Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek - 22 days

Introduction

Dhaulagiri name is derived from Sanskrit “dhavala- means white” and giri is mountain – The White Mountain. Dhaulagiri is an exceptional area to trek in western Nepal. It has 8 summits surpassing 8000m each. Separated from the Annapurna region by the Kali Gandaki River, the range of 6 Dhaulagiri (7,268 to 8,167m) massifs include more than 30 peaks between 6000 and 8000m. It was closed to trekkers for sometime but now the region has reopened. We approach the Dhaulagiri range by Tansen, capital of the Magar people, an ethnic group of Nepal before the unification in 1742.

The panorama to the ranges of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna are indeed exceptional as a balcony which we follow during this trip. High grassland and the descents to forested rhododendron follow the trail to Myagdi Khola. Throughout the trek, you are surrounded by the colossal peaks of the north face of the Dhauladiri I. Much of the route is on snow and glaciers as it crosses French Pass (5,360m), traverses the head of hidden valley and crosses Thapa pass (5,244m), it is a challenging walk on an icy track.

Journey:

Dhaulagiri round trek begin in the antique city of Kathmandu, from where you will board a bus to Beni. You will spend the first few days of your trek walking through cultivated fields connected to some of the mountain villages while enjoying the shops, teahouses, and lifestyle of the Gurung, Chhetri and Magar people. During these days you will walk along cobblestone paths, over suspension bridges and through dense forests, enjoying the vistas of some of the worlds most beautiful mountains. The climb begins to get tougher after Dobang, as you ascend to the Italian Base Camp with impressive views of Dhaulagiri I, II, III, IV, V & VI; taking a day to rest and acclimatize, explore and fully absorb the beauty of surrounding peaks. You will then make your way to Dhaulagiri North Base Camp. The trek then continues on to the Iced French and Thapa Passes which have to be scaled before you descend down a winding trail to Yak Kharka. Once again you will find yourself among mountain people and their villages. After long descend you will arrive in Marpha, popular city of Mustang district. You follow the Annapurna classical trek and pass the world’s deepest gorge. The hot springs at Tatopani offer an excellent retreat after a strenuous trek surrounded by the majestic peak of Annapurna and Machhapuchhare. From Tatopani you make your way back to Pokhara, visiting on the way, several monasteries and sites of religious importance.

TRIP HIGHTLIGHTS

Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167m)
Dhaulagir II (7,751m)
Dhaulagir III (7,715m)
Dhaulagir IV (7,661m)
Dhaulagir V (7,618m) & Dhaulagir VI (7,268m)
French Pass (5,360m) & Thapa Pass (5,244m)

DETAILS ITINERARY

Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu (1300m), Transfer to hotel & trek briefing

After you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will have to go through custom formalities. You will be greeted by our representative who will be anxiously waiting for you with a placard displaying your name in his hand. You will be transferred to the 3-Star category hotel in a private vehicle. Once you get refreshed, you will get briefing regarding the itinerary and you will also be introduced with your crewmembers and other trekkers who are going to join you on the trip. Enjoy welcome dinner in the evening where you can taste authentic Nepali dinner. Stay overnight in a hotel.

Day 2
Kathmandu sightseeing tours, Preparations and Packing

In the morning after breakfast, we will organize half day sightseeing tour during which you will be taken on memorable UNESCO Heritage Tour. Tour begins with visit to Nepal’s holiest Pashupatinath Temple Complex and takes us through Nepal’s largest Bouddhanath Stupa and 2500 years old Swoyambhunath Stupa. We will return to hotel in the afternoon and time for shopping of any missing items, packing and getting ready for the trip.

