Dhaulagiri, (meaning ‘’White Mountain’’) is the world’s seventh highest mountain at 8,167 m. One of the most popular 800m Peaks for summiting in the Himalaya, Dhaulagiri lies north-west of Pokhara. It stands near the Kali Gandaki gorge along with another eight-thousander, Annapurna I.
When Dhaulagiri was first discovered in 1808, it was considered the highest mountain in the world and remained so for another 30 years. And, from the late 1830s to the early 1850s Kanchenjunga was considered the world’s highest mountain until Everest was declared the highest in 1856. A mountain with such a history, Dhaulagiri makes for a circuit that is extremely challenging to trek. Dhaulagiri circuit trek is a strenuous but highly rewarding trek in the Western Nepalese Himalayan region. The high alpine pastures, high passes, and uninhabited but breathtakingly serene valleys make for one of the most beautiful treks in the world.
The route consists of more than fifteen peaks over 7,000m and some of the most serene landscapes in Nepal. The Dhaulagiri Circuit trek starts with an 8-hour-long scenic drive from Kathmandu to Beni. We head north-west from Beni crossing villages of Babichour, Dorbang, Darapani, and Muri from where we take north following the banks of the Myagdi River.
Muri is predominantly a settlement of the Magar tribe and the last major village in this trail. Magar people are of Mongoloid stock and descendants of the Nepalese middle hills’ early settlers. Walking north from muri takes us to villages of Baghara, Dobang, Choriban Khola and to the Italian Base Camp. You will notice that there are no permanent settlements anymore. And, that is because we are already above 3,500 m in height. We are still heading north and before reaching the Dhaulagiri Base Camp, we skirt the Chhanbardan Glacier. At Dhaulagiri Base Camp, a wide-ranging spread of mountain vistas welcome you, and you can literally touch Mt. Dhaulagiri! From the Base Camp, we walk north-east towards French Pass. It is a steep climb and along the way you are awarded views of Mukut Himal, Sita Chuchura and Tashi Kang. We then walk past Thapa Pass in between Tukuche Peak and Thapa Peak towards the Hidden Valley.
Through Dumuche Pass we head to Yak Kharka and then to Jomsom via Marpha. As Marpha is known for its apple, we stop to enjoy the apples and some of the products made from local apples including the Apple Brandy. From Jomsom, we board a scenic flight that provides magnificent views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna to Pokhara. Upon arrival in Pokhara, we visit main attractions including Phewa Lake, Gupteshwor Cave, Davis Fall, and Tibetan Refugee Camp among others.
The 21-day-long Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is unique as it provides almost a peak climbing expedition expenditure. This is the best example of remote trekking in Nepal’s Himalayan region. For those who seek more restricted region trekking thrill in Nepal, Upper Dolpo-25 Days and Upper Mustang-17 days are ideas. Adventure Club Trek also provides itineraries to the Manaslu region and Dhaulagiri Circuit.
Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International airport ( the only international airport in Nepal) in Kathmandu, a representative from Adventure Club Trek will receive you and transfer you to your hotel for rest. You can also choose to visit our office instead. Welcome dinner from the company. Overnight in a hotel in Kathmandu.
After breakfast, we set off to a sightseeing tour of some of the UNESCO World Heritage sites in Kathmandu, historic places like the three Durbar squares in the valley, Asia’s largest stupa, Boudhanath, another Buddhist Stupa, Swayambhunath famous as ‘Monkey Temple’ and the holy Hindu temple, Pashupatinath. We will also discuss on the vitalities of the trek that starts tomorrow. Your trekking leader will introduce you with the team and, inform you on all necessary requirements.
We ride a local bus from the capital city to Beni. The road to Beni is filled with views of greenlands and hills. Before entering Beni there is a police check post where you are needed to show your trekking permits. At an altitude of 899m, the town is located at the confluence of Kali Gandaki and Myagdi. Overnight in a hotel in Beni.
Our trek begins today as we head north along the banks of Myagdi Khola, passing by Beni Mangalghat village. We continue through Singa village and also come across the village of Tatopani(hot spring). We cross two suspension bridges to reach Simalchour from where we follow the north bank of Myagdi Khola to Babichor. Overnight camping in Babichor.
As we march forward, hills gradually start to appear on the both sides of the river and the valley widens. We continue on the path to arrive at Sahastradhara village, then cross Duk Khola and head towards Ratorunga. After a short trek from Ratorunga, we reach Dharapani where we camp for the night.
After breakfast, we began to climb the ridge of Dharapani. We pass the Phedi(3,731m) village to reach the top of the ridge that boasts magnificent views of Myagdi Khola. After crossing the village of Siband, we head downhill towards Gatti Khola to arrive at Phalai Gaon(1,810m). Upon crossing the Dhara Khola, the trail leads us back to the west bank of Myagdi Khola followed by a gradual climb to the Magar village of Muri. Overnight camping in Muri.
A short downhill climb leads to a small stream, upon crossing it we continue on our trail through the terraced fields and then ascend a ridge. From the top of the ridge, beautiful views of Mt. Gustung South(6,465m) spread in front of us. Again we head downhill towards Myagdi Khola, then we follow the path along its west bank to arrive at Naural village. After a short climb the path stretches along a grassy hill. We ascend a steep slope followed by a descent through forest and terrains to reach Baghara. Overnight camping in Baghara.
After descending through terrains, small ridges, and forest we arrive at Jyardan, the last settlement of the region until Marpha. We walk past a twisting trail along a rocky area followed by a downhill drop and again ascend to Lipshe(2,080m). We follow the trail into a forest and at the end of it is our destination, Dobang. Overnight camping Dobang.
