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Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek
All meals on trek included
Duration
Grade
Max Altitude
Walking Days
Accommodation
Trip Overview
This is perhaps the most challenging circuit trek in Nepal.
Previous experience with high altitude and lengthy trekking is absolutely essential for this specialist trek. There are some very arduous and long walking days as you head higher and deeper and trek into a Himalayan mountain wilderness. Indeed, there are no permanent settlements for several days on this trek. The crux is the crossing of the 'French Pass, and it's a very tough crossing that includes some exposure (fixed lines may be deployed), some rough scree, moraine, and snow-covered slopes. The use of crampons and a walking ice axe will be necessary, and your previous mountain walking experience and skills must be sufficient to be capable and familiar with the necessary equipment and conditions likely to be encountered. The rewards for the experienced trekker are immense. A varied terrain experience, trekking off the beaten track, remote hill villages, spectacular close-up views of Himalayan giants, and the satisfaction of mountain wilderness trekking Don't forget our trekking holidays are tailor-made, and although 'built in', you may wish to consider adding additional (not less) acclimatisation days, rest days, and contingency days (highly recommended). The itinerary is merely a suggested itinerary and is not entirely 'set in stone'. You'll need hiking boots that are B1 minimum & capable of fitting crampons, a walking ice axe and crampons are also necessary. Sleeping bags (4 season) will be required. We can arrange sleeping bag, crampon and walking ice axe rental if required.
This is perhaps the most challenging circuit trek in Nepal.
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Previous experience with high altitude and lengthy trekking is absolutely essential for this specialist trek. There are some very arduous and long walking days as you head higher and deeper and trek into a Himalayan mountain wilderness. Indeed, there are no permanent settlements for several days on this trek. The crux is the crossing of the 'French Pass, and it's a very tough crossing that includes some exposure (fixed lines may be deployed), some rough scree, moraine, and snow-covered slopes. The use of crampons and a walking ice axe will be necessary, and your previous mountain walking experience and skills must be sufficient to be capable and familiar with the necessary equipment and conditions likely to be encountered. The rewards for the experienced trekker are immense. A varied terrain experience, trekking off the beaten track, remote hill villages, spectacular close-up views of Himalayan giants, and the satisfaction of mountain wilderness trekking Don't forget our trekking holidays are tailor-made, and although 'built in', you may wish to consider adding additional (not less) acclimatisation days, rest days, and contingency days (highly recommended). The itinerary is merely a suggested itinerary and is not entirely 'set in stone'. You'll need hiking boots that are B1 minimum & capable of fitting crampons, a walking ice axe and crampons are also necessary. Sleeping bags (4 season) will be required. We can arrange sleeping bag, crampon and walking ice axe rental if required.
Example Itinerary
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Day 1Arrive Kathmandu
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Day 2Fly to Pokhara and transfer to Darbang
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Day 3Trek to Sibang
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Day 4Walk to Naura
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Day 5Up to Lapche Kharka
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Day 6Trek to Sallaghari
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Day 7'Italian' Base Camp
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Day 8'Japanese' Base Camp
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Day 9Acclimatisation Day
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Day 10Dhaulagiri Base Camp
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Day 11Acclimatisation Day
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Day 12The 'French' Pass
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Day 13Over the Dhampus Pass
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Day 14Down to Jomsom
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Day 15Fly to Kathmandu via Pokhara
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Day 16Depart Nepal
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DAY
1Arrive Kathmandu
Arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you'll be met and receive a private transfer for the short distance into central Kathmandu and to the "KGH" Hotel in the heart of the Thamel district. You'll be given a briefing on your forthcoming adventure, and in the evening, you can take dinner at your leisure in one of the many choices of cafes and restaurants in Kathmandu, although the open-air courtyard cafe of the KGH Hotel is as good as anywhere.
Please note that A special permit is required for this trek. In order for us to obtain permits for you, we have to present hard copies of your passport (scans are not accepted) by 1000 hrs. to the permit issuing office. The permit office is open Sunday-Thursday, Friday Mornings, and all day Saturday. The permit office is also closed on Nepali Public holidays. Please anticipate that you may require extra days in Kathmandu as a result so that we can obtain your permit.
DAY 1
Arrive Kathmandu
Arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you'll be met and receive a private transfer for the short distance into central Kathmandu and to the "KGH" Hotel in the heart of the Thamel district. You'll be given a briefing on your forthcoming adventure, and in the evening, you can take dinner at your leisure in one of the many choices of cafes and restaurants in Kathmandu, although the open-air courtyard cafe of the KGH Hotel is as good as anywhere.