Day 3
Drive from Kathmandu to Beni by bus (899m) 9hrs

9hours of journey from Kathmandu takes us to Beni which is separated from Kathmandu by 282km distance. We will leave Kathmandu and follow Prithvi Highway.The trail is scenic with views of Trishuli River and Marsyandi River. We will drive along terraced fields and hill towns to Seti River from where we will reach Pokhara. The road from Pokhara to Beni is bumpy. We will drive through the zigzag road to Naudanda. That greets us with view of Annapurna South Mountain, Fish tail Mountain and other peaks and mountains. Driving along the bank of Mardi River, we will reach Beni where we will stay overnight.

Day 4
Trek from Beni to Babiyachour (970m) 5hrs

Dhaulagiri Circuit Trekking starts from Beni. We will walk past BeniMangalghat toJyanmarafrom where we will follow a level path toSinga. Singa is a tiny settlement consisting of shops and teahouses. Journey continues along MyagdiRiver to hot spring known as Tatopani. After brief walk, we will cross a suspension bridge to the right edge and walk past Bholamzavillage to the suspension bridge. Moving further, we will reach Simarchorfrom where we will head through the relatively easy path to NewaleRiver. The trail stretches further throughtiny villages of Shisman and Talkot to Babiyachour where we will stay overnight.

Day 5
Trek to Dharapani (1,560m)6hrs

Leaving Babiyachour, we will follow the escalating path uphill through terraced hills to the stone paved Shahasdara village. We will cross DudhRiver and move along paddy fields tothe teahouse settlement of Ratorunga. Walking along the river, we will reach Bodeni from where we will proceed to Chachare. The trail continues through the narrow valley. Crossing the suspension bridge over Rectum River, we will head towards Darbang village from where we will choose the descending trail to Phedi. Crossing Dang River, we will choose ascending trail to the ridge before walking through the pine forest to MyagdiRiver. Crossing the river, we will reach Dharapani where we will stay overnight.

Day 6
Trek to Muri (1,720m) 6hrs

We will follow the ascending path from Dharapaniand arrive at small Takum village from where we will follow the stone path to Phalli Gaun. We will walk through the terraced field to cross Dharakholathrough a suspension bridge. Following the steep path that takes usbelow Dharavillage, we will go through series of ups and downs to reach Myagdi River. The path is scenic with spectacular views of Dhaulagiri I (8167m) and GurjaMountain (7193m). Following the river, we will reach Magar village of Muri where we will stay overnight.

Day 7
Trek to Boghara (2,080m) 6hrs

After having a cup of tea, we will leave Muri and follow the descending path to river. We need to cross that river before walking through crop field in local settlements to reach the base of pass. We will ascend this pass which greets us with enticing view of Ghustung Mountain. After spending some time at the pass, we will descend to Myagdi River. The trail continues along Myagdi River to Naura village and passes through meadow. Walking through the forest area, we will reach Boghara. Stay overnight at Boghara.

Day 8
Trek to Doban (2,520m)6hrs

Early in the morning, we will leave Boghara and move through crop fields. In couple of hours, we will reach to the ridge. Walking through the bamboo forest, we will arrive atJyardin which is the final permanent village of that area. The trail contours down to Lipshe and continues through forest area to LapcheKharka. From the meadow in LapcheKharka, we will head towards Doban where we will stay overnight.

Day 9
Trek to Italian Base Camp (3,660m) 7hrs

The trek on this day begins as we cross the bridge over River. We will follow the scenic path with close-up view of Dhaulagiri I mountain all the way down to Myagdi River. Crossing the river, we will move towards pretty settlement of Chartare from the path continues to Choriban River. We will reach Chhonbarban glacier from where we can get close-up view of Tukche Peak. Moving further along slippery glaciers, we will reach Italian Base Camp. Stay overnight at Italian Base Camp. Enjoy the panoramic views of Dhaulagiri II Mountain, Dhaulagiri III Mountain and Dhaulagiri V Mountain.

Day 10
Acclimatization day at Italian Base Camp

We will take rest on this day. Taking rest at Italian Base Camp helps in proper acclimatization and it also offers much needed break from the tiring trek. Spend the day as you like. You can write a journal or play cards or read book or enjoy siesta. Upon your interest, you can hike to the nearby glacier for epic mountain views. Stay overnight at Italian Base Camp.