As we began our trek from Dobang, we cross a wooden bridge after which the trail channels through a forest. Climbing higher, the west face of Mt. Dhaulagiri I (8,167m) slowly starts to appear through the gaps in the trees. Again we head towards Myagdi Khola, then we follow the path along the east bank after crossing the river via wooden bridge to arrive at Chartare. Hereafter, the trail leads through a forest, rocky terrains and a stream to bring us to our destination for the day, Choriban Khola. Overnight camping in Choriban Khola.
Today, our destination is Italian Base Camp. We walk past Chhonbarban glacier and continue along many glacial trails. Throughout our trek today, we are accompanied by the magnificent views of Tukuche Peak(6,837m) and the north face of Dhaulagiri I(8,167m).We continue on the path to reach the Italian Base Camp where we spend the night. We get the best views of Dhaulagiri II(7,751m), Dhaulagiri III(7,715m) and Dhaulagiri V(7,618m) to the west of the camp.
Overnight camping at Italian Base Camp.
Today, we acclimatize to increasing altitudes and prepare our body for higher altitudes in the following days. Acclimatize helps our body to adapt to the changing conditions, especially that of altitude.We will take short excursions around the area to help us acclimatize. Overnight camping at Italian Base Camp.
We head out in the morning when the weather is presumably clear. Be alert at all times as the path is prone to stone falls as we make our way through a narrow gorge. Overnight camping by the side of a glacier.
Our destination today is the Dhaulagiri Base Camp. It is one of the most challenging parts of the trip and also the most rewarding one. Continue on the glacial trail which is quite difficult but is made more pleasant by the beautiful surrounding environment. Upon arrival at the Dhaulagiri Base Camp, we are surrounded by the Dhaulagiri range. Enjoy the up close view of Dhaulagiri I, Dhaulagiri II, Dhaulagiri III and Dhaulagiri V. Overnight camping at Dhaulagiri Base Camp.
We spend a day at the base camp to acclimatize and avoid Acute Mountain Sickness. There is plenty of exploring to do around the base camp or if wish you can just admire the beauty and embrace the moment. Overnight camping at Dhaulagiri Base Camp.
We leave Dhaulagiri Base Camp and continue on the glacial trail followed by a path through two terraced hills. Before we reach the French Pass, we trek along a gradual slope. Continuing forward, we are rewarded by fantastic views of Mukut Himal (6,328 m), Tashi Kang (6,386 m) and Sita Chuchura (6,611 m), all surrounding the Hidden Valley. Tukuche Peak and Dhaulagiri also can be seen. We walk towards Thapa Pass in between Tukuche Peak and Thapa Peak(6,012m). We descend from Thapa Pass to reach the campsite for the night. Overnight in a tent at Hidden Valley.
As we descend to Dhampus Pass from Hidden Valley, we are rewarded with spectacular views. After reaching Dhampus Pass and spending some time there, head down towards Yak Kharka. Overnight camping at Yak Kharka, best spot to enjoy the surrounding.
From Yak Kharka we head towards Jomsom. En route falls the village of Marpha known for apples and also for food products made from it. While there do taste the apples and also the local Apple Brandy. Continue along the north bank of Kali Gandaki to arrive at Jomsom. Overnight in a tent at Jomsom.
We board an early flight to Pokhara from Jomsom. The plane flies alongside the Himalayas providing spectacular views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. Upon arrival at the Pokhara airport we check in into our hotels. In the afternoon, we have a planned sightseeing tour around the beautiful valley of Pokhara. We visit the famous landmarks of The Lake City including the Davis Fall, Phewa Lake, Gupteshwor Cave and Tibetan Refugee Camp among others.
Today, we head back to Kathmandu. The drive along the Trishuli river is pleasant, surrounded by terraced hills and forests. After arriving in Kathmandu, rest for the day and in the evening a farewell dinner is organized for you.
Adventure Club Trek will manage a farewell drive to the international airport for your final flight departure. Meeting you and serving you was a wonderful experience over the weeks. We are sure you enjoyed a wonderful holiday in beautiful Nepal. We hope you will remember us in the years ahead.
Flight delayn inJomsoms
Our primary modes of transports from the airstrip at Jomsom are the Twin Otter planes. Even though the flights are fairly dependable, they can be cancelled or delayed due to unpredictable weather conditions in the Himalaya and/or other technical issues.In cases of such delays, Adventure Club Trek will arrange road transportation to ensure you are on schedule for your international flight. The expenses for the road transport will be managed from the compensation received from the flight ticket after deducting charges for cancelation. Therefore, there will be no refund of the Jomsom to Pokhara flight in case we take the road back to Pokhara.
Note: Your safety is of the utmost concern whilst you are traveling with Adventure Club Trek. We will make every effort possible to follow the original itinerary but we reserve the right to change that itinerary if a segment of it becomes a safety issue. Certain mountain regions are remote, natural disasters can happen, weather conditions can decline and there can be illness or an injury. To avoid dangerous situations we may occasionally have to make changes to the itinerary to ensure everyone’s safety. That having been said, Adventure Club Trek will strive to provide you with the best possible trekking experience and to keep your safety our number one priority. We thank you for your understanding.
Pre-Trip Meeting
Prior to all the treks and expeditions, Adventure Club Trek hosts a pre-trip meeting in Kathmandu. The primary purpose of the meeting is to provide an opportunity for individuals to ask questions about the forthcoming trek and to introduce other team members. The meeting covers topics as diverse as personal equipment and acclimatization and usually involves a hike and some skills training. Pre-trip meeting is very important in order to have a better preparation of the trekking.