Please note that A special permit is required for this trek. In order for us to obtain permits for you, we have to present hard copies of your passport (scans are not accepted) by 1000 hrs. to the permit issuing office. The permit office is open Sunday-Thursday, Friday Mornings, and all day Saturday. The permit office is also closed on Nepali Public holidays. Please anticipate that you may require extra days in Kathmandu as a result so that we can obtain your permit.
DAY
2Fly to Pokhara and transfer to Darbang
A private transfer back to the airport for the 25-minute flight to Pokhara. It's around a 4-hour drive (perhaps more) to Beni and then deeper into the Annapurnas to Darbang, where you set up camp at 1100m. It's a good idea to consider adding an extra day at Pokhara first to relax, enjoy the balmy sub-tropical climate, and rest before heading off on the trek.
Accommodation: Camp, Darbang
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerFind out more about Full Support Camping
DAY 2
Fly to Pokhara and transfer to Darbang
A private transfer back to the airport for the 25-minute flight to Pokhara. It's around a 4-hour drive (perhaps more) to Beni and then deeper into the Annapurnas to Darbang, where you set up camp at 1100m. It's a good idea to consider adding an extra day at Pokhara first to relax, enjoy the balmy sub-tropical climate, and rest before heading off on the trek.
Accommodation: Camp, Darbang
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerFind out more about Full Support Camping
DAY
3Trek to Sibang
After a short walk to Phedi, it's then a stiff ascent up to Dharapani (1200m). The trail then contours the hillside but rises steadily as you walk to Sibang (1775m). Good views of Dhaulagiri today. A long walking day of around 7 hours. The distance is around 13 km, with 925 m of ascent and 215 m of descent.
Accommodation: Camp, Sibang
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerDAY 3
Trek to Sibang
After a short walk to Phedi, it's then a stiff ascent up to Dharapani (1200m). The trail then contours the hillside but rises steadily as you walk to Sibang (1775m). Good views of Dhaulagiri today. A long walking day of around 7 hours. The distance is around 13 km, with 925 m of ascent and 215 m of descent.
Accommodation: Camp, Sibang
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerDAY
4Walk to Naura
There's a fair bit of downhill to start with, followed by a lengthy climb to Muri (1845m). Crossing the Dhola Khola (bridge), things ease off as you walk past cultivated, terraced fields to Naura (1450m). Another lengthy day of around 8 hours of walking covered 15km with an 850m ascent and 1170m descent.
Accommodation: Camp,Naura Bhir
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerDAY 4
Walk to Naura
There's a fair bit of downhill to start with, followed by a lengthy climb to Muri (1845m). Crossing the Dhola Khola (bridge), things ease off as you walk past cultivated, terraced fields to Naura (1450m). Another lengthy day of around 8 hours of walking covered 15km with an 850m ascent and 1170m descent.
Accommodation: Camp,Naura Bhir
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerDAY
5Up to Lapche Kharka
It's a steady uphill walk to Dobang Kharka (2600m) and then further up to a crest before dropping down to the Myagdi Khola. Across the river to walk upstream and to another pasture area known as Sallaghari (2500m). The distance is around 10km and takes around 7 hours of walking, with a good 1325m ascent and 720m descent.
Accommodation: Camp,Lapche Kharka
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerDAY 5
Up to Lapche Kharka
It's a steady uphill walk to Dobang Kharka (2600m) and then further up to a crest before dropping down to the Myagdi Khola. Across the river to walk upstream and to another pasture area known as Sallaghari (2500m). The distance is around 10km and takes around 7 hours of walking, with a good 1325m ascent and 720m descent.
Accommodation: Camp,Lapche Kharka
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerDAY
6Trek to Sallaghari
It's a steady uphill walk to Dobang Kharka (2600m) and then further up to a crest before dropping down to the Myagdi Khola. Across the river to walk upstream and to another pasture area known as Sallaghari (2500m). The distance is around 10km and takes around 7 hours of walking, with a good 1325m ascent and 720m descent.
Accommodation: Camp,Sallaghari Kharka
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerDAY 6
Trek to Sallaghari
It's a steady uphill walk to Dobang Kharka (2600m) and then further up to a crest before dropping down to the Myagdi Khola. Across the river to walk upstream and to another pasture area known as Sallaghari (2500m). The distance is around 10km and takes around 7 hours of walking, with a good 1325m ascent and 720m descent.
Accommodation: Camp,Sallaghari Kharka
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerDAY
7'Italian' Base Camp
A bit less walking today, but ending in a spectacular camp beneath Dhaulagiri's striking western face. It's virtually all uphill for the 10-kilometre distance to camp (3660m) and takes around 5 hours. About 980 m of ascent and 200 m of descent.