Day 11
Trek to Japanese Base Camp (3,890m) 5hrs

After a day of rest, we are good to go. Expect a long day of walk ahead of you. We will pass through Swiss base camp and reach French base camp. Moving further through desolate area that is uninhabited, we will reach to the main glacier. We will ultimately arrive at Japanese Base Camp where we will stay overnight.

Day 12
Trek to Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4748m) 7hrs

Dhaulagiri Base Camp is our ultimate destination. With 8167m height, Dhaulagiri is the eighth highest mountain in the world. Our journey continues through the ruined area filled with rocks and glaciers to Dhaulagiri Base Camp. The Base Camp allows panoramic views of Dhaulagiri I Mountain, Dhaulagiri II Mountain, Dhaulagiri III Mountain and Dhaulagiri V Mountain. We can also get breath-taking view of icefall that contours down to northeast Col. Stay overnight at Dhaulagiri Base Camp.

Day 13
Acclimatize & rest day

We will take rest on this day. Taking rest helps in proper acclimatization and it also offers much needed break from the tiring trek. Spend the day as you like. You can write a journal or play cards or read book or enjoy siesta. You can explore nearby Camp for incredible mountain views. Stay overnight at Dhaulagiri Base Camp.

Day 14
Trek to Hidden Valley (5,140m) crossing French Pass (5,360m) 6hrs

Leaving Dhaulagiri Base Camp, we will walk through glaciers and moraines and reach the valley. We will follow the difficult path to the French Pass. Enjoy the scenic views of Mukut Mountain, Sita Peak, Tukche and Tashi Kang Peak which secures the Hidden Valley. We will leave French Col and head towards Thapa Pass (5250m). We will reach the clear area in Hidden Valley where we will stay overnight.

Day 15
Trek to Yak Kharka crossing the Dhampus Pass (5,244m) 7hrs

The trail stretches down from Hidden Valley and leads us to Dhampus Pass (5200m). CrossingDhampus Pass, we will move throughthe pasture land to Yak Kharka. Stay overnight in Yak Kharka.

Day 16
Trek to Lete (2,530m) 5hrs

From Yak Kharka, the trail takes us to Marpha which is famous for apple production. We will walk through the Kaligandaki Valley and arrive at Japanese Friendship village that is rich in Thakali culture. Enjoy the scenic view of Dhaulagiri Mountain. Stay overnight at Lete.

Day 17
Trek to Tatopani (1,190m) 5hrs

We will enjoy the view of waterfall and walk through the forest to Tatopani. This is a natural hot spring. Enjoy taking hot bath at Tato Pani. The water from this spring is believed to cure skin disease. Enjoy the view of Nilgiri Mountain. Stay overnight at Tatopani.

Day 18
Trek to Ghorepani (2,700m) 6hrs

We will enjoy bathing in natural hot spring at Tatopani lower down to the river. Crossing the suspension bridge over the Kaligandaki River, we will reach the point where trail branches off. One of the path takes us through river to Beni. We will turn left and climb uphill to the top and walk through farms. Walking through the rhododendron forest, we will reach Ghorepani where we will stay overnight.

Day 19
Hiking to Poon hill (3,193m) & to Tadapani (2,630m) 5hrs

We will prepare for trek quite early in the morning as we do not want to miss the opportunity of capturing sunrise view from Poon hill. 40 minutes of walk uphill from Ghorepani will take us to Poon hill. We will follow the scenic path through the Rhododendron forest. The name Poon hill is named after Pun ethnics, the inhabitant of the area. We will enjoy the panoramic views of far western Himalaya of over 600km of range including Dhaulagiri Mountain, Tukuche Peak, Dhampus, Nilgiri Peak, Annapurna Mountain, Machhapuchre Mountain (Fish Tail), Hiunchuli Peak, Manaslu Mountain, LamjungHimal and other peaks and mountains. From Poon hill, we will descend to Tadapani where we will stay overnight.

