Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek

The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is a challenging and adventurous journey around the majestic Dhaulagiri massif, offering stunning views of snow-capped peaks and diverse landscapes. This remote trek takes you through alpine meadows, glaciers, and high mountain passes, providing an unforgettable Himalayan experience.
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The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is one of Nepal's most challenging and rewarding treks, offering trekkers the chance to explore some of the most rugged and remote regions of the Himalayas. This trek takes you around the Dhaulagiri massif, the seventh-highest mountain in the world, providing stunning views of snow-covered peaks, glaciers, and dramatic landscapes. The trek covers a variety of terrains, from lush forests and terraced fields to alpine meadows, high mountain passes, and glacial valleys.

Starting from the beautiful town of Beni, the trek leads you through charming villages like Darbang and Sibang before entering the remote areas surrounding Dhaulagiri. One of the most demanding aspects of the trek is crossing the French Pass (5,360 meters) and the Dhampus Pass (5,200 meters), both of which offer breathtaking panoramic views of the Dhaulagiri range, Nilgiri, Tukuche Peak, and the Annapurna massif. Along the way, trekkers pass through isolated villages where they can immerse themselves in the local culture, interact with the indigenous Magar and Gurung communities, and witness traditional lifestyles in the high mountains.

The trek is considered strenuous due to its high altitude, difficult terrain, and the need for acclimatization to prevent altitude sickness. However, for experienced trekkers, the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek offers an unforgettable adventure, combining natural beauty, physical challenge, and cultural immersion. This trek typically takes around 14-18 days to complete and is ideal for those looking for a true Himalayan expedition that offers a remote and untouched trekking experience.

Region
Nepal
Duration
19 day
Level
hard
Max Altitude
5200 m.
Daily Activity
4 to 5 hour
Season
April, May, September, October,november
Starting From
$ 2325
Nepal New Generation Trek offer 1+10 People
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Overview
Itinerary
Date/Cost
Includes
FAQ
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Brief Introduction

The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is an epic and demanding journey around the mighty Dhaulagiri massif, offering trekkers an opportunity to experience the raw beauty of the Himalayas. As one of Nepal’s most challenging treks, it takes you through remote villages, alpine meadows, glaciers, and high mountain passes. The trek offers stunning panoramic views of the Dhaulagiri range, including the towering Dhaulagiri itself, as well as surrounding peaks like Tukuche and Nilgiri. Perfect for seasoned trekkers, this circuit combines physical challenges with cultural encounters and some of the most spectacular landscapes in Nepal, making it a truly unforgettable adventure.

Highlights of the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek

  • Majestic Views of Dhaulagiri: Experience awe-inspiring views of Dhaulagiri, the seventh-highest peak in the world, as well as surrounding mountains like Tukuche, Nilgiri, and the Annapurna range.

  • Challenging High Passes: Cross the French Pass (5,360 meters) and Dhampus Pass (5,200 meters), offering panoramic vistas and a true Himalayan adventure.

  • Remote Villages and Cultural Immersion: Trek through isolated villages, where you can interact with the Magar and Gurung communities, gaining insight into their traditional way of life and culture.

  • Diverse Landscapes: Journey through diverse terrains, from lush forests and terraced fields to alpine meadows, glaciers, and barren high-altitude landscapes.

  • Wildlife and Flora: Encounter a range of wildlife and flora, including Himalayan species, rhododendron forests, and alpine vegetation, as you move through varying altitudes.

  • Isolation and Serenity: The trek offers a remote and tranquil experience, away from the crowds, with pristine, untouched natural beauty at every turn.

  • Physical Challenge: A demanding trek that is perfect for experienced trekkers, offering a true test of endurance with its high-altitude passes and rugged terrain.

Itinerary

Seeking for a real adventure? Our travel itinerary is based on years of trekking expertise, ensuring that you have a fun and safe vacation. However, like with all such risky excursions, there may be instances where we must change the schedule, possibly without much notice. While we make every attempt to stick to the timetable, we humbly ask for your patience and flexibility if unforeseen circumstances like weather or unforeseen natural events come into play. You may be sure that our knowledgeable guides will adjust as needed to make your tour as enjoyable as possible.