Accommodation: Camp, 'Italian' Base Camp
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerDAY 7
'Italian' Base Camp
A bit less walking today, but ending in a spectacular camp beneath Dhaulagiri's striking western face. It's virtually all uphill for the 10-kilometre distance to camp (3660m) and takes around 5 hours. About 980 m of ascent and 200 m of descent.
Accommodation: Camp, 'Italian' Base Camp
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerDAY
8'Japanese' Base Camp
That the camping locations don't really have local names is testimony to the wild and high places you're now walking in. Today's walk has to be reasonably short as you're getting over 4000m, and although it only takes around 4 hours to reach today's camp (4200m), it will feel very hard. It's all ascent today, around 550m. The distance is a mere 4km, but it will feel like it is much further due to the increasing altitudes. However, the camp is outrageously spectacular and in a genuine high mountain wilderness.
Accommodation: Camp, 'Japanese' Base Camp
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerDAY 8
'Japanese' Base Camp
That the camping locations don't really have local names is testimony to the wild and high places you're now walking in. Today's walk has to be reasonably short as you're getting over 4000m, and although it only takes around 4 hours to reach today's camp (4200m), it will feel very hard. It's all ascent today, around 550m. The distance is a mere 4km, but it will feel like it is much further due to the increasing altitudes. However, the camp is outrageously spectacular and in a genuine high mountain wilderness.
Accommodation: Camp, 'Japanese' Base Camp
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerDAY
9Acclimatisation Day
Today you can take a reasonably short acclimatisation walk above camp and beneath the towering rock face of Tsaurabong and the very impressive west face of Dhaulagiri.
Accommodation: Camp, 'Japanese' Base Camp
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerDAY 9
Acclimatisation Day
Today you can take a reasonably short acclimatisation walk above camp and beneath the towering rock face of Tsaurabong and the very impressive west face of Dhaulagiri.
Accommodation: Camp, 'Japanese' Base Camp
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerDAY
10Dhaulagiri Base Camp
Mostly ascent today, and a tough day it is at these high altitudes. It is also a bit of a 'wow' day as the north face of Dhaulagiri towers above you. Some of the walking today is on glacial moraines and the glacier itself. A very hard day of 7 hours of walking covered 8km with 700 m of ascent and about 170 m of descent. Camp is at around 4750m.
Accommodation: Camp, Dhaulagiri Base Camp
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerDAY 10
Dhaulagiri Base Camp
Mostly ascent today, and a tough day it is at these high altitudes. It is also a bit of a 'wow' day as the north face of Dhaulagiri towers above you. Some of the walking today is on glacial moraines and the glacier itself. A very hard day of 7 hours of walking covered 8km with 700 m of ascent and about 170 m of descent. Camp is at around 4750m.
Accommodation: Camp, Dhaulagiri Base Camp
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerDAY
11Acclimatisation Day
A further enforced but essential day of acclimatisation, although it's unlikely after all your efforts so far you'd want to hurry away from this truly awesome location. As on day 11, you'll take a relatively short walk to get higher above camp before returning.
Accommodation: Camp, Dhaulagiri Base Camp
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerDAY 11
Acclimatisation Day
A further enforced but essential day of acclimatisation, although it's unlikely after all your efforts so far you'd want to hurry away from this truly awesome location. As on day 11, you'll take a relatively short walk to get higher above camp before returning.
Accommodation: Camp, Dhaulagiri Base Camp
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerDAY
12The 'French' Pass
The crux of the Dhaulagiri Circuit is the crossing of the 'French' Pass. Probably the hardest day of the trek too. The route to the pass is by way of a switchback trail that climbs up above the Chhondarban Glacier and across moraine and scree to a moderately steep slope that is most likely snow-covered. Reaching the pass (5370m) is hard going and a tough slog of around 4 hours. The panoramic vista is needless to say outlandish. Down across a straightforward snow slope and to the head of the Hidden Valley and to camp (5115m). Today's hike includes approximately 900 metres of ascent and 450 metres of descent. The distance of about 9km takes a good 7hrs walking.
Accommodation: Camp, Hidden Valley
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerDAY 12
The 'French' Pass
The crux of the Dhaulagiri Circuit is the crossing of the 'French' Pass. Probably the hardest day of the trek too. The route to the pass is by way of a switchback trail that climbs up above the Chhondarban Glacier and across moraine and scree to a moderately steep slope that is most likely snow-covered. Reaching the pass (5370m) is hard going and a tough slog of around 4 hours. The panoramic vista is needless to say outlandish. Down across a straightforward snow slope and to the head of the Hidden Valley and to camp (5115m). Today's hike includes approximately 900 metres of ascent and 450 metres of descent. The distance of about 9km takes a good 7hrs walking.