Day 20
Trek to Nayapul and drive for Pokhara 5hrs

From Tadapani, we will lower down to Ghandruk which is one of the largest Gurung villages in the region. The trail drops down from Ghandruk. Walking through the stone steps, we will reach Tikhedhunga village. The trail continues through Modi River to Nayapul. Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek ends at Nayapul. We will catch a vehicle fromNayapul and take 45 minutes of ride back to Pokhara where we will stay in a hotel.

Day 21
Tours and afternoon flight to Kathmandu 20min flight

We will explore Pokhara early in the morning. Old Bazaar, Shanti Stupa, Sarankot Hill, Seti gorge, International Mountaineering Museum, Gupteswor Cave and Mahendra Cave are places of interest in Pokhara. We will drive to Pokhara Airport and take return flight back to Kathmandu on this day.

Day 22
International Departure

We will transfer you to the Airport as per your scheduled flight for your onward destination. Safe journey. We hope to see you soon.

Start Date

End Date

Availability

Price

Min.

Start Date

6th Oct 2019

End Date

27th Oct 2019

Availability

OPENED

Price

USD 4,000

Min

Book

REMARKS : If you have +2 persons team, contact our sales person for special group based discounted cost

COST INCLUDES

Conservation/national park fees and all government taxes.
4 (four) nights 3 star hotel accommodation on twin sharing BB basis
Kathmandu to Beni by private vehicle
Flight Pokhara– Kathmandu with airport departure taxes
Flight Jomsom – Pokhara – KTM with airport departure taxes (For Itinerary B)
Trek duffle bag/luggage weight, maximum of 15kg per trekker
All airport/hotel/airport transfers by private vehicle
An experience Sherpa Trek Guide
Support Sherpa staffs
Required number of porters to carry member’s trek luggage
Cook & Kitchen staffs
All camping gears including dinning, kitchen, toilet, shower tents etc
All necessary kitchen equipment with tables, chairs etc.
High Quality member tents (Single or Double) as required with sleeping mattress.
All meals of high quality and hygienic food (tea/coffee/chocolate, breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Medical Oxygen with mask set
First aid box
Porter’s equipment
Local staff insurance
Half-day world heritage sites tour in Kathmandu
Farewell celebration dinner

COST EXCLUDES

Medical/personal high risk insurance, (must cover emergency evacuation cost)
International departure taxes
Personal trek gears
Major meals in Kathmandu
Cost of personal expenses i.e. telephone calls, laundry, Toiletry items etc.
Soft drinks, beers
Tips to the local staff

Fitness
This kind of trek is challenging and tough. So if you have any previous experiences will be key factor to complete the trek successfullybutnot mandatoryof previous trekking and mountaineering experiences and also doesn’t require any technical experience. Your tough level of fitness is really important for this trek which is a must. Therefore we strongly suggest preparing yourself in good physical condition. You need to be trained at least for about 4 to 6 months to prepare yourself as strong candidate. You can go to fitness center every morning for about 1.5 hours, do hiking every weekend with increasing weights on your pack, participating in marathon helps you a lot to check level of fitness by yourself. Manage some time for cycling for couple of hours for 3 or 4 times a week. Howeverat the high altitude, there might be little symptoms of altitude illness like mild headache, fatigue etc. but take it as normal and just drink plenty of water (4 – 5 liters) every day. On this trek, youneed to be able to hike 6 – 10 hours over hilly terrain up to 6,000m of altitude with daypack.

Experience
If you have any previous experiences of similar grade trek or our challenging grade trek would be helpful and key factor to successfully complete the trek. This trek will introduce you about high altitude trekking in the Himalayas and also about the local cultures, traditions and local people. Even if you are around the age of 60 years, you can be a candidate for this trek.