The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek

The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is one of Nepal’s most challenging and remote high-altitude adventures. It circles the world’s 7th highest mountain, Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167m), crossing two high passes above 5,000m, with dramatic glaciers, hidden valleys, and true expedition-style wilderness trekking.
Perfect for trekkers seeking a wild, less-crowded, and physically demanding Himalayan experience.

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

Italian Base Camp (3,660m) – surrounded by hanging glaciers

Glacier Camp – dramatic ice and crevasse environment

Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4,740m) – one of Nepal’s most scenic base camps

Sunrise views over the entire Dhaulagiri range

The challenge and reward of crossing French Pass and Dhampus Pass

Hidden Valley – peaceful, untouched, and surrounded by 7000–8000m mountains

Descent into the Kali Gandaki valley, finishing at Jomsom

TRIP OVERVIEW

Trek Difficulty: Strenuous / High-Altitude Expedition Trek
Best Seasons: Spring (March–May)
Autumn (Sept–Nov)
Accommodation: Lower region: Lodge/TeahousUpper region: Full camping (Italian BC, Glacier Camp, Dhaulagiri BC, Hidden Valley)

ITINEARY

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Day 01: Drive from Pokhara to Beni (850m) – 4 to 5 hours

Start your journey with a scenic drive along the Kali Gandaki River.
Stay overnight in Beni, the district headquarters of Myagdi.

Transport: Private jeep or tourist bus
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day 02: Trek to Babiachor (950m) – 5 to 6 hours

Trek begins following the Myagdi River through small villages and terraced farmlands.
Gentle walk with few ascents.

Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 03: Trek to Dharapani (1,400m) – 6 to 7 hours

Cross suspension bridges and pass traditional Magar villages.
The trail begins to ascend gradually.

Day 04: Trek to Muri (1,850m) – 5 to 6 hours

Cross Dhara Khola and climb uphill to reach Muri, a large Magar village with amazing views of Mt. Dhaulagiri IV and V.

Day 05: Trek to Boghara (2,080m) – 6 to 7 hours

Trail descends steeply then climbs through forests and terraced fields.
Terrain starts getting more remote and wild.

Day 06: Trek to Dobhan (2,520m) – 6 to 7 hours

The path is narrow and passes through dense jungle.
May encounter wildlife like monkeys and mountain goats.

Day 07: Trek to Sallaghari (3,100m) – 5 to 6 hours

Cross several rivers on log bridges.
Camping in a quiet pine forest.

Day 08: Trek to Italian Base Camp (3,660m) – 4 to 5 hours

Climb steeply to the base of the Dhaulagiri range.
First views of the mighty Dhaulagiri I (8,167m).

Camp beside the glacial moraine.

Day 09: Acclimatization and Rest Day at Italian Base Camp Short hikes and rest to adapt to the altitude.

Check equipment and prepare for glacier and high pass crossing.

Day 10: Trek to Glacier Camp (4,210m) – 5 to 6 hours

The most technical section begins.
Walk on lateral moraine and ice paths.

Rope support may be needed depending on conditions.

Day 11: Trek to Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4,740m) – 5 to 6 hours

Close-up views of Dhaulagiri I, II, III, IV.
Huge glacier environment.

One of the most dramatic camp sites in the Himalayas.

Day 12: Acclimatization at Dhaulagiri Base Camp

Rest, hydrate, and prepare for high pass.
Optional short hikes around the glacier.

Day 13: Cross French Pass (5,360m) to Hidden Valley (5,200m) – 6 to 7 hours

The highest point of the trek.
Challenging but rewarding day with 360° views: Mukut Himal, Tukuche, and Dhaulagiri.

Day 14: Trek to Yak Kharka via Dhampus Pass (5,240m) – 6 to 7 hours

Another high pass crossing.
Descend to Yak Kharka, an open pasture for yaks and blue sheep.

Day 15: Trek to Jomsom (2,720m) – 5 to 6 hours

Continue downhill into the Kali Gandaki Valley.

Civilization returns gradually.

Day 16: Flight from Jomsom to Pokhara – 25 mins

Early morning flight with stunning views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.

Rest day in Pokhara.

Accommodation: Hotel in Pokhara
Meals: Breakfast

Day 17: Rest or Buffer Day in Pokhara

Optional sightseeing or relaxing day.

Reserved in case of flight delays from Jomsom.

Day 18: Departure or onward travel

Trip ends. Transfer to airport or continue to your next destination.

COST INCLUDES

Airport pick-up & drop-off
Transportation
✅Kathmandu–Pokhara–Beni/Darbang (private/jeep or bus)
✅Jomsom–Pokhara flight/drive
Hotel
✅2–3 nights hotel in Kathmandu and pokhara
✅ Breakfast included Twin-sharing room
Trekking Permits:
✅Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)TIMS Card
Camping Trek Full Support
✅3 meals per day during the trekking (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)Hot drinks (tea/coffee)
✅High-quality tents, dining tent, kitchen tent, toilet tent
✅Mattresses, kitchen utensils, cooking equipment
✅Experienced cook & kitchen helper
✅Strong support team: trekking guide + porters
✅Staff’s meals, accommodations, insurance, salary, equipment
Camping accommodations at:
✅Italian Base Camp
✅Glacier Camp
✅Dhaulagiri Base Camp
✅Hidden Valley
✅High Camp / Yak Kharka
Safety & Logistics
✅First Aid kit
✅Necessary rope and group climbing equipment (not technical climbing)
✅All government taxes and official service charges

COST EXCLUDES

❌ International flights to/from Nepal
❌ Nepal visa fee upon arrival
❌ Hotels in Kathmandu & Pokhara
❌ Personal travel insurance (mandatory for high altitude)
❌ Emergency rescue/evacuation by helicopter (if needed)
❌ Personal trekking gear (sleeping bag, down jacket, crampons, etc.)
❌ Bar bills, bottled water, snacks, soft drinks, alcoholic beverages
❌ Personal expenses such as laundry, phone charging, Wi-Fi
❌ Tips for guide, porters, cook & support staff
❌ Extra night accommodations due to delays (weather, road block, sickness)
❌ Any costs arising from natural calamities, political strikes, or unforeseen situations
❌ Any services not mentioned