Accommodation: Camp, Hidden Valley
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerDAY
13Over the Dhampus Pass
Heading back upward, you traverse to the Dhampus Pass (5280m). A steep and rocky descent follows that will require your full concentration. If today is too much of a struggle, there is a potential camping area around the 4900m mark, but it is preferable to continue to descend from these higher altitudes, so if you're able, you'll walk a further 2-3 hours to a lower yak kharka at around 3825m. The walking time for this is a good 8–9 hours, with around 575 m of ascent and 1830 m of descent over 14km.
Accommodation: Camp, Nameless Yak Grazing area
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerDAY 13
Over the Dhampus Pass
Heading back upward, you traverse to the Dhampus Pass (5280m). A steep and rocky descent follows that will require your full concentration. If today is too much of a struggle, there is a potential camping area around the 4900m mark, but it is preferable to continue to descend from these higher altitudes, so if you're able, you'll walk a further 2-3 hours to a lower yak kharka at around 3825m. The walking time for this is a good 8–9 hours, with around 575 m of ascent and 1830 m of descent over 14km.
Accommodation: Camp, Nameless Yak Grazing area
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerDAY
14Down to Jomsom
It's virtually all downhill today as you drop down into the Kali Gandaki Valley from your Himalayan wilderness and slowly return to civilisation! It's quite steep at times, but eventually your knees are glad that you've reached the attractive settlement of Marpha (2670m). From here, it's a fairly gentle hike up to Jomsom, which, after the past few days, may seem like a metropolis to you. All told, today is around 4 hours of walking with around 1210 m of descent and just 70 m of ascent. The distance? A mere 5–6 km!
Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Jomsom
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerDAY 14
Down to Jomsom
It's virtually all downhill today as you drop down into the Kali Gandaki Valley from your Himalayan wilderness and slowly return to civilisation! It's quite steep at times, but eventually your knees are glad that you've reached the attractive settlement of Marpha (2670m). From here, it's a fairly gentle hike up to Jomsom, which, after the past few days, may seem like a metropolis to you. All told, today is around 4 hours of walking with around 1210 m of descent and just 70 m of ascent. The distance? A mere 5–6 km!
Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Jomsom
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerDAY
15Fly to Kathmandu via Pokhara
The morning flight back to Pokhara takes around 18 minutes, and effectively you're in transit until your late afternoon flight back to Kathmandu (25 mins). A private transfer will take to your Kathmandu hotel. You can of course add an extra night in Pokhara either to chill out after trek, or even as a "just in case" there are any delays/cancellation with either of the two flights, which can and does happen. You may also wish to consider some additional contingency for this very challenging trek and for any difficulties that may arise on the trek.
Accommodation: KGH Hotel - Kathmandu
Included Meals: BreakfastDAY 15
Fly to Kathmandu via Pokhara
The morning flight back to Pokhara takes around 18 minutes, and effectively you're in transit until your late afternoon flight back to Kathmandu (25 mins). A private transfer will take to your Kathmandu hotel. You can of course add an extra night in Pokhara either to chill out after trek, or even as a "just in case" there are any delays/cancellation with either of the two flights, which can and does happen. You may also wish to consider some additional contingency for this very challenging trek and for any difficulties that may arise on the trek.
Accommodation: KGH Hotel - Kathmandu
Included Meals: BreakfastDAY
16Depart Nepal
A private transfer will take you to the airport for your return international flight.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Of course, there's no reason to depart today; your Nepal holiday can be readily tailor-made.
DAY 16
Depart Nepal
A private transfer will take you to the airport for your return international flight.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Of course, there's no reason to depart today; your Nepal holiday can be readily tailor-made.
IMPORTANT
This is an EXAMPLE ITINERARY and can be customised for you accordingly.
Please consider whether you want your customisable, private trip itinerary to also include CONTINGENCY.
See our ABOUT CONTINGENCY Information
Please CONTACT US to discuss CONTINGENCY and ADDITIONAL ACCLIMATISATION, as well as other CUSTOMISATION POSSIBILITES for your PRIVATE CUSTOM TREK
Price Guide
- $ US 3765
What's included
The price shown is for guideline purposes only. The price is inclusive of all accommodation (all camping equipment except sleeping bags), cook and camp support crew, as described in the detailed itinerary, all airport and land transfers, private overland travel, internal flights, meals as indicated in the itinerary (all meals on trek), porterage on trek, permits and fees, and a Snow Cat Travel Trekking Guide. All guides are English-speaking professionals and fully licenced.
Don't Forget
We can customise
all our trips.
extend. shorten. upgrade
Read our Nepal Travel Guide
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