- Destination:Nepal
- Total Duration:17 Days
- Trekking Duration:17 Days
- Trip Grade:Moderate
Trip Highlights
- Navigate the head of hidden valley
- Cross French Pass and Dhampus Pass,
- Extreme glacier walking for a week,
- Experience the hospitality with Thakali culture in Kaligandaki valley
Trip Overview
Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is the challenging trek around Mt. Dhaulagiri which involves the crossing of the two high passes French pass (5240m) and Dhampus pass (5155m) and walking over the extreme snow and glaciers for few days. The highlight of trekking in Dhaulagiri region is the rare dramatic view of imposing Annapurna massif and Dhaulagiri Mountain staring at each other all the while you are there standing in between feeling so complete yet so small and humbled.
Mount Dhaulagiri is the world’s seventh highest peak located in Myagdi district at the Northwest of Pokhara, also known as City of Lakes and in the east you can see the Annapurna massif. Dhaulagiri has the Sanskrit meaning – Dhawala meaning White and Giri meaning Mountain top giving the meaning as range of White Mountains. The height of Mt. Dhaulagiri is 8,166m from the sea level and is considered the most exciting and interesting peak.
Dhaulagiri circuit trek includes the stunning view of the world’s deepest gorge at the KaliGandaki River. The explorers during the trek can see up close the beautiful views of the Machhapuchhre (6996m.), Nilgiri (7061m.), Dhampus peak, Annapurna II, Dhaulagiri II, III and IV and others. Coupled with the journey to the nature and vistas of the Himalayas you will have the first-hand pleasure of receiving warm welcome and hospitality from the ethnic inhabitants –Gurung, Thakali and Magar etc. of this region.
Dhaulagiri Base Camp trek is an exhilarating and adventurous circuit trekking that will take you to off the beaten track into the exciting and adventure remote highlands, rugged terrain with astonishing natural beauty that very few visitors have ever witnessed. Dhaulagiri circuit trek still remains the most elusive trekking route, available only for the private departure as only few dare to take up this adventure trek. Likewise, this trekking is comparatively expensive than any other destinations for it is organized in camping style.
Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek package includes your arrival and departure days, plus a day tour in Kathmandu and the real trekking starts with a picturesque drive from Kathmandu to Beni at the junction of two Himalayan rivers. We ascend to the rural village of Dharapani, and get a great view of the mountains. The trail passes through scenic villages surrounded by fields as we further ascend to Italian Base Camp, west of Dhaulagiri. The scenery simply gets more and more mesmerizing as we continue higher and higher, the next waypoint is Glacier Camp and then on to Dhaulagiri Base Camp, We stay in base camp for one day to acclimatize and to breathe in the extraordinary views of the surrounding mountains.
The highest camp site is at Hidden valley 5000m to cross the French Col at 5350m. In between, we happen to cross many cultivated fields, lush green forests and villages of various ethnic groups – the Gurungs, Chhetris, and Magars. Soon after reaching Italian base camp, we get the first exciting views of Dhaulagiri I, II, III, IV& V. Here, we take some much needed rest for a day to acclimatize with the altitude. We then cross a final pass and descend to join the Annapurna circuit at the charming village of Marpha and trek to Jomsom to take our return flight to Pokhara, the Dhaulagiri trekking is a camping trek with porters to carry supplies, tents and more for your comfort and ease. Outfitter Nepal’s cook will prepare all of our food and the camp will be a relaxing place to recall the day’s adventures over a meal and drinks, and to enjoy the natural atmosphere surrounding us and the stars sparkling above us.
Outline Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
- Day 2: Fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara and drive to Darbang 1110m
- Day 3: Trek from Darbang to Sibang 1780m
- Day 4: Trek from Sibang to Naura 1570m / Bagar 2080m
- Day 5: Trek from Naura OR Bagar to Dobhan 2520m
- Day 6: Trek from Dobhan to Italian Base Camp 3660m
- Day 7: Acclimatization Day
- Day 8: Trek from Italian Base Camp to Japanese Base Camp 3890m
- Day 9: Trek from Japanese Base Camp to Dhaulagiri Base Camp 4748m
- Day 10: Acclimatization Day
- Day 11: Trek from Dhaulagiri Base Camp to Hidden Valley 5140m walking via French Pass 5360m
- Day 12: Reserve Day for bad weather or rest day
- Day 13: Trek from Hidden Valley to Yak Kharka 4200m walking via Dhampus Pass 5244m,
- Day 14: Trek from Yak Kharka to Jomsom 2720m
- Day 15: Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara and transfer to hotel.
