Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek

Home
/
Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek

Trip Facts

  • Duration: 15 Days
  • Challenge level : Challenging
  • Max Altitude:5360m
  • Group size :1+ People
  • Best TimeSpring / Autumn
  • Destination :Nepal

About Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek

The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek spans approximately 15 days, starting from Beni and venturing deep into the remote and less-traveled regions of the Dhaulagiri massif.

We’ll traverse through pristine forests, terraced fields, and quaint villages, while tackling high passes like the French Pass (5,360 m / 17,585 ft) and Dhampus Pass (5,240 m / 17,192 ft).

The trek takes us through the hidden valleys of the Kali Gandaki River and offers incredible views of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges. The journey concludes in Marpha, leaving us with indelible memories of this extraordinary adventure.

This trek is moderate to challenging, suitable for fit trekkers seeking high-altitude adventure. We’ll stay in tea houses and lodges, with three meals a day provided to keep us energized. The trek starts from Pokhara and follows the route:

Pokhara → Darbang (Jeep) → Babichaur → Dharapani → Muri → Bagar → Dovan → Italian Base Camp → Glacier Camp → Dhaulagiri Base Camp → Hidden Valley → Yak Kharka → Marpha → Pokhara (Jeep/Bus)

Trip Highlights

  • Trek around the majestic Dhaulagiri massif, the seventh-highest mountain in the world.
  • Conquer challenging high passes like French Pass and Dhampus Pass.
  • Traverse through the remote and less-explored valleys of the Kali Gandaki River.
  • Experience the untamed wilderness.
  • Observe remote lifestyles.

Itinerary

This itinerary is intended as a guide only. Local conditions and weather may necessitate variations to the program and can affect the availability of views and panoramas described.
Be aware that all time stated are approximate and may vary with individual and group fitness, weather, Trekking route, river level and road conditions.

We start our first day early from Pokhara. Make sure to have your breakfast at the hotel or have it packed before moving. Our team will pick you up from your hotel, and we leave the city by private jeep/bus and drive west toward the Myagdi region. The drive is 6–7 hours long.

As we move away from the city, the scenery becomes more natural and peaceful. At Darbang, we check into a local lodge/teahouse, where we can relax, enjoy a warm meal, and prepare for the trek starting the next day.

Max. Altitude: 1,430 m / 4,692 ft

Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Duration: 6–7 hours driving

We start our day early in Darbang. After having breakfast, we begin our first day of trekking. The trail follows the river, passing through cultivated fields, forests, and small local settlements.

You walk for a few hours on well-defined trails before reaching Babichaur. Babichaur is a small village located along the river valley. Upon arrival, we can settle into a local teahouse, where we can rest and enjoy a freshly prepared meal.

Max. Altitude: 950m / 3,116ft
Accommodation: Teahouse
Duration: 4–5 hours trekking

After having breakfast in Babichaur, we’ll continue our trekking along the river valley. The trail today takes us through terraced farmland, forested paths, and small villages where we can observe local lifestyles. The walk gradually gains elevation but remains comfortable and steady.

After a few hours of trekking, we’ll arrive at Dharapani, a quiet village surrounded by hills and greenery. We check into a local teahouse, relax, and enjoy dinner as we prepare for the next day’s walk.

Max. Altitude: 1,400m / 4,593ft
Accommodation: Teahouse
Duration: 5–6 hours trekking

We start our day in Dharapani after breakfast and begin trekking on a trail that steadily climbs through forests and terraced hillsides. As we gain elevation, the views open up to wider valleys and distant mountain scenery.

The route includes a mix of gradual ascents and short descents, making the day both engaging and rewarding. Overnight, we’ll stay in a local teahouse or lodge in Muri.

Max. Altitude: 1,850m / 6,069ft
Accommodation: Teahouse
Duration: 5–6 hours trekking

On the fifth day of our journey, the trail descends briefly before climbing again, passing through forests, river crossings, and scattered settlements. As we move forward, the surroundings become quieter and more remote, giving us a true sense of wilderness. After about five to six hours of trekking, we can arrive at Bagar, where we can check into a local teahouse.