Schedule for each day
Days: 01- Arrival in Kathmandu airport (1345meters).  
Our airport representative will be receiving you at Tribhuvan International airport, Kathmandu and s/he will be displaying an Nepal New Generation Trek and Adventure signboard outside the airport terminal. You will be then transffered to your respective hotel in our private tourist vehicle. Overnight at Hotel. (No meals included)
Days: 2 Kathmandu to Beni (Drive)  
Drive time: 9 hours Accommodation: Tea House Today your guide will meet you and take you to the tourist bus bound for Pokhara. It’s a long drive from the Kathmandu Valley and down along the Trisuli River until the road turns off towards Pokhara. There are some good stopping places along the way, and the scenery is interesting to watch out of the window. On reaching Pokhara in the afternoon, we exchanged the tourist bus for a public jeep or bus heading to Beni. You will overnight in a lodge in Beni in preparation for starting the trek proper the next morning.
Days: 3 Beni to Babiachaur  
Trek time: 5 hours Accommodation: Tea House Setting off today, we follow the Myagdi Khola (river) and pass through several small villages, suspension bridges, and terraced fields. There will be plenty of time to take in local life and explore the surrounding area before settling down for the night. After leaving the bustling town of Beni, you may be thankful to be away from vehicles and markets. The trail follows the Myagdi Khola River, crossing suspension bridges on the way. Passing through small villages, you can see cultivated fields, which are very common at this low altitude. This is a lovely start to what will be, in places, a very challenging trek. But today you can enjoy the culture of the settlements you pass through.
Days: 4 Babiachaur to Dharapani  
Trek time: 6 to 7 hours Accommodation: Tea House Today is another day of hiking through small farming settlements. Although the trail is not as smooth as yesterday, it is still very pleasant to be trekking at this low altitude.
Days: 5 Trek to Muri (1,850m) - 5 hrs  
After crossing the river to its West Bank as you leave Phedi, the trail starts climbing in earnest and there will be many switch-backs until you arrive at the ridge and the angle of ascent eases. Again the trail climbs steeply to the villages of Muri. Continue your trek to Sibang and Mattim. From here you continue up an incline to the snout of the ridge, descend to the Gatti Khola and reach Phalai Gaon (1,810m). Cross the Dhara Khola to once again emerge on the west bank of the Myagdi Khola and then climb a ridge to the large Magar village of Muri. Overnight at tented camps. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included)
Days: 6 Trek to Boghara (2,080m) - 6 hrs  
Descend a little, cross a stream and continue through terraced fields before climbing a ridge to reach the pass from where you can see Mt. Ghustung South (6,465m). Descend to the Myagdi Khola and trek along its West Bank to the village of Naura from where you will climb a little before traversing a grassy hill and climbing a steep slope with switch-backs, then descend through a forest and terraced fields to Boghara (2,080m). Overnight at tented camps. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included)
Days: 7 Trek to Dobang (2,520m) - 5 hrs  
The trail first descends through terraced fields to a small ridge, then through a forest to Jyardan which is the most remote permanent settlement in this part. After the settlement a high winding path crosses a rocky area which then descends before climbing again to Lipshe where there is one single hut. The trail continues through a forest to Lapche Kharka and then climbs to the level area at Dobang. Overnight at tented camps. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included)
Days: 8 Trek to Choriban Khola (3,110m) - 5 hrs  
After crossing a wooden bridge out of Dobang the trail ascends a forested area. Soon the west face of Dhaulagiri I (8,167m) becomes visible through breaks in the trees. Descend to the Myagdi Khola and cross via a wooden bridge to the east bank continue to Chartare. Passing through forests again, you cut across a rocky area and cross a stream to Choriban Khola. Overnight at tented camps. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included)
Days: 9 Trek to the Italian Base Camp (3,660m) - 7 hrs  
Follow a trail to the terminal moraine of the Chhonbarban Glacier and enter the glacier from the right. Tukche Peak (6,837m) becomes visible straight ahead; at the far end while the impressive north flank of Dhaulagiri I (8,167m) dominates the skyline to your right. After a short while you will reach Italian Base Camp (3,660m), which is also the site of your camp for the night. To the west are the peaks of Dhaulagiri II (7,751m), Dhaulagiri III (7,715m) and Dhaulagiri V (7,618m). Overnight at tented camps. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included)
Days: 10 Acclimatization and rest day  
We will spend a day acclimatizing to the thinning of the air. It is recommended that your body acclimatizes to the high altitude and be adjusted for higher altitudes in the days to follow. Overnight at tented camps. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included)
Days: 11 Trek to the Glacier Camp (4,210m) - 6 hrs  
Set up early in the morning when the weather is expected to be clear. This Trail is prone to stone fall, which passes through a narrow gorge. Today we stay overnight near at glacier. Overnight at tented camps. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included)
Days: 12 Trek to the Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4,740m) - 7 hrs  
This is one of our adventurous days to Dhaulagiri base camp. From here you can look up at the impressive north face of Dhaulagiri I (8,167m) dominating the skyline to your right. To the west are peaks of Dhaulagiri II (7,751m), Dhaulagiri III (7,715m) and Dhaulagiri V (7,618m). In front of you is the impressive icefall that descends from the north-east col. Overnight at tented camps. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included)
Days: 13 Another acclimatization and rest day  
Another day to take some rest and more importantly, acclimatize to the lower air pressure. Views from this place are superb and there is plenty to explore. Overnight at tented camps. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included)
Days: 14 Cross the French Pass (5,360m), then trek to the Hidden Valley (5,200m) - 6 hrs  
After the glacier you climb two terraced hills, the first of which runs along the glacier, then cuts across the mountain flank and the moraine you enter a gentle incline on the left from an ablation valley. Climb this gentle slope to the French Pass (5,360m). A great vista opens up from the French Pass and you will be able to see Mukut Himal (6,328m), Tashi Kang (6,386m) and Sita Chuchura (6,611m), all of which surround the Hidden Valley. To the south is Tukche Peak (6,920m) and beyond is the massive peak of Dhaulagiri I. From the French Pass you continue along the right edge of the Hidden valley losing a little altitude to the Thapa Pass (5,250m) between Tukche Peak and Thapa Peak (6,012m). Descending from the Thapa Pass you will make it to the camp at 5,200m. Overnight at tented camps. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included)
Days: 15 Cross Dhampus Pass (5,200m), and trek to Yak Kharka (3,680m) - 6 hrs  
Descend from the Hidden Valley to the Dhampus Pass and continue to Yak Kharka. There is a perfect camp site to enjoy the surroundings. Overnight at tented camps. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included)
Days: 16 Yak Kharka to Marpha  
Drive time: 5 hours Accommodation: Tea House / Camping (Based on the preference) Today, we are walking at a lower altitude as we head towards the famous village of Marpha on the main Annapurna Circuit Trek. You can now feel the difference at the lower altitude and enjoy the pine and rhododendron forests after the last few days of the rocky landscape. Marpha is famous for its apple orchards and its monastery. It is a very picturesque village with whitewashed houses and cobbled roads. Sitting on the banks of the Kali Gandaki River, this is certainly a great place to relax and stop for a while. The teahouses will have WiFi, so it is possibly your opportunity to catch up with the folks at home, too. Another highlight of this village is the apple brandy they make here. Trust us—while it tastes wonderful on your trek, if you buy some, you might find it is an acquired taste once you return home!
Days: 17 Marpha to Pokhara (drive)  
Drive time: 7 hours Today’s a long drive back down to Pokhara along a dusty but spectacular road. Reaching Pokhara in the afternoon, please take some time to explore a little of this wonderful town. After the stillness of the mountains, you may feel busy and hectic. Now, you can celebrate with a beer, wine, or cocktail. You can also celebrate with a really long and hot shower!
Days: 18 Drive back to Kathmandu (1,345m) and farewell dinner  
You have the option to extend your trip to continue onto Chitwan jungle safari, rafting adventure, Kathmandu valley shopping tour, scenic Everest flight, mountain biking and other activities. In the evening we will have a farewell dinner in a traditional Nepalese restaurant with cultural performances. (Your guide(s) and an office staff will accompany you.) Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu. (Breakfast and Farewell Dinner Included)
Days: 19 Transfer to the international airport for your final departure  
The trip concludes today. Our Airport Representative will drop you at the international airport in Kathmandu for your flight departure from Nepal. (Breakfast Included)
Reservation & Date
Saturday
01 Mar 2025
Tuesday
30 Dec 2025
$175 Off
$2325
$2500
10 Seats
Available
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Frequently Asked Questions