- Day 16: Fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu
- Day 17: Final Departure from Kathmandu
Detail Itinerary
Welcome. You will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your respective hotels.
An early morning scenic flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara followed by a jeep drive to Darbang via Beni on jeep relishing the view of lush hills and snow-capped mountains. Following the flow of Kali Gandaki River, we pass the town of Beni and then follow Myagdi Khola to arrive in Darbang. Overnight at tented camp
Today, we head towards Sibang ascending to the ridge-top village of Dharapani from where we can get a beautiful view of the Dhaulagiri massif, Gurja Himal, and Putha Hiunchuli. We continue our trek walking along the ridge on the path above the river to reach Sibang.
We descend to Gatti Khola then climb up to the village of Muri where Myagdi and Dhara rivers meet. We continue to trek crossing the bridge over Dhola Khola and descend through the terraced farm fields and sparse settlements before arriving in Naura village.
Today we move alongside the bank of Myagdi Khola through a grassy hill and a steep slope, and arrive in Bagar. We then follow the up and down trail to Dobhan. We continue to descend through a forest to Jyardan before climbing uphill to Lipshe. The route then enters the forested area before ascending up to Dobhan.
We start early to trek towards Italian Base Camp. We pass through forest of oaks, bamboo, and pines trees. We can see as we progress mountains start to surround us from all around. We can get the best view of Tukuche Peak, Dhaulagiri Range, and other mountains from Italian Base Camp.
Rest day -We take this day for acclimatization. You can explore the base camp area or spend the day relishing the spectacular view of surrounding mountains.
Leaving behind Italian Base Camp, we trek through the rocky area on a steep slope before crossing the glacial moraines. We then reach a wide grassy area in a shallow ablation valley known as “Japanese Base Camp”. We will be rewarded with the west face of Dhaulagiri I on one side and Tsaurabong Peak on the other.
It is the most challenging day. Walking on the glacier, sometimes on the lateral moraine and undulating surface of the glacier itself, we carefully and responsibly make our way up to Dhaulagiri Base Camp. Upon reaching, we can see the stunning view of all the peaks of Dhaulagiri range along with an amazing icefall descending from the Dhaulagiri and Tukuche Peak ridgeline.
Rest day -We take this day for acclimatization. You can explore the base camp area or spend the day relishing the spectacular view of surrounding mountains.
Today, we continue to trek on the north side of Chhondarban Glacier, and gradually climb the steep hillside above the glacier. Following the zig-zag trail across moraines, we make our way up to French Pass which gives a 360-degree view of surrounding mountain ranges. We then gently descend through snow slopes to finally reach the Hidden Valley.
We keep the extra day in case the weather condition becomes bad. We can also use this day to explore the outskirts of Hidden Valley.
We head towards Yak Kharka crossing over Dhampus Pass. We descend steeply to Yak Kharka through avalanche prone slopes relishing the beautiful view of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges in the background.
We continue to descend steeply from Yak Kharka towards Marpha which is also known as the apple capital of Nepal. Passing through the whitewashed houses, paved streets, and following the flow of Kali Gandaki River, we move towards the windy town of Jomsom.
We fly back to Pokhara, early in the morning, enjoying an aerial view of the mountains. Later in the afternoon, we explore the beautiful Pokhara city boating in the Phewa Lake and visiting the famous places of Pokhara.
We catch our early morning scenic flight back to Kathmandu. You can either take rest or explore the city, shopping souvenirs for your loved ones.
Our team representative will drop you at Tribhuvan International Airport for final departure.
" Dolma Treks covered all aspects of my dream trip: hotels, logistics, food, permits.
Tsering Lama is a very seasoned trip organizer and guide that knows the way things work locally, which means a hassle-free, pure joy adventure. I have traveled to Nepal 5 times so far, always with Dolma Treks. Have done a bit of everything: culture, trekking, yoga retreat, educational visits, rescue visits (Earthquake 2015). I have been solo, with friends, and even with my young son since he was 7. Everything was perfect, every single time.