Max. Altitude: 2,080m / 6,824ft
Accommodation: Teahouse
Duration: 5–6 hours trekking

After breakfast in Bagar, we continue trekking along a narrower trail that follows the river upstream. The route passes through dense forests, rocky paths, and occasional clearings. As we gain altitude, the landscape becomes more rugged and remote, with fewer signs of villages.

After reaching Dovan, we settle into a basic teahouse, where we rest and enjoy a warm meal in a quiet, high-mountain setting.

Max. Altitude: 2,600m / 8,530ft
Accommodation: Teahouse
Duration: 6 hours trekking

We begin our day in Dovan after breakfast and start trekking toward higher alpine terrain. The trail gradually climbs along the valley, with views opening up to glaciers, rocky slopes, and towering peaks.
 After several hours of steady ascent, we reach Italian Base Camp, set beneath the massive south face of Dhaulagiri. We settle into basic accommodation, usually tented or very simple lodges, where we rest and enjoy dinner.

Max. Altitude: 3,660m / 12,008ft
Accommodation: Basic lodge / Tent camp
Duration: 6–7 hours trekking

We’ll spend the day at the Italian Base Camp to allow our bodies to adjust to the high altitude. After breakfast, we can take short walks around the camp, explore nearby trails, and enjoy the surrounding glacier and mountain views, or simply relax. This day is focused on rest, hydration, and light activity to prepare for the higher passes ahead.

We remain at Italian Base Camp for the night, staying in basic lodge or tent accommodation, enjoying warm meals and the alpine environment.

Max. Altitude: 3,660m / 12,008ft
 Accommodation: Basic lodge / Tent camp
 Duration: Rest and short acclimatization walks

On the ninth day, we begin trekking higher into the alpine zone after having breakfast at Italian Base Camp. The trail becomes steeper and more rugged as we follow moraines and rocky paths toward the glacier. We can notice the air getting thinner and the landscape more dramatic, with ice- and snow-covered peaks surrounding us.
 Once we arrive at Glacier Camp, we settle into tented accommodation and rest while enjoying warm meals and the breathtaking scenery.

Max. Altitude: 4,210m / 13,810ft
 Accommodation: Tent camp
 Duration: 5–6 hours trekking

We begin our day at Glacier Camp after breakfast and continue trekking through high-altitude alpine terrain. The trail gradually ascends over rocky paths and glacial moraine, offering closer views of Dhaulagiri’s massive south face and surrounding peaks. The air feels thinner, so we take steady, measured steps while enjoying the breathtaking scenery. Upon reaching Dhaulagiri Base Camp, we’ll settle into tented accommodation, rest, and enjoy a warm meal.

Max. Altitude: 4,750m / 15,583ft
 Accommodation: Tent camp
 Duration: 5 hours trekking

This day is for rest and acclimatization at Dhaulagiri Base Camp. We can explore the surrounding area, take short walks, and enjoy close-up views of Dhaulagiri and the neighboring peaks. Spending time at this altitude helps our bodies adjust before tackling the higher passes ahead.

We’ll enjoy another night in the tented camp, with hot meals provided. Use this time to hydrate well, relax, and take in the serene high-mountain environment.

Max. Altitude: 4,750m / 15,583ft
 Accommodation: Tent camp
 Duration: Light activity and rest

This day is one of the most challenging and thrilling days of the trek. We start early from Dhaulagiri Base Camp, trekking steadily through rocky and icy terrain as we make our way toward the French Pass at 5,360 m / 17,581 ft. The climb is steep and requires careful steps, but the panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks make every effort worthwhile.

After crossing the pass, we begin a descent into the Hidden Valley, a remote high-altitude basin at 5,050 m / 16,568 ft. The valley is wide, serene, and surrounded by towering mountains. We’ll spend the night in tents at Hidden Valley, enjoying hot meals and a well-earned rest after this demanding day.

Max. Altitude: 5,360m / 17,581ft
 Accommodation: Tent camp
 Duration: 7–8 hours trekking

We wake up early in Hidden Valley and prepare for another high-altitude challenge. We’ll climb toward the Dhampus Pass at 5,240 m / 17,191 ft. The trek involves steep sections and rocky terrain, but the views of snow-capped peaks and glacial valleys are spectacular.

