 2 nights in a hotel room in Pokhara; breakfast included
– Return private drive Kathmandu to Pokhara; private drive to Dharapani; flight Jomsom to Pokhara
– Licensed and certified mountain guide. Well experienced and English speaking
– Porter service for carrying luggage & camping equipment; 12 kg private luggage per person
– Cooking staff service
– Salary, food, accommodation and insurance for the mountain guide, porters and cooking staff
– 3 meals per day; breakfast/ lunch/ dinner and fresh fruit if possible. Tea/ coffee/ hot water
– Free use of a waterproof bag for your luggage
– Free use of tent equipment, including one tent for two persons and a light sleeping mattress
– ACAP fee, TIMS card and local taxes
– Support of the Sherpa Heritage Trails head office in Kathmandu
Cost excludes:
– International flight to Kathmandu
– Nepal entrance visa
– Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu & Pokhara
– All other beverage bills, hot shower, internet services, laundry and battery charge during trek
– Personal travel insurance
– Rescue operation charge in case of an emergency
– Any cost that arises due to a change of itinerary, like flight delay, natural calamities, etc.
– Gratitude and tips for the mountain guide, porters and cooking staff