The answers to your questions regarding the Nepal New Generation Trek, what this trip entails, and what is needed can be found in the following frequently asked questions. If your question isn't addressed there, don't hesitate to contact us.

The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is considered very challenging due to its high altitude, rugged terrain, and long days of trekking. It involves crossing high passes like the French Pass (5,360 meters) and Dhampus Pass (5,200 meters), which require good physical fitness, stamina, and proper acclimatization.

The best time to trek is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). These months offer clear skies, mild temperatures, and excellent views of the Dhaulagiri range and surrounding peaks.

The trek typically takes 14 to 18 days to complete, depending on your pace, acclimatization, and exploration of the surrounding areas.

Yes, the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is recommended for experienced trekkers due to its difficulty, altitude, and remote location. Previous high-altitude trekking experience is important for ensuring your safety and enjoyment of the trek.

Accommodation along the trek is typically in teahouses or campsites, depending on the section of the route. In remote areas, camping will be required. Teahouses offer basic lodging, often with shared rooms and facilities.

Yes, meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) are included during the trek. You can expect a variety of local Nepali dishes like dal bhat (lentil soup), momos (dumplings), and fried rice, as well as some international options.

The highest point is French Pass (5,360 meters), followed by Dhampus Pass (5,200 meters), both of which offer spectacular views of the surrounding peaks.

8. Is altitude sickness a concern on this trek? Yes, altitude sickness is a concern, as the trek reaches altitudes above 5,000 meters. Proper acclimatization is essential. Your guide will help with acclimatization schedules, and it is important to drink plenty of water, take it slow, and listen to your body.

While it’s possible to trek independently, it is highly recommended to hire a guide and porter for the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek. A guide will ensure your safety, assist with navigation, and provide cultural insights, while a porter will carry your heavy gear, making the trek more comfortable.

You will need the TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) card, the Dhaulagiri Conservation Area Permit, and possibly other regional permits depending on the specific route taken. These can be arranged in Kathmandu or Pokhara.