After reaching the pass, we descend steadily into Yak Kharka, a peaceful alpine settlement at 3,680 m / 12,073 ft. Here, we stay in a teahouse, enjoying a warm meal and a comfortable night, surrounded by the quiet of the mountains.

Max. Altitude: 5,240m / 17,191ft
 Accommodation: Teahouse
 Duration: 6–7 hours trekking

After breakfast in Yak Kharka, we begin our descent toward the Mustang region. The trail gradually winds down through alpine meadows, pine forests, and small villages, giving us a mix of natural beauty and glimpses of local life. The walk is longer, but mostly downhill, making it a refreshing change after the high passes.

Once we arrive at Marpha at 2,620 m / 8,924 ft, we check into a teahouse, relax, and enjoy a warm meal while exploring the village.

Max. Altitude: 3,680m / 12,073ft (Yak Kharka) → 2,620m / 8,924ft (Marpha)
 Accommodation: Teahouse
 Duration: 6–7 hours trekking

After breakfast in Marpha, we conclude our trek and begin our return journey. We travel by jeep or bus, and the drive can take 7–9 hours to reach Pokhara. On arrival, you are transferred to your hotel, where you can rest, freshen up, and reflect on the journey you’ve just completed through the Dhaulagiri Circuit.

Max. Altitude: 2,620 m / 8,924 ft (Marpha start)
Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu or Pokhara (Excluded)
Duration: 7–12 hours by jeep/bus

What's included

Included

  • Airport transfers for your international arrival and departure.
  • ACAP entrance fee and Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS card).
  • A highly experienced, friendly, English-speaking, licensed guide.
  • 1 porter for every 2 guests (max 20 kg per porter / 10 kg per trekker).
  • Insurance, salary, food, accommodation, and equipment for the porter.
  • An assistant guide is provided as needed, with salary, food, drinks, accommodation, transport, and insurance covered.
  • Accommodation in the mountains during the trek.
  • Accommodation in the mountains during the trek.
  • Three meals a day: breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with tea/coffee during the trek.
  • Pokhara to the trek start point and from the trek ending point to Pokhara by private vehicle.
  • Snacks (cookies) and seasonal fresh fruits every day.
  • First aid kit box.

What's Excluded

Excluded

  • Your Nepal visa fees.
  • All the international airfares to and from Kathmandu.
  • All meals and accommodation in Kathmandu and in Pokhara.
  • Kathmandu to Pokhara to Kathmandu/Chitwan transportation (if you want, we can organize it for you at an additional cost).
  • Personal travel and health insurance, as well as insurance for helicopter evacuation.
  • In case of extra nights’ accommodation, lunch, and dinner in the city due to early arrival and late departure, as well as early return from the mountain/trekking (for any reason) beyond the given time period of the itinerary. We can help you arrange extra nights’ accommodation.
  • Your personal expenses such as laundry, baggage charges, phone calls, battery recharge, bar and beverage bills, boiled or bottled water, hot and cold showers, extra porter, etc.
  • The tips for the trekking crews and drivers.
  • Extra expenses due to flight delays, strikes, weather conditions, or any event out of our control.
  • Arrangement of emergency evacuation service (should have insurance for emergency evacuation, which will be paid by your travel insurance company).

Suggested Equipment List

 Bags & Storage

  • Duffel/Rucksack bag
  • Day pack

Footwear

  • Trekking shoes
  • Sports shoes or sandals
  • 4–5 pairs of good-quality socks

Clothing

  • Trekking trousers (2–3 pairs)
  • Trekking shirts (3–4 pairs)
  • Underwear (3–4 pairs, non-cotton preferred)
  • Pullover or warm sweater
  • Warm fleece jacket or puffy jacket
  • Waterproof Gore-Tex layer
  • Raincoat

Headwear & Accessories

  • Sun hat/cap
  • Warm woolen cap
  • Hand gloves
  • Sunglasses

Sleeping & Camping Gear

  • 4-season sleeping bag
  • Flash or torch light

Hydration & Miscellaneous

  • Water bottle
  • Camera and batteries

Why Book With Us?
  • Instant online booking
  • Secure payments
  • Guaranteed departure
  • Group discount available
Book This Trip

Talk To Trip Expert

expert image

Adventure Hub Nepal

Trip Expert
Have Any Questions?

Need help?

+ 61 434 491 216
image