I loved every second of my trips to Nepal and I simply can't wait to be back"
I would just like to say that our trekking holiday in Langtang National Park & our Bridim homestay with Tsering Lama and his wonderful porters "Lale and Mingmar" was the most memorable, amazing holiday I have ever experienced. The guidance and support given were just so great. My wish is that my Aussie friends join a trek with Dolma Tours one day to experience this amazing country of Nepal. Thank you, Tsering. Your Aussie friends, Tania, Steve & Jesse Pitt
I recently went on Tsering's 17-day tour of Nepal, in Oct/Nov 2013.
Tsering is an exceptional tour leader, very organized and a welcoming host.
He paid much attention to detail both in the planning of the itinerary and throughout the course of the trip. Right from the beginning, the pre-departure information was excellent and I felt very well-prepared. Any questions I had about the trekking were answered promptly by email.
Tsering's itinerary has a lovely variety of places to visit: in Kathmandu, trekking in the Annapurna mountains, visiting the Chitwan National Park, and a stunning flight over Mount Everest. On our trek, the porters were very helpful, friendly and spoke a little English.
Tsering was always professional and timely. We were also given great insight into the generosity of the Nepali people by being invited into his family home.
Heartfelt thanks again from me for a wonderful trip!
We joined one of Tsering's trips to Annapurna and Chitwan in October 2013, where Tsering warmly welcomed us at the airport and confidently and efficiently organized everything for us from the moment we arrived until our departure 17 days later, making the entire trip extremely relaxing and enjoyable.
His guidance with local customs and his ability to communicate clearly in English was invaluable in ensuring we were completely informed at all times of our programme. His command of local languages meant we were afforded the best treatment at the local hotels, lodges, and restaurants throughout our trip.
The trip was a wonderful balanced mix of the frantic bustle of Kathmandu, the grandeur of the Annapurna mountains, and the thrill of the Chitwan jungle, all complemented by a style of travel that exposes you to, and allows you to immerse yourself in the local culture to the extent you are personally willing and comfortable with.
The local guides Tsering organized were very competent and knowledgeable, giving us a great opportunity to absorb, understand and appreciate the breadth and depth of Nepal's history and the many cultures that make up its friendly people. Tsering gave us a marvelous insight into the recent history and of current events that gave us a wonderful context and appreciation of what makes the nation of Nepal what it is today and influences its future.
For the trek, Tsering organized a friendly team of local porters and guides who worked so hard carrying our gear over the often steep terrain of the mountains. Special mention goes to our lead guide Lale, who ensured the trek was perfectly paced to match the abilities of our relatively senior group. The guides and porters always had a friendly and smiling disposition, and we had a marvelous party with them on our last night, sharing cultural song and dance.
Tsering is generous of both time and nature, we were privileged to meet his family, and we particularly enjoyed the company of his enchanting 11yo son Jigme on our trip, and of his young friend Amod.
I would unreservedly recommend Tsering as a guide to anyone travelling to Nepal who is wanting to get to know this intriguing and beautiful country and its friendly people, and who enjoys knowing everything is confidently organized for you in a relaxed and efficient manner by a knowledgeable local who is a marvelous ambassador for his people and his country.
Thank you, Tsering, I sincerely hope we have the opportunity to visit Nepal again someday and enjoy your friendly and proficient service.
Tsering and his trekking company were brought to my attention by my daughter who had trekked with friends in Nepal. That trip was led by Tsering who was already known to one of the group. This group so recommended Tsering, that my wife and I decided upon a trekking tour under his guidance.
We were not any stage disappointed. Tsering contacted us and after considering age, fitness and wishes, designed what he thought was an appropriate tour. He emailed a comprehensive programme with some beautiful pictures and suggested dates. We arranged the flights to and from Kathmandu and brought in a couple of friends.
From our arrival until our departure, every detail was arranged. All accommodation, transport guides, porters, and dining was minutely cared for leaving us the freedom to simply enjoy ourselves. The team he engaged were known to him and endlessly strived to assist. Friendliness and honesty were so obvious.
Westerners are usually apprehensive about local cooking and food hygiene. Tsering always stationed one of the porters in the kitchens of the tea houses to oversee the cleanliness of food preparation. Some of his team are also chefs. It is a matter of pride for him that virtually all his tourists complete their trips without gastric upset.
Tsering is very kind, caring and attentive to detail. He is great fun, has a keen political insight as well as concern for the education of his young countrymen. He is honest and generous to a fault - as are his lovely family whom we met. We also enjoyed their hospitality.
If we return to Nepal there is absolutely no doubt we would ask Tsering to undertake our planning and if possible accompany us. He was faultless and thus I have no hesitation in recommending his company to your favorable attention.